Reincarnated as the Villainess's Unlucky Bodyguard

Chapter 43 A Feast of Fools

Liria felt her shoulders tense slightly under the weight of Daena's piercing violet gaze. The former demon queen stood like an immovable force, her wings tucked neatly behind her back, but her expression promised a storm.

"So," Daena began, her voice like the low rumble of distant thunder, "you faced a Wyrmling in a rank F dungeon."

Enara puffed up her chest, looking more indignant than apologetic. "It was unregistered! No one knew it was there."

Daena's glowing eyes narrowed. "And you didn't think to retreat?"

"We handled it," Liria interjected, folding her arms. "Barely. But we handled it."

Verida, Enara's red-skinned, fiery mother, laughed heartily from her seat. "Spoken like a true warrior! A Wyrmling isn't a foe to take lightly, even for seasoned fighters."

Nyssara, the other queen and Verida's opposite in temperament, sipped her wine delicately. Her lilac eyes shifted between the group, calculating. "And yet, we must address the recklessness of your actions."

"I wasn't reckless!" Enara snapped. "I had Liria with me. She's practically invincible."

[Correction: Statistically, Liria's survival was improbable without my assistance.]

Oh, shut up, Liria thought back at the system.

Daena's attention turned to the newest addition to the chaos: the smug, sentient pineapple sitting on the table.

"And what is that?" Daena asked, her tone carrying the weight of a queen demanding answers.

Before Liria could deflect, Ananara, ever the opportunist, spoke up. "I am Ananara, Sovereign of the Sweet Sands! Your gratitude for my aid in this dungeon debacle is both expected and deserved."

Daena's expression didn't change, though one brow arched ever so slightly. "A talking fruit."

"Not just any fruit!" Ananara snapped, tiny arms flailing. "A being of unparalleled wisdom and magnificence!"

Verida leaned forward, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "I like it. It's ridiculous."

Nyssara set her glass down and sighed. "We're keeping this, aren't we?"

"No, we're not," Liria said quickly.

"Yes, we are!" Enara and Ananara said in unison. Liria groaned.

Once everyone had taken their places in the dining hall, the chaos continued over a feast fit for demon royalty. The table was laden with roasted meats, steaming breads, and intricately carved fruits, though Liria swore some dishes were glaring at her.

"So, a Hellstorm, huh?" Verida said, smirking at Liria. "Quite the dramatic flourish."

"It worked, didn't it?" Liria replied, taking a bite of something that tasted vaguely like spiced chicken.

"Blend in?" Milara repeated, scandalized. "Liria, darling, you're my future spouse! You should stand out!"

"I'm not your future spouse," Liria said flatly. "And I'm definitely not wearing that."

Enara snickered from the sidelines, clearly enjoying the show. "This is better than a drama play."

"Glad I could entertain you," Liria muttered.

Finally, Milara pulled out a uniform that was thankfully less garish. It featured a fitted jacket in dark gray, with silver trim along the lapels and cuffs. The pants were sleek, tapering slightly at the ankle, and the overall design had a sharp, military edge.

"This one," Milara announced, holding it up. "It's a bit masculine, but it might suit your... unconventional charm."

"Unconventional," Liria repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Let's face it, you're not exactly the delicate type," Milara said with a grin.

Liria rolled her eyes but stepped closer to inspect the uniform. The jacket's material was sturdy yet lightweight, perfect for movement. The silver detailing added just enough flair without being overbearing, and the high collar gave it a regal touch.

"I don't hate it," she admitted grudgingly.

"It's perfect!" Milara declared, clapping her hands together. "See? I knew I'd find the right one for you."

"Let's not get carried away," Liria said, picking up the uniform. "It's functional. That's all I care about."

"It's boring," Enara chimed in. "But I guess it works for you."

[An acceptable choice,] the system commented. [Though a cloak could enhance your overall presence.]

No cloaks, Liria thought back sharply. I'm not trying to be dramatic.

[Understood. Your current level of dramatics is sufficient.]

"Are you talking to yourself again?" Enara asked, squinting at her.

"No," Liria said quickly, clutching the uniform. "Let's just get this over with."

Milara, clearly still in a celebratory mood, twirled around with a flourish. "Oh, Liria, you'll look so dashing! Everyone at the academy will be swooning."

"I'm not there to make friends," Liria said. "I'm there to keep you alive."

"Same thing," Enara said with a smirk. "Now hurry up. You'll need to try it on tomorrow morning."

As the group dispersed, Liria sighed. She wasn't thrilled about the upcoming day, but at least she wouldn't look completely ridiculous.