Reincarnated as the Villainess's Unlucky Bodyguard

Chapter 45 Claimed by the Princess

The cafeteria of Abyssal Hall was nothing short of luxurious, with towering obsidian pillars, enchanted chandeliers dripping with ever-shifting colored lights, and rows of tables laden with decadent meals. Despite the grandeur, the air buzzed with the typical chaos of students jostling for their places and chatting animatedly.

Liria followed Enara, keeping a careful distance as the princess wove her way through the crowd.

"Is it always this loud?" Liria muttered.

[Observation: Excessive noise levels detected. Recommend noise-canceling spells.]

Thanks for the suggestion, Captain Obvious, Liria thought sarcastically.

Enara turned her head slightly. "Stay close. The cafeteria is where the wolves come out to play."

"I can handle a few overly entitled kids," Liria said, though she stayed on high alert.

As they reached the serving counters, a trio of girls stepped into their path, blocking the way. They were impeccably dressed, their uniforms tailored and embellished with crests flaunting their noble lineage. The leader, a tall girl with golden horns and piercing green eyes, looked Liria up and down with a disdainful sneer.

"Well, well," the girl drawled, her voice dripping with venom. "If it isn't the princess and her little human pet."

Liria's grip tightened on her tray, but she kept her face impassive.

"What do you want, Velira?" Enara asked, her tone cold and detached.

Velira smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Just curious why our dear princess is associating with... that." She gestured toward Liria as if she were pointing at a piece of trash. The two girls flanking her giggled.

Liria could feel the tension rising, but she remained silent. She'd dealt with worse back in her old world.

Velira leaned closer, her smile turning cruel. "You know, Enara, it's embarrassing to see someone of your stature lowering herself. A human has no place here. They're weak, insignificant, and—"

"That's enough."

Enara's voice cut through the noise like a blade, sharp and unyielding. Velira froze, her smirk faltering.

Liria blinked, surprised by the intensity in Enara's expression. The princess stepped forward, placing herself squarely between Velira and Liria.

"Let me make something clear," Enara said, her voice low but lethal. "Liria belongs to me. She's my guard, my responsibility, and my choice. If you have a problem with her, you have a problem with me."

The cafeteria fell silent as Enara's words echoed through the space. Even Velira seemed momentarily stunned.

"And trust me," Enara added, her midnight eyes glinting dangerously, "you don't want to make me your enemy."

Velira's composure cracked, and she stepped back, muttering something under her breath. The trio quickly retreated, their laughter replaced by awkward silence.

Glad you approve, Liria thought, rolling her eyes internally.

After finishing their meal, they left the VIP section, stepping back into the bustling main cafeteria.

As they made their way toward the exit, Liria felt a familiar prickle at the back of her neck. She turned her head slightly and spotted him Rikan Blackthorn.

The demon boy was leaning against a pillar, his arms crossed and a smug grin plastered across his face. His jagged horns cast sharp shadows under the cafeteria's magical lights, and his crimson eyes gleamed with misplaced confidence.

"Ah, Silverthorn," Rikan said, pushing off the pillar. "Fancy seeing you here."

Liria rolled her eyes. "Let me guess you're here to make another pointless speech about how I don't belong?"

Rikan smirked. "No speeches this time. Just a friendly reminder that your victory back in the training grounds was pure luck. Humans don't have the strength to survive in a place like this."

"Is that so?" Liria asked, raising an eyebrow.

[Subject: Rikan Blackthorn.

Level: -2.

Status: Overconfident.

Threat Level: Laughable.]

"Pretty sure I beat you fair and square," Liria continued. "Or do you need me to remind you?"

Rikan's grin faltered, but he quickly recovered. "You got lucky. Next time, I won't go easy on you."

Enara stepped forward, her midnight eyes narrowing. "Rikan, are you really this dense? Liria could beat you blindfolded. I suggest you walk away before you embarrass yourself."

Rikan hesitated, his bravado wavering under Enara's glare.

Liria sighed, stepping in front of Enara. "Relax, Princess. Let me handle this."

She leaned closer to Rikan, lowering her voice. "Listen, I get it. You've got something to prove. But here's the thing you're way out of your league. So why don't you save us both some time and walk away?"

For a moment, Rikan looked like he might argue, but something in Liria's tone or perhaps the cold certainty in her eyes made him hesitate. He muttered something under his breath before turning and walking away, his shoulders tense.

[Analysis: Conflict avoided. Probability of future encounters: 98%.]

"Great," Liria muttered. "He's going to be a recurring problem, isn't he?"

Enara smirked. "Welcome to Abyssal Hall."