Mellic/Asna PoV
"The weapon you gave me is beautiful, and I can say it's unlike any other weapon I've received... But I want to know what the catch is for this." I smiled at his words and set down the tea that I had forced myself to drink because it was part of the formalities as a noble.
"That's a good question, Mr. Lacht... I want you to reject all of my father's offers. Also, I want you to withdraw the sale of the Miracle River to him and sell it to me instead." He looked at me in shock, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. But that surprise quickly turned into laughter.
"How can you buy the Miracle River when you don't even have a single allowance from the Duke? I heard he sent you back to Segma." I grinned at his words.
"That's a good question, Mr. Lacht... Do you know that it's not actually hard to earn 500,000 gold in just one day? Fortunately, people liked my designs. And haven't you ever wondered if I have the most powerful weapon capable of destroying the entire empire and ki*lling thousands of people in an instant?"
"Impossible!" Of course, he wouldn't believe me, so I brought out all the types of weapons from the new generations that I had drawn myself.
"If you don't believe me, just look at this. By the way, I've already negotiated with other empires about some unique weapons, but this is the strongest weapon in case the emperor is interested."
I left the Lacht palace, but I didn't expect to see one of Yna's male leads. My headache only intensified when I saw one of them.
I didn't stop and merely walked past him because I was in a hurry, but I didn't expect him to call out to me.
"Princess Asna!" He called out, stopping me, so I turned to face him with annoyance on my face.
"I saw your works! And I can say that they're far from the rumors spreading around the palace," he said, crossing his arms.
"Are you wasting my time just to say that? Look! I don't want you calling my name without my permission, and please don't come near me again!" I held my temples due to the fatigue I was feeling right now... It had been days since I'd had any rest just to execute my plan.
"Princess, are you okay!?" he asked worriedly, reaching out as if he would approach me, but I glared at him and stood up.
"I'm okay! Just stay away from me!" I adjusted my walk and hurriedly went towards my carriage. Thankfully, my body managed it.
You might be wondering why I was rushing away from that man... Black hair with purple eyes... That's how a psycho named Venom Lacht is described. He is the son of the headmaster of the Lacht family.
I can't forget when I read about him. Even now, I feel nauseous and disgusted by him. He's known for k*illing every man who approaches Princess Yna. So as much as possible, I need to avoid him before he k*ills me too.
Venom Lacht is Yna's male lead who is extremely aggressive; he can k*ill someone just to get what he wants. But in the end of the novel, he was k*illed by Leo, who is also one of Yna's male leads because Venom attempted to assault Princess Yna due to his intense feelings for her—so much so that he resorted to kidnapping—and I don't want to get close to either of them-------
"Hello! You seem lost again!" Violet greeted me as I realized that I was already in Segma.
"Stay away from me for now; I'm tired, so let me rest."
"Okay! I'll ask later." She said this as we arrived at my room; I immediately dropped my body onto the bed. One thing was on my mind: I needed to save my life.
Someone PoV
"Father, is that Princess Asna from the Hunch family?" I asked my father after encountering Princess Asna outside; however, I didn't really run into her—I followed her instead.
"Yes... I must say she impressed me. The Duke's claim that Princess Asna is worthless is a huge lie."
I glanced at the papers laid out on the table and couldn't hide my admiration for them.
"I like her. No, I think I'm already in love with her," I said.
"What are you talking about, Venom?" my father replied.
"My wish this time is... Send a letter proposing marriage to the Hunch family. That's my wish!"
I first saw her at a party last month but didn't pay her any mind... But now that I've seen how she looks at me with annoyance, it makes me want to see her even more!! Wait for me, Princess Asna.
****
I woke up that night because apparently, I'd fallen asleep in broad daylight. I also ordered something to eat and thought about peeking out the window.
I could feel the cold coming from outside due to thick snow. The dream still wouldn't leave my mind. No! It wasn't a dream; it was what really happened to Asna. I touched my neck. I don't want to di*e like that; so as much as possible, I need money so that I can protect myself.
The surroundings were quiet since others had also fallen asleep. I thought about going to the library to read some more. I opened the door and sat on the sofa where books were spread out that I hadn't finished reading yet.
But then I stopped when I noticed a shadow outside my window. My heart raced when it suddenly disappeared from sight. Thinking about going outside crossed my mind, but just as I was about to open the door, someone covered my mouth.
Without hesitation, I reached for a vase right in front of me and hit it against him. That gave me a chance to escape from him.
But my heart raced even faster when I realized who it was.
"Ven-nom." My legs trembled when seeing his bloodied hand and especially that wound on his head where blood dripped down his face.
"I'm glad you know my name, Princess Asna... I'm here to check if you're okay," he said while noticing his cheeks and ears were flushed red. He was losing his mind.
"Didn't I tell you! Stay away from me!" I shouted loudly hoping Violet would hear me but it was impossible for them to hear since this library was on top of this mansion.
"Did I do something wrong for you to be offended? I like you, Princess Asna," he asked... Please!!! Please!!! Don't do this!!!
Wait! Mellic! Think! Immediately calming myself down was crucial because if he got angry with me now, there might be no tomorrow for me.
I stood up straight and looked him in the eyes. I needed him gone without causing any trouble.
"Do you know it's not good to visit someone like this at such an hour of night, Mr. Lacht?"
"Ah—I'm sorry Princess Asna... I'm probably just overwhelmed with worry; that's why I thought I'd come see you." Secretly clenching my fist due to irritation made me want him gone!
"Thank you for your concern Mr. Lacht but I'm feeling fine now; besides there's no need for you to worry about me-------" My speech halted when he touched my cheek.
"I CAN'T HELP BUT WORRY!! I love you Princess Asna; I'll do anything for you to love me back." Without thinking twice, I slapped his hand away from my face.
"You're crazy! Just leave please!"
"Okay but I'll come back here to ensure no man can approach you again, Princess Asna. You belong only to me." Then he suddenly vanished into thin air.
Just then Violet entered through the library door.
"You annoying Violet! Why did you only arrive now?!"
"Huh? I've come here looking for you... What happened? You look pale!"
"Nothing!" Quickly leaving again and returning to my chamber was necessary. Venom cannot develop feelings for me; I've got to find a way!
Venom PoV
"Venom please stop approaching the princess; she turned down your request. You can have anything else but stay out of this matter."
"Father, that's such a pathetic reason even if she rejects me once again. I'm not going to stop pursuing her until she accepts me as her man." Expecting a sharp slap across my face wasn't enough; nothing would deter me until she became mine.
Ever since she looked at me with annoyance and dis*gust for some reason only made me want her more desperately.
"No one can stop me father!" Leaving the mansion behind now led me toward Segma where I'd see her again but not finding what I'd hoped for.
"Are you trying to cheat on me Princess?" My grip tightened around my sword upon seeing her draw closer still toward him.
Mellic/Asna PoV
"Princess Asna! I've sent your design and it has succeeded because it was well received by another empire."
"Good… Because of that accept this." Handing him a pocket filled with gold coins felt rewarding.
"Thank you very much your princess; this will be a great help! I'm glad I've chosen wisely working with you," he replied gratefully.
"Just do your best and no one should know who I am; clear?"
I was startled when Jacob suddenly collapsed in front of me with a dagger embedded in his neck. My hands trembled as they searched for whoever was behind him. Don't tell me it's---------
"Hello Princess Asna!" He greeted cheerfully while stepping back from where I'd stood frozen in place wanting nothing more than vomit at seeing blo*od spread across the floor around us. It felt like time stopped as he approached closer while inhaling strands of hair near mine.
"I like how you look at me-----" He seemed poised as if readying himself for a kiss until quickly pushing him away broke free from his grasp momentarily before realizing how weakly I'd reacted before him.
"I see..." His smile sent chills down my spine when seeing him pull out Jacob's dagger from his neck.
"Don't worry princess; I'll clean up after this." Watching Jacob's body get swallowed by a black portal made clenching fists instinctual once more.
"Why? Why are you here?"
"To visit you-------" He didn't finish what he wanted saying before stabbing himself using my own dagger I'd brought along earlier confirmed what I'd suspected!
But even more shocking was how he grabbed hold of my hand pressing harder against where I'd stabbed near his shoulder.
"So beautiful..." Immediately distancing myself felt necessary!
"I love you Princess Asna." Those words sent chills racing through every part of me.
"It doesn't matter if you can't love me right now princess but I'll wait until then." Grabbing hold of mine while kissing it sent shockwaves through every fiber within!
How did things come down like this? Out of all male leads why did it have be Venom!! I'd rather bump into Mr. Leo than deal with this damn psycho! Keeping him away seemed imperative—no plans whatsoever interacting with either male lead!
I wished only for peace and freedom—not tragic death like what happened before real Asna experienced!
"Sir Venom let it be known that I'm not interested in having feelings toward you." Fu*ck off! I'd rather jump off a cliff than love YOU!
"Why not Princess Asna? Perhaps do you already have someone else?" If saying no meant he'd leave then maybe saying yes would keep attention elsewhere...
Knowing he'd eventually find out seemed inevitable yet better than having repeat visits here which only heightened anxiety whenever present nearby!
In all honesty never encountered anyone quite like him before so thinking through each move around him required utmost caution given how aggressive he'd been toward Yna mentioned within books previously read—yet puzzling how suddenly shifted focus toward myself instead...
"Yes but can't reveal who.... Haven't confirmed feelings yet but soon will tell."
"Is that Prince Levi?" Suddenly pulling out his sword while glaring intensely made retreating necessary while hearing words spoken aloud.
"No! He's not! It's someone else!"
"I see.... Then there's another man daring enough stealing what's mine?" Witnessing expression change made clear intent behind eyes—like wanting blo*odshed anytime soon!
"You know what princess? It's not too late saving him still—break up with whoever!" How dare he say such things?!
"Venom! Tell ME when did interest spark between us!"
Instead answering back came sudden collision lips pressed against mine—readying push away until gripping tightly held onto head preventing escape entirely! Thoughts raced through mind wanting bite down hard causing release allowing wipe blood across lips instead!
I slapped hard across face feeling satisfaction yet watching smile remain unbroken despite pain inflicted.
"Princess lips taste sweet.. Seems I'm getting addicted." Unable withstand pressure felt collapsing onto ground beneath weight bearing down upon shoulders watching concerned expression linger above staring worriedly down upon myself!
"Please go away...
Asna PoV
"I love you princess Asna." Following kiss attempted escape proved futile against draining strength slowly siphoning away-------
Suddenly jolting awake due nightmares still haunting presence refusing let go!
"So glad you're awake!" Violet greeted entering chamber beside bed causing hands clutching head feeling dizzy still lingering throughout body.
"Can explain? What's going on between YOU two?" She crossed arms glaring disapprovingly across face.
"We have no connection whatsoever—I don't even know what trip he's on-------"
"Oh my gosh! No! Do YOU realize what happens concerning those whom Venom likes?" Violet appeared increasingly concerned over details shared regarding past encounters surrounding rumors circulating around town regarding certain individuals drawn toward danger involving Venom himself!
"Based on whispers: When he likes someone always follows closely sending multiple marriage proposals." Sweat dripped heavily down forehead hearing everything she stated catching up fast realizing implications surrounding current situation unfolding rapidly!
"And those women rejecting end up disappearing without trace left behind—heard tale concerning Princess Yna yet didn't expect YOU caught within crosshairs!" Frustration bubbled inside wanting scream curse Venom repeatedly until exhaustion set forth!
"Did YOU know Venom's known by name 'SNAKE'? Best assassin throughout empire incapable being knight due fighting methods breaking rules entirely!" No wonder why he'd earned such title—nothing surprising regarding reputation attached firmly alongside name itself!
"I don't recall WHEN interest sparked toward ME—but must take down Duke first before addressing Venom directly!" Yes! Rightfully heard correctly needing eliminate Duke prior engaging further confrontation involving Venom altogether!
Refusing allow obstacles stand between living life free without fear risking death once more seemed paramount importance above all else!
"By chance heard news spreading throughout empire concerning purchase Miracle River along lines—not something Duke will overlook lightly." Grinning wide eyed glancing toward Violet felt satisfaction knowing plan coming together nicely ahead!
"I knew it! Hence purchased knowing full well would incite anger directed toward ME!"
"So what's next plan?" She asked eagerly awaiting response.
"Do we even need ask!? Obviously make their lives miserable—I mean why would purchase something valuable without reason? Knowing desperate attempts acquire Miracle River tied hidden wealth buried deep within ground itself—thankfully read story detailing secrets surrounding treasure hidden beneath surface revealing gold buried deep within confines known solely by Duke himself!"
"Wait! Don't YOU realize imperial hunting competition held soon?" Hunting competition? That event requiring offering prey presented finest beauty among noblewomen attending festivities?
"So what!? Not attending boring event—"
"No—you MUST attend! Rules dictate all noblewomen must participate celebrating occasion hence absence unacceptable!"
"Fine! If that's what YOU say!" Watching smile widen across Violet's face felt irritating yet amusing simultaneously—busy focusing elsewhere neglected happenings occurring around empire lately… consumed plotting downfall against Duke himself!
"I've prepared everything needed tomorrow ensuring we'll stand out during hunting competition while fortunate enough escape last year losing against Princess Yna wouldn't sit well!"
"You handle arrangements tomorrow while considering aftermath revenge aimed toward Duke perhaps need eliminate Venom too—pay whatever price necessary removing presence entirely!"
Yet laughter erupted unexpectedly loud enough causing pause mid-thought leaving confused expression lingering behind alongside realization struck hard!
"Asna wake up! Forgetting Venom blessed possessing immortal power meaning cannot die unless willingly surrender immortality taking own life willingly."
"What the f**k!"
"Asna if were YOU..... Accept truth—you truly ARE desired by none other than Venom himself—a fate worse than death considering least desirable man entire empire."
Accept!? Not willing concede defeat needing devise plan somehow succeed convincing otherwise—no sane person would willingly take their own life!
Nothing came mind begging assistance desperately seeking help!!!! Da*mn!!!!