I am the Villainess

"The cost of it... is ten silver coins," George said calmly.

Ten silver coins? That's expensive. But fair, I suppose. It's a magical sword, after all.

"Do you need anything else?" George asked, glancing down at the scroll. His expression shifted slightly. "Hmm... this is a rather unusual order. Are you young people dealing with someone who uses black magic?"

How should I know? This was Ellet's idea, not mine.

Before Daphne could say anything, Ellet quickly stepped forward. "Sir, it's purely for protection. With the rising jealousy and rivalry among the noble houses these days, we can't predict who might attack suddenly. So it's just a precaution."

"I see..." George nodded slowly. "That makes sense. I'll fetch a repeller."

He disappeared into the back of the shop and soon returned, holding a small glowing orb. "This is a black magic repeller. But it must be placed inside an amulet or an object you always carry." He turned to William. "Where would you like to keep it?"

William looked down at the emerald bracelet wrapped around his wrist. "Here," he said quietly. "I'd like to put it inside this."

George nodded and took the bracelet from William's hand. 

"Ah, a fine choice, young man," he said approvingly. 

He carefully opened the emerald band and placed the small glowing orb inside.

"Now, wear it quickly before the magic fades. Once it's on, the repeller will shield you from any kind of forbidden spell."

William nodded and slipped the bracelet back onto his wrist. 

"The cost is two copper coins," George said.

"That's cheap," Daphne commented, surprised.

George chuckled. "It is, isn't it? Ever since the empire banned black magic, the market for items like this collapsed. No one dares to sell them openly anymore."

"Ah, I see..." Daphne murmured.

After paying the total amount, the three prepared to leave. Ellet and William stepped outside first, but just as Daphne was about to follow, George suddenly called out to her.

"What is it, sir?" she asked, turning back.

The old man's expression had grown strangely serious. 

His green eyes shone under the dim shop light.

"Beware," he said quietly. "Someone is planning something against you."

"...Okay..." Daphne managed, unsure how to respond to that.

Alright, that's officially creepy.

She gave a polite nod and hurried out of the shop. 

* * *  

"Old man George is definitely a strange one," Daphne muttered and sank onto her bed. 

They had returned to the duchy about an hour ago. William had gone back to his duties and Ellet remained in Daphne's chambers.

"Lady, from what I've heard, Sir George isn't very well-known because of his behaviour," Ellet explained. "That's likely why there were so few customers in his shop."

"To be honest," Daphne said, crossing her arms, "I'd call him creepy."

"Creepy?" Ellet tilted her head in curiosity.

"Yes," Daphne replied. "Before I left, he told me that someone was planning something big against me and that I should be careful."

Ellet nodded and her expression grew serious. 

After a moment of thought, she spoke. "People like Sir George can often foresee the future. Sudden awareness of danger is said to come from soothsayers."

"Soothsayers?" Daphne repeated. The term was unfamiliar to her.

"Fortune-tellers, lady," Ellet clarified.

"Ah... those who can see the future, right?"

"Yes, lady," Ellet continued. "Perhaps he sensed something and was warning you."

Daphne nodded, absorbing the information. "Alright... by the way, did any letters arrive while we were gone?"

"Yes, my lady," Ellet said, handing her a folded piece of paper. "The duke gave me this after I returned to his office. He said it's for you."

No, not again... him...

She unfolded it and read. 

Dear Lady Borfot,

I hope this letter finds you well. I instructed my men to find the finest medicine to aid your recovery. I cannot bear the thought of you being ill.

Anyway, are you excited for the hunting festival? This year, I will be participating as well. I do hope to see you there.

Yours sincerely,
Maximilian Einar

Daphne immediately crumpled the letter and tossed it onto the floor.

"What should I reply, lady?" Ellet asked cautiously.

"Nothing," Daphne said carelessly, rolling onto the bed. "For now, I just want to rest. You should rest too."

"As you wish, lady," Ellet said, bowing slightly before leaving the room. 

Daphne was left alone with her thoughts.