Re: The Villainess Does It With Class

Chapter 259 - Show And Tell

"You all wait here," he told Uno.

The three of us then walked together. Both of them were each on my side, sandwiching me. No one was speaking. I peered at them from time to time, feeling rather awkward. It made me wish that we would arrive at our destination soon.

My anima must have felt my discomfort and reacted. I could tell that it was trying to soothe me which is probably strange for you. It was for me at first but I have grown accustomed to it. 

I haven't been interacting with it for long but it felt like it was a long-time acquaintance of mine. It's inexplicable.

We then arrived at a large door where knights were guarding it who didn't react upon seeing us and stood incredibly still. Nathan opened the door and as soon as we entered, the door closed again, and then a large-scale magic barrier was deployed, isolating this room from the outside. 

No need to think who deployed it for I already knew it's one of the skills of the emperor. The absolute barrier.

I had no time to look around because the moment we entered, my eyes were already glued at the far end where the emperor and the empress sat, towering over everyone. The emperor's deep penetrating eyes were also on us, or me, from the start which kind of made me nervous. 

I had been in front of them before but this is different. The purpose is not about bestowing rewards after all but something more serious.

Ezekiel waved at me, standing behind the emperor. Aside from him, only my father who was on the other side was here, and now us.

"Come closer," the emperor beckoned.

I nervously glanced at my father who nodded at me, telling me it's okay using his eyes.

What would I do if they ask me to show them a magic trick or something? I know nothing!

Walking forward, I steeled my nerves and tried not to show it on my face. I stopped at the foot of the stairs and waited. My hands were sweating like crazy and I could only grasp the sides of my skirt to wipe them discreetly as I curtsied.

"Greetings to the suns of the empire."

"You can rise." The emperor's firm voice echoed to my ears.

Alright, now what? I hope the emperor won't make me perform tricks.

I was just standing there, waiting and feeling nervous as hell. I looked at the two people sitting on a throne who were also doing the same. Actually, everyone in here was staring at me which made my scalp tingle. It felt uncomfortable.

I have been used to being watched by a lot of people but this is too much for me. The people here are all important figures after all.

"You really are not lying, Leon. Even with this distance, I could feel her magic power in waves." 

The emperor's words made me blush. I had already tried my best to suppress the mana leaking from me but it's still not enough huh…

"Nadia, are you feeling well now?" 

Unlike the emperor's wondering expression, the empress has a warm smile on her face as she throws this question at me.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for the concerns, your majesty."

"Oh, you. You don't have to be so formal. We are the only ones here."

I glanced at the emperor and then to her, still uneasy. I mean, if it were just us, I would have done as she said because I'm acquainted with her. But the emperor though…

"I have heard of the incident and your illness, it's good that you are not injured," said the emperor.

"I would also like to thank their majesties for sending the imperial doctors to check on me."

The emperor accepted my gratitude with a smile and then after a while, his expression got serious. Kinda… His bright eyes were imploring as if looking through me and that's when I knew that it's here.

"I heard that you can use magic."

It wasn't a question but a statement. He's already sure because he had felt it. But because he doesn't want to scare me off, he chose to slowly tread along.

"Yes."

I mean, it's true. What else should I say?

The air tensed and the gazes on me fell harder.

"... Can you show us?"

Uhh…

This is so awkward…

I glanced at the people who were waiting for me to do something. My eyes landed on Lukas who was leaning lazily on a pillar, staring at me with an amused expression. He knows that I am not familiar with my power and yet he is still enjoying my awkwardness.

This man…

  How should I show them my magic? I really don't know anything…

I'm not even sure how to use it either. 

'Well, maybe 'that?''

An idea flashed to my mind and before I could think about it further, I stretched out my right palm. Their eyes followed my outspread hand and curiously watched silently. I could even tell they are leaning forward to look closer.

I did the same thing I performed when I woke up and practiced every day after that, conjuring my anima. Before, I could only muster it for a few seconds and to a small-sized wisp. But after I practiced hard, exhausting my energy every single day, it is now the size of a golf ball and can last far longer than thirty seconds. 

Just as I wanted, a bluish-white wisp condensed in my hand, looking like a pretty swirling magic orb.

I heard someone gasp, dunno who that is because I was concentrating hard. The emperor let out a deep breath before resting his back on the throne, wearing a complex expression. His eyes got even deeper as a thoughtful look passed on his face. Lukas on the other hand had narrowed his eyes, seemingly agitated.

I glanced at them. This is enough, right?

I retracted my hand and stood still again, observing the faces of the three people in front of me. If we were not in the presence of the emperor, I would have laughed at Ezekiel's reaction. He looked so silly with his eyes wide open, almost bulging out of its sockets. I have never seen that expression on his face before so it's funny.

"I see...." The emperor muttered.