Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

Chapter 32 An Unexpected Admirer

Liria held Enara's gaze, her own steady, unwavering, despite the tense energy swirling between them. "No. But I'm here to try," she had said, and she meant it. This strange, stormy princess seemed caught between anger and a need she could barely acknowledge, and somehow, Liria felt drawn to that unresolved tension.

But before either of them could speak further, the sound of rapid, delicate footsteps on the gravel path interrupted their tenuous moment of peace. Enara tensed, casting a sharp glare toward the approaching figure, while Liria turned curiously, watching a small but self-assured demon girl trot up to them.

The girl was a sight to behold, her every detail perfectly manicured and carefully adorned in fine silks and shimmering jewels. She wore a gown of deep purple, the fabric shimmering in the sunlight with a faint iridescent quality that seemed almost alive. Tiny gemstones dotted her collar and sleeves, sparkling with each movement, and her hair glossy black, perfectly curled fell like a waterfall over one shoulder. Two dainty, curved horns peeked from her head, adorned with golden chains, while her wide, amber eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement.

"Enara!" the girl called out, her high, sweet voice echoing through the garden. But as her eyes fell on Liria, she halted mid-stride, her gaze fixed in awe. She blinked once, then twice, her mouth slightly agape, before breaking into the most dazzling, adoring smile.

"Oh my stars," she whispered, her cheeks flushing a deep, royal blue as she stared at Liria. "You're… you're beautiful!"

Liria felt her own cheeks grow warm under the child's intense admiration. She wasn't entirely sure how to respond, but her instinctive politeness took over. "Um… thank you," she replied, trying to keep her tone light. "And you are?"

The young demon girl gathered herself with a dainty cough, straightening as if to make a grand announcement. "I am Lady Milara, cousin to Princess Enara," she declared, her small hand pressing to her chest with exaggerated dignity. "And I am honored—no, blessed—to make your acquaintance."

Enara let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Milara, please don't start."

But Milara ignored her cousin entirely, taking a careful step closer to Liria, her eyes wide with admiration. "Your hair is so soft-looking," she murmured, leaning in as if to confirm it. "And your eyes! They're like moonlight on still water!"

[Ah, she's got quite the admirer, doesn't she?] the System's voice teased in Liria's mind.

Liria struggled not to laugh. Oh, hush. She's just a kid.

But Milara was far from shy, reaching out to take Liria's hand in her own, her gaze shining with adoration. "Liria," she said, savoring the name as if it were a precious gemstone. "Are you… here to stay? Will you be my friend?"

Enara looked horrified. "Milara," she hissed, "stop bothering her. She's my bodyguard, not your new plaything."

Milara lifted her chin defiantly, her hand still holding Liria's. "She may be your bodyguard, but that doesn't mean she can't be my friend. Isn't that right, Liria?"

Liria found herself charmed by the girl's boldness, despite Enara's obvious annoyance. "Well, I don't see why not," she said with a grin, gently squeezing Milara's hand. "I'd be honored to be your friend."

Milara's face broke into a wide smile, practically glowing with happiness. "See, Enara? She likes me! She didn't even hesitate!"

Enara rolled her eyes, clearly displeased with this new development, while Milara only giggled in delight. "I knew you had good taste," Milara continued, looking up at Liria with a starry-eyed expression. "And just so you know, Liria, if you ever get bored of being a mere bodyguard, you could be my personal guard. Or… perhaps even more."

"Milara!" Enara snapped, her voice dripping with annoyance. "You're eight. What on earth do you mean 'even more'?"

Milara shrugged, her face the perfect picture of innocent mischief. "I just think Liria deserves to be cherished, that's all. Someone as radiant as her shouldn't be stuck protecting cranky princesses all day."

Liria bit her lip, barely containing her laughter, while Enara's face turned an interesting shade of purple. "Milara," Enara growled, her tone dangerously low, "don't you have somewhere else to be?"

"Nope!" Milara replied cheerfully, settling herself beside Liria with an air of permanence. "I'm exactly where I need to be." She tilted her head toward Liria with a dazzling smile. "Tell me, Liria, what's it like being a hero? I bet you're so brave and strong. Have you fought a hundred battles?"

Liria blinked, taken aback by the child's enthusiasm. "I, uh… well, no, I haven't fought that many battles," she admitted, feeling oddly flustered under Milara's intense gaze.

"But you could, right?" Milara continued, hanging on her every word. "I mean, you look like someone who could conquer an entire kingdom with just one look!"

[And you're only growing in popularity,] the System snickered in her mind. [Careful, or you'll have the whole castle at your feet.]

Please, Liria thought back, trying not to let her amusement show. I'm just trying to get through the day.

Enara crossed her arms, her irritation evident as she glared between her cousin and Liria. "You're embarrassing yourself, Milara. Why don't you run along before you say something even more ridiculous?"

But Milara merely brushed her off, her attention firmly fixed on Liria. "Don't listen to Enara," she whispered, leaning in conspiratorially. "She's just grumpy because she doesn't know how to appreciate someone as amazing as you."

Liria couldn't help but laugh, the sound causing Milara's face to light up even more. Enara's expression, however, grew darker, her jaw clenched in barely concealed frustration.

"Milara," Enara said through gritted teeth, "if you don't stop this nonsense, I'll—"

"Oh, please," Milara scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "You can't make me leave, Enara. I'm family." She turned back to Liria with a twinkle in her eye. "Besides, I'm only saying what everyone's already thinking."

Liria glanced between the two cousins, feeling both amused and slightly concerned at the tension. Clearly, Enara wasn't used to sharing attention, and Milara seemed to have no problem pushing her cousin's buttons.

"Milara, it's very sweet of you to say such nice things," Liria said gently, hoping to diffuse the situation. "But I'm here to protect Enara. That's my primary duty."

Milara sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Of course, of course. Duty before love," she said with a tragic air. "I understand."

Liria had to suppress another laugh, while Enara groaned audibly. "Milara," she said, her voice strained, "if you don't stop this… nonsense, I swear—"

Milara simply stuck her tongue out at her cousin before turning back to Liria, who looked on, caught between amusement and exasperation. "Well, if you ever need someone to show you around the castle, I'm your girl," Milara said brightly. "I know all the best hiding spots, and I'm very good at sneaking past guards."

Enara raised a brow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "How charming."

Milara ignored her, gazing up at Liria with open admiration. "I can see it now," she said dreamily, "you, sword drawn, defending the castle from a hundred enemies, while I watch from the battlements, cheering you on…"

"Milara," Enara interjected sharply, cutting off her cousin's dramatic vision. "Enough. You're going to scare her off before she's even settled in."

Milara sniffed, lifting her chin in defiance. "I would never scare Liria off. She's brave, kind, and completely unafraid of you, dear cousin. And besides she likes me."

Enara's glare was scathing, but Milara merely looked pleased with herself, clearly enjoying her cousin's irritation. Liria could see that, underneath the bickering, there was an undeniable affection between them, even if it manifested as a constant battle of wills.

"Alright, Milara," Liria said, her tone warm but firm. "Thank you for the lovely compliments, but I really should be getting back to my duties. Maybe we can chat more another time?"

Milara pouted for a moment but quickly brightened, as if struck by an idea. She tugged on Liria's sleeve, her golden eyes wide with conspiratorial excitement. "Wait, Liria! Bend down, just a little I have something important to tell you."

Liria raised an eyebrow, curious. She leaned down to Milara's level, lowering herself so the small demon girl could whisper whatever grand secret she seemed eager to share.

Without warning, Milara reached up and planted a swift kiss on Liria's cheek, her face breaking into a mischievous grin. "There! Now we're officially betrothed," she declared with the utmost seriousness, her cheeks a deep blue from blushing.

Liria blinked, taken aback, while Enara spluttered in horror.

"Milara, you can't just—"

But Milara simply beamed, clasping her hands in glee. "It's settled. Liria and I are getting married!"