Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

Chapter 35 The Challenger

As Liria staggered from the training grounds, trying to massage the soreness from her arms, she spotted a figure blocking her path. He leaned against a stone pillar, his posture lazy but his gaze intense, fixed squarely on her with a glint that bordered on malice. She recognized him instantly the demon with a sharp, hawkish face, intense amber eyes, and dark, unruly hair. He wore a sleek tunic of royal purple and black, adorned with intricate silver embroidery, marking him as someone of high status within the palace.

Liria hadn't met him face-to-face before, but she knew exactly who he was. In the story she had read, he was known as Rikan Enara's ever-faithful lackey, the one who would eventually follow every one of her commands without question, even if it meant sacrificing others. He was fanatically loyal to Enara and would later go to disturbing lengths to please her, even committing cruel acts to protect her from perceived threats. Liria's stomach churned. She could practically feel the arrogance rolling off him in waves.

He smirked as she approached, crossing his arms. "Well, well. So, this is the 'human' who's supposed to guard Princess Enara?" His eyes raked over her in undisguised disdain. "What a joke."

Liria's instincts told her to walk away, but she held her ground, giving him a cool, measured look. She wasn't about to be intimidated by someone who clearly thought far too highly of himself.

Rikan straightened up, rolling his shoulders and glancing around to make sure he had an audience. A few of the demon knights were nearby, pretending to focus on their drills but clearly watching the interaction.

"I don't know what nonsense brought you here," Rikan sneered, voice dripping with condescension. "But you're out of your depth, human. Do you really think someone like you could protect Enara?"

Liria shrugged, feigning indifference. "I think that's not really up to you to decide."

Rikan's face twisted with irritation. He wasn't used to being dismissed so easily. "You're just a weak, fragile little human," he spat, his eyes narrowing. "Do you really believe you could keep up with us demons?"

[He's practically throwing down a gauntlet here,] the System observed. [And he's doing it poorly. His stats are laughable.]

"I know," Liria thought with an internal sigh. She wasn't particularly interested in humiliating someone who, as far as she was concerned, was nothing more than Enara's eager-to-please lackey. "But if I ignore him, he'll probably just keep at it."

"Are you scared?" Rikan taunted, stepping closer. "Afraid you'll lose? Or are you finally realizing that you don't belong here?"

Liria raised an eyebrow. "Not scared," she replied calmly. "Just wondering why I should waste my energy on you."

The nearby knights were now openly watching, some even snickering at Rikan's attempt to goad her. His face flushed slightly, and his hands clenched at his sides. Clearly, he wasn't used to being the target of amusement.

"Oh, so you think you're better than me?" he demanded, his voice rising. "You think you, a human, could be a match for me, a demon?"

Liria was quickly losing patience. "What I think," she said, her voice steady, "is that you're awfully insecure for someone who claims to be so superior."

The mocking laughter of a few knights around them was audible now, and Rikan's face turned a dark shade of red. She could tell he was close to snapping.

[And there it is,] the System chimed in, sounding delighted. [Looks like he's about to issue a challenge.]

Rikan finally stepped forward, his face set in a furious sneer. "Fine. If you're so confident, then prove it. I challenge you to a duel. Right here, right now."

Liria glanced around, noting the expectant faces of the knights who'd gathered to watch. Rikan clearly expected her to decline or back down, further proving his superiority. But she wasn't about to give him that satisfaction.

"All right," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I accept."

Rikan's expression flickered with surprise before he quickly masked it with a smirk. He clearly hadn't expected her to agree so easily. The knights around them straightened up, their interest piqued as they settled in to watch the match.

"Prepare yourself," Rikan sneered. "This won't be easy for you."

She shrugged. "I'll manage."

As Rikan moved to prepare, she glanced up and inwardly sighed, mentally addressing the System. "Why do I get the feeling this is going to be less of a challenge and more of a headache?"

[Because it is,] the System replied, a hint of amusement in its tone. [But think of the potential rewards! Winning here will undoubtedly earn you more than a few points in reputation and respect. Plus, it'll be fun to see him realize how outmatched he is.]

"Fun for you, maybe," she thought back, mentally rolling her eyes. Still, the System was right. She could see the benefit in proving herself, even if it meant dealing with someone as obnoxious as Rikan.

As she took her place, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword, Rikan gave her a smirk that was half mocking, half malicious.

"This won't take long," he announced loudly, more for the audience than for her.

Liria only responded with a faint smile, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing any reaction.

[He's not used to being ignored, is he?] the System noted, chuckling. [You're driving him mad. Perfect strategy.]

Liria took a deep breath, feeling the tension of the upcoming battle settle over her. She'd been training intensely, and although she was sore, she knew she had a solid foundation. Rikan, on the other hand, was all bark and very little bite—she could see that even without the System's observations.

"Come on, then," she said quietly, letting her words carry to him. "Show me what you've got."

For a moment, Rikan's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. Then, with a loud battle cry, he charged forward, sword raised.

Liria took a defensive stance, her mind calm and clear. She didn't plan to fight him seriously just enough to show him she wasn't a pushover. But as Rikan drew closer, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation. Perhaps this would be more interesting than she'd initially thought.

[Good luck,] the System whispered in her mind, sounding almost gleeful. [Though I don't think you'll need it.]

And with that, the clash began.