The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 87

Chapter 87: 03/05- Time for an adventure!
A Sudden Desire for Adventure

The afternoon sun cast golden hues over the sprawling elven city, its spires glistening like jewels against the clear sky. The air was calm, a soft breeze rustling through the trees, and for most, it was a peaceful day. But for Aeliana, it was unbearably dull. She sat by the palace balcony, staring out at the city with her chin resting in her palm, her mind restless. Her attempt at blacksmithing had been an utter failure, and though she had recovered from the disappointment, she still felt a deep dissatisfaction gnawing at her. There had to be something more, something beyond the confines of courtly duties and expectations.

Kael, standing nearby with his arms crossed, raised a brow as he watched her fidget. He had seen that expression before—one of deep contemplation, followed by an idea that he was most certainly going to disapprove of. And he was right.

“I want to go on a quest,” Aeliana declared suddenly, breaking the silence.

Kael blinked. “What?”

“A quest,” she repeated, standing up with renewed energy. “Something exciting, something challenging. I’ve spent too much time locked away in duties and responsibilities. I need to do something real.”

Kael let out a sigh, already feeling the headache forming. “Aeliana… that’s so random.”

She turned to him, determination burning in her eyes. “So what? Maybe I need something random in my life. Maybe I need something that’s not dictated by tradition or duty. I want to prove to myself that I can do more than just sit in council meetings and attend political gatherings.”

Kael pinched the bridge of his nose. “I knew you were going to say something reckless today, but I wasn’t expecting this.”

Aeliana smirked. “Come on, Kael. Don’t tell me you’re not at least a little curious. Wouldn’t it be fun to take on a real adventure, just like the stories?”

“Fun? No. Dangerous? Yes.” Kael gave her a skeptical look. “Besides, what kind of ‘quest’ are you even thinking about? Slaying a dragon? Hunting for lost treasure?”

“Why not?” Aeliana grinned. “There are always rumors of ruins filled with ancient relics or missing caravans needing rescue. We just need to find something worth doing.”

Kael groaned. “Aeliana, do you hear yourself? You don’t just go out and find a quest like it’s some sort of tavern story. It doesn’t work that way.”

“Actually,” Aeliana said, tapping her chin, “I could check the adventurers’ guild.”

Kael threw his hands in the air. “Unbelievable. You’re actually serious about this.”

She nodded. “Completely.”

Despite his protests, Kael followed her as she strode out of the palace, making her way toward the adventurers’ guild. He knew he couldn’t talk her out of it once her mind was set, and truth be told, a small part of him was intrigued. Not that he would ever admit it.

The guild was bustling with activity, filled with warriors, mages, and mercenaries discussing their latest jobs. The air smelled of ale and leather, and the walls were covered with job postings ranging from simple escort missions to high-risk monster hunts. Aeliana’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she scanned the board.

“Here! This one!” she said, pointing at a parchment.

Kael leaned in to read it. “‘Missing artifact in the Whispering Caverns. Potential danger. Reward negotiable.'” He looked at her, unimpressed. “You really want to do this?”

“Absolutely.”

Kael sighed. “You’re impossible.”

Aeliana grinned, pulling the notice from the board. “Come on, Kael. Let’s go find an artifact.”

Kael rubbed his temples. “This is a bad idea.”

But even as he said it, he found himself following her out the door. After all, someone had to keep her out of trouble.

The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the bustling streets of the capital as Aeliana and Kael made their way to the Adventurer’s Guild. The imposing stone building loomed before them, its large wooden doors carved with the emblem of a sword and staff crossed over a shield. It was a place where warriors, mages, and rogues gathered to seek fortune and fame, yet today, it was also the place where a princess sought something else—purpose.

Aeliana gripped the parchment in her hands, her violet eyes scanning the neatly written words once more. The quest had been posted for weeks now, yet few dared to take it. Something about it intrigued her—perhaps it was the challenge, or maybe the mystery surrounding the so-called Whispering Caverns. Either way, she had already made up her mind.

Kael, walking beside her with his arms crossed, let out a heavy sigh. “I still don’t understand why we’re here,” he muttered. “You don’t need to take on dangerous quests, Aeliana. You have an entire kingdom at your disposal, not to mention actual knights who do this for a living.”

Aeliana didn’t look at him. “This isn’t about the kingdom. It’s about me. I want to do this.”

Kael shot her a skeptical glance but didn’t argue further. He knew better than anyone how stubborn she could be when she set her mind to something.

As they stepped inside, the scent of old parchment, polished steel, and burning torches filled the air. The guild hall was alive with the hum of conversation and the clinking of tankards as adventurers discussed contracts and rewards. Some were clad in shining armor, others in dark cloaks that concealed their identities. It was a melting pot of warriors, mages, and mercenaries, all gathered in pursuit of gold and glory.

Aeliana approached the guild’s request counter, where an older elf sat hunched over stacks of parchment. His silver hair was tied back neatly, and a pair of spectacles rested on the bridge of his nose as he meticulously scribbled notes in a ledger. He barely looked up as they approached.

“You here to submit a request or accept one?” he asked in a monotone voice.

Aeliana placed the parchment on the counter with confidence. “We’d like to take on the Whispering Caverns quest.”

The guild clerk finally looked up, his sharp, gray eyes scrutinizing her and Kael. His gaze lingered on Aeliana for a moment longer, recognition flickering across his face. “You don’t look like registered adventurers,” he remarked.

Kael groaned. “She’s the princess.”

The elf’s eyebrows raised slightly before he exhaled sharply. “I see. That explains a lot.” He leaned back in his chair, giving Aeliana a measured look. “This isn’t an easy errand, Your Highness. The Whispering Caverns aren’t just ruins—they’re cursed. And the artifact in question? It’s an ancient relic believed to hold residual magic. The quest requires a minimum of three members, preferably those with combat experience, and at least one spellcaster for protection against potential magical hazards.”

Aeliana frowned. “Three members? That complicates things.”

The clerk nodded. “Not only that, but the caverns are located deep within the northern forest, and the terrain is treacherous. You’ll need provisions, a map, and someone skilled in tracking. The last group that went in… well, they never came back.”

Kael crossed his arms. “You still want to do this?”

Aeliana’s resolve didn’t waver. “Yes.”

The clerk sighed and pulled out a thick contract, sliding it across the counter. “This document outlines the risks, conditions, and guild regulations regarding high-risk quests. Read it carefully. If you sign, you take full responsibility for your own survival.”

Aeliana reached for the contract, but Kael intercepted it before she could even touch it. “We’ll read it,” he muttered, shooting her a pointed look.

The clerk didn’t argue. Instead, he adjusted his spectacles and added, “Once you have your third member and your preparations are in order, return here for final approval. Until then, you’re not officially assigned to the quest.”

Aeliana nodded. “Understood.”

As they stepped away from the counter, Kael sighed in frustration. “We’re missing a crucial part of this plan. Where exactly are we supposed to find a third person willing to go on a suicide mission?”

Aeliana smiled, unfazed by his pessimism. “We’ll find someone.”

Kael raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what exactly are you looking for? A sword-for-hire? A rogue with a death wish?”

“Preferably someone experienced in exploration and ruins,” Aeliana said thoughtfully. “A tracker, maybe. Someone who can help us navigate the terrain. And they have to be reliable.”

Kael snorted. “Oh yes, because reliable adventurers are just lining up to risk their lives for pocket change.”

Aeliana ignored his sarcasm, scanning the guild hall. Mercenaries and adventurers of all kinds sat at wooden tables, deep in conversation or counting their coin purses. Some boasted their latest victories, while others nursed their wounds with strong ale.

Then, her eyes landed on a figure in the corner of the room—a man clad in dark leather armor, his hood pulled low over his face. He sat alone, idly sharpening a dagger with practiced ease. There was something about him—an air of quiet confidence, a presence that suggested he had been through many battles and lived to tell the tale.

Kael followed her gaze and groaned. “Oh no. I know that look. You’re thinking of recruiting him, aren’t you?”

Aeliana smirked. “Maybe.”

Kael pinched the bridge of his nose. “I swear, you’re going to get us killed.”

Aeliana stepped forward, determination in her stride. If she was going to take on this quest, she needed a team. And she had a feeling their third member was about to be found.