Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Rebirth (4)

Ahcehera did not leave any markings or enable the locator she had shared with Richard. She didn’t want to be found.

This was a journey she needed to undertake alone, away from the suffocating weight of their unspoken emotions.

She didn’t know how to face him.

Since the dark core had been absorbed by Richard, the network that connected their optical brains to the vast interstellar web, Starnet, was finally restored.

The realization brought a strange sense of relief and apprehension.

Ahcehera immediately accessed the system, the familiar holographic interface lighting up in her vision.

With a few taps, she confirmed her location, Planet Cazumi 0071, nearly at the edge of the Andromeda Galaxy.

The planet, barren and unclaimed, presented a unique opportunity.

Wasting no time, she filed a request for ownership, submitting her credentials as a member of the royal family.

The process was quick, a privilege of her status, and the planet was now legally hers after buying it.

Ahcehera decided to reach out to her seventh brother, an Imperial General stationed on the southern border of the galaxy, Aryndale.

His stoic demeanor and sharp efficiency made him the perfect ally for what she needed.

Her holographic message was brief but urgent.

“Seventh Brother, I need a rescue team dispatched immediately to Planet Cazumi 0071. There is someone who must be escorted back to safety, Richard Mors, the third son of Duke Ricardo Mors. Handle him with care and ensure he reaches home safely. I will remain here to explore and investigate the planet further and please tell our parents that I am safe. This is a matter of importance.”

She didn’t mention the dark core or the near-death experiences. Those details could wait.

Ahcehera had other plans, plans that involved scouring the planet for its secrets.

She intended to explore every inch of its resources, ensuring there were no lingering traces of dark energy or any remaining cores.

Her instincts warned her that the dark core might not have been an isolated anomaly. There could be more lurking beneath the surface.

Portals, wormholes, demonic beasts, anything was possible.

This planet held mysteries, and she was determined to uncover them.

As for Richard, she deliberately kept him in the dark. He had no idea she had already arranged for him to be taken off the planet.

It was better this way. Their paths might have aligned for a time, but now they diverged.

Ahcehera allowed herself a small sigh as she prepared for the long days ahead. She was alone, and perhaps that was for the best.

I should set my priorities straight.

–

When will she return?

Richard waited in the hut for three days, his thoughts spiraling between hope and dread.

Something must have happened to her. But I hope she’s safe.

The quietness of the surrounding forest, once a source of solace, now pressed on him like a suffocating weight.

Or maybe I am overthinking things.

He had tried reaching out to Ahcehera, but his calls were blocked, her silence was more deafening than any response could have been.

Where did things go wrong?

Did I upset her?

On the morning of the fourth day, the sound of engines roaring shattered the tranquility.

What was that?

The sky above the clearing turned dark as a massive warship descended, its polished hull glinting menacingly in the light.

Richard stepped outside, shielding his eyes against the gust of wind stirred by the ship’s arrival.

The ship’s insignia, a crimson wolf encircled by a ring of stars, marked it as part of the Imperial fleet.

How did this warship reach this place?

As the warship’s ramp lowered with a hydraulic hiss, a tall figure clad in a sleek, black officer’s uniform emerged.

Captain Zed Bloodstone, his posture rigid with military precision, saluted Richard before speaking.

“Young sire,” Zed began, his deep voice carrying over the hum of the ship’s engines.

“I am Captain Zed Bloodstone, under the command of General Aryndale Bloodstone. I’ve been sent to escort you back to Sirius.”

The mention of the general’s name struck a chord. Aryndale Bloodstone, Ahcehera’s seventh brother. I’ve met him before.

Richard frowned, his mind racing. “Let’s wait for the princess,” he said, his tone firm despite the uncertainty gnawing at him.

The captain’s expression didn’t waver. “The general’s instructions were explicit, sire. We are to ensure your immediate return to Sirius. The Duke and Duchess are awaiting your arrival.”

Richard clenched his fists. “And what about the princess? Is she coming?”

I can’t leave when she’s not here with me!

Captain Bloodstone hesitated for a fraction of a second before replying, “Her Highness has already departed. She left the planet ahead of us, as per her own arrangements.”

The words hit Richard like a blow. He stood frozen, staring at the captain in disbelief.

She left?

Without a word?

Did she really?

He’s lying!

She couldn’t leave without telling me!

It’s impossible!

The captain’s voice softened slightly. “Her Highness has her reasons, young sire. Our mission is to see you safely home.”

Richard said nothing more. The truth hung heavy in the air, unspoken but undeniable.

Why?

He turned back to the hut one last time, his gaze lingering on the small structure that had become their shared haven.

Every plank of wood and every stone spoke of her meticulous care, her strength, and her unwavering determination.

When he finally stepped onto the ramp of the warship, he felt as though he was leaving a part of himself behind.

Once inside the cabin assigned to him, Richard sat by the window, his eyes fixed on the shrinking view of the planet below.

The hut, nestled amidst the trees, grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared entirely.

He leaned back in his seat, a broken smile playing on his lips.

She chose to leave me…

The thought echoed in his mind, carving a hollow ache in his chest.

Maybe, some things need time.

For the first time, Richard felt truly alone.

I used to be very afraid of losing her, but this time, I lost her again…