Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 70

Chapter 70: Return Safely

“You know,” he started awkwardly, his voice quieter than usual, “I think you’ve mastered that light energy thing pretty well. Replacing all those students with replicas? That was impressive.”

Ahcehera barely glanced at him, her lips pressed into a thin line.

“It wasn’t perfect,” she said, her tone clipped. “If Khaterine hadn’t interrupted, I could have stabilized the array. This wouldn’t have been necessary.”

Richard winced internally, so much for calming her down. He racked his brain for something else to say.

“You still saved the students,” he pointed out. “And we made it out without anyone getting seriously hurt. That’s what matters, right?”

She didn’t respond, her focus seemingly locked on the path ahead.

Richard felt the tension between them was growing, and his chest tightened. He wasn’t used to seeing her like this, so distant, so unreachable.

When they finally reached the edge of the forest, the academy gates looming just beyond, Richard pulled out his communicator.

He sent a brief report to the headmaster, informing him that the students had been saved and were safely within the princess’s care.

Turning to Ahcehera, he hesitated before speaking. “The headmaster’s been notified,” he said, keeping his tone neutral. “We’re done here. Let’s get back and…”

“I’m fine, Richard,” she interrupted, her voice sharper than she intended.

He frowned, stepping closer. “You don’t look fine. Whatever’s bothering you, just… don’t keep it bottled up, okay?”

Ahcehera finally looked at him, her golden eyes meeting his with a flicker of something he couldn’t quite place.

For a moment, she seemed ready to say something, but then she shook her head and turned away.

“I’ll handle it,” she said simply.

Richard sighed, running a hand through his hair as they continued toward the academy.

He didn’t know how to reach her right now, but one thing was clear, Khaterine’s arrival had unsettled something deep within Ahcehera, and he would have to tread carefully if he wanted to help her through it.

As they approached the academy’s medical facility, Ahcehera carefully maintained her composure.

The unconscious students were still safely within Cresencia, her personal space dimension, but she needed to release them without drawing unnecessary attention.

“Guard the door,” she instructed Richard, her voice calm but firm.

He nodded without question, positioning himself outside the entrance. Richard’s sharp gaze scanned the surroundings for any signs of trouble.

His presence was solid and reassuring, even though he had no idea of the complexities behind what Ahcehera was about to do.

Once inside, Ahcehera quickly locked the door behind her and moved to the farthest corner of the room, where the med-beds were already prepared.

She took a deep breath, summoning the energy of Cresencia with practiced ease.

One by one, the unconscious students appeared on the beds, their forms materializing as if they had always been there.

The transition was seamless, but it took effort. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she focused on ensuring each student was settled properly.

Their breathing was shallow but steady, a relief that confirmed they were stable for the time being.

When the last student was safely placed, Ahcehera stepped back, her chest rising and falling as she steadied herself.

She couldn’t afford any mistakes, not now. Hiding the existence of Cresencia was paramount.

To the outside world, her space dimension had to remain a mystery, even to someone like Richard.

Opening the door slightly, she glanced at him. “You can call the doctors and staff now. Everything is ready.”

Richard arched an eyebrow, his eyes briefly narrowing in curiosity, but he didn’t press her for answers.

Instead, he gave her a small nod and walked briskly down the hallway to alert the medical team.

Ahcehera watched him leave, her thoughts briefly wandering. He didn’t ask how she had managed to transport the students or why she had needed privacy to do so.

Perhaps he assumed it was another form of power she possessed, an assumption she was willing to let him believe for now.

Moments later, the hall filled with hurried footsteps and voices as the doctors and staff arrived. Richard returned, standing quietly to the side as the medical team began their work.

Ahcehera stayed near the back, observing with a sharp eye. She felt the weight of responsibility lift slightly as the students were carefully examined and tended to.

Still, a part of her remained guarded, her mind replaying the events in the forest.

Richard approached her, his expression neutral but his tone laced with curiosity.

“You handled that well,” he said. “I didn’t know you could…” He paused, searching for the right words.

“Do that?” she finished for him, offering a faint smile.

“Yeah.”

She met his gaze, her golden eyes steady. “There are many things you don’t know about me, Richard.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Clearly.”

As the medical staff worked around them, the unspoken understanding between them deepened.

Ahcehera knew she couldn’t reveal the full extent of her abilities, not yet. But for now, Richard’s willingness to trust her without demanding explanations was enough.

For both their sakes, it had to be.

–

With careful and unhurried strides, Ahcehera made her way back to her accommodation in the academy.

The events of the day weighed heavily on her mind, but there was still one pressing matter she needed to resolve.

Closing the door behind her, she took a deep breath and activated the secured communication channel to the palace.

Her father’s image appeared on the holo-screen, his regal demeanor unwavering.

“Ahcehera,” the king greeted, his tone laced with curiosity. “Have you thought about the proposal from the Northern Duke?”

“Yes, Father,” she replied, her voice steady but tinged with resolve. “I agree to the engagement with Richard Mors.”

The king studied her carefully, his eyes searching for any hesitation. “Are you certain? This is a significant decision, and I want you to be sure.”

“I am certain,” Ahcehera affirmed. “It aligns with the kingdom’s interests, and I believe it is the right course of action.”

Her father nodded, a faint smile breaking through his stern expression. “Very well. I will inform Duke Mors. The formal announcement will follow soon.”

When the call ended, the room fell silent, leaving Ahcehera alone with her thoughts. She sank into a chair by the window, her gaze drifting to the starry sky outside.