Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Traces

When they reached the security office, Khaterine was unceremoniously seated in an interrogation room.

Her nervousness was only increased by the astringent and harsh surroundings.

The room was furnished with a single table and two seats, and every weak line on her face was illuminated by a strong overhead light.

Moments later, the door creaked open. Richard entered, his expression as cold and unyielding as steel.

His uniform was immaculate, and his commanding presence seemed to drain the air from the room. He closed the door behind him, his gaze never leaving Khaterine.

“Why were you outside my brother’s office before he collapsed?” Richard asked, his tone calm but deadly.

Khaterine shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her hands twisting in her lap.

“I… I wasn’t doing anything wrong,” she stammered, avoiding his piercing gaze. “I just wanted to talk to him about… about my concerns regarding the academy’s curriculum.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed. “The academy’s curriculum? That’s your excuse?” He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

“Yes…”

“You’re lying. My brother was never involved in the academy’s curriculum development.”

Khaterine’s breath hitched, but she forced herself to maintain her composure. “I swear, I’m telling the truth. I had no idea anything happened to him. Why are you accusing me?”

Richard sat up straight, his piercing eyes unblinking.

“Because everything points to you. The timing of your appearance, your nervous behavior, and now my brother is in the infirmary, poisoned with a paralyzing agent.”

He crossed his arms, his tone laced with suspicion. “You’ll need more than vague excuses to convince me.”

Khaterine’s eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape she knew didn’t exist.

“You can’t just blame me without proof,” she said, her voice trembling but defiant. “I didn’t do anything!”

Richard smirked, but there was no humor in it. “Don’t worry, we’re working on gathering the proof. In the meantime, you’ll remain in custody.”

Before Khaterine could protest further, the door opened again, and one of the officers stepped in.

“Sir, we’ve found a vial in the bushes outside the office window. It’s being analyzed.”

How stupid can this woman be? Richard’s jaw tightened. He glanced back at Khaterine, who had gone pale.

“Interesting,” he said coldly. “If that vial is connected to you, Khaterine, there will be no escape from the consequences.”

Khaterine’s mouth opened, but no words came out.

For the first time, her carefully constructed world of manipulation and schemes began to crumble, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Richmond stirred awake, his body weak but his mind sharp.

He recalled the sudden dizziness, the acrid smoke, and Richard’s face before darkness claimed him. A nurse noticed his movement and rushed to his side.

“Major General, you’re awake. Please, don’t try to move too much. You’ve been through a lot.”

Richmond groaned but managed a faint nod. “My brother… Where is Richard?”

“He’s helping with the investigation, Major General,” the nurse replied gently.

Richmond’s gaze hardened. He might have been weak now, but he would get to the bottom of this. No one threatened his life and walked away unscathed. Khaterine…

Richard strode into the infirmary, his expression etched with worry and frustration. Even if I had disagreements with my brother, he is still my brother.

The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the air as he approached Richmond’s bed. His brother was propped up against a pile of pillows, his face pale but his eyes sharp and alert.

“How are you feeling, Brother?” Richard asked, his tone softer than usual.

Richmond smirked faintly, though his voice carried a hint of weariness. “I’ve been better, but I’m alive. Thanks to you.”

Richard sighed in relief, but his brows furrowed. “We detained Khaterine. A vial was found outside your office. It’s being analyzed, but all signs point to her involvement.”

Richmond’s smirk faded. “Khaterine? I had a feeling she was hiding something, but this… I didn’t think she’d go this far. I don’t even know her, but she insists I do.”

What’s up with that woman? First, Ahcehera, then, my brother…

His gaze hardened. “Make sure the investigation is thorough. No mistakes.”

Richard nodded. “I will. For now, focus on recovering.”

Richmond hesitated, then placed a hand on Richard’s arm. “Be careful, Richard. This might be bigger than it seems. If someone is targeting me, you could be next.”

The words lingered ominously as Richard left the infirmary. He couldn’t shake the tension that coiled in his chest.

His mind wandered to Ahcehera. He needed to see her, if only to ease the storm in his thoughts.

–

When Richard arrived at Ahcehera’s quarters, he knocked softly. There was no response. Frowning, he knocked again, a bit louder this time. Still no answer.

“Ahcehera?” he called, his voice carrying a tinge of concern.

Pushing the door open, he stepped inside, only to find the room empty. Her neatly arranged desk and untouched bed hinted that she hadn’t been there for some time.

A robot maid passing by noticed him standing in the doorway. “Sir Richard? Are you looking for Princess Ahcehera?”

Richard turned, “Yes. Do you know where she is?”

The maid curtsied. “Her Highness left earlier in the evening. She didn’t say where she was going, only that she had something urgent to attend to.”

Richard’s jaw tightened. “Did she leave alone?”

“Yes, sir,” the maid replied, her voice trembling slightly.

Richard’s thoughts whirled. Ahcehera would not disappear without a clear reason. His instincts for protection ignited as a feeling of discomfort came over him.

He thanked the maid and quickly exited the place, his steps purposeful as he reached for his communicator.

“If she’s in trouble,” he muttered under his breath, “I’ll find her.”

He dialed Ahcehera’s private line. The device beeped several times before her voice answered, calm but with an edge of distraction.

“Richard?” Ahcehera’s tone was steady, but he could hear the faint hum of wind in the background, as if she were outdoors.

“Where are you?” he demanded, his worry coming through despite his attempt to sound composed.

“I’m in the forest near the portal site,” she admitted without hesitation. “There’s something I need to investigate.”

Richard clenched his jaw. “You went there alone? Are you out of your mind? That area is unstable after what happened last time. You could be walking into danger.”

“I’m not alone,” she said, though her tone didn’t exactly reassure him.

“I have Syverian with me, and I’ve taken precautions. I’m monitoring the remnants of the array we destroyed. There’s a residual energy signature that’s… concerning.”