Page 381 of The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen

[The Blade of Betrayal For You]

There once was a loyal sword in a story unknown to you, hidden in the shadows of its master’s life.

This sword wielded itself in the darkest recesses of its master’s shadow.

It bore the blood of hundreds, cutting down countless enemies.

The sword’s master used it without hesitation.

The sword, which desired no payment, was nothing more than a tool, perfect for unrestrained use.

The sword wasn’t a fool.

Knowing full well it was being exploited, it still nodded in acceptance, comforting its master’s sorrows and struggling to lead them toward a better path.

When the master fell during trials, it became their cushion, lifting them up.

When no escape was possible, it became their shield, guarding them from harm.

The sword pointed its blade at those who opposed its master.

It struck down those the master despised.

And so, your sword became a villain, hated by the world.

Wherever it went, rotten eggs followed, scorn and contempt raining down.

Yet, your sword smiled.

“I am glad to remain your sword,” it would say.

Fueled by vengeful rage after losing its mother, you used the sword.

And the sword danced to fulfill your desires.

But of course, the end of this sword was far from noble.

(!) Find the man who was once your 'loyal sword.'

Go to the place where the 'loyal sword' made its vow. (0/1)Go to the place where the 'loyal sword' met its death. (0/1)Discover the existence of the 'loyal sword.' (0/1)

Reward:

Unlock the story of the “Tyrant’s Eternal Sorrow,” Side Story #15: The Blade of Betrayal For You.

The cold, blue screen emitted an eerie hum, its meaning inscrutable. What did this "betrayal" mean? Why was this message here?

...Is this some kind of mind magic?

It didn’t seem like magic.

The guildmaster next to her hadn’t noticed a thing.

If even the guildmaster—a high-level mage of the Empire—didn’t sense it, the likelihood of it being a personal hallucination was high.

"..."

Shartia blinked several times, trying to shake off her confusion.

Have I been pushing myself too hard lately?

She chalked it up to overwork, convinced she was simply seeing things.

It didn’t make sense. The idea of a “loyal sword” that sought no reward was laughable.

Even the guildmaster, sitting right beside her, clearly hoped for status and power if she ever rose to higher influence.

The altruistic "sword" the screen spoke of didn’t exist in this world. Shartia, more than anyone, knew that much.

With a sigh, she shut her eyes tightly.

"Is something wrong?"

The guildmaster’s voice broke her silence, concern evident in his tone.

"You don’t look well," he added.

Shartia shook her head, dismissing his worry.

"It’s nothing. I’m just tired."

"You have been overworking yourself recently," he replied with a frown.

"Guildmaster..."

"Yes?"

"Do you see anything strange? Like... a blue screen or document?"

The guildmaster raised a brow and shrugged.

"No, nothing like that."

"Hah..."

"It might be best to take some time to rest. If you’re seeing things, it’s a clear sign you’ve been pushing yourself too hard."

"Understood."

"I’ve had my fair share of hallucinations back when I was overworked—phantom documents floating in midair and the like. A good night’s sleep works wonders."

Shartia nodded, but her gaze lingered on the blue screen hovering in the air.

No matter how much she tried to reassure herself, the surreal experience left her deeply unsettled.

When she silently wished for the screen to disappear—

...Huh?

The blue screen vanished, as if it had never been there.

"I must be more tired than I thought."

With a wry smile, Shartia let out a shaky breath. Still, she couldn’t shake the lingering unease as she glanced at the guildmaster.

"Let’s call it a day."

"That sounds like a good idea. Get some proper rest for once. No paperwork, no meetings—just sleep."

"Understood."

"We’re all happy to see you working hard, but if you collapse, it’ll be far worse for everyone."

Shartia nodded again, promising herself to rest.

"All right. I’ll make sure to get some sleep tonight."

Her heart was still pounding, a relentless rhythm like that of a frightened child.

A Strange Dream

"You're here early, Princess."

"...No, no, no, this can't be happening!"

The space was unfamiliar.

"Don’t cry."

"Stop talking! Don’t say anything—just rest."

"Ha... To think the Princess of the Empire would worry so much about me. It’s an honor."

"I said stop talking!!!"

"Do you think my name will make it into the history books? As one of the Empire’s heroes? Or are my bad manners too much for that?"

"I’ll make it happen—just please, stay quiet..."

"Ha ha... But still, talking is hard today."

In that unfamiliar space, Shartia found herself holding someone tightly, weeping sorrowfully.

"I feel... so sleepy."

"..."

"I’d like to rest for a while, if you’ll allow me."

"No! You can’t! That’s an imperial decree—you must hold on."

"Ha ha... I’m in trouble, then."

The wind blew softly.

The sky, dyed with the colors of twilight, carried a spring breeze, as if embroidering the horizon with beauty.

But—

"Princess."

"Don’t die... Please, don’t leave me...!"

"For the first time, I think I’ll disobey an order."

"No... Please..."

Clutching the man whose face was shrouded in shadow, Shartia sobbed as if she had lost the entire world.

She looked like a lover losing someone precious, pleading, touching his face desperately, as if prayer could bring him back.

Pathetic.

Miserable.

And utterly—

"Please!"

—filled with irreparable regret.

The Shartia in ? Nоvеl??ght ? (Exclusive on Nоvеl??ght) the dream cried out to a god she had never sought before, screaming for mercy. She swore revenge on the heavens if this man were taken from her.

The small, trembling Shartia in the dream begged.

"Please...!"

The twilight faded.

"..."

The once-warm sun seemed to rest, yielding to the growing shadows.

It was just a dream.

"Wake up..."

It was only a fleeting memory that would disappear upon waking.

"If you’re not here, what am I supposed to do...?"

But her heart ached as if it were being torn apart.

"You said we’d watch it together..."

Her chest—

"You said you’d stay by my side!!!"

—felt like it was about to shatter.

Reality

Shartia woke up with a start, gasping for air.

"Huff... Huff...!"

Sitting upright on her bed, she clutched her chest, struggling to steady her breathing.

"Haah... Haah..."

She wiped the sweat from her brow, glancing at her trembling hands. When she touched her face, she found tears.

"Was I... crying?"

It had been such a strange dream—an event she had never experienced, never seen, never even imagined before.

It reminded her of the nightmarish dreams of her childhood when she had dreamt of her mother dying, and the tears she shed back then. But now, there was no comfort to be found, no one to reassure her.

"..."

Her thoughts swirled in chaos.

What was this feeling? It wasn’t a memory—it had never happened. It wasn’t a nightmare—her tears denied that.

What could it be?

Who was the man in her dream that caused her heart to ache so profoundly?

"Haah..."

As frustration mounted—

[The Blade of Betrayal For You]

—those words reappeared, as if taunting her.

She clenched her fists in anger.

"Why are you doing this?"

Who was it?

Why were they showing her these things?

What did they want?

This wasn’t sorcery. No one would orchestrate something so pointless.

Not for money.

Not for her life.

And not to make her regret something that hadn’t even happened.

"..."

Her head throbbed with the weight of her confusion.

Unable to bear it any longer, she threw on a coat and stepped outside, thinking a walk might help.

As she wandered, she passed the imperial palace.

—Ding.

A chilling sound resonated, accompanied by the appearance of a message.

Quest Completed:

2. Go to the place where the 'loyal sword' met its death. (1/1)

The cold words of the blue screen loomed before her.

"What...?"

Her heart began to race uncontrollably.

It was nothing.

Nothing had happened.

Yet, a profound sadness gripped her chest, weighing her down.

And then—

—Plop.

A single tear fell from Shartia’s eye, followed by another. She stood frozen, unable to comprehend why she was crying.