An arrow? Did someone just try to kill Rubin?
No… why is she surprised? This is probably normal in this kingdom.
Besides, how did she know the arrow was coming? It seems to be a result of her Battle Master aspect. That's definitely something useful to have.
— Rubin, are you okay?
The girl was still dazed. I think I should have gone a little easier on the kick… It must have hurt to fall out of bed.
— What are you doing? — Rubin stood up and, apparently, hadn't realized what had just happened.
— Be quiet. — Alice covered Rubin's mouth with her hand while still looking at the window. The maid, who was still in the room, quickly slipped out through the door discreetly.
"That idiot can't see the arrow above our heads? Someone just tried to kill you!"
Alice sighed, trying to see through the window if there was still someone out there.
— Of course not. I walk around with a cloth over my face. What did you expect?
Rubin seemed irritated. Well, Alice had just kicked her. It made sense.
Rubin stood up, pulled the arrow from the wall, walked to the window, and threw it outside.
— Are you crazy? What are you doing?
What kind of stupidity was that? An arrow had just been shot directly at Rubin's chest, and yet she went to the window as if it were nothing. She had to be insane.
— Don't worry. If he wasn't able to kill me, that means he doesn't pose any threat. He's just incompetent.
Alice wanted to laugh at such idiocy, but she was too stunned by the statement.
Soon, she also stood up, still hesitant. But if Rubin had gotten up and gone to the window normally, the person must have already fled.
— These people are so stupid. Do they really think they could kill me? What a joke.
Rubin looked at Alice.
— Tell me, Nobody, are you one of those idiots too?
Alice looked at Rubin, startled.
"Is she going to try to kill me now?"
Luckily, it seemed not.
— Hahaha, I don't think so. You're too soft for that.
That was probably an insult, but Alice didn't even care at that moment.
— By the way, you have amazing reflexes. Even I didn't notice that arrow coming. I owe you my life!
Alice didn't know why, but that statement gave her chills, as if it meant something much greater than it seemed at first.
— You know… Since I grew up on the streets, I developed this sense. It's useful when you spend day and night fighting for your life.
It was still strange to Alice. A feeling of danger whenever something happened.
Now that she wasn't so tired anymore, she could notice this feeling better. It was something unnatural, triggered by many different stimuli—the smell of blood, the people… Everything in this city gave her this feeling. Maybe she would become paranoid because of all this.
— Well, all right.
The girl turned, walked to a mirror, picked up a brush, and began combing her beautiful golden hair.
— You know, Nobody… I am extremely lonely. I come from a wealthy family, I'm beautiful, and I'm desired by everyone—both those who covet my position and those who want my body… whether alive or dead.
Alice froze upon hearing what the girl was saying. She didn't know exactly why, but something told her this would be a terrible first nightmare.
Lie. She already knew that. Damn spell.
— I have no friends, Nobody. No one wants to play with me. My friends are all dead because they were insolent and didn't know their place…
The girl turned toward Alice.
— But you're here. If no one wants to be my friend… then Nobody will!
Alice shivered, realizing the mess she had gotten herself into.