I'm a Villainess, Can I Die?-Chapter 107

The first place where the monsters had been sighted—the outer border of the territory. And indeed, now that they had arrived in the outskirts, the appearance of monsters was far more frequent.

It had already been about two weeks since they set up camp at the edge. For the past fourteen days, monsters had been creeping in from all directions, forcing them to maintain constant watch, day and night, while continuing their skirmishes.

“There are more of them than I expected.”

“The one behind them must have mana to spare. Still, it’s a relief that destroying the orbs causes backlash.”

“Right. In that case, the more orbs we destroy, the faster we can end this campaign.”

At the duke’s remark, Lukas nodded.

If the enemy’s power weakened with every destroyed orb, then maybe it was better to deal with as many monsters as possible all at once—to end the conflict decisively.

As long as no more people got hurt.

Follow current novℯls on ƒгeewёbnovel.com.

Lukas’s gaze drifted toward the makeshift medical tents where wounded knights were being treated. Seeing all those young men lined up made his chest feel heavy.

Their families must be waiting for them, just like his family had once waited for him when he was a boy.

“Do we have enough supplies?”

“Yes, sir. We’re still managing.”

The medic answered when the duke called out.

“For now, our goal is to eliminate the monsters here, at the border. Judging by their appearance rate, this area seems to be their stronghold. We need to handle them here to prevent any spread or civilian damage. You haven’t forgotten that, [N O V E L I G H T] have you?”

“Of course not.”

Lukas answered calmly with a smile. The duke looked at him with pride, like a father watching his grown son.

“But don’t push yourself too hard.

I heard yesterday you gave away part of your bread ration. That’s unnecessary. Everyone receives the same amount.”

“...I just wasn’t hungry.”

It was obviously a lie. Lukas was rational, but sometimes his heart softened in the oddest places. The duke knew this about him—he even knew where Lukas’s compassion tended to falter.

Yesterday, Lukas had given his bread to a scrawny support soldier. The man had gray hair, and his features bore a resemblance to someone close to Lukas—a close friend, or perhaps even his father.

“If that’s the case, I won’t press further. But I do worry about you, Lukas.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lukas’s reply came with a bright, sincere smile.

As the duke walked away to continue rallying the others, Lukas watched his back.

If it’s for that man... I’d gladly give my life. A vow quite different from the duke’s gentle concern echoed deep within Lukas’s heart.

That night, Lukas stood watch.

The night sky shimmered with stars, glittering so brightly it felt like they could spill from the heavens.

It was a breathtaking sight. And yet, under that beauty, the air was thick with tension.

Lukas stood straight, his fingers idly tracing the hilt of his sword.

Ready to strike at anything, at any moment.

Usually, even a small monster took at least ten people to bring down. The larger ones—those shaped like bears or lions—required twenty or more.

But Lukas was... different. Exceptionally so. Unless it was something truly powerful, he could handle most of them solo.

And he did it faster than squads of others working together.

That wasn’t all—he was also brilliant at strategy. He excelled at dividing roles and forming teams. He could identify hidden talents and assign them where they’d shine.

Even people who never considered themselves agile or skilled discovered new sides of themselves under his leadership.

Because of that, despite the ongoing battles, not a single soldier had died. Injuries, sure—a few broken bones, a few cuts—but no deaths.

He was a genius. A once-in-a-generation talent, no exaggeration.

The young knight standing watch beside Lukas kept sneaking glances at him.

Just being next to him seemed to calm the nerves, to give a sense of safety.

As the knight mimicked Lukas, fiddling with his own sword hilt, Lukas suddenly stopped moving—and the knight froze too, startled and instinctively flinching.

Had he been caught copying him?

He glanced up at Lukas’s face. Perfectly sculpted, almost too sharp. His expression was tense.

“...Is something wrong, sir?”

“Shh.”

Lukas said only that, and then slowly crouched, pressing his ear to the ground. His breath quieted, his whole body still.

“...Seven, eight... ten? Tch. That’s quite a few.”

“Sir...?”

Lukas stood back up at the knight’s call. His eyes scanned the dark forest without blinking. After a tense pause, he let out a sharp breath and shouted,

“Ambush! Sound the alarm! All sentries, listen—this is an attack! There are more than ten monsters! Wake everyone! Light the lamps!”

At Lukas’s shout, the night watch sprang into motion.

“Ambush!”

“Ambush! Prepare for battle!”

They lit the camp lanterns and shouted the warning across the area. The awakened knights quickly armed themselves and rushed outside.

Lukas stood at the front, assessing the situation behind him.

Not enough people.

The outskirts of the territory were vast. Three camps had been set up as central points, with tents scattered around each.

This one—the central base—held about a third of their total force. Numbers were on their side, but it was still night, and the monsters had come in a wave. Handling this many in the dark could be rough.

Swallowing tension down his throat, Lukas drew his sword.

“Are you alright, Your Grace?”

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

“I’m not so old that I need checking in before I even draw my blade.”

The duke, now standing behind Lukas, drew his sword with a calm voice. Lukas nodded and turned his eyes forward.

Grrrr...

A low, rumbling growl echoed from all directions.

—

Lukas charged the monster before him, arms trembling.

He rammed his sword into its gaping jaws, twisting his body right and putting all his strength into the motion.

Keeee—

The serpent-like monster thrashed, green blood spilling from its torn, shredded mouth.

“Damn it.”

The fangs were venomous. His arm throbbed with heat—probably nicked by one while turning the blade.

But there was no time for first aid.

Even with its throat half-sliced open, the monster continued to lash out. Lukas dodged through mud and claws, barely keeping his balance.

Haa...

Catching his breath, he ran to the creature’s side.

He kicked off a nearby log and leapt onto its wounded neck. The gash he had made earlier was still fresh.

Persistent bastard.

The snake twisted, trying to fling him off. Good. That’s what he needed.

He jammed his blade beside the earlier wound and, in one fluid motion, leapt down again—sword in hand.

Thud.

The head rolled cleanly across the ground.

Lukas crushed the red orb that spilled out, then clutched his aching, venom-stung arm and looked around.

There had been twelve monsters total. This was his second kill. The others were holding their own well.

Satisfied that the line was holding, Lukas turned his head to locate the duke.

...What was that?

As he turned, he spotted a strange movement—something perched unnaturally on a tree.

Gone in a blink, but he’d seen it. A silhouette. Human.

Another monster? No...

The one behind this? The thought sent a chill through him. He urgently scanned for the duke.

The shadow was gone, and priority now was protecting their leader from whatever that had been.

Finally, he spotted the duke—fighting in the crowd, sword flashing.

Lukas ripped some cloth from his uniform to bandage his arm and started toward him.

But he didn’t make it far.

Another monster stepped directly into his path.

Again?

This was the third one now—blocking him head-on.

“Feels like they’re targeting me now... is it just my imagination?”

The wolf didn’t answer. It just growled, drool dripping from its jaws.

Lukas cracked his neck and tightened his grip.

His joints ached. His back prickled with unease.

His father’s missing left arm.

His own burning, poisoned arm.

And now this creature’s crazed eyes locked on his.

For the first time since the campaign began, Lukas thought:

If I only lose my arm... I’ll be lucky.

I miss the people at the estate. Especially...

He never finished the thought. His lips curved into a crooked, wild smile.

—

Beneath the desk had become my little tent.

Like a child hiding under a blanket fort, I sat there watching the sky gradually brighten, my blanket draped over my shoulders.

Today’s nightmare had been yet another one where pitch-black monster masses swarmed Lukas, jaws wide open.

He fought back beautifully—but he couldn’t avoid being wounded.

Then, the biggest mass of all rolled up and blocked his path.

And in one bite, swallowed him whole.

No trace left.

That was when I woke up.

“Enough already.”

I was so sick of it. If someone had designed these nightmares to drive me insane, they deserved a prize—because it was working.

Once the sun was fully up, I dragged the blanket back to my bed. Only then did I finally get a bit more sleep.

Right now was my very early nap time... or very late bedtime, depending on how you looked at it.

Maybe an hour or two passed. I stirred at the sound of murmuring outside.

What is that noise...?

—

“Bell, grab those dishes, would you?”

5 a.m. In the kitchen, the day began earlier than anywhere else.

They were responsible for preparing breakfast for the entire estate.

Melissa, one of the kitchen maids, shouted toward Bell, who stood idly at a distance.

Bell didn’t move. She simply stared blankly back at Melissa, unmoving.

Melissa clicked her tongue in frustration.

Why is that girl always so slow?

There was no time for this. They were busy. No one had patience for someone moving like molasses.

Melissa sighed and called someone else to get the dishes before marching over to Bell.

“Bell, pull yourself together! You didn’t use to be like this! What’s going on with you lately?

If this keeps up, I’ll have to reassign you.”

Kitchen work started early—but it also paid better. It was exhausting, yes, but many were willing to endure it for the extra wages.

Bell didn’t answer.

She turned her head slowly, stiffly, and stared at the approaching Melissa with empty eyes.

“Hey, are you listening to me? Stop just standing there! Do something already!”

Melissa raised her voice, arms on her hips.

And then—Bell’s lips moved for the first time.

“...Mel... Mel... lissa...”