Reincarnated as the Villainess’s Unlucky Bodyguard

A week had passed since Nyssara and Daena had left on their mysterious mission, and things had been relatively calm well, calm for the Demon Kingdom. It was a rare weekend where Enara wasn't bogged down with royal lessons or political obligations, and she'd decided to take full advantage of it.

"I've been stuck inside all week," Enara declared that morning, standing in the grand dining hall as Liria tried to eat breakfast. "So, today, we're going shopping. Mother's coming, too. It'll be fun." Your journey continues at empire

Liria, mid-bite of her toast, froze. Fun. Enara's definition of fun usually included trouble, chaos, and significant amounts of money being thrown around like confetti. "Do I have a choice?"

"Of course not," Enara replied, as if it were obvious.

Naturally, as Enara's designated bodyguard, Liria couldn't decline even if she wanted to. And so, after quickly finishing her meal and enduring Ananara's complaints about being dragged along, she found herself in the royal carriage, hurtling toward the bustling heart of the Demon Kingdom.

The carriage was luxurious, lined with plush violet cushions and enchanted to glide over the cobblestone roads without a single jolt. Seated across from Liria, Queen Verida looked far too elegant for a casual shopping trip. Draped in a sleek, crimson gown adorned with golden embroidery, her commanding aura filled the space.

"So, Liria," Verida said, her sharp golden eyes locking onto her. "Are you ready for today?"

"Ready to hold bags?" Liria quipped, leaning back against the carriage wall.

Verida's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "That, and to ensure no one disturbs my daughter while she spends half the treasury."

Enara crossed her arms, looking mildly offended. "Half? Mother, please. I'm aiming for three-quarters."

[Oh, this is going to be delightful,] the system chimed in, its tone dripping with sarcasm. [You're really living the dream, Liria. From transmigrated heroine to personal pack mule.]

Liria rolled her eyes subtly. You're not helping.

[I wasn't trying to.]

When they arrived at the grand shopping district of the Demon Kingdom, Liria couldn't help but marvel. The streets were lined with towering obsidian buildings, their windows gleaming with displays of the most extravagant items imaginable. Merchants hawked their wares with enthusiastic cries, and the air buzzed with energy as demons of all shapes and sizes bustled about.

Enara practically skipped out of the carriage, her midnight eyes lighting up as she surveyed the scene. "Where do we start? Clothes? Jewelry? Oh! Maybe that store with the magical pets!"

"Pace yourself, darling," Verida said, stepping out behind her daughter with the grace of a predator. "We have all day."

Liria trailed after them, already feeling the impending exhaustion. Ananara, perched on her shoulder, sniffed disdainfully. "This is a waste of time. Why buy things when you could just conquer the store and take everything?"

"Because normal people don't do that," Liria muttered under her breath.

"Normal people are weak," Ananara retorted.

The first stop was a high-end boutique specializing in enchanted clothing. The moment they entered, a swarm of attendants descended upon them, bowing deeply and practically tripping over themselves to assist the royal family.

Enara immediately dove into the racks of shimmering gowns, exclaiming over each one. "Look at this one! And this one! Oh, this one has jewels sewn into the fabric!"

"Try them all," Verida said, waving a hand. "We'll take whatever you like."

Liria found herself seated on a velvet couch, surrounded by a growing pile of dresses that Enara deemed "maybe."

[Do you ever think about how ridiculous this all is?] the system piped up. [You've got world-ending powers, and here you are, babysitting a princess while she shops for sparkly clothes.]

Yes, Liria thought back. Frequently.

[Good. Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page.]

Ananara, meanwhile, had managed to climb onto a nearby display shelf, glaring down at the attendants who tried to shoo him off. "Touch me, and I'll end you."

By the time they left the boutique, the carriage was already half-filled with boxes and bags.

The next stop was a jeweler's shop, its interior gleaming with gold and gemstones. Enara tried on necklace after necklace, stacking them until she resembled a walking treasure chest.

"This one," she said, holding up a diamond-studded choker, "and this one, and…oh, definitely this one."

"Don't forget matching earrings," Verida added, examining a tray of emerald studs.

Liria stood awkwardly in the corner, trying not to think about how much all of this must cost.

[You should try something on,] the system suggested.

What? No!

[Why not? You're technically a princess now. Or close enough.]

I'd rather not draw attention.

[Too late for that, considering you're carrying half the store.]

Indeed, Liria's arms were already laden with velvet boxes, and her endurance stat was the only thing keeping her from collapsing under the weight.

As the day went on, the spending spree continued at a relentless pace. They visited a potion shop where Enara bought an absurd number of beauty elixirs, a bookstore where Verida selected rare tomes for the royal library, and finally, the magical pet store Enara had been so excited about.

The shop was filled with cages and tanks holding creatures of every kind, from glowing fire lizards to tiny storm clouds trapped in jars.

"I want a shadow phoenix," Enara declared, pointing at a sleek, black bird with glowing red eyes.

The shopkeeper stammered. "M-my lady, those are extremely rare and temperamental—"

"She'll take it," Verida said, cutting him off. "Add it to the bill."

Liria sighed as the bird was carefully placed in a gilded cage and handed to her to carry.

[You're really thriving,] the system commented.

Shut up.

By the time they finally stopped for lunch at an upscale café, Liria was ready to collapse. As they sat at a table overlooking the bustling street, Enara chattered excitedly about their purchases, while Verida sipped a glass of enchanted wine.

"See?" Enara said, beaming at Liria. "Isn't this fun?"

Liria forced a smile. "Sure. Fun."

[You're lying, but it's cute that you're trying.]

Ananara, munching on a slice of enchanted fruit, snorted. "Fun for her, maybe. You're just free labor."

Liria sighed.