Chapter 9: Chapter 9

"Aston, let go!" Trisya slammed Aston's hand that was forcing her to go home. Trisya didn't want to go home so soon. Because I don't know when else she can have time to get out of her family's residence like this. Not to mention, even Trisya's main goal of leaving her residence had not been achieved. She still had to buy some of her painting equipment that had run out or broken.

"Trisya, next time please maintain your dignity as a Lady! I don't want people to judge you badly!" advised Aston, in as gentle a tone as possible.

"So you also chose to believe those people?" Trisya was shocked. Honestly, her heart was disappointed. If Aston didn't trust her, what about other people? Because as far as Trisya knew, among all the characters in the novel, Aston was the one who trusted Trisya the most.

'Is the story really like this? Or has the plot started to change? Why is it even worse than I expected?' Trisya thought.

"Trisya, it's not about me believing anyone. Never mind, we better go home now! It would be better if you stay in your quarters for some time," Aston retorted.

Trisya shook her head. "I rarely go out. And we haven't even bought my paints and other painting equipment yet, right?"

"I can ask my bodyguard to buy them."

"I don't want to. I want to buy them myself and go for a walk," Trisya insisted.

"Trisya, this is for your own good," Aston replied. But Trisya was still reluctant to listen to her cousin's words. Apparently, the stubbornness of the original owner of this body was left behind so that Milla, who now occupies this body, also has this trait.

"Trisya, where are you going?" asked Aston as Trisya walked past him.

"If you don't want to accompany me, you go back! I'll have fun in the city all day. I want to enjoy life and make the most of this opportunity!" said Trisya. She knew Aston was still following her. Meanwhile, her bodyguards and maids were still behind Aston.

The city streets were quite crowded, making it easy for Trisya to take advantage of the opportunity. She watched the situation, and when Aston was caught off guard by the crowd that separated them, Trisya rushed to run - running away from the brother who she thought would only hinder her fun today.

"Trisya! Trisya, don't run!" Trisya could still hear Aston's voice trying to chase her. However, Trisya's tiny body made it easy for the girl to break through the crowd. Feeling tired, Trisya turned down a narrow alley that looked more 'natural' than the bustling main street of the city. Trisya hid among the carts of the merchants who sold their wares on the main street. The girl crouched down while holding her skirt. Her eyes tried to peek at the whereabouts of Aston and his bodyguards.

"Huh huh huh huh huh... I'm sorry, Aston. But I just wanted to find some entertainment today. I want to experience the beauty of life outside the cage. I'm not Trisya who is used to being confined to a luxurious residence. I'm Milla, just an ordinary employee who still needs to have fun outside," Trisya muttered.

Realizing that her older cousin and her troops had passed, Trisya straightened up. She felt tired. She also didn't know exactly where she should go now. But certainly, she still had to try to avoid Aston and the others. So, she thought it would be better if she avoided the main road or busy streets. Trisya chose to walk down the alley, looking for a place where she could rest for a while before continuing her journey.

This place wasn't too bad. Compared to a narrow alley, this place is more like a country road that has a beautiful feel because in some places there are several types of beautiful ornamental plants. Trisya felt like she was walking down an elongated flower garden path.

After walking for almost a hundred meters, Trisya finally saw a small shop that was quiet enought. It seemed like a good place for her to rest. Incidentally, her legs were also getting tired since she had to run earlier. With excitement, Trisya stepped towards the shop. However, just a few steps, suddenly there were four burly men blocking her way.

Trisya was shocked beyond belief. She immediately looked around to see if there were other people here besides them. Because from the appearance of the people who blocked her alone, Trisya was sure they were not good people.

"Oh my, my, my... Which other young lady from which residence has now come to greet us?" said one of the men who blocked Trisya.

"Her face is very unfamiliar. This lady must be very young and has yet to make her debut. Right, Lady?" said another.

"Who are you guys?" Trisya tried to hide her fear. Because she didn't want those people to feel like they were winning over her. Trisya looked back. The distance between her and the busy main road was not too far. It was still possible for Trisya to escape there and shout for help.

"What's wrong, Lady? What is she thinking about right now?"

"You're not trying to run away from us, are you? We're just here to get to know you. Because we happen to be friends with noble lady."

Trisya let out a long sigh as the four people began to surround her, as if they knew what was going through her mind at the moment.

"I came here with my brother and the guards. So, you'd better leave before- ah! What are you doing?" Trisya jumped in surprise as one of the thugs was about to silence her with a handkerchief when she tried to make a threat.'

"Shut up, Lady!" snapped one of them.

"Go away! I said go! Help! Help!" Trisya shouted hysterically. But strangely, even though there was not much distance between them and the crowd, no one seemed to want to help Trisya. Everyone who passed by seemed indifferent. At this rate, Trisya would regret running away from Aston.

"Obey, Lady! We won't hurt you if you obey. We just want money from your family, and will throw you out as soon as we get what we want!" they said.

"No! I ran away from my brother so I could be free to have fun, not to be your prisoner, damn it!" cursed Trisya. Her barbaric spirit as Milla began to emerge. She struggled with all her might, until one of the thugs hit her on the head, causing a sudden dizziness.

Trisya fell to the ground holding her head with one free hand. Meanwhile, her other hand was still tightly gripped by one of the thugs. Trisya also began to feel a cloth wrapped around her nose, making her feel even more dizzy and weak until she could no longer fight back.

'Oh my God! Is this the punishment for the girl who ran away and caused her brother trouble?' Trisya thought to herself. Truly, she was very sorry and wished for a miracle that made Aston suddenly appear to save her, like she used to see in soap operas. But unfortunately, the life that Trisya is living now is unlikely to be as smooth as in soap operas, right?

When Trisya had completely surrendered and let the criminals kidnap her, she heard a noise followed by a rough jerk on her hand. Finally, Trisya really fell down because now there was no longer anything holding her hands. However, before Trisya's head hit the ground, she could feel an arm holding her shoulder.

"No! Don't faint! Get up, Lady Trisya, keep your consciousness!" said the person who put an arm around Trisya's shoulder. Feeling very familiar with that voice, Trisya finally forced herself to raise her head.

Everything seemed like a dream. How could Prince Terry suddenly be here? Didn't he intend to escort Lady Rania earlier? Trisya smiled sadly. It seemed like her eyes and brain were really messed up, that she could 'see' Prince Terry in front of her.

"Lady! Trisya! You can hear me, right?"

But wouldn't a random person call Trisya by her given name?

In the midst of her semi-conscious state, Trisya suddenly remembered a scene in the novel. The scene that Trisya initially thought was the beginning of her meeting with Prince Terry. The scene described in the novel as the beginning of the antagonist's appearance.

Trisya pushed Terry's chest as her consciousness slowly began to return. "Go away!"

"Your Honor, everything has been taken care of and we'll put them in jail soon," Tablo said.

Prince Terry hardened his jaw, staring angrily at Tablo. "What? Jail? Do you think jail is the right place for criminals who have hurt the daughter of a Duke, as well as my best friend's beloved sister?"

"Please forgive me, Your Highness. Please seek guidance from Your Highness the Prince. What kind of punishment would those criminals deserve?" Tablo bowed his head as he spoke to Prince Terry. Meanwhile, Trisya was half listening with her head still feeling dizzy.

"Behead them all!" growled Prince Terry.

Trisya who heard this gasped in horror and immediately looked at Prince Terry in horror. But it turned out that the man was now busy staring at something. Intrigued, Trisya followed the Prince's gaze and found that his hand was reddened, and there was even a small wound there.

"Ash... why didn't I realize the existence of these wounds?" Trisya complained.

"O- okay, Your Highness. We will carry out His Highness the Crown Prince's orders." There was a note of hesitation in Tablo's voice. But, who would calmly agree to someone's request to behead another person?

"Your Highness, but, isn't that a bit much? Sir Tablo, please stop for a moment!" Trisya said confusedly.

"What's too much, Lady?" puzzled Prince Terry.

"Their mistake wasn't that bad. They only intended to kidnap me for ransom, not to betray the kingdom. I mean- ah!" Trisya ended her speech with a cry as Prince Terry touched her wound.

"This is not a big mistake?" asked Prince Terry in an astonished tone.

"But not so big that it should cost them their lives, Your Highness," Trisya insisted. Really, she did not want to be the reason for people's death. Especially four people at once. It would ruin her reputation even more if that actually happened.

"Are you doubting my friendship with Darian?" accused Prince Terry.

"What? Who said that? I just-"

"I'm just demanding justice for my best friend's sister, Lady Trisya. So, please cooperate!" said Prince Terry. It seemed the man had no intention of commuting his sentence.

"Where can I find the nearest healer?" Prince Terry asked the tableau.

"Not far from here, Your Highness. In that direction, probably about two hundred and fifty meters from here," the Tablo replied to which Prince Terry immediately nodded.

"Can you walk on your own?" Prince Terry asked Trisya.

"I- I can. But, can Your Highness first replace the order His Highness gave earlier?" Trisya pleaded.

"No." Prince Terry put his arm around Trisya - helping the girl to get up half forcefully.

'Wait a minute! This shouldn't have happened like this. I remember Prince Terry leaving immediately after helping Lady Trisya,' Trisya's mind screamed.

"Your Highness, I beg you. It will be a very heavy burden for me if four lives are lost because of me. I beg you, spare them! After all, my injuries are not severe. I'm fine," Trisya pleaded again.

Prince Terry looked at Trisya with a complicated look. "If I change the punishment for them, you will be quiet and obedient?"

Trisya nodded doubtfully. After all, she had no other choice, right? Because the most important thing right now, Trisya could save the lives of those criminals and get them punished according to the rules in the palace.

Prince Terry finally turned his head towards Tablo. "Imprison them for life!" Prince Terry commanded absolutely.

Although for Trisya the punishment was still too severe, but at least it was better than the four of them dying from the punishment related to Trisya.

"Ah!" Trisya gasped. Because suddenly Prince Terry lifted the body very easily, and carried it bridal style.

"Your Highness, I-" Trisya prepared to protest, but her words were cut short by Prince Terry.

"Didn't you promise to be quiet and obedient, after I commute their sentence?" cut Prince Terry sternly, leaving Trisya unable to argue anymore. Finally, Trisya could only hide her face in the Prince's chest due to the dizziness and embarrassment she was currently feeling.

'Is this really the place described in the novel where Prince Terry met the real Lady Trisya? Based on the description, it's similar. But in the dream, didn't the real Lady Trisya say that it was the place where we met?' Trisya was confused.