Goddess's Yuri harem: Chosing the Empress is hard
Chapter 47: A Bad Feeling - Part 3

Chapter 47: 47: A Bad Feeling - Part 3

The forest grew quieter as Auriel and Princess Evelyn made their way back to the village. The oppressive atmosphere left by the illusion still lingered in Auriel’s mind, and her worry for Evelyn hadn’t dissipated.

The princess walked beside her in a subdued silence, her usual confident demeanor replaced with a thoughtful, almost distant air.

Auriel glanced at her companion, her concern getting the better of her.

"Evelyn, are you alright? What happened back there—it wasn’t easy to face"

She said softly, breaking the silence.

Evelyn hesitated for a moment, her steps slowing as she considered her response. She let out a deep breath and gave Auriel a small, strained smile.

"I’m fine. "I’ll pull myself together. I won’t let something like that shake me again."

She said, though the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her true feelings.

Auriel frowned but didn’t press further. She could see that Evelyn was trying to project strength, even if she was still grappling with the emotional weight of the encounter.

For now, Auriel decided, it was best to give her the space to process things in her own time.

By the time they reached the village, the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting warm golden light over the thatched roofs and cobblestone paths.

Waiting for them near the center of the village was Carol, her small figure perched on a wooden barrel as she scanned the surroundings. Her face lit up when she spotted Auriel and Evelyn approaching.

"You’re back! I was starting to get worried. Did something happen out there?"

Carol exclaimed, hopping down from her seat and rushing over.

Evelyn shook her head quickly, her expression neutral.

"Nothing we couldn’t handle."

She replied, her tone firm enough to discourage further questions.

Carol looked like she wanted to press for more details, but Auriel subtly shook her head, signaling for her to let it go.

Instead, Carol shifted her focus to the matter she had been investigating while they were gone.

"I talked to a few of the villagers. They’ve been dealing with a group of bandits for some time now. The bandits come down from the hills, raid their food stores, and disappear before anyone can catch them.,"

Carol began, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Bandits? Why haven’t they asked the Duchess for help?"

Evelyn repeated, her brow furrowing.

Carol shrugged, folding her arms.

"They didn’t want to burden her, apparently. They said she’s already dealing with enough issues in other parts of the territory."

Evelyn’s jaw tightened at that, and a determined glint appeared in her eyes.

"That’s no excuse for letting these people suffer. If the Duchess is too busy to act, then I’ll take care of it."

Auriel raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

"I’ll help them get rid of the bandits. These people deserve peace, and I can’t stand by while they’re being terrorized"

Evelyn said simply, her tone matter-of-fact.

Carol tilted her head, her expression skeptical.

"And you’re just going to march up to the bandits and demand they leave?"

"If I have to. But I’d prefer to catch them off guard and deal with them quickly. There’s no need to make this more complicated than it has to be."

Evelyn replied with a wry smirk.

The villagers, overhearing the conversation, began to gather around, their expressions a mix of hope and hesitation. One of the older villagers stepped forward, his weathered face etched with gratitude.

"Thank you, Priestess. We’ve tried to fend them off ourselves, but they’re too many and too organized. If you can help us, we’ll be forever in your debt"

He said, bowing deeply

Evelyn waved off his thanks with a modest smile.

"There’s no need for that. I’m just doing what anyone would do in my place."

Auriel watched the interaction with a mix of admiration and caution. Evelyn’s resolve was admirable, but the situation wasn’t without its risks. Still, Auriel trusted the princess’s instincts and decided to support her.

"If you’re going to take on these bandits. then Carol and I will stick around to help. We’ll make sure you’re not facing them alone"

Auriel said, stepping forward.

Carol nodded, though her expression was less enthusiastic.

"I still think this is reckless, but if we’re doing this, then I’ll help too."

Evelyn grinned, her confidence returning as she looked at her unlikely team.

"Thank you, both of you. Let’s make sure these villagers don’t have to live in fear anymore."

That evening, the three of them gathered in the small village hall to plan their course of action.

The villagers provided as much information as they could about the bandits’ movements and the layout of the surrounding hills. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for Evelyn to formulate a rough strategy.

"We’ll wait until nightfall. The bandits won’t expect us to strike then. Carol, you’ll scout ahead and keep an eye on their movements. Auriel and I will follow close behind and move in once we’re sure it’s safe"

She said, pointing to a map spread out on the table.

Carol frowned, her small face serious.

"Are you sure you want me to go alone? What if they spot me?"

"They won’t. You’re small and quick, and they’ll never see you coming. Besides, you’ll have this"

Evelyn said confidently.

She handed Carol a small, round charm engraved with intricate symbols.

"It’s a protective talisman. It’ll help shield you from harm if things go wrong."

Evelyn explained.

Carol looked at the charm, her expression softening as she took it.

"Alright. I’ll do it"

She said, nodding"

With their plan in place, the trio prepared themselves for the task ahead. As the sun set and darkness enveloped the village, the air grew tense with anticipation.

Evelyn stood at the edge of the village, her sword strapped to her side and her gaze fixed on the distant hills.

Auriel stood beside her, her expression calm but watchful.

"Are you ready for this?"

She asked quietly.

Evelyn nodded, her determination unwavering.

"I have to be. These people are counting on us"

She said, and Auriel placed a reassuring hand on Evelyn’s shoulder.

"Then let’s not let them down."

As the three of them set out into the night, the villagers watched them go with a mixture of hope and trepidation. They didn’t know who these two priestesses and their young companion really were, but in that moment, they represented a chance for salvation.

For Evelyn, Auriel, and Carol, the journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty. But as they moved toward the bandits’ hideout, one thing was clear—they were determined to see this through, no matter the cost.

______

The night was still and heavy as the trio approached the bandits’ hideout. Hidden among the craggy hills, the hideout was illuminated by faint firelight and the sounds of laughter and clinking mugs. Evelyn crouched behind a boulder, signaling for Carol and Auriel to stay close.

"Carol, scout ahead and make sure there aren’t any surprises waiting for us."

Evelyn whispered, her voice barely audible over the night breeze.

Carol nodded, clutching the protective talisman tightly as she darted forward, silent as a shadow. Auriel kept her eyes on the young priestess, her heart pounding with unease.

Minutes later, Carol returned, her expression triumphant.

"There are about ten of them. Most are near the fire, but two are keeping watch on the far side. They’re not very alert."

She reported, her voice steady despite the danger.

Evelyn smirked.

"Perfect. Let’s take them out before they even know what’s happening."

The plan unfolded swiftly. Evelyn took the lead, her movements precise and calculated as she incapacitated the lookouts with silent efficiency. Carol and Auriel followed, using the darkness to their advantage.

When the bandits by the fire finally noticed something was amiss, it was too late. Evelyn’s blade struck with precision, and Auriel’s staff crackled with divine energy, disarming the bandits and sending them scrambling. Carol darted between them, her agility and quick strikes leaving the bandits dazed and disoriented.

Within minutes, the hideout was silent. The few remaining bandits surrendered, bound and ready to be delivered to the authorities.

The trio returned to the village at dawn, greeted by villagers who had been anxiously awaiting their return. Cheers erupted as Evelyn stepped forward to address them.

"The bandits are defeated, and your village is safe now."

Evelyn declared, her voice firm but warm.

The villagers bowed deeply, their gratitude spilling over in words and gestures.

"Thank you, Priestesses! We’ll never forget what you’ve done for us!"

Auriel watched the villagers’ joy with a small smile, but her gaze lingered on Evelyn, who seemed content yet weary.

As the sun rose higher, peace returned to the village. Though their journey was far from over, the trio knew they had made a real difference that night—and for now, that was enough.

Now, the rest could be left to the Duchess and her people. She would take care of disposing these people.