They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 564: You're So Silly Sometimes The kingdom capital was alive, loud, and intimidating.

She hailed a taxi and slid inside, trying not to look out of place. “This address,” she said, telling him slowly as if unsure.

He glanced at it, then at her. His eyes lingered a moment longer than necessary, but he said nothing. With a small grunt, he started the engine and pulled into the road.

Nnenna's heart picked up. The silence inside the taxi felt heavy. Her palms grew damp, and for the first time, the weight of what she was about to do truly pressed down on her.

There was no turning back now. She had to go through with the plan.

The drive felt too fast, though the driver hadn't gone over the speed limit once. Every passing building blurred into the sanxious haze.

Nnenna's fists clenched in her lap. She wasn't in the mood for sightseeing; her mind was too loud.

The taxi finally slowed and stopped.

"This is as close as I can take you," the driver said flatly.

She nodded, paid with her phone, and stepped out. The vehicle rolled away, leaving her alone in a strangely quiet environment.

Ahead of her loomed a massive gate, tall and regal, carved with intricate designs that spoke of wealth and power. The silence pressed in. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and walked forward.

Before she could even raise her hand to knock, the gate creaked and swung open on its own. The sudden movement made her flinch.

An old man stepped out, his posture straight despite his age, his sharp eyes studying her carefully. There was surprise in his gaze, something he tried to mask, but it wasn't hostile. If anything, there was curiosity there.

"Who are you?" His voice was calm but edged with authority.

Nnenna hesitated, the weight of her mission pulling at her tongue. But maybe... simplicity was best.

"My nis Nnenna," she said quietly. "I'm looking for my big brother." For a moment, the old man just stared at her. Then, unexpectedly, his expression softened, and a bright smile spread across his weathered face.

"This way, please... princess." The word hit her like a spark, making her chest tighten. And when she met his gaze again, she saw it, the warmth, almost fatherly, glimmering behind the respect in his eyes.

Nnenna swallowed hard and followed him inside.

"I'm glad you're here," the old man said suddenly as they walked through the magnificent halls of the castle. His tone was calm, almost gentle, but it only made Nnenna's nerves tighten.

She kept her eyes forward. The place was stunning, tall ceilings, polished floors, walls that seemed to breathe history and power, but she wasn't in the mood for sightseeing. Her heart was thudding too loudly.

"There you go," the old man finally said, pointing at a massive door ahead. "He's in here." Nnenna swallowed hard, her palms clammy. She drew in a deep breath and stepped closer. She was about to knock when the door slid open on its own.

The housekeeper standing outside gave her a brief smile, shook his head as though amused, and quietly walked away.

Nnenna's steps echoed faintly as she entered. Her eyes fell on a figure lying on the grand bed, unmoving. She froze a few paces away.

"...Are you asleep?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. It felt ridiculous, of course anyone lying so still must have been.

But then "What are you doing here?" a raspy voice cut through the air.

Nnenna stiffened. The figure didn't turn toward her, didn't even move, yet the words carried the weight of someone who already knew exactly who had walked in.

"I'm... not welcome?" she asked, trying to sound steady but failing.

A weary sigh filled the room. Slowly, the person sat up, their back still to her. The srough voice answered, sharp but weak "For you to get here without a single alarm being raised means every door opened willingly for you. For you to stand here, alive, means my staff recognize you." The figure finally shifted, shoulders heavy, tone soft yet cutting: "Still think you are not welcome?" Nnenna had no words.

"Then tell me..." the voice lowered, almost drained of strength now, "...why are you here?" Nnenna let out a shaky sigh. Her throat tightened, but she forced the words out anyway.

"I'm here... I'm here because I miss you. And because I'm an idiot who howtan doesn't know how to handle V I blessings, especially the kind I never worked for. You're one of those blessings, Carl."

Her voice cracked, guilt bubbling in her chest. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I hurt you. I know you may not forgive me, not yet, maybe not ever, but I wanted you to know I'm calling off the mission." Her hands clenched at her sides as she went on, words tumbling out in a rush.

"You were right. I was so reckless, and I'll go along with whatever plan you and the others ers have I'm really.

sorry for what I put you through. And I'm... I'm not exactly okay yet, but I've decided, it's tI properly grieve Somto. If I take the tto do that, I think... I think I can finally move on." She waited.

The silence stretched. Seconds dragged into what felt like minutes.

"Well," she breathed, her shoulders drooping, "that's all I wanted to say. I'm kinda out of words to explain how I feel right now." Nnenna took a hesitant step forward, then stopped herself, suddenly self conscious. She felt stupid, what was she even doing? Her fingers twitched at her sides.

"Uh... goodbye now." Still no reply.

Her chest sank. She turned to leave- "You know," the raspy voice broke in again, strained but tinged with something lighter, "for someone so smart, you're so silly sometimes." Nnenna spun around, heat rushing to her face. "I'm not silly!" she protested, stomping her foot before she realized what she had done.