Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss-Chapter 44: Journey Of A Thousand Steps

The day of their departure for the capital had arrived.

As if in acknowledgement of the milestone in Ren’s journey, the morning sky was clear and the sun smiled down happily on them as the final preparations were made.

Servants bustled about, securing supplies and ensuring that everything was in place for the month-long journey they were embarking on.

The Ross and Underwood banners were displayed on separate carriages, a sign of their noble status.

Lord Ross stood at the castle’s grand entrance, watching as his son and his entourage gathered.

His expression was as blank as it always was, but the fact that he had come personally to see them off was telling.

"Terence." The man said. "You represent this family in the capital. Do not waste this opportunity. Make allies, prove your worth in the tournament, and do not let distractions cloud your purpose."

Ren bowed his head respectfully. "I understand, Father. I won’t fail."

Lord Ross’s sharp gaze lingered on him for a moment before shifting toward Lilith. "Lady Underwood, I trust my son will ensure that your journey is pleasant."

Lilith smiled sweetly, her noble mask firmly in place. "I have no doubt, Lord Ross. Ren always takes care of me."

Lord Ross gave a small nod, but Ren knew his father well enough to recognize the unspoken warning beneath his expression.

Stay focused. Do not let emotions dictate your choices.

With that, Lord Ross turned, stepping back as the entourage prepared to leave.

Ren and Lilith boarded their carriage, settling into their seats as the wheels began rolling forward, marking the start of their journey to the capital.

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The carriage rocked gently as it moved along the well-worn road.

It’s been a few hours since they left Ross castle. They’d passed a few sleepy villages whose inhabitants bowed deeply at seeing the sigil of their lord.

Lord Abram Ross might be a stiff man but they all knew that the only reason they were safe was him taking his duties seriously as their lord.

Outside the carriage, the sound of hooves striking the dirt reached their ears, accompanied by the occasional murmur of the soldiers riding alongside them.

Ren leaned back, considering how to broach the topic on his mind with Lilith.

His original plans for her were even more important now.

If he was to keep her occupied and prevent her from interfering with his plans, she needed distractions. And that meant making friends.

"Lilith." He started, glancing at her where she sat opposite him.

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She looked up from where she was idly twirling one of her throwing knives between her fingers as she stared out the window. "Yes?"

"Have you thought about meeting new people at the capital? Making friends among the noble circles?"

Lilith blinked before tilting her head slightly. "Why would I?"

"Because it would be good for you. You’re from a well respected family, and there will be plenty of nobles eager to make your acquaintance."

Lilith hummed, spinning her knife once more before letting it vanish into thin air. "I don’t need them."

Ren frowned. "Lilith—"

She turned to him, smiling. "I have you. Why would I need anyone else?"

Ren hesitated, already sensing where this conversation was going. "There’s nothing wrong with having more than one person in your life."

Lilith narrowed her eyes slightly. "Do you have other people?"

Ren opened his mouth and hesitated.

"Name one friend you have." She said, filling the silence.

"Thorn is my friend." Ren replied immediately.

Lilith leaned back, crossing her arms. "Then Elias is mine."

Ren blinked before sighing. "That’s not what I meant." He said, leaning forward. "You know what I’m saying, Lilith. You could form valuable connections—"

She cut him off. "Even you don’t have friends beyond Thorn. Why should I?"

Ren opened his mouth but closed it just as quickly. She had a point. Thorn was one of the few people he truly trusted.

He wasn’t exactly surrounded by a large circle of friends either. Still, this wasn’t about him. It was about making sure she didn’t fixate entirely on him while they were in the capital.

"What if we make a deal?" He offered. "We both make new friends at the capital."

Lilith’s eyes narrowed instantly, suspicion flickering within them as she stared at him. "Why? Are you trying to abandon me?"

Ren exhaled, keeping his voice even. She’d completely missed his point. "Of course not. I just think it would be beneficial. For both of us."

Lilith studied him for a long moment before leaning forward slightly. "I have no interest in anyone else, Ren. I’m perfectly content with just you."

Ren forced a small chuckle. "You don’t even want to try?"

She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "No."

Ren sighed, realizing this conversation wasn’t going to go anywhere productive. He would have to approach this differently later.

For now, he let the topic drop. Lilith definitely wasn’t ready to make friends.

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Outside the carriage, Thorn and Elias rode their horses on opposite sides, keeping a steady pace alongside the carriage.

Other soldiers from both the Ross and Underwood families filled the ranks, ensuring their safety on the road.

Thorn glanced at Elias, who had been silent for most of the journey. "You know, you could at least pretend to enjoy the scenery."

Elias remained stoic. "I’m focused on my duty."

Thorn smirked. "Right. Because staring straight ahead like a statue is very effective protection."

Elias sighed but said nothing.

Thorn took this as an invitation to keep talking. "You’re a quiet one, huh? Must be tiring guarding Lady Lilith all the time. She seems… intense."

Elias shot him a look. "You guard Lord Terence. You should understand."

Thorn let out a short laugh. "Fair point. But Ren doesn’t throw knives at people who annoy him."

Elias exhaled sharply. "You’d be surprised."

Thorn grinned. "So you can joke."

Elias rolled his eyes, but there was the faintest hint of amusement in his expression. Thorn took that as a victory.

"Look at us." Thorn continued. "Bonding over the fact that the people we guard are headstrong and barely listen to us."

Elias let out a quiet chuckle. "It is a rare… assignment."

Thorn smirked. "Then we should look out for each other. If our charges end up killing each other one day, we’ll need someone to drink with."

Elias shook his head. "Agreed."

And so, the two fellow guards continued their ride with a blossoming friendship as they journeyed closer to the capital.

The journey of a thousand steps does begin with having someone to spend it with.