Extra's POV: My Obsessive Villainous Fiancee Is The Game's Final Boss-Chapter 72: Welcome To Steadfast

Ren woke up to the soft sensation of fingers threading through his hair.

Even though he was healed of his injuries, he could still feel his body aching from the fatigue of last night. And he could feel the unmistakable warmth beside him.

As his senses adjusted, the lack of a scent and the subtle pressure of someone leaning close told him exactly where he was.

Lilith.

The moment he shifted, her fingers froze before retracting. He blinked up at her, groggy but aware enough to see the worry that was still etched on her face.

"You’re awake." Her voice was softer than usual, relieved but filled with hidden frustration.

Ren tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through his neck from a crick he’d gotten for sleeping in this particular position, forcing him to grit his teeth.

Lilith immediately pressed a hand against his chest, urging him back down. "Don’t move too much. You’re still recovering."

Ren exhaled through his nose. "I’m fine. It’s just a crick in my neck."

Lilith scoffed. "You almost died."

"And where did you hear that from?" He attempted a smirk but winced instead from the pain in his neck.

She wasn’t amused. "Eat."

Ren glanced at the tray she had balanced on the nightstand. Steamed bread, thick cuts of ham, boiled eggs, and fresh fruit. His stomach, traitor that it was, growled at the sight.

Lilith picked up a piece of bread, tearing it into smaller portions before holding one up to his mouth. "Open."

Ren stared at her, raising an eyebrow. "I can feed myself."

"You’re weak. Open."

"Lilith—"

She shoved the piece into his mouth before he could argue further.

He chewed begrudgingly, shooting her a narrowed look. "I really can feed myself."

"I don’t trust you to eat enough." She replied, already preparing the next bite. "You need food, Ren. You look pale."

He sighed but complied, letting her fuss over him as she alternated between feeding him and adjusting his pillows. It was a level of care he wasn’t entirely used to, but he didn’t have the energy to argue.

Halfway through the meal, when he was already feeling full, she held up another piece of ham. "One more."

Ren shook his head. "Lilith, if I eat any more, I’ll burst."

"You won’t. One more."

He groaned but accepted the bite, chewing slower this time. "Satisfied?"

Lilith finally leaned back, studying him critically before nodding. "For now."

Ren took the opportunity to shift, testing if he still had enough energy in his limbs. "So, when are we leaving today?"

Lilith frowned. "We’re not. You need another day to rest."

"I need to get to the capital. We’ve already stayed longer than planned."

"You were half-dead last night, Ren."

"And today I’m not." He met her gaze evenly. "We leave today."

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Lilith didn’t argue immediately, which meant she knew he was serious. Her fingers curled slightly, but after a moment, she exhaled through her nose and stood. "Fine. But I’m not letting you out of my sight."

Ren gave her a small, victorious smirk. "Deal."

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The journey toward Steadfast resumed later that morning. One thing Ren was thankful for was that the road was now smoother than the rougher terrain of the past few days.

True to her word, Lilith stuck to Ren’s side in the carriage, occasionally side-eyeing him as if daring him to complain.

They stopped at midday at the Blue Inn, a well-kept establishment at the crossroads leading to the capital.

The food was decent, the atmosphere lively, and Ren found himself actually enjoying the break, letting himself truly relax for the first time in days.

Fuchsia was gone. This meant that whatever happened, he’d secured a time of peace in which he could use to take care of the Red Plague. Then, he’ll be back in time for the actual war.

Hopefully.

As Ren sat at the wooden table with Lilith, Thorn appeared in his vision, subtly gesturing with his hands.

Ren looked to the side to find out that their soldier had returned, quietly slipping into a seat near the entrance. Thorn met Ren’s gaze and nodded slightly. All clear.

Ren gave the soldier an imperceptible nod before refocusing on his meal. The Fuchsia chapter of his life was well and truly closed.

Once the group finished eating, they continued on their way. Before long, they arrived at Steadfast, the capital of Albion.

Its towering walls came into view first, a stone barrier that stretched across the horizon. The banner of the royal family, a golden crowned phoenix against a red field, fluttered in the wind, showing everybody that the Vermilion family still ruled Albion.

Approaching the checkpoint at the gates, Ren noted the presence of multiple guards, though the checks themselves were casual.

Nobles and merchants alike were ushered through quickly, their carriages inspected only briefly before being waved in.

Their group passed through without issue.

The moment they entered the outer city, the differences between the classes became apparent.

The roads were bustling with traders, craftsmen, and travelers, all moving through the narrow streets with purpose.

Unlike the inner city, where nobility resided, this part of Steadfast was filled with the working class and ambitious merchants trying to earn their way into higher society.

After they’d gotten to one of the large courtyards, Ren exhaled. It was here that he turned to Lilith. "We split up here. The Ross contingent will be staying at an inn in the outer city."

Lilith blinked in confusion. "What? You’re not coming to the Underwood manor?"

It was Ren’s turn to blink. They had a mansion in the inner city?

He turned to her with a patient look. "No. My family doesn’t have an estate here. We’ll be staying in the outer city."

Lilith frowned, clearly struggling to comprehend the idea. "Why? Why wouldn’t you just stay with me?"

"Because that’s not how it works. The Underwoods are a wealthier family. You have an estate. The Ross family doesn’t." He smirked slightly. "Not all of us have a manor in the inner city."

Lilith pursed her lips. "Then stay with us."

Ren hesitated. There was no telling if Fuchsia would still carry out the assassination attempt against Lilith. He needed to be close to keep things under control.

After a long pause, he sighed. "Fine. But my people come with me to the Underwood manor."

Lilith grinned. "Deal."