[ Based on Emma Broadway's synopsis, the female sharing a name strikingly similar to yours finds herself entangled in a perilous fate. Bound to a powerful Demi-god she vowed to destroy, she faces the daunting task of liberating her people from his cruel grip. Embarking on a daring journey, she weaves a web of seduction, hoping to captivate the very heart of her oppressor. But beneath her enchanting facade lies a burning resolve as she secretly hunts for his vulnerabilities, determined to unearth the means to end his reign once and for all. The stakes are high, and the line between love and betrayal blurs in this thrilling quest for redemption and freedom. ]
"This is the so-called gripping plot everyone raves about?" Anna stifled a laugh, feeling the story unfold like a tired fairy tale. As an aspiring author, she couldn't help but think she could weave a much more captivating narrative.
[Her interpretation in the first twelve chapters was undeniably engaging,]
"Yeah, right, the big authors get a lot of credit even for cliche plots like this one," she muttered, rolling her eyes in disdain as she stepped out of the shed. The holographic screen flickered out behind her, and she took a moment to gather her thoughts, scanning her surroundings for a second.
Then it hit her, she was holding a bucket for a reason. Instinctively, she understood that her task was to fetch water from the well for the horses as her new mother had instructed. But first, she needed to familiarize herself with the landscape to avoid looking completely lost in this strange setting.
"Have you given them a drink, Anna?" Her mother's voice called from the direction of the poultry, not too far from the shed.
"I'm on my way, Mom," Anna replied with a light chuckle. It felt almost like acting, and considering her lack of skill in that arena, she hoped she wouldn't sound too suspicious.
As she glanced around, her eyes landed on a well in the distance. Eager to complete her task, she set off, but not before noticing a lovely young lady walking swiftly in the same direction.
"Must be my sister," Anna thought, quickening her pace.
"Good morning!" she called out, greeting the girl with a bright smile. The young lady responded in a sweet voice that made Anna's heart lift.
"Good morning! Looks like you just rolled out of bed, that's so unfair!"
"Huh?" She raised an eyebrow in response.
"I have been up with Mother since dawn, cleaning out the poultry," she replied while filling a bucket with water from the well.
"Ha!" Anna laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I guess I'm the lucky one today, avoiding all that chicken poop."
"I hate you!" the little girl shouted playfully, splashing a handful of water onto Anna's face.
"I hate you more!" Anna shot back, giggling as she retaliated, sending a splash of water toward her sister. The little girl burst into laughter and scampered off with her bucket.
[ + 10 points for capturing the playful bond between sisters! ]
"Great, at this rate, when will I ever level up?" Anna sighed as she drew more water, filling her own bucket before hoisting it up to head toward the far end of the farm, where the stable loomed in the distance.
____
Later, the family gathered at the dinner table, and Anna couldn't help but take in the comfortable, well-to-do atmosphere around her. As the largest livestock farmer in the region, she expected nothing less.
The spread was hearty: potatoes smothered in rich beef sauce and freshly squeezed orange juice. Each bite felt decadent, helping Anna connect with her new family on a deeper level. Thanks to Emma Broadway's writing, there was no need for background chatter or shared memories to navigate, she was living in the now.
Yet, her mind swirled with thoughts about her role in this story. Just a servant to the king? If her name mirrored that of the female lead, could it mean she was destined to be the heroine meant to slay the demigod? The questions buzzed around her head, distracting her to the point where her father had to draw her back to the table.
"What on earth are you thinking about?" he asked, stuffing a whole potato into his mouth.
"Boys, obviously," Amy chimed in with a grin, glancing at Anna teasingly.
"Of course not!" Anna interjected, frowning slightly. "I was just thinking about the Palace."
"Huh?" Both parents paused, their forks mid-air, clearly taken aback by the unexpected remark.
"To do what?" her mother asked, inquisitively.
"I think there might be more opportunities for me within the castle, even if it means starting off as just a servant," Anna revealed, her words carefully crafted to seek information while simultaneously revealing her intention to join their ranks.
"You want to seduce the prince into marrying you?" Her father's voice boomed, and Anna's mouth fell open in disbelief.
"Really?"
Her father's discontent was palpable.
"What other reason could there be for you to willingly trade your freedom for a life in a castle? Those trapped within those walls long to escape, while you seem eager to step right in!"
His stern gaze pierced her, and Anna knew she was in for a challenge.
'This should be the simplest task of all,' she mused, steeling herself for the confrontation ahead.
"It's what I've always dreamed of…"
"And what I refuse to accept for any of my children going into that place!" he interjected, frustration lacing his words.
"I've worked hard on this farm to provide for you all, and none of my children will become prisoners for any reason! That king… he's nothing but a lecher, and I won't stand for it!"
His final words struck a chord. Anna could see the underlying hurt in her father's protectiveness, but it only fueled her determination. This was her task, and she would see it through.
"Serving at the Palace may be one thing," her mother interjected gently,
"But living there is entirely different. If only you were a skilled dancer, you could join the maidens who entertain the king this week. They often leave with bags of gold and jewels if they impress him. They don't have to remain in the castle."
"Absolutely not! My daughter will not step foot inside that place!"
"It's just a suggestion, dear," her mother responded, trying to diffuse his anger.
"I'm not insisting she must go."
Ignoring the ongoing debate between her parents, Anna turned towards her secret companion. "System, what can you tell me about these… dancers?"