A Villain's Will to Survive

Chapter 105: Spoiler (2)

“Ensure the mission is completed without fail. Regardless of the outcome, keep Yeriel confined to the territory.”

Yeriel recalled the artifact she had seen before, the one Eunuch Jolang had shown her.

“Her every move is insignificant, so it should be secure, but add surveillance to the task list to be certain.”

In the Yukline mansion in the capital, Deculein had held a wine glass while discussing the mission. At the edge of his vision, Ganesha’s red hair had swayed. The contents of their conversation had likely been about...

「She doesn't have any Yukline blood in her.」

Yeriel focused intently on the memory, her gaze fixed on the dimly lit scene. Ganesha had rambled on about matters Yeriel didn’t recognize, while Deculein had sat in silence, appearing to ignore her.

「Is this really okay?」

A breeze drifted in from the night sky beyond the frame, causing the curtains to flutter softly. Gentle moonlight cast a faint glow on Deculein, but his face remained in shadow, betraying no expression. Even now, his features revealed nothing.

「You were the one who first asked us to look into the biological connection... between you and your sister.」

Yeriel’s heart, which had momentarily paused, resumed its pounding, sending waves of painful pressure through her body. As the conversation within the frame grew clearer, she began to grasp the harsh truth. Deculein remained silent, deep in thought. It would have been easier if he had spoken—if he had said anything at all.

“Ah...”

Yeriel struggled to stay composed like Deculein. Her thoughts fragmented, refusing to form a continuous stream. Her legs shook, and her head ached with a pulsing intensity.

「Didn't I send my subordinate to tell you about this three months ago?」

Yeriel’s vision blurred as a storm of emotions she refused to confront raged within her. Memories of her childhood, her mother’s face, and her father’s voice all collided in the turmoil.

“A biological connection...?” Yeriel muttered blankly.

It had been a statement that fundamentally denied her identity as a Yukline. Though confusion clouded her thoughts, her instincts took over. The reason demonic energy hadn’t reacted positively within her, the reason her throat still felt raw and her lungs burned. It was because she wasn’t a Yukline.

Yeriel felt the world slipping away. Her ears rang, and the ground beneath her feet trembled, as if it might give way and swallow her whole.

At that moment...

「... Yes,」 Deculein finally spoke.

In an instant, Yeriel was pulled back to reality. She exhaled a shaky breath and watched him intently.

「Even so...」

Up until then, Yeriel had managed to stay strong. Her resolve and the years she had spent putting the family and the territory above all else had kept her grounded. But...

「... Yeriel is still Yeriel.」

Deculein’s words, dry yet tinged with a subtle tremor, pierced Yeriel deeply. The pain she felt was overwhelming, precisely because it lacked any clear reason.

"What..." Yeriel whispered, her voice barely audible.

That single statement shattered her, releasing the flood of emotions she had kept buried for so long.

“... Was that?”

Yeriel felt herself slowly tilt, her limbs growing weak and slipping out of her control.

「... Yeriel is still Yeriel.」

Deculein’s dry voice merged with another, warmer one.

"Just as you’re still Yeriel... I’m still myself."

Deculein’s unconscious mind had spoken truthfully to her. His words stirred memories buried deep within her, spreading like ripples across a lake... recalling that day near the Dephalem Forest in the western Empire, when they were on a mission to purify demonic energy at the cathedral’s request.

“Why? Why can't I join?”

During the ride back, she had angrily shouted.

“Silence.”

Deculein had, as usual, coldly rebuked her.

“You didn't even go all the way! It couldn't have been that dangerous anyway!”

“You would only be a hindrance.”

Yeriel carefully reflected on the situation, recalling the harsh words she had thrown at him in anger.

“I'm a Yukline too! If demons are the enemy, I can fight!”

“Don't act foolishly. A leader doesn't belong on the front lines.”

As she had proudly declared herself a Yukline...

“And if you insist on joining a battle, consider our promise null and void.”

Deculein had issued that threat to her.

“Stop throwing tantrums. You should understand this without needing me to tell you. How long will you keep acting so immature?”

No, it hadn’t been intended as a threat to her.

“Behave according to your position. Show proper dignity and decorum.”

He had been trying to shield her from the Yukline bloodline all along... Yeriel’s memories shifted again.

Deculein’s voice echoed faintly in her mind, recalling the words he had spoken through the artifact Jolang had shown her, “If she dares to attempt anything foolish... You know what needs to be done; there’s no need for me to explain further.”

If she ever discovered that she wasn’t truly a Yukline, that she wasn’t a legitimate child of the family, and acted recklessly because of it... Yeriel finally grasped what Deculein had intended.

“It was a fact...”

A voice broke through her thoughts. Yeriel, still in a daze, stood up and turned back to the frame. Ganesha was gone, leaving Deculein alone with an expression of inexplicable sadness. He gazed at his wine glass and murmured in a low voice.

“That I really didn't need to know.”

Yeriel gritted her teeth, suppressing the sobs that threatened to escape.

"... Why," she murmured, resting her head against the frame. "Why did you say this was something you didn’t need to know...?"

Deculein’s words echoed in her mind, affirming that Yeriel was still Yeriel. It was as if bloodline and heritage held no significance to him. She lowered her head in despair, her hair cascading over her face.

“Why...?”

Why did he care for me, someone with no blood ties to him, just because I’m his sister? When did it begin, and how long has it lasted...?

Thud—

At that moment, footsteps echoed in the corridor. The real Deculein had finally returned. Yeriel hurriedly inserted the key into the frame. She couldn’t allow him to find this memory.

"Q-quick...!" Yeriel's voice shook as her hands trembled violently. Still, she managed to twist the key, her desperation evident.

Craaaack!

The entire frame crumbled into pieces.

Thud— Thud—

Yeriel had frozen in the middle of the corridor.

Thud— Thud—

Footsteps echoed from the darkness, drawing nearer as Deculein approached.

"Yeriel," Deculein called out, his voice sharp and cold. "I'll deal with your theft of my diary later."

But Yeriel no longer felt afraid. She understood his heart now. She had committed actions worthy of punishment dozens, even hundreds of times before.

“However, at this moment—”

Pat—

As Deculein approached, Yeriel pressed her forehead against his chest, tapping it repeatedly, like a woodpecker against a tree.

Deculein frowned and demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"

Yeriel tilted her head up slightly, meeting his gaze with a sharp glare.

Misinterpreting her intent, Deculein sternly commanded, "Lower your gaze."

I can’t say a word, and he just keeps pretending not to know. Does he really plan to keep this secret forever?

“Okay...”

He had referred to it as something she didn’t need to know. Even now, she didn’t fully grasp what he meant by that, and perhaps she never would. But sometimes, intentions mattered more than the truth. In that moment, it felt right to act as if she didn’t know. Yeriel struggled to move her trembling lips.

“... I need to find the vassals.”

“Take these,” Deculein said, as if he had been expecting it, handing her four notebooks. Each one bore the name of a vassal. “These should help you find them easily.”

“... Thanks, and sorry,” Yeriel murmured as she flipped through the notebooks, recognizing the vassals’ memories. She walked down the corridor, noticing Deculein following closely behind. “Why are you following me? Is there a memory you don’t want me to find?”

"Mind your tone."

“... Hmph,” Yeriel said, pouting as she continued her search for the vassals.

Her heart still felt like it might burst, her mind remained in turmoil, and a fog seemed to cloud her thoughts. But, as she walked alongside Deculein, she found some relief in knowing, even now. Yeriel reflected on this as they continued down the corridor.

Of course, she didn’t suddenly feel overjoyed—she and Deculein weren’t the kind to break down walls and become close overnight. In fact, she felt that this was just the beginning.

There was still much she needed to learn and work on. Deculein—how he looked at her, how he had accepted her as she was. She knew she had to grow into someone worthy of that acceptance, someone capable of supporting him.

“Hey,” Yeriel suddenly said. Deculein halted, his gaze sharp and cold, but then she spoke again. “Brother Deculein.”

The unexpected address caught him off guard.

He frowned, his brow furrowing, and said, “... Were you struck by lightning?”

“Haha, yeah, it’s a bit cringy,” Yeriel said with a forced laugh as Deculein shook his head. “Let’s go. We need to find the vassals quickly.”

Deculein remained silent, and their brief conversation faded away. A familiar, awkward silence fell between them, which was to be expected. They weren’t close as siblings, so there were few topics they could comfortably discuss.

Thud, thud.

Click, clack.

The sound of their footsteps echoed in the corridor—heels and dress shoes. Deculein and Yeriel kept a respectful distance, as they always had. Yet, they continued walking side by side.

***

When I returned from the diary, I found a note on my desk in the 77th-floor Mage Tower of the Imperial University. It was the one I had left for Epherene, instructing her to cover for me.

The note explained that I would be away for a short time and that she should inform any visitors I was in the middle of research. If I didn’t return within three days, she was to request reinforcements. It also advised her to keep the paper with her as a precaution, written as a Message Paper.

───────

[Paper]

◆ Description

: Ordinary paper, but infused with special communication abilities by the Midas Touch.

◆ Category

: Communication Device

◆ Special Effect

: Intermediate Message Paper function.

[Midas Touch: Level 3]

───────

This paper had a unique connection to another through mana, so whatever was written on one would appear on the other. That’s why it was referred to as a Message Paper.

“This fool left it on the desk,” I muttered, shaking my head as I imagined Epherene’s vacant expression. I tucked the diary into my inner pocket and exited the office.

Ding—!

At that moment, the elevator doors opened in the hallway.

“Oh? He’s back?” Epherene remarked, sipping on a smoothie. Inside the elevator, Drent and Allen stood with her, both carrying snacks.

Allen greeted me with a broad smile and said, “Professor, welcome back~ It’s good to see you!”

“But Professor, isn’t this a bit early?” Epherene pointed to the clock in the hallway, mumbling that it’s only been about 52 hours. She glanced back at me. “I was going to contact the Chairwoman if another 20 hours passed. I already informed Knight Yulie that you were deeply absorbed in your research, something like that.”

It seemed she had carried out my instructions adequately.

I nodded, and after a brief hesitation, she offered me her smoothie and said, “... Would you like to try it? It’s made with milk. The taste is rather unusual.”

“No, that won’t be necessary,” I replied.

“Oh, that’s a relief—I mean, Okay! I’ll be returning to my research then,” Epherene said, hurrying back to the assistant research lab, still sipping her smoothie as she went.

“But Professor, where have you been~? The opening festival for the semester begins today!” Allen said.

“Many prominent figures have arrived for the occasion,” Drent added.

“Opening festival?”

“Yes, Professor! There’s so much to see~”

I looked out the glass windows of the Mage Tower. The festival appeared to be in full swing, with balloons drifting through the air like small planes.

“Oh, right, Professor!” Allen exclaimed, speaking around the hot dog he was biting into. He pulled a document from a file and handed it over, saying, “Here it is.”

I took the document and recognized it as the Course Enrollment Request List.

“There are a lot of students enrolled in the advanced lecture this time!”

“As expected.”

“Yes, Professor!”

The document was made of special paper from the Floating Island, containing the equivalent of hundreds of pages of information, much like a tablet PC.

“... Hmm?” I muttered, frowning as I skimmed through the list. I recognized Grand Prince Kreto, but something else caught my eye. “There’s a cat listed here.”

A red-furred Munchkin cat. The document provided a photo, along with details of its age and background.

Allen blinked in surprise and replied, “I found that odd as well, but it’s a request from the Imperial Palace. They say the cat is studying magic.”

“Huh. A cat, you say?” Drent inquired.

“Yes, it is fascinating, isn’t it?”

I let their conversation about the cat and other topics fade into the background as I continued to skim through the list. It was a varied group—mages handpicked from the Floating Island, others from the Mage Tower, and even a few professors. After reviewing the names, I placed the document in my briefcase.

“Where is Yulie?” I inquired.

After being away for three days, she must have been worried, I thought.

Allen and Drent exchanged a glance, their expressions knowing, before responding, “She’s likely watching the Knight’s Tournament~”

“The Knight's Tournament?”

"Yes~ It’s taking place in Geframe Hall, right in the center of the university!"

***

The Knight’s Tournament was a grand spectacle, a battle between knights. It was one of the most famous and prestigious sports on the continent, not just in the Empire. At that time, the Reuter League held the highest status in these tournaments.

“Wow...” Yulie said as she sat in the knights' seating area, waiting for the duel to begin.

The tournament, part of the opening festival, had essentially turned into a Reuter League showcase, with a roster of participants that was nothing short of dazzling.

"Oh, Yulie! Long time no see."

"Hmm? Oh, Goher. It’s good to see you."

As time passed, old friends gathered around her—Goher the Warrior, Palane the Knight, Seimi the Archer, and Gwen. Each of them was still active in the Imperial Knights Order or other orders across the Empire. Yulie greeted them all warmly.

Gwen grinned and said, "Yulie, you’re looking good these days."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Is it because Deculein’s been buried with his research? I heard he hasn’t been to the mansion lately."

"Yes, he is..."

"Were you pleased in my absence?" a sharp voice sliced through the air just as Yulie began to reply.

Yulie and the other knights flinched and turned to see the source of the voice. It was Deculein. Dressed in a suit, he tilted his head slightly as he looked over Yulie’s friends. The knight beside her quickly vacated his seat, allowing Deculein to take it.

Yulie quickly tried to correct herself, saying, "No, it’s not that I was pleased you were absent. I just didn’t have to worry about the escort—"

"That’s enough."

"No, I—"

“Well, well, well—!” a loud voice boomed through the hall before Yulie could finish her sentence. Knights and commoners alike turned to see who had spoken. “Is that my sister sitting with Professor Deculein?”

It was Zeit von Bluegang Freyden, standing in full armor, ready to participate in the event match today.

"It’s an honor to meet you, Sir Zeit!"

Almost all the knights had stood up at once, showing their respect. They had bowed their heads slightly, placing their hands over their hearts in the customary knightly salute.

“Hahaha, at ease,” Zeit said with a hearty laugh, gesturing for them to sit, and they complied immediately. It was a clear sign of the respect his name commanded. After flexing his muscles, Zeit turned to Deculein. “Professor Deculein, I wasn’t aware that you had an interest in the Knight’s Tournament...”

His shoulders spanned like the horizon, his neck was thick, and his core was solid muscle. The enormous armor encasing his six-foot-seven frame could have easily fit three grown men.

“Since you’re here, be sure to observe closely. Hahaha,” Zeit said, laughing once more, though this time his smile carried a sharper edge.

His eyes had sharpened with the thrill of the impending battle, and the aura he unconsciously projected filled the space, making his presence impossible to ignore.

"You will see what kind of knight your future brother-in-law truly is."

This was the knight who, despite being a margrave, had earned the title of King—a warrior destined to be remembered in Imperial history as the most destructive man on the continent. Second to none, Zeit, the Winter King, stood above all others.

"Indeed," I replied.

I had come here just to find Yulie.

"I’ll be observing closely."

"Hahaha, excellent. You should look forward to it."

But now it seemed I had stumbled upon something much more significant.