How a Villain Defies Destiny Chapter 128

“But this place… is it really the Papal Residence?”

 

Originally, he had planned to pass the time by looking around casually, but the more he observed the room, the deeper his doubts grew.

 

“The walls and floor are made of seamless white marble…”

 

Even after identifying one of the most distinctive features of the Papal Residence, his suspicions didn’t easily fade. The reason was simple—everything except the white marble was excessively extravagant.

 

“Well, it was strange from the start—the ceiling isn’t a window but stained-glass.”

 

Right after waking up, the first thing he noticed was the unusual ceiling. But the furniture and decorations inside were even more extravagant—if not excessively so.

 

A vanity adorned with gemstones representing the seven ruling deities. 

 

A large, plush sofa embroidered with golden thread. Glass crafts and sculptures—useless yet luxurious works of art.

 

It was far too lavish to be the quarters of an ordinary priest.

 

“Wow, if I accidentally break something, I’m in big trouble.”

 

He instinctively stepped away.

 

Rather than risk damaging something while wandering around, it was better to just look outside.

 

“Accidents always happen the moment you think, ‘I should be careful.’”

 

Crossing the spacious room, he reached the window—and fortunately, a familiar sight greeted him.

 

The view overlooked the artificially maintained gardens and ponds at the center of the Papal Residence.

 

“It’s about the same height as His Holiness’ office… Wow, the curtains are sparkling. Are those crystals sewn into them?”

 

As he gazed at the scenery beyond the window, it occurred to him that he might be on the same floor as Artharaxis’ office. Then, his eyes abruptly caught the curtains.

 

No matter how hard he tried to ignore them, the intricate embroidery and the gemstones—scattered like stardust—demanded his attention.

 

As I continued my trivial thought that this place seemed far more expensive than the curtains in her office, a plausible hypothesis suddenly occurred to me.

 

‘Ah, perhaps this is a room reserved for visiting dignitaries of royal status?’

 

It was quite reasonable.

 

Unlike the Seven Temples, I’d heard the Papal Office had guest quarters for foreign envoys.

 

Given how excessively lavish it seemed for a clergyman’s residence, I was convinced it was a fairly sound deduction—when suddenly, the door swung open.

“Yves, you’re here early.”

 

Assuming no one else would come, I spoke without properly checking who entered, but an unexpected voice answered.

 

“As expected, you’re awake.”

 

Only then did I realize it was Endymion who had entered without knocking.

 

“Endymion, what brings you here?”

 

Seeing his troubled expression, I guessed this wasn’t just a casual visit. 

 

As expected, Endymion hesitated before slowly speaking, “I have a favor to ask.”

 

I could easily guess what would follow even without hearing it.

 

“You want me to get Selene out of prison, right?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

After a slight delay, he nodded and added, “I know it’s shameless, but you were the only one I could turn to.”

He seemed apologetic for barging in and making demands so soon after I’d woken up.

 

‘Honestly, I prefer it this way.’

 

In fact, I’d already planned to speak with Fenrir first, then seek out Endymion. I needed Selene too.

If we were to free her from prison, joining forces with Endymion would be the easiest way.

 

“If there’s anything I can do, I’ll help.”

 

When I responded favorably, Endymion’s pupils trembled slightly.

 

“You’re accepting it that easily?”

 

It seemed he was surprised that I agreed to his proposal so readily.

 

“It’s not out of goodwill. I also need to resolve Selene’s issue to live comfortably without worries.”

 

“I see… Thank you.”

 

Even though I made it clear it was for purely personal gain, he still offered his gratitude without hesitation.

 

Had it been the past, he would’ve been endlessly suspicious, pestering me with questions until I was thoroughly annoyed.

 

Endymion had definitely changed.

 

People say you can’t fix others, but he might just be the exception.

 

On the other hand, it also felt like he trusted me more than I had expected.

 

Maybe sharing secrets deepened our trust… Wait, that’s not the point here.

 

Shaking off unnecessary thoughts, I asked, “You came to me because you have a concrete plan, right?”

 

“Yes. First, I want you to explain what happened in the prayer room to the Pope and the high priests before the trial. Right now, you’re the only one who can prove Selene’s innocence.”

 

That was something I would’ve done even if he hadn’t asked.

 

Yves Leblanc didn’t believe me, but that was the truth to begin with.

 

Just as I was about to gladly accept his request, a sudden flicker of curiosity crossed my mind.

 

“But Endymion, do you truly believe Selene meant me no harm? Or are you asking this of me regardless of the truth, just to achieve your goal?”

 

“Of course, I know Selene did nothing wrong.”

 

“You’re certain?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“How? She could’ve lied. She’s framed me with false accusations before, you know.”

 

When the incident at the Baron Laurus household was brought up, Endymion’s expression noticeably darkened.

 

“Back then… I’m sorry.”

 

“I didn’t bring it up to hear an apology. It was just one of the examples I mentioned of Selene lying.”

 

Endymion, who had been cautiously gauging my reaction, only spoke again after confirming there was no lingering resentment.

 

“Actually, I know the truth about that incident, too.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Even if my memories were unstable at the time, I wasn’t completely foolish.”

 

Though Endymion had been greatly confused by the flood of pre-regression memories that came to him through dreams, he clarified that, regardless, he had properly grasped the truth of the incident.

There was no clear evidence that I had tried to kill Selene, and the testimonies of the Baron Laurus servants weren’t based on actually witnessing the scene firsthand.

 

“So, I had already considered the possibility that Selene was lying. During the investigation, I heard that one maid gave a different testimony from the others.”

 

There had been a maid who witnessed the incident from the end of the hallway.

 

She said that after the sound of breaking glass, I immediately opened the door. Since there was considerable distance between Selene and me at the time, it would have been difficult for me to attack her with the glass shards.

‘Ah, Charlotte, was it?’

 

I recalled the maid—one of the few in the Baron Laurus household with whom I’d felt any personal closeness.

The young girl who had signaled the beginning of the regression.

 

Lost in my thoughts, a voice as cold as ice cut through.

 

“Step away from Laura, brother.”

 

It was Yves, his earlier flustered and embarrassed demeanor completely gone, replaced by a chillingly stiff expression.

 

“You returned quickly.”

 

Endymion teased lightly, but Yves ignored him and strode forward without hesitation.

In an instant, he closed the distance, and only after shielding me behind his back did he respond to Endymion.

 

“I already know what you’re scheming—using Laura to extract the Saintess.”

 

“That one knows it too. The moment she entered this place, she begged for help and revealed everything.”

 

“You openly confessed your scheme and asked for her help?”

 

When Yves asked back with disbelief, Endymion retorted confidently.

 

“If you don’t believe me, ask her yourself.”

 

Yves, who had been standing protectively between me and Endymion, turned his head slightly toward me and asked,

 

“Is it true?”

 

His brows drooped low, and his eyes seemed to plead for denial. But I couldn’t bring myself to lie, so I readily admitted it.

 

“Yes. Lord Endymion asked me to help free Selene from prison, and I agreed.”

 

“Laura! You…”

 

Unintentionally raising his voice, Yves soon trailed off.

 

Though brief, a storm of emotions—anger, betrayal, fear, and unease—flashed across his face before vanishing. Witnessing it up close, I quickly apologized.

 

For not considering his feelings, given how much he disliked Selene.

 

“I’m sorry for deciding without consulting you, Yves.”

 

“That’s not what I’m worried about. Like I said before, I’ll always be on your side.”

 

But Yves’ response was something I hadn’t anticipated at all.

 

“No matter what decision you make, Laura, I’ll gladly follow your lead.”

 

His silver eyes, darkened with intensity, held a strange, almost blind devotion.