How a Villain Defies Destiny Chapter 148

“I understand that Yves isn’t weak enough to be easily subdued by just anyone.”

 

Endymion nodded as if he fully understood Fenrir’s bewilderment and answered.

 

In a composed tone, he began to lay out his argument logically.

 

“Even if we analyze it rationally, the possibility that Yves was kidnapped is extremely low.”

 

[That’s it! That’s exactly what I’ve been wanting to say. Finally, I feel relieved.]

 

At that, Fenrir’s expression also relaxed considerably, and he enthusiastically chimed in. He even unfolded the wrinkled bridge of his nose so widely that it looked completely smooth.

 

However, Endymion’s next words struck the back of the delighted Fenrir’s head like a surprise attack.

 

“But Yves is even less likely to be the kind of child who would disappear somewhere without saying anything to Laura.”

 

[What?]

 

Just when it seemed like the conversation was flowing well, Endymion suddenly changed direction. Fenrir looked dazed and asked back.

 

In contrast, Endymion continued speaking firmly, completely unconcerned by Fenrir’s reaction.

 

“When you consider the two options, Yves being kidnapped versus Yves disappearing without a word to Laura, the latter is even more absurd.”

 

As a result, he concluded his explanation by saying that was why he, too, had considered the possibility that Yves had been kidnapped.

 

I had been listening silently to his story and clapped like a seal in admiration of Endymion’s fluent eloquence.

 

“Wow… That’s amazing.”

 

On the other hand, Fenrir looked thoroughly fed up.

 

[ I knew he was always sticking close to Laura, but to think he’d immediately assume both of them had been kidnapped at once… He’s a much more stubborn guy than I thought. ]

 

I hurriedly stopped Fenrir, who was making a rather misleading remark.

 

“Wait a moment. If you say it like that, it makes Sir Yves sound like a strange person. Sir Yves is just always staying by my side because he’s worried about me.”

 

However, Fenrir didn’t seem to care about my point at all and simply stared back with a bored expression, not even bothering to reply.

 

“Ahem. By the way, what brings you here, Sir Endymion?”

 

Judging that I couldn’t salvage Yves’s image anymore, I subtly decided to change the subject.

 

Although the worry about Yves’s whereabouts still remained, there was nothing I could do right now except ask Huluppu.

 

‘Honestly, I want to go find Sir Huluppu right away, but Sir Fenrir’s opinion makes sense too.’

 

If a powerful being strong enough to kidnap Yves had truly appeared, there would surely have been a huge commotion, just like when Fenrir went on a rampage.

 

In contrast, everything was far too quiet right now.

 

Moreover, as Endymion had argued earlier, even when thinking logically and rationally, the probability that Yves had been kidnapped was low. So I decided to set my anxiety aside for now and focus on the conversation.

 

With the natural intention of shifting the topic, I asked about Endymion’s purpose.

 

“You came to see me about something, right?”

 

The place where we currently were was the top floor of the Papal Palace.

 

Aside from the Pope’s office, my newly assigned room, and the room Yves was arbitrarily using, there was nothing else here.

 

It wasn’t a place one would visit without a special reason, so I asked with that expectation in mind.

 

“Um…”

 

The man who had been speaking so smoothly just moments ago only let out a low groan.

 

‘His complexion darkened instantly. Something is definitely wrong.’

 

I observed his expression carefully and cautiously spoke up.

 

“If you have something to consult about, shall we move to another place?”

 

It was a suggestion because talking in the middle of an open corridor, even if there were no people around, might feel uncomfortable.

 

“It’s fine. It’s not a very long story…”

 

However, Endymion refused while lowering his gaze.

 

For a moment, I almost snapped at him that if it was something that would end quickly, he should just say it already, but I barely held back when I saw his gloomy face.

 

Since I couldn’t press Endymion when he was in such a bad state, I decided to wait patiently.

 

“…I went to see Selene today.”

 

After hesitating for a long time, he spoke in a low voice.

 

“Oh, dear…”

 

Without realizing it, I let out a sympathetic reply.

 

Just from that one sentence spoken in a gloomy tone, I could vaguely guess what had happened between the two.

 

As expected, Selene had refused to talk to him despite Endymion’s earnest request. She told him she needed time to think and asked him to come back later.

 

“Her attitude was so firm that I stepped back for now.”

 

“I see.”

 

“So… I’d like you to check on Selene’s condition once.”

 

It was clearly something that had gone wrong because of me, so I was about to empathize earnestly with Endymion and gladly accept his request when…

 

[What? Is this love advice? And to this guy, of all people? ]

 

Fenrir interrupted. He even used his characteristically condescending tone, subtly irritating me.

 

“What’s wrong with me?”

 

[ It’s obvious you have zero dating experience. ]

 

He snorted and sneered, but I couldn’t refute it. As he pointed out, aside from my current relationship with Yves, I had no dating experience at all.

 

I was about to let it slide quietly, but my pride was stung, so I crossed my arms and provoked Fenrir.

 

“Sir Fenrir, you asked me for love advice last time too.”

 

[ What are you talking about? When did I ever! ]

 

“You asked me to find out Sir Huluppu’s preferences.”

 

[ Th-that’s different! As I said before, I just wanted to prepare something nice for him because he’s like family. ]

 

“Hmm, it only looks like you’re making excuses in a panic because I hit the bullseye. Don’t you think so too, Sir Endymion?”

 

Normally, Endymion would have responded smoothly even if the conversation arrow flew at him out of nowhere, but because the opponent was Fenrir this time, he couldn’t reply right away.

 

Since I had no intention of putting Endymion in a difficult position, I smoothly passed the question and continued mocking.

 

“Well, at least from my perspective, Sir Fenrir’s behavior felt like someone trying hard to win the favor of their crush.”

 

[ Ugh! ]

 

Fenrir, who had been insisting until the end that it wasn’t true, could only let out a groan.

 

It was as if he were confused by his own feelings.

 

‘Oh, this might unexpectedly have a short denial phase.’

 

I had known since the time he asked me to find out Huluppu’s preferences that Fenrir wasn’t yet aware of his feelings for Huluppu.

 

I just hadn’t mentioned it because I didn’t want to meddle in other people’s love lives.

 

‘Besides, I wasn’t planning to help Fenrir realize his feelings right now anyway.’

 

I had deliberately brought it up just to tease Fenrir for unconsciously denying it, but contrary to my intention, it seemed there might actually be some progress in the relationship between Huluppu and Fenrir.

 

While I was making that prediction, I suddenly realized an important fact.

 

“Ah! But this was supposed to be a secret…”

 

I dragged out the end of my sentence and rolled my eyes around, checking Fenrir’s reaction.

 

It was because I had just remembered one of the conditions of my promise with Fenrir: to ask without Huluppu noticing.

 

Since Huluppu had the ability to observe anywhere his roots reached, there was a high chance he had heard the entire conversation we were having right now.

 

Only then did I realize my mistake and fidgeted with my fingers while cautiously gauging Fenrir’s mood. Unexpectedly, he didn’t seem that angry.

 

[ You’re only realizing it now? ]

 

His tone was blunt, but it was closer to sarcastic teasing in the extension of the earlier argument rather than actual anger.

 

‘Come to think of it, Fenrir was the one who brought up the topic first.’

 

I didn’t bother mentioning that.

 

Anyway, I was also at fault, and it was already too late to pinpoint who the main culprit was.

 

“I’m sorry. Because of me, Sir Huluppu might have found out.”

 

[ No need to worry. Huluppu won’t know. ]

 

Surprised by the unexpected answer, I looked around.

 

‘Did he set up a barrier in advance? But I don’t sense anything.’

 

There was no strange feeling around the corridor at all. That meant no magic had been activated.

 

Nevertheless, Fenrir seemed completely certain that Huluppu didn’t know.

 

I scanned the surroundings several times and asked back in a puzzled voice.

“Why?”

 

[ That guy Huluppu still hasn’t fully recovered, so he hasn’t properly rooted himself yet. ]

 

Fenrir added that it would take several years for Huluppu to stabilize his divine power enough to fully use his unique ability.

 

“Then I’m relieved.”

 

[ Is it okay to say this in front of this human? ]

 

Fenrir jerked his chin toward Endymion.

 

“What’s the big deal? It’s not like his crush was exposed, and Sir Fenrir said he was just taking care of family.”

 

I answered casually, but then a question suddenly came to mind.

 

“By the way, earlier you suggested we go ask Sir Huluppu about Sir Yves’s whereabouts. Was that a lie to reassure me?”

 

[ No. That’s possible. ]

 

Fenrir’s explanation was brief.

 

Because Huluppu’s roots weren’t properly settled in the land yet, it was difficult for him to constantly observe the entire continent like before. 

 

However, finding the location of a specific target was still easy.

 

“Ah, so that’s how it works.”

 

It was simple enough to understand, so I nodded calmly when…

 

“What are you guys doing here?”

 

A familiar tone and a familiar voice rang out.

 

It was Yves’s voice.

 

Surprisingly, he was standing in front of the Pope’s office.

 

“Sir Yves, you were here the whole time?”

 

“Yes. His Holiness the Pope suddenly summoned me.”

 

“I’m glad nothing happened. You weren’t in the room, so I was worried that maybe you had been kidnapped or something.”

 

“Did I look that weak in Laura’s eyes?”

 

“It’s because something unexpected could happen, like a dragon suddenly invading…”