How a Villain Defies Destiny Chapter 31

 

As it turned out, that was true.

 

Even if this world was a multi-god system, no human could become a god.

 

But if a single human being, even from a different country, called himself a descendant of a god, there would be a huge backlash among the worshipers of the seven ruling gods.

 

‘Religious wars don’t happen for nothing.’

 

I knew this from my previous life’s world history lessons.

 

The stronger the faith of a religion, the more likely it was that it would wage war or suppress any opposing religion or theory.

 

In this world, where the power of the gods could actually be wielded, the faith would be greater, not less.

 

However, since I was playing a romance fantasy game that focused on the characters’ past and pain rather than the history and wars of the kingdom, I didn’t know much about the worldview.

 

All I knew was that the founding myth was real.

 

The curse that now befell them was proof of that. I wondered what happened between the seven nations and the divine kingdom.

 

With anticipation, I focused on the story.

 

“This is the orb that Goddess Nanna gave them at that time.”

 

The story didn’t unfold with much excitement, but I was quickly convinced.

 

War destroys people.

 

It was best avoided if it could be prevented.

 

“So you’ve quelled the flames of strife with the Holy Artifact.”

 

“Yes. As I sensed earlier, Miss Laura is very understanding.”

 

Her praise was uncharacteristic. She picks up on things that I might otherwise overlook and praises them.

 

I shrugged my shoulders, feeling suddenly flattered, but then Yves threw cold water on it.

 

“Now that we’ve answered your questions, let’s get back to business.”

 

I shrugged, but it was something that needed to be addressed anyway.

 

“So, the whole becoming a saint thing?”

 

“Yes. It’s probably unexpected, even in the Holy Kingdom, to have two people with the divine mark.”

 

Enheduane shook her head to indicate she agreed with Yves.

 

“We’ll inform our home kingdom of this and call a meeting to decide whether to wait for new revelations or add another test.”

 

“It will take a long time, but at least you won’t die on trial for being a candidate for sainthood.”

 

Apparently, killing a candidate for sainthood would be a bit much for the Euphrates Kingdom.

 

‘Yves has been thinking about this ever since he came to visit me in prison.’

 

It was only a few days ago that I understood the purpose of his unexpected visit.

 

Ever since I heard of the arrival of the High Priestess from the Holy Land, Yves must have been planning to use the holy relic to make me a candidate for sainthood.

 

‘No wonder he’s so angry that he came to help me, while the rest of the party has given up and is ready to accept death.’

 

Meanwhile.

 

A panorama of my actions flashed through my mind.

 

‘I just went out expecting to die, maybe I should have restrained myself.’ 

 

Especially embarrassing was telling Yves that I was uncomfortable having someone attracted to me.

 

‘He seemed so resentful.’ 

 

And I felt unnecessarily guilty.

 

“Well, um, thank you. For your help.”

 

I paused for a moment, barely able to comprehend the whole situation, then turned to Yves and thanked him. In response, he crossed his arms.

 

“It’s too soon to rest easy. We don’t know how things will turn out with Lady Selene.”

“I know…”

 

Surprised that Yves was also wary of Selene, she quickly affirmed that it was certainly something to be on guard against.

 

“You’re both very wary of Miss Selene.”

 

The pale violet eyes glinted sharply between the crescent-shaped smirk that had formed again.

 

But the fierce mood quickly dissipated, and she smiled gently again.

 

“There must be something I’m not aware of, but I’m the High Priest of the Holy Kingdom. Don’t worry, I’m not going to get involved in your skirmishes.”

 

“It’s not a dirty fight!”

 

“It’s not a skirmish.”

 

What the hell?

 

‘Not even a contest.’ 

 

The coincidental overlap with Yves made the situation even more ridiculous.

 

She looked back and forth between me and Yves and said in a knowing voice.

 

“Hmm, okay, but I’m curious, can you let me know the results later?”

 

“Yeah, well, I’m sure you’re tired, so why don’t you take a break?”

 

Returning to his usual impassive expression, as if sensing that there would be no end to the conversation if she got her way, Yves cut the conversation short.

 

“Okay. You two need to have a private conversation, and I shouldn’t interrupt.”

 

What a character she was.

 

‘Saving the best for last.’

 

He’d picked just the right thing to say that Yves wouldn’t like.

 

Unlike her lengthy legs, she was quick to act.

 

With the holy relics in hand, he opened the door, waved a cheerful goodbye, and disappeared.

 

“I’ll leave the old man to you, but have fun!”

 

As she left, a chill descended on the room.

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

I had a lot to say to Yves besides thanking him, but watching the cheerful Enheduane leave made me feel tired, as if my energy had been drained.

 

“You look quite tired.”

 

“The Count still looks immaculate.”

 

I let out the breath I’d been holding and sank deeper into the couch.

 

“Would you like to take the day off as well, Lady Laurus?”

 

“That’s fine, we still have matters to resolve, and resting would only keep me in prison.”

 

Even if Enheduane acknowledged that the Relic had reacted, it was clear that the Euphrates Kingdom would not release me immediately.

 

It was better to come up with a plan of action before Selene’s ears caught wind of this.

 

I relaxed for a moment, then rose to confer with Yves.

 

Then, as if he had been waiting, he asked a question.

 

“What do you think of Lady Selene?”

 

“What?”

 

It caught me off guard.

 

‘That’s what I was going to ask.’ 

 

Something was bothering Yves, as well.

 

I replied, not bothering to hide my surprise, “Well… if I had to define it, she’s someone I don’t want to tangle with.”

 

“Is that all?”

 

Yves’s eyebrows rose.

 

‘Is there something you don’t like?’

 

It was hard to guess what that might be, so I told her the truth.

 

“I’m the most important person in the world to me, and I don’t care what happens to Lady Selene if she doesn’t get involved with me.”

 

“Even after they’ve framed you for something so ridiculous?”

 

Yves’s voice rose slightly. As if in frustration.

 

“If I hadn’t intervened, you would have been dead, and yet you’re going to back down?”

 

I, on the other hand, replied calmly, “But I don’t know what Lady Selene’s situation is, and I’m not curious, I just don’t want to be associated with her anymore.”

 

My words weren’t kind, they were blunt.

 

It’s not being nice, it’s being harsh, I don’t want to know what she’s been through, what her situation has been like.

 

It meant I had no sympathy for her and no intention of helping her.

 

‘A madman is best avoided.’ 

 

What Selene did to me was clearly out of line and, as Yves said, could have gotten me killed, but my goal remained the same, to survive.

 

‘I’ve lived in a world where so much focus is placed on selfishness, and I don’t want to expend my energy on unnecessary things.’ 

 

To Yves, I may have seemed like an idiot, but I was content to stay out of trouble and keep my head above water.

 

It’s not uncommon for me to be touched inadvertently by a madman, only to have it come back to bite me.

 

It would be far better for my mental health to ignore it.

 

‘Even I am vaguely aware of Selene’s situation, and I choose to ignore it.’ 

 

If Selene was indeed experiencing an infinite regression, she must be suffering more than a mere mortal could handle.

 

It’s a blessing to be able to go back in time and relive a life you once lived, but it’s a different story when it happens over incessantly.

 

This was evident in the subtle madness that was currently emanating from Selene.

 

Of course, I didn’t say anything to Yves, not wanting to give away my thoughts.

 

Then Yves let out a deep sigh.

 

“Phew… you’re so complicated,” said Yves.

 

“I’m pretty simple.”

 

“…and sometimes, like right now, the answer is completely unexpected.”

 

He doesn’t deny it, so it must be simple.

 

“Except that, contrary to your wishes, I’m not going to let you hang around.”

 

Yves outlined the events that had occurred during my imprisonment.

 

Other kingdoms had sent envoys to celebrate the saint’s birth, and in two of them, the Princes themselves had come.

 

And that the two Princes had already become quite close to Selene.

 

And lastly, she had gained a fanatical following throughout society, including the two Princes.

 

“If it’s announced that Lady Laurus is a candidate for sainthood, those people will target you.”

 

Fanatics.

 

‘That wasn’t in the game?’

 

In the original game, even after her awakening as a saint, she was ostracized from society.

 

That’s because most nobles don’t have a strong faith in religion.

 

To the common aristocrats who visited and donated to the temple as a matter of duty, Selene was nothing more than ‘an eyesore’, a noble subject from the village, favored by men of high rank.

 

A lowly noblewoman with no manners and no education.

 

The fact that she had gained followers was certainly something to keep an eye on.

 

‘Perhaps she’s using the knowledge she gained from the regression to quickly dominate social circles.’ 

 

After all, if you’re in a similar situation many times, you’d know what behaviors elicit a good response.

 

Plus, by now, she’d mastered the art of the subtle socialite’s slurred speech, and her demeanor was impeccable.

 

‘Mmm, this might make her more popular!’