BJ Villainess Chapter 315

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The ‘tomorrow’ that Ozworld mentioned was, in fact, the emperor’s return ceremony. Just as I suspected, he had returned to the planet earlier than scheduled.

 

Surely, it’s not because of me, right? I felt uneasy, but I decided not to dwell on it. Whatever happens, just happens.

 

This life had never gone smoothly since the moment I was born, so it was better to just go with the flow. Still, it seemed my expression didn’t match my thoughts as Clyde, approaching in his uniform, asked casually, “Why do you look so grim? Still worried that the emperor will make you a slave? There’s no slavery here.”

 

“That’s not it.”

 

Today was the day of the banquet celebrating the victory and the emperor’s return, and I had been invited as a guest of honor. We walked arm in arm toward the portal, dressed in attire befitting the occasion. The portal required a vast amount of divine power, but that wasn’t a problem right now.

 

Ozworld had destroyed the planet of a betrayed noble family, draining all its energy. Surprisingly, he was known as a wise ruler because of this. He had waged the most wars and destroyed the most stars among all the emperors, bringing wealth and glory to the empire.

 

People conveniently ignored the fact that the planets they lived on had significantly shortened lifespans, leading to frequent migrations that kept the population from growing.

 

This world is utterly insane.

 

As we arrived at the entrance of the lavish palace, which felt like a sign of impending doom, Clyde spoke up. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of it, no matter what happens.” He wasn’t looking at me as he spoke, which made his slightly reddened ears all the more noticeable.

 

Feeling a sudden warmth, I pretended not to see his blushing ears and looked ahead.

 

At that moment, the sound of trumpets filled the air, and the courtier shouted our names with vigor. “Lord Clyde Ananuka and Lady Theresa Squire have arrived!”

 

Whether it was just my imagination or not, the voice seemed full of goodwill. No, it wasn’t just in my head. The news that I was turning the desert into green land must have already spread, as the gazes directed at us were filled with admiration as we entered the banquet hall.

 

I felt a strange sense of déjà vu. It was like being dropped into a place teeming with fans.

 

“Oh, it’s the famous one!”

 

“I’m a fan!”

 

“Our hero!”

 

“How could your skin be this good?”

 

…After hearing such comments for the 56th time, I locked eyes with a man who was staring intently at me from a distance without approaching. I immediately recognized him as Hardy.

 

Ding!

[The Constellation ‘Hardy’s Wife’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[As expected, I’d see Hardy if I came here!! ㅠ_ㅠ]

 

Hardy had the typical mischievous appearance of a cat-like figure, looking much younger than his age as if he had stopped growing in the middle. Seeing him in person, I could understand why Frea never reciprocated his unrequited love. How must Frea feel now, seeing the male protagonist she created with her own hands in the form of a young boy?

 

She must think of him like her friend’s son. The cruel nature of this setting left a bitter taste in my mouth.

 

I must have stared at him for quite a while because people around us began to notice and glance between Hardy and me. Naturally, Clyde, who must have noticed long before, led me away. All the while, Hardy remained motionless, staring only at me.

 

“Hardy.”

 

When Clyde called his name, Hardy, who had been standing like a statue, put on a light smile.

 

“You’re late.”

 

“I had some things to take care of. As you’ve probably guessed, this is Theresa Squire, who comes from the same dimension as I do.”

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Theresa Squire.”

 

I greeted him with proper etiquette, and Clyde introduced Hardy in return.

 

“And this is Hardy Kummer. He’s the captain of the knights leading the 13 knights.”

 

“…I’m Hardy Kummer.”

 

Though he was brimming with questions, Hardy held back as if he didn’t dare make me the subject of his curiosity. I knew what he was wondering.

 

“Gufel seemed at peace.”

 

Hardy nodded with an expression caught between laughter and tears. “I see…”

 

Understanding how it felt to lose someone precious, I found it hard to ignore his expression. So I extended my hand. “Would you like to take Gufel’s divine power?”

 

Both Clyde and Hardy looked at me in shock.

 

“It’s like your mother’s memento, after all.”

 

It wasn’t just the two of them who reacted strongly. The constellations responded explosively as well.

 

Ding!

[The Constellation ‘†Dark Angel†’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[I’m going to spend all my coins on this BJ from now on.]

 

Ding!

[The Constellation ‘Hardy’s Wife’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[Me too ㅠ_ㅠ]

 

Ding!

[The Constellation ‘LOFrea’s HusbandVE’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[Honestly, I thought she was just here to mess up the Sand Saintess channel, but… she’s actually a better person than I think?]

 

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

 

Is this really that surprising?

 

To be honest, divine power was useless to me. I had already discovered that the source of divine power and magic was the same, and I had even found a mysterious third power that worked in a strange way. Maybe it was the luxury of having so much power.

 

Objectively speaking, I’m pretty cool, right? Just as I felt a smirk coming on,

 

“It’s okay. That divine power was something my mother decided to give to you.” Hardy declined my offer. “Still, I appreciate the offer. May I call you Theresa?”

 

“Of course, Hardy.”

 

As we shook hands with smiles, Clyde placed his arm around Hardy’s shoulders and pulled him back, causing our hands to naturally separate.

 

“Didn’t you always say that your mother’s choices had a reason? Then why does the person who knows her best keep moping around, doubting her intentions?”

 

Hardy chuckled awkwardly and nudged Clyde’s side. “When did I do that, you jerk?”

 

Their friendship seemed deep. I felt oddly proud that Clyde had made a friend, though I also felt a strange pang of jealousy. Why do I feel this way? It made me remember how Hamin once said, ‘It’s like feeling upset when your idol is closer to another group’s idol than to the fans.’

 

At that moment, Clyde looked at me and frowned. “Why do you look so annoyed?”

 

“Who’s annoyed?”

 

“You are, right now.”

 

As we bickered, Hardy watched us with a curious smile.

 

“What are you smiling about?”

 

Despite Clyde’s challenge, Hardy kept smiling.

 

“It’s just, this is the first time I’ve seen you act like this. You two look great together.”

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

Ding

[The Constellation ‘♡SoveREIGN 𝓠ueen𝒸𝒶𝓇𝒹 ♡’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[What is this? Am I the only one who noticed something weird between them? ㅋ]

 

Just as an awkward tension started to build, an event occurred that, whether fortunate or not, shifted our focus.

 

“Your Majesty the Emperor is entering!”

 

Ozworld, the host of the banquet, made his entrance. He appeared in a dazzlingly elaborate outfit, stepping before the throne. I thought he looked more natural as Emperor Signio than in any other role I’d seen him in.

 

“Raise your glasses, everyone.”

 

At his command, everyone eagerly lifted their glasses. His toast was brief.

 

“The Signio Empire will be eternal.”

 

“Long live the Emperor!”

 

Having seen the world’s end through the novel, I could only hear those words as a lie. But everyone else in the room drank their wine with expressions full of unwavering belief in eternity. I only pretended to drink and then set my glass aside. Knowing the future, I couldn’t comfortably join in the toast.

 

Soon, music celebrating the victory filled the hall, and the banquet began in earnest. Just as the nobles who had been watching from afar began to approach, a man who appeared to be the chief chamberlain arrived first.

 

“Lady Theresa, His Majesty requests your presence. Please come with me.”

 

I had expected to be summoned during the banquet, but not so quickly. Instinctively, I glanced at Clyde.

 

“Go ahead. I’ll be nearby.”

 

It meant that he would step in to protect me if anything happened. It wasn’t quite what I was looking for, but hearing him reassure me without hesitation gave me a deep sense of comfort.

 

When I reached Ozworld, who was surrounded by many nobles greeting him, he focused on me the moment I drew near, ignoring the others.

 

What’s with him? It was strange how much attention he paid to me when he barely knew anything about me.

 

There must be another reason he issued a bounty to find me. But Ozworld didn’t reveal his intentions; instead, he scrutinized me silently. His creepy demeanor sent chills down my spine, but I kept a calm expression and greeted him with proper etiquette.

 

“An outsider, Theresa, great Your Majesty the Emperor.”

 

Ozworld acknowledged my greeting and gestured to the chamberlain beside him. The chamberlain approached, holding out a red velvet cushion toward me.

 

“This is a gift to you.”

 

On the cushion lay a key adorned with a large ruby.

 

The chamberlain then spoke. “This is the key to the Ruby Room, reserved for the most special guests of His Majesty.”

 

The Ruby Room? In the novel, it was only mentioned but never used.

 

“From now on, you shall use it.”

 

“This is far too generous for me. Please take it back.”

 

“No one will think it’s too generous for you to use the Ruby Room. It also means it’s time for you to leave Clyde’s mansion.”

 

“May I ask why?”

 

Ozworld responded as if my question was unnecessary. “Though you are welcomed as a guest, you are fundamentally a prisoner of war. That means you are my possession. So it is only natural for you to stay in the imperial palace.”

 

While it was a reasonable explanation, I had no desire to stay in the same place as him.

 

“Did Clyde not mention something to Your Majesty?”

 

“What?”

 

Sorry, Clyde. I’m throwing you under the bus.

 

“We’re married.”