I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain The first person to spot Ian as he stepped out of the tavern was the beggar boy. As the boy waved both arms above his head, Mukapa and Lucia’s gazes also turned toward Ian. Ian, stopping by the roadside, gave a slight nod of his chin and looked at Mukapa, who stood below the boy. "Take care of the guests’ horses and carriage." "Yes," Mukapa answered immediately. In his left hand, he held the beggar boy’s alms jar. "See you in a bit, sir!" said the beggar boy. Lucia passed by Ian, a subtle smile playing behind her mask—proof she had carried out her mission successfully. Ian gave her a small nod, then turned his head left. "Take care of the horses and carriage, and bring the young master." A middle-aged knight on horseback handed his reins to a squire walking beside him as he spoke. As the squire nodded, the knight stood up in his stirrups and leaped down from the saddle. The middle-aged knight, Brennen, smiled as he walked toward Ian. "Sir. It is a pleasure to see you again!" His voice carried as much relief as his smile. As the horses and carriage passed by in front of them, Ian returned the smile lightly. "It’s good to see you. You look tired." Though his attire was still neat, Brennen looked much more haggard than when they first met. Dark circles marked his eyes, and the once well-kept imperial beard had grown wild. "These are difficult times, making it hard to relax." Halting before Ian, Brennen cast a glance at the carriage rolling off toward the stables. He then took off his leather hat, ran a hand through his greasy hair, and let out a sigh. "We must find a ship back to the mainland. But there are far more people than expected, and most are not the sort one can trust. I’ve had no end of trouble." It was no surprise at all, but Ian feigned ignorance and asked, "So, have you found a ship back to the mainland?" "Unfortunately, we have not yet." Brennen, clicking his tongue, tucked the hat under his arm. "I tried seeking a few who claimed to captain smuggling ships, but they either turned me away, saying they were full, or kept stalling with excuses." "You must have been under a lot of stress," Ian answered with feigned sympathy, but again, the result was not at all surprising. Perhaps things would have been different if they’d been merchants seasoned in haggling, but to the smuggling captains, these nobles must have looked like easy prey. They were clearly wealthy and utterly naive about the ways of the world. The smugglers no doubt realized that even a few days of stringing them along would mean more gold to bleed from their purses, just as Ian was doing now. "I am ashamed of not fulfilling my responsibility. And so when I heard the Elder had a proposal, it felt as if I had received a revelation. It seems the Radiant Goddess is guiding our way." Brennen, scratching his nose awkwardly, met Ian’s eyes. She might be guiding you to a trial, not a path. Ian smiled brightly. "Did you also hear what kind of proposal she intends to make?" "I only heard that it was related to smuggling." "I should warn you in advance. This proposal will require a considerable amount of money. You might be better off finding another captain to deal with instead," Ian added suggestively. Of course, he wasn’t being serious. It was just a line thrown out to make them take the bait properly. As expected, a soft smile spread across Brennen’s lips. "To speak so honestly. You are truly noble. But do not worry." Brennen, tilting his head slightly, said, "Money is not a major issue for us. Trust is far more important. Even if it requires several times more gold, accepting the Elder’s proposal would be better than dealing with those back-alley criminals." "Well, if that’s the case, I’m glad." Ian readily nodded his head. To be honest, to Ian, both the fairies and the back-alley thugs were equally untrustworthy, but there was no need to point that out now. As nobles from the central region, they possibly felt a genuine difference. "My lady wishes to address the young master. Would that be alright?" Brennen, after a slight pause, clicked his tongue and answered, "Yes. He will handle it well. Probably." His tone was completely lacking in confidence. Ian swallowed a chuckle and nodded. A voice came from behind Ian. Hearing the approaching footsteps, Ian turned his head. The boy ran toward them, carrying the jar under his arm. "Thank you for seeking me out again today, sir!" said the boy. He stopped just behind Ian, catching his breath. Ian glanced at Lucia and Mukapa walking out from the stables beyond and then looked down at the boy. "You’ve done well today, too." "Anything for you, sir! I heard the rumors. Did you really turn Mr. Rahman’s place upside down?" So that’s what he wanted to talk about. As Brennen blinked as if hearing this for the first time, Ian shrugged. "Well, it just happened." "I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the aftermath." The boy smiled, lowering his voice as he covered his mouth with the back of his hand. "That place seems to be busy with internal cleanup. The other allied organizations are not making any moves. It seems they plan to let this quietly die down." "And when did you find that out?" As Ian burst out laughing, the boy scratched his head, embarrassed. "In case something came up, I thought I should tell you. Then you might need me again, you know." "Right. Thanks for looking into it." As Ian reached for his waist, the boy waved his hands. "This was just something I looked into on my own, so you don’t need to pay me. Besides, you’ve already helped me today." "It was something I’d been concerned about too. So just take it," Ian said, taking out a money pouch from his belt. The boy, after a moment’s hesitation, cautiously added, "Then… could I ask for a blessing prayer instead?" "I heard you were a paladin. The truth is… I also serve the Radiant Goddess, sir." "You boy. To ask for a personal blessing from an Apostle," Brennen scolded as Ian’s eyes narrowed slightly. The boy hurriedly bowed his head. "I apologize. It was my first time seeing an Apostle of the Radiant Goddess, so I acted without knowing my place. I just thought… perhaps even someone like me could—" "Well, there’s no reason it can’t be done," said Ian. As Brennen turned to him with wide eyes, the boy snapped his head up. "Really?" His narrowed eyes were for himself. He was not, after all, Lu Solar’s Apostle. Yet, having carried himself as a paladin for so long, offering a false prayer of blessing was nothing difficult. Surely Lu Solar would not visit heavenly wrath upon him for something so small. "But it’ll be short. I don’t want to draw attention," added Ian. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾·𝗇𝖾𝗍 "Yes!" the boy answered quickly and kneeled. He clasped his hands in front of his chest, kept his thighs straight, and slightly bowed his head. It was clear he wanted Ian to place a hand on his head. I’m really doing all sorts of things. Ian clicked his tongue and placed his left hand on the boy’s head. "Glory to the radiant light…" It was a phrase he muttered out of courtesy, having nothing else to say. Yet in that instant, a faint halo shimmered from his hand. The divine power sealed within Saint Damiel’s Ring had spilled forth on its own. —To see such a disgusting sight as soon as I wake up…. As a low whisper spread through his mind, one of Ian’s eyebrows twitched slightly. It wasn’t just because the glow was illuminating the surrounding street, but because the familiar window of an apostle’s quest had surfaced before his eyes once more. Honestly, this pops up at the slightest excuse. I told you—I’m a mage. Clicking his tongue inwardly, Ian immediately declined the quest. Yet, the light spreading from his hand did not disappear right away. Glimmering gently like countless fireflies, it slowly spread out in all directions. "Glory to the radiant light…" murmured Brennen, who had kneeled on one knee at some point. It wasn’t a trick of his mind that his voice felt clearer. "My goodness, the light." "Glory to the radiant light!" Soon, the passersby on the street had also turned to look, kneeling and offering prayers. Their astonishment was natural since it was already well past sunset. Of course, Ian’s expression soured at the sight. "Stand. It’s done," Ian said, immediately taking his hand off the boy’s head. Lucia and Mukapa, who had likewise dropped to their knees on their way over, rose at once. However, the boy remained kneeling, eyes still closed. As Ian’s eyes narrowed slightly, Lucia, stepping up behind the boy, murmured, "He’s never felt the touch of the divine before." Her eyes, looking down at his small back, curved gently. "It overwhelms you with joy beyond words." "It truly… does," said the boy. The boy, who had opened his closed eyes, added as he slowly got to his feet, "This feeling… is the first I’ve ever felt in my life, sir." Ian blinked, noticing a faint light shimmering in the boy’s eyes as he looked up at him. That was likely why Brennen, rising to his feet behind him, let out a gasp. The boy, seemingly unaware of it all, simply smiled and bowed. "Thank you very much, sir. Thanks to you, a lowly person like me was able to feel the Radiant Goddess." "If you ever need me, please call me anytime. Whatever it is, I will gladly help with a serving heart," the boy added, then turned to Lucia and Mukapa and bowed his head. "I’ll see you again then." "Uh, yeah, take care. Shahin." As Lucia gave an awkward farewell and Mukapa nodded, the beggar boy, Shahin, turned around. Brennen let out a quiet breath of wonder as he watched the boy’s back. "To think I would see a child favored by the Radiant Goddess in a place ." "Indeed. As long as he doesn’t lose his faith, he might one day receive a revelation," Lucia murmured softly. Ian blinked for the same reason—just faintly, but unmistakably, a fragment of Lu Solar’s divinity had nestled within the boy. "Could it be, perhaps?" An exclamation of admiration erupted from behind Mukapa then. When Mukapa stepped aside, a blond young man appeared, accompanied by his squire. He wore a navy uniform embroidered with golden thread, a handkerchief pressed to his nose and mouth, likely to ward off the stench of the stables. He was the second son of Viscount Chambers, whom Brennen was escorting. "May I trouble you for a blessing prayer as well, sir? You seem to be one favored by the Radiant Goddess herself. Perhaps her grace might descend upon me as well, no?" asked the young man, his eyes meeting Ian’s. This guy still has his head in the clouds. Swallowing a scoff inwardly, Ian said, "In that case, I fear we’d soon have a swarm of people begging for prayers." As the young man let out a gasp, Brennen nodded and interjected, "It would be best to go inside before the commotion gets any bigger, young master." The young man looked around at the people passing by, who were looking and standing up slowly. Ian, smirking, turned. "Then, let’s go in." Smelling the scent of herbs wafting past his nose, Ian stopped in front of the door. "My lady. The guests have arrived." At the reply, Ian opened the door. There sat Thesaya, facing the entrance. In the time Ian had been gone, the table had been moved slightly from its place against the wall. On the table were two pewter goblets and a glass bottle filled with new wine. So she even brought that out. Stepping toward the table, Ian suppressed a chuckle. Thesaya’s right hand held a long holder, in which a rolled cigarette smoldered, exuding a faint herbal scent. Mukapa entered behind him, holding the door, while Lucia followed Ian in, clearly to take her place behind Thesaya. Sanford and Hashim were standing like fish out of water in front of the lined-up beds. Judging by their expressions, it was clear they hadn't had a single sip of wine. Sanford, his eyes meeting Ian’s, clicked his tongue reluctantly. "It is an honor to see you again, Elder." Brennen, standing at the door, bowed at the knee. Thesaya, tapping the cigarette holder she held, nodded her chin. "A pleasure, sir. Come in." Brennen stepped fully inside, stood opposite Mukapa with a raised hand that gestured toward the room. The blond young man behind him leisurely entered the room. "Wow…" He let out a low sound of admiration as he looked around. It was unclear whether it was because of Thesaya’s beauty or because of Sanford and Hashim, who looked like sailors to anyone. Perhaps it was because of the fanged greatsword leaning against the wall between the beds. Once his squire followed him in, Mukapa closed the door respectfully. "I shall greet you myself, Elder," said the young man, standing in the middle of the room. Thesaya stood up gracefully and replied. "We’ve met before, so our names should suffice for introductions." "Very well." The young man, smiling brightly, bent his knee in a stylish Imperial fashion. "Simon Chambers, second son of Viscount Chambers." "Thesaya. Thesaya Erenos," said Thesaya with just a slight nod of her head as Lucia stepped behind her. Simon smiled and straightened his bent knee. "How embarrassing. I should have greeted you sooner." "I was equally uninterested, so let’s call it even." Thesaya, who had replied in a very fairy-like manner, pointed with her cigarette holder to the opposite side where the goblets were placed. "Please sit. I have prepared some fine wine." "The fragrance was in the air the moment I stepped inside. Of course, the smoke from your cigar was stronger, but my keen nose—" Simon’s voice, light and careless as he approached the table, suddenly trailed off. Ian, in the middle of lifting the wine bottle, glanced over. Simon’s eyes had gone wide, fixed on something beyond Thesaya’s shoulder. Following his gaze to the other side, Ian’s eyes narrowed. "Phew…" Lucia, who had taken off her mask, was letting out a small sigh. She pushed back her hood with her left hand and lightly shook her head to arrange her hair. And in Simon’s upturned eyes, her face was reflected in full. Ian’s lips, looking back at him, twisted slightly. Well, look at this punk.