I Became a Dark Fantasy Villain Thesaya let out a low, dry cough. As Simon blinked in surprise, she asked, "Is there a problem?" "Ah…haha. How embarrassing. I was so dazzled that I momentarily lost myself." Simon forced a laugh as he shifted his steps, sneaking another quick glance at Lucia. However, Thesaya didn’t smile at all. On the contrary, her eyes grew even colder. Instead of speaking, Ian stole a glance at Lucia. A fleeting worry brushed across his mind. Thankfully, she didn’t look amused or pleased. On the contrary, she gave a faint grimace, as if she found the whole thing distasteful. So it was a needless concern after all. "It seems the nobles of the capital enjoy rude jokes," said Thesaya. As Simon, who had been reaching for the back of a chair, froze, she added, flicking her cigarette holder, "However, I am a noble of the South. I have no desire to share a ship with someone so rude." "Excuse me?" Only then did Simon seem to realize that something was wrong, asking back a beat too late. Thesaya looked up at him with cold eyes. "I am saying the offer is off. Please leave." "N-No, wait a moment, Elder. I haven’t even had the chance to—" Simon, flustered, blurted out a protest. Behind him, Brennen raised a hand to his forehead, as if struck by a wave of dizziness. "Don’t make me repeat myself." Thesaya cut him off coldly. Simon, who just moved his lips in shock, eventually turned slightly to look at Brennen behind him. However, there was no easy solution for him either. Brennen just wiped his face with his palm and sent Ian a pleading look for help. Meeting those desperate eyes, Ian said, "Escort him out, sir. If you don't want to see an ugly scene." Though Thesaya’s firmness surprised him, Ian let it pass. He’d only offered the idea on the off chance it might succeed. If anything, it was Lucia who was looking back and forth between Thesaya and him with a look that said this was going too far. Letting out a weary sigh, Brennen finally said, "I will do as you say—" "W-Wait!" Simon, who had been shifting his eyes in panic, suddenly threw up both hands and blurted out, "I do not mean to defy your order to leave, Elder. I just… wish you would grant me a moment to apologize for my rudeness to the young lady…" "Hmm…" Thesaya, tapping her cigarette holder as if in thought, finally said as if granting a great favor, "Go on then." "I-I offer my sincerest apologies for the rudeness I have committed, my lady. I was only being truthful; I had no intention of harassing or insulting you." This bastard is still trying to flirt even now. Another shallow line appeared on Ian's forehead. As Simon flinched under his deep gaze, Lucia nodded. "I will gladly accept that apology. In that spirit, couldn't you give the young master one more chance, Elder?" She added politely, looking down at Thesaya, "Everyone makes mistakes, after all." Color returned to Simon’s face. "Indeed, your heart is as beautiful as your appearance, my lady!" "It seems, my lord, that you will have to learn to be more sparing with your words," said Thesaya. She didn't hide the look of pity in her eyes. As Simon froze, she put the cigarette holder to her lips and added, "When a mistake is repeated, it can no longer be called a mistake." It was a clear warning not to try any more tricks on Lucia. I don't even have a chance to get angry. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✶𝓷𝓮𝓽 As Ian swallowed a hollow laugh, Simon slowly bowed his head. "I have learned another great lesson today. I will keep it in mind, Elder." "Then, I shall give you one more chance." Thesaya gestured with her chin as if she couldn't refuse. Simon quickly sat down in the chair. Seeing him still slightly bowing his head, it seemed he had at least now clearly understood who held the upper hand. "Phew…" Brennen let out a long breath of relief, clearly too drained to even compose his expression. Simon’s reaction was unexpected. So he’s immature, but not a complete degenerate. Of course, that didn't mean Ian had developed any fondness for this dapper fellow. Lifting the wine bottle before him, Ian slowly refilled Simon’s cup, his sunken eyes fixed unwaveringly on the young master’s face. "Th-Thank you, sir," Simon stammered. His eyes still carried a look of confusion, as though he couldn’t quite grasp what had just happened. Setting the bottle down and stepping back, Ian listened as Thesaya exhaled a ribbon of smoke and said in her cool, steady tone, "Let’s get back to the main topic. There is a ship that will take us to the mainland. It’s a smuggling ship belonging to a trustworthy captain, introduced to us by Duke Jihandar himself." As she tilted her head to the side, Simon and Brennen turned in the same direction. Sanford and Hashim, receiving their gazes, gave awkward smiles. "Hmm." The low hum that escaped Simon’s lips was likely due to Sanford’s appearance. Although the swelling had gone down a bit, his face was still a mess, and his left arm was wrapped in heavy bandages. Simon hadn’t mentioned it, probably because Thesaya had completely taken control of the conversation. "However, unfortunately, there is a small problem. The captain, not having received the Duke's message, had already accepted other passengers," Thesaya continued nonchalantly. Meeting the eyes of Simon, who had turned his head back, she added, "Of course, cancellation is possible, but we must bear the cost." "So, you are suggesting that we can also board on the condition that we share the cost?" "For now. I have no intention of burdening you. We plan only to exclude as many passengers as we can afford." Thesaya said with a nod of her head. Her tone was still as if she had nothing to lose. A faint smile spread across Simon’s lips. "A burden? Not at all. How much money is needed to exclude all the reserved passengers?" Simon answered in a much lighter tone, sweeping back his glossy blond hair. "About one hundred and fifty gold coins will be needed. Imperial gold coins, of course," Sanford answered quickly. Brennen’s eyes widened for a moment. Although he had heard about it from Ian beforehand, it was clearly a larger amount than he had expected. "One hundred and fifty…" But Simon didn't seem to think so at all. Musing as he stroked his chin, he soon nodded. "I shall bear the entire cost." "Young master!" Brennen, his eyes wide, said in a low voice. Simon, raising his right hand slightly to stop him, continued, "My apologies to the other passengers. But I would prefer a quieter voyage, among people whose stations are beyond doubt. Besides…" He added, glancing at Lucia. "You’ve graciously forgiven my rudeness, my lady. This is the only way I can think of to repay such generosity." So this punk’s still laying it on thick. One corner of Ian's mouth curled up once again. It was obvious he was doing this to get on Lucia's good side. Of course, whatever his intentions, it was an offer there was no reason to refuse. "For the first time, we agree," Thesaya replied after taking a sip of wine. Simon, smiling proudly, also gripped the glass in front of him. "Then, when do we set sail?" "The archipelago's fleet is scheduled to pass by the coast soon. The departure will be after that. It will probably take a few days." Simon's smile, as he murmured and took a sip of wine, unexpectedly deepened. "A few days… excellent. I'll be able to fully experience the culture of this city. Comfortably, at that." "You are truly an optimist," Thesaya let out a dry laugh as she muttered, and Brennen shook his head as though conceding defeat. However, Simon's words weren't finished yet. "I’ve heard the true face of this city isn’t in the bustling squares, but in its back alleys. Is that true?" Sanford, receiving his gaze, nodded. "Well, yes. It is also a rather dangerous place for someone like you to wander, my lord." "Just as I thought. Then, may I ask for your help, Elder?" Simon asked, turning slightly to look at Thesaya. As Thesaya nodded her chin, he added, "With a guide who knows the city well and a sufficiently skilled escort, I believe I could enjoy the city’s culture more safely." One of Ian's eyebrows twitched. He immediately realized that the sufficiently skilled escort was referring to Lucia. Thesaya, who seemed to have noticed as well, set down the glass in her hand and said, "So he says. What should we do, sir?" "If it were up to me, I would like to escort him myself, but as you know, I have other matters to attend to," Ian said slowly, looking at Lucia. As Simon, who had been listening with bated breath, smiled, Ian looked into Thesaya’s eyes. "Therefore, it would be best to entrust the guiding to Hashim and the escort to Mukapa." As Simon froze mid-smile, Ian ignored him and turned his head. "I do not believe they are who I am meant to be escorting." At Mukapa’s reply, Simon’s eyes lit up again. Back me up, won’t you? "Then, it can't be helped," Thesaya said, setting down her glass. When Ian looked back, she smiled and added, "I shall have to go along myself." Ian’s eyes narrowed slightly. This was something he hadn't expected. After all, Thesaya had been just as eager to go out. Before he could say anything, Thesaya turned her gaze and added, "Then you can accompany us, can’t you, Mukapa?" "If you wish, gladly," Mukapa replied with a respectful bow. Ian’s companions were likely included in the scope of his contract. "So he says." Thesaya looked at Ian with a slight smile. Her gaze seemed to ask him to choose whether to send her or Lucia. After a moment, Ian clicked his tongue and said, "Just… try not to cause any trouble." "Of course! Don’t worry, I won’t." Simon, who had been listening to the conversation blankly, finally twisted his expression. "So, you are saying that you, Elder, will accompany me?" "That's right. That’s exactly what I'm saying. Is there a problem?" Thesaya, turning to him as she answered, smiled coldly. "N-no… there isn't. Haha…" Simon forced a laugh, only pulling at the corners of his mouth. It was clear that he was not the type of human who felt attracted to elves. "Excellent. Then, since we're on the subject, let's prepare to leave at once." Thesaya, smiling brightly, set down her glass. It was obvious she wanted to escape this room immediately. "Could we not ask that beggar boy from earlier to accompany us as well?" Brennen asked cautiously. Receiving the gazes of almost everyone, he added with the most enthusiastic look he’d shown so far, "The more guides, the better, wouldn’t you agree? Besides, from what I saw earlier, he seems to be a very sharp child." "It seems you have other intentions," Lucia said with a strange smile on her lips. Brennen readily answered. "Of course. Is he not a child favored by the Radiant Goddess?" "You mean to bring that child into our family?" Simon asked, looking at him. Brennen immediately nodded. "Yes. That child may receive a revelation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Radiant Goddess is lighting our path forward." "Hmm… well," Simon muttered reluctantly. "This is a story that I, too, cannot simply ignore," Thesaya murmured, curling her lips. A glimmer of fairy-like greed stirred in her eyes, enough to draw a dry chuckle from Ian. At this rate, we might really end up taking that kid with us. He never thought a single offhand blessing would come back around . "You mean you want that boy as well, Elder?" Brennen asked, turning his head stiffly. Thesaya flicked her cigarette holder. "Why wouldn’t I?" "But… Elder, you already have…" As Brennen glanced at Ian, Thesaya scoffed. "The more paladins one has, the better. Besides, from the looks of it, the child seems more attached to this side, don't you think?" As Brenon sighed, she turned to Mukapa. "Can you find that child, Mukapa?" "It will not be difficult. He should be in this vicinity." "Excellent. Then, shall we take our leave?" Unlike Brennen, whose eyes looked like they were burning with frustration, Simon nodded leisurely. He seemed far less concerned with a boy who might become the Apostle of the Radiant Goddess, and far more eager to prolong his conversation with Lucia. "Take your time getting ready. I’ll go on ahead." Thesaya, who had stood up, beckoned to Hashim with a flick of her hand and walked. Mukapa naturally followed behind her, and Hashim, after giving Ian a slight bow, also left the room. Brennen, who had been staring daggers at their backs, grabbed Simon's arm urgently. "We must follow them, Young Master." "Forget it. I still have business to—" "There is no matter more important than this right now. We might lose the child if we're not careful. The opportunity that could change your destiny might disappear." "Sir, as I have said repeatedly, I have no interest in power… wait a minute. Why are you grabbing my arm now?" The squire, receiving Brennen's gaze, had grabbed Simon's other arm. As they dragged the struggling Simon away, Brennen looked back at Ian. "Then, I shall see you again, sir." "No. Wait a minute. Sir Brennen, let go of me, will you? I still have something I want to say to the young lady… no—" As Ian gave a slight tilt of his chin, Brennen and the squire dragged Simon out of the room. The young master’s pitiful protests faded quickly down the hall. As the room finally grew quiet, Ian, reaching out to pick up Thesaya's glass, looked at Lucia. "Well, at least they won’t be bored while they wait." "Indeed. Perhaps Shahin will even end up accompanying us," Lucia said with a nod. Ian, taking a sip of wine, shrugged. "Well, I don't know if the kid will follow willingly." "True. There must be a reason he’s begging at that age. Still, I hope he comes with us. I quite like him." "Seems both sides are eager enough. Let them sort it out themselves," said Ian, bringing the glass to his lips again. Lucia, who had been staring intently at him as he slowly tilted the glass, said, "You haven’t said a word about the young master. He looked like he fell for me at first sight." "Because you wouldn’t fall for an immature brat like that." As Ian answered, setting down his glass, a smile finally spread across Lucia’s lips. "So you trust my judgment." "Of course. It’s he that I don’t trust. If he pesters you again, just snap his arm. I’ll clean up the mess after." "There’s no need for that. He seemed the sort who’d burst into tears if I so much as twist his wrist." At Lucia’s playful remark, Ian let out a short laugh, then finally turned his eyes to Sanford. "We’ll move along with him. He’s got other captains to meet, but if we leave him on his own, he’s bound to get a knife in the ribs." Sanford’s expression crumpled slightly. "Right now, you mean?" "Why? You got a problem with that?" "No, sir. You’re right. Handing over half the crew won’t be finished in a single day. We’ve no way of knowing when we’ll set sail, so I must go." His voice was laced with a sigh, contrary to his words. Ian gave a brief nod, then turned toward Lucia and started walking. Sanford, who had followed him, glancing around, cautiously said, "Sir. Before that, would you mind stopping by that gambling den once more?" "I believe I may have dropped something very important there." As Sanford asked a beat later, Ian, without stopping, flicked his shoulder. "Because I have it." "Really? That's a relief!" A smile of relief finally spread across Sanford’s face. "It would have been a headache if it had fallen into the hands of that Kurdian. Thank you for keeping it safe, sir." "Who said I was keeping it for you?" "Excuse me?" Sanford’s smile froze. Ian, scoffing, opened the door and added. "I took it from the guy who backstabbed me, so of course it’s mine. Isn’t it?" "W–Wait, sir! Didn’t you say you’d forgiven me for that?" Sanford, his eyes finally wide, blurted out. Ian just shrugged and walked out into the hallway. Sanford, squeezing his eyes shut, scrambled after him, sputtering, "That talisman is truly as precious as my own life. It wouldn’t be of much use to you, sir. So please, if you would just show me mercy one more time—" "For now, just focus on what you need to do, Sanford. As for what to do with that talisman, I’ll think about it again when we arrive safely on the mainland." Ian cut him off. Looking back at Sanford, Ian said, "You don’t look like you want it back all that bad." "N–No, sir! Of course I do!" Sanford, hastily composing his expression, strode ahead. "I’ll lead the way. This way, sir!"