Category: As a villain, I just want them to behave

Chapter 73: Another Contract

“Your Highness, didn’t you say Kailun was finished?” Paul, his face a mask of confusion, gestured towards a triumphant Kailun.

“How should I know?” Lodis clutched his head, his voice laced with frustration. “This is impossible! The Grand Duke’s territory is miles away from Stamp’s stronghold! How did they know when to attack? And how is this happening at such a convenient time?”

“It’s like he’s possessed,” Harry muttered, finishing his thought.

Hilna had been outmaneuvered from the start. Even as mere observers, they felt a chill run down their spines. The pressure she must be feeling was unimaginable.

“There’s something strange about that Kailun. I’d rather not cross him.” Lodis, observing Stamp’s despair, felt a surge of fear.

Paul’s eyes widened. This wasn’t what he had hoped for.

“If Kailun emerges victorious, we’ll have no choice but to confront him. But rest assured, we have the full might of the Divine Church behind us. He can’t escape their judgment.”

Paul’s expression was unreadable as he met Harry’s gaze.

“Kneeling is simply too humiliating! I’ll add another ten thousand gold coins! How about that?” Stamp’s desperate plea interrupted their conversation.

Kailun considered his offer. “Agreed. In twenty minutes.”

Stamp: “…”

Every second that passed meant more bloodshed at his stronghold. What was the point of victory if his family was dead?

“Father!”

His son’s cry shattered his pride.

“Thud!” He dropped his sword and knelt. “Please spare my family! I’ll withdraw my troops!”

“Spare your family?”

“Hahaha! Coming from you? That’s rich! Stop making me laugh!” Kailun glared at him. “Need I remind you how many families you’ve slaughtered? Your hypocrisy disgusts me. Hand over your military command, and I’ll spare you and your family.”

“Never! I’ll never surrender my command! Without it, I’m at your mercy! I’d rather die with my family than hand it over to you!”

“He’s right! You can’t surrender your command!” Hilna, her voice frantic, supported Stamp.

“Shut up, you foolish woman! I’ll deal with you later!” Kailun snapped.

Hilna: “…”

“I’m a kind soul. I hate bloodshed. So let’s play a game. A fun game.” A wicked smile spread across his face.

“A game?” Stamp was bewildered by his sudden shift in tone.

“Yes, a game. With four players.” He pointed at Hilna, Lodis, and Stamp. “If you lose, you surrender your command. If I lose, I become your prisoner. If you don’t trust me, we can sign a contract.”

He retrieved a contract from a stack he had prepared earlier.

The sight of the contract sent chills down their spines. Had he anticipated even this?

Was he even human?

Phils and the others, however, felt a surge of admiration. Even their favorability towards him increased slightly.

Stamp realized this proposal was in his favor. Even if Kailun had been training since birth, he couldn’t possibly defeat him.

He scrutinized Kailun. He was an ordinary mage, barely strong enough to pose a threat to his army.

Why was he so confident? Even in his old age, he wasn’t someone to be trifled with!

“What’s wrong, Duke Stamp? Afraid? Take your time. Being outmaneuvered isn’t the end of the world, is it?” Kailun offered him a reassuring smile. He had all the time in the world.

Hilna, who had clashed with Kailun numerous times, warned, “Don’t trust him, Duke Stamp! It’s a trap!”

“I know you’re anxious, you foolish woman! But hold your horses! I have a contract for you too. Your opponent will be your dear sister, Vivian.” He tossed the contract towards her. “Take a minute to read it. The choice is yours. If you want a civil war, I’m game. But I’ve given up on your feeble mind.”

Hilna fumed at his insults, but as she read the contract, two words popped into her head: “So tempting.”

Of course, Kailun hadn’t forgotten about Lodis and his companions.

He sniffed the air, detecting the peculiar fragrance of the Sunset Flowers. It was time.

He turned to them. As expected, they were starting to show signs of distress.

“My, my, Your Highness. Feeling a little… queasy? Unfortunately, there are no toilets here. You’ll have to make do.”

“You bastard! What did you do to us?!” Lodis’s face contorted in agony.

Harry, despite his magical resistance, was also suffering. His aged face was a mask of pain.

Paul, the most heavily poisoned, had collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony.

Chapter 72: Duke Stamp, Outplayed

“If your words are lies, I’ll have your limbs severed,” Hilna declared, her gaze fixed on Kailun.

She had no need to hide her animosity now.

“My, my, how cruel! Threatening to dismember me? I’m terrified!” Kailun feigned fear, relishing her frustration.

“Oh, look! Duke Stamp has arrived!” He smiled, his eyes gleaming as he watched the dust billowing from the final entrance.

Stamp led a mixed legion, comprising knights, mages, and warriors, totaling over thirty thousand men.

Hilna’s heart pounded as she saw the vanguard appear. What if Kailun was telling the truth?

“Well, well, is everyone waiting for me? I thought the battle had already begun!” Stamp boomed, his laughter echoing through the valley. He seemed confident of victory.

He noticed Hilna’s anxious expression and quickly bowed. “Forgive my tardiness, Your Highness. I’ve come to your aid.”

Her worries dissipated. “Your arrival is all that matters. Kailun tried to sow discord between us, claiming you had betrayed me.”

“That little scoundrel! Daring to slander me? I’ll crush him under my heel and cut off his ears! Let’s see him be arrogant then!” Stamp, understanding her implication, pointed at Kailun and roared, reaffirming his loyalty.

“Kailun’s finished,” Lodis declared, watching Stamp’s arrival.

Hilna had over twenty thousand soldiers, and Stamp had over thirty thousand. Fifty thousand against twenty thousand? It wasn’t even a contest.

“I want to see him die!” Paul hissed, his gaze fixed on Kailun.

“Give it up. He’ll be captured alive. Hilna wouldn’t dare kill him.” Harry shook his head. He, too, saw no hope for Kailun.

…

“Can I kill him now?” Afra, her eyes fixed on Stamp, asked coldly.

“No need. He’s a dying dog,” Kailun replied dismissively.

He had vivid memories of Stamp’s role in aiding Hilna in his past life.

“Duke Stamp, you’re quite the vigorous old man! Traveling all this way to offer your support? One might think your entire family had been slaughtered. Oh, wait. They’re about to be. In about half an hour, I’d say. You did strip your defenses bare for this little expedition, didn’t you?” A cruel smile spread across his face.

“What do you mean?” Stamp frowned, sensing something was amiss.

Wasn’t Kailun supposed to be a cowardly fool? Why was he smiling in the face of certain defeat?

“Surely you’re aware that your stronghold is under attack? In half an hour, it’ll be a bloodbath. You seem awfully calm about it.” Kailun helpfully shared this information, hoping Stamp would express his gratitude later.

Stamp: “？？?”

“Your Grace! Disaster! Our stronghold is under attack by the Grand Duke’s knights! We’re about to be overrun!” A messenger, clutching a magical letter, knelt before him.

“What?!”

Stamp’s eyes bulged. He snatched the letter and scanned its contents.

The message was brief: their stronghold was under attack, the enemy had breached their defenses and were slaughtering his men, their forces were routed, they could only hold out for another half hour.

“You bastard! You did this! I’ll kill you!” He roared, drawing his sword and charging towards Kailun.

Kailun calmly raised a hand. “Don’t be hasty. Think of your family. Your rash actions might just wipe out your entire lineage.”

“Father, Grandfather and our brothers are still at home! What’s the point of living if they’re all dead?” Barr, his son, grabbed his arm, restraining him.

“I hate this! I hate this!” Stamp’s heart filled with regret. Why had he gotten involved in this power struggle?

He had gained nothing, and now his family was about to be wiped out.

He pointed at his army. “Call off your men! Or I’ll drag you down with me!”

“Is that how you beg? Shouldn’t you be on your knees, groveling?” Kailun ignored his threat. He knew Stamp’s weakness: his family.

His family was his everything. Destroy his foundation, and his legacy would crumble.

“Shouldn’t he be exposing his stomach?” Shirley muttered.

Thankfully, Hilna, consumed by her own anxieties, didn’t hear her. Her heart pounded in her chest.

She didn’t understand how Kailun had orchestrated this, but things were spiraling out of control. If she didn’t act quickly, Stamp might actually switch sides.

“Duke Stamp, don’t listen to his lies! He’s a devil! He’s just trying to humiliate you! Let’s join forces and capture him! The Grand Duke won’t dare retaliate then!” Her voice was hoarse with desperation.

She couldn’t afford another loss. Failure meant losing everything.

“Clap, clap, clap!” Kailun applauded. “What a brilliant plan! It’s easy to be ruthless when it’s not your family on the line, isn’t it?”

He turned to Stamp. “Think carefully. By the time your men kill my knights, your stronghold will be a graveyard. Shall we have a race? The only winner will be Hilna.”

Stamp glanced at Hilna, his eyes filled with regret.

He couldn’t act rashly. His family’s lives were at stake.

“I’ll pay you ten thousand gold coins to withdraw. Let’s pretend this never happened.”

Kailun considered his offer. “Agreed. But you’ll have to wait half an hour.”

Stamp: “…”

Chapter 71: Afra’s Devotion

Yes, he was back.

On this final battlefield, he had returned.

But this time, there were no regrets. He was the villain now, the one inflicting pain, not receiving it.

No one would harm those precious to him. He held onto not just the light of his past life, but also his newfound convictions.

He had returned to the beginning, reclaiming what he had lost.

His eyes gleamed, reflecting the sunlight.

Perhaps one only truly appreciated something after losing it.

And now, holding it once more, he considered it a gift of fate.

Afra, gazing into his eyes, saw a kaleidoscope of emotions: excitement, sorrow, longing…

She didn’t understand, yet she felt a connection to those emotions, as if they were hers.

In this moment, his world revolved around her.

Their eyes met, and she felt a surge of emotion, a feeling that transcended time, reawakening within her.

It was her heartbeat, yet not quite hers.

“I… I do.” She placed her hand on her chest, offering her answer.

She had never been good at refusing him. She would give him anything he desired.

She had once seen him as a younger brother. Now, she saw him as both brother and lover.

[Afra’s love for you burns brightly. Her heart beats for you. Devotion achieved. Favorability 100. Attribute points gained…]

Ignoring the system notification, Kailun focused on her answer.

He retrieved a ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger.

He stood, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her, pouring all his emotions into that single act.

Afra, flustered but willing, wrapped her arms around him, surrendering to his embrace.

The surrounding knights, witnessing this scene, knelt, their fists pressed against their chests, offering their silent blessings.

“Boom!”

Like a wave, they knelt, row after row, until every knight in the valley was on one knee.

Vivian touched her flat chest, a strange feeling of emptiness washing over her.

She reminded herself, over and over, that she hated Kailun.

Carol watched with envy, eagerly anticipating the day Kailun had promised her.

Phils, equally envious, nibbled on her finger. Anna and Ella exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

Winnie paused mid-bite, her gaze fixed on Kailun. He seemed like a different person from the monster who had tormented her.

“Your Highness, they’re actually getting married! Should we attack?” Shirley stared, bewildered.

“The arrow is already drawn. There’s no turning back. Have the mages begin their incantations. I’ll turn this wedding into a funeral.” Hilna glanced at the mages entering the valley, her voice cold.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Magical energy surged, illuminating the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors. The light bathed Kailun and Afra in an ethereal glow, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty.

The Silver Moon Knights rose, drawing their swords and mounting their steeds. They awaited Afra’s command, ready to charge.

The tension in the air was palpable. Battle was imminent.

“Be ready to teleport at a moment’s notice! These people are mad!” Lodis warned.

He surveyed his assembled guards and raised his arm. “But I’m feeling a little mad myself! On my command, prepare to charge! There can only be one victor today!”

Paul watched, consumed by jealousy. Kailun, surrounded by beauty, the center of attention, calm amidst the brewing storm… He possessed a confidence and charisma that Paul could only dream of.

He clutched the scroll in his hand, his heart filled with resentment.

“Stop… they’re chanting…” Afra, breathless, pushed Kailun away. “They’re about to attack.”

He glanced at the mages and chuckled. “Hilna is a greedy woman. She’s casting high-level spells. We have time.”

He kissed her again.

“You… mmm…” She tried to push him away, but eventually gave in.

He finally released her as Hilna’s spell neared completion, her body limp in his arms.

She looked down at her wedding dress, her voice laced with annoyance. “This isn’t exactly battle attire.”

“No need for the bride to fight today. Leave everything to me.” He stroked her hair gently and stepped forward.

Afra watched as he confidently strode to the forefront, a rare smile gracing her lips.

She followed, her dress trailing behind her, stopping a step behind him.

She trusted his judgment, even if it led them to ruin.

“Your Highness, you wouldn’t want to see the Xiya Kingdom destroyed, would you?” His voice boomed through the valley.

Hilna frowned, that familiar unease creeping back into her heart. “What do you mean?”

His smile was all too familiar. She had seen it in her nightmares.

“It’s quite simple. You’ve already lost. Duke Stamp, your supposed reinforcement, is actually on my side.”

“!!!”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. How had he learned about Stamp’s arrival?

And how could Stamp possibly be on his side?

“Curious, aren’t you? Want to know why? Then have those imbecile mages cease their chanting! Their noise is giving me a headache!”

“What should we do, Your Highness?” Shirley asked, her voice panicked.

Her instincts, fueled by her fear of Kailun, told her he was telling the truth.

Hilna felt the same. While Stamp’s betrayal seemed highly unlikely, what if…

“Cease the chanting! Stamp’s army will arrive any minute now. What’s a few more minutes? We have the numbers. We can afford to minimize our casualties.” She tried to convince herself, even as fear gnawed at her heart.

Shirley, unsure what to say, offered a rote response. “Your wisdom is unmatched, Your Highness!”

Hilna: “…”

The magic formations in the sky flickered and died, the magical energy dissipating.

Kailun smiled, pleased. That’s right. Be a good girl and everything will be fine.

Chapter 70: So I Returned

Time ticked by as Kailun continued to torment Winnie.

He glanced at the sun’s position in the sky. It was time.

He helped Winnie to her feet and handed her over to Vivian. His gaze swept across the assembled crowd. “Sound the drums! Welcome the bride!”

“Boom!”

A hundred drums thundered in unison, their sound reverberating through the valley.

The earth-shaking rhythm signaled the arrival of something momentous.

Harry helped Paul to his feet. Lodis watched, eager to witness Kailun’s trump card.

Hilna, however, was gambling on her own superiority. She had learned that Kailun had hidden an army near the Royal City, numbering at least five thousand.

It wasn’t a significant number to her. Her own forces far outnumbered his.

If this was all he had, victory was assured.

She signaled to Shirley, instructing her to summon their troops.

There were only four entrances to the valley. Two were blocked by Kailun and Lodis’s men. She could only bring her army in through the entrance she controlled.

The final entrance was reserved for Stamp. He should be arriving any minute now.

The valley’s unique topography ensured that the forces approaching from different directions wouldn’t clash prematurely.

“Rumble!”

Accompanied by the thunderous drums, a wave of hoofbeats echoed through the valley. Dust billowed as a white torrent surged towards the center.

At the forefront, riding a white steed, was a silver-haired figure clad in a wedding dress.

She was both knight and bride today, her white gown her armor. She pierced Kailun’s heart like a ray of light, taking root and blossoming.

On this final battlefield, she arrived with her Silver Moon Knights, an unstoppable force.

Everyone stared in astonishment. How had Afra, stationed at the border, reached the Royal City? Had she departed three days ago?

Impossible. The city had been eerily calm just three days ago.

Afra, known as the Silver Moon Knight, possessed unparalleled talent. Many believed she had the potential to reach the pinnacle of knighthood.

If she was here, did that mean her elite Silver Moon Knights were also present?

Their question was answered as they witnessed the disciplined ranks of knights following behind her.

The Silver Moon Knights were considered the second strongest knight order in the entire Xiya Kingdom, both in terms of numbers and quality.

The only reason they weren’t ranked first was because their core, Afra, hadn’t reached her full potential.

The top spot belonged to the veteran knight order personally trained by Grand Duke Kuhl in his younger days. Their superior equipment and experience gave them a slight edge.

And that very knight order was currently assaulting Stamp’s stronghold.

“No wonder he dared to challenge Hilna! With a knight order like that, I’d declare war on her too!” Lodis, understanding dawning upon him, gestured to his aide. “Summon the rest of our guards! I’m turning this place into a bloodbath!”

“But Your Highness, we only have five thousand guards left…”

“Just do it! Sometimes, a temporary victory isn’t a true victory!”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

Lodis turned to Paul. “Harry gave us teleportation scrolls. Don’t hesitate to use yours if things get messy. Staying here will only lead to your death.”

Paul clutched the scroll in his pocket, his gaze fixed on Kailun. He suppressed his rage and nodded.

“If this is your trump card, Kailun, you’re going to lose.” Hilna watched, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

Her anxiety vanished, replaced by renewed confidence. The throne was hers.

Shirley, mirroring her smile, said, “It seems victory is ours, Your Highness.”

“Indeed. Kailun might have made a clever move, but he failed to account for everything. His limited vision betrayed him. If I were him, I would have launched a surprise attack with two knight orders. Even if he couldn’t defeat me, he could have weakened my forces significantly.” Hilna, her mood lifted, analyzed the situation.

She couldn’t imagine how twenty thousand knights could possibly defeat her.

If she lost this battle, she might as well surrender herself to Kailun.

“Your brilliance is unmatched, Your Highness!” Shirley offered a well-practiced compliment.

…

The narrow valley entrance restricted the number of knights who could enter. The rest remained outside, ready to provide support.

“Let me help you down.” Kailun extended his hand as Afra reached the edge of the wedding venue.

“I’m not that fragile.” Despite her words, she placed her gloved hand in his.

As he helped her dismount, she surveyed her surroundings. “Is the plan going smoothly?”

“The main plan is on track. But some minor details… didn’t quite pan out.” He was referring to Paul.

He hadn’t anticipated the interference of a meddling old man who had captured Paul’s “heart.”

“But enough about that. You look absolutely stunning today, Sister Afra. I can barely contain myself.”

He led her to the center of the stage and knelt before her, kissing her hand. “Sister Afra, I love you. I want you. Will you marry me?”

Afra was stunned. This wasn’t part of the plan!

Her heart pounded in her chest, a delicate blush gracing her cheeks.

“Is this… also part of the plan?” she asked, her gaze fixed on him.

As she studied him, she realized that the boy who had once needed her protection was gone.

He was strong, confident, capable of offering a shoulder to lean on.

This was a different kind of love, more intense than familial affection.

“Yes, it’s part of the plan.” He looked up at her, his eyes filled with sincerity. “A plan I made in my past life. I promised that once we won this war, I would come home and marry you. So… I’m back.”

Chapter 69: Feeding Winnie Milk in Front of Paul

“Isn’t that Miss Winnie?” Lodis’s voice jolted Paul out of his meditation.

His heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name.

He followed Lodis’s gaze and saw Kailun teasing Winnie with a piece of stale bread.

She looked like a begging dog, her eyes pleading for sustenance.

“Stop it! You monster! What are you doing to her!” He charged forward, his anger boiling over.

If not for Lodis restraining him, he would have launched a flying kick.

His previous “encounter” with Kailun had revealed his third-tier strength. Paul was confident he could win in a fight.

“Do I need your permission to feed my fiancée?” Kailun’s voice was cold.

He sat on a boulder, Winnie kneeling between his legs, her gaze fixed on the bread, her mouth watering.

He had discovered that Winnie’s spirit wasn’t as strong as he had initially thought. After last night’s humiliation, her despair had deepened, making her more susceptible to his manipulations.

Before, she would have starved rather than accept food from him.

But now, a simple piece of bread could elicit such a pathetic response. Her hatred, however, remained undiminished.

If not for the anti-magic collar suppressing her magic, she would have resorted to more desperate measures.

Winnie felt a surge of shame as she met Paul’s gaze, but the gnawing hunger quickly overshadowed it.

If she had a tail, she would have wagged it.

The candy he had given her earlier, enhancing her senses, amplified her hunger.

“Fiancée?” Paul’s heart sank. Was this wedding for Winnie?

He examined her beautiful black dress, his suspicions growing.

Even though he had already considered the possibility of her becoming Kailun’s, witnessing it firsthand was unbearable.

She was his childhood friend, the girl he loved.

“Is this your wedding with Winnie?” he asked, clutching his chest, his heart threatening to explode.

“What do you think?” Kailun countered.

His answer confirmed Paul’s worst fears. “But even so, you can’t treat her like this! Only I can do that to her!”

“No, that’s not what I meant! I meant… what you’re doing is monstrous!” His thoughts were a jumbled mess, torn between anger and jealousy.

“I’m merely engaging in a bit of playful intimacy with my fiancée. Isn’t it rather presumptuous of you, an outsider, to interfere? Don’t you agree, my dear Winnie?”

He held the bread to her lips. Driven by instinct, she opened her mouth and bit down, crumbs scattering across the ground.

It was a pitiful sight. The once proud noble lady reduced to begging for scraps.

Look how he’s starving the poor girl! Heartless monster! He’ll surely rot in hell!

Oh, right. He was the one starving her.

Kailun, having recently crawled out of hell, wasn’t concerned.

“Stop it, you anim…” Paul’s insult died in his throat as Roden’s cold gaze fell upon him.

Even with Harry by his side, he felt a surge of fear.

Kailun stroked Winnie’s cheek gently. “Is it good?”

“Mmm…” She couldn’t answer, her focus consumed by the act of swallowing.

Tears streamed down her face, staining Kailun’s pants. Her pride was in tatters.

“Eating bread alone can be dry. Let’s add some milk.”

He retrieved a bottle of milk and uncorked it. Winnie expected him to hand it to her, but instead, he took a large gulp himself.

He pointed at his lips, his eyes meeting hers.

Understanding dawned upon her. He wanted her to kiss him, to take it from him, with Paul watching.

Tears flowed freely as she cupped his face in her hands and, driven by desperation, closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his.

“No! Don’t do it!” Paul cried out, lunging forward, but Harry held him back.

“Gulp, gulp!”

Kailun transferred the milk into her mouth, his movements rough and forceful. She choked, spluttering.

“Cough, cough…” Milk dribbled down her chin, staining her dress.

“Why… why are you doing this to me? Why are you betraying me, Winnie?” Paul collapsed to the ground, his spirit broken.

The scene before him mirrored his own experience the previous night.

He was on the verge of a complete breakdown.

Just as Kailun was about to take things further, Harry knelt beside Paul and embraced him, his voice soft and comforting. “Don’t despair, my boy. Women are but fleeting distractions. You have people who care about you. You haven’t lost everything. Look ahead. The future is bright.”

Paul: “…Mmm…”

Kailun: “？？?”

Seriously? That worked?

He was stunned. Just how twisted were these nobles?

And that Harry! Taking advantage of Paul’s vulnerability? The audacity!

Kailun felt a twinge of disappointment. His plan had almost succeeded. He hugged Winnie tighter, afraid of being influenced by their depravity.

He wasn’t the most deviant one after all. The nobility was a breeding ground for perversion.

He slipped Winnie a piece of the antidote when no one was looking. Otherwise, she might start gnawing on his pants.

As her hunger subsided, she realized what she had done. Her already fragile self-esteem plummeted even further, her favorability towards Kailun dropping to -95.

She turned and saw Paul nestled in the old man’s arms. She almost vomited.

“Don’t you dare throw up on me! You’ll lick it up and swallow it!” Kailun warned.

“Mmm…” She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

Chapter 68: Poor Winnie

“Father, our journey to reinforce Princess Hilna must be worthy of the highest commendation, right?” Stamp’s son asked excitedly as their army marched towards the valley.

Duke Stamp chuckled, unable to contain his glee. “It might not be the highest, but it’s certainly a significant contribution. If all goes well, our family might even surpass the Grand Duke’s.”

Young Barr, ever the strategist, offered his analysis. “Father, with all due respect, the Grand Duke’s family poses no threat. Their sole heir is a complete fool. He’s about to be surrounded by Hilna’s forces and he’s still oblivious.”

“Haha, once we capture that boy, we can hold the entire Grand Duke’s family hostage! We might even be able to seize a portion of their territory! Foolishly opposing the brilliant Princess Hilna? He’s practically begging for death!”

Stamp had always envied the Grand Duke’s family. They had started from similar positions, but over generations, the gap between them had widened significantly.

His own family was in decline. With the impending change in royal leadership, he had no choice but to side with Hilna.

This was his chance to restore his family’s glory. Failure meant demotion and the loss of their lands.

He was grateful that Kailun was an incompetent fool. Otherwise, this power struggle might have taken a different turn.

And holding a grand wedding at such a crucial time? What a perfect opportunity for Hilna to strike!

However, the wedding venue… He couldn’t shake off a sense of unease about that valley.

“How long until we reach our destination?”

“Just half an hour, Your Grace,” his aide replied.

“Excellent! Increase our pace! This battle will be our rebirth! Victory will bring great rewards! I’ll personally recommend those who excel for promotion and noble titles!”

His booming voice masked his inner turmoil.

…

Meanwhile, another Knight Order from the Grand Duke’s forces had reached Duke Stamp’s stronghold.

They observed the city from afar, concealed within the forest.

Their cloaking magic had ensured their journey went unnoticed.

Or perhaps it was simply Stamp’s negligence. He had likely never considered the possibility of an attack from such a distance.

Such long expeditions typically didn’t carry excessive supplies, limiting the attackers’ ability to sustain a prolonged siege. Failure meant attrition and defeat.

But this wasn’t a normal situation. Stamp’s undefended stronghold wouldn’t stand a chance against these elite knights. They were simply waiting for the opportune moment.

Master Kailun had called it an auspicious time. They didn’t understand the significance, but they followed orders.

If all went well, Kailun’s standing in their eyes would soar.

He glanced at his watch. Half an hour until the designated time.

A similar scene played out near the Eternal Fortress. Everyone was waiting for the same synchronized moment.

As if guided by fate, the Silver Moon Knights and Stamp’s army both arrived at 9:00 am.

For Kailun, this was the perfect time.

…

“Princess Hilna is truly generous. A gift of ten thousand gold coins? Far more extravagant than a certain prince.” Kailun examined the contents of the chest Hilna had presented him with, offering a perfunctory compliment.

“A mere trifle.” She waved her hand dismissively.

The gold wasn’t meant for him. It was a reward for Stamp, to be presented after his capture.

“I’m truly indebted to you, Your Highness. First Phils, then Vivian, and now this generous gift. You spoil me.” He gestured for his men to collect the gold.

Hilna suddenly felt like a fool.

Phils, one of the Five Great Beauties of the Royal City? Gifted!

Her adorable little sister, Vivian? Gifted!

A wedding gift of ten thousand gold coins? Gifted!

What else could she possibly offer? Her kingdom? Herself?

“How’s Vivian doing?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Excellent! Very useful!” He gave her a thumbs-up.

Hilna: “…”

Shirley: “…”

If not for Stamp’s impending arrival, she might have attacked him on the spot.

Sensing the conversation was going nowhere, Kailun gestured towards Lodis and his group. “Your brother and his companions have just arrived. Why don’t you join them? Catch up on family matters.”

Hilna’s face darkened. “I doubt they’d welcome me.”

“How about I leave Phils to entertain you?” He grinned mischievously.

Hilna’s eyes narrowed, a hint of cruelty flashing within. “Is that so? I have much to discuss with Miss Phils.”

Phils quickly hid behind Kailun. Leaving her with Hilna would be like throwing a lamb to a wolf.

“What a shame. Phils seems quite attached to me. My apologies.” He offered a insincere apology and led Phils away.

As they walked away, he leaned in and whispered, “Compared to Hilna, I’m quite kind, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, yes! You’re the best!” She nodded eagerly.

A minor noble like her, without protection, would be crushed in this power struggle.

Pitiful, weak, and… well, she needed Kailun’s protection to maintain her facade of confidence.

She clung to him, feeling safe and secure.

[Phils feels safe under your protection. Favorability increased. Current favorability: 82.]

“Since I rescued you from Hilna’s clutches, you wouldn’t mind helping with the venue preparations, would you?”

“Of course not! I’ll go right away!” She hurried off to assist Carol, her eagerness a performance for the benefit of those watching.

With a little time to spare, Kailun decided to make another attempt at pushing Paul’s favorability past -100.

He had already punched the guy, and his favorability hadn’t budged. Was he made of stone?

His gaze fell upon a pitiful Winnie. An idea sparked in his mind.

Chapter 67: The First Punch

Kailun shook his head, feigning disappointment. “Paul, you break my heart. I considered you a friend. I lent you money, helped you find your sister, and even paid a hefty sum to rescue her when she was about to be sold into slavery.”

“Enough!” Paul snapped, his voice strangely high-pitched.

“Stop pretending, Kailun! I never considered you a friend! I only approached you to exploit your wealth and status! And you were doing the same to me! You enjoyed mocking me, humiliating me, playing with my emotions!” He glared at Kailun, his eyes filled with hatred.

“You’re wrong. I did consider you a friend. At least until three days ago.”

He had been naive in his past life, trusting Paul completely. But that trust had been shattered.

He hadn’t known that Paul had already pledged his allegiance to Hilna by the time they graduated.

And to make matters worse, he had failed to kill Paul. The one opportunity he had, during an ambush, had been thwarted by Winnie, who had taken the blow meant for Paul. Their final confrontation had ended in a crushing defeat.

He had lost his family, his hope, everything.

But in this life, he would return that despair tenfold.

“Stop with the charade! You disgust me!” Paul spat.

Kailun’s brow furrowed. “How dare you!”

Before anyone could react, he channeled a portion of his attributes into Agility and Strength, appearing before Paul in a flash.

“Thud!”

A sickening crunch echoed through the valley as Paul’s body folded in on itself, flying backwards.

He crashed through a group of soldiers, finally coming to a stop after skidding across the ground for over ten meters.

Lodis’s face hardened. “Kailun, that was uncalled for! Attacking my man in my presence? Do you have no respect for a prince?”

Harry, who had been watching with amusement, now glared at Kailun before rushing over to heal Paul.

“My apologies, Your Highness. But Paul broke the law by openly insulting a noble. I’m within my rights to punish him, even if it means removing his limbs. Are you suggesting there’s something wrong with the kingdom’s laws?” Kailun smiled sweetly, wiping his hands with a handkerchief offered by Anna.

He had attacked Paul for one simple reason: he felt like it.

Lodis, after a moment of silence, chuckled. “You’re right, of course. It was Paul’s fault. Let’s not dwell on this. It’s your wedding day. Congratulations.”

Kailun ignored the sarcasm in his voice. “Thank you for your kind wishes. What gift have you brought? I’m quite curious.”

Lodis froze.

He hadn’t planned on bringing a gift. His plan involved sacrificing his remaining guards and then framing Kailun and Hilna as traitors with Harry’s help. He hadn’t anticipated Kailun’s audacity.

But refusing to offer a gift would be a loss of face.

He took a deep breath, reminding himself to be magnanimous.

“Of course!” He gritted his teeth and retrieved a scroll from his pocket. “A fifth-tier magic scroll. That should suffice.”

A fifth-tier scroll was worth nearly a thousand gold coins, a valuable commodity in the Xiya Kingdom.

“More than enough! You’re too kind, Your Highness.” Kailun smiled, handing the scroll to Roden for safekeeping.

“Oh, look! The princess has arrived! Please excuse me, Your Highness. I must go greet her.”

He grabbed Anna’s hand and hurried away.

“The nerve! He didn’t even bother assigning someone to entertain us! No wonder Hilna hates you!” Lodis fumed, watching him go.

“How’s Paul? Did that bastard kill him?” He turned to Harry, his voice laced with concern.

“Minor internal bleeding. A scratch. Not even as much blood as we spilled last night. He’s fine now.” Harry helped Paul to his feet.

“That Kailun is going too far! A wedding? Hah! Hilna’s army will arrive soon enough. It’ll be a funeral!” Lodis scoffed.

“Don’t underestimate him. He’s strange. He only displayed third-tier power, but I couldn’t sense its source.” Harry shook his head, his gaze wary.

Lodis frowned. “Is that even possible?”

“Cough, cough!” Paul coughed, struggling to sit up. He glared at Kailun, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Harry embraced him, his voice soothing. “My poor boy. Don’t fret. Once I introduce you to the Saint, you’ll soar to new heights. Kailun will be nothing to you. The entire Xiya Kingdom will be beneath you.”

Despite his disgust, Paul endured, his desire for revenge overriding his revulsion.

He couldn’t understand how Kailun had surpassed him in strength. In his eyes, Kailun had always been a talentless weakling.

…

Meanwhile, Kailun, with Phils by his side, approached Hilna. He had switched Anna and Phils’s positions earlier.

“Welcome, Your Highness! You brought quite the entourage! I’m honored.” He smiled, his gaze sweeping across her companions.

Kostja, Loston, and the others offered him awkward smiles.

Anderson was the most pitiful. He had lost his hand and his position, forced into early retirement.

Only Shirley and Hilna met his gaze directly. Shirley seemed unchanged, but Hilna looked weary, the aura of regality that had once surrounded her now faded.

What a shame, Kailun thought. She had lost a bit of her edge.

“You were a valued student, Kailun. I wouldn’t miss your wedding. But is Phils truly the bride?” Hilna’s gaze flickered between them. She had suspected Phils’s betrayal for some time now.

“Not quite. She hasn’t arrived yet. But you’ll see her soon enough.” His smile held a hidden meaning.

Chapter 66: Paul, You Sold Your Own Sister?

Kailun’s “procession” consisted of just over a thousand people, all clad in black attire. Like a dark tide, they surged forward, their path unimpeded.

They arrived at the valley at 8:30 am, the sun already bathing the land in its golden light.

The valley had been meticulously transformed. Black Sunset Flowers carpeted every inch of the ground, interspersed with elegant decorations. It truly resembled a wedding venue.

But while Kailun’s face was alight with amusement, the expressions of those around him were decidedly more serious.

“Hmm, the princess isn’t here yet? Late for such an important event? How careless of her,” Kailun remarked, his gaze sweeping across the valley.

“You still haven’t told us who the bride is!” Phils, clad in a black dress, hopped out of the carriage and promptly linked her arm with his.

Kailun sighed, resigned to her clinginess. “My arm belongs to the bride today. Aren’t you afraid she’ll run you through with her sword?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll let go when she arrives. Besides, don’t you think it’s exciting? A groom engaging in secret rendezvous with another woman right before his wedding… Ooh, I’m getting goosebumps!” Phils giggled, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to tell her all about it.”

“So who is the bride?” Vivian, hopping out of the carriage behind them, echoed Phils’s question.

A strange feeling of discomfort settled in her chest.

She hated Kailun, but why did this bother her so much?

“Patience. You’ll find out soon enough.” Kailun smiled, keeping his answer a secret.

Carol, Anna, and Ella, however, had their suspicions. They all thought of the same person: the silver-haired beauty.

Carol felt a pang of envy. Anna was indifferent. Ella, on the other hand, felt a sense of pity. What a waste that such a perfect woman would end up with a devil like Kailun.

“Can I have something to eat? I’m starving!” Winnie, her face pale and drawn, stumbled out of the carriage, barely managing to stay upright.

She, too, wore a black dress, but unlike the others, she had a collar around her neck, a chain connecting it to Vivian’s wrist.

“Didn’t you feed her?” Kailun asked Vivian.

“A disobedient dog deserves to be hungry,” Vivian replied calmly.

In truth, she had simply forgotten about Winnie.

“But she hasn’t eaten in two days.”

Vivian pouted. “Don’t question my methods. I know how to train dogs. I read about it in a book.”

“I wouldn’t dream of doubting your expertise. Since you’re confident, I’ll leave Winnie in your care. If you do well, you can even train Hilna.”

He had no doubt she would excel at this task. In his past life, the phrase Vivian had uttered most often was “Be my dog.”

She might not be able to train him in this life, but training his enemies was a close second.

“Really?” Vivian’s eyes lit up.

“I never lie.”

“I’m really about to faint! Please, just a bite!” Winnie leaned against the carriage, her head spinning.

Why was she, a noble lady, being subjected to such cruelty?

And she couldn’t even vent her frustration at Vivian. Years of ingrained social hierarchy prevented her from defying a member of the Royal Family.

“The princess and the Second Prince aren’t here yet. You girls can explore the area, but stay within my sight.”

Kailun, once again ignoring Winnie’s pleas, addressed the others.

No one dared disobey him, except for Winnie. Even Vivian, thanks to her self-inflicted poisoning, was under his control.

Ella immediately dragged Anna aside for a private conversation, while Vivian, with Winnie in tow, wandered off, further depleting her already dwindling energy.

Soon, only Carol and Phils remained by his side.

“Phils, how much do you know about internal affairs?” he asked.

“A little. I used to help my family manage our territory.”

“Just a little? That won’t do. You need to learn more. I’ll find you a competent tutor after today’s events.”

He didn’t have the time to micromanage every aspect of governance. He would set the overall direction, but the details were best left to others. Otherwise, Phils and the others would be nothing more than beautiful ornaments.

“Okay, okay. But honestly, I’d rather be subjected to your… interrogation methods.”

“If you prove your worth, I might indulge your… Wait. Looks like we have company.”

He spotted the Second Prince’s entourage approaching on horseback.

He called the girls back and, with Anna and Roden by his side, went to greet their guests.

Roden was there for security. Anna, however, was there to provoke Paul, who was riding among Lodis’s men.

Not only was Paul present, but he was also positioned between Lodis and Harry, clearly favored.

And judging by his aura, he had already reached the third tier. He must have paid a steep price for that power.

The advance party was small, only five hundred men. But Kailun sensed magical fluctuations emanating from the three leaders: spatial magic, if he wasn’t mistaken.

They had clearly prepared an escape route.

“Your Highness, Bishop Harry. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. Your attendance makes this wedding truly special.” Kailun greeted them, his arm casually draped around Anna’s waist.

“The pleasure is all ours, Kailun. It’s an honor to be invited.” Lodis dismounted and returned the gesture. He eyed Anna curiously. “Is this the lovely bride? Truly a beauty, even by royal standards.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness. This isn’t the bride. Her name is Anna. Paul’s sister. I purchased her from him for two thousand gold coins. I must thank my dear friend Paul for this wonderful opportunity.”

“Oh? Paul’s sister?” Lodis turned to Paul, his eyebrows raised. “Is this true? You sold your own sister for two thousand gold coins?”

Paul felt a surge of anger. He jumped off his horse. “I have no such friend! And I have no such shameless sister!”

Anna’s expression turned even colder at his words.

Chapter 65: Afra’s Wedding Dress

“Princess Vivian, haven’t you considered fighting back?” Winnie asked, wiping away her tears.

“Fight back? Did you not see how badly I lost?” Vivian replied, savoring her meal.

“Grrr…” Winnie’s stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten in over a day. “What are you eating? Can you spare a bite?”

Kailun had delivered food last night, but the box had been empty.

Vivian glanced at Winnie through the glass wall, her disheveled appearance serving as a reminder of Kailun’s cruelty.

There was a small hole in the wall, large enough to pass food through. She wondered what purpose it served.

“No. You haven’t washed your hands. I don’t want to share.” Her voice dripped with disdain.

“…”

Winnie’s idealized image of the princess shattered.

She had never experienced hunger before. She stared at the dim ceiling, her mind racing. How had she ended up in this predicament? What had she done to provoke Kailun?

The only explanation she could come up with was Paul. Kailun was probably seeking revenge.

He had mentioned taking her somewhere tomorrow. Perhaps she would see Paul again.

…

After feeding Vivian, Kailun returned to his villa. He spent the entire day poring over reports, gathering information on Hilna, Lodis, the Divine Church, and the Abyss.

His actions so far were merely a prelude. Once he controlled the Xiya Kingdom, the real chaos would begin.

Those who had wronged him, every single one of them, would pay.

Even if he couldn’t defeat them now, he could bide his time, waiting for Carol to reach her full potential. And if he was lucky, he might even gain access to her power.

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see the world burn.

If Winnie had witnessed his current state, she would have retreated to her corner, trembling in fear.

He had spent the entire day strategizing. This was his first true battle since his rebirth. Victory would grant him control of the Xiya Kingdom, a foundation for his future conquests.

…

While some rejoiced, others trembled. Even with her army at her command, Hilna couldn’t shake off a sense of unease.

Something felt wrong, but she couldn’t pinpoint the source. It was as if an invisible net had been cast over her, trapping her in darkness.

She shook her head, forcing those thoughts away. She pinned all her hopes on tomorrow’s battle.

If she defeated Kailun, she would become the Queen of Xiya. Failure meant surrendering her kingdom to a usurper.

As for Lodis?

He was a weak and indulgent fool. She would crush him alongside Kailun.

…

“We might lose tomorrow, but regardless of who wins, they’ll be branded traitors! We’ll retreat, regroup, and rally the other nobles. This kingdom will still be mine!” Lodis shared his plan with Paul, treating him as a confidant.

“But is it worth sacrificing so many of our guards?” Paul winced at the thought.

“Greatness demands sacrifice. I’ll inform the higher-ups about what transpired here. They can easily replenish our ranks from neighboring nations.” Harry patted his shoulder. “You want revenge on Kailun, don’t you? Once our plan succeeds, he won’t escape, even with his father’s protection! The Xiya Kingdom has attracted too much attention. The higher-ups want to make it a vassal state of the Divine Empire.”

He glanced at Lodis, who remained silent, seemingly unfazed by his words.

“I can really kill him…?” Paul stared at his hands, a twisted smile spreading across his face.

…

The sun rose, casting its golden rays upon a world on the brink of chaos.

Kailun, clad in his new suit, led the procession on horseback.

A carriage followed, carrying Vivian and the others. They were all dressed in elegant black dresses, as per his instructions. He had declared it a day of celebration.

At the same time, the Silver Moon Knights, stationed in a nearby town, marched towards the valley.

Afra, their captain, rode at the front, her white wedding dress flowing behind her like a banner.

She gazed towards the valley, her heart pounding with anticipation.

Kailun had promised her a surprise.

Chapter 64: A Battle of Words

After changing and having breakfast, Kailun headed towards the dungeon, two food boxes in hand.

Phils was still asleep. She had spent the night tossing and turning in the cell next to his, unable to sleep.

It wasn’t that the walls were thin. He had simply forgotten to close the window.

Winnie’s favorability had dipped even further after last night’s accident, reaching -90.

She sat slumped in the corner, her once pristine dress now stained and crumpled.

She glanced up at him as he entered, her eyes filled with resentment, before quickly looking away. Last night’s events had clearly taken a toll on her.

Kailun decided against further torment. Everyone had their limits. Pushing her now wouldn’t yield any additional benefits.

He placed a food box outside her cell and entered Vivian’s room. She was sitting at the table, engrossed in a novel.

“Tomorrow, I’m taking you to see your sister. If we’re lucky, we might even bring her back to keep you company.” He placed the food box on the table and opened it for her.

“If you manage to capture that woman, I might even thank you.” Vivian swung her legs, her feet dangling above the ground.

“No need for thanks. Just a kiss will do.” He chuckled.

Her eyes lit up. “Can I pay you in advance?”

“Of course.” He feigned ignorance.

“Close your eyes. Give me five seconds. I’ll grant your wish.” She tilted her chin up, a triumphant glint in her eyes.

This was her chance to turn the tables, to make Kailun her pet and subject him to the same torment he had inflicted upon her!

“Close your eyes! How am I supposed to kiss you if you’re staring at me?” She urged, impatient.

“Alright.”

He closed his eyes and sat still, a smile playing on his lips. He was an experienced angler, patiently waiting for his prey to take the bait.

The moment his eyes closed, Vivian popped the poisoned candy into her mouth and, with a mischievous grin, launched herself at him, her lips crashing against his.

Her tongue explored his mouth with a surprising amount of enthusiasm.

Kailun, enjoying the sensation, couldn’t resist teasing her back.

Their tongues danced, a playful battle for dominance. Vivian, to her surprise, found herself enjoying the experience.

Kailun knew her all too well. He could practically read her mind.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally pulled away, breathless and flushed.

“You’re doomed! You’ve been poisoned! Without my antidote, you’ll be coughing up blood within three days!” She stood, her hands on her hips, her stocking-clad legs planted firmly on his instep. “Scared speechless, are we?”

She imagined herself leading the charge against Hilna, Kailun by her side, her loyal puppet.

But Kailun simply pointed at his lips. “That’s not where I wanted you to kiss me. You misunderstood.”

“Where then?”

He didn’t answer. He simply lowered his head.

Vivian followed his gaze, her face turning crimson. “You pervert! How dare you think such filthy thoughts! I’ll punish you!”

He caught her fist before it could connect. “Before you punish me, why don’t you check if your antidote is still… effective?”

“Don’t think you can trick me! You just want to steal my antidote! I’d rather die than hand it over to you!” She tugged on her hand, her voice firm.

Despite her childish appearance, she was truly willing to die to spite him.

“Admirable spirit. But have you considered the possibility that the antidote hidden under your pillow has been… replaced?”

He could barely contain his laughter.

Vivian: “？！?”

Her face went through a series of emotions in rapid succession: shock, disbelief, then fear.

“How did you know?” She stared at him as if he were a monster.

“How could I not know? A simple search would have revealed it.”

He had thoroughly searched her person while carrying her home that night.

Vivian: “…”

She was speechless. Where should she even begin? After a long pause, she finally asked, “How did you know where I hid it?”

“I guessed.”

The most infuriatingly simple answer. She knew further questioning was futile.

He was hiding something. He knew her better than she knew herself.

She walked over to her bed, retrieved the hidden vial from under her pillow, and poured out two small candies.

Just as he had said, the antidote was gone.

She slumped onto the bed, defeated. “I lost. What do you want?”

He rested his chin on his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Two options. Either fulfill my previous request, or… put on a good show for your sister tomorrow. I’ll give you the chance to fight her one-on-one.”

“But I can’t beat her!”

“I said you can, so you can. Don’t you want to tie up your cruel and selfish sister and whip her yourself?” He extended his hand towards her.

She took it. “I accept.”

“Excellent. I’ll be watching your performance tomorrow. Oh, and I’ll have Carol deliver the dungeon keys to you tonight. Clean up Winnie. I can’t have her looking like a mess when I introduce her to her sister.”

He glanced at the transparent glass wall, his eyes meeting Winnie’s.

“He’s a monster…” She quickly retreated, cowering in the corner.

She had witnessed every moment of Vivian’s downfall. Observing from the sidelines only intensified her fear.

She had lost all dignity on the first day. What horrors awaited her in the days to come?

The thought sent shivers down her spine. If no one came to rescue her, she would surely break.

“I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of your day.” He waved and left the room.

As he walked away, he “kindly” took the food box he had placed outside Winnie’s cell.

Winnie: “？？?”

Had he placed the food there just to taunt her?

Thanks a lot.

She burst into tears again.

When it came to being heartless, Kailun was truly a master.