The adorable Villainess is mine - Chapter 5- Take things slow

After her battle with Lia, Grace was supposed to disappear.

No one tried to find out where she went. She was only mentioned a few times in cut scenes—one where her father quietly searched for her, but his efforts led nowhere.

Then, near the end of the game, she returned.

Half her body had turned demonic, and her mind was consumed by one goal:

She wanted Carter.

Her only reason for embracing the darkness… was him.

In the battle that followed, Grace overwhelmed everyone—Lia included. She had always been strong, but after giving in to the dark side, her power soared.

If she wanted to, she could’ve wiped out everyone, including the harem and even the main character.

But when it came to Carter, her soul… resisted.

She couldn’t hurt him.

And that hesitation—was what led to her death.

She was killed by the same person she had loved all her life, the one she had become a monster for.

And yet, the story treated her like any other villain who met her end.

In her final moments, she revealed the truth behind the fire incident.

Carter cried. He regretted her death. But that was it.

They gave her a respectful burial.

And then… she was forgotten. Pushed aside to move the story forward.

That angered Kai more than anything.

What had she done to deserve this? Why was she treated like this her whole life?

Yes, she had a sharp tongue.

But she also had kindness. She had strength.

And loving someone—and that someone who was already engaged to her—wasn’t a crime.

“Are you okay?” a gentle voice asked from behind.

Carter snapped out of his thoughts. His mana had been reacting without him noticing, lifting objects into the air.

With a deep breath, he calmed it all down and turned.

“Yes… I was just thinking about those memories—where you really should’ve slapped me.”

Grace blinked. “Why would I slap you? I was nothing but a heartless demon in your eyes.”

She didn’t sound angry. Even though the whole academy used to laugh at her, even though her own sisters mocked her for not being able to hold onto him… she still didn’t blame him.

Even after everything, she still blamed herself.

Carter looked at her, a trace of guilt in his eyes. “Didn’t you ever feel angry?”

Grace bit her lip, then gave a small nod. “Many times… But I didn’t want you to hate Lara.”

Carter let out a sigh. “Forget about her.” He gently placed his hands on her shoulders. “From now on, if I ever treat you badly, I want you to tell me. Scold me if you have to, okay?”

Grace looked up at him, surprised.

He went on, his voice steady. “Don’t let people walk over you, Grace. You’re my hero—the one who saved my life. I won’t ask you to forget everything, but please… don’t let the past break you anymore.”

Grace didn’t answer right away.

She still couldn’t believe he was here—apologizing, worrying about her, telling her not to let herself be hurt again.

…Can someone really change like this?

Was it something he saw in the future? Or her memories reaching him?

She didn’t know.

Maybe… she didn’t want to know.

Even if this was all fake—even if he didn’t mean a single word—she didn’t mind.

Because right now, he was here.

And even just a little of his attention was enough for her.

….

“U-Umm…” Grace called out nervously, “I’m really fine now, so—”

“Nope. Not listening.” Carter shook his head firmly. “I’m not leaving until you fall asleep.”

That ended the conversation right there.

It was already night. He had even made porridge for dinner, knowing she couldn’t handle spicy food.

Now all that was left was for her to rest—but how could she possibly sleep when he was sitting right there in front of her?

It was impossible!

The truth was, she didn’t want to sleep.

She knew she couldn’t keep him here forever. Their relationship was still fragile—barely stitched back together—and she didn’t want to do anything that might push him away again. But if she could just sit quietly in the same room, even without talking… even just watching him from a corner, that would be enough.

But Carter kept insisting she needed to rest.

“I know that look,” he said with a teasing smile. “But no, Grace. You need to sleep. If it helps, I can face the other way—”

“No!” she blurted, louder than she meant to. Her eyes widened as she quickly turned her face away, hiding under the cover. “I-I mean… it’s fine like this…”

Carter let out a quiet laugh and leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head.

“Then go ahead—torture yourself.”

Grace buried half her face into her blanket, groaning softly.

She was so obvious, wasn’t she?

Carter decided to not keeping his eyes on her, allowing the girl to relax a bit as he raised his left hand and pulled a book from the shelf with a mental command.

Grace’s eyes lit up as she said, “Your skills have developed so much.”

Previously, he could barely lift anything with his mental command, but now, he was so flawless with it. And he even deflected Lia’s attack back then so easily.

Carter smiled at her, “Well, you can say I was secretly training so I can protect someone precious to me.”

Grace’s smile faded…somehow, she didn’t want to know who that person was.

Carter realized his mistake. And now, if he says that person was her, she would hardly believe him.

‘I need to take this slow…’