The Strongest Villain, Who Had Secluded Himself Deep in the Mountains To Avoid the Destruction Flag, Is Forced Onto the Main Stage by the Heroine He Helped

For a while the feast continued as they talked about various things including their daily lives and the demonic beasts incident.

Mina’s hospitality dinner ended smoothly, and the sun was gradually setting.

Although Alba felt a tinge of reluctance to part, considering they would meet again at the academy, he was currently outside to see Mina off.

“Are you sure? You don’t want me to walk you home.”

“Yeah, it’s fine! My house is very close by.”

Mina who was walking slightly ahead of him had a satisfied expression on her face. Her flowing silver hair was illuminated by the evening sun, giving her a somewhat ethereal aura.

‘Why didn’t such a cute girl appear in the story more often?’ Alba wondered.

“Please come again! You’re always welcome!”

“Fufu! Thank you, Sheria-chan.”

Sheria rushed over to Mina and held her hand, while smiling lightly. Just by seeing this, it was clear their bond had grown stronger. Though it was Alba who initiated the idea, he couldn’t help but feel the satisfaction of a guardian, knowing Sheria had found a friend her age.

“Thanks for today, Mina. The talk about dresses was quite intriguing.”

“I had a fun time too, hearing all sorts of stories. I’ll show you some of my dresses next time.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, it seemed that Ireina had also grown closer to Mina. Perhaps it was because they were both noble young ladies. The distance between them had shrunk to the point where even a duke’s daughter was seeing them off. Mina, on the other hand, had also become more familiar with Sheria.

Though she had been extremely nervous initially, now she was speaking casually without using honorifics.

“Alba-kun, thank you too for today. The food was incredibly delicious.”

“You already thanked me before, so I’m glad to hear it again.”

“I wanted to thank you even more… but really, thank you very much for the delicious treat.”

Mina felt the same sense of reluctance. However, she had to suppress it, as she had to return home. Mina let go of Sheria’s hand and turned her back.

“Well then, see you later at the academy!”

She waved her hand, and Alba and Sheria waved back.

One is the daughter of a duke.

One is a saint of a worldwide religion.

One is a young man with immense power with a good personality, despite being a former duke’s son.

‘They were all such good people.’

In retrospect, Mina marveled at how she had become friends with all these individuals.

‘And it’s all thanks to Alba-kun…’

As their figures disappeared from sight, Mina suddenly gazed at the sky.

The crimson sky was incredibly beautiful, almost as if it were washing away her heart.

Holding back her fluttering silver hair, Mina continued walking slowly.

‘Alba-kun is so kind…’

Sheria, the saintess, and Irena, the duke’s daughter, were also both kind and considerate.

Regardless of their status, they had treated her kindly, even calling her as a “friend” today.

Undoubtedly, she wouldn’t have talked to or interacted with any of them if she were alone.

Among all of them, it was none other than Alba, who had left the strongest impression on Mina’s heart.

A boy who was completely different from the rumors.

He was fun to talk to, caring for her, and even helping her, who was a complete stranger to him. Although many had approached her regardless of their titles, none were as captivating as Alba.

That’s why Mina wanted to get closer to him, to be with him more.

‘But, I’m sorry… Alba-kun.’

Suddenly, Mina’s steps came to a halt.

Before she knew it, she had entered a dimly lit alley, devoid of any signs of people around.

At that moment, a figure slowly emerged into her line of sight.

“…Now, don’t be surprised.”

“Isn’t it forbidden to meet without having business to attend to? Honestly, you’re surprisingly unfriendly.”

The figure that appeared was clad in a deep red-black robe.

The person was about the same height as Mina. The person’s voice sounded a little feminine, and it looked like she might have been a little older in age. However, due to the hood that covered her features, nothing about their appearance could be discerned.

Even so, Mina’s demeanor remained unchanged.

She stared at the woman in front of her with a face that didn’t convey any sense of caution or discomfort.

“Anyway, how did it go? You seemed to be enjoying your meal quite a bit.”

“…You didn’t come here to make small talk, did you? You’re probably here because you want to hear about the Saint, right?”

“Exactly… Is it strange for me to give you praise? After all, you’ve been advancing with such conversations.”

In response to the woman’s words, Mina fell silent.

Then, she slowly parted her cherry-colored lips.

“First, I think you need to separate from Alba. Your relationship seems closer than I imagined, and he doesn’t seem inclined to distance himself. But even if he does, there’s the talented Ireina and those supporting her, so you’re unlikely to act alone most of the time.”

“And…?”

“…If you’re going to do it, do it on the way to the capital’s church on the weekend. There are teachers at the academy, and during the transport to the capital, the escort knights won’t be able to bring too many people. Alba also works as an adventurer on weekends, you see.”

“I see, understood.”

A faint sound, like a deep breath escaped her hood.

As if chuckling. Though invisible, it felt like the woman was mocking her emotions from the other side.

“Quite faithful, which is helpful. I never thought I’d entrust such a task to a heretic like you, but you’re already progressing.”

“Shut that mouth of yours. Or else—”

Mina’s eyes turned bloodshot, or so it seemed, as they reddened.

The surrounding air seemed to tremble, and the voices of forbidden beasts began to reach her ears, voices she shouldn’t have heard.

The air grew cold as they both stared at each other, while none of them seemed to back down.

“I’ll rip your throat out, you damn b***h.”

“Haha! You’re quite spirited! If it weren’t for a hostage—your younger sister—you might have killed me long ago!”

“I still want to kill you, for taking away my sister… Argh!”

“But, I can’t allow that. I hold the reins to the hostage, you see.”

After a triumphant laugh, the woman turned her hooded head away.

“Well then, I’ll leave it to you as planned. The timing is up to you. If it goes well, you can return to a peaceful everyday life—everything for the sake of defying the gods.”

As if blending into the dim landscape, the hooded woman gradually faded out in the space.

The voices of the beasts that were supposed to be around disappeared, leaving only silence.

Left behind, Mina confirmed the woman’s disappearance and involuntarily crouched down on the spot.

“I’m sorry… I’m really sorry…”

Tears flowed from her eyes and her sobs echoed in the silence.

“I don’t want to… do this… but…”

No one was there to hear or console her.

“I can’t take it anymore… Someone, please help.”

Yet, no one was there to comfort the young girl with her lonely exposed back.

For a while, she continued to cry alone in that spot.

It seems like the story was about to undergo a slight change.

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