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

Ireina herself couldn’t quite grasp the situation well.

Arriving here was completely on a whim which was a result of her turning around a corner in the hallway to search for Alba and coincidentally stumbling upon Sheria and Mina.

However, Mina, who was present at the scene, was clearly directing her hostility towards Sheria.

Similar to the peculiar atmosphere her father, the leader of the kingdom’s royal knights, exuded when facing villains or demonic beasts.

Something that clung to the skin, both sticky and chilling.

That’s why she instinctively closed the distance and kicked Mina’s arm that was raised to injure Sheria.

Perhaps it was because of her status as a genius referred to as a prodigy, the instant switch was truly remarkable.

However — while she sensed the intent to kill, she still couldn’t comprehend the situation no matter how many times it was explained.

“…Sheria, what exactly is going on here?”

“Um… I’m not sure either!”

Even Sheria, who was usually composed, must have begun to grasp the tense atmosphere.

Ireina stood before them with her sword ready. Slowly rising beside her was a girl with swollen red eyes who was none other than Mina.

“…I guess impromptu actions aren’t the best choice. Even though I had a plan in mind, courage only comes to me at times like this.”

Were those eyes really that red just a moment ago? The atmosphere and the warmth that resembled an older sister were now gone, replaced by an eerie sharpness.

Somehow, she seemed to resemble the beasts she had encountered before.

“Could you explain? Even if Mina is a friend, I can’t overlook the hostility you displayed just now.”

Ireina aimed her sword, coldly fixating on Mina.

On the other hand, even when met with that cold gaze, Mina only let out a small sigh.

“…I have no intention of hiding or apologizing. I didn’t intend to kill her though.”

“Huh…?”

“Saintess Sheria. I’m going to take her with me. That’s my objective, and there’s nothing more to it.”

“…Ah.”

So that was the reason why she intended to harm her. Sheria finally began to understand the current situation.

What was the point of the previous exchange? And what was the apology for, and why did she wear such a sorrowful expression?

‘The purpose of capturing me is something important. It seems that I’m the sacrifice that needs to be weighed on the scales.’

She didn’t understand specifically why it was her.

But she could sense — she, being the saint, needed to be taken away, and accomplishing that would protect the important person related to her.

There were truly many who targeted the saint in the past. As the symbol of the world’s most influential religion, it stirred the desires of many.

Moreover, the blessings from the god beyond reach even with magic were an extraordinary power anyone would want.

Politics, power, wealth, fame. How many times had her life been threatened for those reasons alone?

This time, too, most likely one of those reasons.

But the difference is—

“…Mina-san.”

“I’m truly sorry, Sheria-chan. I just can’t abandon my sister.”

The other was a friend, and friends protect family.

That’s why she couldn’t say anything.

Sheria remained silent, being protected by Ireina.

“Hey, have you considered talking to the knight order or something? There must be a better option than this. Besides, if your family founds out about this, Baron Lupica—”

“He’s not around.”

“Huh?”

“My mom and dad… they were killed by those bastards before I even entered the academy. It’s really recent, so you might not know about it.”

Ireina and Sheria were both taken aback by this revelation.

Her parents had died. And it was very recent, too.

As a daughter of a duke, she should have been well-informed about social matters, but not knowing this meant it was very recent indeed.

There seemed to be no reason to lie at this stage.

For a moment, Ireina pondered what to say.

“So, I only have my sister left. And for her sake—”

Mina turned her cold, wavering eyes towards Ireina and Sheria.

Gone was the gentle girl who had sat at the same table with them. No matter how she squinted, the image of the friendly girl couldn’t overlap.

“I will become a beast. I’ll never ask for forgiveness, that’s for sure.”

What didn’t overlap was not just the atmosphere, but…

“So, I’m not really a child of the Lupicar Barony anymore… but, now, such stories don’t matter anymore, do they? There’s no way I’ll be forgiven even if I tell or ask for forgiveness about this.”

Transformed into an otherworldly figure, Mina walked slowly.

In response, the tension of the young lady born into a family of knights only grew more intense.

“I don’t know the exact circumstances you’re facing… but wasn’t there an option to seek help from the knights’ order? Especially if it’s that guy, Alba…”

“It’s impossible, Ireina-san. Are you going to wait for him to anger the person who had a sword at his throat and then casually extend a helping hand?”

“…..”

“Besides, even a kind-hearted guy like Alba-kun won’t help someone like me.”

“….I am not really sure about that.”

Ireina took a deep breath. Then, she whispered softly to Sheria behind her.

“…Run away.”

“Bu-but I…?”

“If you will call Alba, things will probably work out somehow. His voice is much more persuasive than ours, he will likely handle this situation better than us.”

“…..”

Sheria hesitated for a moment. She didn’t know what would happen if she was captured. But even if she referred to herself as a sacrifice, she wouldn’t receive peaceful treatment.

Yet, in Sheria’s kind heart, an image of Mina’s sister, someone she had never met before, appeared.

Lost in doubt, and then in the process of being lost, she made a decision in a short amount of time.

Just as Mina had made an important choice, she too made her own choice.

“…I’ll call Alba.”

Probably, this action was contradictory.

Even though she had said she would respect Mina’s choice, she had taken an action that seemed to negate that choice.

If she could save someone by offering herself as a single entity, she wanted to do it. Yet, she had been told that this body wasn’t solely hers, thanks to those who had sacrificed themselves for her and the young boy named Alba who was her benefactor.

So… Sheria turned around and started running without looking back.

What remained in this place were the prodigious young lady and the damsel in distress.

“I may not look it, but I’m quite strong, you know?”

“Yeah, I know. There’s no one in the social circles who doesn’t know about you.”

Slowly, Ireina continued to advance.

“And also, you know… Despite appearances, I actually like you quite a lot.”

“I’m happy to hear that.”

Mina chuckled softly.

A single tear flowed down her cheek.

“I… I really hate myself.”

And then, the two of them sprinted down the narrow corridor together.

—In the original storyline, none of this had happened.