When the Villain Joined the Knights to Avoid Doom Flags, but Somehow the Heroines Started Approaching Him - Chapter 33: The Villa Provider

Chapter 33: The Villa Provider

Moving during daylight wasn’t an option, so the group had a carefully planned schedule.

They spent the morning training, devoted the afternoon to packing, and waited until the dead of night to set out.

A carriage carried them three hours away from the capital to a lakeside retreat.

And there—

“Running away to a luxury villa… Even rich people can’t give up their extravagance, huh?”

“Looks like wealthy folks even do love elopements with style and flair.”

Before them stood a massive villa by the lake, illuminated by moonlight.

It wasn’t eerie but rather dreamlike in its beauty. Yulis and Iris, both carrying their “escape gear,” gawked at the scene in disbelief.

As expected, it was the kind of villa built by a family wealthier than some nobility.

There were no signs of people around, likely because it was only used as a vacation home—if that.

The thought of such a stunning property sitting unused crossed their minds, though now, even this once-a-year retreat had found an important purpose.

“…Is this really okay? This feels way too fancy for a simple hideout.”

“If it’s for the royal family, it has to be something of this level. Don’t worry.”

A girl with silver hair swaying in the breeze by the lake smiled warmly as she spoke.

This was Luna, the daughter of a wealthy merchant and one of the heroines in the game.

She had provided the villa to shelter Fia and had been waiting at the front entrance to greet them.

“W-Well… for Sir Yulis, this much is nothing…”

“…”

“Now, now, my dear partner. Why are you giving me that unimpressed look?”

Iris’s deadpan glare didn’t waver as she stared at her master, who had seemingly charmed his way into being gifted an entire villa with ease.

“For now, please come inside. Lady Fia and the others are already unpacking ahead of you.”

“By the way, why are we the second group to arrive?”

“Because you were passed out cold in the carriage.”

“My bad.”

Luna chuckled softly at their exchange as she opened the grand doors slowly.

Despite Iris’s relentless side-eyeing, Yulis entered the villa without a word.

As expected, the place was completely devoid of people.

It seemed no servants had been arranged this time to limit comings and goings.

Looking around with curiosity, Yulis followed Luna’s lead through the villa.

“Just so you know—there’s no one here besides you all.”

“Which means… the maid position is all mine. My time to shine has arrived!”

“Fufu, that’s reassuring. If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll do my best to provide it.”

“Master, this person is amazing.“

“You’re way too easy to impress.”

Iris’s opinion of Luna skyrocketed instantly at her kind words.

Yulis, on the other hand, couldn’t help but worry about how simple-minded his maid could be.

“I’d love to show you around the rooms and explain the facilities, but… I have to head back home soon. I’ll leave the rest to reliable Iris.”

“Huh? You’re not staying here with us?”

“I’d love to live with Sir Yulis and everyone, but I have school to attend. Besides, if I keep coming and going to commute, it might draw unwanted attention, right? That’s why my role is just providing the supplies and the location.”

Frequent trips in and out would undoubtedly attract notice.

If someone suddenly started traveling three hours each way to the academy, it wouldn’t take long for people to start asking questions.

Until the situation settled, Fia would need to lay low here.

It made sense to limit comings and goings as much as possible, just as Luna had said.

However—

“Are you sure about this? From what I’m hearing, it sounds like you’re the one making all the loses, Luna.”

“Fufu, thank you for worrying about me. But I’m a merchant, you know? Having a chance to gain favor with the royal family is a dream opportunity—this level of investment is nothing.”

“Huh… I guess that makes sense?”

“Also, repaying the favor I owe you, Sir Yulis, makes this more than worth it.”

She turned back, her smile radiant and mesmerizing.

“I want to be someone who can support you, whether directly or indirectly. Because, to me, you’re someone very special.”

The sudden, genuine smile and straightforward affection caught Yulis off guard.

As expected of one of the heroines, it made his heart skip a beat.

Meanwhile, Iris, watching Yulis’s flustered reaction to the girl, silently increased her level of caution.

(This person might be nice, but she’s dangerous…)

“And that’s why it’s totally fine if this villa ends up getting destroyed!”

“How does any of that make it fine?! That’s terrifying!”

“But, if a fight happens here, the place might get damaged anyway, right? And trying to fight carefully to avoid breaking things would just make it harder for you and the others to fight, wouldn’t it?”

She wasn’t wrong.

But hearing someone casually say “it’s okay to destroy it” made her earlier special declaration feel even heavier.

“Ahem! S-So, uh, how’s the academy doing? There was a bit of a commotion recently, but it’s reopened, right?”

Yulis coughed and quickly changed the subject, trying to brush off the awkwardness.

“Yeah, things are pretty normal now. Sure, there was a bit of a stir at first, but since it’s a royal matter, most people didn’t complain much.”
“I-I see…!”

“Sir Yulis, are you interested in the academy? I thought you weren’t really into that sort of thing…”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to attend, but I am interested—especially in the social dynamics and the events that happen there.”

Yulis’s interest lay solely in how the original story might be unfolding.

With two heroines and himself—the villain—removed from the academy right at the start, what was happening to the storyline? 

While he was far enough away to avoid getting caught up in it, he couldn’t help but be curious.

(Especially about how the protagonist is doing… Not that I want to meet him, but I have no idea what kind of growth he’s going through.)

Would it affect him, or would it not?

Knowing in advance would let him prepare or avoid potential problems altogether.

That’s why he was particularly interested in hearing about the academy from Luna, who still attended.

And then—

“T-Then… um, I could tell you about it, if you’d like?”

“Huh? That’d be great, but… how would you do that?”

“Well, my family’s trading company recently developed a magical tool that lets you talk to someone even if you’re far apart…”

Luna pulled a small earring from her pocket.

Its design was simple, with a tiny emerald-like stone embedded in it.

“If both people have one, you can talk to each other no matter where you are.”

“Really?”

Is it wireless? Yulis, intrigued, took the earring and inspected it closely.

“If you don’t mind, Sir Yulis… we could use it to chat about the academy or other updates.”

“That’d be super helpful—thank you so much!”

Getting involved with one of the heroines was inevitable, but at least if something happened within his line of sight, he could handle it.

And if Luna was willing to share updates about the academy, there was no reason to decline her offer.

(Heh heh heh… With this, I’ll be able to monitor the protagonist and everyone else ahead of time, avoiding any ruin flags entirely. Oh, how delightful—soon I’ll be sitting back, completely safe, watching everything from the sidelines. Heh heh heh…)

Accepting the earring, Yulis couldn’t help but grin to himself, the corners of his lips curling into a slightly sinister smile.

Meanwhile—

(Yes! I was wondering how I’d give this to him, but now I can talk to Sir Yulis every day!)

(It’s fine. I still have the upper hand since I get to be with him all the time… Plus, sharing baths and beds gives me a solid lead…!)

Luna clenched her fists in joy, her face lighting up, while Iris’s eyes burned with an intense competitive fire, silently stoking an imaginary rivalry.

In the otherwise empty villa, this strange atmosphere lingered for a little while longer.