The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 225
“Anyway, I’ll be back.”
Albus, who had been laughing for a while, said goodbye to Edward, who looked dazed.
Due to Roxelyn’s request, Albus was heading to the duke’s territory with her to create Abyss weapons.
Edward, however, decided to stay behind to take care of things in the mansion and look after the children who had chosen to remain in the mortal world for a while.
“…Hey.”
Roxelyn, who was about to step into the carriage with Gerun, Arma, and the High Priest, paused.
“…T-Thanks.”
Roxelyn looked at Edward with widened eyes before letting out a light laugh.
This time, Edward’s eyes grew wide.
“Edward, if anyone comes along claiming they can make you useful again, don’t fall for it. You’re already plenty useful.”
“…What are you talking about, all of a sudden?”
“And remember, the dead can’t come back to life, so if someone says they can reunite you with your mother and father, think of it as a scam and never agree. Do you remember that advice?”
“Do I look like an idiot to you?”
When Roxelyn stayed silent, Edward scowled and stomped his foot hard.
“There’s no way a crazy person like that exists, and I wouldn’t fall for such nonsense anyway, so don’t worry!”
.
.
And the very next day, Edward encountered just that.
“Your Highness, the Emperor has finally expressed a need for you.”
An actual fraud.
‘…Is he insane?’
Edward couldn’t believe that someone would actually say something like this.
Standing before him in the early hours of the morning was a stranger who had suddenly come out of nowhere and blurted,
“Are you Prince Edward Diyanitas?”
Because…
“Who are you?”
“I am Galleo, Captain of the Imperial Guard, here under orders from His Majesty.”
“His Majesty?”
Edward frowned as he repeated the question.
“Yes, the outside world is in utter chaos. Now that the times have changed, His Majesty has finally recognized your true worth. It seems you have not seen your mother in a long time… I can arrange a meeting for you.”
Edward let out a chuckle.
“So, you’re saying my father needs me?”
“Yes.”
“What does he need me for?”
“The outside world is filled with rebels. His Majesty requests your assistance in suppressing them.”
Galleo spoke with emphasis. His eyes were steady, and his expression was firm—a well-trained knight, nothing more, nothing less. If Edward hadn’t listened to Roxelyn, he might have been fooled.
But Edward already knew the truth about the outside world.
“If someone comes and says something strange, be sure to say this.”
With his arms crossed, Edward recalled what Roxelyn had told him.
“And also…”
“Ah.”
Edward raised a hand to stop Galleo from speaking further.
“Not interested.”
“What…? That’s not what I—”
“Oh. I don’t believe in any religion, I don’t need a loan, and I don’t want to be eaten by a beast, so if you don’t want to get hurt, leave.”
As this unexpected torrent of words poured out, Galleo’s eyes widened.
“Oh. I know I’m good-looking, but I don’t sell my body either.”
“What in the world are you saying…!”
“What I’m saying is that I won’t be tricked by a fraud like you… so leave.”
As he muttered this quietly—
Growl—!
A terrifying sound, far beyond what could be called animalistic, echoed through the air.
The smell of rot and blood accompanied by a vile aura filled the air as something even more savage than a mere beast appeared.
A monster.
The creatures that emerged from the shadows around the mansion all had grotesque appearances. Some had abnormally long horns, others had teeth of unbelievable length.
With bodies covered in thick black fur, they looked far too bizarre to be called mere animals.
“What’s going on, Brother? Is there a guest?”
“Brother! Is there a new visitor?”
“Is he bothering you?”
As Galleo hesitated, the porcelain dolls who had chosen to remain for a while poked their heads out from behind Edward.
