2-47 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

Title: Volume Two Chapter 47 ~ What If She Finds Out? Vanessa thought silently after the kind offer, "Are there any strings attached to this gesture?" "There are no free lunches in the world, and opportunities never fall into one's lap without a reason. If Aesphyra was genuinely offering her help and expected nothing in return, it might actually pose a bigger problem — a debt Vanessa would never be able to repay." "It's getting late, and it's probably not wise to stay outside for too long. Miss Vanessa, where is your home? I'll escort you back." Vanessa looked at the silver-haired girl cuddling her with a knowing smile. Her intentions were as transparent as the abacus beads rolling on her face. "Thank you for your kind offer, Miss Aesphyra, but I don't want to go home just yet," Vanessa replied. "Oh? Does being in my embrace make you so reluctant to leave?" Aesphyra teased with a mischievous grin. This fateful protagonist was starting to get under her skin. "Miss Aesphyra, if I could move right now, I might do something rather unladylike to your face," Vanessa replied with a faux smile. "Oh? Just how unladylike?" Aesphyra continued to jest, "But it does sound intriguing. I wonder what an occasionally unladylike Vanessa is like. I look forward to seeing it." "..." "But joking aside, Vanessa, you really can't move right now, and it's not quite right for us to stay here any longer. You don't want to go home, so what do we do?" Aesphyra said with an air of mock helplessness. "What is Miss Aesphyra implying?" "How about we go somewhere safe while we wait for your body to recover?" she suggested with a hint of cheerfulness. "And the safe place you are suggesting... is it really safe for me?" Vanessa countered. "Absolutely safe. No one would be able to find you there," Aesphyra replied confidently. "And where might this place be?" "My home," the white-haired girl beamed brightly like a blooming flower. Of course, Vanessa should have known better. "Is there anywhere else?" Vanessa sighed, understanding the obligation she felt after Aesphyra saved her—picking and choosing seemed ungrateful in this context. "Well, no safer options come to mind. The aftermath of today's events is just starting to settle. Everyone is fixated on the goddess and the saintess. If Vanessa were seen now, things could get unnecessarily complicated," Aesphyra explained. Aesphyra's reasoning, although sprinkled with personal motivations, was spot on. It was indeed better for Vanessa to remain low-key at present. Until she returned to her normal state, she needed a place to rest overnight. Ideally, Vanessa thought of Mirexia's dormitory. But, it was evident that at this moment, approaching Mirexia was out of the question. Exposing more personal ties would only make the similarities between Vanessa and Wenny increasingly apparent to Aesphyra. Thus, it was better not to let her know about her close relationship with Mirexia. Furthermore, seeing Mirexia might prompt her to inadvertently mention "Wenny." That would surely reveal everything. Though Mirexia wasn't typically careless, avoiding unnecessary risks was still a wise move—especially since contacting Mirexia at the moment wasn't possible. Knowing that the last thing Aesphyra despises is being deceived, Vanessa couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety. If Aesphyra discovered that the girl she'd been whispering sweet nothings to and holding for so long was actually Wenny, there would be no guarantee of Vanessa's safety. "But, if Miss Vanessa wants me to keep holding you and staying by your side, that's perfectly fine too," Aesphyra offered. "Isn't... isn't that a bit too sudden? Going to Miss Aesphyra's house—won't that seem too forward?" Vanessa hesitated a bit. "Not at all. Miss Vanessa is welcome at my home anytime," Aesphyra responded warmly. Vanessa contemplated this. Aesphyra's reasoning made sense; staying outside increased the risk of being seen. Although she didn't fear Aesphyra doing anything untoward, if Aesphyra intended harm, she would've already acted when Vanessa couldn't move a muscle—there was no need to wait for the perfect 'ambiance' at home. "Then, I suppose I will have to impose on Miss Aesphyra for a little while," Vanessa conceded. Under different circumstances, she never would've agreed, but she really had no other option. She couldn't very well spend the night lying in the open, vulnerable and exposed to who knows what. Remaining silent, Vanessa quickly found herself in a luxurious sitting room, leaving the wilderness behind. The change was so sudden, it took her by surprise. Was this the work of Aesphyra's "Divine Favor" again? She had always suspected that using "Divine Favor" came with a price, as its effectiveness seemed too extraordinary otherwise. Aesphyra had evidently used it to safely transport them without drawing attention. Nevertheless, Vanessa was stirred by a complex mix of emotions. Wait a minute... Had Aesphyra taken advantage of the paused time to do something? Vanessa's heart seized with the thought. But it didn't seem likely. From her time with Aesphyra, Vanessa had discerned that, despite her impulsiveness, Aesphyra had principles. She possessed a certain pride, one that refrained from overstepping boundaries unless she was assured of reciprocation, even if only a hint of reluctance was present in the other party. Vanessa surveyed the room, it seemed this was Aesphyra's villa. Its size rivaled Mirexia's dorm but bore a different aesthetic, and notably, lacked large bay windows. Once inside, a cool blend of rose and rosewood scents tickled Vanessa's nose. Aesphyra, balancing elegantly, slipped her charming feet encased in sheer black stockings into slippers. She bent nimbly, her movements betraying a kind of graceful beauty. Aesphyra eased Vanessa onto the sofa as if she were fragile porcelain, handling her with an artful delicacy. Vanessa, unaccustomed to this princess-like treatment, looked around Aesphyra's villa. Despite the ample space, the room was impeccably clean—a testament to Aesphyra's tidy habits and high standards, likely invested with significant effort and time. On the table, a vase held bright blooms, their stems soaking in a blue alchemical solution, engineered to extend the vitality of the flowers. Books were stacked neatly alongside meticulously labeled alchemical potions—indications of Aesphyra's scholarly pursuits and proficiency in alchemy. Vanessa envisioned Elysia Ferris leisurely reading on that couch, lace-draped legs crossed, absorbed in alchemical texts. She could see the silver lashes casting delicate shadows as she absorbed her reading. This picturesque image popped into Vanessa's mind, reminiscent of a scene from the original novel she could barely recall—a CG of Aesphyra gracefully engrossed in a book, exuding elegance and allure.