2-48 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

**Volume Two, Chapter 48: "Why So Mischievous?"** Author: Han Tang Returns Update: 2025/05/27 20:30:01 Word Count: 4045 The chandelier cast its radiant glow on the girl's lustrous silver hair, akin to luxurious silk, shimmering brilliantly. Her flawless, snow-like complexion contrasted against the glossy black stockings, complementing her breathtaking beauty, unmatched by any other. In her past life, Vannesa might have been profoundly moved by this CG image. As for now, well, it’s probably just a case of distance making the heart grow fonder. Besides, Vannesa noticed a cabinet specifically for storing items by the entrance. Inside, neatly stacked were numerous disposable gloves, many towels for wiping, alchemical disinfectant potions, and a waste bin filled with used gloves. Clearly, each time Aesphyra went out, she would take several pairs of disposable gloves from the cabinet. Upon returning home and removing her shoes, she would replace her gloves, discard the used ones in the bin, disinfect with the potion, and then wash her hands. Only one word to describe her: meticulous. It was after seeing the contents of the cabinet that Vannesa realized Aesphyra wasn't lying when she said her home had many spare girls' uniforms. Indeed, she had prepared numerous identical uniforms, all neatly folded in the cupboard, never wearing the same one out twice, with yesterday's already in the laundry room. Vannesa had known about Aesphyra's cleanliness obsession but didn't realize it was to this extent. After dining with her that day, Vannesa was sure Aesphyra must have disinfected herself with alchemy potions upon returning home. "Isn't this a bit much?" Vannesa suddenly voiced. "Hmm? What do you mean?" "Miss Aesphyra is so clean, yet I'm just lounging on the couch you maintain so diligently without removing my shoes," Vannesa expressed. "Oh? Really? If Miss Vannesa feels so uncomfortable, I could help you take off your boots," Aesphyra's amusement grew deeper. "You're not planning to trick me, are you?" Seeing Aesphyra's barely restrained smile, Vannesa had an unsettling feeling. "Of course not. Do I seem like that kind of person to Miss Vannesa?" Aesphyra walked over, a smile curling at her lips. She indeed seemed up to no good. While Vannesa's armor could be manually removed, or dispelled by thought, she was currently too exhausted to control her magic, thus needing someone else's help. It was already bothersome enough for Vannesa to be sprawling on the couch in such a manner, let alone with her boots still on. In truth, Vannesa had a touch of cleanliness obsession herself, highly averse to dirtying clean things, which made the situation uncomfortable to her sensibilities. "Then, Miss Aesphyra, could your actions perhaps be a bit more restrained? Can you avoid doing anything troubling?" Vannesa raised an eyebrow, suspecting Aesphyra might pull some trick. "Miss Vannesa, what kind of person do you take me for~? And since you mentioned it, I shall comply," Aesphyra agreed wholeheartedly, her expression unchanged. One couldn't help but doubt she registered Vannesa's words. Aesphyra then lifted Vannesa’s slender ankle, helping her remove the boots with meticulous precision, her fair, delicate hands mostly only touching the boots themselves during the process. It was evident that Aesphyra was experienced in both wearing and removing high boots, knowing well how to swiftly and effectively remove them. However. Watching Aesphyra while removing the boots, Vannesa couldn't shake a feeling of unease. Aesphyra's movements were appropriately restrained, that much was true, but the change in her expression. Transitioning from barely suppressing laughter to unabashed pleasure, even after removing the boots, her expression remained the same. She even licked her lips, as though she'd peeled a treat to reveal something delicious. At the same moment, 'Virtue +300.' 'Current Virtue: 4824.' Why did her Virtue increase by so much?? What on earth is she imagining?! This was truly alarming! "Miss Aesphyra!..." Vannesa exclaimed, a mix of embarrassment and exasperation. "Eh? What's wrong?" Aesphyra tilted her head innocently. "Didn't I obey your instructions, Miss Vannesa, and remove the shoes properly without any extra actions?" "..." Regarding this point, Vannesa genuinely had no rebuttal; she indeed only mentioned actions, not expressions. Requiring a specific expression might be asking too much. Could it be that her reaction was unnecessarily excessive? No, Aesphyra's expression was definitely the issue! Besides, the increase in virtue has already betrayed her thoughts! "But, speaking of which, Miss Vannesa, you seem particularly fond of this outfit. Last time in the secret realm, you dressed the same way; is this your battle attire?" After placing Vannesa’s boots by the entrance, Aesphyra returned to her, inquiring. "It's one way to put it, why do you ask?" Vannesa perceived Aesphyra took slightly longer at the entrance, but she shrugged off the minor detail. "Nothing much, just curious if Miss Vannesa’s dorm contains many of these identical white dresses," Aesphyra glanced at Vannesa’s winged hairpin. "I must say, it suits your style perfectly; was it custom-made for mass production?" "It wasn’t." She didn't have spare change to custom order specific battle attire! If it were Selina, perhaps she might have. "So, if it's your only piece, does Miss Vannesa not find it stuffy to keep wearing such long-boot, white-silk combinations? Doesn't it seem a bit inappropriate?" Aesphyra mused, gazing at Vannesa’s long boots at the entrance as if in thought. This impudent woman—what does she mean by that? Is she indirectly calling me unclean, lacking in personal hygiene? Taking a deep breath, Vannesa felt her blood pressure rising, ready to peak due to Aesphyra’s antics. "Miss Aesphyra, what exactly are you trying to convey? To ask such a question of a lady, don’t you find that presumptuous??" Vannesa endeavored to keep her tone calm. "Eh? But I merely wished to inquire if Miss Vannesa finds it boring to always dress the same, have you considered changing styles?" Aesphyra replied with a ‘isn't that what you meant?’ look, and Vannesa felt her courteous smile starting to waver. "No, I haven't." Vannesa added a touch of firmness to her voice, turning away from Aesphyra. After a short rest, at least now her neck regained some mobility. "Pfft." Seeing Vannesa like this, Aesphyra couldn't hold back her laughter. 'Virtue +80.' 'Current Virtue: 4904.' Still laughing, it’s obvious she's doing this on purpose. The increase in virtue clearly indicates she takes pleasure in teasing me. Clearly, this fated protagonist just wants to tease her. "So, has Miss Vannesa been living quite decorously lately?" Aesphyra asked, for reasons unknown. "Quite decorously, and if Miss Aesphyra were less of a miscreant, my mood today would likely be quite pleasant." Despite the subtle emotional undertone, Vannesa’s tone remained as mannered as ever, a habit ingrained in her to the core. "Is that so? Well, that's good to hear. I thought as much, since I've not seen you at that maid café for quite some time. I assume everything is back on track for you," Aesphyra said, resting her chin on her hand with a playful smile. Aesphyra, this petite white-haired trickster, sure knows how to hit where it hurts. She brings up that black mark Vannesa wishes desperately to forget and erase from public memory. What Vannesa hoped was just an isolated incident, one she could escape without a trace, ended up with Aesphyra being a variable she hadn't accounted for. Without Aesphyra, no one else would have known. Vannesa turned her head away, unwilling to engage further with Aesphyra. "Now that some time has passed, is Miss Vannesa hungry?" Aesphyra glanced out the window, the evening glow shrouding the horizon, marking the day's end. Since the chaos instigated by the "Bronze Bloods," no one knew how much time had lapsed. After such a protracted bout of combat, everyone was exhausted. A debrief would have to wait for at least a day. "Not hungry," Vannesa replied coolly, feigning interest in the view outside. "Not hungry? But you should eat something, right? I'm about to cook~" "Not hungry," Vannesa insisted stubbornly, unaffected by Aesphyra's coaxing. Once Aesphyra retreated to the kitchen, Vannesa reconsidered. Could Aesphyra really cook?? And… was she truly not hungry? Of course not. She’d been battling zealots for so long, clashing with the miasma barrier, and then utilizing the "Divine Blessing Flame," exhausting both her magic and energy. Afterward, she’d been possessed by an ancestor's spirit. Going through all that, even a machine would be rendered molten, let alone her. How could she not be hungry? That bit of food at the banquet barely sufficed! She had been too absorbed in Aesphyra's antics. It was not until Aesphyra mentioned it that Vannesa realized she was, indeed, starving. In no time, the stove was lit, and the aroma of cooking wafted into the living room, tantalizing Vannesa's nose as her stomach made undignified sounds. Oh dear… Would she have to watch Aesphyra enjoy her meal at the table and pretend to be unfazed, savoring the scenery instead?? What kind of torture is this?? Vannesa lightly bit her lip, maintaining an indifferent façade. No, she didn’t want to embarrass herself in front of Aesphyra. She'd endure. This kind of thing passes if one bears it; after all, skipping one meal wasn’t fatal. Resting in someone else's home, to ask for more would be excessive. And besides, who knew what Aesphyra's culinary skills were like? Surely not good, just by logic. Vannesa convinced herself thus. Yet, the aroma was undeniably enticing; perhaps the taste might not be too bad?? No, hold on—it could just be one of those dishes that smell great but taste awful. The aroma alone proves nothing. Time passed, and the sound of cooking ceased. Soon, plates with mouthwatering aromas and elegantly presented dishes were laid on the luxurious dining table. Vannesa continued gazing out the window, stubbornly refraining from even a glance in the table's direction. But avoiding sight didn’t prevent her from smelling the food's fragrance. Thus, she held her breath to avoid inhaling through her nose, closing her eyes as well. Even so, with her stomach growling, she couldn’t help but think of the food, trying to clear her mind, filled with sumptuous delicacies. The sensation was torturous, as if her stomach had ignited, with the food so near yet untouched. Hang on, bear with it; once she regained her mobility and reverted to her male form, she'd feast heartily. Unaware of how much time had passed, Vannesa pondered if Aesphyra had finished eating. Had she cleared the table? She must have cleared everything by now, Vannesa thought. After all, she'd said she wasn’t hungry. For some reason, Vannesa felt a twinge in her heart. She was the one who refused food. Taking a deep breath, Vannesa noticed the food fragrance suddenly intensified, as if placed directly in front of her. What's going on?? Was hunger causing her to hallucinate?? Confused, Vannesa opened her eyes. Before her was a bowl of luscious tomato beef soup. The chandelier's light cast an appetizing shimmer on the rich beef and tomato chunks, making her mouth water. When did this happen?? Vannesa's gaze drifted downwards, past the plate holding the dish, resting on those alluringly translucent black stockings. While her eyes were shut, the silver-haired girl had, without a sound, sat right in front of her, the dish resting on her lap. Yes, food atop food. The silver-haired girl, supporting her chin with a hand, gazed at Vannesa with a smile, silent and amused. Was this little silver-haired loaf actually a cat? Moving so quietly? Looking at the table, Vannesa realized nothing had been touched. Strange. Hadn’t she heard the clinking of dishes? Glancing back at Aesphyra, who watched her expressions and movements with amusement, Vannesa felt warmth flooding her cheeks. The sounds earlier were evidently Aesphyra's ploy to mislead her into producing a reaction, especially as she stealthily crept nearer to observe, without making her presence known—watching her for quite some time!