2-82 - How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

Volume Two, Chapter 82 - Just Don't Want to Owe Her a Favor (6400 words) The Villainous Young Master Cannot Possibly Be the Saintess? Author: HanTangReturns Updated: 2025/6/28 0:30:01 Word Count: 6421 So, what is the price of defying destiny? A butterfly effect has caused a tremendous change in the world's course, leading two heroines of destiny to mistakenly arrive at the wrong place at this wrong time, resulting in their meeting. This event doesn't occur at this point in the original game's storyline because Aesphyra would not stand a chance against the future Demon King, Jiuli Xue, at this time. If they met, the storyline could not proceed. Thus, for the sake of the game's progression, no matter how nonsensical the scriptwriters might get, they would never arrange a meeting between Jiuli Xue and Aesphyra this early in the narrative. But it's no longer up to the scriptwriters to dictate the game's plot; no one cares if it progresses. The storyline has taken flight, driven purely by free will. And so, these incomprehensible and illogical events are unfolding. If this is some kind of matchmaking mechanism, it's already been criticized to shreds. What kind of matching mechanism is this? What kind of celestial adversary did they match him with?? Even if this is retribution for him winning a whole game by clinging to a powerful ally, this price is too steep! The disparity in strength between the sides is too vast, even if Mirexia and Shikondell were called over, it wouldn't tip the scales! Initially, Wenny thought this matter didn't concern him or Aesphyra and suggested they leave quickly, but they were immediately targeted. Now Wenny regrets it deeply. Why did he have to set up so many flags for himself before? It's too late to retract them, and who knows if Jiuli Xue heard what he said earlier. If she did, it's all over; the outcome would be dreadful. The way she treats her own kind is harsh enough, so how ruthless must she be toward other races?? To make matters worse, the only person they could rely on, the destined great heroine Aesphyra, remains silent, saying nothing. Faced with such a scene, Aesphyra is calm and composed, maintaining the grace of a great heroine of destiny, but Wenny can't remain calm. He's all too aware of the power gap between both sides at the moment. Whether they live or die today depends entirely on Jiuli Xue's word; their lives are in the hands of the demons before them. Alright, since Aesphyra says nothing, Wenny decides he can't stay idle. When the wind's at their back, he can rely on Aesphyra, but when it's against them, it's up to him, Wenny. With his glib tongue, perhaps he can buy some time! He's practiced his speaking skills for moments just like this. Wenny thinks it's finally time to put them to use. "Ahaha, good morning, everyone." Wenny cheerfully waved at the gathered demons. However, awkwardly, no one responded to him. As the saying goes, the bird that sticks its head out gets shot; because he spoke up, the entire group of demon leaders remained silent, all eyes focused on this blue-haired human male, exerting a significant pressure directly on Wenny's shoulders. The nearby Aesphyra also cast her gaze on Wenny, seemingly surprised that he would step forward at such a time. Any creature with an instinct for avoiding harm would be too scared to make a sound in such a situation. Aesphyra had thought Wenny was like a quail—acting all bravado under the protection of his older peers, but once alone, he'd reveal his true timid nature, cowering as if trying to become an ostrich. "..." Wenny looked at the darkening sky and realized he had said the wrong thing because of his excessive nervousness. It's understandable, though; in front of such a lineup, any of the great fox or succubus leaders could kick him into shards. In front of them, he's nothing more than a toy. Any primate would feel nervous in such a situation. However, even though he misspoke at the start, making negotiations less favorable, it's not a big deal. Speaking is an art—it requires humor. A minor slip-up doesn't hinder Wenny's subsequent actions. "Have you all eaten yet, travelers from afar?" Wenny used a few common templates, turning this into an awkward icebreaker. "...." Still, no one responded, and even if they did reply, it would have been astonishing. "No, we haven't," Wenny was saved from his awkwardness when a familiar voice responded, sparing him the embarrassment of talking to himself and being ignored. The speaker was none other than Jiuli Xue. The white fox girl smiled with an enchanting and captivating smile, just making eye contact made one feel as if their soul was captivated by those wine-red, charming fox eyes. "Oh, haven’t eaten, huh? No appetite?" Wenny forced a laugh, standing before Jiuli Xue and a group of demon leaders, he felt like he could be crushed at any moment. Yet he swallowed hard and continued to speak. "Yes, no appetite lately." Compared to her subordinates, Jiuli Xue seemed rather talkative. Even if a seemingly insignificant human spoke to her, if she found them somewhat interesting, she would respond. Among demons of any status, humans were viewed as weak insects, not deserving interaction. In fact, they could squash a bunch with just one foot, and indeed, they were correct. "Oh, no appetite? Have you seen a doctor for that? An appetite issue can be complicated, sometimes big, sometimes small. I think it's worth figuring out what's causing it," Wenny frowned slightly. Beside him, Aesphyra listened to Wenny's attempts at conversation, unsure whether to commend his courage or scold him for being recklessly brave. Fortunately, the demon lord's distinctive personality allowed Wenny to continue his conversation. As for what the other demon leaders thought of their exchange, no one knew. The highly stoic expressions gave no hint of their intentions. "There's no need; it's already been cured," Jiuli Xue's smile widened. "Huh? Cured? When was that?" Wenny blinked in surprise. "Just now, upon seeing the two of you." "Huh?" Wenny tilted his head, feeling a chill down his spine. "Seeing two delectable humans, especially you, young sir, seemed to brighten my appetite," Jiuli Xue's smile was both chilling and alluring, like a venomous flower in full bloom. Wait, did that old fox actually just call me 'young sir' despite being nearly a hundred years old?? But that's not the point—the point is that this fox seems like she wants to eat people! Come on, how am I supposed to respond to that?? "Well, see, we're civilized folks. We don't do that kind of thing," Wenny forced a smile. "Lovely fox maiden, your beauty is like that of a celestial being. Surely someone as refined as you wouldn't stoop to such a level?" "Oh? But according to your written records, demons are supposed to consume humans, aren't they?" Jiuli Xue feigned curiosity. "Oh, heavens, no! Besides, things like that depend on the circumstances!" Wenny took a step closer to Aesphyra. "Hehe, it's like this: fair and elegant fox maidens, not hiding anything from you, we're students of Careriman Academy, and we were just passing through, accidentally witnessing… oh no, I mean unfortunately witnessing this scene. We apologize, really! We mean no intrusion into your demon affairs. It was purely an accident that we ended up here!" "This matter has absolutely nothing to do with us, that I can assure you!" Wenny smiled broadly, explaining. After all, people don't hit those who are polite. "Oh? What do you mean by saying that only the foxes are pretty, implying that we're just a group of ugly, haggard old women?" Before Wenny could finish, one of the succubus leaders expressed her dissatisfaction. "Hmm." Before Wenny could clarify, a light chuckle emerged from the foxes' side; no one knew exactly who laughed, but everyone heard it. "Tsk!" The speaking succubus duchess glanced at the fox demon faction and clicked her tongue, seemingly restrained by the presence of Jiuli Xue. Were it not for her presence, she might have confronted those annoying foxes. A subtle tension between fox demons and succubi was apparent, but being united under a shared queen, none dared to voice dissent under Jiuli Xue's rule. "No, no! That’s not it. Each of you succubus sisters is equally striking and alluring," Wenny broke into a sweat, not expecting to need to maintain balance between them. He hadn't anticipated the apparent dissonance and underlying conflict between the fox demons and succubi. "So, tell us, with your human aesthetic, who's more beautiful? Us or those vixen foxes?" The succubus duchess found it amusing to tease the delicate-looking blue-haired human boy further. Oh, crap?! Wenny froze, feeling the intense scrutiny from both the fox demons and succubi. They were all awaiting his verdict. What kind of death wish question is this?! It's like being roasted over an open flame! For a moment, Wenny felt his mental faculties were failing, overwhelmed by the situation. "Ah, um, personally? Each has their own unique allure and charms! It's impossible to compare," Wenny attempted to diplomatically balance his answer. "What? Are you saying we can't compete with those fox hussies?!" A succubus duchess immediately voiced her discontent. "No, no..." "Is shamelessness now a selling point?" In response to the succubus challenge, the fox demons did not remain silent, but their replies were much more subtle by comparison. A distinctive great thunder fox demon, holding a smoking pipe with elegance, retorted meaningfully. "Hey, who are you calling shameless?!" snapped the succubus duchess, glaring at the pipe-holding fox. "Whoever responds, perhaps?" the fox demon leader replied, unperturbed, her tone full of a beguiling charm and allure as her lips curved slightly upward. "Fei Changsang, are you looking to start a fight again?" the succubus duchess growled. "If you want to embarrass yourself in front of everyone like last time," Fei Changsang chuckled calmly. However, as for Jiuli Xue’s reaction to her subordinates possibly engaging in infighting? She seemed wholly unconcerned, even appearing slightly eager for chaos to unfold. Such confidence was a luxury, expressing no worry about her subordinates clashing, knowing fully that no one would dare escalate under her reign. Jiuli Xue was an overwhelming authority, and any attempt at conflict would be swiftly quelled. Sure enough, both sides only exchanged sharp glances before relenting, unwilling to disrespect their queen. "Everyone, what I'm trying to say is, your domestic affairs are not for us to meddle in. You're here to settle family matters, and we're just here due to an academy task. We're all here for our reasons," Wenny pressed on. "Sisters, we're all the same people here! You see, this doesn't concern us, nor do we wish to interrupt. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, we should head back to report in—so as not to disturb you further." With that, Wenny signaled Aesphyra with a glance, urging her to follow him before they could respond and stop them. He hoped to convey that they weren’t worth the trouble for the demons, emphasizing their enrollment at Careriman Academy to imply handling them could bring unnecessary issues. Easily dispatching them was one thing, but realizing they represented an academy, would enticingly invite discord by defying Jiuli Xue's implicit boundaries. What would Careriman Academy's response be then? There's no need, truly no need for this altercation. "Hey, blockhead, shell-shocked, huh? Why are you standing still? Let’s go already—these lovely sisters are letting us leave!" Seeing Aesphyra motionless, Wenny gave her a sharp look. Were she not averse to men, he would've hurriedly grabbed her hand and fled. “Yes, let’s go! It’s not the time to admire beauties—our lives are at stake!” Wenny whispered urgently to Aesphyra as they stood side-by-side. Perhaps it was the first time the green-eyed girl had seen so many stunning older sisters, and she was utterly mesmerized. Aesphyra remained unresponsive, staring vacantly as if her brain had short-circuited. Wenny, seeing no alternative, attempted to forcefully drag her away. Damn it, doesn’t she know the immense pressure I’m under right now?! Blade pressing against his back! “Halt.” Yet, before Wenny could pull Aesphyra away, Jiuli Xue suddenly spoke. Upon hearing her voice, a chill ran down Wenny’s spine. “Your Serene Majesty, is there anything else? Haha, the relationship between us humans and your foxes and succubi is amicable. This chance meeting is fateful, isn't it? Even if we don’t become friends, let’s not sour our relations,” Wenny blurted out in a rush. “Dear silver-haired human maiden, the sword you wield, if I’m not mistaken, is the Sacred Sword, correct?” Jiuli Xue smiled sweetly, but her gaze was fixed on Aesphyra. “…” Wenny's expression stiffened as he eyed the Sacred Sword Aesphyra held. Responding at this point was futile; she inquired only because she recognized the sword at a glance. “Haha, oh, pay no mind, she's just a child playing with it," Wenny tried to downplay the matter with a chuckle. “This sword can only be wielded by a [Hero],” Jiuli Xue’s lips curved slightly upward. “You’re the future hero, destined to battle me to the death, no?” "..." Wenny swallowed hard, his lips trembling. Aesphyra, why hold onto the Sacred Sword like that?? But it couldn’t be helped; everything happened so suddenly. Who could have predicted this?? Aesphyra carrying the Sacred Sword for protection made sense. But now... Things were certainly about to become complicated. Wenny had discerned what Jiuli Xue's smile held when she looked at Aesphyra. It was an intent to eradicate the threat entirely. “Oh no, there’s been a mix-up! Your Majesty, she’s really not wielding any Sacred Sword!” Wenny hastily attempted to explain. “My blue-haired friend.” Jiuli Xue called out with a smirk. “Yes, yes, I’m here!" “You’re quite an amusing human. I’ll give you a chance; if you leave now, you'll live.” Jiuli Xue’s smile widened sinisterly. "A-Are you serious? That’s wonderful! Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy. I will forever remember this kindness! Hey, you, honestly, you're such a blockhead! Not very bright to begin with and now drooling when frightened! Aren’t you going to thank Her Majesty with me?!” Wenny shot a pointed glare at Aesphyra. He belittled Aesphyra deliberately to diminish her threat level in Jiuli Xue’s eyes. Unfortunately, its effectiveness was minimal. “No, my dear student, I believe you misunderstood my point.” Jiuli Xue held a deeper meaning in her words. “Only you may walk away.” “Moreover, your amusement has its limits. Don't exhaust my patience.” Wenny stiffened at her words, managing to squeeze out an awkward smile. “Hehe, Your Majesty, you’re so funny. As you see, this silver-haired ninny was so scared she’s petrified, unable to utter a word since earlier. Please, don’t frighten her anymore—she’s drooling even after recovery." “Moreover, you see, if you let me walk away and I return, the academy’s administration will surely question me about my partner’s whereabouts, right?” Wenny said with a face of exasperation. “I have to be truthful, don't I? But wouldn’t that potentially bring trouble to your esteemed selves? Surely, you aren’t looking to provoke conflict with humans now?” "It doesn't matter. You can just tell your instructors that it was Jiuli Xue who kept her," Jiuli Xue's fox eyes narrowed, gleaming with a dangerous glint. "Wenny, you should leave," Aesphyra interrupted, stopping Wenny from saying another word. Her expression remained unchanged, serene as if everything was under control. "What? Are you crazy? Where would I go...?" Wenny whispered urgently to Aesphyra. "The academy is at least a week's journey from here. If I leave, there's no one nearby with the capability to save you, and even if there was, by the time they arrived, you'd be long gone!" "Who asked you to come back?" Aesphyra gave him an odd look. "Why would you ruin my date with these lovely fox ladies?" "Are you serious right now??" Wenny laughed in disbelief. At a time like this, she could still joke about it. "Fine, I'll just leave. Why did I waste so much breath on you anyway?" "That would be best. Don't feel bad and come back for me, okay?" Aesphyra teased. "Who would feel bad for you?? I hope this female fox punches you into a real tough nut!" Wenny retorted with frustration. "You green-eyed fool, are you even aware of your situation? Do you know who they are?? Never mind, since I can go, why should I stay here? Better you than me, I'm out of here—take care of yourself!" With that, Wenny turned, brushing past Aesphyra. However, after only a few steps, reaching a point out of sight, true to Jiuli Xue's word, he was not hindered. Wenny paused, cast a complex look back over his shoulder. He knew very well that Aesphyra had said all that deliberately to get him to leave before Jiuli Xue changed her mind. Saving one life is better than none. Tsk, that white-haired tough nut. Does she think she looks cool doing this?? Wenny lowered his head, pressing his lips together. Of course, he wanted to just leave since staying alive was his primary goal. But how could he let Aesphyra steal all the glory?? Moreover, he owed her so many favors. Should he return to save her? Go back for the destined great heroine who was supposed to kill him in the original plot. But the original plot was just that—only a potential timeline, now unfamiliar and utterly irrelevant. Frankly, before he knew it, the image of Aesphyra from the original plot had disintegrated, replaced by the flesh-and-blood Aesphyra standing before him. The Aesphyra he knew was not the one-dimensional character from the game. He had long since realized this. She was quite annoying, constantly teasing him, deriding him, mocking him with pranks, thoroughly enjoying seeing his defensive reactions. Yet, after each prank, she would smoothly provide him assistance, never hesitating to lend a hand when he needed help, saving him repeatedly in times of danger. Though she'd never say it, Wenny realized that he was cared for by her, always. Her reason for helping him was simply that she knew he wasn't a bad person. That was enough. Aesphyra, with her willingness to help anyone kind-hearted, didn’t need any reason. Just that much set her worlds apart from the original game's Aesphyra, who cared about nothing but flirting. Wenny recalled something he read in a sacred tome. "When you are locked in battle, on the brink of danger, there is someone somewhere praying silently for you, believing in everyone, believing in the existence of selfless love, even if they meet death, until their blood is exhausted, nothing can shake their faith." Perhaps he could deceive himself into believing that Aesphyra, being the great heroine of destiny, blessed with fortune, would be safe. But he couldn't. Wenny sighed heavily. He shouldn't have overthought this. He was just a former villain striving to become an irrelevant NPC. Even if he abstained from evil, others' lives shouldn’t concern him; safeguarding himself, ensuring he lives better without any aura or divine luck, was his primary directive. As long as he didn’t cross into the realm of 'evil', he should do whatever necessary. Yet somewhere along the line, everything he thought about had changed. His thoughts were becoming broader, so expansive that he couldn't continue acting as he once had.