Get Ahead of the Fallen Heroine and Make the Bull-Headed Man the Victim

62. Real evil is better than hypocritical good.

What are couples supposed to do, anyway?

Valentina didn’t know, nor did she have any friends to discuss it with.

But that wasn’t really a problem; after all, even though she had no friends, she now had a “boyfriend.”

She was curious to see if Noah could truly play the role of “Clyde, an ordinary boy living in the capital.”

If he couldn’t, well, she would certainly have a good laugh at his expense.

“This is one of the most popular spots for couples in the capital, Tina. They say that if you propose under this tree in front of the Great Cathedral, the couple will definitely grow old together.”

“Oh~ So it’s that amazing~ No wonder it’s ‘Clyde’~”

……

“And this is another place couples often visit. They say there was once a pair of lovers torn apart by nobles who chose to die together here, transforming into fairies and flying away hand in hand. Human love is truly remarkable; even nobles can’t stop couples who are genuinely in love.”

“Hmm~ I didn’t know such a tragic story had happened here. This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

……

“Tina, look! This is the most popular drink among couples—cheap and practical! Plus, it looks great! The pink and blue colors represent each partner; it’s the perfect combination. I wish I could be the other half that matches you…”

“It really does look nice. I didn’t expect this seemingly ordinary roadside shop to be so popular. I pass by here often but have never come in…”

……

“Next, we arrive at a slightly distant but peaceful lakeside area! Hehe, actually, I sometimes come out to fish, so I’ve already prepared my fishing gear. Do you want to give it a try, Tina?”

“Eh? Ah, I didn’t expect ‘Clyde’ to know this! N-no, it’s nothing. Even though it’s my first time fishing, it should be similar to hunting monsters, right?”

……

“Tina, be careful! … Ahaha, I almost got dragged into the water by the so-called king of the lake! That big fish probably mistook you for a lake fairy, after all, you’re incredibly beautiful.”

“… Uh, um, yeah.”

……

“Finally back inside the capital! Let’s go have dinner, Tina. Today has been such a joyful day~”

“…”

As the dark-haired youth beside her spoke to her in Clyde’s voice, Valentina no longer felt the calmness of waiting to catch him out in a lie.

Instead, she silently stared at the ground, simply walking together.

It wasn’t that she was upset because the evil god’s impeccable acting left her with no clues to find fault.

—

But it was because she always found it hard to accept.

Though it was just acting, the Evil God had indeed become much gentler than she had imagined, not only in his tone but also in his actions.

When she almost fell into the lake, soaked to the skin, because she underestimated the big fish, it was the Evil God who caught her fishing rod from behind, helping her steady herself.

The sense of reassurance that came from such close proximity was something she had never experienced with him before.

Her original hope of getting along with the Evil God had, in a way, been realized today.

But… why? Why did she find it so hard to accept?

Wasn’t it good that the Evil God had become easier to talk to and gentler?

If the Evil God could possess the same gentleness as her childhood friend, it should be like this, right?

But what was this feeling of being unable to let go?

The princess found it hard to accept why she couldn’t accept such an Evil God.

Clearly, this was how she had hoped he would be, but what was this feeling as if her heart was blocked?

Unable to understand her own feelings, the princess began to speak less.

Watching the ground turn yellow under the dusk, Valentina’s mood inevitably grew heavier.

But this wouldn’t do; it was only the first day.

She had to pull herself together. If she didn’t keep an eye on this Evil God, other women would surely fall victim to his wickedness.

But…

“Hey, Princess, what’s with that attitude? Didn’t you want to take revenge on me? You think you can act like this and still be worthy? Ha, how utterly boring. It seems I overestimated you; you’re just a foolish woman easily deceived by men.”

!?

The familiar sneer suddenly echoed in her ears, jolting Valentina out of her despondency. She quickly turned to the man beside her with an incredulous look.

But she found that the man who had exuded the same gentle aura as Clyde had vanished.

In his place stood a figure she both recognized and despised.

Especially that evil smile filled with disdain and mockery—she couldn’t possibly be mistaken.

From noble mtl dot com

Coupled with his earlier words, it completely revived the inexplicable discomfort within the princess.

“Who are you calling a foolish woman, you despicable god! Do you really find joy in pretending to be weak just to make others feel superior? That big fish with its monstrous strength—was that your little show too? You’re truly the worst god!”

Valentina radiated intense anger, her voice clearly revealing her extreme displeasure. The fierce anger in her eyes as she glared at Noah was unmistakable, and she even resorted to body language, forcefully waving her hand in protest.

“Ha ha, that’s right! I’m so happy! Your life and your childhood friend’s life are nothing but toys for me to play with as I wish! This is the privilege of being outside the norm! If you have the ability, become an extraordinary hero! Oh, sorry, you’ve turned into a wicked dragon now, so you can’t be the admired hero anymore. What a pity~ I was looking forward to seeing the heroic figure of Princess.”

Seeing Valentina regain her spirit, Noah deliberately brought up the topic of her shattered dreams of heroism.

This provoked Valentina, who immediately unleashed the power of that ‘wicked dragon,’ rushing towards him with a speed she hadn’t felt in a long time.

But of course, she still missed.

“Ouch, how scary! Well, let’s call it a day. I won’t be waiting in anticipation for you to get better, after all, you promised to make me regret it. Don’t go and die on me first.”

—

As Noah’s figure vanished into the distance, his malicious voice gradually faded away on the twilight streets.

“…Hmph, you’ll definitely regret this. Don’t worry, even if I die, I won’t let you off the hook. Just wait for me, you annoying divine being!”

Valentina, unscathed from the attack, didn’t feel the usual bitterness. Instead, she looked up at the twilight sky, which suddenly seemed much more beautiful, a relaxed smile gracing her lips.

Ah, yes, indeed, the wicked god is most infuriating like this.

At last, she understood why she felt so troubled and unable to let go.

Because that gentle demeanor was simply too hypocritical, causing her a visceral discomfort.

Even his usual nasty demeanor was far more preferable than that insincere gentleness.

It seemed she wouldn’t have to worry about what this mood was tonight, but rather about being unable to sleep.

Her mood was like the beautiful princess of this sky, beginning her solitary return to the palace, so happy that she even wanted to hum a tune.

“Ah! That guy wouldn’t have gone to someone else, would he? Ugh! This won’t do! I need to think of a way to keep his attention!”

But then she suddenly remembered that her original goal had not been achieved, and thus the princess’s expression darkened once more.

—