BJ Villainess

After kissing the back of my hand and exchanging glances, I felt a bit out of it for a moment. It was because the constellations had poured out their support in abundance. That’s why I couldn’t withdraw my hand immediately and hesitated for a while.

Ozworld had already straightened his back and took my hand, linking arms with me. “I will escort you to your seat.”

It was already too late to refuse. I accepted his escort with a gentle smile. “That’s kind of you. Then, I’ll leave it to you, Marquis.”

Then Ozworld, with a spark in his eyes, whispered in my ear in a small voice, “You’ve grown.”

His tone was teasing, but it was easy to brush off. Whether I had truly grown, as he said, I no longer felt even a flicker of emotion at such provocations.

We sat down at a place meticulously prepared with snacks. To cut off the conversation, I picked up a teacup first, and fortunately, Raul took the lead in the atmosphere.

“It’s been a while since we’ve heard from the south. Anything new there?”

The south. It seems the setting is that the Marquis Vallensia’s territory is there.

“The sea monsters in the south are always a headache. But it’s a relief that it prevents pirates from rampaging.”

“It’s like the reason there are no bandits in the mountains. Instead, more young people are stepping into the underworld determinedly. Really, what will become of our empire?”

“Isn’t there a famous terrorist group based in the capital?”

“

, are you talking about Stigmata?”

. I accidentally placed the teacup down too loudly, attracting attention. I said, “Please, continue,” and smiled gently. However, Raul seemed not really interested in the southern situation, changing the topic.

“I’ve heard the Marquis Vallensia doesn’t move much in the south. Have you come to the capital for the imperial ball?”

Ozworld smiled broadly. “Yes. I’m also looking for a suitable partner.”

Then Raul showed interest. “

, is that so? May I ask how old you are now?”

“Twenty-seven.”

I almost burst out laughing. He’s 27? He seems much older than Ilya. What a shameless man.

While I was sarcastically musing to myself, Ozworld, sensing something from me, addressed me. “You seemed quite shocked yesterday, but it’s a relief you seem fine today.”

“Thanks for your concern.”

As yesterday’s unfortunate incident was mentioned, Raul coughed to draw attention. “By the way, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Theresa is the top of her class at Valhalla this semester.”

“?!”

I was about to elegantly sip my tea but almost burned the roof of my mouth. Raul’s boasting about his child didn’t end there.

“Not to brag because he’s my child, but it’s rare at this age to write several papers that the academy pays attention to, right?”

He went on about the rare talent of a magic designer, unmatched in purification magic, and so on as if he had been waiting for this day, endlessly proud. My face felt hot with embarrassment.

Ding!

[The Constellation ‘Absolutely Protect Squire’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[Bragging about your child? Can’t let this go

ㅋㅋ

.]

Ozworld exclaimed in admiration, fuelling Raul’s enthusiasm. “Such an excellent student.”

“You flatter me.” I clenched my teeth and replied, and he seemed even more delighted.

Before Raul could continue boasting, the butler knocked on the parlor door, indicating some matter had arisen. “Excuse me, but I must leave for a moment. Theresa, please take care of the guests in my place.”

“Don’t worry, and go ahead.”

Raul left the parlor with a pleased smile.

“Should we continue this play?”

My question had Ozworld swirling his teacup and responding enigmatically. “What play are you talking about?”

The one you’re doing right now. Before I could even say that, a quest window popped up.

Ding!

[Quest: Find out the birthday of the Marquis Vallensia]

▸

Reward: Slight increase in likeability

▸

Failure: Significant decrease in likeability

. Are they forcing me to pursue him through a quest? Asking about his birthday wasn’t hard.

“When is your birthday?”

Ozworld acted as if he didn’t hear my question, sipping his tea. Ignoring me on purpose was ridiculous, but I quickly corrected the error and asked again.

“I’m curious about Marquis Vallensia’s birthday.”

Only then did Ozworld react as if he finally heard me. “Why are you curious?”

You asked for it.

“…I just really want to celebrate it.”

“Is that so? My birthday is on July 7th, so I should invite Lady to the mansion for a celebration.”

Ding!

[Quest: Find out the birthday of the Marquis Vallensia completed]

▸

Reward: Slight increase in likeability

Yes, please do invite me. I’m not sure if I’ll be in the capital then. I just smiled without saying what I wanted to keep to myself.

The antis leader said their loved one died because of Ozworld. And that it was just the beginning for me too.

Of course, Ozworld was someone who wouldn’t find it strange to commit such acts a thousand or ten thousand times. That’s why I felt so lost and stifled. How should I deal with this monster…

As I sipped my tea in turmoil, another quest window appeared.

Ding!

[Quest: Find out Marquis Vallensia’s preferences]

▸

Reward: Slight increase in likeability

▸

Failure: Significant decrease in likeability

Is this a quest to fill in his character information?

▼

[Ozworld Vallensia]

Age: 27

Height: 186 cm

Birthday: July 7

th

Likes: ???

Dislikes: ???

Likeability: 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

▲

My memory was clear that Ozworld’s age and birthday were marked as ‘???’, but now they were filled in with accurate information.

“What do you like, Marquis?”

Ozworld seemed unimpressed by my insincere question. “The question is too broad for me to give a specific answer.”

Ding!

[The Constellation ‘Ozworld is Real World’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[Ask about his ideal type]

“

What about your ideal type?”

, this really feels like a question for a blind date. I hate it.

Ozworld scoffed as if my question was childish. “Ideal type,

. It’s been a while since I’ve heard that question. I always answer that I don’t have one…” He trailed off, staring intently at me.

As I narrowed my brows slightly, Ozworld tilted his head and answered. “Now… someone whose grumpy expression is cute?”

“I see…”

“And someone whose sullen attitude is provocatively charming.”

“…”

“And someone whose wary eyes sparkle beautifully. Was that too many?”

Ding!

[The Constellation ‘Empty Vessels Make the Most Noise’ has sponsored 1,000,000 coins.]

[Just say Theresa is your ideal type]

I reprimanded him with a face that betrayed my unease. “You’re making fun of me.”

Ozworld shrugged and said, “I’m just stating the facts,” then stood up and approached me. “Shall we change the location? The weather is nice, and I’d like to take a walk outside.”

Now was not the time for a walk. The sun was at its strongest, requiring the use of a parasol, inevitably leading to walking closely together. Moreover, the ground was muddy from yesterday’s rain, meaning I’d have to rely heavily on Ozworld. His suggestion was obviously impure.

“I thought you were a gentleman, but you’re quite cunning.”

When I sarcastically replied, Ozworld calmly retorted. “It’s unfair to accuse me of something I haven’t done yet. If you dislike my suggestion, I can go alone.”

Knowing full well I couldn’t refuse, his smugness was unbearable.

“Let’s go together. I wanted to take a walk, so this is perfect.”

“We seem to get along well.”

Ozworld held the parasol while I wrapped my arm around his, and we began walking along the mansion’s path. Our conversation continued.

“Do you like snow?”

“No.”

“Then, do you like rain?”

“I’m not fond of it.”

“I enjoy looking at the night sky filled with stars. What about you?”

“Regrettably, I don’t find watching the sky particularly moving.”

The more we talked, the more evident it became that Ozworld, and I had nothing in common. I suddenly remembered the information I knew about Ozworld and spoke up.

“You seem like you’d dislike romance, right? And for some reason, I think you’d like red.”

Ozworld chuckled softly. “You seem to know me well.”

“That’s right. It’s as if I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

Ozworld laughed louder at my blunt response.

Ding!

[Quest: Find out Marquis Vallensia’s preferences completed]

▸

Reward: Slight increase in likeability

I stopped in my tracks and stared directly at Ozworld. “Isn’t it about time you return my ring?”

“

, this one?” Ozworld pulled my engagement ring from his pocket.

I instinctively reached out, but he swiftly pulled it back, causing me to bump my chest into his.

“

…”

He chuckled softly, lifting my chin with his hand. “It would be troublesome if you tried to steal it, Miss Theresa.”

His clear gaze fell too close for comfort. I tried to step back, but Ozworld didn’t allow it. He wrapped his hand around the back of my head and whispered in a secretive voice. “What will you give me in exchange for returning the ring?”

“You have everything already. What the hell can I possibly give you?”

Unable to contain my temper, I snapped at him, but Ozworld seemed to prefer my fiery response to my meekness.

“If it’s hard to choose, I’ll give you options.”

Ding!

[Choose the price to pay in exchange for getting your ring back.]

1. Promise to marry Ozworld.

2. Kiss Ozworld.

3. Spend the summer vacation at Ozworld’s mansion.

4. Wear a ruby ring gifted by Ozworld.

Reading the options, the words that he was insane nearly came out of the tip of my tongue.