Is it wrong for me to like seeing the villain suffer [40]
Sylvia said as she filed her report:
“That monster you brought has opened its eyes.”
I burst out laughing:
“Haha, Sylvia… Don’t exaggerate, what kind of monster is this? It’s true that he committed monster-like actions, but…”
However, Sylvia's features grew colder, and she said, suppressing her anger:
"From what I heard about his behavior, there is no difference between him and monsters. As soon as he woke up, he started a riot. It is true that magical restrictions bind him and prevent him from using black magic, but he seemed extremely violent."
I answered her thoughtfully:
"Hmm...so then? Lakko's probably looking for me, right?"
“Yes. He had the audacity to say that he wanted Lady Lizzy brought to him. That damned one.”
Sylvia was saying what she said as if she was chewing it with her teeth in anger, about to jump at him and strangle him with her hands, so I quickly asked her:
“And where is Laco now?”
“He is being held on the farm inside a human cage... Could it be...?”
She said, staring at me with a worried look:
“Are you planning to meet him yourself?”
She smiled and said:
“Yes! If he tries to run to meet me, it will be annoying. I have to warn him myself so he doesn’t make a mess.”
Sylvia hesitated:
“But...do you think he will obey you easily?”
"Yes, he will obey. I'm sure of that. Wouldn't it be better if I got him to obey me before there's any trouble?"
She looked at me carefully, then exhaled in surrender and said with a desperate face:
“I will guide you, then. But I will also accompany you, because I know that you will not heed my warning of the danger.”
“As I expected from you, Sylvia. You understand me very well.”
I winked at her with one eye, and she suddenly became confused and her face turned red, then she bit her lip angrily and left, saying:
“Let's go then!! That monster, if he dares to do something stupid, I will break his neck immediately!!”
I answered her in a calm tone:
“No, don't do that, Sylvia. Just hit him so he doesn't die.”
Then I followed her towards the farm where Laco was imprisoned.
'I thought I would get some relief, but then he was causing trouble? Well... I'll grant his wish and go to him myself. I have to teach him a lesson so he won't be noisy anymore.'
❖ ❖ ❖
Inside the farm.
Since the incident of Sylvia and the workers scheming against me, I have not set foot in this place.
It seems that the memory of that still bothers her, as she seemed worried as she watched me when I entered.
I smiled lightly and said jokingly:
“Ah... this reminds me of the past. I was really terrified the day I was locked up here.”
Sylvia's face trembled in pain, then she said proudly while taking a deep breath:
“...I must atone for this with death!!”
So she said with a serious face:
“It's just a joke.”
I had the idea that she might actually do it if she took my words seriously.
But she was still immersed in guilt. She was disturbed and said:
“Really… I apologize for what happened then. And if you fire me, Madam Lizzy, I will have no excuse.”
I patted her shoulder and said with a smile:
“I told you it was okay. I never felt afraid for a moment.”
'It was even more fun...'
But of course I could not tell her that in the original novel, the place where I was imprisoned had been the scene of a very daring scene between the head of the Cayenne family and my older brother.
So I just smiled reassuringly and patted her back.
As for Lako, he was imprisoned in that human cage that was considered the “hot place” in the original novel.
“We have arrived.”
Since that incident, the use of this cage to confine humans has been prohibited.
But Laco was an exception; There was no more suitable place to detain him within the Cayenne Palace.
“Madam Lizzie.”
The guard knights bowed before us in respect.
I greeted them with a nod, then asked to see Lako.
After they exchanged glances, they seemed to see no objection and stepped aside.
I approached the cage and saw him inside the bars, kneeling and shackled with his neck, hands and feet shackled.
There were magical restrictions to prevent the release of any spell, and a bridle was even placed in his mouth so that he could not mutter.
Any secret outlet that would have enabled him to escape was also removed.
He raised his head when he felt our presence, and his features were distorted by the wounds left on him by Arkell.
She waved at him with a calm smile.
“……! Whoof!!”
His eyes widened in astonishment, then he tried to break his chains, but the chains shook, making a loud noise.
Sylvia immediately stood up in front of me to shield me from him, and the knights drew their swords without hesitation.
Sylvia shouted angrily:
“You vile bastard—!”
But I quickly brushed her shoulder and gently turned her away, turning my eyes to Lako.
I gently pushed Sylvia back while she was screaming sharply in Laco's face, and I said to her:
“It's okay, Sylvia.”
“Madam Lizzie...”
Then I turned to one of the knights, smiling, and asked him:
“May I come in a little to see it up close?”
“What? But that...”
As I expected, he couldn't give permission easily.
I had no choice but to use my trump card.
“I heard he was seriously injured. Arkell told me to seek urgent treatment for his injuries.”
I used the name Arkle as the last method.
'Sorry, Arkell.'
The two knights exchanged glances, then nodded.
“We'll go in with you too.”
“And I—”
Sylvia said, trying to accompany me.
But I hastened to cut her off:
“No, it can’t be. When I use holy powers, having someone near me hinders me.”
It was a lie I made up, but my desire to have no one by my side was sincere.
I have something I want to talk to him about alone.
'Ah...but Laku can't speak now. So I'll just be the one talking? Anyway...'
One of the knights took out a key from his pocket and opened the door of the iron cage.
“If there is any danger, you must come out immediately—!”
He said it seriously.
As for Sylvia, she still seemed worried about me going alone.
“Okay, okay.” I answered her smiling.
Then she carefully entered the cage and moved towards Lakko until she stood a step away from him.
She whispered in a voice that no one else could hear:
“Do you still wish to serve me?”
“…! Woof—!”
His golden eyes bulged out, and he shook his head vehemently in confirmation.
‘As I expected, this man will not give up the illusion of salvation so easily.’
“If that's the case... I'll give you a chance.”
I smiled as pure as an angel.
Perhaps my appearance truly seemed to him to be that of a saint extending the hand of salvation.
“Submit to Me and I will save you. I will cleanse your sins and protect you even in life after death. Only obedience will be required of you.”
Then I added with a gentle smile:
“In other words…be an obedient dog.”
I ran my hand through his soft silver hair.
“Can you be?”
He stared at me for a long time, then nodded slowly before shaking his head with increasing vigor.
"Woof! Woof...!"
“Yes, yes. Well done.”
I did not understand what he was saying with his mouth gagged, but I was certain that he agreed.
So I passed my hand over his head affectionately.
“Woof!”
He seemed to ask for more, as I felt that his word carried this meaning.
He would submit to the touch of my hand with a satisfied face, like a spoiled puppy.
‘It really is a dog… both directly and figuratively.’
I always thought I was the most deviant in this world, but it seems that the crazies are countless.
However, I had to maintain my dignity as a saint, so I hid any trace of my confusion and said calmly:
“If you remain obedient like this, I will untie you. If you do well, I may allow you to serve me closely.”
“…….!”
His golden eyes sparkled with overwhelming joy.
“Today I will only treat your wounds. So you have to remain obedient, okay?”
I placed my palm on his wounded forehead.
I intended to treat his injuries somewhat, but suddenly it occurred to me:
'How am I going to make him express his gratitude when he's like this?'
So I decided to loosen his reins for a moment.
“If you want to stay close to me, stay quiet.”
“Huh… I will. Thank you, Governor.”
He said after taking a deep breath once his mouth was free.
So I said to him:
“Oh, and by the way, in this country there are what are called ‘words of reverence.’ When you call me you have to add the word ‘ma’am’ out of respect.”
"Madam...? Madam Governor...?"
“That's right. Repeat it again, but with reverence.”
“Madam Governor.”
He mumbled with wide-eyed eyes.
"I did well."
Thus I succeeded in using my sacred powers.
She rewarded him by treating his wounds.
As soon as I got out of the cage, I turned to him smiling:
“Until I come back, you must remain calm.”
He nodded, his golden eyes shining like a huge dog waiting for his master to return.
I waved my little hand at him and left the farm.
❖ ❖ ❖
After I was assured that the source of danger had been temporarily resolved, I decided to return to my room to rest, but...
“I heard that you met the wizard, I have to hear the report immediately.”
So Martha stopped me at the stairs.
“But you said I should get enough rest~”
I feigned a feeble objection, but to no avail.
I was forced to go to her office, and had to tell her in detail what had happened at Kelston and what had just happened with Laco.
“Then… I think it is time to inform His Majesty the Emperor that we have found a way to lift the curse.”
“I already sent the message.”
'Fast as usual.'
Martha said, contentedly resting her chin on her clasped palms:
“Then that magician began to see you as a ruler and obey you... then it is easy to control him. Fortunately, you are from the Kaien family.”
“…….”
‘From the Kaien family…? Do you think she finally acknowledges me as one of her own?'
“I feel reassured as long as you are trustworthy within our family.”
Rather, she was the heroine who was known for her lack of praise. She praised me.
She may have been complimenting me to keep me on her side, but that didn't spoil my feeling of satisfaction.
'At least I'm no longer threatened with expulsion.'
While I was absorbed in my pleasure, Martha suddenly said:
“So I want to officially announce your marriage to Arkell.”
*****
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