Surviving as a Villain at the Academy - Surviving as a Villain at the Academy chapter 178

178 – The Devil Lives in the Magic Tower. (5)

“What nonsense…”

I retorted in disbelief. But after hearing Salus’s words, Asti seemed to ponder deeply and then suddenly nodded. Her exclamations of ‘Hmm, hmm’ were just an added touch.

Somehow, her reaction made me uneasy. If it were Asti, she might actually act on that bizarre idea. Surely she wouldn’t rush off to Adrian just like that.

“Think about it seriously, Frah.”

“…What?”

“If you’re self-conscious because Adrian is around, why not just bring Adrian into the fold?”

“You said it before. You’d be upset if I got close to another girl.”

Asti’s response was more serious than I expected. I was speechless. I mean, I could understand if Adrian getting close to me was upsetting, but I couldn’t fathom why she’d want to share me, the most important part.

“I’ve decided to endure it. After all, it’s better than being consumed by jealousy and missing out, spending more time with you.”

“So, your idea is to include Adrian?”

“Yes. Isn’t that good for you too? With all that energy you have. Honestly, I can’t handle your stamina alone. We need someone to share it.”

Now I’m treated like a prized stallion. But I couldn’t argue with her. After all, it was always Asti who fainted and collapsed after our encounters.

Astri didn’t have the stamina of a high-ranking demon.

No, to be exact, his pleasure threshold was lower than mine. That’s why, every time we got together, he would often lose his mental balance.

……It’s so pathetic, anyway.

“What’s the point of you going unconscious again?”

“No, no. If we have some free time, I can enjoy myself a bit more. It’s a waste to go unconscious every time.”

Anyway, Astri was looking for a scapegoat to save himself time. Adrian was suitable for that role, in his opinion.

“Ah.”

“Well, I don’t need to care about what Adrian thinks, and neither do you. We’re officially a couple, after all.”

“That’s a true statement, but…”

I lost my words. Of course, the statement itself is true. We’re officially a couple, and we shouldn’t be ashamed of sharing our relationship. Everyone does it.

However, it was a problem in my heart. There was someone who openly liked me, but I was having an affair with him! What’s the point of playing coy? Just looking at Adrian’s expression was making me uncomfortable.

“You’re thinking about that, aren’t you? That Adrian will get hurt because you only care about me. So, just pretend that Adrian doesn’t exist.”

“No, I’m not crazy enough to drag him into my bedroom. Even if I don’t care about what others think, that’s still crazy. In the world of the nobility, they would cut off my head for it.”

“But the saint herself publicly confessed her love. What’s so scary about that? Honestly, you can do whatever you want. You’re already leaving room for Adrian in your heart, aren’t you? After all, no one doesn’t know that Adrian has feelings for you. The saint’s love has been officially recognized since the scandal was resolved, and Adrian likes you. Even if you take Adrian to your bedroom, it’s not a forced situation, so it won’t be a problem.”

“That’s only if we’re together, though……”

“If we’re together, then just be a man and take responsibility. That’s better.”

“I didn’t know, Asti. You’re quite expressive……”

“What’s wrong with it? s*x is a natural part of human history. Men and women both enjoy it. The father who created the natural order of things said so. There’s no shame in it. The nobility may act high and mighty, but there’s no shame in expressing one’s desires. In the end, it’s all the same – we’re all just naked and writhing in pleasure.”

“Asti’s words made me feel embarrassed. I looked at Saluus, who was watching me with a curious gaze.

“Hey, Prax.”

“Why?”

“Can I join in later? I’m curious. What’s it like……. I’ve never experienced it before, since my life has been far from romantic.”

My head hurts. Why does he do this? Watching this series of events unfold is making my head spin. Am I just a character in a story?

Originally, I was chasing a peaceful life with someone who shared my heart and values…… but somehow, this happened?

“I’ll let you know later.”

I couldn’t openly refuse, so I had to say it indirectly. Saluus’s curiosity is understandable, but it’s still too sudden.

I believe that relationships should be between people who share the same heart and values. But suddenly, what’s with this reckless behavior? Honestly, I don’t like it.

Astri probably knows my inclinations. So, maybe he was just joking?

“It seems better than I thought…”

…It’s a joke, right?

* * *

I immediately reported to my father what I had seen and heard. About the new group called the Seekers, directly under the Pope’s command in the Holy Kingdom, and the story they relayed to me, that something was happening at the Mage Tower.

“…Does this mean that such an incident is really happening at the Mage Tower?”

“Yes. I couldn’t just take the Seekers’ word for it, so I had someone check directly, and indeed, there have been suspicious carriages entering and leaving the Mage Tower recently. It felt like they weren’t even being guarded.”

“Huh.”

My father wore a genuinely incredulous expression. It was as if we were learning of people going missing from reports from another country.

“What have the local lords been doing? After all, those missing were their citizens. Normally, lords are sensitive to the disappearance of anyone who pays taxes.”

“Well, most of the people who disappeared this time were those who couldn’t pay taxes. It was the elderly without families and vagrants.”

“…I see why they wouldn’t care. Understood. Even our nation can’t meddle with the Mage Tower recklessly, so I’ll speak to His Majesty directly.”

“May I go as well?”

“You?”

“Yes. I have something to say to His Majesty.”

“Then you shall. Of course, if His Majesty does not permit it, even I can’t do anything about it.”

“That’s only natural.”

“Alright. I’ll speak to him by tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

“By the way, is it true that the Saintess is staying at this mansion?”

“That has become the case.”

“Is there some kind of danger?”

“It’s not certain yet, but the Saintess might be in danger related to this Mage Tower incident. At least with me and Asti here, we can buy some time.”

“I see. I wondered if there was another motive.”

“…Another motive?”

When I asked back, my father looked at me with a complex expression.

“What other reason would there be to invite a woman to one’s home.”

Good heavens. I didn’t expect my father to interpret it that way…

“It feels like everyone around me sees me as a tremendous playboy lately…”

“It’s hard to deny, considering how many kids are around you. Most of them seem to have a fondness for you.”

“No matter what, a playboy? Really, a playboy…”

“Is it because of your handsome face, or is there something else that bewitches the girls? It’s going to be quite the headache. If you ever decide to marry, let me know. I’ll make sure it’s a grand affair. Though, how many brides you’ll have is anyone’s guess… Well, it’s not like the Lancel lineage hasn’t had ancestors with multiple wives.”

Father seemed to be joking, but for me, it was an awkward situation.

“Don’t such matters usually consider the other party’s social status?”

“Status? The blood of Lancel flows in you. What does it matter if it mixes with another? There are nobles who fuss over lineage, but those houses tend to fall behind.”

From noble mtl dot nete

Father’s tone was serious, even biting, on that point.

“Is that so?”

“The blood of the talented is more noble. There’s nothing more precious than talent in this world. The ancestors of Lancel always preferred unions with the gifted. Imagine if you and Asti, that child, were to have offspring? I’ve noticed her magical abilities are far from ordinary.”

“…”

“Anyway, I have no intention of objecting to however many brides you bring home, just manage them well. Of course, make sure they don’t end up fighting each other.”

“I’ll do my best…”

“That’s good. Give it your all. Anyway, I have much to do, so I’ll be leaving now.”

“Understood, Father.”