Chapter 17

^{I Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One}

“Oh, my dear friend, that’s impressive! To think you managed to go on a date with the difficult Lady Aegis!! What kind of magic did you use?”

“Hehe, Lord Weiss is such a wonderful person. It’s only natural. But I must admit, I’m a little jealous.”

Nial seemed surprised, and after Rosalia spoke proudly, she pouted slightly, looking somewhat dissatisfied. What could be going on?

I feel bad for them both, but right now, I have too much on my plate to worry about it. Aegis’ mother has been afflicted by a plague spread by the Hades Church—a disease that will eventually strike our territory in the future.

To think someone had already fallen victim to this illness so long ago… This suggests they were likely using it as a tool to manipulate powerful figures. After all, they created the disease themselves; they must know how to cure it. In fact, the protagonist defeated one of the higher-ups of the Hades Church and obtained the cure… And of course, thanks to playing the game, I also know the treatment.

“Hey, Rosalia… Is there any way we can get our hands on some Mandrake root? We need it urgently.”

“Mandrake root, huh? If we ask the Adventurer’s Guild, we might be able to get some soon… But since it’s a rare material, who knows when exactly…”

“Yeah, I figured…”

Rosalia looked troubled, and I couldn’t help but groan. The protagonists had gotten it through an event by sheer luck, but things don’t always work out that smoothly. However, if we don’t hurry, and the Hades Church delivers the antidote first, Lord Reinhard won’t be able to oppose them anymore. They’ll exploit us until we’re discarded, and Aegis will fall into darkness.

“Huh? You need Mandrake root? I have some at my place.”

“What? Why would you…?”

“I told you before, my family deals in medicinal herbs, and we also collect rare plants… So…”

“Please, Nial! Sell it to me!”

Overcome with excitement, I grabbed his hand and pleaded. He widened his eyes in surprise and gave a somewhat affected smile.

“My friend asks, so of course, I’ll help. But I have one condition. Let me join whatever you’re planning. I’ve had enough of being left out.”

So I explained to Nial that we needed the Mandrake root to cure a certain person’s illness.

“Never thought we’d obtain Mandrake root so easily…”

“Hmph, you should thank me, my friend! Thanks to me, Nial, your plan is moving forward at full speed!”

“Ah, so you’re more than just an annoying advisor character, huh?”

“Hmm? I don’t quite understand what you mean by ‘advisor character,’ but I can tell you’re not complimenting me, my friend.”

A few days later, I invited Nial, who had brought what I requested, into my office. True to his smug demeanor, he held up the Mandrake root, which was supposed to be a rare item.

The root, shaped like a human face contorted in agony, certainly seemed to possess some mystical power—and it was creepy.

“So… what are you going to do with this, my friend? Mandrake root gives vitality, but its poison is potent. Mishandle it with half-baked knowledge, and it becomes a deadly toxin.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it under control. We’ll purify the poison in the Spirit Spring and mix it with a potion. That way, the toxic components will reverse.”

“Hmm… But the Spirit Spring is said to be so pure that spirits and divine beasts frequently visit it, right? It’s monopolized by the nobles of the royal capital and some potion guilds, managed by the church. New locations aren’t easily found…”

Nial frowned suspiciously at my words. Yes… The Spirit Spring is indeed as precious as he says. Usually, it’s under someone’s control, and unless you have money or significant power, you can’t access it.

But I have the knowledge from the game. In fact, there’s still an untouched Spirit Spring in my territory. Moreover, the monsters there aren’t very strong, and I know exactly what kind of monsters appear. With Rosalia’s help, I should be able to make it there safely.

You might think it’s too convenient… but originally, it was meant for the protagonist. It’s conveniently placed, and now I’ll take advantage of it.

“Hehe, you look like you’ve got something up your sleeve. So, when are we going? I need to prepare too, you know. I’ll be in trouble if you don’t tell me soon.”

“Eh? You’re coming too?”

“What are you saying… Didn’t I say that in exchange for the Mandrake root, I want to be involved in this? Besides… I hate standing by doing nothing while you’re in trouble…”

“Nial…”

His words brought tears to my eyes. Ah, so besides Rosalia and Kaiser, Nial also cares about Weiss… Nial’s combat abilities may not be high, but if Rosalia can protect one person while fighting, then surely we’ll be fine… right? Though having one more person might make it tough…

Just as I was thinking that, there was a knock, and Rosalia entered. But she wasn’t alone. She…

“Lord Weiss, Lady Aegis is here. Hehe, looks like you two have become quite close.”

“Oh, Lady Aegis! How are you today?”

“You make me angry just by looking at you. I hate you!”

As Nial smirked suspiciously, Aegis shot him a glance and replied irritably. Wow, she’s really prickly, isn’t she?

“So… Lady Aegis, what brings you here today…?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it? I came to check if you’ll keep your promise regarding the task I entrusted to you!”

With that, she stared straight at me. Though she tried to act strong, she was clearly uneasy. Her hands trembled as if afraid to hear my answer.

It’s an unknown disease. Even if I’d promised to investigate or take care of it, others might have given up without a clue.

But… I’m different, Aegis. I smiled reassuringly and told her:

“Ah… Then rest assured… We’re close to a solution.”

“You’re… not lying? Really…?”

After hearing my response, she looked straight into my eyes, and then tears began streaming down her face as if she couldn’t believe it. She clung to me desperately.

Eh? You trust me already? Why do you trust me so much?