Chapter 20

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

The Spirit Spring is said to have been created when the gods once descended upon the earth. The water of the spring has mysterious healing properties, capable of curing wounds and ailments. It is also a place where sentient magical beings known as Spirits rest, and where powerful beasts called Divine Beasts—contract-bound creatures that grant immense power to their partners—find solace.

By the way, in the game, I’ve come here many times for events like obtaining healing potions or recruiting Divine Beasts. Thanks to that, I remember the way.

“Is there really a Spirit Spring here? Isn’t this your family’s territory?”

“Well, we’re poor, so we have unexplored forests and such. Turns out, one of those places is actually the Spirit Spring.”

“Hmm… but why does Weiss know about such a place?”

Aegis asked with a puzzled expression. It’s understandable, but if I told her that this world is a game and I was reincarnated into it from another world, she’d probably think I’m crazy.

On the other hand, I can’t lie to Aegis, nor do I want to… While I was pondering what to do, an unexpected lifeline came my way.

“That’s because…”

“Maybe it’s because my good friend is studious and researched a lot? …Ugh, I feel sick.”

“Hey, don’t throw up!! Here, drink some fruit water! It should help a little.”

“Are you alright, Nial-sama? You can lie down in the back if it’s more comfortable.”

Nial seemed to be suffering from motion sickness, his pale face turning green as he clutched his mouth. Not wanting him to vomit inside the carriage, Aegis quickly handed him a cup of fruit water. He took it and immediately lay down. He had taken some homemade anti-nausea medicine, but it didn’t seem to be working well.

Seeing Nial’s discomfort, Aegis seemed distracted and changed the topic.

“Really… to think a noble would get motion sickness… But this will cure Mother, right?”

“Yeah, the illness was originally caused by the root of a Mandrake plant. Drinking the purified essence of Mandrake from the Spirit Spring should cure her.”

In the game, the protagonists established the treatment method, but at this point, only the followers of Hades should know how to treat it. And… they don’t know that I’m aware of the treatment.

Right now, the Hades cult is only operating underground, and we’ve only heard about the illness affecting Aegis’ mother, but who knows what the future holds? Securing the Spirit Spring now and starting production of the medicine will surely be useful in the distant future.

“Weiss-sama, we’ve arrived.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“So this is the forest with the Spirit Spring… Is that a Spirit over there? It’s so beautiful…”

She let out a breath of admiration, and I silently nodded. The trees were so dense they blocked out the sunlight, and the Spirits were glowing like fireflies, creating a fantastical scene… It made me keenly aware that this was truly another world.

Moreover, it was hundreds of times more beautiful than any CG-rendered movie I’d seen in the game. Even advanced civilization’s graphics couldn’t compare to the real thing. I couldn’t help but let out a breath of admiration myself.

“It’d be a great spot for a date, huh? Someday I’d like to visit…”

“What… You idiot, this isn’t the time for that!! Besides, you’re supposed to invite someone to tea a few times before suggesting something like that!!”

For some reason, Aegis blushed furiously and pouted at my comment. Huh? Why is she mad? Just then, Nial broke the tension.

“Finally… we’re on solid ground!! I thought I was going to throw up.”

“Nial-sama, are you alright?”

Nial, finally freed from the carriage, shouted in relief. Rosalia looked worried as she approached him. Just when I was feeling moved… Well, anyway, we’ve arrived at the forest with the Spirit Spring.

“From here on, we might encounter monsters, so stay alert. I’ll lead since I know the way. Rosalia, please take the rear. Nial, if you see any useful herbs along the way, let us know so you can gather them. Aegis…”

“Leave it to me. I’ll fight too.”

With that, she raised an old, worn-out sword. It must be a child’s sword, as the blade was short enough for her to wield easily.

Though she’ll become a strong character once she grows up, she’s still just a girl now. She doesn’t seem to have the magic sword she used in the game, so it’s probably best not to push her too hard.

“Thank you, Aegis. But let me act as your knight and escort you here. This is my territory, after all.”

“Hmm, if you say so… fine.”

With that, she shyly sheathed her sword. Heh, I noticed something while talking to her—this villainess becomes docile when treated as a friend.

Based on her actions in the game and our interactions in the courtyard, she seems like the type who tries to solve things with force… So finding a way to keep her in check is a big win.

“Hey, doesn’t Weiss seem like he’s going to turn into a total jerk in the future?”

“Yeah… I’m a little worried about Weiss-sama’s future. But if I’m deceived by Weiss-sama, I’d consider it an honor.”

“You guys… even Rosalia’s joining in…”

I gave them both a deadpan look as they whispered among themselves, and Rosalia winked playfully.

“Of course, we’ll always be together.”

“Thank you. Those words alone make me happy.”

“Why am I being shown all this lovey-dovey stuff?!”

“Hehe… friends… I’m happy…”

Aegis was grinning mischievously, and Nial looked exasperated, but I ignored them. Anyway, we’ve decided the order in which we’ll proceed.

And so, we entered the Spirit Forest.

“This is taking more stamina than I expected…”

“It’s because we’re walking through animal trails… It’s more tiring than flat ground, and we never know when monsters might attack, so we have to be careful. It can’t be helped…”

“You need more training. Violence solves most problems… That’s the Bloody family motto.”

“If you get tired, let’s take a break. I’ve prepared something like a bento for when we get hungry, so look forward to it.”

After walking for a while, Nial started complaining. I get it—it’s tough… Then again, the women in our group are ridiculously strong. Rosalia’s one thing, but Aegis hasn’t even broken a sweat… Also, isn’t the Bloody family motto kind of terrifying? Too much brute force.

“There are supposed to be monsters here, but we haven’t run into any. Maybe we’ll reach the Spirit Spring without any trouble?”

“You… That’s what’s called a ‘flag’ in my world…”

“A flag…?”

Aegis tilted her head at my words. Well, it’s not a phrase from this world. Maybe I shouldn’t use terms from my past life too much.

Just as I was thinking that, we heard a loud commotion.

“See, it’s because Nial said something unnecessary!!”

“Is it my fault?”

“Weiss-sama, this sound… It seems like there’s a fight. Maybe one of the villagers got lost here.”

“I’m going to help!!”

We cautiously followed the sound, trying not to make noise. When we arrived, we saw a small rabbit-like creature being attacked by goblins.

Wait… That’s no rabbit!! It’s a Divine Beast!!!!