I Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One
“The Ruthless False Saint Astesia” is a high-ranking official in the Hades Church, holding the position of second among the twelve apostles in the game. She’s a formidable opponent who can wield both Zeus’s and Hades’s powers.
Online, she became a popular cool-type girl character due to her merciless fighting style—killing even soldiers who begged for mercy—and the stark contrast of her kindness towards her allies, especially children.
The most talked-about aspect was… the so-called “Boob Thunder,” where she fires divine lightning from her chest, and an episode at the orphanage where she secretly gathered war orphans from the Hades Church after defeating them. The children were always waiting for her return, and her private room contained writings about her tragic past.
Recalling these things, I mutter quietly so no one can hear.
“That’s right… I wanted to save her too.”
If Weiss is my favorite male character, then she is my favorite female character. And just like Weiss and Aegis, she might still be saved.
She furrows her brow suspiciously at my reaction.
“You… do you know Astesia?”
Ah, that’s right… why would a local lord know about a single priest? It’s understandable that Angela would be suspicious. A normal reincarnator would probably think about how to justify this!
“Yes, wasn’t she the girl who appeared in the royal capital several years ago with powerful blessings from the Zeus god and was called a saint? That girl was Astesia, right? I heard rumors spread that she was fake and was driven out of the capital…”
I answer Angela’s question smoothly. Just like Weiss, I have her details memorized! Moreover, the fanbook had some information about her past. Unlike Weiss, she’s a boss-level character, so the amount of information is incomparable!
“Hmm, you remember quite clearly considering it was from when you were a child.”
Angela nods in admiration and then continues with a sad expression.
“That girl… she wasn’t fake at all. She really had powerful abilities… but because of that, other people started to shun her… No, that’s not all. For some reason, whenever people saw her… they found her off-putting…”
“So, you think it’s a curse from some evil god, and since I have the protection of a divine beast, you want me to counteract the power of another god and save her, right?”
Angela’s guess is correct. Astesia was cursed by the higher-ups of the Hades Church due to her powerful abilities. The curse was strong… and likely, she didn’t even realize she was under it, living her days until she was hurt by people and then “saved” by the Hades followers… or rather, she thought she was saved.
Perhaps she can still be saved now, before the main storyline of the game. But something caught my attention.
“I understand the story. But why are you so worried about her? You two aren’t just fellow priests, right?”
“That’s because… she and I grew up like sisters. But… I couldn’t save her. I can’t fight against it… so…”
“Angela originally became an adventurer to find a way to save her, right? Unfortunately, even the expensive holy water we sent didn’t work…”
Having finished dealing with the children, Rosalia opens the door and sits next to me. Angela solemnly nods.
This person has such a deep connection with Astesia… It feels unnatural to have key characters like this, but originally, this Hamilton territory was the protagonist’s base town. It’s not strange. Maybe an event was planned for an update.
“By the way, does sending holy water mean you know where Astesia is?”
“Yes, she works at a church in the neighboring Inklay family’s territory. It seems she isn’t treated very well though…”
Her sad tone suggests that the reason she didn’t forcefully bring Astesia here is due to the powerful curse effect. The curse doesn’t make exceptions, even for Angela. That’s why they probably don’t meet directly.
Her regretful expression over not being able to help Angela is painful to see.
“Our Hamilton family and the Inklay family don’t have a good relationship. If we go to see her, it will likely be as commoners rather than as lords. Also, if Lord Weiss’s identity is revealed, danger may befall him. What will you do?”
Rarely, Rosalia asks me without expression. Angela is an old comrade. Her desire to help clashes with her concern for my safety.
Don’t worry. My mind is already made up. After all… the reason I reincarnated into this world was to save my favorite characters from tragic fates.
“Angela, I, Weiss Hamilton, swear to save Astesia. In return, I leave the management of the Spirit Spring to you.”
“Are you sure? Danger might come to you…”
“There’s no danger. Because… I have an excellent maid by my side. Right, Rosalia?”
My joking words bring back Rosalia’s usual smile.
“Yes, I will protect Lord Weiss’s body.”
“No, we’ll protect each other. With you and me, we can do anything. Let’s get ready.”
And so, we set out to meet Astesia.
