I Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One
“I am Clayes, the priest managing this church. Lady Rosalia, it is wonderful that you are on a pilgrimage to spread the faith of your belief. And you are…”
Father Clayes, who manages the church, alternates his gaze between the letter of introduction written for Angela and Rosalia… then scrutinizes me as if observing.
I must not act suspiciously here!! I need to behave like an adventurer!!
“Hehehe, I am Loys-sama, the bodyguard. A woman traveling alone, you see, it’s dangerous, y’know? That’s why I’m protecting her. Of course, in return, I’m getting paid handsomely.”
With the vulgar smile I practiced in front of the mirror yesterday, I twirl a portable knife in my hand. How’s that for the adventurer-style speech and gestures Meg taught me?! This should be perfect… or so I thought.
As I watch Father Clayes, who looks at me like he suspects something, and Rosalia, whose face is twitching more than ever, I wonder: Huh? Did I do something wrong?
“Well, adventurers come in all sorts… Lady Rosalia… if you have any concerns, feel free to share them. Fortunately, I have connections with the adventurer’s guild here, so I can introduce you to other adventurers if needed…”
“No… despite his rude mouth, he’s actually a wonderful person. So please don’t worry.”
“Is that so? Then it’s fine… Also, I apologize, but since you’re using this place, I’ll need you to work. It would help if you could assist with cleaning and taking care of the orphans. Lately, things have been quite dangerous… having adventurers around is reassuring.”
“Leave it to meeeee!!! I loooove kids! Hey, how about we play together?!”
Trying to redeem myself, I respond enthusiastically, but Father Clayes gives Rosalia a deeply worried look and whispers something to her.
“Are you sure this person is alright? I mean… he seems like he might have a bad influence on the children’s future…”
“It’s fine… um, we’ll fix his way of speaking too… so don’t worry.”
And so, we successfully infiltrated the church.
After stowing our belongings, we were led to the church courtyard.
“This way. But, are you two really okay sharing a room?”
“Yes, it’s fine. We’ve had various experiences during our travels… being together is more comfortable for us. Right, Loys?”
“Yeah, I’m her bodyguard after all.”
By the way, when I spoke normally, Rosalia (who rarely shows a straight face) said, “This new side of you is refreshing and charming, but please return to your usual tone. Also, Meg needs punishment…” so I reverted back. Using informal speech leaves some traces of adventurer-like behavior.
But will this be enough? Am I accidentally exuding too much of Vaise’s elegance? While pondering this, I hear children’s voices from outside.
“Martha might’ve been kidnapped by bad people!! That’s why I’m going to look for her.”
“No, you can’t! Father Clayes said even he shouldn’t walk around the city alone. Besides… maybe her parents came to pick her up?”
“You know that’s impossible!!”
A boy who earlier injured his leg and was crying, along with a slightly older girl, seem to be discussing something ominous. What exactly happened?
“Ah, they are orphans who live and work at our church. There used to be another girl, but she disappeared while running errands in town… I hope she’s safe…”
“I see. I hope nothing serious has happened. Do you have any clues?”
Rosalia asks Father Clayes, who looks down sorrowfully.
“Yes… lately, I’ve noticed shadowy figures lurking around the church. At first, I thought it was just my imagination…”
“Human traffickers… disgusting.”
At my words, Father Clayes sighs and frowns. Although it’s now strictly controlled in the Hamilton territory, I know there’s an underground trade where slums and orphanages snatch women and children to sell into slavery. Come to think of it, the lord of this region was on Barbaro’s list of slave trading routes… I have a bad feeling about this.
Father Clayes claps his hands and calls out.
“Hey, Keith and Catalina. We have guests. Greet them properly.”
“…Hello.”
“Hello, big sister. My name is Catalina. This is Keith. You’re supposed to greet them properly, right?”
Keith responds indifferently with a sour expression, while Catalina greets us with a bright smile. Seeing Keith reluctantly bow his head after Catalina scolds him, it’s clear she usually takes the lead.
“We’ll be staying here for a while. I’m Priest Rosalia, and this is Loys, my bodyguard. Catalina, Keith, nice to meet you.”
Rosalia kneels down to their height, smiling warmly, which seems to ease their wariness slightly. Following her example, I crouch down and greet them too.
“My name is Loys. I’m an adventurer. Nice to meet you.”
“Lady Rosalia, are you on a pilgrimage?! I want to become a priest someday too! Please tell me about it!”
“An adventurer?! Awesome!! What kind of adventures have you had?!”
“Well, well, it seems you two are getting along faster than expected.”
Their eyes sparkle with interest in our professions. Of course, boys always admire adventurers from heroic tales.
Even in my past life, I remember everyone idolizing video game protagonists or manga heroes. Though, I personally admired stepping stones, cannon fodder, or rival characters…
However, the peaceful atmosphere dissipates with the arrival of a girl whose footsteps echo nearby.
“Father Clayes, I’ve finished cleaning.”
“Thank you. Good job.”
Of course, it’s Astesia. Everyone except me notices her presence, grimacing. As for her… she remains expressionless as usual.
“Tch, I saw those unpleasant faces again.”
“Hey, Keith… She’s also an important member of this church. Doesn’t God teach us to be kind to all believers?!”
“Sure, Zeus might say that… but even you, Father, complained about her when she wasn’t around before. Though recently, you’ve been a bit nicer to her…”
Keith complains bitterly and runs off into the courtyard. Unlike earlier, Catalina doesn’t reprimand Keith’s rude behavior and follows him instead. Watching them leave, Astesia sends us a minimal greeting with an indifferent gaze.
“I don’t really care… I’m Astesia. Nice to meet you.”
She appears utterly disinterested in the world itself. But… having cleared the game, I know her true feelings. Unlike with the children earlier, Rosalia hesitates to move, so I step forward first.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Loys, an adventurer. Please take care of me.”
“…Nice to meet you. I’m Rosalia. Thank you for having us.”
Following my lead, Rosalia forces a stiff smile. To show Astesia I don’t dislike her, I wink.
“You… could it be… No, that’s impossible. Excuse me, I’ll go pray now.”
Her eyes widen in disbelief at my gesture. After muttering to herself, she quickly turns and walks away. But for a brief moment, I catch her usual emotionless mask cracking.
If only she understands that I’m on her side…
“I’m sorry, she’s… a bit peculiar. Though she may seem cold, she does her work diligently.”
“Not at all, please don’t worry. I was rude too…”
While Father Clayes apologizes, and Rosalia reassures him, I struggle to suppress the urge to explain that everyone’s attitude toward Astesia—and her coldness—is entirely due to the curse.
The curse placed on Astesia by the Hades cult, fearing her talent, causes everyone except Hades followers to hate her. Thanks to my love for my waifu and my contract with the divine beast White, the curse’s effects on me are weaker… but still present.
That’s why even Rosalia hesitates to greet her, and children like Keith can’t hide their aversion. Left unaided, Astesia will fall into despair and eventually join the Hades cult, the only ones who treat her like a human.
Don’t worry, Astesia… I’ll save you. I reincarnated specifically to rescue my waifu.
