A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Cohabitation (2)

In the far east of the continent lies a secret society known as the Altar. Their aim is to resurrect an ancient, deceased God, and they have established their base in a sanctuary within the desolate wasteland called the Land of Destruction.

Entirely devoted to God's return, they dedicate their lives to this singular purpose, never doubting their beliefs or hesitating to sacrifice themselves. Bound by a dream as a medium—a vision that came to them like a revelation—each follower received the same blessing, pursued the same goal, and built a proud religion in anticipation of God's return.

"It is truly astonishing."

That was the reason why the Altar coveted Deculein's knowledge of the runic language. God himself had conveyed this desire through the dreams of his followers.

“Is that professor diverging from his father’s path?”

However, Deculein had rejected the Altar's proposal, a stance markedly different from the previous head of the family. For the Yukline family, achievement and honor were supposedly the highest priorities.

“We are not certain. Perhaps he wishes to monopolize the runic language for himself...”

“Whatever the reason, it is irrelevant. We need the runic language. Mastering it will enable us to communicate with God.”

Mastering the language would have facilitated communication with God, allowing for more devoted service and potentially hastening his return.

"Keep a close watch on the professor. We need his knowledge. He cannot refuse negotiations indefinitely. Mention the Scarletborn."

The Altar found Deculein’s actions baffling. They couldn’t comprehend why he supported the Scarletborn. While their own motives were clear, his remained elusive. Nonetheless, they planned to fully exploit this situation.

“Understood.”

The Empire was already aware of the Altar's existence. Though they were currently preoccupied with accepting bribes, they secretly viewed the Altar as a group of lunatics. The Altar knew exactly how to manipulate them—claiming to support the Scarletborn. That single statement would be enough. The rest would be driven by the rage of the humans.

***

The Yukline mansion stood grandly. In the garden of the front yard, a guest awaited Yulie and me as we arrived. It was Zeit, dressed sharply in a suit.

“Oh, you've arrived,” Zeit said, approaching with a broad smile. “Professor Deculein, you two make a fine pair. And you as well, Yulie.”

“I’m on duty right now. Please refrain from personal remarks,” Yulie said sharply, her expression stern.

Zeit shrugged and circled the car, inspecting it and said, “Oh, a new car, I presume? It looks spacious enough even for myself. But honestly, I preferred the one you used to drive.”

“Is that so?” Deculein responded

“Indeed. It’s strange. This one’s design seems more luxurious and modern...”

It must have been because I didn't imbue it with the Midas Touch. Zeit’s senses were sharp enough to detect even the subtlest attributes.

“Anyway, I heard you had a run-in with the Altar,” Zeit remarked abruptly, his tone taking on a sharper edge. His gaze was direct and predatory.

“Yes, they sought my knowledge of the runic language.”

The Altar’s identity became clearer as the game progressed, but most named characters already knew about them. Some cooperated and took bribes from the Altar, while others, like Zeit, held them in contempt.

“I figured as much. I’d tear out their guts with my bare hands if I could—”

"Watch the car!" Yeriel scolded, tapping Zeit’s hand away as he absentmindedly kneaded the window frame.

Zeit laughed as he stepped back and said, “Ah, I sometimes forget my own strength. This is why cars can’t be used in battle—they just bounce off if you push them hard enough.”

“That’s not the car’s fault, Count. It’s your body’s fault.”

"Is that so? Tell me, Yeriel, sister-in-law, is this a new car?”

“Though not quite a sister-in-law yet, but yes, it’s new.”

“Oh, how much?”

"It costs 300,000 elne. Do you intend to purchase it? As Count Freyden, you likely wouldn’t need to draw a number."

“... Haha! Far too expensive! No, thank you,” Zeit said with a hearty laugh.

Yeriel smirked and asked, "So, will you be staying with us today, Count Zeit?"

“No. Confirming it was the Altar is enough,” Zeit said, wiggling his eyebrows. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to interfere with any romance.”

His playful gesture caused Yulie to growl with the ferocity of an angry tiger.

“By the way, I heard you’ve started a business yourself, Yeriel, sister-in-law?”

“What? Why did you mention that?!” Yeriel exclaimed, her voice rising as she glanced at me for my reaction.

Of course, she believed I was unaware. However, I had received reports from Ren and Enen since the moment she began.

“Yeriel.”

Yeriel flinched as I called her name, sweat forming on her temple.

Zeit scratched his head awkwardly and said, “Ah, it seems you acted on your own, sister-in-law. Well, I’ll be going now~”

Yeriel glared at the retreating bear-like figure of Zeit, gritting her teeth.

I called her again, “Yeriel.”

"... The weather is nice, isn't it...?" Yeriel said, trying to change the subject.

“Answer.”

“... Well, you see... Automobiles have more business potential than carriages,” Yeriel stammered, then abruptly changed her tone to speak bluntly.

“It looks cool, so what! We should have a factory under our family’s name. And those assholes from the Brunhilde family act so superior just because they make cars. ‘We can provide a car for Head Deculein, but Lady Yeriel’s car is backordered—’... and that fucking bullshit!"

Yeriel puffed out her cheeks and pounded her chest, then cautiously glanced at my face.

“So... I want to manufacture cars. We have plenty of mines on our territory.”

“Then manufacture them. Why haven’t you done so already?” I said.

Yeriel’s mouth fell open. Her reaction was telling. It was obviously because of Deculein. He likely thought that manufacturing was beneath them—handling metal was unworthy of their status.

“There’s a talented craftsman at the hardware store I invested in. I’ll send him to Hadecaine, and I’ll provide you with the design today. Use it as your foundation.”

"A hardware store?! Someone like you invested in that?!" Yeriel exclaimed.

"... Someone like me?" I said, narrowing my eyes.

Yeriel tapped her mouth nervously and replied, “I’ll be heading to my room now. I have things to do...”

With that, she hurried off, moving swiftly like a rabbit.

***

At Yulie’s request for the smallest room, I assigned her the mansion’s smallest guest room. Despite its size, it was well-equipped with a bathroom, shower, and even a dressing room.

"Use this room," I said.

"It's too—"

"This is the smallest guest room in the mansion," I interrupted. "Don't underestimate Yukline hospitality. There’s nothing smaller."

"... Okay," Yulie replied, placing her bundle on the bed without further protest.

"... That appears to be from a bygone era," I observed, chuckling as I noted her bundle wrapped in cloth.

In an age of handbags, backpacks, and suitcases, she still carried her belongings in a cloth-wrapped bundle.

"Oh, it may look old-fashioned, but it's a magical item. It can hold as much as two or three regular bags. I acquired it at an excellent price four years ago," Yulie said, pride evident in her voice. She even smiled, likely reminiscing about the moment she purchased it. “I successfully negotiated the price down from five thousand elne—”

"Spare me the stories," I interrupted sternly. "Is your duty around the clock?"

"Yes. Nighttime is likely the most dangerous. Their attacks won't end with just one attempt."

“Indeed. But the second attack could be a year away. Rather than living together for a year, we might as well get married.”

"... The duty lasts only three months," Yulie replied, avoiding my gaze as she unpacked her bundle, which was packed with many items.

“Take this,” I said, handing her a small crystal orb, the size of a coin.

Yulie examined it curiously and asked, “What is this?”

"It’s a crystal orb linked to the mansion’s barrier," I explained. "It will alert you first if there’s an intrusion. It also functions as a communication device, allowing constant contact with the security team in the basement."

“Oh, it’s essential for my current duty.”

Yulie nodded, reaching for the orb, but I pulled it back.

“However, you're too clumsy to keep it as an orb,” I said.

“Excuse me? How am I clumsy?” Yulie protested, frowning.

I alloyed my solid gold tie pin into a necklace using Ductility, threaded the crystal orb onto it, and placed it around her neck. She started to resist but stopped when she heard my next words.

“I heard you lost the ring I gave you last time.”

Yulie had lost the ring I had given her—or more likely, she had simply discarded it.

“It’s fine. I understand—”

As I spoke, I suddenly froze.

... Why do I have this memory?

Yulie, misunderstanding my expression, lowered her head in silence. Feeling flustered, I patted her shoulder before leaving the room.

In the dimly lit hallway, I leaned against the wall and ran a hand through my hair. Images flashed through my mind of Deculein forcing a ring onto Yulie’s unwilling finger, bending it roughly, and tears welling in her eyes. Those memories, though not mine, felt vividly real.

I knocked and opened the door once more. Yulie, in the midst of unpacking, turned to me with a startled expression.

“W-what is it?”

“Hmm...”

“Hmph!”

"Ah, right. Follow me," I said, nodding. I walked with Yeriel down the corridor.

I took out paper and a fountain pen and began sketching, relying on my modern knowledge and Aesthetic Sense. It wasn't a blueprint, just a design. The detailed plans would be handled by the engineers.

“Oh! Knight Yulie! You look beautiful today!” the Chairwoman said.