A Regressed Villain: Heroines, Villainesses and Me?

Chapter 30: 32- Dealings

Hearing Princess Katheria's words, Avendial momentarily recalled the last memory he had of her when, after the Emperor annulled their marriage and engagement, he had met her with a proposal to provide an Empyreal for his protection.

He could vividly remember that day when it was the first time in his life that he didn't have anything to bargain with—neither strength, money, nor anything except himself—making the balance of power weigh heavily against him.

In the end, he returned empty-handed.

He did not hate Princess Katheria for her actions, given that she needed to be in the Emperor's good graces, who commanded an army of Empyreals that could challenge a floor of the tower.

Of course, his animosity was directed toward everyone in the royal family. His anger was also directed at Princess Katheria for not even glancing at him after he lost his value, even though they were soon to be married. However, he realized that she was trying her best to help him in some way from behind on October 24, 2032.

This was the day when Avendial lost all of his loyal soldiers, Alfred, and everyone else who remained loyal to him, on the third floor of the tower at the hands of a rampaging Empyreal.

His mind could clearly recall the sight of how an Empyreal with a very strong physical attack-type awakened ability had massacred all the individuals under him while chasing Avendial to the end of a cliff.

Before finally, with a mocking gaze, he landed a punch on him—a punch that would have turned him into blood mist in an instant—but somehow, multiple layers of magic barrier circles arrived in front of him, protecting his body.

Taking that chance, while the Empyreal's eyes widened in surprise, Avendial stabbed the knife laced with his own blood.

It was the day when Avendial discovered three things: ¹his blood had a synergy nullification property, ²Katheria Arinphiam, who was known for her ability in magic, shields, and protection, was the one who had cast multiple layers of protection on his body, and ³lastly, that the rampaging Empyreal was none other than an assassin sent by the Emperor.

It was amusing how the Emperor wanted to rid himself of a weak human like Avendial while his own daughter was trying to protect him.

In the end, his anger was focused entirely on the royal family, not on the princess who protected him.

"Princess, I would like to provide 60% of the profits from all the major projects of the Croceaus Group for a year," Avendial gestured with his hand while proposing a profit-sharing arrangement for the major projects under the Croceaus Group, which totaled an amount exceeding 3 trillion Imperial crowns, of which 1 trillion was profit, given his business acumen.

So, it was a total amount of 600 billion Imperial crowns for a year just to allow him to elope with different women.

'?!'

'Is this for real?' Katheria's eyes widened before relaxing as she heard the proposal from Marquess Croceaus about offering her the majority profits of the major projects across his groups, making her expectations of him offering her a few million seem completely naive.

Previously, when she heard about his proposal to allow him intimacy with several women, she had doubted his character. But now, Katheria was suspicious.

'This isn't a small amount.' Katheria kept looking at the man seated in front of her, noticing his subtle body language as she tried to see through him.

His fingers tapping on the desk while his face awaited her reply were not giving her much to go on, but it was clear that, knowing about Avendial's personality and him spending such a large amount of money just for her to permit something that could easily be bought with a small amount, made Katheria 100% sure that he was up to something.

On the other hand, Avendial was also observing her as she tried to gauge his intentions. He realized that she was cornered by his astronomical deal, as even most developing countries have a GDP less than the amount he was offering her.

Of course, it was not as if he were truly giving her that much money, considering that it was the profit from sales, and he would receive the profits after a year. After a year, the tower would arrive, making all his assets become zero.

So, this was a deal that was essentially a scam.

Though one's assets could become zero, there were some alliances and valuable things, even inside the tower, like gold coins.

However, even if he possessed astronomical assets and money, he couldn't purchase a very large amount of gold himself, considering most of his assets were liquid. The impacts such a large purchase would have on the gold market or a country's economy made it impractical.

So, theoretically, it may appear that he could use his own money to buy gold coins, but practically it would be impossible to purchase more than even half a ton of gold, considering it would cause chaos.

"....why are you going to such lengths, Marquess?" Princess Katheria became curious to know the reason this man was willing to burn so much money while inquiring as she waited for his reply.

"It's just..." Avendial said, looking toward Katheria. He could still feel Rivia's gaze upon him, making him deal with both of these women. "After yesterday night's incident, I have decided to enjoy my life."

So, he provided an unbelievable reason for both of them to interpret in their own way.

Rivia doubted that maybe her actions, which had led her master to seek intimacy, had ignited the fire in him, while Katheria took it as Marquess condemning her lack of security as the reason for him to lose all trust in her and decided to take his revenge on her in this form.

Avendial rose from his seat, realizing there was little left to discuss with the princess at this point. He had already finalized the deal to his advantage, ensuring no losses and an enormous profit.

With the princess's approval secured, no nobleman could dare to tarnish his reputation with accusations of treason, as they would require her testimony to challenge him.

Of course, various nobles engaged in casual sex without any concerns, but the real issue was that Avendial's actions were bound to irritate certain individuals, requiring him to devise some countermeasures.

Nonetheless, Avendial remained vigilant; he was not one to leave matters unresolved and have some loose ends.

"Princess, once the documents are prepared, they will be sent to you in a few hours. Have a nice day," Avendial greeted before turning and leaving the room while Princess Katheria kept looking toward his back as he left the room, followed behind by Rivia.