Stealing Heroines’ Affections Is My Job as the Villain

Chapter 52: Grand Reception, Cedric’s Wife

The Sword City of Gladius burst into activity as soon as word spread that God Vritra and the princess were coming.

Those with little to lose had already packed up their carriages or donkeys and headed for the nearest knightdom or even another vassal state.

Not everyone was willing to risk staying in the same city as an ancient god who had once devoured one of their world's great suns. What if he got angry and decided to destroy them all? What could they do then?

The more cautious citizens didn't hesitate to leave or, at the very least, make preparations by hiding their daughters and wives before the dark prince arrived.

"I think today's the day God Vritra is coming to Gladius, and honestly, I'm not looking forward to it. If my business wasn't based here, I would've moved with my family to Grimbarrow for a while."

"Well, I'm not taking any chances. I've already sent my wives and daughters to Pikefort until God Vritra finishes whatever he's here for. In the meantime, I'll keep my head down and focus on business."

"People in the Royal Capital say God Vritra isn't as bad as the stories make him out to be, but this is the same man who nearly plunged our world into darkness centuries ago. He's the villain in a lot of children's bedtime stories."

"Exactly. I'm trusting my instincts and staying out of his way… better safe than sorry, right?"

"We might have to get used to it, though, especially if he decides to bring his people here to learn our trades. How are we supposed to deal with that?"

"Hrmm, I'm not sure, my friend…"

The locals had nothing to be happy about.

All they wanted was to get rid of this monster so they could return to their everyday lives.

? ? ? ?

[In the Bluesteel Manor]

When a powerful ambassador visited a vassal state, especially one allied with the suzerain nation, noble families were expected to follow strict protocols to show respect, loyalty, and hospitality.

That's exactly what these nobles were doing.

The heads of the Four Great Noble Families of Gladius City stood before Prince Vritra, bowing their heads in respect to his godly presence.

Seated beside Vritra was Princess Luciana, who wore a calm expression, though she felt a bit confused as she looked around the grand hall.

… Hm?

It was packed with nobles she hadn't even known existed in Gladius City. The hall was filled with local cuisine, musicians, dancers, performers, and formal speeches praising the great nation of Duranzia and honoring Prince Vritra's visit.

?Wow, the times Father and I have come here before, it was never this crowded or impressive. The events Marquis Cedric organizes for Father's visits are grand, sure, but this… this is on another level. It feels almost like they're worshipping my husband.?

She smiled mildly and gave Vritra a small side-eye.

The young lord wasn't as pleased as the princess.

… Hrmmm

He looked around at the nobles.

?Ahaaa~ so it's like that…?

Most of them were men, and the women who were present were either out of shape or had poor grooming habits, with unshaved facial hair and crusty moles.

There wasn't a single attractive woman in sight.

Prince Vritra tightened his gaze and tapped his foot in an effort to control his irritation.

?These damn men are clever as hell. They've stashed their wives and daughters away, but to cover their tracks, they've paraded out these bottom-feeding trash heaps.

?Seriously, some of these women look like bloated pigs. And don't even get me started on the ones with facial hair thick enough to hide a bloody razor. Take a look at that one in the corner, shoving her face with food like a fucking slob. Her legs are so repulsive they look like fucking tree bark. Can't she be bothered to shave?

?Damn you all! I'm fucking livid!?

Vritra was screaming in agony in his mind, but on the outside, he appeared so calm it almost seemed holy.

The nobles stared at the young lord.

"Is this really God Vritra?"

"Wow, he's quite…"

"Oh my goodness. I'm a man, and yet I can't help but think I would turn red if he spoke to me."

"You would dare speak so romantically about your fellow man? How disgusting…"

"Hrmm, apologies."

They were simply in awe of his appearance.

Not because it was their first time seeing him, but because he was so strikingly handsome.

With his smooth white skin, gem-like red eyes, and polished black horns, most of these nobles wouldn't mind tolerating the presence of such an evil man if he looked this good.

… Ahem!

Marquis Cedric finally gathered himself, adjusted his clothes, and stepped forward in his shiny dress shoes. He greeted Vritra and the princess with a forced smile and proper noble etiquette.

"The night is young. Shall we entertain you more, God Vritra, Princess Luciana?"

The man looked so miserably desperate.

Ghislaine, Esmeralda, and Neron, who stood behind Vritra and Luciana, could all see it clearly on his face. He looked so constipated that it seemed like his heart might burst if he made a mistake.

?Excellent…?

Prince Vritra grinned.

This was exactly the kind of scene he enjoyed.

? ? ? ?

Some minutes later…

Marquis Cedric stood slightly behind Vritra.

"Uh, God Vritra… this man is Kris."

He pointed to a man dressed in luxurious green attire with golden accents, pristine white pants, and shiny high-heeled dress shoes.

Kris had dark skin, with bright green hair and eyes.

Vritra looked at the well-dressed middle-aged man.

"I see…"

He extended his hand for a handshake.

Kris waved his hands quickly and dismissively. He was a bit pressured and forced a big, fake smile.

"No, no, no. My mortal flesh isn't worthy of touching, much less shaking hands with the esteemed young lord of House Bloodgarden."

Vritra withdrew his hand and smiled slightly.

"Smart man…"

Marquis Cedric relaxed a bit.

?Phew… that was close.?

He placed a hand on his chest and rubbed it.

Kris cleared his throat and introduced himself properly.

"I am Kris Elwick Greenleaf, head of House Greenleaf. I oversee most of the information network in the western regions of Duranzia and parts of the Red Desert. It's a pleasure to meet you, God Vritra."

Feeling he hadn't quite done justice in introducing a main family head, Marquis Cedric walked over to Kris and put a hand on his broad shoulder.

"He and his family are famous for their cleverness, skill in diplomacy, and expertise in stealth.

"Among the four major noble families in Gladius City, his house controls the third largest territory. This man prioritizes knowledge and strategy over raw power.

"Thanks to him, Duke Thomas receives timely updates on Serathen's military actions, enabling the Gladius military to respond quickly."

The two family heads smiled at Vritra.

The uninterested Asura simply nodded.

"Uh-huh, how interesting. I??!!"

Before Vritra could finish speaking, something bumped into him from behind. He turned around to see what it was and found a little boy dressed like a young noble, rubbing his sore head while sitting on the polished floor.

… Huh?

The boy looked a bit discombobulated.

Marquis Cedric panicked at the sight.

"Boy, what are you doing??!"

Vritra silenced him by raising a finger.

After that, he focused on the child.

The little boy looked a bit frightened.

"M-, Monster…!"

He tried to scoot backward on his bottom, nervously watching the horned man who looked like a scary devil.

Vritra leaned in and reached out his hand, but before he could touch the boy, his hand brushed against someone else's.

This wasn't just any hand.

… Hm?

It was slender, almost like a woman's, but that wasn't the most remarkable part.

The best part was that Vritra had given up on finding someone beautiful at this party, but the smooth, tender skin of this maiden told him everything he needed to know.

?Yes~ her skin feels so smooth and youthful. She's definitely a young woman who hasn't even reached her prime yet.?

It was nothing like the rough, hairy skin of the other heavyset women at the gathering. He gently stroked the hand and took a deep breath, trying to control his urges.

?Wonderful…?

He looked up to see a beautiful maiden.

"And you are?" Vritra asked with a smile.

Marquis Cedric, witnessing this, clutched his chest as if he were having a heart attack.

?Th-, That's my wife??!?