How To Survive As a Villain on the Verge of Death

“Nothing has happened yet on the temple side.”

 

“Yes, there doesn’t seem to be any suspicious movement.”

 

Not only the lodgings but also other temple buildings are immersed in darkness with the lights off. The only brightly lit place was the Rastana Temple in front. Even after the event was over, there were still many lit lanterns near the temple. Wasn’t it already 10 o’clock? She guessed she had no choice but to waste time here until the temple caught fire.

 

“My men are near the garden, so you don’t have to worry.”

 

“I’m relieved to hear that.”

 

More than that, she felt most reassured that this man was by her side. Now that she thought about it, was this already the third time they had secretly been together in the middle of the night? It wasn’t a very long time, but quite a lot had happened. These would have been difficult to solve without this man’s help. It’s worth it to feel a little bit attached to it.

 

‘It must be something like friendship or camaraderie.’

 

She put aside her useless thoughts and sat down near the window. Terence was still staring out the window. She watched the dark garden for a while and then took out the snacks she had brought with her. Terence, who was standing next to her, looked bewildered when he saw the things she was putting out.

 

“…Are you bringing snacks?”

 

“Yes, I think I’ll be bored while I wait.”

 

She took out the snacks and spread them out on the handkerchief. She picked it up without even looking, but when she took it out, it was surprisingly large. She asked Chloe to bring something for her because she was worried she might get hungry, and it seemed like Chloe brought a lot of things. It was full of sweet snacks such as cookies, madeleines, and chocolate, as well as snacks for the Rastana holiday. There were even colored candies.

 

“Please eat. You didn’t even eat dinner, right?”

 

She offered him some cookies and a madeleine. She thought Terence must have skipped dinner because of her. If he had to go back to the mansion and take care of urgent matters and then come back here, he wouldn’t have had time to have a leisurely meal. Terence stared at the snack in her hand for a moment without saying anything. She thought he was going to refuse, but contrary to her expectations, he sat down next to her and took the snack in her hand. He also put a cookie in her mouth. The sweet and luscious taste filled her mouth.

 

“I’m sorry you missed the holiday event. It was really cool.”

 

Diane said she had been there a few times when she was feeling well, but this was her first time seeing an event like this in person. In fact, it was said that Eve attended every event, so she was faking an indifferent face to avoid giving away the impression that she was visiting for the first time. She was actually very interesting and funny. Although she didn’t think this guy would like that. Still, he thought it would have been nice to see it together, so he said it and got an unexpected answer.

 

“It’s okay. I have been to the Rastana celebrations several times before.”

 

After hearing those words, she stopped picking up the cookie and looked at him blankly.

 

“Why do you look at me like that?”

 

“…No, just…”

 

She didn’t think he was the kind of person who would come to an event like this. She quietly swallowed her words, but Terence said in a tone that he could clearly see what she was thinking.

 

“I came here with my mother when I was young. By making paper, etc.”

 

“Did you?”

 

This was a story that was not at all in the original work. Well, in the original work, there was no opportunity for this event to be treated as particularly important.

 

“I’m surprised that you even made paper lanterns.”

 

She was told that he was surprisingly good at making it during the day, so it seemed like he already had experience.

 

“Because my mother said I should make a lantern and take it with me.”

 

Was he saying that his mother forced him to participate in the event? Why did he force himself like that? He didn’t get along with cute events like this. As if her doubts were showing on her face, Terence sighed briefly and added an explanation.

 

“On the holiday paper lanterns, there is also a wish to meet a good partner and create a happy family.”

 

“Oh, that’s right. It was like that.”

 

She pretended like she had forgotten. It would be strange for the princess who has lived here to say that she didn’t know that. Come to think of it, there were many young children at the event, and among them, there were quite a few who made paper lanterns. She thought the kids were just making it for fun, but it turned out it had some meaning. So, was that the Grand Duchess’ wish for her son to have a happy family?

 

“…”

 

Suddenly, her eyes caught Terence looking out the window. She clearly knew what happened to this man at the end of the original story. As he wanted, he broke away from the influence of the imperial family, established control over the North, and gained strong power. But when asked if he has a happy family… Well, she guessed not. Sorel, who was the only one he was interested in, ended up leaving with Mikhail.

 

‘I feel a little sad.’

 

Like most stories, she didn’t know what happened to the novel she read after the ending. Were the main characters who won love happy throughout their lives? Did this man, who had the power he wanted, meet someone new and fall in love again? She never thought about it when she read the original work, but now that the novel has become reality, she was very curious about the story behind it. Of course, nothing could be guaranteed at this time. Still, she hoped that this man would meet a good person later and live well.

 

‘After you divorce me, you will be able to meet someone else.’

 

Now that she was thinking such thoughts, a subtle mood blooms. By the time she came here, the original story had already been slightly distorted. There was no need to let things go as they were in the original story, so should we help this man find love with Sorel? But then she felt sorry for Mikhail, who couldn’t connect with the female protagonist. While she was thinking that, Terence felt her gaze and turned to her.

 

“Why do you look at me like that?”

 

“Terence…”

 

After thinking for a moment, she continued with the question.

 

“Do you have an ideal type of woman?”

 

Terence stared at her without moving for several seconds.

 

“…What do you mean by that all of a sudden?”

 

Of course, if Sorel didn’t work out, he wanted to find another good woman. According to the original story, Terence has never been in a relationship. Naturally, no information was revealed about his tastes. Wouldn’t it be easier to find a partner if he knew your tastes in advance?

 

“Was there a lady you liked among the ladies in society? Or among foreign nobles?”

 

In fact, she didn’t have to be a noblewoman. If he married a commoner, there would be a lot of talk about it being a noble marriage, but it was not a legal problem here.

 

“I was asking in case I could be of help. We’re going to get divorced anyway. If you find a woman you like, I will help you.”

 

“…”

 

Terence was silent for a while. He remained silent for a moment with an expressionless face, and then he spoke.

 

“Well. I haven’t really thought about it.”

 

“Is it so?”

 

“Yes, I guess I have unique tastes.”

 

“Singularity… You say you do?”

 

She was shocked by those words too. He was the sub male lead, but did he have unique tastes? How special was it? Terence looked straight ahead and spoke calmly.

 

“I like strange women who offer to find a girl they like for their fiancé. Such unusual women are not common in any country.”

 

“…”

 

Did this man just call her a strange woman? She realized later that she was being teased and kept her mouth shut. Did she say something for nothing? Now that she thought about it, she didn’t think it was something to say in this situation.

 

“I’m sorry if you felt bad.”

 

She apologized honestly.

 

“You need to get married and have an heir, but I’m sorry that you’re missing out on the opportunity to have a happy family because of me.”

 

How long would it take for them to divorce? It would take at least two or three years for them to escape the turmoil of the imperial palace and separate quietly. Terence missed the chance to find a real bride and get married.

 

“You don’t have to be sorry. I’ve never thought about marriage or anything like that.”

 

But Terrence said he didn’t mind one bit.

 

“I’m not even married yet, and I’m not even considering remarriage.”

 

At the end of his words, Terence looked back at her and asked.

 

“So, princess, do you have someone in mind to remarry?”

 

“No. I’m not going to remarry or anything like that.”

 

She would need money and a guardian to continue living in this world, but her husband didn’t need much. She already had two anyway. If she sold Eve’s jewels that she brought from the imperial palace, she would have enough money to live on. Terence would help her instead of using her abilities, so she would be able to secure some safety. She thought so and answered immediately. Terence looked puzzled after hearing her answer.

 

“Then why…”

 

But his words did not last until the end. At that time, a bright red light appeared on the glass window where the moonlight was shining.

 

“Fire!”

 

A scream was heard through the window. They immediately got up and went to the window. A fire was burning at the Rastana Temple.

 

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Translator Note: