The Time-Limited Villain Supports My Breakup

Chapter 24

｡･:*:･ﾟ★ Translated by Divine ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

This was the first time he was in such a situation. Luciel asked, trying to hide his bewildered feelings.

“…Why?”

“If I sell goods in the underworld, it might not be as bothersome.”

Daphne lightly tilted her head, then smiled and said.

“But I want to earn money through legal means.”

“…”

“If I get caught and end up in prison, you won’t be responsible.”

It was a valid point. In fact, for Daphne, who was known for various misdeeds, it was an incredibly wise judgment.

However…

“…”

For some reason, he felt twisted inside.

Of course, it was clear that he would refuse at first, but… still, something about it didn’t sit right with him.

Whether she knew about his feelings or not, Daphne continued speaking.

“I’ll look for a private pharmacist. Of course, as you said, it won’t be easy. But you’ve proven the effectiveness of the medicine. If someone doubts the value of the medicine due to rumors and refuses, I won’t blame them.”

It would certainly be challenging.

Daphne sighed inwardly. However, if she joined forces with the villain and got caught later…

‘Another ending in prison.’

She hated it. All she wanted was to sell medicine and have financial independence, nothing more.

As she made that determination, the villain, or rather, Luciel, spoke.

“…If you wish, I can find a suitable partner for you.”

“You?”

Daphne asked in amazement.

“There are pharmacists in the temple who aren’t as loyal as you think. It won’t be difficult to find them.”

Of course, he wouldn’t pick just anyone.

I’ll find someone stupid that can be easily manipulated than me. That way, I can also see how the medicine is being sold.

It certainly  wouldn’t be someone with clumsy sales strategies or a bad reputation.

Daphne was a noblewoman who had never engaged in business before. If she should suffer a loss, it would also be his loss. 

So, in a way, this was also for Luciel himself. 

“Well, that doesn’t sound bad.”

Daphne nodded. For some reason, Luciel felt relieved.

“Then, I’ll carefully choose a suitable person and let you know later.”

“Alright.”

Daphne rose from her seat. Luciel stood up as well and took her hand.

“You’re too kind.”

“…You flatter me.”

Daphne accepted his escort, and they descended the stairs.

* * *

‘It must be natural for him.’

While holding the villain’s hand and coming down the stairs, I was sweating profusely inside.

Really, why was the villain so well-mannered?

In my heart, I really wanted to let go of his hand as soon as possible, but I couldn’t do that, fearing it might reveal my confusion.

“Summon the carriage for us.”

“Yes, okay!”

A large man who seemed like an employee went to call the carriage.

Alone in the spacious shop, the man and I didn’t know where to look, so I kept shifting my gaze here and there.

“Will you go straight back to the mansion?”

At that moment, the villain asked me.

“No, I plan to take a little stroll around the square.”

Being unintentionally isolated for a few days was making me feel extremely bored.

Of course, considering Daphne’s recent actions, I couldn’t openly wander around, but I still needed to know how the market situation was unfolding.

“By the way, do you happen to know someone who is interested not in my name but in the value of the medicine?”

I threw in a self-deprecating joke and smiled.

“…Certainly.”

However, the response seemed dubious.

‘Oh, could it be?’

Although I had said he could recommend someone, mentioning that I would look for someone separately might have sounded like a refusal. I quickly added.

“Of course, I won’t make a hasty decision. If the person you recommend is much better, I’ll consider them too, so don’t worry.”

“…Yes, I understand.”

The villain responded with a smile.

“The carriage has arrived.”

The carriage appeared at just the right time.

“Well then, I’ll be on my way.”

I quickly climbed into the carriage.

“Until we meet again.”

With the villain’s farewell, the carriage door closed.

It wasn’t until the carriage started moving that I could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Today, too, I had survived unscathed.

Although I said that I would consider the person the villain recommended, deep down, I couldn’t help but think:

‘Honestly, what good can come from getting involved with someone who is intent on destroying the world?’

In the future, I should avoid him if possible. With that resolution in mind, I leaned against the carriage’s backrest.

* * *

With his escort, Daphne left the shop.

Simultaneously, as the carriage moved further away from sight.

“…”

The smile that had always adorned his face instantly disappeared.

“M-Master…?”

It was extremely rare for Luciel’s smile to vanish from his face.

Gael called out to him with a worried voice, but it seemed that Luciel couldn’t hear him.

It was inevitable. Luciel had never experienced rejection before.

But what happened today? He received not one but two rejections from Miss Peregrine.

‘Even my pride would be hurt…’

Gael cautiously observed his demeanor.

Luciel was noticeably more out of sorts than usual, making it even more unpredictable what he might do.

At that moment, Luciel, who was silently staring at his empty hand, clenched his fist.

He repeated the action a few times, yet still nothing could be sensed.

“…”

He was someone who found other people’s emotions horrible, but, well, feeling nothing was also quite… frustrating.

“You’re too kind.”

Especially when he saw Daphne’s smile.

“…”

Luciel clenched his fist tightly again, as if trying to grasp something.

But there was nothing to hold onto.

Suddenly, Luciel burst into a wry smile.

It was truly strange. He had never experienced anything like this in his life.

Ironically, Daphne, who had put him in this state and left, seemed so irritating. Even though she didn’t intend to do so.

That was why his anger grew even stronger.

Taking a slow breath, Luciel turned to Gael.

“You know, Gael. There’s probably no one more suitable than me… Who do you think she’s going to see?”

“Well, um…”

“Hmm, I don’t want her to see someone else…”

Muttering as if it were a pity, Luciel clenched his fist again.

“It won’t work. I’ll go see for myself.”

“What? You, Master?”

“Yes.”

“But there are a lot of people in the square. If you approach her like that, the lady might find it uncomfortable…”

“Who said I would go like this?”

Luciel chuckled and took off his robe.

His pitch-black and coarse hair instantly transformed into shiny silver strands.

His skin, once filled with wrinkles, returned to a creamy white texture, and a rosy vitality appeared on his cheeks.

He was already beautiful enough with just that, but with his natural ease and gentle smile added on, he exuded an unrivaled charm.

Anyone would be captivated by his beauty.

Luciel spoke in a gentle voice.

“I’ll go with my true appearance. Of course, safety measures like a robe are essential in case of accidents.”

The man who had never been betrayed by his own beauty a single time smiled brightly.

“What expression will you make… I’m really looking forward to it.”

Luciel murmured shyly with a slightly excited voice, and Gael felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

* * *

Regardless of the outcome, since I went out under the pretense of going to the bakery, I had to buy something. It would be strange to return empty-handed.

‘Besides, I have something else to buy.’

The square was crowded with many people. If I showed up here, everyone would surely gossip.

So, I made sure to cover myself with a robe.

Merchants were promoting their goods in front of their shops, and there were also people performing street acts calling loudly to attract customers.

I stopped in front of a building. The display prepared by the shop was full of various healing potions.

“Oh, customer. Welcome.”

Even though I covered my face, the owner warmly greeted me, as if recognizing a customer who would bring in considerable profit.

“Do you have any specific medicine you’re looking for?”

“Well.”

“Please tell me anything. Our shop handles everything from basic healing potions to advanced pain relief potions. We even have products specially authorized by the temple.”

“The temple, huh.”

I feigned disinterest and held up a vial. 

Unlike other potions, there was not a speck of dust on the surface of the bottle. It was evidence that someone had cleaned and polished it every day.

‘In other words, it must be a very high-quality product.’

As soon as I picked up the potion, the owner’s eyes immediately brightened.

“Oh, you’ve recognized its value right away. This is a potion from the temple.”

“How much?”

“It’s 20 gold.”

20 gold was an amount that an ordinary commoner would barely earn after working diligently for six months.

“The price may be high, but it’s such a rare item that only a few are left. Purchasing it now would definitely be a good deal for you. How about I package it nicely for you?”

The merchant grinned at me.

‘Considering the location and size of the shop, it seems to be the most prosperous one in the central square.’

Moreover, judging by his words, it was clear that he had strong trust in the temple.

Would such a person be willing to make a contract with me, Peregrine’s young lady? The likelihood was extremely low.

Of course, people were driven by money, so some negotiation may be possible. However, I would have to lower myself and agree to their terms in this case.

Therefore.

‘Yeah, let’s put it on hold for now.’

After making the decision, I put the potion back down.

Disappointment colored the owner’s face momentarily, but he quickly returned to his usual self and started looking for other customers.

Since I had roughly investigated the shops, should I go back now? With that thought, I turned around.

‘Oh, that scared me!’

While lost in thought, I almost collided with someone standing behind me. Startled, I quickly took a few steps back.

The person in front of me wore a black robe similar to mine but was more than a head taller than me. Judging by the figure concealed under the robe, I could deduce that it was a man.

‘He’s not exactly small, but I didn’t even notice him approaching.’

Curious, I continued to observe, and the man in the robe spoke.

“Well, how much is this?”

His voice was low but as soft as silk.

It seemed cool yet had a hint of roses¹No, don’t ask me why voices have a hint of roses XD. Unconsciously, my gaze lingered on him.