The Villainess Wants To Be A Sidekick

[– Seats and Roles –]

 

The closing ceremony began at 3 PM. Unlike the welcome party, attendees were seated by department, which was a bit disappointing since I was separated from Lumins and Velkina.

Several speeches from high-ranking officials followed, and last in line was Kalt. Predicting the usual platitudes, I sat at my table and boredly watched him walk up to the podium.

Since it was the closing ceremony, he wasn’t in his formal uniform like on the first day. However, his ornate robe embroidered with gold thread and his flowing cape remained just as extravagant. It must be heavy.

As expected, the crown prince’s closing remarks expressed gratitude for the hospitality and delight at witnessing remarkable research results. I thought it would end uneventfully, stifling a yawn, when an unexpected topic suddenly emerged.

“…. On another note, while some of you may already know, the Kingdom of Faynance is currently recruiting exceptional magical talents for a critical mission. This includes those from this institute.”

Why bring that up now? Though it’s not a classified recruitment, and the fact has spread by word of mouth, the candidates from this institute have already been preselected. Was there really a need to announce it here, in front of all the researchers?

“I’ve decided to place my faith in various possibilities to ensure the success of this mission. You could even say the fate of Faynance rests on this noble endeavor. If you wish to make a name for yourself by participating in the ‘Retrieval of the Vessel of the Gods,’ a task of utmost importance, then prove your abilities.”

As soon as Kalt said those words, a large screen magically projected into the air, as if it had been prepared in advance. Displayed on the screen was a map, highlighting the area near the institute, far to the east of the capital.

“―The Valley of Delusion, west of the magical institute. At this location, the ‘Lily of Enchantment’ which only blooms during specific times, can be found.”

The screen transitioned to a reference image of the Lily of Enchantment—an ironic, fantastical flower with a deep black hue, despite being a lily.

“To the three individuals who are the first to bring back this lily, bulb intact, I will grant the right to participate in this mission.”

After finishing his announcement with a diplomatic smile. Kalt turned to face me, he smiled faintly, just for me.

I chewed my lip.

I hadn’t sought out any special treatment, but if three candidates were to be selected anyway, it wouldn’t have been difficult for Kalt to quietly include me as an extra, granting Lumins or Velkina their wish.

Yet Kalt had not only left the spots for the two already-confirmed candidates open but had also publicly declared his challenge to me.

―Prove for yourself that you truly deserve to stand beside them.

Perhaps the crown prince wanted me to prove myself because he doubted my sincerity when I said I expected nothing in return. Or maybe he wanted to test the opinion of the two exceptionally talented individuals who had both mentioned my name.

Kalt’s provocation forced me to face reality.

This trip to the capital wasn’t the end. Once the ‘Retrieval of the Vessel of the Gods’ plan officially began, Lumins, Velkina, and even Jin would embark on a journey across the continent to save the world.

And after I followed them to the capital, then what? When they moved on to resolve issues in other regions, what reason would I have to keep following them? How long could I use the excuse of “friendship” to stay by their side?

I had no role among those who were saving the world.

“The deadline is tomorrow at 9 AM. Bring the Lily of Enchantment to my residence. If no one comes, the positions for this institute will remain vacant.”

I clenched my fists tightly. What do you know? All I want, no matter what, is to ensure that Lumins, Velkina, Jin… and even that infuriatingly arrogant Prince, survive until the end.

As the crown prince concluded his speech, the crowd began to buzz. Without hesitation, I bolted.

To prove myself with the power of knowing the future.

I declared my intention to retrieve the Lily of Enchantment and claim one of the three spots to participate in the royal mission.

“……To be honest, I’m against it. I think Crown Prince Kalt pulled this stunt partly out of spite. That’s probably why he threw away my and Velkina’s chances.”

Lumins said, his voice calm yet vibrating with an unmistakable, deep-seated irritation. And why does it feel like it was more than a little disrespectful to the Crown Prince……

“Exactly, exactly! Lumins and I didn’t even care much about going to the capital in the first place. And now, instead of bowing and begging for our help, he’s picking a fight with our dear Senephin?”

Velkina grumbled behind me, draping an arm around my shoulder.

“If I had enough mana, getting rid of that royal brat of a Prince would be nothing.”

“That’s a lot of trouble, Jin……..”

With a sigh, I gently stopped the white pup at my feet from acting up.

Somehow, the formal respect for the Crown Prince in this space was slowly dissipating.

…. Well, setting that aside.

Considering the nature of the “Retrieval of the Vessel of the Gods” plan, not having Lumins and Velkina on board would be a massive loss for Kalt. The fact that he was willing to take that risk and place this sudden gamble was just proof of how crazy that bird-brained prince was.

But I, too, had my reasons to win this gamble.

“Still, I think I’ll give it a try.”

I placed my hand over Velkina’s, which was still resting on my shoulder. I gave Jin a reassuring smile, then turned to meet Lumins’ furrowed gaze and nodded.

“If you think about it another way, this is an opportunity. I’ve been saying things like wanting to experience new academic fields in the capital, but honestly, all of that was just an excuse…”

Thank you, Kalt. At least your meddling has given me the courage to finally say this out loud.

“If I can confidently join this plan as a legitimate participant, then I can continue.. to stay with all of you.”

Lumins, who had been scowling just moments ago, widened his eyes in surprise. Those golden eyes of his softened into a smile.

It was my favorite look, Lumins smile.

“…. So, Senepin, you really want to stay with us from now on, don’t you?”

“Of course!”

As I nodded firmly, Lumins, Velkina, and even Jin couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“We feel the same way! Honestly, it wouldn’t matter if we just stayed in this magical land and kept living peacefully with Senephin…”

“If that’s what you want, Senephin, we’ll also do our best to go wherever you’re headed.”

“You guys..”

Without realizing it, I almost started to tear up. Come to think of it, I cried my eyes out the moment I arrived in this world.

The game’s progression might get tangled, and the future I once knew could change. The death flag for Lumins still lingers. But even so, it wasn’t as terrifying as it was yesterday.

“Let’s do our best together!”

Because I have my favorite character and my most beloved friends with me!

Once we set our course of action, we moved quickly. By the time the closing ceremony ended, it was already 4 p.m. and since it’s spring, the days are short, and the sun would set in an instant. We needed to enter the Valley of Delusion as soon as possible.

Once everyone was ready, we agreed to meet again in the clearing near the valley entrance. The first to arrive were Velkina and me.

Thinking it was a good opportunity, I started explaining to Velkina before the other two arrived.

“In the Valley of Delusion, you must enter in pairs. If you don’t, the valley will reject you.”

I retraced my memory. Luckily for me, the Lily of Enchantment that Prince Kalt had offered as a condition of this deal was an in-game quest item, and the Valley of Deception is also the location of Velkina’s early-level grinding spots in Arlandast Saga.

The worst part was choosing a dungeon where you had to enter in pairs, despite the fact that three people had been selected. That Prince of lot-drawing truly shows his personality…. We have Jin, so it’s not a big deal.

“Hehe, so here’s the plan. How about Velkina and Lumins go together, and I team up with Jin?”

I haven’t forgotten to secure the solid strategy flags!

In the game, Velkina also paired up with Lumins to explore the Valley of Delusion. Isn’t it a classic dungeon trope for feelings to spark as they rely on each other’s backs?

Now, hurry up and admire this big sister’s flawless team arrangement.

“….About that, Senephin.”

After hesitating briefly, Velkina nodded with a resolute expression and said,

“To be honest, I’d really like to go with you, Senephin. But I’m still a rookie. I feel frustrated and angry at myself for being someone who can’t be of any help to you.”

“Velkina..”

“So, next time there’s an opportunity like this, I’ll make sure I won’t have to step aside.. I’ll work hard to polish my skills!”

“What are you talking about—”

“Senephin.”

Jin’s low voice called me, and I turned around. At some point, Jin had changed clothes and appeared in his human form.

Flowing silver hair, mesmerizing emerald eyes. A face so beautiful it seemed otherworldly.

―And that tall, towering figure belonged to none other than his adult form.

“…Ji-Jin!?”

“This is the first time you’re seeing me like this.”

Jin blinked his light green eyes and continued.

“I would like to accompany you as well, but for this challenge, I must give it my all. Velkina still has many technical shortcomings, but in terms of mana reserves, she surpasses even Lumins. For this occasion, I plan to utilize all the skills I can activate by drawing on her mana.”

“Yeah, that’s how it turned out. Jin and I will work together to bring back the lily bulb for sure. I don’t want to be the only one left behind after Lumins and Senephin succeed, it’d be embarrassing!”

…Wait, when did these two manage to coordinate this plan without me noticing?

More importantly, seeing Jin in his adult form like that looking totally, incredibly cool (though of course, Lumins, you’ll always be my number one)—and then pairing up with Velkina to conquer the dungeon.. Isn’t this the ultimate love-is-blooming flag?

My carefully crafted plan to pair Lumins and Velkina has now completely gone up in smoke..

No, wait. Hold on.

If Jin and Velkina are teaming up, then that naturally leaves me with..

Before I could even fully process the shocking realization, someone gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Looks like it’s settled, Senephin.”

That kind yet resolute voice belonged to none other than my favorite, Lumins.

“―Let’s go and retrieve the enhancement Delusion Lily together.”

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Hi! Dear readers! I hope you enjoy my novel translation so far. Though I’m not do fast updating like others, but I hope you understand. I was in prepare for end of semester exam week, so I have some free time to translate my project. I also hope I can do much. So please wait for my update this week. Sorry and Thank you all!

_Special thanks to Aphoditie !

Gio –