A Villainess for the Tyrant Vol. 4: A Villainess for the Tyrant, #4

By Yoo Iran

Powerful magic. Tangled mysteries. An unimaginable truth.

 

Empress Cecile became consumed with the need to uncover the secrets of her past. With her emperor in tow, she traveled back to Navitan—the suspected source of inexplicable power now coursing through her veins. Once there, they find themselves embarking on a perilous journey, one that will reveal truths that have been hidden for generations.

 

When Cecile and Estian confront the Navitan royal family, they find that they have lost all memory of Cecile's existence. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes apparent that everyone is hiding life-altering secrets. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Cecile visits her childhood home and her mother's resting place. However, when she starts digging around the grave, she sends shockwaves through the empire.

 

As the mysteries of the past unravel, can Cecile handle the power that comes with uncovering her true identity? In addition, will she win against the forces that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear?

 

Among these scheming walls, only the wicked can survive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WordExcerpt
• Release date: Dec 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890470232

Book preview

PART ONE

THE AUTHORITY OF THE ARCHWITCH

CHAPTER 1

TAINTED OFFSPRING OF A DECAYED BISCUIT

Heave-ho! The saintess exerted all her strength as she tugged at Kane's muscular frame. He is incredibly weighty with all his bulging muscles!

Despite mentally preparing herself for his size, the saintess struggled to determine whether she was dragging a man or a colossal boulder. Her relentless efforts had left a long trail on the ground as she maneuvered Kane to a random patch of grass. Lying beside the unconscious knight commander was Irene, also passed out.

Breathless and exhausted, the saintess slumped down between the unconscious pair, attempting to catch her breath.

Hah, hah... My sacred power... There should be some remnants left.

However, when she raised her hands, the holy power she had sensed a while ago had vanished completely. Once again, her reserves were utterly depleted. She had utilized all her power to restore Estian to his human form.

Glancing at Kane's face beside her, the saintess sighed deeply, fixating on his features for an extended moment.

Honestly, it's not like I have a penchant for supporting characters or anything. What on earth possessed me to go through all of this?

When Kane and Irene vanished from her sight, an urgent desire to rescue them overwhelmed the saintess. Their safety had momentarily become more significant to her than Estian's, compelling her to gather every ounce of holy power she possessed to restore the emperor's human form.

Although it seemed straightforward, it was far from it. The spell's efficacy relied on Estian remaining stationary. In the original storyline, this was not an issue since the spell was cast when he was trapped in an immobile location. Nevertheless, miraculously, things fell into place.

As she rushed toward Estian earlier, she observed two figures engaging him with extraordinary speed, almost appearing to fly. One of them was undoubtedly Tania, whom she had encountered before at the empress's palace.

But who was the other one?

The young blond man eluded her memory. Nevertheless, thanks to their inadvertent intervention, preventing Estian from advancing, the saintess successfully cast the spell.

I did not anticipate that creating such a dazzling backdrop would prove to be this helpful.

Lifting her head, she gazed at the heavens adorned with countless twinkling stars as far as the eye could see. The number of stars had multiplied several times, radiating a luminosity that made them seemingly within arm's reach. Even now, several stars appeared to hover just above the saintess's head.

This was meant to be the picturesque setting for the kiss scene after Estian's second salvation...

Despite the author's original intent, the narrative device to create a shimmering sky in Aluna inadvertently led to a misunderstanding. In the eyes of the festival attendees, they had witnessed a black monster vanish after a brilliant flash of white light, followed by a sky adorned with numerous stars. It became a breathtaking spectacle, unlike anything they had ever witnessed before. Little did they know that this phenomenon occurred as a result of Estian reverting to his human form.

Overwhelmed by the astonishing sight, someone loudly exclaimed, Aluna Tourism Association, you are unparalleled!

The other festival-goers exchanged incredulous glances. Was that it? Was this some kind of festival production? Amidst the confusion, applause erupted from the crowd.

What an epic production!

I genuinely believed it was real. I was terrified!

They must have spent a fortune on this!

Soon, the applause grew louder, accompanied by whistles from the crowd. Observing all this, the saintess relinquished her concerns.

Whatever. Estian will likely handle the aftermath.

Instead, she redirected her attention to the unconscious man by her side. She had forsaken Estian and chosen Kane. And Irene had come along as an unexpected bonus.

Scrutinizing Kane's features, she muttered, I must admit, he is quite handsome.

Truth be told, Kane possessed exceptional looks and capabilities. However, Estian had been meticulously crafted to be an overwhelmingly extraordinary character. The saintess reached out toward the knight commander's disheveled hair, but rather than fixing it, she playfully tousled it even further.

I knew it.

Her intuition proved correct—those who adhered strictly to regimentation appeared all the more striking when they let loose. There was something captivating about the stark contrast from their initial impression, akin to the moment when a flawlessly attired man in a suit tore off his necktie. Kane's current disheveled appearance perfectly catered to her taste. It was utterly tantalizing.

Fixating on him for a prolonged period, she discreetly leaned her face toward him.

This time, I will do it. I will kiss him!

She had missed two opportunities already. This was her moment! According to Kane, she had apparently stolen his first kiss, but it hardly counted if she could not remember it. Hovering over his face, the saintess pouted her lips, preparing to lean in, when...

What do you think you are doing?

Good heavens! Startled, the saintess lifted herself up, whipping her head around at Irene's icy voice. Mi lady, when did you wake up?

Since the moment you started smacking your lips while gazing at Sir Kane.

You were watching from the beginning?!

The saintess hesitated for a moment before offering a feeble excuse. Th-that was merely me ensuring Sir Kane was still breathing, just in case...

And that is why you pouted your lips?

You were observing quite intently, the saintess grumbled inwardly, unable to conjure up another excuse. She averted her gaze.

After a pause, Irene inquired, Are you genuinely interested in Sir Kane? Is he not simply showering you with one-sided affection?

Uh, about that...

Witnessing the saintess falter, Irene suddenly burst into tears.

I do not like Sir Kane, she wailed.

Why not? the saintess asked skeptically.

Irene spoke as if she harbored affection for Kane herself.

That cannot be true, can it?

If you marry Sir Kane, who will be my maid?

Wait, was that her concern? The saintess's expression turned cold as she responded, You can borrow some imperial attendants.

No! I cannot criticize the empress with them.

Oh, I see. So, that was her underlying motive. Letting out a resounding sigh, the saintess stated, I do not know if you have already heard, but apparently, I assaulted Sir Kane. Since I took his first time, should I not take responsibility?

What does that matter in this day and age? Just consider it a passing fling, Irene promptly retorted.

Pardon me? The saintess's mind momentarily went blank.

Consider it what?

You can forget about me if you are unsatisfied, a voice suddenly interjected from behind the saintess.

Kane!

Startled, the saintess swiftly turned around, finding Kane, who had awakened and sat up, staring at her. She blinked dumbfoundedly, meeting his gaze. The residual effects of the spell she had cast caused stars to twinkle dreamily behind him.

Appearing disheveled, Kane drew his face closer, tilting his head to bring his lips near her ear. In a low, seductive tone, he whispered, But why don't you indulge me before making a decision?

Taken aback by the shock, the saintess stiffened.

Who was this? Was he the Kane she knew, or rather, the character she had created?

The knight commander, who unabashedly licked his lips and made such a brazen request, was an embodiment of unrestrained desire. Witnessing this side of him, the saintess felt disconnected from this world for the first time. Simultaneously, her heart pounded louder and harder than ever before since arriving in this realm.

This is utterly preposterous!

Elsewhere, Tania wailed in front of a particular blond man.

CHAPTER 2

A BITTERSWEET REVELATION

The man with flowing, golden locks furrowed his brow and inquired, What seems to be troubling you?

He appeared utterly bewildered by Tania's extreme reaction.

In response to his query, Tania stammered, her voice trembling, Wh-who did you claim to be? I mean... What was the name you used?

How many times must you ask? I am Girgantia! he proclaimed.

Lies! If you truly are Girgantia, then tell me, what chicken dish did you enjoy yesterday?

Honey mustard blended with sweet chili, accompanied by tartar sauce and garnished with avocado, the man recited effortlessly. I polished it off since you mentioned your dislike for avocados.

Tania's astonishment was palpable as he flawlessly listed yesterday's menu. However, she quickly shook her head and shouted, Th-that is insufficient to convince me. W-wait... Reveal to me the title of the book I was engrossed in yesterday!

Tania doubted he would provide the correct answer. Or rather, she hoped he would not.

Yet, contrary to her expectations, the man crossed his arms and effortlessly responded, Ah, you mean the one with the unmarked, provocative cover: The Confined Captive Learns Obe—'

Gaaah! Tania interrupted with a cry, launching her fist toward him before he could finish.

Caught off guard, the stranger was sent flying through the air, landing in a crumpled heap a short distance away.

Tania gazed at the fallen man before her and stammered, It-it truly is Girgantia.

Falling to her knees, she clutched her head as the events from a short while ago flashed through her mind.

Yes, I am his beloved. What is the matter? Tania declared.

The enigmatic blond man had grabbed her arm and proclaimed her as his girlfriend, prompting her to play along despite her lack of comprehension. While the situation remained a mystery, she deemed it wise to make this stranger pay her back tenfold—with his companionship, of course.

I should request ten romantic outings.

Casting glances between the blond woman and Tania, he bravely exclaimed, Just because there's a goalie, doesn't mean you can't score! Besides, I am more beautiful than her!

What relevance does that hold? the man retorted. I bet my girl can savor chicken better!

That came out of nowhere. Chicken? Tania thought, perplexed.

Leaning closer, the blond man whispered, That woman is peculiar. She approached me and insistently demanded that we start dating the moment she laid eyes on me. I cannot fathom what has gotten into her. We have never crossed paths before!

Your face, that is what.

Tania suppressed the response that hovered on the tip of her tongue.

You are mistaken. There is nothing peculiar about her. I can empathize entirely. If I were in her shoes, mere insistence on going out would be just the beginning. I would...

A scene from a book she had perused the previous day flickered in her mind—a tale of the nocturnal queen teaching her captive the art of submission. The lady-in-waiting briefly entertained the perilous fantasy before closing her mind to it, focusing instead on a pressing concern.

What is this sensation?

The blond man had clasped her shoulder and addressed her with familiarity, as if they were old acquaintances. Curiously, rather than feeling out of place, she experienced an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

What is that?

It's a monstrosity!

Suddenly, terrified screams pierced the air. Tania swiftly turned her gaze skyward, her eyes widening in horror.

That is... she gasped.

Through the gaps between buildings, she spotted the sudden appearance of the ebony creature that had terrorized the dukedom of Etia. She vividly recalled the havoc wreaked by the beast.

Even His Majesty fell victim to its wrath.

Unbeknownst to her, the black monster was, in fact, Estian himself. Tania had no means of knowing this truth. When Cecile had leaped toward the monster, the ensuing burst of light had rendered Tania unconscious. By the time she regained her senses, the nearby imperial knight order had already found her.

Do you recall what transpired then?

Later, Estian arrived and inquired about Tania's memories of the Etia incident. As she faced him, a chill ran down her spine, yet she truthfully replied that she had no recollection beyond fainting.

Curiously, he appeared relieved by her response.

Ahhhhh!

The sound of another woman's screams jolted Tania out of her stupor.

Recalling the horrifying sights of Etia, she turned toward the blond man and shouted, Flee!

While she might manage to survive, others would not be as fortunate. With that in mind, Tania immediately charged toward the black monster. A moment later, she was taken aback when she glanced to her side.

What do you think you are doing, venturing off on your own?

Unbeknownst to her, the blond man had caught up to her.

He caught up to me?

Even the imperial guard struggled to match her swiftness, yet this stranger effortlessly kept pace. Nonetheless, there was no time for surprise, as the monstrous creature loomed into view.

All right, I am here now, but... Tania faltered.

What came next?

Cecile had been the one to confront this creature previously. Tania recalled how the empress had struck it with her scepter, so she clenched her fists tightly, preparing herself. After all, her only weapon was her physical prowess. Leaping over the terrified festival attendees fleeing in panic, she landed in front of the dark mass and unleashed a punch.

Splob.

Instead of a resounding smack, it was more of a squelch. The creature's oozing, mud-like form effortlessly absorbed the impact, enveloping Tania's fist. Her eyes widened in shock. Almost instantaneously, the upper portion of the monster transformed into spear-like projections, aimed directly at the lady-in-waiting.

It's about to attack!

Horror gripped her. She raised her arms to brace for the incoming strike, but at that very moment...

Would you please exercise caution before launching an attack?

The blond man, who had kept pace with her, suddenly materialized out of nowhere, swiftly grasping her waist and rolling both of them to the side. And not a moment too soon! The transformed spears from the creature's upper body impaled the ground exactly where Tania had been standing moments earlier.

Troubling as it may be, a stranger behaving so amicably can be addressed later!

Tania swiftly regained her footing and lunged at the monster once more. Her previous attack had momentarily halted its movements.

For now, I must buy time for the people to escape. I am uncertain how long I can withstand this alone, but...

While it was a stretch to believe she could keep the creature at bay indefinitely, she could at least provide a reprieve for the fleeing festival-goers. She was confident that the emperor and empress must be in the vicinity, so her sole objective was to endure until they arrived.

Hey, I will hold it off, so focus on attacking! the man shouted yet again, interrupting Tania's thoughts.

Why has this man not fled yet?

Gaping at the blond man, who continued to berate her while deftly evading the monster's assaults, she found herself relieved as she witnessed his prowess.

He is... capable!

Although she knew not the full extent of his strength, he was competent enough that she need not worry about his safety.

As the monster's onslaught resumed, the duo responded swiftly, flawlessly blocking and launching counterattacks. It was their first time fighting together, and yet...

Our teamwork is flawless, Tania marveled.

It was almost unbelievable. Their synchronization was so seamless that it felt as if they had been partners for years. When the man defended, Tania attacked, and if she assumed a defensive stance, he swiftly shifted to offense. No communication or even a mere exchange of glances was necessary. It remained a mystery how they complemented each other so perfectly.

A memory from Tania's past suddenly surfaced, a recollection of being reprimanded by her mother long ago.

Did I not explicitly instruct you not to fight indiscriminately? You cannot charge in alone. Learn the art of cooperation!

Ultimately, her mother had been the sole individual in their province capable of fighting alongside her.

I cannot remain at your side for the rest of your life, can I? the margravine had chided. Considering that you will inherit the province in due course and protect these lands, you must find someone who can fight adeptly by your side for a lifetime.

And if I do find such a person, then what?

Bring him over and... tightly grasp onto him. Never let go. It is no easy task to find a man who can rival the women of Kaniche.

Her mother's words had carried a rare seriousness, leaving a lasting impression on Tania. At this moment, she was certain of one thing.

Mom! I have found him! Not only is he skilled in combat, but he possesses a handsome visage and a well-sculpted physique! You shall meet your future son-in-law this year!

However, just as she began to internally celebrate, a blindingly radiant light engulfed her surroundings. Once her senses adjusted and her vision returned, the monster had vanished, leaving behind an infinite array of shimmering lights in the air.

It's gone? Tania murmured, blinking in a dazed state.

Approaching her side, the blond man remarked, It was quite challenging, was it not? I am still not accustomed to a human form. But leaving that aside, hey! How foolish must one be to fall madly for a man like that? And to follow him?

Now, he had transitioned from being friendly to outright criticizing her!

Perplexed by his contradictory demeanor, Tania furrowed her brow and retorted, I have been meaning to ask... Do you know me? And... did you just say you are not accustomed to a human body?

Seriously, what has come over this girl? the blond man mused, his voice tinged with confusion. It is me, remember? Girgantia!

Pardon?

Oh, it's my initial attempt at shapeshifting. Do you think it turned out well? I am unsure how I appear in human form. I believe I have the correct number of eyes, and my nose and mouth seem to be in their proper places. Nothing appears amiss, right? Apparently, dragons occasionally stumble in their first shapeshifting attempts. Humans can be rather sensitive if things do not align correctly, I hear.

Tania felt her face stiffen as he continued to ramble. Initially dismissing his nonsensical talk, she suddenly recollected their seamless teamwork during the battle against the black monster.

Come to think of it...

Throughout their time together, Tania and Girgantia had engaged in numerous fights. It often stemmed from minor disagreements over who would claim the fried chicken drumstick or when one of them demanded the next volume of a comic book or novel from the other. Eventually, what began as mere scuffles transformed into something akin to sparring. They had grown so accustomed to each other that they could effortlessly block punches and tail swipes without even needing to exchange glances.

Color drained from Tania's face as she realized that the feeling of harmony she experienced while fighting alongside the stranger against the black monster mirrored the sensation she felt while sparring with the dragon.

But if this man truly was Girgantia, then...

Tania felt lightheaded as she recollected the numerous books she had read with Girgantia. Lifting her gaze to meet the gaze of the man claiming to be Girgantia, she beheld a flawlessly handsome young man with blond locks. Had she read those books with this man?

A distant sound seemed to reverberate in Tania's ears—the sound of her social standing and dignity shattering into countless fragments.

Bang! Rumble!

Each earsplitting noise caused a thick layer of dust to billow in the mountains, yet a fresh cacophony swiftly overshadowed its predecessor.

Extraordinary, Cecile remarked, munching on snacks by Richard's side.

Richard had cast a magical illumination spell, ensuring their surroundings were clearly visible for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Estian and Ruin were rumored to be the most powerful individuals in the world. Every clash between them shattered nearby mountains.

I wonder