A Villainess for the Tyrant Vol. 3: A Villainess for the Tyrant, #3

By Yoo Iran

An irrepressible bloodlust. A hidden library. A world on the brink of ruin.

 

Estian had kept his bloodlust on a tight leash since Cecile came into his life. Lately, it had been getting increasingly harder to ignore and now demanded satiation. The conquest of the Etia Dukedom was supposed to be a convenient outlet for his madness. However, was that all it was or has the emperor been dancing to the duke's tune the whole time?

 

Back at the palace, Cecile falls into a magic portal and is transported into a mysterious library. Shelves upon shelves brimming with books cover the walls. Their contents leave the empress baffled: every last one features tales of herself and her tyrannical husband. Fantastical truths are revealed, some of which Cecile finds hard to believe. Her contemplation of them grinds to a halt when, upon stepping foot outside, her memories are erased.

 

Amidst the confusion, the crown prince of the Hyun continent makes an appearance. Why is he eying the empress, and what is all this talk about the infamous villainous empress being destined to save the world?

 

Among these scheming walls, only the wicked can survive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WordExcerpt
• Release date: Dec 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890470225

Book preview

PART ONE

COVET NOT WHAT IS MINE

CHAPTER 1

I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT HER

Regardless of the circumstances, the saintess could not merely reply to Irene's question, Did you just try to run? with a simple yes. As Irene chuckled maliciously, her arms wrapped around the saintess's neck, an almost tangible black aura emanated from her.

The saintess swiftly set her mental gears in motion. She had depleted her holy power, rendering her unable to use any abilities whatsoever. Even if she managed to escape from Irene, what could she do? Moreover, considering the current impossibility of infiltrating the imperial palace, was there any other way to gain access?

Her mind raced, calculating her future plans. Though unaware of the situation, there was only one answer she could give.

Why, never, milady! How I have yearned for your presence! she cried out, feigning distress, and pulled Irene into a tight embrace. Trying to conjure the saddest, most tragic image she could imagine, the scene of Kane lying unconscious in her arms, with only Estian's voice echoing in her ears, came to mind. The memory of Kane's face, his glistening lips while he was unconscious...

Damn it. I would not feel so resentful if I had just given him a passionate kiss, she thought, feeling sullen. The fact that she had not even touched the male lead yet made her unable to contain her tears of unfulfilled desires.

Wiping away hot tears of unsatisfied longing, the saintess exclaimed, I was so terrified! I was lost and wandering aimlessly when suddenly I heard a loud noise! Knights were strewn everywhere, and then I opened the door, only to find a dragon, but I do not remember anything after that! What happened to me? Where am I? What is all this? Ahh, my head... But more than anything, milady, I am immensely relieved that you are safe!

As she recited the most clichéd lines of someone suffering from memory loss, the saintess darted her eyes around. In any case, she had to stay by Irene's side!

Really? Irene raised an eyebrow skeptically, and the saintess clung to her even more pitifully.

But of course! How could I ever abandon you, milady? Who else would I work for? You are the epitome of perfection! Do you not remember how diligently I attended to your needs this morning? You are the finest employer I have ever served, milady!

That was not your final display of goodwill, was it?

N-no!

Did you not stumble in your words just now?

The saintess turned her head slightly, discreetly expressing her annoyance at Irene's persistent questioning. So untrusting. Why was Irene so sharp in situations like this, unlike her usual oblivious self? Her insistent inquiries mirrored those of an obsessive male lead. Despite the saintess lamenting the challenges of life, she continued her sincere flattery toward Irene.

Very well then. Let us return. There is no point in lingering here any longer, Irene suddenly declared.

Pardon?

Irene snapped her fingers before the saintess could say anything, prompting the waiting servants to rush into the room. Take her away.

Hold on a moment! Lady Irene!

Before she could utter another word, the servants swiftly bundled the saintess in a blanket and carried her out.

Irene watched the scene unfold with a smile.

I have finally found a personal maid after such a long time. I cannot sit idly by and let Kane snatch her away from me, can I?

Kane would undoubtedly come searching for the saintess, claiming the need for a thorough investigation.

And I suspect he has other motives as well.

After the chaos had subsided to some extent, Kane had inquired about Irene's maid, stating it was necessary for resolving the case. However, the persistent manner in which he questioned her about the maid seemed peculiar.

He must be after something more.

Superficially, Kane appeared to be a kind hearted knight commander, but could it truly be that simple? He was the right-hand man chosen by the demanding Estian. In reality, Kane was only marginally less ruthless than his master, possessing a reputation for inflicting severe harm on others.

If Kane captures her, she will likely never return. Irene pondered. Most individuals who vanished from the imperial palace without a trace were likely dealt with by Kane. I must take her with me before that happens.

Irene had been captivated by the maid at first sight. The girl was as obedient as a puppet and possessed the skill of speaking the most pleasing words. Yet, if that were the extent of her appeal, Irene would not have gone to such lengths to protect and care for her. However...

I also appreciate how she fearlessly hits the nail on the head.

This made her even more endearing. Other servants would always grovel on her behalf, but this maid would occasionally display audacity, seemingly saying, So go ahead and dismiss me!

But I do not really mind. Setting aside our difference in status, perhaps this is what it feels like to have a friend.

If the saintess could hear Irene's thoughts, she would have exclaimed, Do not assume I consider you a friend! However, at that moment, she was wrapped in a blanket and loaded into a carriage. Regardless, Irene made a silent vow to herself.

I have never encountered a maid like her before, and I shall never allow her to be taken away!

Did Miss Irene take her back without permission?

Yes. I tried to intervene, but Miss Irene was unwavering.

Kane appeared troubled by the response of the imperial attendant. After resolving the dragon incident, the mysterious maid had been discovered entering the audience room through another entrance.

I was planning to verify something.

At that time, he was in a dazed state of mind when someone whispered in his ear, Remain still. I will return after handling everything.

The voice brimmed with anger, and he keenly sensed the sincere determination to make the dragon pay for leaving him in such a wretched state.

Who could it be?

Kane had not attained the position of knight commander through mere chance. Few could surpass him in martial prowess within the empire.

The one thing certain is that it was a woman.

The first woman that came to mind, capable of overpowering him in a fight, was Margravine Kaniche, Tania's mother. However, she was the type to kick him if she found him collapsed, then retort, Is lying down how you became a knight commander?!

Besides, she definitely sounded young.

The voice undoubtedly belonged to a woman around his age. But did there exist a woman of his age, who possessed the strength to stand up against a dragon and worry about his well-being?

Girgantia also had no clue.

When that troublesome baby dragon first saw the maid, he said, I think this is her? Yet, upon closer inspection, he changed his statement. Nope, she does not possess any power. It's not her. I probably mistook her since I cannot differentiate human faces. Due to that, Tania scolded him and asked the dragon to stop being confusing.

I should look into it further.

Something about her intrigued him. Kane turned around and found himself retracing his steps, each one as heavy as the burden on his heart. However, as he walked down a corridor, he paused, murmuring, Should I go to Miss Irene's mansion and investigate?

Soon, Kane shook his head. He did not have time for that. There were numerous matters regarding the damages to the imperial palace that required his attention. He could not neglect the dragon incident and divert his focus to something else just because it concerned him.

But why does she linger in my thoughts?

Kane recalled the image of the unconscious maid. Her hair was black and sleek, with cute bangs that reached near her brows. It was a shame that he could not see the color of her eyes as they remained closed.

Maybe the shock to her mind was significant.

The image of her pale face continued to flicker in his mind.

Is she feeling well?

...Huh? Kane blinked repeatedly, startled out of his reverie.

It feels like I am remembering things too vividly?

He shook his head once more, but the blush on his cheeks would not completely fade away. There was definitely something peculiar about that maid. Why could he not banish her from his thoughts? For a long while, Kane could not rid himself of the image of the unconscious maid.

A week had elapsed since the dragon incident at the imperial palace. During this time, nobody, except the imperial attendants, had caught a glimpse of Cecile. Even the attendants had limited opportunities to see her, as they would always intercede, citing It is His Majesty's orders. If that were the extent of her predicament, she might have managed somehow. After all, she still had an abundance of books she had borrowed from Tania, and she planned to enjoy her time by indulging in fruits and reading. However...

Where have all my books gone?

Cecile approached her bookshelf with excitement, only to discover it empty. The attendant standing behind her offered an explanation, albeit hesitantly. Th-the books were all removed because it was His Majesty's command to inspect them for any potential issues...

She was informed that the books had been returned to Tania, who was reading and scrutinizing them for any abnormalities. It was no wonder the girl had not visited, mentioning some mission she needed to fulfill. Cecile could not argue since the books rightfully belonged to Tania.

And there are other matters to investigate, so all your official duties are suspended until we ensure everything is safe.

All she could do was nod in response to Estian's resolute words, but the confinement she assumed would last for a few days had now stretched to over a week. Cecile pleaded with Estian to let her go outside, expressing her suffocation, but he remained resolute.

I am bored! I cannot read books, cannot talk to the attendants, and I cannot even meet other people, Cecile whined.

But it's only been a week.

Cecile was left speechless by the look of perplexity in Estian's eyes. He genuinely seemed to wonder why being confined for a week was so difficult. But I am truly bored.

She had tried everything to alleviate her boredom, which led her to discover that there were 6,172 lilies depicted on one side of the palace walls and 815 crystals hanging from the chandelier in the central hall. She had exhausted all her options, searching for something to do. But she had reached her limit.

Even you return late at night and leave early in the morning, Your Majesty, she complained.

And the only highlight of her day was Estian's arrival at night, although even their time together was short-lived.

So, you are saying... you are not bored when I am here?

Cecile nodded. Why ask such an obvious question?

On that day, Estian fell asleep with great contentment. Of course, he did not merely fall asleep, which meant Cecile had to endure a sleepless night. Perhaps her grumbling had an effect because the following night, Estian brought several books. As Cecile greeted him with joy and reached out to take the books from his hands, Estian held them high, out of her reach.

She looked at him quizzically, prompting him to laugh. Not yet. The contents still need to be thoroughly examined.

Then please examine them already! Her tearful plea brought a smile to Estian's lips.

That is what I intend to do, but I could use a little help from you.

Cecile was overcome by a foreboding feeling.

CHAPTER 2

THIS CANNOT BE LOVE

Cecile's realization struck her like a bolt of lightning, causing her to sit up in bed with an intense glare directed at the book in her hands. It dawned on her why Estian had unexpectedly agreed to bring her books despite his previous resistance over the past week.

I believe we can quickly check these books with your assistance, Estian said with a smile.

Cecile should have been more cautious when he said that, but her excitement at having a book in her possession again made her respond carelessly, I will do my best to help with anything!

Little did she know that this was the consequence she would face. Cecile hesitated, fidgeting with the book, while Estian urged her, What are you waiting for? Continue reading.

Reluctantly, she turned her attention back to the book, struggling to utter the words of the next sentence. His lips roughly... covered hers. Harsh panting... filled the room... Aah… Haah... The sounds of hot gasping filled the room... His hands went to her chest and... Aarrgh! I was wrong!

Overwhelmed, Cecile threw the book onto the bed. Goosebumps appeared on her arms, and she vigorously rubbed them while looking at Estian, who was lying comfortably beside her. He picked up the discarded book and calmly inquired, What is the matter? Why did you stop? At this rate, it will take us forever to check all the contents.

Tears welled up in Cecile's eyes. She had never anticipated that Estian's idea of confirming the book's safety would involve reading it aloud from start to finish. At first, she could not believe it when he suggested she try, and then she became stubborn.

Yes, I will read it! I will prove the innocence and purity of this book through my reading!

Cecile had spoken boldly, only to realize her mistake.

I forgot that all the books I have are of that nature.

By that nature, she meant books with embarrassing titles that she did not want to mention in front of strangers. The book she was attempting to read was titled He Becomes a Beast Every Night. Initially, it seemed manageable, but when she reached the explicit part about the first night, Cecile did not know where to look. Did she truly have to read each part?

Sensing her hesitation, Estian asked, What is the matter? Is there a problem after all?

Nay!

Retreating at this point would surely result in losing her books again, something Cecile could not afford. With renewed determination, she tried to continue reading, but she could not bear it when she reached another steamy scene.

I already know what happens next!

She had read this book multiple times before. Beyond the scene she could not bring herself to read out loud, it depicted how the female lead discovered the truth about the male lead transforming into a beast overnight.

I can do it. I can do it.

As Cecile attempted to convince herself to keep reading, she realized that there was a world of difference between reading the book privately and voicing it for someone else to hear. The scene had brought her joy when she enjoyed it alone, but for some reason, reading it out loud felt incredibly awkward and embarrassing.

Your Majesty, is there truly no other way?

In the end, Cecile pleaded with Estian for an alternative method. Almost as if he had been waiting for her to ask, he stood up and approached her. There is indeed another way.

What is it?

If you cannot read it, Estian paused and moved even closer, would it not be better to try it out ourselves?

Estian embraced Cecile by the waist, and they both fell onto the bed.

What? What do you— umph! Cecile attempted to say something, but her words were silenced by her husband's kiss. He then opened the book she had thrown aside with one hand.

Cecile's books had undergone numerous checks by Tania and other people, including Richard, to ensure there were no curses or hexes. Thankfully, no particular issues were found, although Estian could not shake off his unease. Apart from the book with the dragon lord's spell, which had proven to be beneficial, he sensed that all these events were not mere coincidences.

It does not seem like all these things happened by chance, Estian muttered silently.

He had an instinctual feeling that someone or something was orchestrating these events. If that were the case, it meant Cecile had been intentionally sent to him by someone else. Estian glanced at Cecile, who was catching her breath beneath him after a long kiss, her lips slightly swollen from his gentle bite. His breathing became ragged as he observed his wife's confused expression.

He couldn't understand himself entirely. Initially, he thought his fondness for Cecile was solely because she amused him. However, during the battle against Girgantia when he saw her return to the audience room, he experienced an unfamiliar ache. It was not exactly pain but a sensation of discomfort near his heart that surpassed the pain of losing his arm. At that moment, Estian had only one thought: he could not let Cecile get hurt. When she licked the wound on his face after the ordeal was over, he nearly lost control. He no longer wanted to deny his feelings.

He loved Cecile.

Even though it seems impossible, Estian silently admitted to himself, turning his gaze back to Cecile.

Your Majesty? she called out.

Her voice was enchanting. The clear view of Cecile's face made it difficult for Estian to determine if his senses were dulling or becoming sharper.

Y-you do not mean we have to reenact the scenes from the book, do you? Cecile stammered, her eyes widening in bewilderment as she stared at Estian. Soon, a pained expression appeared on her face, silently accusing him of trickery. She tried to escape the bed by rolling over, but Estian's grip around her waist was unyielding. You must have planned this all along!

I will not deny it, Estian replied calmly.

He buried his face in Cecile's neck once more, and the book slipped from his hand to the floor, but he had already read its contents before. Diligently, Estian began to follow the next part of the book—using his body, of course.

Estian gazed at the peacefully sleeping Cecile in his arms. Numerous red marks adorned her neck, visible through her disheveled pajamas. However, they were not the only marks he had left; there were many more concealed beneath her clothing, each one a testament to his actions. The mere thought filled him with satisfaction. He did not want to let