How Could the Villainous Young Master Be a Saintess?

"Miss Vanessa, you're the last known descendant of the Fasylis bloodline to awaken their heritage. You've withstood the trials, received the Goddess's blessing, and saved countless lives. You becoming the Saintess is only natural."

"So, if you call that usurpation, then there's no such thing as legitimate succession left in this world. What this is, is the rightful restoration of a Saintess, driven into exile after three generations of decline, finally reclaiming what belongs to her family. After that, the Radiance Church returns to the correct path, and history begins a new chapter."

"Miss Vanessa's name will go down in the annals of history. The world will remember how Saintess Vanessa Fasylis revived both the Fasylis family and the Radiance Church. Continuing the legacy of the Goddess and the Saintesses before her, she will lead the Radiance Church, lead the continent of Tyrilis toward a higher realm."

"So, doesn't that sound enticing~?"

Vanessa's expression didn't even twitch. Aside from the polite, minimal smile fixed to her face, she was practically expressionless.

Aesphyra... you really just projected your own future onto me, didn't you?

That was practically a word-for-word retelling of Aesphyra's life path from the "Good Ending" of the original story—uniting the continent's powers, wielding the blood of the ancient empire, reshaping Tyrilis with terrifying talent and unmatched strength.

It was practically the definition of a classic protagonist's route. After all, in the Good Ending, Aesphyra conquered every heroine, each of whom was a successor to one of the continent's nations. Those nations were all former vassals of the ancient Tyrilis Empire. Having them fall back under the rule of an heir with true imperial blood was only natural.

As for the factions unwilling to obey? Aesphyra simply "explained things" to them—with overwhelming force.

The fated heroine, Aesphyra, reached the finale with everything—her Crystal Palace of lovers wasn't just a harem—it was a Queen's Crystal Palace. You couldn't even enter without being a ruler of a nation. And Aesphyra herself? The Empress of the entire continent.

That's what you call the ultimate winner in life.

"Not interested," Vanessa replied flatly, her tone devoid of emotion.

Sure, that life sounded glamorous... but the risks were astronomical, the fluctuations far too extreme, and the responsibility suffocating.

Even if someone handed her that chance, Vanessa wouldn't want it.

The Saintess—just the title sounded radiant and elegant. But the reality? Exhaustion beyond belief, endless political scheming with hypocritical bishops, micromanaging everything, carrying the weight of every issue. If nations clashed, she'd be the mediator. If demons invaded, they'd come for her first.

No matter how much power came with it—who would want that?

She'd rather live quietly, free to do whatever she pleased.

But the biggest reason...

Vanessa simply didn't want that crushing burden on her shoulders.

Right now, she could still tell herself—I'm not even clergy. None of that falls under her jurisdiction. If the sky falls, someone taller holds it up. Whoever sits in that position can deal with it.

But... if she really became the Saintess, all of that would be hers to bear. She'd have no choice but to take full responsibility.

And with Vanessa's personality? She would never leave things half-done. She'd oversee everything personally, make sure not a single detail went wrong—otherwise, the unease would eat at her.

If I actually became the Saintess, I'd probably be busier than Mirexia, the Queen of Overtime herself...

No thanks. That life wasn't for her. She vastly preferred her current freedom, doing whatever she pleased.

"I see... Well then, if Miss Vanessa ever changes her mind, you know where to find me~" Aesphyra wasn't the least bit surprised by Vanessa's firm rejection.

But what would the price be for that, really?

Vanessa pondered silently.

There's no such thing as a free lunch, no pie falling from the sky. If Aesphyra genuinely wanted to help her, only to ask for nothing afterward... that was even more troubling. How could she ever repay such a monumental debt? Probably never, not in her entire life.

"It's getting late. We shouldn't stay outside much longer. Where do you live, Miss Vanessa? I'll take you home."

Vanessa simply stared at the silver-haired girl holding her with that radiant, innocent smile.

Your calculations are practically written across your face.

"I appreciate the concern, Miss Aesphyra, but there's no need. I'm not ready to go home just yet," Vanessa replied.

"Oh? So you're saying you enjoy being in my arms so much you don't want to leave~?" Aesphyra teased, eyes twinkling.

This infuriating fated heroine... here we go again.

"Miss Aesphyra, if I could move right now, I'd probably be doing something very unladylike to that face of yours," Vanessa replied with a forced smile, devoid of warmth.

"Oh? How unladylike, I wonder?" Aesphyra grinned. "Though honestly, I wouldn't mind. I've been curious what an unladylike Miss Vanessa looks like~"

"..."

"But speaking of which, you really can't move right now, can you? Staying here much longer isn't ideal. And since you don't want to go home, what shall we do~?" Aesphyra tilted her head playfully, feigning concern.

"What are you trying to say, Miss Aesphyra?"

"How about we go somewhere safe until your body recovers? What do you think~?"

"Miss Aesphyra's idea of 'safe'... is that really safe for me?" Vanessa countered.

"Of course. Completely safe. No one will find you, I promise." Aesphyra's confidence was unwavering.

"And where exactly is this place?"

"My house~" The snow-haired ragdoll smiled radiantly, practically blooming with mischief.

Of course. Vanessa could've guessed that.

"Anywhere else?" she sighed. Aesphyra had just saved her life—being overly picky now would be pushing it.

"Well, anywhere else wouldn't be nearly as safe. The aftermath of today's incident is just beginning to settle. Everyone's minds are filled with thoughts of the Goddess and the Saintess. If Miss Vanessa were spotted again, it would only complicate matters~"

Aesphyra's words were tinted with personal motives, but... she wasn't wrong.

Vanessa understood perfectly—the key right now was keeping a low profile.

Until her body reverted, she needed somewhere to rest for the night.

Ideally, that place would be Mirexia's dorm. But... that wasn't an option right now.

Revealing more connections would only deepen Aesphyra's suspicions regarding the similarities between Vanessa and Vinny. It was best not to let Aesphyra know how close she was to Mirexia.

What if Mirexia slipped up and called her "Vinny" in front of Aesphyra? She'd be exposed in an instant.

Granted, Mirexia wasn't that careless, but if the risk could be avoided entirely, why take it?

Besides, she couldn't contact Mirexia right now anyway.

Aesphyra absolutely despised being lied to. If she ever discovered that the beautiful girl in her arms—the one she'd whispered sweet words to for so long—was actually Vinny...

No one could guarantee Vanessa's safety after that.

"But if Miss Vanessa prefers, I can just hold you like this all night~?" Aesphyra's voice turned coy.

"T-That's not exactly appropriate... Wouldn't going to your home be... a bit forward?" Vanessa feigned hesitation.

"How could it be? Miss Vanessa is welcome at my home anytime, no invitation needed~"

Vanessa thought it over. Aesphyra had a point—staying out here only increased the risk of being seen.

She wasn't worried about Aesphyra doing anything inappropriate—if she wanted to, why not now? Vanessa couldn't even wiggle her toes. What was she waiting for? Some magical atmosphere back at home?

"Then... I'll trouble you for a little while," Vanessa said reluctantly. Under any other circumstances, she'd refuse outright. But right now? She had no other options.

She couldn't exactly sleep on the grass outside all night.

Never mind the exposure risk—she had no idea ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) how long it would take to recover from the aftereffects of Selina's possession. What if something happened before then?

Saintess collapses after using forbidden power, paralyzed, helpless... Random stranger passes by...

The potential for disaster practically oozed from that setup.

Compared to that, Aesphyra's place was infinitely safer, with fewer... bizarre developments likely.

"You can trouble me for a lifetime if you want, Miss Vanessa~"

There it was—the playgirl strikes again.

"I wouldn't dare. But... forgive my bluntness, Miss Aesphyra—have you told every girl those exact words?" Vanessa asked with exaggerated innocence, as though she hoped she was wrong.

"Am I really that kind of person in your eyes?"

Yes, Vanessa thought. In matters of love, Aesphyra absolutely was. This woman had publicly declared she'd conquer every sea, after all.

But Vanessa didn't answer aloud—she stayed silent.

The next instant, her surroundings changed in a flash. In the blink of an eye, the wild grassy field vanished, replaced by an elegantly furnished, lavish villa living room.

Vanessa blinked at Aesphyra holding her, eyes filled with surprise.

Did she use Divine Favor again?

Vanessa always suspected Aesphyra's Divine Favor came with a price. The power was too absurdly strong—like, "If she doesn't get nerfed, how do other users even play?" levels of strong.

And yet, Aesphyra used it again just to warp them both home unseen?

Aesphyra—the same girl who was usually so forward and presumptuous...

Vanessa's chest tightened with an indescribable feeling.

Wait—Aesphyra didn't... do anything to her while time was frozen, did she?!

The thought sent a spike of nerves through her, but... logically, it shouldn't be possible. After spending so much time together, Vanessa understood—Aesphyra had her own pride and principles.

She'd never lay a hand on a girl unless they willingly gave in. Even the slightest reluctance? She wouldn't cross that line.

And honestly? With Aesphyra's charm, finding willing girls wasn't exactly hard.

So... this is the villa Aesphyra was assigned?

Roughly the size of Mirexia's dorm—multi-storied, but completely different in style. The ground floor lacked those massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Inside, a faint fragrance of roses and cold florals drifted through the air.

Aesphyra slipped off one of her loafers by stepping on the heel, her black silk-clad feet sliding neatly into a pair of slippers. Even that simple act radiated elegance.

She carried Vanessa to the sofa like a precious work of art, gently, cautiously, as though even the slightest bump would damage her.

The treatment made Vanessa a little uncomfortable, but she let her gaze roam around the villa.

Despite its size, the place was spotless. Aesphyra had clearly been living here for a while—the space carried her unique scent and the faint aroma of her hair.

It was a delicate fragrance—never overwhelming, never cloying.

The entire space gleamed with perfection. Naturally—Aesphyra's well-known cleanliness obsession meant the villa had to meet her sky-high standards.

A crystal vase held vibrant flowers on the coffee table, their stems immersed in a blue alchemical liquid—likely a specialized nutrient potion for plants.

Books and neatly labeled alchemy potions adorned the table, suggesting these were Aesphyra's daily reads and personal creations.

Vanessa couldn't help but picture the scene—silver-haired beauty sprawled elegantly on the sofa after a day of study, long legs crossed in black stockings, one hand propping up her cheek, the other holding a book on alchemy or something equally refined. Her silver lashes casting faint shadows over her eyes.

She remembered that CG from the original game—faint, blurry in her memory—but it was this exact image:

Aesphyra, silver hair cascading down to her thighs clad in black stockings, a subtle smile curving her lips—radiant beyond compare.