I’m the Villain? Heck No!

Raziel had some concerns about agreeing to this proposal, but for now, it was necessary. Besides, his cousin seemed to be a good girl, despite having Jasir as her father.

If his memories were correct, she had a stunning appearance that could easily make her a heroine. Yet, she was not, which made sense, considering she was from a villainous family.

Based on their past interactions, the girl saw him only as a big brother, which would make this task much easier.

'Well, a pretend date couldn't be that bad,' Raziel thought to himself.

While distracted by his thoughts, Raziel noticed Jasir returning with a small box, about the size of his hand, and wearing an animated expression.

The tall, middle-aged man approached Raziel and then handed him the little box.

As Raziel picked up the box, Jasir placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Liliane is a good girl, and I truly treasure her. That's why I only trust you to make my little daughter happy, so forget about that girl from the Valternorths."

"D-don't worry, U-uncle," Jasir's serious tone made him tremble slightly.

"I've decided not to get involved with her after she brought another guy to humiliate me," Raziel declared, having no intention to pursue Sylfi anyway.

"WHAT? How dare that filthy Valternorth humiliate my precious nephew and future son!" Jasir's furious voice echoed through the room, causing the place to shake slightly.

"No, it's okay, Uncle. That incident showed me her true nature. Besides, her family is more powerful than ours, so seeking revenge would only cause unnecessary conflict. By the way, tomorrow I plan to ask my father to cancel our engagement."

Raziel tried to appease his uncle's fury because villain families in this world were usually very loyal to their members. Seeking revenge now would likely only hasten the downfall of the Harvestead family.

"Call off the engagement? Really? Okay then, I will not do anything. You're an intelligent boy, I'll trust you," Jasir calmed down, releasing his grip on Raziel's shoulder as he returned to his table.

"So do you want anything else?"

"No, Uncle Jasir, this is more than enough. Thank you very much!" Raziel bowed respectfully, showing his gratitude.

"So... how do we get out of here?" Raziel tried to find an exit but couldn't locate the stone door behind them, as if it had never existed.

"Did you forget how to find the exit? Just close your eyes"

Upon hearing that, Raziel and Clarice, who had been standing beside him the whole time, followed his instructions and closed their eyes.

A strange sensation washed over them, and when they opened their eyes, Raziel and Clarice found themselves back in the empty hallway. The dark passage was gone, and there was no sign of the painting anywhere.

The mature woman was still standing there as if she had been waiting for them. After bowing respectfully, she gestured for them to follow her once more.

***

Raziel finally left the merchant guild headquarters, reflecting on the intriguing interaction between him and Jasir. Upon opening the box, he discovered a beautiful golden ring, enchanted with an interdimensional storage spell.

'Magic really is reliable,' he thought, admiring the ring he had placed on his index finger.

Raziel then instructed Clarice to guide him to the hospital, as it was time to execute his plan.

After a while,

Both of them walked for quite some time, the sun growing hotter as it approached noon. Despite sweating and feeling pain in his leg, Raziel insisted on continuing on foot.

The reason he wanted to do that was simple: Raziel desired to admire the scenery. In the game, he loved the backgrounds, but seeing them in real life excited his heart.

Clarice, who guided Raziel through these streets, started to cast curious glances at him. His behavior was slightly different from what she knew.

He always used a carriage to go anywhere, and going on foot was something he would never do willingly.

"This lazy idiot never does anything alone and always lets the servants do everything," Clarice muttered under her breath, observing Raziel's unusual behavior.

A medium-sized building made of wood and stone came into view a few meters ahead.

As Raziel approached the building, a wooden sign with "Community Hospital of Aliandre" written on it greeted him. He felt really grateful to have arrived, as his legs were trembling.

'Shit... this guy's body is more sedentary than my original.'

While he tried to catch his breath, Clarice got near him, and for the first time, she had an expression on her face.

The girl seemed concerned, though not for him and rather, she wanted to know what that guy wanted to do in this place. Raziel knew she was an intelligent girl, and she also knew he didn't have any reason to be here if not for her mother. That was the concerning part for her.

"Clarice, let's sit on that bench over there. I will tell you the reason I'm here."

Raziel said with a serious tone, suggesting they sit on a nearby bench next to the hospital wall.

She nodded, and after the two of them sat down, Raziel spoke, "I'm here to fulfill my dad's deal."

"What!" Clarice exclaimed, surprised by his words.

"You know, my father said he would only take care of your mother if you attended to every one of my needs, isn't that right?"

Raziel spoke calmly as he tried to justify his decision, while Clarice, on the other hand, was in disbelief after hearing his words but managed to answer his question, stuttering slightly.

"Y-yes..."

"So I've decided you've already achieved that. I'm very satisfied with your service, so I'll fulfill the deal. I'll pay for your mother's treatment," Raziel affirmed.

"A-a-are y-you really going to do that, young master?" Her voice cracked and she sounded like a DJ making a remix.

"Yes, I will!"

Upon hearing that determined tone, she began to deceive herself into believing his words. After all, it had been three months since she made that deal with his father, and he never mentioned it again. Clarice had convinced herself she had been scammed, often crying alone at night.

She tried to hold back her emotions, but tears welled up in the corners of her eyes.

"Now, just wait here a minute. I'm going to solve this matter right now."

Raziel stood up from the bench and walked towards the entrance of the building, leaving Clarice alone to compose herself.

By the time he entered the building, she couldn't help but think deeply.

'Why is he doing this? I always thought he was just a selfish, greedy bastard. And now he's going to pay for my mother's treatment like that?' Clarice thought, confused.

"I really don't know what to think about that bastard, but to be honest, he's never acted inappropriately towards me," She admitted to herself.

After reflecting on her memories and considering the past three months she served him, Clarice realized that Raziel had never physically harmed any of the servants, including herself. Instead, he had only used harsh words and empty threats.

"Looking at it from that perspective, he's actually not a bad person, but more like a spoiled brat."

While muttering these words she couldnt help and let some chuckles out after realizing that Raziel indeed was not a good person but hes not bad either.

If he's really telling the truth about saving her mother, then Clarice would surely see him with new eyes, which could lead to a very troublesome situation for him. But the poor girl is not even aware of the true reason behind that 'kind' gesture.

On the other hand, Raziel, while talking to a healer, felt something wasn't right, but maybe it was just his imagination.