Stealing Heroines’ Affections Is My Job as the Villain

"YOU'RE DOING WHAT──?!"

Lord Edmond exploded at God Vritra and Princess Luciana without thinking twice about who he was raising his voice to.

Vritra's eyes narrowed at the arrogant noble and turned red with anger.

"Did you just raise your voice at me and my wife?"

The young lord's voice was cold and deadly.

This made both Edmond and Gordias quickly step back, even though Gordias hadn't said a word. Once they were at a safe distance, Edmond panicked and bowed his head, shouting loudly in fear.

"I-, I'm sorry, God Vritra. F-, Forgive my insolence…"

The last thing he wanted was trouble with the vile man standing before him.

Luciana noticed that Edmond was quick to apologize.

"I-, It's fine, Edmond…"

She placed her soft, slender hand on Vritra's chest and snuggled closer to him.

"Calm down honey~ ♡"

She was trying to help him relax.

But Vritra was already calm, so he just glanced at her from the side and gave a soft, gentle smile.

Meanwhile, Katherine, who had been standing quietly, stepped forward on unsteady legs, still struggling to make sense of what Vritra and Luciana had said earlier.

"I-, I really don't understand. What do God Vritra and Your Highness mean by making me—"

"It's not that hard to get, is it?"

Vritra interrupted her.

"Since my wife and I aren't interested in being tied down by all the responsibilities that come with running Gladius City, we've decided to make you the High Marquis of Gladius. You're the most educated woman in the city, and you were even once a candidate for the Royal Court. I don't think the king will have any objections."

Luciana laughed softly and nodded with a bright smile as her husband talked.

Then, she added a few words of her own.

"Under the [Passover Law], this vassal state is now under my control… well, mine and my husband's. My father, the king, doesn't disagree, so I have the authority to pass on the responsibility to whoever I choose. After discussing it with my husband, we both agreed you're the perfect fit for the job."

The Passover Law…

In the event that a noble was overthrown, stepped down, died suddenly, or lost their title, the leadership of their domain would immediately go to the highest-ranking noble or royal present in the area, unless the king decided otherwise.

This transfer of power took priority over all other claims, including those based on family inheritance.

However, if the former ruler had a son or direct heir who was old enough to take over, they would be the ones to assume control.

This law was created by the Education God to make sure that no domain was left without leadership for too long, avoiding any power vacuums. It was followed by many nations across the Central Continent and even in other parts of the world.

Lord Edmond squeezed his fists tightly.

『How is this fair? I'm the one who plans to help God Vritra establish communications with the Black Divine General, yet he chooses Katherine as High Marquis instead of me? Is this how lowly he thinks of me?! I can't believe it! I swear… he'll pay for this someday. What an insult!』

The nobleman was filled with anger.

However, he knew he couldn't ask about it without getting hit back by both Vritra and Princess Luciana.

… Tch!

He remained silent.

On the other side, Katherine was still trying to turn down the position she thought was better suited for the two lords who were fuming behind her.

"I-, I… don't know what to say…"

She gave a slight smile and waved her hand dismissively.

"I really appreciate this position, but I don't think I'm the right person for it. For one, I'm a woman, and on top of that, I'm the ex-wife of the guy who tried to assassinate Your Highness. I'm already happy with being given a large territory to manage and being allowed to keep my noble title, along with my sons. That's more than enough for me."

She abruptly bowed her head.

"PLEASE!!"

There was a sense of desperation in her voice.

It felt like accepting this position would hurt her in more ways than one.

And she was right about that…

Even Vritra knew.

『She knows the kind of insults she'll face from the public. I guess that's normal for someone who's been put down for most of her life. It kind of reminds me of myself. Wasn't I offered a pay increase at some point?

… Hrmm

『I got so scared of breaking my routine of working because I didn't know what else to do. I didn't want to accept the pay for a bunch of reasons. I didn't want to disappoint my superiors, and I didn't want to give those who hated me even more reasons to hate me.

… I was scared, just like she is now.

『Maybe being blunt about her feelings isn't the best idea. I should show some concern… even if it's just this once.』

Vritra let out a small groan, ready to reassure Katherine, but Luciana quickly stepped forward.

… Hm?

Vritra watched her go.

She gently lifted Katherine's chin, cradling her tender cheeks in her hands, and looked deeply into her amber eyes.

Luciana could see just how much mental struggle Katherine was going through.

The idea of being in power was frightening for any noblewoman, especially in a country like Duranzia, where many men strongly opposed the idea of a woman ruling.

Very few women ever got that chance.

"You don't need to worry too much about this, Lady Katherine. I truly believe you have what it takes to be the first female marquis of Gladius City. Every single person in this room has faith in you; all you need to do now… is have some faith in yourself."

She pulled Katherine's face closer and rested her forehead against hers.

"Please…"

Here was the princess of the nation asking Katherine to take a position that could improve her life, and still, the noblewoman was too afraid to say yes.

Vritra let out a sigh and decided to speak up.

"Look, you're not going to get anywhere with this bad habit of yours. This is a really good offer—no one's foolish enough to turn it down. You say you want the best life for your sons, but here you are, holding them back because of your own fears. Do you really want to be the one standing in the way of their happiness? Do you really want to show the world how weak you are by rejecting our offer?

If that's the case, then I'm done wasting my time here."

The young lord reached out his arms and let out a long, tired yawn.

"I should just go take my siesta…"

Luciana turned to Vritra and frowned at his words.

"That was too harsh!"

Before anything else could be said, Katherine gently shook her head and lowered Luciana's hands from her face.

"It's fine, Your Highness… God Vritra is right."

"Well, I know he's right, but he doesn't have to be so rude about it. It's one thing when he talks to me like that, but it's different with you."

"No, no… I'm fine with it…"

Katherine spoke softly as she gently shook her head.

She understood where Vritra was coming from, even if he sounded harsh.

"I'll… I'll accept the offer."

The princess's eyes lit up like stars.

"Really?!"

Without waiting for a response, she threw her arms around Katherine and hugged her tightly.

"THANK YOU SO MUCH!"

Katherine was caught off guard.

"Wh-, Why are you thanking me? I should be the one thanking you, Your Highness."

"I don't care about that!"

Luciana giggled softly.

"I'm thanking you because you're brave enough to step up, even after everything you've been through. You're doing this for your sons, not yourself. You're a wonderful mother, and I never really got the chance to—"

She hesitated for a short moment.

"N-, Nevermind! You're just a great mother, that's all!"

Luciana's face held a hidden sadness.

Her smile looked so fake.

Katherine could tell because she was an expert at wearing the most empty, fake smiles herself.

"Th-, Thank you, all…"

That's how Katherine ended up becoming the High Marquis of Gladius City.