The Villain is Being Suspiciously Kind

Meanwhile, Elaina was silently appalled that Citrina was sitting in the box seats side-by-side with the duke and princess. She couldnt even see what the opera was about.

Its about nothing, and you dare to sit in the box seats.

It felt like a badge of honor that she had won Princess Ianas favor. Without any effort or any ambition!

Elaina gritted her teeth. Her sister was the one who should have been avenged by Elaina, who should have been broken, who should have lost everything, and who should be desperately clinging to life.

So why was she not broken?

The sight of that overly happy face was horrifying. All that Elaina had suffered at the academy was because of Citrina.

What should I do? What should I do.

Since she was appointed as a paladin she had only thought of this question, but she couldnt find an answer. How could she kill her?

Wait, kill?

She said kill out of anger, but she didnt really mean to kill her.

Her thoughts suddenly turned to extremes. Elaina clenched her fists.

Think, think, think,

Elaina Foluin!

However, the timing was a little off. The short opera was over. The lights flickered on in the auditorium and the curtain rose.

All hail the princess!

Everyone stood up and clapped. The applause died down and the guests in the box seats left.

Right, Citrina had left and Elaina was still here. As Elaina stood there dumbfounded, someone called out to her.

Paladin Elaina-nim!

Yes.

They say there wont be a banquet after the opera. I guess Her Highness the princess is shy.

Ah, Isee.

Ah! Weve decided to have a small tea party. Would you like to come? I didnt get a chance to send you an invitation.

No, Im a little tired.

At Elainas refusal, the ladies scattered away.

A post-opera soiree, a gathering of all kinds.

But what was the point of joining in?

Elaina wouldnt be able to ruin Citrinas reputation at that dinner, because public opinion was already on her side.

She gritted her teeth and looked towards the box seats. To be precise, she saw Citrina leave her seat escorted by Duke Desian Pietro.

What am I supposed to do?

Elaina was the last one to leave the opera house, alone. She arrived not at her quarters in the imperial palace, but at the room of the paladins leader, Genfiros.

Upon entering the room, Elainas anxiety was palpable.

Genfiros-nim!

-gnaw, gnaw-

Elaina bit her nails. Lately, Elainas mental state had become more unstable. Genfiros, who was watching her sympathetically put a hand on her shoulder.

Oh, Elaina.

Yes.

Anyway, you didnt do a very good job.

Genfiros patted Elaina on the back.

Let me help you.

Genfiros laid his wrinkled hand over Elainas smooth one.

How? She has the duke and princess favor.

You mean the ducal family.

Yes. And Her Highness the princess as well.

Huhu, dont worry, Elaina. Their patronage will end soon.

Genfiros raised his hand. In the image sphere he held, the jewelry store merchants of Dartrin Street wailed in torment.

Yes. Its plain to see that Citrina Foluin is on the rise, but dont you see that every light is accompanied by shadow?

In the video, tears formed in peoples furrowed faces, though it was unclear why they were crying.

Are these people crying because of Citrina?

I dont know. But they say that the success of Citrina Foluins atelier has put some of their jewelry stores out of business. Huhu, and did I mention Feinmann. They also say that some of the nobles that run the top shops are fed up with it. So we can capitalize on that. This will naturally cut off the dukes patronage and the attention of the princess.

Genfiros laughed hollowly.

But proper seasoning is essential. Right, Elaina?

What do you mean proper seasoning?

Elaina asked sharply.

Something neither the duke nor the princess could touch- that was the rumors coming from outside the empire. In particular, rumors from the Holy Kingdom.

Youll know tomorrow.

Dont mess with my prey without my permission.

Its mine.

Fire sparked in Elainas eyes. For the person who had ruined her life, she would retaliate with her own hands.

Ive already played my hand. By tomorrow, the tides will have turned in your favor.

Genfiros pulled out a speech written in the language of the Holy Kingdom. It was a small piece of writing that demeaned elementalism as a vice.

Holding it out, Genfiros slowly lit the scented candle on the table. He grinned.

Its easy to belittle elementists since there are so few of them in the world.

Youre doing all this for me?

She asked, strangely relieved.

Elainas voice softened somewhat.

For the world to be filled with the blessings of God, there must be perfect chaos and perfect sacrifice. Driving all of the other species off the land is part of my plan, Elaina.

to cleanse the land of all the insidious species, that is the mission of the paladins.

Genfiross wrinkled eyes still looked exceedingly good.

Genfiros looked at Elaina fondly and clutched the orb tightly in his hand.

Genfiros found this moment exhilarating, joyful.

The destruction of the sisters friendship was a mere side note, but he fed on chaos. That was enough for him.

Genfiros smirked. Even his form seemed alien in his saintliness.

Genfiros thought.

Everything will go according to his plan.