The Villainess Has Proposed a Contract Marriage

8 – Who is the Sinner

Boldly, after personally triggering the illegal auction.

Day 1 of the case resolution. The Marquis came to the orphanage, holding both hands tightly, tears streaming down his face.

“Really thankful… You’re my benefactor. I’m not saying this because of our past agreement. I truly believe I owe you a debt that I can never fully repay.”

“Oh, come on. The Marquis is the one who provided a way for me to survive when I was nothing. Isn’t he the true benefactor?”

“To be so humble…!”

“Oh, stop it. While you’re here, why not go see Urien.”

“Alright. Truly grateful once again.”

The Marquis expressed his gratitude to the point of discomfort. But I was only spouting empty words with half my soul exposed.

Because I knew why he was so thankful.

I heard the sacred sound. And it was to a massive crowd…

To help in such a highly risky situation, not being grateful and shedding tears would indeed be a problem of character.

I spent time blankly, feeling like being dragged to a slaughterhouse.

The 2nd day after the incident. Kids with a slowly sharpening sense started noticing my condition.

“Director, are you okay? You don’t seem as lively as usual.”

“Are you feeling unwell…?”

“No, there’s no way the Director is sick. The Director is invincible.”

It’s only Tina who acknowledges that I, too, am human and could be unwell.

Anyway, leaving aside Yurian, what does Glenn think of me to say such things? Honestly, those blindly admiring eyes are a bit frightening.

Regardless, feeling sorry for causing concern, I forced a smile with the corners of my mouth lifted.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bit sleepy. Want to play tag or something?”

“Tag!”

Tina immediately responded. It must be her most confident game, so she must be excited. On the other hand, Yurian seemed busy lowering his gaze with a face that seemed fed up.

“Alright, let’s play tag!”

“My ankle hurts, so it might be better if Glenn and I play together.”

“Aw, it’s not fun with just two people… Well, can’t be helped. Glenn, are you in?”

“Of course, I’ll follow.”

Glenn nodded vigorously. It might be nothing special, but there’s a discomfort in the choice of words.

‘He’ll follow? Did he interpret playing tag as an order?’

It was already too late to correct when I tried to clarify in case of any misunderstanding.

Following Tina, Glenn went out to the yard and, about 30 minutes later, came back drenched in sweat, collapsing as if he had fainted.

A stance resembling an intense martial arts training, compressed to an unbelievable extent.

Word has it that he became the tagger within the first 3 seconds, relentlessly chasing Tina for the remaining 29 minutes and 57 seconds, ready to catch her at all costs.

Certainly, he was a spirited fellow, as if shouldering the destiny of a villain.

“hehehe… This is so much fun!”

“Heuk… Heuk…”

The panting victim, without a moment’s rest, and Tina laughed merrily.

Meanwhile, Glenn sent a resentful gaze towards Yurian, who coolly ignored it.

Kids engaged in various antics indeed.

Day 3 since the incident concluded. Confined only to the orphanage without going anywhere.

By now, rumors were probably spreading widely. It wouldn’t be surprising if the palace or the temple showed some reaction.

While the count could exert some influence, dealing with a completely independent institution like the temple would be impossible. It genuinely worried him, and he couldn’t bear it.

Another night passed, receiving skeptical glances from the children.

Day 7 since the incident concluded.

Surprisingly, nothing happened at all. There was no news whatsoever. Why? How come? What on earth was going on?

It was getting confusing at this point.

However, he couldn’t just show a clueless and restless side. So, he disguised himself with a fake smile and headed to the city.

At that moment, a girl appeared as if on cue.

“Oh! It’s the funny big brother!”

“At least now, you’re not an uncle anymore.”

Floti’s favorability seems to have risen.

“If you’ve bought flowers to that extent, are you a VIP? We should definitely treat you well.”

Wrong. It was the capital gauge that went up.

There are VIPs in this world who are really something. With this, a new fact was established.

“Oh? But who is that person?”

It was Glender’s voice. I introduced Glen comfortably, using Glen as a front.

“This is Glen, who recently came to the orphanage.”

“Oh, I don’t know why, but all the kids in your orphanage are handsome and pretty, aren’t they? Come to think of it, I’ve never seen this girl before.”

“Well, was it also the first time for Tina?”

Tina had been at the orphanage for quite a while, so I naturally thought she would know. But looking back, she hadn’t actually met Floti before…

“I’m Tina…”

“As Director mentioned, I’m Glen. Nice to meet you.”

Tina covering her face, and Glen greeting skillfully.

In response, Floti skillfully provided service with a hearty smile.

“Nice to meet you both! Oh, right, this is a gift to commemorate our meeting!”

Floti divided red and white flowers between Tina and Glen.

Tina, covering her face from the wind, quickly took out only the flowers, but the skinship time with Glen was quite long.

“Wow, did you say Glen? You, upon closer inspection, are incredibly handsome. There must be no flowers that don’t suit you, right?”

“… Do flowers suit me? Me?”

“Eek, do guys not like this kind of compliment?”

“Is it really like that…?”

Glen, who seemed intent on correcting, was nowhere to be seen as Floti persistently explained, holding onto Glen’s hand.

“But look at this. The name of this white flower is Replecia, and its flower language is ‘For you, whose hardships have ended.’ It means only happiness will fill your future!”

“Happiness…”

Glen muttered with vacant eyes.

Soon, he broke into a faint smile. Floti then carefully took the flower given by him and held it to her chest.

At that moment, Urien interjected with a grumbling tone.

“You didn’t explain that to me…”

“Huh?”

Floti stiffened at the sudden complaint.

“Well… Urien, you see…”

“Yeah.”

Urien’s face, which was soaked in faint anticipation, shattered into pieces at Floti’s next words.

“Sorry, what did I give you again?”

“…”

“Come on, how can someone remember every moment? It’s okay, it’s okay!”

“It’s not okay for me… No, forget it.”

Urien, with a disappointed expression, continued to gaze intently at Glen and Floti, who were still holding hands. Then, he met eyes with Glen, who was staring at the received flower.

Rustle!

At that moment, I sensed a strange flow between Urien and Glen.

As if they had no particular excitement, they hardened their expressions… but I came to know very well what these little rascals wanted.

“Tina…”

“Yes?”

“I’ve seen a lot of works about extras that the male leads obsess over… Have you heard of that?”

“What is it?”

“Well, um, just…”

It seems like Tina has become the original female lead of such a melodramatic work.

Instead, I’ll raise her without any lingering feelings so that she doesn’t become a villainess who envies the extras…

“I truly love her.”

“I also really, really like the director, hehehe.”

I’m naturally healed by her innocent laughter.

Sigh… Tina is my future. I can’t give her to anyone else.

.

.

.

Week 3 of the incident’s resolution.

Surprisingly, nothing has happened until now.

What is it? What’s really going on?

It’s starting to scare me instead.

◈

The state of affairs in the royal palace is bustling.

Especially these days, debates about a certain incident have been incredibly lively, turning the conference room into a battlefield every day.

“Sacred, you say! Is it reasonable to casually wield the power that didn’t even come out during the war?!”

“Undoubtedly audacious. It’s not like the country is in ruins… Why would one bring such power into personal matters?”

“Lord Tarrel, be cautious with your words! The use of the sacred was a manifestation of justice targeting sinners who dared to oppose it, and if you scrutinize the sins, there won’t be anyone in the world who is not a sinner!”

The incident in question revolved around the illegal auction that occurred in the territory of Arwel, the White of the Royal Court.

Debates raged on about whether the leakage of the strictly prohibited sacred substance should be punished or overlooked according to the national law.

“Has His Majesty the Emperor not spoken on this matter yet?”

“As always. Once we reach a conclusion among ourselves, His Majesty will, in turn, reach a conclusion on that decision.”

“What a waste of time… Even if everyone’s opinions align, it’s not easy to overturn it alone.”

At that moment, someone spoke out earnestly.

“To be honest, I don’t even understand why this is a matter of debate. According to the regulations of the temple, this should be subject to punishment. Would it not be acceptable to decide based on their actions and follow suit?”

“Well, you’re right. While it may be different for ordinary imperial citizens or nobles, the laws of the temple take precedence when it comes to the people of the temple.”

More and more people seemed to agree with these words. Consequently, the tense atmosphere that seemed to be fueled by fire gradually subsided.

At that moment, a knocking sound was heard from outside.

Knock, knock.

Next, the door opened before permission to enter was even granted. The person who appeared with a stern gaze was Arwel, the White of the Royal Court.

“I directly received an audience with the Pope from the temple and brought a document with the official seal. Of course, it’s about the commotion that happened in my territory.”

“The Pope…?”

The revelation that they had faced the Pope directly left the people in astonishment.

The Pope, known as the Living God. Meeting him face-to-face was nearly impossible, regardless of the circumstances.

Under the weight of his authority, the conference room fell silent in an instant.

“I will read it to you personally.”

The text written on the large piece of paper was remarkably short.

[The temple will fulfill its duty as a temple. Therefore, the palace should fulfill its duty as a palace.]

Harte’s treatment meant that the temple would decide, and the palace should focus on its duties for the people of the empire without any disturbance.

Facing that sincere statement, they carefully observed each other’s reactions.

“…”

“…”

In this way, the officials who had been discussing the illegal auction all fell silent.

While the Arwell Palace had somewhat overcome the crisis, it was difficult to feel completely relieved.

‘But there was nothing written about the disposal of Harte… I don’t know how to interpret this.’

Even though he scrutinized the Pope face-to-face, he couldn’t read it to the point where it sent shivers down his spine.

Ironically, it seemed that now he had reached the point where he truly had to pray to the gods.

◇

The empty corridors of the palace.

After the situation was resolved by the temple’s official statement, Arwell’s Palace Minister had to pause his footsteps for a moment.

“Hello, Duke Luminel.”

“hahahaha… You seem formal.”

“I apologize for not visiting often.”

I encountered an awkward counterpart.

The Duke Luminel was a leading figure in the aristocratic faction, and he had covertly tried to capture Arwel Palace, the neutral bastion of the nobility.

He was an effortlessly composed individual, from abilities to demeanor.

“I witnessed your remarkable performance. Facing off against the Pontiff, no less. If I had known you were such a bold talent, we could have been closer sooner.”

“I’m merely overseeing the affairs of the domain as its lord. What virtue is there in that?”

“Hmm.”

Greed flickered in the Duke Luminel’s eyes.

The contradiction of holding the position of a Palace White, yet proclaiming neutrality. Add to that the unyielding attitude against the leader of the aristocratic faction and the ability to actually meet the Pontiff.

He was someone with many angles to exploit.

However, uncomfortable if not on the same side.

“I envy you anew. The possessor of a baptismal name having a deep friendship with a marquis. Truly, it’s not just a coincidence.”

“…!”

It wasn’t Arwel Palace White who could decipher the hidden meaning behind Duke Luminel’s admiration.

“Don’t get me wrong. I have no intention of dragging him into politics!”

“Dragging him in? Ahahahaha, there seems to be a misunderstanding.”

Duke Luminel chuckled.

“I simply wish to cultivate friendship with a distinguished talent. Oh, of course, that includes you as well.”

Arwel Palace White’s mind raced. Analyzing the Duke’s ambiguous attitude while gauging the other’s execution and intent.

In the midst of the impasse, the Duke spoke first.

“I just desire some cooperation, that’s all.”

“What kind of language is this?”

“First, there are two things. The first is whether you respect his freedom.”

“I’ve already mentioned. He’s just my benefactor, and I can’t force anything on him.”

“That’s good. Then the second question is about the language…”

At his next question, Arwel Gungjeongbaek’s anxiety peaked.

“If your relationship with your benefactor deepens more than mine, you wouldn’t mind, right? Because you have a duty to respect his freedom.”

There was no way to refute that. Therefore, Arwel Gungjeongbaek replied with hesitation.

“… I suppose so.”

“Thanks for that. I won’t even ask for an introduction without any shame. hahahahaha…”

Even so, the Duke had no innate charm or skill that could captivate Harte’s heart in an instant. He knew that better than anyone.

It is normal to be cautious when approached by someone of his stature. Even if it’s a commoner who hasn’t learned much.

However, there is one card that can deepen friendship with the viscount in a short period.

Luminel Duke, basking in the sunlight outside the palace, called for his aide.

“Aide.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“When you return to the mansion, bring that child with you.”

“Excuse me, Your Excellency, wouldn’t that be too much?”

The aide, seeing through his intentions, expressed concern.

But the Duke twisted his lips as if he found his subordinate’s advice trivial.

“Too much? hahahaha!”

He scoffed loudly, as if lamenting the advisor’s lack of insight.

Standing before the carriage door, he spoke.

“You’ve probably never seen it before. The miraculous light that shatters the essence of the world… If someone has seen that light, no one can consider it excessive.”

“… Is that so.”

For reasons unknown, the temple has allowed Harte’s actions to go unchecked.

An opportunity for a genius like him.

The prey given to him is too enticing to pass up.

That’s why Duke Luminal wants to play his most appropriate card.

The only female who has been raised so beautifully, ruling over the social circles. She has successfully fended off the lustful dogs who send love letters every day.

As if preparing for today.

“Throughout history, the pinnacle of alliances has been the marriage alliance.”

No matter how great a person may be, the figures of the temple will always hold dear even the slightest trace of a man.

If his daughter is properly married off, will the Marquis be satisfied?

“I’m looking forward to it!”

Envisioning the approaching future, he smirked.