Reincarnated As A Side Villain
Visited
A few weeks later, it had even been six months since Argeas and Evangeline's first meeting. And because it had entered the new academic year of the Academy, then Evangeline who had qualified for the age also followed suit.
But before that Evangeline was invited to the Danae family residence for a few days.
Besides because it has become a tradition that prospective fiancees must at least once visit their respective residence before formalizing their engagement, so since Evangeline will be entering the Academy and staying in her dorm until their engagement is held, this is the last chance for Lavis' daughter to visit Danae's faith.
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"Welcome, Eve" said Argeas as Evangeline stepped off her carriage at the front door of the Danae residence.
"Nearly six months after we met each other face to face," Evangeline replied with a sweet smile grabbing Argeas' right hand extended out to greet him.
"I always forgot you were this tall" the girl added later as her head looked up slightly at Argeas's face.
"Oh, Evangeline," said Argeas' mother.
"Good day, Miss Danae. I will trouble you all in the next few days" replied the Marquis' daughter politely.
"No need to be confused. Call me 'mom'" said the mother as she rubbed Evangeline's arm affectionately.
"Alright, mom..." Evangeline replied with a slight hesitation.
Replied with laughter part of the mother. "Let's go in. You must be tired after a long journey" the middle-aged woman asked later.
They entered the Argeas residence followed by several servants who were seen lifting Evangeline's luggage out of the horse carriage.
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Evangeline was welcomed and warmed up at the Argeas residence. Remembering she is the first daughter-in-law candidate in the Danae family.
This is because until now Argeas' older sister has a fiancee. Maximus and Raynold don't have one.
Generally, arranged marriages at a young age occur more because of the role of the family. So for noble children who do not have an important role in the family, and do not yet have any achievements, it would be rare to be betrothed. Including Raynold.
They will look for their own partner in general without matchmaking.
As for Maximus, because he is the successor of the Danae family, so there will be special conditions for him in choosing a partner later.
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And for 4 days and 3 nights Evangeline was at Danae's residence, she and Argeas became more and more familiar.
Evangeline has really fallen for Argeas. While Argeas himself only considers Evangeline as a sister that he must take care of.
"So you're leaving for the Academy next week?" asked Argeas as he was in the guest room where Evangeline had been staying while in the residence.
"Yes, but we can still send letters" said Evangeline, who appeared to be packing her belongings. Because tomorrow afternoon he will return to his residence at the Eastern border.
"And in half a year we'll get engaged, and then you'll enter the Academy. So we can meet at any time" the girl continued after finding Argeas' face that looked quite serious.
"Yes, I know that. I'm not worried that we won't meet again" Argeas replied as he busily pulled out something from his Spatial Storage.
"What happened to that serious face?" continued Evangeline who is now finished with her activities and sits on the bed staring at Argeas.
"I'm just in the quarter about your safety when you're at the Academy" Argeas replied honestly.
"You're worried about my safety? Like I was a kid yesterday afternoon who didn't know anything. I've been over 16 years, Ar. It's only natural that I get out of my family's house and live alone." Evangeline replied with a look of incomprehension in response to the words of her future husband.
"Yes, I know that too." Argeas replied as he walked closer to where Evangeline was. "And that's why I wanted to give you this. At least this will take care of you while you're at the Academy."
The young man took out a necklace from his pocket. With pendants made of clear crystals in the form of irregular limes.
"Ah. So this is the end of your weird question? You could have, Ar. I'm so moved." Evangeline looked completely shocked and touched by the gift.
"Remember to always wear it. This necklace has the effect of [Auto-Barrier]. That will protect you from a surprise attack" Argeas said as he attached it to Evangeline's neck.
"You've got an unromantic way of asking me to wear this necklace all the time." Evangeline was seen blushing to touch the crystal pendant around her neck after Argeas finished pairing it.
"I'm telling the truth. [Briliant Pendant] This has the effect of [Auto Barrier]." Argeas repeated his words in earnest.
"Yes-yes I know. I won't ruin what you've planned. I'll wear this necklace until I die" Evangeline replied with a deep smile.
"It doesn't have to be that long. At least until I give you a new necklace again" replied Argeas who was now sitting on the sofa in front of his prospective fiancee.
"Ar, did you intentionally do this so that I wouldn't go to the Academy? You make me want to marry you soon" Evangeline said in a slightly seductive tone.
"What-what did you say Eve? You have to go to the Academy. We are too small to get married. At least wait until we are over the age of 20" Argeas said in a serious response to Evangeline's remarks.
"Yes-yes I know that. All the things you've done have made me very happy" the girl continued with a slight laugh.
"I'm just worried about you." Argeas answered honestly.
"But isn't this too much? You're even more worried than my own mother" Evangeline replied with a small laugh.
That's all because Argeas doesn't know what will happen to his candidate during his time at the Academy. There are no records at all about Evangeline in the game.
Argeas was worried that the girl would not be able to enter the Academy for bad reasons. Although it could be because Evangeline is a character that is not important enough to not enter the narrative of the storyline in the game.
But Argeas was worried.
"And what are the other boxes? Are there any gifts you'll give me?" Evangeline again asked as she looked at the arrangement of the Treasure Chest-sized box stacked by Argeas at the end of the room near the previous entrance.
"You already have Storage, right? Put all those boxes in it. And open it when you're at the Academy." Argeas.
Besides the Argeas pendant has indeed prepared some other things for Evangeline. Such as Magic Equipment and some important materials as the basis for certain manufacturing materials that he obtained from his exploration in various ruins during this time.
"Oh, I'm lucky to have such a cool and excellent potential fiancee like you. I can't wait to open it." Evangeline looked really happy as she walked closer to Argeas.
"Whatever's in those boxes, they'll all be useful to you. So be sure to use it," Argeas replied later.
"How could I not use your gift, Ar?" And Evangeline hugged the body of her future fiance tightly.
'Either why it feels like taking off my sister going to college wander to another city, ' Argeas' inner self patted the back of Evangeline who was in her arms.
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The next day Evangeline's horse-drawn carriage left Danae's residence.
And after that Argeas started leveling to the other side of the Forbidden Forest with the help of Ascian. Fairy who had made a contract with him.
Because Ascian can move Argeas anywhere as long as it does not pass through the ocean and has many trees even though it does not have to be as big as a forest. Which means not being able to get to a place like another city or island.
But Ascian himself can go anywhere Argeas is because of the bond of his Aura Pact.
Argeas also started to learn and improve some [Combat Move] to get some [Special Move] and [Special Ability] that he needed in the future.
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Midway through the next year, on Evangeline's summer break from the Academy, it was Argeas' turn to visit the Lavis family's residence at the Eastern Border.
Things he had to do before formalizing his soon-to-be engagement. Argeas is now 16 years old.
And unlike Evangeline who only stayed a few days at Danae's residence, now Argeas will stay at Lavis' residence for 2 weeks. During the summer holidays the Academy takes place.
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"One-way. In this way I can explore and level in the new ruins around the Marquis area," Argeas said as his chariot had entered the Marquis' territory in the northeast of the Central Kingdom.
It took 3 days to travel with 2 stops in 2 cities from the Argeas residence before arriving in the region.
"On this northern side is the Forbidden Forest. Then down here.. Oh right, as I recall here there is a Labyrinth Cave {El-Vana}. There was a [Elemental Sword] stored at one end of his labyrinthine path," the young man continued while pointing towards the hologram map before him.
"I think luck is with me." Argeas seemed very happy with the plan that he would do in the family area of his prospective fiancee.
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The Lavis family residence is an old castle that stands firmly on a plateau on the north side of the 2 major cities and several villages in the region. It was like a defensive fortress protecting from the dark region on its northeast side.
And after passing through a city, Argeas can see the castle building from the window of his train. Although the distance is still quite far, but it can be seen because of its size.
"Well, it looks haunted" said the young man in awe.
It looks thick, gloomy, and sturdy. Contrary to the royal palace in the central region that looks sleek, shiny, and artistic.
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Argeas is greeted by the Marquis and several other Evangeline families as he descends from his chariot.
And in the evening he was also entertained with dinner attended by all members of the Lavis extended family.
In addition to Evangeline, Marquis and his wife, there was also the eldest son of the future successor to the Lavis family named Julius. He was with his wife and his 1-year-old son.
And the last third child who was the second daughter of the Lavis family, Stephany, along with her fiance, Galant, from the Viscount Sabin family were also present.
The dinner was much more crowded than the Argeas' dinner. But despite feeling happy, there is still a feeling of fear and worry from Argeas to face the family of his future fiancee.
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"How about Ar, do you still have an interest in the situation that is happening in the Central Kingdom right now?" asked the Marquis on the sidelines to eat them.
It looks like the burly man does not cover up if he really likes Argeas.
"Still, Marquis." Argeas answered honestly.
"Oh, really. From what I hear you're interested in politics and the military, Ar?" This time Louise, the young Duke's sister-in-law's husband Argeas asked.
"That's a very rare thing considering your age at the moment" he continued, looking full of interest.
"I just want to get to know this kingdom better" replied Argeas then still honestly.
"Then I want to ask you about the problems that are rife lately in the kingdom. Can I?" duke Benedict still looks interested.
'Is this a test?' inner Argeas. 'Yes, like this is my reflection about meeting the family of a future wife. Although this is only fiancee," he added later.
"Duke, don't give your sister-in-law too hard a test." This time it was Christina, the Duke's wife. Which was then met with laughter by everyone.
"I will try to answer as I can, Duke Louise," Argeas replied trying to be polite.
'Since this is an opportunity to seek sympathy and connection to other nobles for my convenience in the future, then I will not miss the opportunity to impress everyone, ' Argeas continued in his heart.
"I just want to ask you about your response to the Beastman's enslavement that happened in our current era?" Louise asked without hesitation.
'uh? Questions about slavery? Is that true? Is Duke Benedict trying to embarrass me?' inner Argeas slightly did not accept the question that he thought was too excessive for a child his age.
'Yes, even though it's not a difficult question for me, it still feels like I'm being played with. Is it natural for a 16-year-old in the world to know about such a matter?' thought again.
"Are you seriously asking such a thing to a 16-year-old boy, Lu?" said Christina who protested a little with her husband's question.
"really. Are you trying to embarrass him, Duke?" This time it was Julius who came to express his disbelief.
'Ah, it feels good to see Eve's brothers defending me, ' Argeas' inner self who is no longer upset.
"Don't worry about Julius, Tina, Argeas is very understanding of such a matter." Suddenly the Marquis interrupted. "Just try to express your opinion, Ar," he continued.
'Oh, the Marquis did not help at all, ' Argeas' inner self exhaled. 'What can I do. I still have to impress Duke Benedict. As well as meeting the expectations of the Marquis who already believed in me.'
Evangeline just smiled wryly looking at Argeas. As if he could not help either.
"Maybe my opinion will sound ridiculous because of my lack of experience" Argeas said later.
"Don't worry. I just want to hear from your personal point of view" the Duke replied.
'The Beastman's slavery will indeed heat up and lead to a conflict that affects the game's storyline and the growth of the main character, ' Argeas' inner heart tries to convince his memory.
"I think this slavery will have a devastating effect on the central government" he said later.
"Because if this continues to be done, then the rebel factions will have reason to join and fight back against the Central Kingdom. Especially the Sandaria part of the kingdom at the western end where the majority of the Beastmen lived, as well as the Aristocratic Union in the southeast. Which upholds the equality of all living things," continued Argeas explained the basis of his previous answer.
There were many faces that looked surprised to hear the answer from Argeas.
"Oh. I don't expect an answer in like this." Seen the Duke who was surprised began to put on a satisfied smile.
"And do you think that the Kingdom of the Sect can bring down the Central Kingdom even if they cooperate, Ar?" This time the Marquis was connecting the questions.
"In calculations on paper, that's impossible, Marquis. Because the power of the Central Kingdom is almost 3 times greater than the power that the inner region has." Argeas.
"So you think that's possible in reality?" The Marquis asked again to be sure.
"I didn't expect that to happen, but I felt the possibility was great" Argeas replied confirming the Marquis's conjecture.
Hearing Argeas' reply made the Duke powerless not to ask. "Why do you feel that way?"
"The biggest problem facing the central kingdom today is the dark region that has begun to show signs of movement in recent years."
Argeas.
"And if one day the monsters of the dark region move, then the central kingdom must send its strongest army to head off. And it will obviously affect the defense of the central region."
Everyone seemed to be seriously listening to Argeas answer without interrupting at all. Even the women were seen to be following.
"And if I were the leader of a part of the kingdom, then I would carry out an attack once there were signs of the central region sending its troops to this border" he said.
"You are what the Marquis told you, Ar. You really know what's going on and you know what's going to happen" Duke Benedict said after being amazed at the answer from his long-term brother-in-law.
"I salute you. At this young age you already have a lot of knowledge," he added, looking very satisfied.
"Thank you, Duke." Argeas smiled as he nodded small.
'Yes!' it's inwardly exciting.
"Not only that. He was also an [Arcmage] who wanted to become a [Battlemage] later." As if not satisfied with the pride of his future son-in-law, the Marquis again discussed the advantages of the other Argeas.
"Oh, right. I forgot you were born with that rare class."
'Ah.. finally this talk theme comes too,' Inner Argeas with a little lazy.
"It looks like you've had a lot of luck, Eve" said second sister Evangeline.
"That's it all. The more you compliment, the more nervous and depressed you get" Evangeline says.
"Argeas is not a man who is only proud to be praised. He will try to meet that standard of praise. So let him live his life like a normal 16-year-old boy" he continued.
"You talk like you're a lot older than him" Christina replied.
"really. You're not the one who should be trying to keep up with the standards of your future husband?" stephany's other older sister chimed in.
"Oh, you don't know" Evangeline replied not to lose.
And then the topic of conversation began to change to things that were much lighter.
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After dinner Argeas was escorted Evangeline to the guest room where she stayed while in the castle.
They both walked through the hallway with high-framed windows on his right side. A view of the night sky with the moon covered with clouds.
"Hows it? After meeting with them, you had no intention of confining yourself to being my fiance, right?" evangeline asked starting her light conversation with Argeas.
"Are you worried?" Argeas laughed.
"Just want to make it clear that I'm not the same as them" Evangeline replied in a slightly arrogant tone.
"You are like your brothers" said Argeas.
"What's? Where can you judge me as much as they do?" Evangeline sounded unacceptable. His face was intentionally irritated.
"Yes maybe the difference is you're much prettier" Argeas replied in praise.
"While you praise me, I still don't accept being equated with them." Evangeline folded her hands to the front of her chest in an annoyed motion. Even though he started to smile a little.
"Alright, I have arrived safely in my room" Argeas said later as they arrived at his doorstep.
"Then rest the wife. You must be tired after traveling all the way here" replied Evangeline.
"Don't worry. Then good night" said Argeas.
"Night" said Evangeline before kissing Argeas' cheek.
Argeas looked surprised by the sudden kiss. But did not have time to react because the girl who gave him a kiss had run away quickly.
"That girl." Argeas shook his head as he stared at his future fiancee running away in the corridor passageway.
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Inside the room, instead of preparing for a break, Argeas appeared to be preparing to leave.
"Because it would be a pity not to use the opportunity that is only 2 weeks in this place to carry out the conquest of the Dungeon" said Argeas after finishing installing the equipment.
"Lu!" exclaimed Argeas who then saw a fox coming out of the tattoo on his wrist.
And then without wasting time Argeas and Lushu immediately went out through the window of his room to the Labyrinth Cave which was half a day from the castle of the Lavis family in accordance with the previous plan.
With the help of Ascian's high-level switching magic, Argeas could arrive in just an instant.
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