MPBS 05

“Did you wait long?”

Donau stopped right in front of the sacrifice and crouched down. The victim’s eyes were still sharp, glaring at him fiercely despite not being dead yet. Donau found that a little insolent.

He pressed a knife to her neck. If he was going to do this, he wanted to prepare her properly to suit the demon’s taste. Obviously, demons would like lots of blood. A thin line formed on her skin, and blood gathered and began to drip. Donau felt excited, as if he were doing delicate, artistic work.

He had just adjusted the blade again—

Boom!

A loud crash shook the house, and dust flew everywhere.

Did the door just get torn off? Damn it, did someone report this to the guards? Damn. Maybe he could handle a young girl, but a grown man? That would be hard.

Coughing through the dust, he saw a figure walking toward him. The first thing he noticed was a pure white dress that looked almost like sleepwear. Then he saw hair just as white and colorless.

“Evangelin Rohanson?”

For a brief moment, he felt relieved. Instead of a strong adult man, it was a sickly-looking young lady who seemed like she could be overpowered with one hand.

But the moment his eyes met hers—bright red—he sucked in a breath.

Revere and bow. Welcome the angel of light who has descended upon the earth.

Somewhere, he thought he heard the sound of trumpets.

What the hell is this?

I kicked the flimsy door—it shattered way too easily—and rushed inside, only to see Donau holding a knife to the neck of a tightly bound girl.

You crazy bastard!

I came here just to catch the thief who ran off with my amazing otherworld summoning circle. Why did he evolve from thief to kidnapper? Stop leveling up by yourself!

“Kanna!”

Hena, who followed behind me, gasped when she saw the tied-up girl. Kanna? If she knew her name, were they acquaintances? Did she work at the mansion? Hena covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.

Oh no. They must be close.

I was getting angrier and angrier at Donau. The only person I can talk to in this world is Hena, and he kidnapped her friend? I’m not letting you off. I’ll show you the cruelty of a romance-fantasy villainess.

I was just making that vow when Donau recognized me.

“Evangelin Rohanson?”

He started trembling as he said my name. This criminal who stole my stuff and kidnapped a girl is scared of me? Is it because I caught him in the act?

It’s not like Evangelin Rohanson is some ultimate villain whose name alone makes people wet themselves in fear… right? …Right?

Don’t tell me I’m not just a villainess but actually the strongest hidden mastermind in this world? I don’t need that setting!

Ugh. My head feels a little dizzy, but that’s not important right now. Saving a life comes first.

“You called me?”

I didn’t know Evangelin being a villainess would be useful like this. Even though it felt cringey, I lifted only the corners of my lips into a cold smile. The important thing is that the eyes don’t smile. Evil smile? Easy.

The knife in Donau’s hand bothered me. It had already grazed the girl’s neck.

What do detectives say in situations like this? “Put the knife down and let’s talk”? But what would I even talk about with him? What common ground do we have?

Ah. One thing.

“Did you enjoy taking my summoning circle?”

I softened my words so I wouldn’t provoke him. Taking? He stole it! And now that I think about it, why did he steal my magic circle and then not even use it, and instead kidnap someone? That’s even more annoying.

“If you want something, say it. If you return the girl, I’ll grant your wish.”

Of course, I only meant I’d listen with my ears.

I’d pretend to agree first, get the hostage back, and then deal with him. Put handcuffs on him—or whatever this world uses. If not, I’ll bring down righteous punishment myself.

“Make me… make me incredibly rich!”

Of course. Why else steal and take hostages? Money.

The problem is, I don’t have any money right now. I just came to catch a thief. If money was the goal, he should’ve left a ransom note or something! Doesn’t he know the basics of kidnapping?

“Rich? Fine. How about becoming Count Rohanson? I’ll make you a count.”

Let’s just bluff. All I have is Evangelin’s body and status. She’s an only daughter. If he marries into the family, wouldn’t he become count?

“Count Rohanson? …Good. I like it. Taking that damned count’s seat for myself sounds nice.”

Negotiation successful.

“Shall we make the exchange?”

Hand over Hena’s friend already!

But instead of handing her over, Donau suddenly smiled strangely and swung the knife toward the girl.

“Stop. What are you doing?”

“Finishing the deal…”

Wait—was he trying to cut her bonds?

I watched nervously. Something felt off.

“No. I’ll do it. Give me the knife.”

He frowned but obeyed, walking toward me with the knife.

Wait. Did I offend him? Was it the casual speech? The commanding tone?

Okay. Stay calm. The important thing is that his attention is on me now.

“Hena. Save the girl.”

I whispered very quietly. Hena nodded.

“I lied about making you a count.”

“What?”

“You believed that? How foolish.”

I mocked him on purpose. Nothing angers someone more than having something given and taken away.

“Why should I grant your wish?”

“Isn’t that why you were summoned?”

No! I didn’t come here for that!

“I only came because you stole my summoning circle.”

He lowered his head and began muttering.

“This isn’t right. I did everything the same. Just like you said. Why can’t I? I could’ve been a count too. Don’t look at me like that. Don’t look at me, you damn demon…”

He sounded insane.

Then he suddenly lifted his head. His eyes were completely gone.

“Everything was perfect. Why…”

He turned and saw Hena desperately trying to untie the knots.

“It won’t come loose! What do I do?”

“Don’t! Don’t! My sacrifice!”

He rushed forward, knocking over a candle in his panic.

This is bad. The girls could get hurt.

He had completely turned his back on me.

You never show your back to the enemy.

I didn’t miss the chance. I hit him on the back of the head.

Wait—wrong move! I should’ve aimed for the neck! But it worked. Even with my bare hand, he staggered and collapsed.

I ran to Hena.

“Move.”

Hena stepped aside. I tugged at the ropes—they came loose easily.

“It’s okay now.”

First big crisis in this world… and my heart feels like it’s going to explode.

“Kanna…”

Hena hugged the girl tightly.

“Unni…”

“Are you okay? How did you get caught? I told you not to wait outside! You just recovered!”

“I’m sorry… I was waiting for you…”

So they were sisters.

Watching them, my nose stung. I wanted to join the hug, but I had just been a cold villainess moments ago. That would ruin the image.

Still, I can help.

“Kanna, right? What should we do with Donau?”