The Case of Being a Reincarnated Villainess (Scheduled for Execution) (Scheduled for Condemnation)

The Case of Being a Reincarnated Villainess (Scheduled for Execution) (Scheduled for Condemnation)

Title: The Case of Being a Reincarnated Villainess (Scheduled for Execution) (Scheduled for Condemnation)

Original: Akuyaku (danzai de shibō yotei) no tsuma (danzai ni makikoma rete shibō yotei) ni tensei shite shimatta kudan

Author: 谷川ざくろ Tanigawa Zakuro

Link: https://novel18.syosetu.com/n7537hz/

Summary: In the middle of her first night, Nadya regained the memory of her previous life. It was a game world where her husband starred as the villain. Left as it was, her husband would be condemned, leading to Nadya’s execution. To avoid such a fate, Nadya proposed that they go on a honeymoon! After all, Faust is her bias!

***

A gleam of amethyst amidst the darkness.

For a moment, Nadya almost forgot how to breathe.

—A conspiracy.

“…Ah.”

The queen was attacked. My husband colluded with the neighboring country. Unknown reason behind the marriage. My husband was a villain. As his wife, me and my entire family were purged. It was a game world.

…This is a game world!?

The memories of when I was living in another world resurfaced all at once.

Akin to a muddy stream, it diluted with the original memories and eventually became one.

In other words, Nadya had suddenly remembered the so-called memories of her previous life.

However, could the timing be any worse!?

“During our first night, what could possibly preoccupy you so? Could it be, you’re trying to escape from reality?”

“Ahn—”

As the caress of someone else’s hand touched her skin, she was dragged back to reality.

As if pleased by her reaction, he stroked her waist many times. 

Then, eventually, his hand slid further down.

“W-wait…”

“Whether you cry or shout, it’s too late.”

Before she knew it, her flimsy nightgown had been removed, God knows where it went.

Trying to escape, her hand clutched the sheet, only to be caught in the man’s larger one, foiling her resistance.

“—Remember whose wife you’ve become.”

“Ah…!”

The man who said that with a smile was Faust Ulquiorra—

—a man who, as of today, had become her husband.

W-wait, seriously, hold on, my first night is with my bias!?

Why, he was none other than the villain whom Nadya was crazy about in her previous life.

*

It was the world of a game that Nadya had played many times in her previous life.

Nonetheless, her memory was faulty, as she couldn’t recall both the title or the heroine.

Still, I remember almost everything about Lord Faust, so lucky…!

Nadya’s husband—Duke Faust Ulquiorra—was the half-brother of the current king.

In the game, he was depicted as an antagonist who plotted to usurp the throne.

On the other hand, his wife—Nadya—was an ordinary and mediocre noble lady—for better or worse…

Despite not siding with either the royal faction or the aristocrat faction, she was deemed inadequate to belong to the neutral faction.

Compared to the ambitious Faust, the king’s younger brother, who was also a duke, her background was truly lackluster.

Even in the game, she was only mentioned once—‘Faust had a wife.’ Afterwards, she’d only appear in the brief explanation at the ending.

Also, since he was an antagonist, Faust was condemned at the end.

In the original storyline, Faust would oppose and hinder the royal policies; had an affair with the wives of dignitaries; attempt to assault the queen; and lastly, divulge information to the neighboring country.

As a result, war was about to break out between our kingdom and the neighboring country.

At the end of the game, Faust smiled peacefully as he climbed the execution site, as if welcoming his death.

While what he did was deplorable, coupled with a certain fan theory about him, many players were enamored by his villainous, overly beautiful appearance.

In fact, in my previous life, I was one of those fans! The execution was truly a magnificent scene!

…However, as of the present, she couldn’t run her mouth.

After all, her husband, along with all her family members, would be executed.

As for Faust, he had no other family member except for his wife—

—with that wife being Nadya.

I refused to accept such a fate.

Above all, I refused to let my husband die.

…Still, it seems like Lord Faust is already quite infamous around this time.

As a testament to that, her first night—the very same night her previous life memory returned—was harrowing.

The pain was so great she burst into tears. 

Faust quickly wrapped things up and retired to bed. From the next day, Nadya was bedridden with a fever.

Nevertheless, while she was asleep, she was able to sort out her memories.

While she felt as if the personality from her previous life had intermingled with the current one, in reality, her attitude didn’t differ too much from the former Nadya—no, she was convinced by it.

She had a penchant for grain—which was usually used as a topping for salads and soups—and would eat it all the time.

She’d walk around her private room barefoot, and sat on chairs and beds with her knees bent.

If anything, it was Nadya who was influenced by her time as a Japanese.

—Anyway! 

Since I remembered, I’ll be sure to avoid the condemnation and the subsequent execution!

Enveloped in her luxurious bedding, Nadya resolutely decided.

*

“Oh, I was wondering who it was. Apparently, it’s my own wife. I’ve almost forgotten your face.”

After recovering from fever, Nadya went to the entrance hall to see her husband off before he left for work.

Despite being newlyweds, they had a separate bedroom, so it was their first meeting in about a week.

…For him to say such a thing to his wife. 

What an absolute villain—!

“The man who’s rumored to even remember the face and the name of a brother of a servant of a foreign diplomat’s chamberlain can’t possibly forget the face of his wife?”

“I try to not remember useless things.”

…Apparently, even in a private setting, he didn’t forget to act out his utter villainy. For Nadya, his most problematic aspect was his beauty. 

His languid, cool expression hinted at his intelligence, which was overshadowed by his cunningness. He resembled either that of a snake or a fox.

On top of that, his jet-black hair and jewel-like purple eyes were reminiscent of the night.

Thus, when he added a sarcastic smile on top of such an overarching beauty, Nadya became jittery.

…That smile alone was enough to charm one or two married women.

“If you’re still sick, why don’t you go back to bed? But if you wish to annoy me instead, you’re doing a good job.”

Upon looking at the swooning Nadya, Faust sneered—his eyebrows sullenly drawn together, as he sported a sly look.

Nadya’s health deteriorated along with the sudden return of the memory from her previous life.

…Although, her first night might’ve played a role in that, too.

Even Faust seemed to be aware that he’d overworked the maiden.

“I’m alright, now.”

“Hm.”

As she clenched her firsts, her husband gave her a dubious look.

Then, he examined her from tip to toe.

“If you need anything, speak to Hector. Do something about that shabby appearance. Buy as many dresses and jewelry that you previously couldn’t afford when staying with your parents.”

After pointing his chin at the butler, Hector, Faust left for the front door, and Nadya followed suit.

She didn’t come just to see him off.

Since she’d regained the memory of her previous life, she must avoid being condemned in the future.

“—Lord Faust, wait!”

Faust, who halted, turned around with an expression as if he’d seen a foreign creature.

…Even if they were a married couple, there was a gap in status.

She realized too late that she shouldn’t have addressed him so familiarly.

“I, I’m sorry, my Husband, but there’s something I’d like to ask you…”

“…What? I just told you to address your problem to Hector.”

“No, it’s something that I specifically have to ask my husband…”

…His gaze switched from that of eyeing an unknown creature to that of staring at a political opponent.

As he answered, she realized that his voice was a note lower.

“Let me tell you, divorce isn’t an option. It’s too early, it’s barely been a week.”

“Eh? Why did you suddenly bring that up? No, that’s not it…”

Amongst the many theories regarding him, there was one that said, ‘Faust isn’t evil, he’s simply acting as one.’

Nadya also supported that speculation, but after directly meeting him, she became convinced of it.

Perhaps, in his own way, he was thinking of the country.

He directly opposed the royal policies because there were some disadvantages that couldn’t be ignored.

He secretly corresponded with enemy countries to collect information for the sake of avoiding unnecessary battles.

Furthermore, it was unclear whether or not he truly had an affair or assaulted someone.

It was said that those were meaningless additions to further solidify his villainy.

Now that I’m his wife, things didn’t have to be that way.

If Faust were to change his ways, he didn’t have to end up as a villain.

After all, if he properly discussed the policies instead, and treated his secret correspondence as part of diplomacy, he wouldn’t be condemned.

That way, Nadya’s be able to avoid the Execution End as his family member.

Thus, in her sleep, she frantically thought about what exactly she should do.

“I, I…! I want to go on a honeymoon!”

“…Honey, moon?”

It’d be nice to leave the game stage.

She’d just prevent her dear husband from committing misdeeds by making it physically impossible for him to commit them.

Despite his skeptical tone, Nadya didn’t waver.

“I, I wish to see the emerald green sea on a warm Southern Island, ride a boat, drink colorful fruit juice on the beach, and watch as the sun goes down! I truly wish so! It’s impossible to do in the royal capital, so let’s go on a honeymoon!”

In this world, there was no concept of a newlywed couple going on a trip.

Considering that he was too busy to have a formal wedding, she didn’t think Faust will agree that easily. Even more so when the destination wasn’t a tourist spot near the royal capital, but instead a place that’d require them to go on an arduous trip.

According to her memory, the crime that sealed his fate took place within a month or two after his marriage.

As such, if they were to take their time reaching the destination, nothing should’ve happened by the time they returned.

“If you want to go that badly, then go by yourself.”

“If I go on a honeymoon by myself, then it’s just a lone trip.”

“Then stay here and behave.”

She couldn’t say anything back.

Nevertheless, she had very much expected that.

The basic negotiating technique was to make real demands after unrealistic demands.

 …Well, putting aside which one is more unrealistic…

“Then, can I make another request?”

“What?”

Faust exhaled as he turned to face Nadya.

She clutched the hem of her skirt with her sweaty palms.

Somehow, it felt even more nerve-wracking than inviting him to go on a honeymoon.

“Will you have a proper discussion with His Majesty the King and His Excellency the Prime Minister?”

“Huh?”

“If possible, please don’t hide anything. I want you to properly share information with those you can trust.”

“You, are you trying to interfere with my work?”

Normally, wives didn’t interfere in their husband’s politics or work—

—Nevertheless, that had nothing to do with Nadya, whose life was on a stake.

“—Because I’m worried! My husband is so hateful—I mean, it feels like you’re deliberately trying to be hated…”

“…You don’t know anything.”

Faust sternly looked down at Nadya, who was at a loss for words.

Even though it should’ve been expected, since he was someone with a sarcastic trait.

“—Also…”

“What? There’s still more?”

“If possible, please don’t cheat on me…?”

“Wha—!?”

She didn’t want him to do that, even if it was just to make a show of his wickedness.

However, it’d be a different story if he were to find someone he truly loved.

“I don’t have time to deal with your nonsense. Just behave.”

“—B, be careful!”

Instead of replying, Faust merely glared at her before ultimately leaving.

Thus, the first Avoid Execution Challenge failed.

***

“It’s rare for you to be the last one to appear.”

Upon his arrival at the conference room, his older brother—King Richardo—made fun of him.

“I’m sorry for the lateness.”

“You’re just in time.”

Since their first night, it was the first time for him to see his wife’s face in a few days, so he arrived later than usual. Despite being only five minutes late, everyone else had already gathered in the conference room.

“Duke Ulquiorra has finally experienced what it’s like to be a newlywed.”

“Since it’s been a long time, why don’t you just take some days off?”

“Yes, why don’t you go on a honeymoon? Just like me, 40 years ago.”

“You seem to be busy all the time. I think this is the perfect opportunity for you to unwind.”

“I agree, that’s a great idea. Don’t worry about us, just enjoy yourself.”

The meeting room was buzzing with the topic regarding Faust’s newlywed status…

While some of them could be taken as remarks made with Faust in mind, he knew that they were all lies.

Faust was an illegitimate son of the former king who was brought up to the royal palace as a backup for the sole inheritor after two of the three princes died in a row.

Despite being only twelve years old at the time, he was so intelligent, it was difficult to believe that he’d been brought up in a downtown area. Afterwards, it didn’t take long for him to take part in politics.

Faust would lose his succession right after his half-brother gave birth to an heir. Nevertheless, his influence as a duke prevailed.

For that reason, he had many enemies.

He was seen as an instigator of the aristocratic faction.

The royal faction scorned him, seeing him as a usurper to the throne.

His correspondence with a party from another country only fueled that belief.

Shallow women would latch onto him like worms, along with their aggravated fiancés, who accused him of stealing their women.

In the sea of enemies, the only thing that helped Faust was his ability to discern the truth from lies.

Even now, everyone was signaling him to not go to the royal palace.

After all, if he was absent, they’d then be free to enforce any kind of policies.

Faust proceeded to thank everyone for their concerns.

Upon seeing his eloquent smile, everyone scowled and averted their gazes.

Men and women alike, Faust were surrounded by such peoples.

Someone once told him—he had no control over his birth and appearance, or his position and personality, for that matter.

Faust, who hated wasting his time, just went with the flow and fed into people’s image of him.

If his half-brother was a king who embodied the people’s ideals, then it was only natural for him—a concubine’s son—to be seen as a scorpion aiming for that position.

Besides, he wasn’t so righteous as to attempt to fight against the currents and rally people to his side.

Instead, Faust had been working alone behind the scenes to not make a stir.

But…

“…Please don’t cheat on me.”

The voice of Nadya—a woman who’d become his wife just a week ago—was without a lie.

Her confusion, fear, and bewilderment were genuine.

…How ridiculous. I must be imagining things.

She was merely saying that because she had no one else to rely on but her husband. If anything, she was just clinging to the life without worry that he could provide. The existence of another woman would only pose a threat to that, hence why she advised him against it.

“—Tch.”

At the end of the meeting, everyone warily eyed Faust as he stood up and clicked his tongue.

Richardo was no exception. When approached by his devilish half-brother, his indignance was apparent.

“Your Majesty, there’s a matter I’d like to discuss.”

“R-right…”

“I’d like you to keep it confidential.”

By that time, the meeting room had been adjourned, and not even a single guard or a chamberlain could be seen. At that moment, Faust decided to hand Richardo a piece of writing.

Only the date, time, and location were written in elegant cursive. By the way, the appointed time was midnight today.

Since he didn’t know anything other than that, the lack of information made the letter even more suspicious.

“This is…?”

“I believe it’s a tryst.”

“With whom?”

“—Her Majesty the Queen, Dorothea.”

“…”

At the mention of his own wife, Richardo’s expression transformed into a stern one.

Faust sighed faintly.

The queen hailed from the neighboring country. Lately, said country had been acting somewhat suspicious.

In such a situation, it was only natural to pay attention to the queen’s movements.

Even though the queen herself said she married into this country with the intention of settling down, when Faust relaxed a little, such a note arrived.

Was it excitement she was looking for?

…Or was she trying to instigate something using the position of Faust, who was said to be the leader of the anti-royal faction?

Either way, it probably wouldn’t bode well for his brother, so Faust intended to check the secret meeting place.

However, his wife—Nadya, was worried.

“Since it’s related to Her Majesty the Queen, I thought you should go. Nevertheless, if you’d like me to turn a blind eye…”

“No, it’s fine. You did well by telling me.”

“…Just to be sure, please keep some guards.”

“I understand.”

After the conversation, Richardo was about to take his leave from the conference room. As Faust saw him off, Richardo abruptly stopped and turned around.

“Can you lend me your coat? Although, I doubt I’ll be able to return it.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

As he took off his jacket, he stared at Richardo. 

Under the light, a heavy shadow loomed over his face.

“Did you think I planned this?”

“Actually, I was hoping for that.”

Richardo left the meeting room with Faust’s coat in his hand.

Faust had just done something out of the ordinary.

Upon realizing that, he leaned back against his heavy desk, exhaling deeply.

***

That evening.

Hearing that Faust had returned home, I ran all the way down the stairs towards the entrance hall.

“Welcome home—!”

In return, his husband only glanced at her briefly, before averting his gaze.

At the end of the day, it was still a loveless marriage, so it couldn’t be helped. …Still, she wished that he at least wouldn’t ignore her.

“How was your day?”

“As usual.”

…’As usual’, as in, did he commit atrocity like usual?

The joy of not being ignored and the sadness of not being able to prevent the countdown to the execution came together.

“…Huh? What happened to your jacket?”

When she saw him off in the morning, he was wearing the so-called 3-piece suit. 

However, as of the present, his coat was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he was donning a fine, silk, shirt, vest, and cravat.

…Is it because there was white powder or lipstick on it?

Did he especially remove his clothes because of that? If there was already evidence of an affair the very same day she advised him against it, maybe it wasn’t so surprising…

“…”

“…”

I don’t have time to be depressed about stuff like this. I wonder when exactly the supposed assault attempt takes place…?

Even if he was suspected of dallying with the wife of a dignitary, attempting to assault the queen was what ultimately sealed his fate.

In the aftermath of the incident, his connection with the neighboring country came to light, resulting in his execution.

To Nadya, who remained silent as she searched through her memories of the previous life, Faust remarked blandly.

“…Don’t think about useless things. I merely lent it to His Majesty.”

“I-I see…”

‘But why would you lend your coat to His Majesty?’

She couldn’t quite muster that question.

“It must’ve been cold outside! I’ll fetch you a hot drink!”

Instead of replying, Faust swiftly turned to his office.

Meanwhile, Nadya rushed to the kitchen. 

In haste, she brewed some tea and went to his office, only to realize his mistake.

“My Husband, I brought you some tea.”

Since her hands were occupied, she couldn’t knock on the door.

In her hurry, she didn’t think of asking for help or using the tea cart.

“I should’ve done that, instead…”

…Even if she asked for permission to enter, she didn’t think he’d open the door. 

In the first place, His Excellency the Duke—who was also the king’s younger brother—shouldn’t be allowed to open the door.

Giving up, she turned to look for a servant to help, only to hear a voice from overhead.

“…Get in.”

“T-thank you very much!”

When Nadya was overwhelmed with emotions, Faust took the tray from her and went back into his office.

Before the heavy-looking door was shut completely, Nadya slipped inside.

After placing the tray on the table, Faust sat down on a sofa beside him.

Perhaps, he’d drink the tea she prepared…

Thus, Nadya hastily poured the tea into the cup.

Serene noises resounded in the quiet drawing room. 

The scent of high-quality tea leaves—which’d only be taken out if there was a special guest back in her house—wafted along with the hint of added ginger. 

“My Husband, would you like some honey?”

“Up to you.”

Surely, the tea would be tastier with honey, so she added a teaspoon of it.

At last, the warm honey ginger tea was complete.

“Enjoy.”

Faust silently sipped his tea.

When she somewhat hesitantly admired Faust, he glared at her. His eyes said, ‘How long will she be standing there?’ So, she plopped next to him.

In response, Faust stiffened.

…Could it be, instead of beckoning her, he was trying to dismiss her? Well, she didn’t care.

“You’re home quite early today, aren’t you?”

“Do you even know what time I usually get home?”

“I asked the servants. Moreover, it’s the first time for you to come home this early after a while…”

“…”

Usually, he’d come home in the middle of the night. 

But today, it was still evening, and the sky was madder red.

“By the way, I’d like to request something…”

“There’s more?”

“I won’t mention the honeymoon anymore. Instead, why don’t we pay a visit to our territory?”

After Faust had left, Nadya came up with an alternative strategy to avoid the execution.

If she couldn’t go on a honeymoon, why don’t she just inspect the territory?

As a wife, wanting to see the estates of her husband shouldn’t be that mind-boggling.

“…How is that any different from your earlier request?”

“B-but… inspecting the territory is important, isn’t it!?”

“I have a manager, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

“T-then… that’s right! Why don’t you come to visit my parent’s house? It’s a farmstead, but the lake is beautiful! When it gets colder, you can slide on the lake and even go fishing!”

While the marriage proposal came from Faust’s side, the meeting itself was held at the duke’s residence.

Aside from it being a farmstead, she didn’t feel comfortable inviting Faust to her humble residence back then. As such, Nadya and her family came to visit him instead.

…Presently, if the infamous duke were to visit, it might result in a commotion, but when compared to execution, that was a small price to pay.

Nevertheless, he ruthlessly rejected the notion.

“I’m busy.”

“T-then, how about… how about…”

Try as she might, she couldn’t come up with any other excuse.

As she hesitated, Faust placed the cup down.

For the two newlyweds in political marriage, a cup of tea was the time limit to their conversation.

When Nadya slumped her shoulders dejectedly, Faust said to her.

“What is your true aim?”

“I…”

‘Well, I want to prevent you from being condemned since I’d also be executed by proxy.’

—As if she could say that.

“If we went somewhere together, what are you going to do once we are alone? What, do you intend to become a widow and surround yourself with many lovers? Or, is it my inheritance that you seek? Already seeing someone else?”

“—You’re mistaken!”

Nadya screamed at his unexpected words.

“I’m only saying this because I want us to live a long, peaceful, life together!”

—Surrounded by many lovers? Already seeing someone else? As if!

Nadya blushed after saying that out loud, which in turn, surprised Faust.

After a few seconds, he averted his gaze while covering his mouth.

“To live together for a long time—in peace and harmony…? The two of us…?”

He quietly reiterated her previous words.

Maybe she was asking for too much.

Nevertheless, peace and longevity were non-negotiable, even more so when they’d be dead in a few months.

“…How does that have anything to do with a honeymoon or the territory?”

“I, I heard about how, erm, when married couples embark on fun trips together, they’ll get along better with each other…”

“…I see…”

She dared not mention the honeymoon implications.

Nadya’s goal was to prevent Faust’s execution.

Hence why, if she were to keep him away from the stage of the story—the royal capital—it’d be physically impossible for him to commit atrocities.

Of course, it’d be great if she could get along with her beloved Faust as a couple… 

—Before she knew it, Faust was leaning towards her.

When she fidgeted, her husband stopped.

“My H-Husband…?”

Upon turning around, she was greeted by his troubled purple eyes, which reflected her own self.

Somehow, she couldn’t muster the will to look away, so she stayed still. Faust, in turn, drew even closer.

At the same time, it dawned upon her, the meaning of having fun as a pair of newlyweds.

As her temperature began to rise, her heart pounded.

“Come to think of it, it’s almost time to eat—…”

“We can do it later.”

“But—mm…”

Gently, their lips overlapped.

Nadya stiffened, but his soft lips only changed the course.

When she parted her lips in the search for air, his tongue slid in.

“Ah, uh…”

The searing hit of his tongue licked her upper jaw, tracing her teeth, before ultimately catching and entangling Nadya’s own. 

Surprised, she tried to escape, but couldn’t due to the existence of his palm behind her head.

“To do it, in this kind of place, mmnn—…”

“Be quiet.”

“Uh—…”

…For a maiden who hadn’t even shared a kiss during her first night, wasn’t this kiss a bit too much!?

Every time he’d suck on her tongue, or nibble on her lips, she’d go numb as her mind faded away.

“—Mm, nn… My husband…”

With the last of her strength, she was trying to resist, but all it got her was a fierce kiss, eliciting a moan from her.

She clung to his taut body; closing her eyes.

It didn’t hurt much this time. 

***

The next afternoon, in the king’s private chamber.

Faust confronted the expressionless Richardo.

Originally a pale man, his hair seemed to have turned grayer overnight.

“Brother, I heard that Her Majesty the Queen is going to take a sick leave…”

“You don’t have to act concerned. You’re bad at it, anyway.”

“This is just how I am.”

A frail voice that Richardo wouldn’t let either of his vassals or people hear.

Last night, Faust spent his time cooped up in his office—and later, his bedroom. During the same time, his half-brother was confronted with reality.

When Richardo went to the secret meeting place at the appointed time, he was greeted by the queen.

Under the sunlight, Faust and Richardo didn’t resemble each other in the slightest. However, if they were to don the same attire and stay silent in a dimly-lit room, it’d be difficult to tell them apart.

…Especially if it was the queen, who fully expected Faust to come.

Apparently, the queen was trying to persuade Faust—who was said to be the leader of an anti-royal faction—to usurp the throne. 

According to her, by that time, an unfortunate accident would befall Richardo.

If Faust were to marry her—the queen of that country, she’d then become a strong backing for when he succeeded the throne.

In reality, he’d be a puppet at best, or at worst, a dead man.

When Richardo—disguised as Faust—refused, the oblivious queen suddenly tore her own clothes and screamed out.

If Faust hadn’t traded place with Richardo, he’d surely be charged with sexual assault.

The cry of the queen woke the guards.

In relief, the queen raised her face, only to realize that the guards were in fact, the king’s.

Thus, she was ultimately cornered by the guards.

Instead of being defended as the queen, she got detained as a result.

To the public, she was said to have taken a sick leave, but in actuality, she was under house arrest. Without a doubt, she’d soon be divorced, while her crimes wouldn’t go unpunished.

Truly, her actions were unbefitting of a queen—but perhaps, such was her inherent nature. As such, she may have planned it from the start.

Fortunately, the couple had no children yet.

“Faust.”

“What is it?”

After Richardo finished recounting the incident, he reached for his tea. By that time, the black tea had gone cold.

Without raising a single complaint, Richardo proceeded to ask his half-brother.

“Why did you show me that note?”

“That’s…”

Faust couldn’t answer.

—Because his wife asked him to not have an affair.

As if he could admit that to others.

As for the queen, it was fortunate that the king caught her red-handed. If Faust had gone to the secret meeting place, he’d surely be condemned of assault right then and there.

…If that happens, what kind of expression would his wife make?

“…I don’t know if it has anything to do with the recent case, but I’d like to tell you something.”

“What’s the matter?”

“I’ve been corresponding with a certain person from the neighboring country.”

“…You.”

Akin to Faust, that person was quite influential in his country.

He was a kind soul who advised him to keep an eye on the queen, albeit in a roundabout manner. At the same time, he was too naïve to realize that the information sent by Faust was mixed with lies.

His half-brother, the king, exhaled deeply.

“I won’t forbid you from corresponding with a friend. Well, as long as you share the details with me.”

“Aren’t you angry?”

“You didn’t betray me. What reason do I have to be angry?”

Despite being a king, he was too kind-hearted.

Hence why he got deceived by the woman he took as his wife.

As the lord of the country, Richardo was often hailed as the ideal king.

He was also the same man who accepted a child of unknown nature as his stepbrother, and even bestowed him the title of duke. 

Thanks to this man, Faust was the man he was today.

Richardo stood up and returned with two bottles and glasses from the cupboard.

He personally poured the amber liquid to the glasses, before presenting one to Faust.

“Won’t you have a drink with me?”

“…Sure, as long as I can have my brother’s precious liqueur for the second cup.”

“Not the second drink, but the second cup?”

“Please don’t collapse before that.”

“We’ll see.”

They had a toast.

For the first time, the two brothers had a drink together.

“…Phew. If I get remarried, I’d like to be with someone who’s lovestruck with me.”

“Now, what are you talking about? Brother, you only said that because you had never been told not to cheat before.”

“Wow, what is this? It’s as if someone said that exact line to you before…”

As he tipped over the first bottle, trying to pour the last drop into the glass, Richardo smiled in amusement.

“Are you trying to rub how much you’re loved on this heartbroken king’s face?”

“—What!? What are you talking about!?”

“Now, now, calm down and have a drink.”

At Faust, who sputtered, Richardo offered a glass of water.

When he managed to adjust his breathing, Richardo ushered Faust out.

“You should go home. I don’t want your wife to get mad at me for keeping you any longer.”

“Did you forget what I said earlier—”

“—Let’s save the special liqueur for another time. I’ll be sure to prepare some snacks, as well.”

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

It was also a first for the two to make an appointment for a drink instead of a meeting.

Whether it was due to the fact that Richardo was drunk or heartbroken, he sincerely thanked Faust with a rare smile on his face. Thus, Faust went home.

It was only late at night when he arrived home, but his wife greeted him today as well.

With the way she stormed down the stairs, he was impressed she didn’t tumble down.

“Welcome home—!”

“Apparently, my wife loves to stay up late at night. Either that, or you’re just feeling lonely.”

Perhaps due to alcohol influence, such unexpected words flowed smoothly.

He watched her reaction, expecting her to be angry, and she did.

“I-I-I-I woke up late so I’m still not sleepy!?”

As her face flushed red, she puckered her soft lips.

“I-I see…”

Last night, Faust embraced his wife for the first time after their first night.

Afterwards, the heat within him refused to subside, and even after moving into the bedroom, he couldn’t let go of her for a while.

While it resulted in his wife’s annoyance, he strangely didn’t feel bad.

“My husband, you reek of alcohol…”

“I had a drink with His Majesty.”

“With His Majesty?”

Faust never felt the need to make an excuse before—even more so to a woman. As of the present, he could only muster such a lame explanation.

He wasn’t with a woman. He didn’t have an affair.

When he was about to elaborate, his wife interjected.

“You lent him your coat, and even had a drink with him. I’m glad that the two of you are getting along well.”

Unlike before, she was without a doubt, and was even smiling gently.

‘—Are you trying to flaunt your lovey-dovey relationship? How I envy you newlyweds.’

The voice of his half-brother echoed in the back of his mind.

…It wasn’t like that.

He wasn’t trying to brag.

He wasn’t loved or anything like it.

“…To have such a man as your husband, shouldn’t it be about time for you to hate me?”

“Are you drunk? No, I don’t mind at all.”

Towards her voice—which was genuine as usual—he found himself faltering.

Then, a thought occurred.

…I don’t want to be hated.

Faust’s world was a lonely one.

Since everyone around him was full of lies, he turned to wealth and power.

Hence why Nadya’s honesty angered him. 

After all, only she could expose his softest side—one that he didn’t even know existed.

To Faust, her words were the only truth in this world. 

…If she were to say, “I hate you.” It’d be meaningless for him to exist.

At the same time, how sweet would it be if she were to say, “I love you” …?

Faust, who didn’t have a single clue about love, couldn’t imagine that.

***

Originally, Faust was executed on the day of the heaviest snowfall of the year. 

Despite the tumultuous weather, many people gathered in the square, and it was said that the blanket of snow melted due to the zeal.

On the execution site, Faust looked around, before dauntlessly curving his mouth upwards.

In the face of death, he stood proudly, leaving nothing but a fulfilled smile behind.

—I wonder if it’s today? His execution…

As she slouched on the couch, Nadya recalled the in-game schedule.

In her field of view, a clear blue sky and a tranquil, emerald green, sea expanded.

Behind her were the luxurious rooms of one of the top luxury hotels in the tourist area.

…And on the couch beside her was her husband, also relaxing.

While it was snowing in the royal capital, a warm and gentle breeze swirled on the Southern Island.

Nadya and Faust were now in the middle of their honeymoon.

It all started about a month and a half ago.

Precisely, two days after she expressed her desire to go on a honeymoon to avoid execution.

“I decided to go on a vacation.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve fulfilled my end of the bargain, and also distributed the work. I’ve also made some arrangements, so we can leave the royal capital for a while. …So, let’s go.”

“W-where to?”

“Didn’t you want to go on a honeymoon?”

“Eeh—!?”

—Suddenly, just like that, he agreed to go on a honeymoon.

As she sipped the colorful juice, decorated with parasols and flowers, a bird appeared from nowhere.

Faust proceeded to fetch the small letter tied to the bird’s ankle.

He glanced over it, wrote something on the back, before putting it back to where it belonged.

The bird fluttered and soared across the sky, and Faust leaned back on the couch.

Although he’d mentioned that he’d coordinated his work, did Faust’s absence leave a huge void? Once every two days, birds would arrive in such a way.

Apparently, Faust was using the birds to perform workcations…

…She began to wonder if he could commit some crime remotely.

The villain looked over the calm, windy, sea; oblivious to his execution.

As she stared at her husband, Faust’s purple eyes turned towards her.

“What’s wrong? Do you want to swim?”

“I’m fine with just looking… I’m scared I might drown.”

“Not because you can’t swim?”

“The tide is scary. No matter how good a swimmer you are, one can’t go against the forces of nature.”

“How about admitting you can’t swim?”

In her previous and current life, she didn’t recall ever drowning.

It was just… No matter how much she moved her limbs in the water, she just couldn’t swim forward, so she just avoided water altogether.

…Maybe she indeed couldn’t swim.

“Come.”

“?”

Suddenly, a hand was extended towards her.

When she looked up at Faust, adamant that she wouldn’t swim, he chuckled.

Unlike his smile during the execution, his current one was calm, yet with a hint of nervousness.

“If you can’t swim, how about drowning in me?”

“W-what—!?”

After hearing such outrageous words, Nadya’s face turned bright red.

—How shameless is he!?

Upon leaving the royal capital, Faust began saying similar lines from time to time—be it when they were hitting the road, or when they were eating; anywhere, anytime.

…Thankfully, no one was around.

It didn’t seem like he’d withdraw his hand anytime soon.

Relenting, Nadya took his hand, only to be kissed on the fingertips.

***

“Nnh… Aah…”

While holding hands, the two moved to the bed, all while kissing each other.

He held her head as if caressing her, while his tongue continuously wandered around her mouth—its tip grazing her most sensitive spots.

The kiss, which deepened each time he changed the angle, unraveled Nadya.

As their lips overlapped, there was a searing heat as if they were melting into one.

“Nnh—mmn, aah…”

Along with the kiss, one of his hands cupped her breast, while the other trailed up her thigh.

In an attempt to hide the fact that she was drenched, she tried to close her legs, which didn’t go unnoticed by Faust. 

His hand snaked into her underwear, while his fingers stimulated her wet folds, before sliding in.

“Ah—!”

“You’re already this wet?”

He immediately pushed two—no, three fingers into her. Her love juice, overflowing from the inside, made an obscene sloshing sound.

“Nn—naah, uuh—”

“Look, my fingers slide in so easily.”

As he whispered directly into her ear, his slender fingertips swirled inside her, causing her hips to buck. As if that wasn’t enough, he began to toy with her clit, and stars flickered in her vision.

“Ah, aah, wait—no, that’s, don’t—mmmnn—!”

A wave surged in.

When she was about to exhale, he sealed her lips with his own—it was painful, yet also pleasurable.

Soon, the accumulated pleasure showed signs of erupting. A second before that, the fingers that had mercilessly stirred her inside ceased all of their movements.

Denied of climax, her body trembled with yearning.

“Aah…”

After the long kiss, their lips finally separated. At the end of the string of saliva, Faust showed a grin.

He did it on purpose—that fact was as clear as the day. Nevertheless, what came out of her mouth wasn’t a complaint, but a moan.

…Due to the lack of stimulus, her insides were tingling, and she wanted to cry.

“Aah, no, My Husband—…”

“Tell me where it feels good. I don’t want it to hurt.”

“T-then, hyiii…!”

His fingers moved once again.

Somehow, the pent-up pleasure was growing more intense…

Breathless, her vision began to blur.

Yet, she could never reach climax. 

Even without her telling him, Faust knew precisely where her weakness was, and was avoiding it on purpose.

Unlike the first night, where it felt as if he was rushing things, Faust was a little sweeter during their honeymoon.

…Although, he also had a mean streak.

He’d torment her with pleasure for eternity—

—today, as well, Nadya succumbed to him.

“N-no, no more, I can’t…”

When she pleaded ever so softly, a tinge of Faust’s sadistic façade would fade away, replaced by a gentle smile.

He pinched the tip of her breast.

“Nadya…”

…She truly didn’t recognize this Faust.

After all, in the game, he never smiled like that.

Like a pair of lovebirds, he’d love her sweetly yet persistently, and would satisfy her aplenty.

Nadya was at her limit.

“I, I love—I love you, My Husband…”

When he started rubbing his burning, rigid thing at her entrance, Nadya couldn’t take it anymore. She felt like she could come from being penetrated alone.

As such, she barely knew what she was blabbering about, but she could sense that Faust was frozen.

With tearful eyes, she looked up at her husband, only to find that he was blushing profusely.

“Nadya, I love you, too… And only you…”

“…!”

By that point, only God knows how many times they had shared a kiss.

Or how many times he’d taken her hand; intertwining her fingers with his.

Again and again, his rod drove into her, piercing her deepest part.

“Nnh, nnah—ah, I…!”

“Nadya, I love you…!”

“…! Aah—!”

Before long, he poured his hot seed inside her.

After making sure that she’d eaten until the last drop, his taut body collapsed on top of her.

…Ah.

In such a close proximity, she could feel the beating of his heart.

Her husband was still alive.

Surely, he’d live on.

She circled her arms around his wide back, and he—in turn, embraced her tightly.

…How could she not be happy?

*

While Nadya had adjusted her breathing, Faust combed her hair. Then, as he planted a kiss on her forehead, he muttered.

“Did it hurt?”

“It didn’t.”

…After reducing her into such a mess, such was the question he asked her.

Blushing fervently, Nadya meekly nodded. In the next moment, she was pulled into an embrace; her cheek pressed against his chest.

Then, his purple eyes peered into hers.

“…Can you say it once again?”

“Uhm, it didn’t hurt?”

“Not that.”

When Faust furrowed his eyebrows in dejection, he seemed somewhat cute.

As her heart fluttered at the sight of her childish husband, she wondered what he was referring to.

“…Ah.”

A second later, Nadya blushed again.

As she began to sweat profusely, she dropped her gaze.

…Swept up in the moment, I said something outrageous, didn’t I?

Well, Faust also said something unbelievable.

She felt embarrassed to repeat the words. 

On the other hand, she wanted Faust to say it again, as well.

After taking a deep breath, Nadya confessed her feelings to her husband.

“…I love you.”

Not because he was her favorite character in the game.

Currently, Nadya and Faust were human beings who resided in that world.

As time went by, she came to know the side of Faust that was otherwise never mentioned in the story or the game—along with his kindness.

When her hands were full, he opened the door for her.

He accepted the tea she brewed for him.

He allowed her to go on a honeymoon.

As such, how was she supposed to not fall in love with such a man?

“My Husband, won’t you say it as well?”

At her request, her husband knitted his eyebrows.

“…At first, I thought you didn’t want to be embraced by the likes of me.”

“Hm?”

“Hence why, I thought of finishing it as quickly as possible.”

Was he referring to their first night?

While he certainly felt distant at that time, she didn’t despise him.

If anything, she was just terribly confused.

Nadya tried to convey that to him, but decided against it.

Faust opened his mouth, before closing it, and repeated the sequence for some time.

It didn’t take forever, but also wasn’t brief, either. 

At last, as if he’d made up his mind, Faust went on.

“…The truth is, I’ve always yearned to make love with you like this.”

A kiss fell on Nadya’s lips as she stiffened in surprise. The kiss was soft and gentle, as if representing the latter half of his words.

“Always, as in…?”

“Since our first night—no, way before that.”

Asked in-between kisses, Faust ensnared her tongue with his as if to conceal his awkwardness, before tightening his arms around her.

“When I first saw you at the party, I thought you’d make for a suitable wife. Now that I think about it, I probably fell for you around that moment.”

“E, eh…!? No way.”

“I’m not lying.”

At that moment, his reason for marrying the mob wife was revealed.

As a side note, at the aforementioned evening party, Nadya was too busy fawning over rice dish to care about anything else.

In fact, upon finding the delectable rice dish, she stared and tasted it so intently to figure out the recipe, she wasn’t even aware of his existence.

A few days later, to the shock of her family and servants, an infamous duke proposed to her.

…But if it’s truly love at first sight, why would you lay a finger on married women including and not limited to the queen? Could it be that in the original storyline, we weren’t on good terms hence the cheating?

Nevertheless, this was the reality, and not the game. 

While basking in the happiness of reciprocated love, she leaned against him.

As he buried his face in her hair, he said with a sigh.

“I don’t want to go home.”

“Then, should we just run away?”

He stroked her back as if coaxing her.

“We can abandon our identities. Change our names. Then, go somewhere faraway, and start from zero—just the two of us.”

“Just the two of us…”

In reality, she knew it was an impossibility. A joke.

In the original storyline, Faust was sentenced to death after his collusion with the neighboring country came to light. However, it seemed to be deliberate on his part.

After all, as if someone as meticulous as Faust would leave such conclusive evidence behind.

At first glance, nothing stood out, but what if he did it on purpose?

What if he planted the evidence somewhere and committed a crime in broad daylight just so that the protagonist and the king could discover it…?

…In the secret correspondence, the internal situation of the neighboring country was revealed, giving this country a tremendous advantage. In other words, Lord Faust might be double-crossing the other party.

As for the reason he smiled until the bitter end, that was probably because he believed his death would benefit the country.

Looking at how he sacrificed himself for his country, he definitely wasn’t the kind of person who’d turn his back on his brother—or his own country, for that matter.

“What do you think? Are you still willing to be with me? A man with neither wealth nor status?”

Nevertheless, despite his self-deprecating smile, Faust’s gaze was wistful. 

Nadya propped herself on her elbows and looked into her husband’s eyes as he laid next to her. 

“Even if you say no, I’ll chase after you! I just want you to stay alive, My Husband!”

Without waiting for his next words, Nadya exclaimed. Upon hearing that, his eyes widened in amazement, as he tightly shut his lips.

No matter what others might think, it was never about wealth, or status.

At the very least, her husband should know that.

But in the next moment, Faust was suppressing his laugh. 

“In this boring life, I never thought I’d be so lucky.”

“My Husband…”

She whispered fleetingly. 

Faust would no longer be executed, and many fun and happy things awaited them from now on. 

If by chance, the story tried to correct its plotline, then she’d just run away with Faust.

Thus, Nadya had renewed her determination—

—but suddenly, he teased her, causing her to jolt.

“…My Husband?”

“That’s what you get for provoking me.”

Previously holding her waist, his hand started to move suspiciously.

His hand trailed down, caressing her buttock, while the other ventured deep inside her.

When he thrusted his fingers into her severely tormented pussy, she could no longer contain her voice.

“Nn, aah…” 

“The day when Nadya said the word, ‘I hate you’, my heart would be torn apart, and I might inadvertently die. Of course, not without taking this country with me.”

“Wait, that’s—ah, aaah—!”

Suddenly, she was turned around with her legs spread apart, and he jammed his hot stake into her.

As he pounded her, rocking her with pleasure, she thought to herself—

—Whether or not Faust became a villain might be up to Nadya.

---

Translator’s Note:

Wait, this isn’t a Bleach fanfic?

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