The Villain Carries the Holy Sword – Chapter 81.1

Chapter 81.1: Proof of Spring (3)

The confrontation brewing between the two sides fizzled out with Olivia’s arrival.

Moreover, in stark contrast to Oleciren who remained confined within the train, Olivia stepped forward to resolve the situation, bolstering her own image in the process.

‘She’s a difficult opponent.’

Cain clicked his tongue inwardly.

He had assumed she was a puppet princess controlled by those two cunning marquises, but upon meeting her face-to-face, he realized she was no pushover.

His attempt to leverage Sigma’s attack against Marquis Ross was thwarted by her swift intervention.

It was a shame.

As Cain prepared to back down, having at least escaped Barbetta’s inquisition……

“Even if not a formal inquiry, perhaps we could share a cup of tea, Lord Cain.”

Barbetta said with a smile.

“It won’t take long. The rest of your party is welcome to go ahead. Just the Young Master’s company will suffice.”

Does he know something?

Is he suspicious of me?

Cain looked down at Archbishop Barbetta, who was more persistent than he had thought.

Olivia, too, seemed surprised by the archbishop’s uncharacteristic insistence.

But she quickly composed herself.

“What do you think?”

She gracefully slipped her arm through Cain’s left arm, facing Barbetta.

“Actually, Young Master Cain and I have a prior engagement.”

Anyone could tell it was a lie.

However, it was an excuse no one dared to challenge, especially coming from a princess.

“Archbishop, please excuse us this once.”

Faced with the princess, who had emerged as the eye of the storm, Barbetta had no choice but to yield. He glanced between Olivia and Cain before bowing his head.

“As you wish.”

“Thank you. I won’t forget this kindness.”

“However, Young Master Cain, our doors are always open.”

━…….

Barbetta retreated, his unspoken words for Cain conveyed through a mouthed message.

“Did you understand, Young Master Cain?”

Shaking his head━.

Cain shook his head in response to Olivia’s question, removing her hand from his arm.

━Edmund is alive.

A blatant lie, of course.

Cain knew better than anyone.

Following the footsteps of Archbishop Barbetta, the paladins and heresy inquisitors who had been standing by followed him, and the platform became deserted.

“I guess this settles our debt.”

Olivia said brightly, stepping away.

As Cain looked at her questioningly, Olivia pointed her fan upwards.

“I stopped Count Ethelred from joining the war.”

“Was that your decision?”

Cain asked, slightly surprised.

He had naturally assumed the two marquises had used Commander-in-Chief Olivia’s name to prevent it.

“Why? Are you surprised?”

She asked playfully, tilting her head.

She was a completely different type from Oleciren, who was always sincere and serious.

Cain thought that Olivia might be more of a headache than he had thought and opened his mouth.

“I must admit, I’m impressed.”

“Right?! What’s the point of the heir to the throne of Airian, a nation obsessed with killing elves, being unable to kill elves?”

It was the perfect move to undermine the legitimacy of Oleciren, the heir apparent recognized by King Hybolt.

Most would have backed down here, but Cain had weathered countless storms, both on the battlefield and in the treacherous world of politics.

“Then is it alright for the one who seeks the throne to join hands with an elf?”

He didn’t miss the opportunity to counter.

“……Oh?”

Olivia made a strange noise, unfolding her fan to hide the lower half of her face.

The faces of those who had accompanied her, however, flushed red and blue.

Swish━.

Sensing their reaction, Olivia spun around.

“If anyone’s thinking of getting angry on my behalf, don’t bother. You saw how pathetic the people behind the Archbishop looked earlier.”

Then, she turned her head and glanced at Cain.

“You’re quite something, aren’t you?”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“The way you hide yourself is quite skillful. I like it.”

“…….”

“Did you know? We’re the same age.”

Cain blinked.

Having crossed over worlds, the concept of age had become blurred, and it took him a moment to realize she was right.

Olivia pointed her fan at her head, then at Cain’s, which was much taller.

“But judging by your height, you seem much older.”

“Perhaps it’s from all the sword fighting.”

“Hmm. I feel like there’s more to it than that.”

Cain chuckled lightly.

His current body was experiencing a growth spurt, accelerated by the winter lightning coursing through his veins after the ordeal.

He had acquired the demonic sword ‘Winter’ in his mid-twenties in his previous life.

This time, it was in his late teens.

It was only natural that the sacred treasure would affect his growth. He would likely grow even taller and stronger than he had as Lord East.

“I’m telling you this because I like you, but ‘I’ didn’t join hands with the elves.”

He imagined her eyes behind the mask were narrowed in a sly, but not malicious smile, like a mischievous imp.

“If anyone did happen to join hands with the elves, they would simply take all the blame and disappear.”

In other words, she was implying that she and Duke McLoud were clean, and if any problems arose, they would pin it on Marquis Ross.

“So, what do you say?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“Ditch my sister and choose me instead.”

“…….”

“I can give you anything you desire.”

“Do you even know what I desire?”

Olivia shook her head.

She held out her empty hands, palms up.

“How could I know what a man I just met desires? I have nothing. But I’ll give you this.”

And she clasped her hands together.

She held out her two hands, which were gently clasped together as if she were trying to scoop up water from a stream, to Cain.

Cain stared silently at the gesture of offering something that wasn’t there, and Olivia stepped closer.

“What do you say?”

“I don’t see what you’re offering.”

“Myself.”

“…….”

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