Episode 9| Meeting the Villianess
The morning sun spilled over the capital's rooftops, bathing the streets in gold and warmth.
Riley, still disguised as Ryan, adjusted the priest robes the temple had issued her.
The garments were simple yet well-tailored, and when paired with her shorter golden hair and striking green eyes, they made her look like a handsome young man blessed by the gods themselves.
Today she had been sent on an errand by one of the high-ranking priests—something about checking a shipment of supplies donated to the temple.
Riley suspected it was just another mundane task meant for lower priests, but she didn't mind.
The more freedom she had outside the temple, the more she could learn about the capital.
The noble district was lively that afternoon. Elegant carriages rolled through wide streets, and finely dressed nobles strolled through markets and gardens.
Riley had just turned into a quieter street when she heard a woman's voice.
"Stay back!"
Her eyes sharpened immediately.
At the far end of a narrow alley, a young noblewoman was being cornered by several rough-looking men. Their smirks and the way they closed in on her made their intentions obvious.
What was strange was the absence of guards.
A noblewoman of her status should have had knights accompanying her.
This was a trap, Riley realized instantly.
The thugs must have lured her away from her guards.
The noblewoman stood with her back against the wall, her elegant dress gathered in her hands as she tried to maintain her composure despite the fear in her eyes.
"Don't come any closer," she warned.
The men laughed.
"And what will you do if we do, little lady?"
Riley sighed quietly.
"Honestly... why does trouble always find me?"
She stepped forward.
"Gentlemen," she called calmly.
All the thugs turned toward her.
A single priest stood at the entrance of the alley.
They burst into laughter.
"What's this? A pretty little priest thinks he can save the day?"
Riley didn't respond.
Instead, she raised one hand.
Golden light bloomed instantly from her palm.
The alley filled with a brilliant radiance as the holy energy condensed in the air.
Then—
A holy sword formed in her grasp.
"Risking my power into getting discovered yet again!" She sighed.
The blade shone like sunlight itself, humming with divine power.
The noblewoman gasped.
The thugs immediately paled.
"W-What the hell—?!"
Before they could react, Riley moved.
Her movements were swift and precise.
The holy blade cut through the air, striking one thug's weapon and sending it flying.
Another lunged forward, but the mere pressure of her holy magic knocked him backward.
"Leave," Riley said calmly.
Her voice wasn't loud, but the divine aura surrounding her made the command feel absolute.
The men exchanged frightened glances.
None of them were foolish enough to challenge someone who could summon a holy weapon.
"Damn it—run!"
Within seconds, they scattered, fleeing the alley.
Silence returned.
Riley dismissed the holy sword, the golden light dissolving into tiny particles before fading completely.
Then she turned to the noblewoman.
"Are you hurt?"
The young woman stared at her.
Her heart was racing.
Not from fear anymore.
From something else entirely.
Standing before her was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
Golden hair, brilliant green eyes, and a calm expression that radiated quiet confidence.
Even the Crown Prince, whom many noble ladies adored, suddenly seemed less impressive in comparison.
Her cheeks flushed.
"N-No... I'm fine," she said quickly.
She straightened her posture, regaining some of her noble dignity.
"Thank you for saving me. My knights must have been separated from me somehow."
Riley nodded politely.
"It was nothing. I simply did what anyone should do."
The noblewoman stared at her a moment longer.
Her heart fluttered again.
He's... incredibly handsome.
Before Riley could excuse herself, the noblewoman stepped forward decisively.
"You must come to my estate."
Riley blinked.
"That won't be necessary—"
"I insist."
Her tone left no room for argument.
"I am the daughter of a Marquess. You saved my life. It would be disgraceful if I did not properly reward you."
Riley hesitated.
But the noblewoman's determined expression made it clear she wasn't going to take no for an answer.
"...Very well," Riley said with a polite smile.
The noblewoman brightened instantly.
"Wonderful!"
As they walked toward the noble district together, Riley studied her carefully.
Elegant posture.
Sharp yet beautiful features.
Confident personality.
Suddenly, recognition flickered in Riley's mind.
Wait...
Isn't she... the Villainess from the novel?
In the original story, this woman would eventually become the Crown Prince's obsessive admirer. Her jealousy toward the saintess would twist her personality until she became the main antagonist.
But right now...
She wasn't a villain.
Just a slightly proud noble girl whose heart had just been shaken by a handsome priest.
Riley smiled faintly.
Interesting.
She had already disrupted the original plot by becoming a priest instead of the saintess.
Now it seemed even the Villainess's fate was starting to change.
And Riley couldn't help but wonder—
What kind of chaos would follow if the Villainess targeted her like the original plot....
Riley followed the noblewoman through the elegant streets of the capital until they reached a magnificent estate surrounded by tall white gates and blooming gardens. Servants immediately rushed forward the moment they saw their lady return.
"My lady! We were worried sick!" one maid exclaimed.
"I'm fine," the noblewoman replied calmly, though her gaze briefly shifted toward Riley. "This gentleman ensured that."
The servants turned their curious eyes toward the handsome young priest standing beside her.
Riley bowed politely.
"My name is Ryan," she said with practiced humility.
The noblewoman smiled gracefully.
"Ryan... what a pleasant name."
She placed a hand lightly over her chest before introducing herself.
"I am Lady Seraphina Valmont, daughter of Marquess Valmont."
Her name carried weight within the capital. The Valmont family was one of the most powerful noble houses in the kingdom, known for their wealth and influence.
Riley nodded respectfully.
"It is an honor to meet you, Lady Valmont."
Seraphina studied her closely. Even up close, Ryan's appearance was striking. Golden hair that gleamed softly under the sunlight, green eyes clear and bright, and a calm presence that made anyone around her feel strangely safe.
She cleared her throat slightly, regaining her composure.
"You saved my life today," Seraphina said firmly. "Please accept this as my gratitude."
She gestured to one of her servants.
The servant stepped forward and presented a heavy pouch.
Gold coins clinked faintly inside.
Riley's eyes almost sparkled—but she immediately hid it behind a modest smile.
"Lady Valmont, I cannot possibly accept such a generous reward," Riley said, waving her hands lightly. "Protecting others is simply part of my duty as a priest."
Seraphina tilted her head slightly.
"You risked your life for mine. Refusing my gratitude would only embarrass me."
Riley hesitated, acting as though she were deeply conflicted.
Inside, however—
Jackpot.
After a moment of convincing reluctance, Riley sighed softly.
"...Very well. If it eases your heart, I will accept it."
Seraphina smiled in satisfaction as Riley took the pouch.
He's so humble, she thought admiringly.
Riley bowed again politely before excusing herself.
Once outside the estate gates, she lifted the pouch slightly.
It was heavy.
"Not bad for an afternoon stroll," she murmured with a small grin.
---
The following afternoon, Lady Seraphina hosted a tea party at her estate.
Several noble ladies had gathered in the garden pavilion, dressed in elegant gowns while servants poured tea and arranged delicate pastries.
Seraphina sat gracefully at the center of the table, though her thoughts wandered elsewhere.
Then she heard one of the ladies speak excitedly.
"Have you heard about the new priest at the temple?"
Another gasped.
"Oh! You mean the incredibly handsome one?"
Seraphina's attention sharpened immediately.
"Yes! I heard he has golden hair and green eyes. They say he's so beautiful that even the temple maidens can't stop talking about him!"
Another noblewoman leaned forward eagerly.
"My cousin visited the temple yesterday and said he looks like a knight from a romance novel!"
Seraphina blinked.
Golden hair.
Green eyes.
Handsome priest.
Her teacup paused halfway to her lips.
Ryan...?
The ladies continued gossiping excitedly.
"They say he's very kind too. Apparently he volunteers to help the poor all the time."
"I heard even the Archmage has taken an interest in him!"
Seraphina's heart skipped slightly.
So the mysterious man who had rescued her yesterday was now the subject of admiration across the capital.
A small smile slowly formed on her lips.
Ryan...
Her chest warmed slightly at the thought of him.
One of the ladies noticed her expression.
"Lady Valmont? You seem amused. Have you perhaps met this famous priest?"
Seraphina took a delicate sip of tea before answering.
"...Perhaps."
The other noble ladies immediately leaned closer.
"You have?!"
Seraphina's smile deepened slightly.
"Yes. As a matter of fact... he saved my life yesterday."
Gasps filled the pavilion.
"How romantic!"
"What a heroic priest!"
Seraphina lowered her gaze slightly, hiding the faint blush on her cheeks.
Her heart fluttered again as she remembered the moment Ryan stood before her in the alley, bathed in golden light while wielding that divine sword.
More handsome than the Crown Prince.
Kinder than most nobles.
And humble despite his strength.
Seraphina gently set her teacup down.
Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to visit the temple soon.
After all...
She still needed to properly thank Ryan for saving her life.
Two days later, the temple grounds were unusually lively.
Carriages decorated with noble crests lined the stone courtyard as several noble families arrived to make their routine offerings to the church. Wealthy patrons visiting the temple was not unusual, but today there seemed to be far more noble ladies than usual wandering through the gardens.
Riley—currently Ryan—noticed it immediately.
She stood near the training grounds with several other junior priests when one of them whispered excitedly.
"Have you noticed how many noble ladies have been visiting lately?"
Another priest chuckled.
"Are you blind? They're clearly here to see you."
Riley blinked innocently.
"Me?"
"Yes, you!" the priest said, nudging her shoulder. "Ever since rumors started spreading about the handsome new priest with golden hair, the temple has become a sightseeing attraction."
Riley rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly, pretending to be embarrassed.
Inside, however—
Ah... gossip spreads fast.
Before she could respond, a temple attendant approached hurriedly.
"Priest Ryan," he said respectfully. "You have visitors."
"Visitors?" Riley repeated.
The attendant gestured toward the main hall.
Several noble ladies stood there.
And at the center of them—
Lady Seraphina Valmont.
She looked just as elegant as Riley remembered, dressed in a soft blue gown that shimmered under the temple's stained-glass light. Her dark hair fell gracefully over her shoulders, and her sharp yet beautiful eyes quickly found Ryan among the priests.
The moment their eyes met, Seraphina's heart skipped again.
It really is him.
The handsome priest who had rescued her.
The noble ladies behind her began whispering excitedly.
"That's him!"
"He's even more handsome up close!"
"Lady Valmont wasn't exaggerating at all!"
Riley walked forward calmly and bowed politely.
"Lady Valmont. It is a pleasure to see you again."
Seraphina smiled.
"I hope I am not disturbing your duties, Priest Ryan."
"Not at all," Riley replied.
Seraphina clasped her hands gently.
"I came today to make an offering to the temple... and to properly thank you again."
Behind her, the noble ladies were practically vibrating with excitement.
One of them leaned forward eagerly.
"Priest Ryan, could you perhaps show us the temple gardens? We've heard they're beautiful this time of year."
Another chimed in quickly.
"Yes! And maybe tell us about the temple as well?"
Riley recognized exactly what was happening.
These women weren't here for religion.
They were here for entertainment.
Specifically—
The handsome priest.
Riley maintained her calm smile.
"Of course. I would be honored to guide you."
As they walked through the temple gardens, Riley spoke politely about the temple's history, its charity programs, and the importance of faith.
The noble ladies listened attentively—
Though many were clearly more interested in watching Ryan speak than the actual history lesson.
Seraphina walked slightly closer than the others.
"You seem quite popular already," she said softly.
Riley chuckled lightly.
"I believe the temple itself is what attracts visitors, not me."
Seraphina smiled knowingly.
Humble again...
As they reached a quiet section of the garden, one of the noble ladies suddenly whispered loudly to another.
"Do you think the Crown Prince has met him yet?"
"I heard the Crown Prince will visit the temple soon for the annual blessing ceremony."
Another lady giggled.
"I wonder what he will think when he sees Priest Ryan."
Seraphina's eyes flickered thoughtfully.
The Crown Prince.
In the original path of her life, she would have been trying desperately to gain his affection by now.
But strangely...
The thought of him felt distant.
Her gaze drifted back to Ryan walking beside her.
Golden hair shining under the sunlight.
Gentle smile.
Kind eyes.
Her heart fluttered again.
Meanwhile, Riley remained completely unaware of the storm she was unintentionally creating.
Or perhaps—
She simply underestimated just how dangerous her charm truly was.
Because somewhere deep within the temple...
Two very powerful men were already starting to notice.
The High Priest, whose unease around Ryan was growing stronger by the day.
And the Archmage Michael, whose heart still refused to behave normally whenever Ryan was near.
And soon—
The Crown Prince himself would arrive.
Unaware that the "handsome priest" quietly turning the capital upside down...
Was actually the woman destined to become the most powerful saintess in the kingdom.