The villain's side of the novel



As Fray and his companions approached the grand doors of the Parada mansion, a group of servants stood in perfect formation, their expressions a mix of anticipation and respect. Dressed in impeccable uniforms, they exuded an air of professionalism and dedication. As Fray neared, they synchronized their movements, stepping forward in unison.

"Welcome back, sir," they greeted in a united voice, their words filled with warmth and genuine respect.

Fray acknowledged their presence with a nod, his eyes scanning the faces before him. Many of the servants were familiar to him, individuals who had diligently attended to his needs during his previous visits. Their loyalty and commitment were evident in the way they carried themselves, standing tall and ready to assist.

"Thank you," Fray responded, acknowledging the familiar faces among the servants.

With practiced precision, the servants orchestrated their movements, creating a path for Fray and his companions to enter the mansion. The doors swung open, revealing the grandeur and opulence that lay within. As they stepped through the threshold, Fray turned to Casper and the others, his gaze filled with concern.

This mansion was one of Parada's many palaces, diligently cared for by these servants. When the Parada family members visited the Lionar Kingdom, they would often stay here.

Though smaller in scale compared to the opulent Parada Palace in Iskar City, this mansion still qualified as a grand estate. Moreover, its prime location in the city center, near the royal palace, made it an exceedingly valuable property.

The servants opened the doors, allowing Fray and his companions to enter the mansion. Turning to Casper and the others, Fray instructed, "Go and get some rest." He then addressed a middle-aged woman dressed formally, saying, "Kara, prepare four separate rooms for them to rest."

Crossing the dimensional portal drained considerable energy and strength. While Fray, with his improved physique, didn't feel too fatigued, his companions were exhausted from the journey and desperately needed rest.

"Thank you, sir," Casper and the others expressed their gratitude before being guided to their rooms by the servants.

"Sir, the food will be ready soon. Would you like to freshen up before dining?" Kara inquired once everyone had left. Having witnessed Fray's previous visits, Kara was well aware of his nocturnal habits due to his class as a body developer. She also knew of his love for food, so the servants had prepared a delightful feast to welcome him.

(Well, it's a good opportunity to take some rest before the troubles begin.) Fray thought to himself, letting out a sigh. "Alright, Kara. Thank you," he responded.

(Did he just sigh? It seems he has changed since the last time I saw him.) Kara wondered in surprise. Having hosted Fray on numerous occasions, Kara had noticed his usual stoic demeanor. Thus, his sigh caught her off guard.

"No problem, sir," Kara replied with a smile.

****

"Ah, so comfortable," Ryan murmured, sprawled on a luxurious, oversized white bed, reveling in its plushness. If someone had told him a month ago that he would experience such comfort, he would have dismissed it as pure fantasy. Yet here he was, relishing the finest cuisine, sleeping in opulent rooms, and adorning himself in exquisite attire. It felt like a dream come true for Ryan, and he was determined not to disappoint the person responsible for this change.

Knock, knock, knock.

As Ryan closed his eyes, preparing to drift off to sleep, he heard a soft knocking on the door. The door creaked open, revealing his teenage sister, Eris, with her brown hair and black eyes, dressed in pajamas. She asked in a hushed voice, "Ryan, are you asleep?"

"Eris! Did you have another nightmare?" Ryan inquired upon seeing his sister enter the room.

"Um, can I sleep with you?" Eris requested.

"Eris, we've talked about this. We can't sleep in the same bed anymore," Ryan responded. Although Eris was his sister, she was already fifteen years old, and he felt it was no longer appropriate for them to share a bed.

"But we always slept together," Eris pleaded.

"Yes, but now we have our own rooms. We need to start sleeping separately," Ryan insisted.

"Alright, this is the last time, I promise," Eris pleaded, her expression filled with longing.

"Sigh, even though you're already a teenager, you still act like a little kid. Fine, but this is the last time,"

 Ryan relented.

With her brother's approval, Eris climbed onto the bed and settled next to Ryan. However, a hint of discomfort remained on her face as if she were wrestling with something. Observing this, Ryan asked, "What's bothering you?"

"Ryan, why do you think the master brought us along? Will he force us to kill people too?" Eris questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.

Not long ago, Eris had accompanied Ryan and the others on an outing and witnessed the massacre they committed in a peaceful village. Although they insisted that the villagers were not human but monsters, Eris struggled to comprehend why they were slain. After all, the villagers had done no wrong. Furthermore, they informed her that the head of the family aimed to eliminate all other races, including humans who opposed his plans. Eris understood that as family servants, they might be compelled to take lives as well.

"We serve under his command. Our mission is to help him eliminate his enemies," Ryan replied after a moment of silence.

"Then why don't we just leave him and stop being his servants?" Eris asked in a low voice.

"Are you serious? Do you want to go back to that life?" Ryan countered.

"We're strong now. We can join the Shield Union. If we do, even the master won't be able to harm us," Eris suggested.

Having acquired contracted spirits and trained under the guidance of the Parada family knights, the siblings had grown significantly stronger. Ryan was now capable of engaging in face-to-face combat with a warrior from the second kingdom. Eris believed that their contracted spirits alone would secure them a place in the knights' unit of the Shield Union.

"What? The Shield Union again? Eris, the Shield Union is the reason we ended up on the streets. How can we turn our backs on the person who saved us and join those bastards?" Ryan exclaimed, his voice laced with anger.

"I... I'm sorry, brother. I didn't mean to upset you," Eris muttered, frightened by her brother's furious expression. It was the first time Ryan had been angry with her.

Seeing Eris's fear, Ryan let out a sigh and said, "Eris, I actually agree with Mr. Fray's perspective. Monsters are different from humans. Peaceful coexistence between different races is impossible. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yes, brother, I understand," Eris replied softly, though the discomfort on her face remained.