Ascension Of The Villain

As Vyan gave her a look that screamed confusion, like she had just sprouted three heads, Iyana playfully arched an eyebrow. "What? What's the problem? You are acting like I suggested I will spend the night in your room."

"Oh…" Vyan's face turned a delightful shade of pink, embarrassment flooding his expression. "You mean you will stay in the guest room."

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction. "Well, if you insist, I wouldn't mind staying here instead—"

"So!" Vyan loudly cleared his throat, desperately trying to regain his composure, "how is my shoulder already healed?" He awkwardly shifted topics, eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. "Usually, injuries like this take a bit more time, even with all the magical herbs and potions Harvey provides."

"Oh, that's because Princess Althea dropped by earlier after hearing about Clyde and you," Iyana explained, still amused by how easily she could rattle him.

"Ah, so she healed me."

"Yes, though I have to admit, she mostly came to see Clyde." A hint of curiosity danced on her lips as she murmured, "I wonder if those two are finally seeing each other."

Vyan let out a small chuckle, a playful glint in his eyes. "I don't think there is any harm in telling you. You are right actually."

Iyana gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth as she squealed with delight. "Oh, my goodness! That's amazing!"

Vyan's lips tugged into a half-smile as he watched her enthusiasm bubble over. "Wow, you are really happy for them, aren't you?"

"Of course! They are both my friends. Althea and I really bonded during the Monster Hunt Festival. And Clyde always kept me company at the dining table when you were initially too busy pretending I didn't exist."

Vyan laughed, shaking his head. "I wasn't pretending to ignore you, per se. Your presence just made me… a bit more self-conscious."

"Sure, sure." She rolled her eyes playfully. "So, do you want to get something to drink tonight? You know, alcohol always helps drown out your miseries."

"I don't think alcohol is the best idea after what happened the last time I got drunk."

"Huh—" Iyana suddenly froze, her cheeks flushing as memories of how he had touched her last time came rushing back. "Yes, you are right. Maybe just a glass of wine?"

"Sounds good."

"Alright then. I will be back in an hour with the wine—after I have taken a bath."

"Yes, I should do the same."

———

Vyan stood by the large windows in his room, the moonlight casting a soft glow over him as he gazed out at the night. A gentle knock at the door drew his attention, and he turned to see Iyana enter, a bottle of red wine in one hand and two glasses in the other.

A soft smile spread across his face as she walked in, her presence warming the room. His eyes followed her as she gracefully poured the wine into the glasses, then offered one to him with a quiet elegance.

"Hey, what's with all these guards in the corridor?" Iyana asked, a touch of curiosity in her voice. "Are you finally taking your security seriously?"

Vyan chuckled lightly, nodding as he took the glass from her. "Yes, Benedict insisted on it." He felt a pang of guilt for not telling her the real reason—the heightened security was to prevent any chance of Iyana and Maria crossing paths if Maria decided to leave her hideout.

"I swear, Benedict is the only one with any sense around here," Iyana teased gently. "You know, he and I didn't exactly get along at first, but now… I think we are on pretty good terms."

"I am glad to hear that," Vyan replied with a genuine smile, taking a sip of the wine. "Did you know Benedict was actually the one who found me after I escaped from the Estelles?"

"Oh?" Iyana's interest was piqued. "I would love to hear more about that."

"Are you sure you would rather hear about that than what happened today?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

"Well, it's up to you," she said softly, her tone full of care. "I will listen to anything you want to share—anything that helps."

"You don't have to treat me like I am fragile just because I mentioned I was a bit drained mentally."

"I know," Iyana replied with a gentle smile. "You always seem so calm and composed, like nothing ever rattles you. But I can tell there is a lot more going on inside, something that you keep hidden, as if to not expose your weakness."

Vyan's smile was tinged with a hint of sadness. "Well, to tell you the truth, you are right. I was hoping to recover some of my childhood memories today by revisiting those old places. But I didn't expect them to hit me so hard," he admitted, chuckling softly but without humor. "It's like… wow, I really lived a tough life. Especially considering how much my family did to save me."

Iyana's eyes softened with empathy as she asked, "Your family… were they all kind to you?" Her voice carried her own painful experiences with family.

"The best." Vyan's expression brightened as he thought about them. "They were the best," he said with a warm grin. "Of course, they had their flaws and made mistakes, and sometimes things were hard, but at the end of the day, what mattered most was that they loved and adored me so much. I am so glad I can remember that now."

"That's rare," Iyana remarked, a smile playing on her lips. "Most nobles don't really value their second-born much, especially if the first is a son."

Vyan's smile widened at her words. "I know, right? My brother would get furious if anyone insinuated I was just the backup heir."

"As he should," Iyana replied with mock indignation. "They make it sound like you were born just for that purpose."

"Well, I guess it did end up becoming true, though. In the end, I did end up taking the inheritance after my brother passed away."

"So what?" she said softly, her eyes meeting his. "It's not like you planned it. There are so many other reasons you were born."

Vyan leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. "Like what?"

For a moment, Iyana's heart raced, the words Like being the person I'd fall in love with lingering in her mind. But instead, she teased, "Like being Clyde's best friend. Who else could put up with the two of you if not each other?"

Vyan laughed, the tension easing. "Yes, you are probably right."

They fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, their laughter and shared stories filling the room. As they talked, Vyan noticed the small droplets of water clinging to the ends of Iyana's hair, making him smile softly at the sight.

"Honestly, do you ever learn how to dry your hair properly?" Vyan chided playfully.

"I did dry it just fine!" Iyana protested. "And why does it bother you so much? Just so you know, I never get sick from it."

"Well, it drives me crazy," he countered.

"That's your problem to deal with," she shot back.

"Oh, I will deal with it, alright." Vyan set his empty wine glass on the table and moved to retrieve some dry towels from a nearby cabinet. "Come here, sit down."

Iyana rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile as she made her way to the edge of the bed. Vyan settled behind her, gently wrapping the towel around the ends of her hair and began drying it with care. As he worked, the fresh scent of her hair filled the air, slowly wrapping around his senses.

Drying her hair was something he had done countless times before, a routine he never thought twice about when he was her knight.

But tonight felt different—he suddenly found himself acutely aware of the delicate curve of her nape, the smoothness of her collarbone, and the subtle elegance of her shoulder blades. Every inch of her exposed skin seemed to call out to him, making his hands falter as they held the towel.

"Vyan," Iyana's soft voice broke through his thoughts, making his breath hitch. "Do you remember that time in front of the Estelle Manor when you told me you only felt platonically for me?"

"Yes…" he replied, his voice barely audible as his heart pounded in his chest.

She turned slightly, her gaze meeting his, her eyes searching his face. "Do you still feel that way?"

Instead of answering, his eyes drifted to her lips, the urge to close the distance between them becoming impossible to ignore. "No," he whispered, the word a promise as he began to lean in.

Before he could fully close the gap, Iyana met him halfway, their lips finding each other in a kiss that was as inevitable as it was passionate.