Too Lazy to be a Villainess novel Chapter 202

Chapter 202: The Emperor, the Archmage, and the Love

[Lavinia’s POV—Lavinia’s Chamber—Continuation]

For the first time since he stepped from the shadows, Rey’s smile faltered. Briefly. Just for a flicker of a heartbeat. Then it was back, sharper, hungrier—like a wolf baring its teeth.

"Who am I?" he echoed, voice rolling low with amusement, though his eyes glimmered with something darker. "What do you mean, princess? I’m Rey—a normal guild master."

I scoffed, crossing my arms. "A normal guild master? Please. My patience is short, Rey. I inherited Papa’s temper."

He blinked, then chuckled and dipped his head. "I can agree with that."

This bastard!

"Will you speak the truth or should I—"

"Careful, princess," he cut in smoothly, his grin returning. "Some answers... aren’t meant to be given so easily."

I frowned. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"It means," he said, tilting his head with infuriating calm, "that I’d rather watch you discover it on your own."

I stared at him flatly. "...What are you, some mysterious fairy god with riddles?"

He blinked once, then smirked wider. "If that’s what makes it easier for you, sure. Though, personally, I prefer the term irresistibly enigmatic man of intrigue."

Tch. Mysterious idiot.

I sighed dramatically and sank onto the couch. "Fine. One way or another, I’ll uncover your secrets."

His smirk deepened, eyes glittering. "I like that fire of yours, princess. It suits you."

I gave him a long look. His amusement, his shadowy aura, his unpredictable antics... Suspicious? Yes. But bad? I wasn’t so sure. He could be an idiot, even a shameless pervert sometimes—but unlike the conniving nobles, Rey didn’t strike me as the type to conspire behind my back.

I exhaled. "Enough about you. I need you to look into someone."

He leaned in, curiosity piqued. "Oh? A new person? And who could possibly earn your suspicion?"

"Caelum," I said clearly. "The adopted son of Marquis Everett."

Rey hummed, tapping his chin. "Caelum... that name does ring a bell. Familiar somehow. But I can’t place it."

"You’ve heard of him?" I pressed.

"Only in passing, princess. But don’t worry, I’ll dig him up for you." Then his lips curled into a foxlike grin. "Of course, you’ll need to prepare the proper amount of gold."

I arched a brow. "I’ll pay generously once you bring me results."

His eyes practically sparkled. "Then it’s settled. I’ll start immediately."

He strode toward the balcony with his usual flair, cloak swishing dramatically. Just as he reached the edge, he paused and glanced back, that wolfish grin tugging at his lips.

"By the way... you turned sixteen, didn’t you?"

I blinked. "Yes. Why?"

His grin sharpened. "Then it’s time you enter the Holy Temple, princess. Perhaps... you’ll find the answers you’re chasing."

And just like that, he vaulted over the balcony, vanishing into the night.

I stared after him, baffled.

"The Holy Temple?" I muttered. "What does he mean?"

Then it clicked. Papa once told me that only an emperor could step foot into the Holy Temple’s library. My eyes widened.

"...Wait." I jabbed a finger at the empty balcony like Rey was still standing there. "Is that shadow-brained lunatic telling me to... snatch the throne and crown myself Empress?"

The very thought made me groan so hard I flopped back onto the couch like a dying seal. "Ughhh. I can barely manage not tripping over my skirts, and now I’m supposed to juggle a whole empire? No thanks!"

Stretching my arms above my head, I yawned so wide it nearly cracked my jaw. "Forget it. My brain’s leaking smoke already. Let’s think tomorrow. Future-me can handle it. Present-me requires... sleep."

With that, I surrendered to sleep, snoring like a tiny dragon hoarding her blanket treasure.

***

[Emperor’s Pov—Dawnspire Wing—Ground—Near Lavina’s balcony]

"Yaaawn..." Rey drawled, stretching his arms behind his head. "She sure gives me a looooot of work."

SHLICK!

My blade was at his throat before the last syllable left his lips.

"Long... time... no... see... Archmage Rey Morvan," I said, each word dragged out like the crack of a whip. My tone was sharp, merciless—a tyrant’s decree.

Rey had the audacity to widen his eyes, feigning innocence. "Hide? Meee? Emperor, don’t flatter yourself." He leaned into the blade, purring. "I see your precious daughter every... single... day. It is not I who has been hiding. It is you... who has kept me waiting."

Rey tilted his head, like a snake amused by the boot raised above it. "Ah... the mighty Emperor finally wants a conversation." He let the words roll, savoring them. "Tell me... do you want to know... whether your darling daughter remembers her past life?"

Rey’s smirk turned razor-edged, his eyes gleaming with cruel delight. "Know? My dear Emperor..." He leaned forward, voice dropping into a whisper that felt louder than a scream. "...how could I not, when I am the one who bent time itself... for her?"

My grip tightened around the hilt. That face. That damned face. The same eyes. The same hair that caught the firelight as though it were woven from the abyss. The same smirk he wore when I held Lavinia in my arms and went to him—and he dared to bow before her and utter the words "Master of Rakhsar."

How could I forget? How could I forget him—the man who twisted time for her sake?

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