From Trash to Villain Master of Card: With Harem of Evil women-Chapter 73: Unwelcome Observers

Gates of Aschenfall

The observers arrived in an official carriage marked with Vestria’s neutral seal—a golden circle with twelve stars representing the kingdoms.

Kaito waited for them at the gates with the four queens and the main council.

He had spent the entire morning reminding them of the rules.

Especially Naporia.

"Be polite. Be patient. Don’t threaten anyone."

"And if they ask a stupid question?"

"Answer politely anyway."

"And if they insult the kingdom?"

"Smile and correct them diplomatically."

"And if...?" 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Naporia. No threats. Period."

Now they watched as the carriage stopped and its occupants descended.

The first was a woman in her fifties—tall, thin, with a posture that screamed military discipline even though she wore formal civilian clothes.

Gray hair perfectly arranged in a bun. Ice-blue eyes that scanned everything with the expression of someone evaluating and finding faults.

Dame Kristina of Vestria.

Kaito had read her dossier. Former general. Now a diplomat known for extreme rigidity regarding rules and protocol.

The second was a man in his thirties—average build, brown hair, an easy smile that seemed genuine.

He wore more casual clothing than Kristina. Carried a notebook under his arm.

Lord Theron of Calvados.

His dossier was thinner. Minor noble. Historian by training. Reputation for being curious but fair.

But something in his eyes—the way they observed—suggested nothing escaped his attention.

Kaito stepped forward.

"Dame Kristina. Lord Theron. Welcome to Neudämmerung."

Kristina inspected Kaito from head to toe.

Her expression didn’t change.

"Lord Kaito. We will begin the inspection immediately."

No greetings. No pleasantries. Straight to business.

Theron, in contrast, extended his hand with a warm smile.

"Lord Kaito. An honor to be here. I’ve heard much about you and your... interesting kingdom."

Kaito shook his hand, noticing how Theron’s eyes discreetly moved to the four queens behind him.

"Allow me to introduce my... principal councilors."

"Adelheid von Eisenberg, Supreme Commander."

Adelheid stepped forward, saluting militarily.

Kristina nodded with minimal approval.

Theron studied Adelheid with evident interest.

"The brilliant strategist. Your defense against Avernor was... impressive."

"Lilith I of Neudämmerung, my Grand Councilor."

Lilith bowed with a grace that seemed mocking.

Kristina frowned slightly—clearly disapproving of Lilith’s style.

Theron smiled more broadly.

"The Poisoner. Your reputation precedes you."

"Naporia, Official Queen of Neudämmerung."

Naporia stepped forward with a simple crown on her head.

She tried to smile amiably.

It came out more like a grimace.

Kristina evaluated her as if she were a dangerous weapon that needed to be disarmed.

Theron inclined his head respectfully.

"Your Majesty. The Empress of the Sword. Fascinating."

"And Valeria."

Valeria stepped forward, bandages still visible beneath her clothing.

She didn’t try to smile. Only nodded once.

Kristina looked at her as if she were defective machinery.

Theron... his eyes lit up with intense curiosity.

"The Iron Butcher. I have many questions for you."

Valeria processed that.

"Function: answer questions. Accepted."

Theron laughed.

"Direct. I like it."

---

Kaito guided the observers through Aschenfall.

Kristina took notes constantly—every building, every soldier, every detail.

Her expression remained disapproving.

Theron asked questions. Many questions.

"How many active soldiers do you have?"

"Eight hundred trained. Two hundred in training."

Kristina wrote that down with visible disapproval.

"Very militarized for such a young kingdom."

Kaito maintained a neutral tone.

"Considering the threats we face, it’s necessary."

"Threats you yourselves provoked by summoning villains."

Adelheid tensed but didn’t respond.

Kaito continued calmly.

"Threats that existed before the summons. Vargun. Eldric. Avernor."

Kristina didn’t respond, only continued writing.

Theron interjected with a softer tone.

"And the government structure? How are decisions made?"

"Main council. I preside. The four queens offer counsel in their areas of expertise."

"Military?"

"Adelheid."

"Diplomatic?"

"Lilith."

"And Naporia and Valeria?"

"Naporia represents the people. She won a public contest. Valeria... manages defensive logistics."

Theron noted everything.

They arrived at the war room.

Maps on the walls. Strategic boards. An armory visible through a side door.

Kristina stopped.

"This is solely a military command room, not a civil government hall."

"It’s both."

"Exactly my point. Too militarized. A healthy kingdom separates civil government from military."

Kaito felt frustration growing but suppressed it.

"When the kingdom is under constant threat, separation is a luxury we can’t afford."

"Or a convenient excuse to centralize power."

Adelheid spoke before she could stop herself.

"With respect, Dame Kristina, you don’t know our circumstances."

Kristina looked at her coldly.

"I know enough to recognize a militarized state when I see one."

Palpable tension filled the room.

Theron intervened quickly.

"Perhaps we could continue the tour. I’m particularly interested in the civilian areas. Markets? Housing?"

Kaito nodded with gratitude.

"Of course."

---

Aschenfall Market

The atmosphere improved slightly when they went out to public areas.

The market was active—merchants selling, families buying, children running.

Normal life.

Kristina observed with a slightly less disapproving expression.

"At least the people seem... functional."

Theron spoke directly with merchants.

"What’s it like living under Lord Kaito’s rule?"

A baker responded honestly.

"Better than under Vargun. Taxes are fair. Laws are clear. There’s no corruption."

A farmer woman added.

"And when there was scarcity, Lord Kaito made sure no one starved. That’s more than previous governments did."

Theron noted everything, smiling.

"Interesting. The people seem genuinely satisfied."

Kristina frowned.

"Or they’ve been trained to say the right thing."

The farmer woman heard her.

"No one trained me for anything, ma’am. I’m just telling the truth."

Kristina didn’t respond, but her expression suggested skepticism.

---

First Dinner

That night, a formal dinner was organized.

A long table with Kaito at the head. Kristina to his right. Theron to his left. The four queens strategically distributed.

The meal began in tense silence.

Kristina inspected each dish as if looking for poison.

Theron ate with genuine enthusiasm.

"Excellent food. Who manages provisioning?"

"Gorman, our chief steward," Kaito responded.

"And he reports to?"

"Me. And to Adelheid for military aspects."

Kristina set down her fork.

"Again, concentration of power. Concerning."

Lilith spoke with a soft but sharp voice.

"With respect, Dame Kristina, a small kingdom requires an efficient structure. We can’t afford excessive bureaucracy when our resources are limited."

"Efficiency shouldn’t sacrifice proper oversight."

"And what level of oversight do you suggest? Committees? Subcommittees? While enemies attack our borders?"

Kristina looked at her coldly.

"Sarcasm doesn’t help your case, Grand Councilor."

Theron intervened again.

"Perhaps we could discuss something lighter. Lord Kaito, I understand you organized a public contest to choose your Queen. How exactly did that work?"

Kaito explained—four trials, public voting, Naporia won through emotional connection with the people.

Theron listened, fascinated.

"Direct democracy within a monarchy. Unusual but... intriguing."

He looked at Naporia.

"Your Majesty, how does it feel to be chosen by the people rather than by birth or divine right?"

Naporia considered the question seriously.

"It feels... heavy. Like a responsibility I can’t fail."

"But satisfying?"

"Yes. Because I know the people chose me. It wasn’t imposed. That means something."

Theron nodded, making mental notes.

Kristina spoke.

"And the other three? Doesn’t it create resentment having multiple ’queens’ when only one is official?"

Adelheid responded.

"No. We understand our roles. Naporia represents the kingdom externally. We serve internally."

"Without conflict?"

Lilith smiled.

"Oh, there is conflict. But functional. It keeps us sharp."

Kristina didn’t seem satisfied with that answer.

--

Next Day — Individual Interviews

Theron had requested to interview each queen privately.

Kaito had agreed—he couldn’t refuse without seeming to hide something.

But he had given them clear instructions.

"Be honest but cautious. Don’t reveal military secrets. And please, please, be diplomatic."

Interview with Adelheid:

Theron found her in her office, surrounded by tactical maps.

"Commander Adelheid. Thank you for your time."

"Lord Theron."

Adelheid indicated a chair.

Theron sat, pulling out his notebook.

"I’d like to understand your relationship with Lord Kaito. How would you describe your dynamic?"

"Professional. He is my commander. I execute his strategies."

"Only professional?"

Pause.

"There is mutual respect. Trust. He has saved my life. I have saved his."

"And romantically?"

Adelheid tensed visibly.

"That is... an inappropriate question."

"But relevant. The power structure in the kingdom could be affected by personal relationships."

Adelheid looked directly at him.

"My personal feelings do not compromise my ability to lead."

--

Theron nodded, writing.

"Understood. Next question: were you summoned against your will?"

"Yes."

"And how do you feel about that?"

"At first, furious. Resentful. But..."

She paused.

"But Kaito gave me a choice. Stay or leave. Fight or not fight. That choice changed everything."

"So you are here voluntarily now?"

"Completely."

Theron studied her expression.

"One last question: if you had to choose between loyalty to Kaito and the well-being of the kingdom, what would you choose?"

Adelheid didn’t hesitate.

"They are the same. Kaito is the kingdom’s well-being."

Interview with Lilith:

Lilith received Theron in the library, surrounded by ancient books.

Purple dress. Enigmatic smile.

"Lord Theron. What a pleasure."

"Grand Councilor. Or should I say... the Poisoner?"

"Either works. Though I prefer the former in formal contexts."

Theron smiled.

"Your reputation is... colorful. Poisons. Mental manipulation. Political assassinations."

"All before I was sealed. I’ve been quite well-behaved since then."

"Have you used your memory power on Neudämmerung citizens?"

"Only when explicitly requested. Traumas they want to forget. Painful memories."

"Never for manipulation?"

Lilith looked at him with golden eyes that revealed nothing.

"Define manipulation. Is it manipulation to persuade with words? To present effective arguments?"

"You know what I mean."

"Yes. And the answer is: no. I do not use my power to manipulate political or military decisions."

She paused.

"Not because I’m morally superior. But because Kaito asked me not to. And I respect his wishes."

"And if he asked you to?"

"Then I would consider it case by case."

Theron noted that.

"Honest. I appreciate it."

"Lying would be counterproductive. You are clearly a perceptive observer."

"Flattery flatters me," Theron said with a smile. "Last question: Do you love Lord Kaito?"

Lilith hadn’t expected that question.

She was silent for a moment.

"That is... a complex question."

"But important."

"I feel... deep affection. Respect. Something that could become love over time."

She looked directly at Theron.

"Why does it matter?"

"Because love can cloud judgment. Or strengthen it. I want to understand which case this is."

Lilith smiled.

"Then observe. And draw your own conclusions."

Interview with Naporia:

Naporia was on the training field when Theron found her.

Practicing sword movements.

"Your Majesty. May I interrupt?"

Naporia lowered her sword.

"Go ahead."

"I’d prefer to sit..."

"I’m fine here."

Theron sighed and stood beside her.

"Very well. Direct question: Do you enjoy killing?"

Naporia looked at him, surprised.

"What kind of question is that?"

"Direct. Like you."

Naporia considered.

"I used to. Before. It was the only thing I knew. The only thing I was good at."

"And now?"

"Now... it’s a tool. Not a pleasure. I use it when necessary."

"But you don’t enjoy it?"

"Not like before. Kaito showed me there’s more to life."

Theron noted.

"How would you react if Lord Kaito ordered the massacre of an innocent village?"

"He wouldn’t."

"But hypothetically..."

"No. Because Kaito would never give that order. And if he did, it would mean he’d been compromised or replaced."

Naporia looked directly at him.

"And then I would rescue him or kill him. Depending on the situation."

Theron blinked.

"That’s... brutally honest."

"He asked for honesty."

"True."

Theron closed his notebook.

"One last thing: Do you trust the other queens?"

"Adelheid, yes. Valeria, yes. Lilith..."

Pause.

"Lilith is complicated. But yes. I trust she’ll do what’s right for the kingdom."

Interview with Valeria:

Valeria was in the repair workshop when Theron arrived.

Methodically sharpening her axe.

"Commander Valeria. Do you have a moment?"

"Current function: equipment maintenance. Can continue during conversation."

"Perfect."

Theron sat on a nearby bench.

"My first question: Are you human?"

Valeria didn’t stop her work.

"Definition of ’human’ is complex. I was human. I was transformed. Does that make me non-human?"

"What do you think?"

"I am learning that humanity is defined by choice, not origin."

"Philosophical. Who taught you that?"

"Commander Kaito. And Naporia."

Theron smiled.

"Do you have emotions?"

"I am developing them. The process is... gradual."

"Do you love Lord Kaito?"

Valeria stopped for the first time.

She processed the question for ten full seconds.

"I don’t know if what I feel qualifies as love. But I feel... loyalty. Gratitude. Desire to protect."

"And that isn’t love?"

"Possibly. I am learning the differences between various types of affection."

Theron wrote extensively.

"Last question: if ordered, would you kill Lord Kaito?"

"No."

"Even if it were a direct order from a higher authority?"

"No higher authority than Commander Kaito exists for me. He is the reason I choose to continue existing."

Theron closed his notebook slowly.

"That is... a powerful statement."

"It is factual truth."

---

That Night — Kristina and Theron’s Report

The two observers met in their assigned quarters.

Kristina reviewing her notes with disapproval.

"Militarized structure. Concentration of power. Multiple villains with questionable loyalty."

"My report will be negative."

Theron shook his head.

"Interesting. My report will be mostly positive."

Kristina looked at him.

"How?"

"Because I saw a genuinely satisfied populace. Effective if centralized government. And queens who, though powerful, are genuinely committed to the kingdom’s well-being."

"And their nature as villains?"

"Irrelevant if they choose to do good."

Kristina frowned.

"We are here to evaluate objectively. Not to be influenced by emotional narratives."

"And I am evaluating objectively. Only my conclusions differ from yours."

Tension between the observers.

Finally, Theron spoke.

"We have a month before the first report. Let’s observe more before deciding finally."

Kristina nodded stiffly.

"Agreed."

But both knew.

Their reports would be very different.

And that would complicate everything.