I'm in Love with the Villainess!-Chapter 223: All’s Well That Seems to End Well

Julius and I headed back to the edge of the lived‑in outer district, to the top floor of an abandoned apartment building.

It wasn’t hard to find. Most of the buildings around here were already empty anyway.

There was no way we could just go home after... all that. We needed to talk everything through—especially the False Hydra.

"So... all’s well that ends well?"

Julius leaned against a cracked window, eyes scanning the streets below, making sure no one was close enough to overhear us.

"Ends well...? How are we supposed to explain the mess we made?"

I sprawled out on the unmade bed, still exhausted from everything. Honestly, it beat trying to stand around looking cool like Julius.

Comfort won out every time.

"That?" Julius smirked and scratched the back of his neck. "Well... what if we just tell the truth?"

Really?

That’s his big idea?

"Tell the truth? I’d rather not paint a target on my back."

"Well, I was hoping we’d be seen as heroes, not targets. So what do you suggest?"

"Evelina, obviously."

"Really...?"

"You know anyone who can come up with a better plan than her?"

"I’d say Lillian could do just as well."

I sat up and crossed my legs, fixing Julius with a look that was half glare, half challenge.

"You willing to bet on that?"

"Of course."

I straightened up, suddenly interested in his bragging. There was no way in heaven or hell Lillian could beat Evelina when it came to strategy or brains.

[Photographic Memory]

And I had the memory to prove it.

But... Julius really is the fun type. Maybe I could use this chance to rope him into a challenge. One I’m guaranteed to win.

Maybe I could even put up some ridiculous prize I could use to manipulate him later.

"Judging by that look in your eye, you’ve got something in mind?"

"Yeah. How about we both report everything to our own goddesses and see who handles covering up the damage better?"

"I’m up for it, but... I’m guessing you want to put a prize on the line."

"How about we keep it a secret? Might make things more interesting."

I crossed my arms and flashed a dangerous smile. Didn’t matter if this face scared him off; the contest was optional anyway. I trusted Evelina to handle things on her own.

What really mattered was showing Julius just how confident I was in her.

"T-That’s not exactly reassuring, but sure, you’re on. Just make sure it’s something I can actually do, okay?"

"That goes for you too..."

Hook, line, and sinker.

***

Julius and I went our separate ways, but not before spending another minute combing the area, double-checking that no one had been close enough to overhear us.

The storm might have been loud, sure, but I refused to believe no one heard anything—or worse, missed the little lightshow the two of us had put on.

So yeah—better safe than sorry.

[Dark Step]

I teleported back into the bedroom, and Evelina was still lying on the bed, breathing softly, completely out.

Good thing I didn’t wake her.

For now, the least I could do was let her rest.

’What were you up to?’

A voice slipped straight into my thoughts, sultry and amused—the succubus, of course, sitting on the edge of the bed with a knowing smile.

’I suggest you keep your mouth shut.’

I answered her through the mental link she’d given me, keeping my lips still. Neither of us wanted Evelina waking up right now.

The succubus rose and walked over, leaning in close to my shoulder and inhaling lightly.

’Whoa... you absolutely reek of suffering. What in the world were you fighting?’

She laughed and began circling me, taking in the blood and shredded mess that used to be my clothes. Honestly, it was a miracle I had anything left on.

’A false hydra, apparently.’

I still had no idea what that thing really was, besides the fact that it erased memories and looked downright horrific. I didn’t even know where it came from. For all I knew, it might’ve been some endangered creature driven out of its home.

Although... I really doubted something that looked like that could be anything that innocent.

’A false hydra!?’ She shot up into the air, laughing. ’You’re kidding!? Guess it makes sense, considering the inner district... but I’m surprised you’re still alive!’

’I’m honestly surprised myself.’

I changed into something more comfortable, then burned what was left of my old clothes—if you could still even call that shredded mess "clothes."

When I eventually report everything to Evelina, I had to make sure she wouldn’t find out I’d almost died. The last thing I wanted was to make her worry again. After the way she broke down earlier, I’d never forgive myself if I put her through that two days in a row.

One day was already more than enough of a sin.

’You’re full of surprises, y’know? I knew you were strong, but I didn’t think you were strong enough to take on that aberration. If you tell Evelyn, she’ll be very impressed.’

Evelyn...?

’That’s a cute nickname for her.’

’That’s what you’re focusing on?’

’Yeah. Thanks for the idea.’

The succubus just sighed at my answer. ’A succubus matron like me is complimenting you. You should take it more seriously.’

’I only accept compliments from her, so no thanks.’

’Killjoy...’

She frowned and stuck out her tongue before disappearing back into Evelina’s choker. Well, at least their relationship seemed to be going great.

She even had a nickname for Evelina.

One I was definitely going to use tomorrow.

Maybe I’d even get a flustered, cute reaction out of her.

But I couldn’t get ahead of myself. There was still the elephant in the room I needed to check before going to bed. The last thing I needed was for it to suddenly go wild the moment I let my guard down.

"Check captured entity."

[False Hydra (SS)]

- Forceful Contract

- Kill

Oh...?

Now that was interesting.