His brows furrowed as he read the last message floating in front of him on a glowing blue screen.
"Hey, I thought I was supposed to play the hero. I don't think I've done anything bad enough to get the title of 'Villain'," Dian said, his voice tinged with dissatisfaction.
And it wasn't even his fault—being labeled a villain without doing anything wrong. It wasn't quite anger, more like an itch of irritation.
At his words, a soft chime rang in his mind, followed by a feminine voice.
"Host, the system doesn't give you anything by itself. It only responds as the situation changes—and it grants what might aid you."
The system explained, her tone gentle but direct.
"Right now, Host, Fate has marked you as a 'Villain' and will try to limit or even erase you."
As her last words echoed in Dian's mind, his breath hitched. Adrenaline surged—not from fear, but from excitement.
A new adventure? he thought.
"And this title…" Dian said, piecing things together, "helps me fight against Fate…?"
"Yes, Host," the system confirmed. "You've gotten smarter since I arrived."
But it couldn't resist slipping in a sarcastic jab.
Dian rolled his eyes at the comment, a faint smile on his lips. He didn't get annoyed or angry—he was grateful. Grateful to have a partner he could talk to.
He was a reincarnated soul with a system. He had many secrets—but he'd promised himself never to reveal anything about his past life. This was a new beginning, and he intended to leave the old feelings behind.
As for the system—it was his trump card, his most tightly guarded secret.
A screen flickered open in front of him, snapping him from his thoughts.
...
[Status Window]
Name – Dian Skyster
Age – 16
Title – Elemental King (Temporarily Locked), Rebeler ~ Novice Villain
[Novice Villain]
Host will dispel 20% of the attack from any "Chosen One."
Host will gain +100 Luck for each female lead conquered.
Effect – Fate will not directly target you while this title is active. ]
Stage – Mage, 2nd
Elements – Wind Lv2, Fire Lv1, Water Lv2, Earth Lv1, Ice Lv2, Thunder Lv1, Light Lv1
Attributes:
Strength: 88 / 100
Agility: 90 / 100
Defense: 89 / 100
Stamina: 155 / 300 (Skill used)
Mana: 196 / 300 (Skill used)
Luck: 45 + 100 = 145 (Normal Max: 100)
Skills – Lust Incarnate, Elemental Zone, Bizarre King, Stamina Flow, Impregnation, Eyes of Perception ]
...
A smile crept across his face as he read his updated status screen. A thought came to him.
"Okay, now it's time to head home… and see what my little maid is up to." Dian stood from the tub.
Droplets traced down his body—from his smooth forehead to his sculpted chest, six-pack abs, and further. As if even the water was reluctant to let go. His skin shimmered where the sunlight hit it through the window.
He grabbed a towel from the rack and wrapped it around his waist before walking out.
The moment he stepped from the bath, a pair of eyes met him. Gianna still lay on the bed, her breath catching at the sight of him.
Her cheeks flushed red, lips parted slightly, her golden eyes burning.
H-he… looks godly… The sun's light bathed Dian's body—his black hair glinting gold, his brown eyes glowing faintly.
A soft, teasing voice snapped her out of it.
"Enjoying the view, my wife?"
Gianna stiffened, her cheeks deepening in color. M-my wife…! His warm voice wrapped around her. She looked up—only to meet his gaze, teasing and full of affection.
"Y-you…!" she squeaked, pulling the blanket over her head.
Dian's soft laughter filled the room. "Okay, okay," he said, regaining composure. "We need to depart soon. Get ready."
Gianna didn't hesitate. With a soft "Hmm," she got up and walked to the bath.
Meanwhile, Dian took out his clothes—already cleaned and prepared by the maids. A black robe embroidered with runes, the family crest stitched on the left breast, and sleek black pants to match.
Moments later, Gianna emerged from the bath, water trailing in her wake. A towel clung tightly to her body, wrapped just above her chest. It barely concealed the generous swell of her breasts and the gentle curve of her hips. Rather than hiding her beauty, it only intensified it. Droplets trickled down her smooth skin, slipping into the valley between her collarbones and vanishing into the towel's edge.
Dian's gaze lifted slowly—from her bare legs to the flush on her cheeks. His throat tightened, and for a brief second, he forgot to breathe.
Gianna, sensing his gaze like a physical touch, flushed crimson. Her arms instinctively wrapped around herself.
"D-Don't s-stare so much…" she whispered, her voice shaking, eyes downcast in embarrassment. Her fingers gripped the edge of the towel, knuckles pale.
Dian stepped forward, his strides quiet but sure, halting just inches away from her. His presence was overwhelming—calm, composed, yet filled with a restrained intensity.
He leaned down, his face near hers. The air between them grew heavy, thick with anticipation.
"You look so beautiful," he murmured, voice low, almost reverent. "I can't help but stare…"
His warm breath ghosted across her ear, and her breath hitched audibly. A tiny squeak escaped her lips. She swayed slightly toward him before catching herself.
Dian's hand rose slowly, fingers brushing against her damp cheek, tracing a trail of water down her jawline before stopping under her chin. He lifted it gently, tilting her gaze to his.
Their eyes met—his steady and warm, hers wide and trembling.
So close...
The distance between them shrank as if pulled by invisible strings. His other hand hovered, uncertain, just shy of her waist, fingers twitching with temptation.
She smelled of roses and warm skin. Her lips were slightly parted, breath coming fast. Her gaze flicked between his lips and eyes—and then—
Knock knock.
The sound struck like thunder between them.
"Ughhh!" Gianna squeaked, jumping slightly and clutching her towel with both hands. She spun around and practically fled toward the wardrobe, red from ear to toe.
Dian straightened slowly, running a hand through his hair, suppressing a sigh. So close… damn fate.
"Who is it?!" he called, irritation laced in his voice—not anger, just the sting of the moment lost.
"Y-young Lord," came the butler's voice. "My apologies for the interruption. All preparations for departure are complete."
Jones' voice hesitated, clearly aware he'd just crashed something important.
"We'll be there soon," Dian replied, calming his tone.
"Understood, Young Lord."
...
After a moment
Creak… The doors opened.
Two figures stepped out—a striking young man and an otherworldly beautiful woman.
Their footsteps echoed softly through the long hall. Their hands were gently intertwined, fingers laced in silent affection. Gianna's eyes still shimmered with a warm blush, her smile tender but lingering with the ghost of the moment that had almost been.
Dian, walking beside her, cast a sidelong glance. Her fingers tightened around his. A small smile pulled at his lips. Next time, he thought.
Something stirred in his chest—not just desire, but an ache to protect her, to earn her smiles, to be the reason she glowed like that again.
Straight ahead stood the grand carriage. Obsidian-black wood gleamed under the morning sun, etched with gold runes and their family crest. Two white horses pawed the earth, eager to begin. The coachman waited silently, hat tipped in respect.
Their journey continued—but something between them had changed. A spark had lit… and it would only grow from here.