A Villainess For The Tyrant

Cecile stared at the person kneeling before her. With waist-long straight silver hair and deep blue eyes like an azure sky, there kneeled an eye-catching beauty in the form of a handsome little boy. He exuded an alluring but pitiful air that stirred the urge to tease in the beholder; like an adorable puppy, somehow, he made women want to sayFollow me and come lie down on my bed.Thats how most women would react, that is, except for Cecile.

Thats Richard! Cecile yelled with fright.

Richards appearance had transformed from that of a man in his late twenties to that of a young prepubescent teen, but there was no mistaking that he was the mage lord whod been diced to bits at Estians hand.

Wow. How did she recognize me with one look? Richard wondered aloud, as he stood and wiped the pitiful look off his face.

Wouldnt it be strange not to?

Ill have you know that no one else has ever seen through it, The mage lord shrugged. With a look that saidI told you so!Richard turned towards Estian and crossed his arms.

Cecile was baffledno matter how she saw it, he appeared like a slightly younger Richard. How was no one else able to tell? However, she moved on to her more pressing concern. Rather than that, it cant be that the person whos to guard me is?

Yes. Its Richard, Estian replied. Seeing Ceciles look of betrayal, Estian quickly continued. Oh, dont look at me like that, Ill explain.

It took a while before Estian was finally able to convince Cecile of the arrangement. So, youre saying, he can never harm and must protect me unconditionally due to a magical vow, Cecile summarized hesitantly.

Right, so its okay to rest easy, Estian assured her.

You say that but Cecile trailed off, remembering how Richard was the culprit that had brought the phantom beast egg, made a mess at the imperial palace, and how hed continued to jabber on despite having his arms and neck dismembered. Even being trampled by Girgantia had failed to stop him.

Worry and wariness were clearly reflected in Ceciles eyes. Truthfully, Estian was as uneasy as Cecile, but he couldnt think of anyone better suited to guard her in his and Kanes absence. Richards capability was undeniable. His title as lord of the Mage Tower meant there was no one on the continent more proficient or stronger than him in magic. The only problem was the man was somewhat of a lunatic.

Fortunately, when Estian proposed placing various magical constraints on Richard, the mage lord had obediently accepted if that meant he could remain at the empresss side. His overflowing curiosity towards Cecile had led him to accept Estians offer of release in return for guarding the empresss safety. In fact, hed begged for it.

Will this be enough? Now I can never do harm to your wife. Not only that, I made it so that if she dies, Ill die too. Should I add some more?Richard enthusiastically began casting magical restraints upon himself with glee. Even in Estians eyes, the amount of restraints cast was excessive. What more could he ask for?

Youll have to change your appearance a bit,Estian commented. Richards appearance was recognizable; it would be wiser and less troublesome to have his identity obscured, and it was a simple task for the mage lord.

I dont mind changing appearances, but I have the feeling itll be pointless in front of your wife.

What do you mean?

Exactly as I said.

The emperor had wondered what nonsense Richard was uttering, but it turned out that Cecile had indeed recognized Richard at a single glance. She appeared dubious that no one else had managed to recognize who he was, as if it was strange that it wasnt apparent to everyone else.

It appeared that Cecile was the outlier thoughEstian had called upon Kane to test out Richards disguise, and while the knight commander had eventually discovered Richards identity after sensing his mana, even he initially was unable to determine who was the man-turned-boy.

All that aside, there was still the matter of Princess Yuliana. Her power was not of the offensive kind, but it was necessary to figure out how it functioned. Cecile had to be protected and Yuliana had to be stopped simultaneously, and there was no better person than Richard for the job.

Cecile, its alright, Estian comforted, as she hid herself behind him and gazed fearfully at Richard.

But Im still scared, Cecile whispered.

What am I? A rabid dog? Richard complained.

Here, Ill prove that itll be fine. Cecile, go ahead and give any command to Richard, Estian said.

Any command?

Yes. It can be anything. Something thats as humiliating as possible. Something that youd doubt hed ever comply with.

Cecile lapsed into thoughtwhat had Richard said a moment ago? Rabid dog? Remembering the mans complaint, Cecile commanded Richard, Sit! Instantly upon command, Richard kneeled before her. Whats happening? Cecile said in amazement.

As you can see, Richard will unconditionally obey your words.

All that aside, there was still the matter of Princess Yuliana. Her power was not of the offensive kind, but it was necessary to figure out how it functioned. Cecile had to be protected and Yuliana had to be stopped simultaneously, and there was no better person than Richard for the job.

Cecile, its alright, Estian comforted, as she hid herself behind him and gazed fearfully at Richard.

But Im still scared, Cecile whispered.

What am I? A rabid dog? Richard complained.

Here, Ill prove that itll be fine. Cecile, go ahead and give any command to Richard, Estian said.

Any command?

Yes. It can be anything. Something thats as humiliating as possible. Something that youd doubt hed ever comply with.

Cecile lapsed into thoughtwhat had Richard said a moment ago? Rabid dog? Remembering the mans complaint, Cecile commanded Richard, Sit! Instantly upon command, Richard kneeled before her. Whats happening? Cecile said in amazement.

As you can see, Richard will unconditionally obey your commands.

Cecile tentatively stepped out from behind Estian. I still feel anxious, so I think Ill try another command.

Richard fearfully watched the empress gaining more confidence, and stammered, W-what are you going to?