Becoming the Villain’s Family - Chapter 293

Chapter 293

But Aria began to burn with an inexplicable competitive spirit.

Then…

“…Brother?”

“…”

“Brother.”

“…”

“Your ears are red.”

“…Stop it.”

Aria smiled triumphantly as she fiddled with his earlobes.

She realized she had never called him by common pet names like darling or honey. It seemed he had no immunity to them.

She wanted to tease him more, but fearing a counterattack, she reluctantly decided to back down.

“The season for roses to bloom is coming.”

“Is that so?”

“Remember the roses I planted in the garden recently? I found out late that their name is ‘Sonnenschirm’. I wonder if that’s not good for the children’s education?”

Aria brought up her latest worry.

“Why? It seems fine to me.”

“How so?”

“If someone keeps bothering them, just pluck it and throw it in their face, telling them to go away.”

“That’s quite mild and noble.”

Pleased with his suggestion, Aria decided it was best to leave the ‘Sonnenschirm’ as it is.

Afterward, they exchanged various trivial and unnecessary words. Lloyd chuckled softly. And he thought to himself.

How he wished these days could last forever. The days were special because they are mundane, meaningless yet shining.

* * *

And then, Lloyd’s small wish was brutally shattered.

After a brief silence, he pointed at Gabriel with a chin gesture and asked.

“Why is that guy here?”

“Hmm, well…”

Aria scratched her cheek, trailing off awkwardly. She hadn’t expected to run into Gabriel here.

Gabriel seemed just as surprised by the encounter and froze on the spot.

“It’s been a long time for both of you.”

After regaining his composure, Gabriel greeted them with a slight nod. It was their first meeting since that day.

That day refers to when Gabriel, brainwashed by Veronica, had locked up Aria and confessed his love desperately. They were certainly not on terms to exchange pleasantries.

“I heard you became a pilgrim.”

Aria initiated the conversation awkwardly.

She never thought they’d cross paths with Gabriel again. Currently, he was traveling across Garcia, engaging in service and spreading God’s word.

“His Majesty called for me…”

Martin Angelo, the Duke of Angelo. Martin, who was now king, had summoned Gabriel to commend his service. It just so happened that the Valentine couple’s visit to the palace coincided exactly.

‘Should I say it’s bad luck…’

Aria thought as she noticed Lloyd’s expression turning increasingly icy.

Despite the end of their relationship not being pleasant, Aria felt uneasy because, after all, it was a human connection. She had wanted to someday meet and exchange final farewells.

“I’ve heard you’ve been rectifying the misdeeds committed by the saint.”

It was Gabriel’s form of atonement.

Even if he had been brainwashed, his involvement with Veronica was a fact. He was on a pilgrimage, apologizing and compensating those harmed by her actions and their families.

Gabriel’s repeated acts of goodwill without seeking anything in return had earned him hero status among the people.

“I was only doing what is right…”

Lloyd cut him off, showing no interest in how Gabriel was doing.

“So, it was a coincidence that we ran into each other. Then disappear naturally.”

“…I cannot decide that on my own. It’s His Majesty’s command.”

“Still unable to give up your loyal dog habits, moving only under direct orders?”

Lloyd crossed his arms and tilted his head.

“Then let me give you an order. Scram.”

“I cannot do that.”

Gabriel responded firmly.

Seeing sparks fly in Lloyd’s dark eyes, Aria quickly grabbed his hand tightly.

“As a citizen of the Kingdom of Garcia, how could I refuse the king’s call?”

Of course, Lloyd’s anger was justified. The ordeal Aria had endured at Gabriel’s hands. It was fortunate he didn’t draw his sword to settle the matter immediately.

But the past was the past.

Aria had forgiven him. It wasn’t right to beat him up now over a settled score.

‘I had intended to completely cut ties with Gabriel.’

But to run into him like this.

Aria massaged her forehead and sighed before turning to Gabriel.

“Our ending wasn’t great, but I hope it doesn’t remain as a bad memory.”

“…Yes. I will live my life in atonement for the life you’ve given back to me.”

It wasn’t me who saved you. Aria felt awkward being treated like a lifesaver but didn’t want to prolong the conversation with further clarifications.

She nodded and attempted to leave the spot.

“Anyway, it was nice to see you again.”

“Ah…”

Gabriel pursed his lips looking like he had more to say.

“Please be careful.”

“Hmm?”

“Inevitable as it may be, the aftermath of the war has left the public restless. There’s a resurgence of Eden Faith’s remnants. Though their strength is still weak, caution wouldn’t hurt.”

“Are they like cockroaches?”

Still crawling out despite being eradicated time and again. Aria shuddered and nodded, while Lloyd glared at Gabriel as if to pierce through him. As if Gabriel himself was the cockroach in question.

“Let’s go, okay? Be nice.”

Aria pushed Lloyd forward.

He seemed ready for a decisive confrontation but compliantly followed where Aria led.

“Don’t deal with him secretly.”

“…”

He gave no response, possibly indicating he had considered doing just that.

“If a hero of the people is murdered, imagine how it would further agitate the already restless public sentiment. Think about the honor of the Valentines we’ve managed to restore. For our Ella and Luka’s sake, we can’t allow that to happen.”

“Haa…”

*The sonnenchirm flowers were used to send to people you don’t like!

Want to read more? Up to [24] advanced chapters are available on Patreon: