When the Villainess Died, the Male Lead Went Crazy - Chapter 117.1

The Ensest Island where Duke Percival arrived at was truly disheartening. Having always enjoyed the finest life in the capital, he had even lived luxuriously while imprisoned.

He was well aware that the prison was designed as a reform facility based on his daughter’s opinions. His daughter, who was perfect in his eyes—strong yet flexible—was someone he believed deserved only the best.

The sight of this shabby, seemingly backward rural island displeased him. He always felt that no matter how much he provided for his daughter, it would never be enough.

The thought that the priest of death had brought her to such a desolate place made him feel disgusted.

“Hey.”

“Ah, yes…”

Duke Percival glared at a passing soldier. The soldier, seeing the Duke’s luxurious attire, casual tone, and imposing demeanor, immediately assumed he was a high-ranking noble and bowed his head.

Ensest was not a tourist destination. However, having seen many of the highest nobility pass through in recent times, he had no reason to doubt it.

“Where is the temple of death?”

“Oh, the temple of death no longer exists. After a massive explosion about ten years ago, only ruins remain.”

“Really? Then where’s the cemetery?”

“The cemetery is over there, on that hill.”

As the soldier pointed, Duke Percival looked at him with indifference. He then opened the lid of the compass he held, noticing the needle moving in the opposite direction, which made him narrow his eyes.

“What about over there?”

“Ah! That area has the remains of the ancient god…but it’s considered cursed, so no one goes there.”

“Let’s stick to the cemetery, then.”

“Huh—no! Really, no one goes there!”

The soldier tried to stop his words, but Duke Percival’s icy blue eyes made him shiver. The Duke held his weapon tightly, as if ready to fire at any moment.

The soldier knew that he was a knight beholden to the state, but he also understood that if he were to die at the hands of a noble, the reasons for his death would likely never be properly revealed.

“Um… over there, skeletons keep appearing. Strangely, none of the islanders have gone missing, though.”

“So that’s what’s ominous about it?”

“Yes… it makes me wonder if we’ve somehow angered the ancient god.”

“Being ignorant is one thing, but this is excessive.”

“Excuse me?”

“Get lost.”

“Oh, yes!”

As Duke Percival spoke harshly, the soldier quickly fled, with his colleague, who had kept silent beside him.

Duke Percival felt frustrated by the soldier’s ignorance as they ran away in a hurry. He hated the imperial family, but he despised ignorance even more.

How could a fragmented God cast a curse? He already knew this when he taught Anais basic theology. To teach a child, one must understand the subject well enough to answer questions.

“You were right about the last audit. It seems the merchant guild manipulated the accounts.”

“I’m glad we found it. You know, I really enjoy having these conversations with Dad.”

They had discussed many work-related matters and personal topics as well. So it didn’t make sense that there were things Anais knew that Duke Percival didn’t. Still,

“We enjoy the privilege of learning, so I hope you won’t dismiss the limited education of the peasants.”

“I cannot forgive ignorance, my daughter.”

“If they had the opportunity and time to learn, they would have. But they lack even that chance.”

Yet, he thought, he shouldn’t hate them. Perhaps it was the growing longing for his daughter that made the sea breeze feel colder.

“Just wait a little longer.”

He said this to himself as he began walking quickly toward the direction indicated by the compass.

Duke Percival soon arrived at the place where the ancient god once resided. He passed by stones adorned with spiral designs without a second glance and headed straight into the dilapidated temple.

When inside, he opened the compass, only to find the needle spinning wildly in place.

He immediately sensed that they had gone down and began descending the stairs. Inside the ruins, the lights were already on, suggesting someone had passed through.

Duke Percival quickly made his way down the stairs. As he descended, he noticed the compass was still spinning wildly.

After quite a descent, he reached the lowest level, and the compass finally stopped, pointing steadily in one direction.

With his remaining hand gripping his gun, Duke Percival walked forward, hearing unfamiliar footsteps mixed with his own as he approached. Just as those footsteps drew near,

“Anais?”

“No.”

Duke Percival frowned at the familiar voice and lowered his gun. There stood Phileal, with a face wet with tears.

“Where is my daughter?”

“Anais went through that door, but I can’t go in.”

“Then break down the door.”

“I promised to break it down in two hours. Oh, there’s still one hour left now.”