Stealing Heroines’ Affections Is My Job as the Villain

Katherine Eadgifu Bluesteel.

She was the wife of Marquis Cedric and a well-known woman in Gladius City.

What made her special wasn't her title as the wife of a vassal state's feudal lord, but her skills and qualifications. She was educated in reading, writing, and even advanced math, on par with many scholars from regions with better educational systems.

If not for her loyalty to her husband and respect for their marriage, she could have been offered a higher position in the Royal Court.

She also understood her social standing and knew that most women didn't have a voice in important matters. Because of this, she kept out of them, even though she was one of the most educated people in Gladius City.

"Katherine… that's a lovely name."

Vritra made heavy contact with the beautiful noblewoman, and after a moment, she couldn't help but look away.

"Th-, thank you…"

She didn't say much more, clearly a bit flustered.

Though the young lord standing in front of her was undeniably handsome, she couldn't see him as anything more than just another nobleman.

This realization made Marquis Cedric's smile widen with pride… this was something he knew he could brag about to the other family heads at their next gathering.

『YES! Katherine isn't like other women. She's quite smart and knows how to show no interest in a man without coming off as disrespectful. Even more impressive, she's not even swayed by the surprising good looks of God Vritra. I just hope it stays that way, and we can leave here without this monster making any more demands of my wife.』

He felt a strong urge to laugh from excitement.

Vritra caught Cedric's smug expression out of the corner of his eye and gave him a quick side-glance.

The marquis immediately dropped the grin.

Turning back to Katherine, Vritra gently held her smooth, slender hand in his.

"It seems I haven't introduced myself yet."

He stepped a little closer, his eyes taking in her features more carefully.

"I'm Vritra Kalyon Asura, son of Demon King Rohan from the Bloodgarden Family of the Hell Continent. It really is a pleasure to meet you."

At hearing his full name and title, Katherine panicked.

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"────?!"

She quickly pulled her hand away and took a step back, lowering her head in respect.

"I-, I didn't realize who you were, Lord Vritra. Please forgive my lack of awareness. It's truly an honor to have you here in our unworthy city."

[Ding! You've acquired the profile of the "female character" Katherine Eadgifu Bluesteel. Would you like to see it?]

Vritra ignored the System's notification.

『I don't need the system to know this woman will play a crucial role in making my mission here a success.』

He closed the small gap between him and Katherine.

"You don't need to be so nervous around me, Lady Katherine. If you were unattractive, maybe I'd be irritated or even offended, but you're a beautiful woman… your ignorance only adds to your charm."

Vritra gently took her hand again, lifting it to his soft lips and placing a light kiss on her smooth skin.

"It's hard to stay upset when someone as beautiful as you doesn't even realize the influence they have over others."

The nobles watching were left speechless.

"I knew it…"

"Indeed, it was only a matter of time."

"We should get some good booze ready. Tonight, we'll be drinking until Lord Cedric's tears are no more."

"Hey, don't be so negative."

They had expected something like this to happen, but even so, it took them by surprise. It made them all the more relieved that they hadn't brought their wives or daughters to this event.

Katherine glanced around and noticed how all the other nobles were staring at her.

It made her feel very uncomfortable.

There was nothing unusual about a nobleman kissing a fair maiden's hand; it was a normal form of greeting. The problem was God Vritra… everyone knew his intentions behind that kiss were anything but pure.

"I-, I…"

Katherine bit her lower lip, feeling more uneasy.

『Oh my! Wh-, What do I do now──?!』

She knew she was in a difficult position.

If it had been any other man kissing her hand in such an inappropriate and suggestive way, she would have slapped his hand away and possibly struck him. But this was an ancient god holding her hand in such a romantic manner, and she couldn't risk doing anything that might endanger her family or their territory.

『Just… just calm down, Eadgifu…』

Katherine took a deep breath and placed her other hand over Vritra's, effectively sandwiching his hands between hers.

She tilted her head and gave him a soft smile.

"Oh my, you're quite the charmer, Lord Vritra. But really, I don't deserve such attention. I'm just a married woman, older and surely less important than your wife, the princess."

Her gentle tone didn't go unnoticed.

Truly, she was a kind and soft-spoken woman.

Marquis Cedric watched her manner of approach and gave her an approving nod from behind.

『Now that's a good wife!』

He really hoped that the young lord had finally taken the hint that this married woman wasn't interested and would stop making inappropriate advances.

Just as Cedric expected, Vritra let go of Katherine's delicate hand and smoothly adjusted his fur coat.

"I suppose you're right. I wouldn't want your insecure husband to get upset at the sight of me holding your lovely hands."

Those words stung Cedric.

"────?!"

But what more could he do other than frown?

Vritra gave Katherine a friendly wink.

… Hm?

The mature noblewoman blinked twice in response to his flirtation and placed a hand on her chest, laughing softly.

… Mhm-mmm~

Her laugh was light and pleasant, like a gentle breeze.

"I hope we can talk more…" Vritra added.

Katherine looked up at the tall, handsome Asura and nodded with a warm smile.

"I would love that, my lord."

After hearing her response, Vritra extended his hand and gently moved Katherine's hair to the side so he could see her face better.

"Oh!"

Katherine realized her hair was a bit messy and tried to fix it herself, but Vritra gently took her wrist to stop her.

"No, no. Let me help with that."

"O-, Okay…" she said.

"Good girl."

[Ding! Katherine has now become comfortable around the host. Her affection has gone up by 2 points!]

[Katherine has developed a small liking to you. Her affection for the host has gone up by an additional 5 points!]

[Your relationship status remains neutral.]

… Mhm

『I figured as much.』

Vritra smiled and began adjusting her hair, including the small ornaments she had in it. The designs seemed a bit plain, which was surprising given that she was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in Gladius City.

『Strange woman you are, Katherine…』

The young lord took small peeks at her beauty.

There was a classic, refined charm about her that couldn't easily be matched or described, even by Esmeralda. This didn't mean she was more beautiful than the maid, but her beauty had a timeless, old-world quality, while Esmeralda's was more of a scorchingly sexy allure.

One was admired like a priceless treasure in a display case, while the other made you crave her like a forbidden fruit.

『Oho, interesting…』

When Vritra finished arranging her hair, he leaned in and whispered something in her ear.

Everyone watched in shock, but what really stunned them was when Katherine closed her eyes and let Vritra place two very sensual kisses on her sweet, slender neck.

━ ━ ━ ━

(T/N): "Eadgifu" is pronounced as "Ead-gee-foo." The "Ead" sounds like "ead" in "head," "gee" as in "geese," and "foo" rhymes with "shoe."