ch25

[Ch 25 - The Villain's Holiday]

Dawn awakened the morning.

Evelyn's blue eyes shone. The moment she opened them, not a single trace of sleep remained.

Even in the darkness, everything in the room was clear. The black and white furniture, the small potted plant by the window, and even the second hand of the clock on the wall.

It was time for the maid to rise.

Evelyn neatly made the bed. Not a single wrinkle on the blanket, the pillow placed precisely in the center. It became a bed that looked as if no one had slept in it.

Walking to the window, she observed the surroundings of the villa through the curtains.

The street, silent in slumber, looked peaceful. Of course, she didn't believe in peace. Peace was just danger wearing a temporary mask.

Originally, she patrolled the villa every day at this hour. To identify and eliminate any factors that could threaten Grimoire's safety.

But recently, the situation had changed.

Thanks to the joining of Darkness and White King last week, there was no longer a need to patrol directly.

The rats were everywhere. Around the villa, in the back alleys, even inside the Hero Association building. Their information network far exceeded Evelyn's expectations. Countless eyes and ears were moving for Grimoire.

Entering the bathroom, Evelyn finished showering and stood in front of the mirror. She stared at her reflection visible through the hazy steam for a long time.

A porcelain-like delicate face, flawless skin, black hair that seemed to have poured the night sky into it.

Of course, even this beautiful appearance meant nothing to the former Evelyn.

'Elegant and refined, she's perfect as my maid!'

Only with Grimoire's words did she gain value.

To be seen beautifully in her Master's eyes, she always had to maintain the perfect maid's appearance.

Evelyn took out one of the many maid outfits hanging in the closet. A black dress, white frills, and an apron to tie around the waist. As a final touch, she attached a horn-shaped brooch.

Grimoire's maid.

This was Evelyn's identity.

Tap tap-

A small sound tapped on the window. The Black Rat Darkness was holding a small piece of paper in its mouth.

"Is this new information?"

Squeak-!

The Black Rat nodded its head and handed over the paper.

[Grimoire's SNS fan club member loitering around the villa. Two Hero Association employees collecting data for temporary license issuance. Unidentified Western man appearing near the villa for the third time. Vehicle license plate disguised, identity unconfirmed]

"Thank you for the information. Please continue to observe the last target."

Darkness took the cookie Evelyn handed over and disappeared back out the window.

Heading to the kitchen, Evelyn began preparing breakfast.

This morning's menu was chocolate pancakes with freshly whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruits.

The hands that once held daggers and guns now skillfully handled spatulas and frying pans.

Checking the clock, it was 8:30 AM.

There was still time until 10 AM, Grimoire's wake-up time. It was the weekend, so she would wake up later than usual.

After completing the pancake stack and decorating it with whipped cream, Evelyn cleaned up the kitchen.

'Since patrolling isn't necessary, I have some time to spare. Then…'

Now that the rats' information network was taking over, Evelyn had a slight bit of free time. Normally, she would be cleaning every corner of the house or researching new recipes at this time.

Today… she wanted to do something different.

Evelyn stood in front of Grimoire's room and hesitated for a moment. This was not part of her daily routine.

But she had time, and she wanted to see her Master sleeping cutely. A kind of small deviation.

Quietly opening the door, she entered the room. Grimoire was sleeping peacefully under a blanket with dinosaur drawings on it.

Black horns peeking out from between her silver hair, pinkish smooth cheeks, and small breaths escaping from her slightly parted lips.

Grimoire unconsciously reached out and hugged a doll. It was a cute rabbit doll, which was unlike a villain, but Grimoire tried to maintain her dignity by calling it 'Death Rabbit, the Incarnation of Terror'.

Evelyn quietly sat on a chair next to the bed. And just… watched.

The morning sunlight seeping through the window frame softly illuminated Grimoire's face. That pure appearance was like an angel.

'Master would insist that she is not an angel but a descendant of demons, though.'

A smile spread across her lips. A change in expression that she herself didn't realize. Before meeting Grimoire, Evelyn had no expression at all. Controlled emotions, eliminated humanity, that was all she knew.

"Umm… Kakat… Everyone, kneel…"

Grimoire mumbled in her sleep. Evelyn held back a laugh that almost burst out at the sight of her trying to maintain her villainous dignity even while sleeping.

On the small desk in the room, an 'Evil Plan' was open. The contents written in colorful crayons were mostly decorated with cute drawings.

'Today's Evil Deeds: 1. Collect 'Villain Tolls' in the park's lawn, 2. Educate the neighborhood cats on villainy, 3. Change the central fountain to cola (?)…'

In the past, when she was a test subject, she had never felt emotions. She was just a tool to carry out orders. But after meeting Grimoire…

She was able to put names to her own emotions. The feeling she felt at this moment, watching the sleeping Grimoire, was definitely 'happiness'.

'What you gave me is not just a name.'

She placed her hand on her chest. The emotions she felt inside. Loyalty, protectiveness, affection, warmth. And proof of Evelyn's existence.

'It's about time to wake Master up.'

She immediately turned her face expressionless. The short deviation was over. It was time to return to being the perfect maid.

"Master, it's time to wake up."

Evelyn gently opened the curtains wide. Sunlight filled the room.

"Ughhh… Just… five more minutes… no, five more years…."

Eight hours of sleep was enough for a villain. It was time to start 'Today's Operation'.

"Master, chocolate pancakes are waiting."

She deployed the first strategy with a sweet temptation. The sound of swallowing saliva could be faintly heard from under the blanket, but she still didn't seem to want to come out.

Evelyn moved on to the second strategy.

"It seems that Darkness and White King are eyeing Master's share of pancakes…"

"What?!"

The blanket was thrown off. Ruby-colored eyes flashed with anger.

"Dare they covet my pancakes! Disloyal rodents! They need to know their place!"

Grimoire's eyes still had traces of drowsiness, but her anger was vivid.

"When I conquer the world, the first decree will be 'Subordinates shall not touch the Master's food'! The second will be 'Abolish morning wake-up'! The third is… um… what was it…?"

Grimoire scratched her head and pondered. Evelyn didn't miss the opportunity and squeezed strawberry-flavored toothpaste onto a toothbrush and handed it to her.

"Villains should be active at night… why does morning even exist in the world? This must be a conspiracy by the heroes…"

Grimoire grumbled and headed to the bathroom.

The small war that repeated every morning had a special meaning for Evelyn. This was her 'normal daily life'. A warm and vibrant daily life, completely different from the cold laboratory of the research facility.

At the table, pancakes were waiting for Grimoire.

Evelyn paid special attention. The whipped cream on the pancakes was decorated in the shape of a crown, and chocolate sauce flowed generously. Slices of seasonal fruit were arranged like jewels.

"Choco-choco that suits my evilness! I shall eat well!"

Happiness spread across Grimoire's face. The sweetness instantly changed her mood. Sitting on the chair, Grimoire's feet didn't touch the ground and wiggled excitedly in the air.

"Evelyn, I had a dream last night… I built a giant robot and plunged all of S City into terror! Everyone knelt down and surrendered! Kakat!"

The fork in her hand waved in the air. As if controlling a robot.

"Amazing, Master. Your dream will one day become reality."

After finishing the pancakes and taking a sip of milk, Grimoire suddenly got up from her chair.

Her eyes changed. From a playful expression to an evil (trying to be) expression.

"So, are the items ready?"

A voice lowered as much as possible.

Evelyn was used to these role-playing situations. She tilted her head with an innocent expression.

"What items are you referring to, Master?"

Grimoire's face turned red in an instant. Her horns seemed to rise more sharply.

"Evelyn! You promised that if I woke up well in the morning for a week, we would go to see a movie! Did you deceive me!?"

Grimoire stomped her feet and sulked. The dignity of a villain disappeared without a trace, leaving only the figure of a girl who had been eagerly waiting for a promise.

Evelyn took out two movie tickets from her maid apron pocket and showed them. She would never disappoint her Master. The movie tickets had already been reserved a week ago.

"Reserved at Mega Cinema VIP seats. It is a reward for your diligence, Master."

Grimoire's eyes sparkled like stars. She hurriedly took the tickets, as if someone would snatch them away, and danced with joy.

"It's finally released! 'Chainsaw Man VS Sands'!! I've been looking forward to it so much! The two strongest villains are facing off! I can't wait to see who wins! I saw the trailer and the animation was amazing!"

And suddenly, Grimoire's expression changed as she checked the time.

"The movie is at 12 o'clock! Hurry up and get ready! I'm going to eat popcorn at the cinema! And cola! Nachos too! My movie viewing must be perfect!"

"I will prepare immediately, Master."

Grimoire ran to her room and began rummaging through the closet.

Evelyn waited with the car keys in her hand. She heard Grimoire coming out from the entrance.

Slightly excited footsteps. The silhouette of a slightly excited girl.

And that figure was fully revealed.

Grimoire wearing a bright pastel-toned lolita dress. Instead of the usual black and purple, sky blue and light pink were harmonized. A headband with small ribbon decorations was placed on her silver hair.

Evelyn was momentarily captivated by the sight. This appearance of Grimoire was a privilege that only she could see.

***

Before long, 'Neo Plaza' appeared. A state-of-the-art complex shopping mall with 12 floors, VIP-only facilities, and luxurious spaces overlooking the city skyline. It was a landmark located at 52 Commercial Road, Nam-gu, S City.

"Wow! It's really big!"

In front of the cinema concession stand, Grimoire's gaze turned to various snacks.

"What would you like to eat, Master?"

"Um… popcorn? No, nachos look good too! But grilled squid too…"

Evelyn ordered without hesitation.

"Extra-large popcorn, nachos with cheese, grilled squid, caramel churros, premium double hot dog… and a large size Mountain Dew, please."

"All of that?"

"Yes. All of it, please."

Grimoire looked at the snacks piled high on the tray with sparkling eyes.

"So much…! A tribute to me! At least for today, I won't doubt your loyalty!"

The VIP seats were completely different from the regular seats. Wide space, deep cushions, and adjustable backrests. Evelyn finely adjusted the seat temperature and angle so that Grimoire could enjoy the movie as comfortably as possible.

"The movie will start soon, Master."

As the lights went out and the screen lit up, Grimoire was completely focused. Of course, Evelyn was more interested in Grimoire's changing expressions than the movie.

Surprise, excitement, laughter, admiration. Dozens of emotions flashed across her face. Evelyn stored all those moments in her memory.

While picking up popcorn and putting it in Grimoire's mouth, and feeding her drinks with a straw, Evelyn kept an eye on her surroundings. Were there any dangers, any suspicious people?

Coming out after the movie, Grimoire was excited, imitating the action scenes.

"Wow! Sands! Chainsaw Man! They are the epitome of the strongest villains! I'm going to be such a villain too!"

Grimoire waved her arms, imitating a chainsaw attack.

"The heroes will have a terrible time! Kakat!"

To gift Grimoire happy moments. This was Evelyn's most important mission.

As they stepped out of the theater, a white figure darted past Evelyn's feet.

It was White King. The White Rat handed Evelyn a small piece of paper.

[Suspicious individuals have been circling Grimoire recently. The rats are tracking them. No direct threat as of yet.]

Evelyn's expression subtly shifted. Her blue eyes turned as cold as ice, but as she turned to Grimoire, they instantly warmed.

"Master, where shall we go next?"

"Hmm… I need to do more villain research! Let's go to the bookstore!"

Grimoire pointed to a large bookstore. Evelyn nodded.

At the bookstore, Grimoire headed straight for the villain fiction section. She ran her finger along the spines of the books, muttering to herself.

"This body's villainy is not limited to this level… Someday, I will fill this bookstore with my autobiography!"

But in the end, she chose a comic book instead of a difficult novel.

"These are research materials! I definitely didn't pick them because they looked fun!"

"Of course, Master. Collecting various materials is essential for villainy."

They moved to a famous restaurant for lunch. Evelyn led Grimoire to the reserved seats.

"Wow! We're eating in a place like this?"

Grimoire's eyes widened at the splendid chandeliers and elegant interior.

"Of course. It is a place befitting Master's status."

"Hmm… Should I get this steak? Or the truffle pasta? Which one suits this body's villainous image more?"

"Red meat suits a villain. It is a symbol of power."

After much deliberation, Grimoire chose the steak, took the first bite, and exclaimed in admiration.

"Wagyu wagyu-"

As Grimoire devoured the steak, she suddenly spoke.

"It's delicious… but Evelyn's cooking is much better. I think this body has become accustomed to your cooking."

"Thank you, Master."

While they enjoyed their meal, Evelyn's gaze constantly scanned their surroundings. The contents of the note bothered her.

Of course, Grimoire, unaware of Evelyn's worries, excitedly chattered about her next villainous plan.

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