Rogue Villain-Chapter 414: Lies

Mara and Karandiel didn’t have anything specific they wanted to discuss with Ackster. They wanted to congratulate him on his success, pledge their allegiance, promise their loyalty, and profess their admiration and love for him.

It seemed like they had competed about who would confess their impure intentions first. But when Wilma one-upped them with her request, they decided they might not be first, but they at least shouldn’t be last. So, they did it together.

However, Ackster couldn’t give them an answer.

He had spent the last decade thinking only about saving the world and what he could do to achieve his goals. He had also done everything he thought necessary for that, including making use of Mara and Karandiel and their feelings for him. He had only approached Karandiel when she Fell to use her and her strength.

It worked. Karandiel was useful to him when fighting The Hero. She didn’t stand out among the others. But every little second or moment she helped buy was essential to Ackster’s success.

That alone was enough for Ackster not to hold any regret regarding his actions.

But that was in the past. Ackster couldn’t see himself continuing to take advantage of Mara and Karandiel when there was no reason for him to do so. If anything, he should help Mara get rid of her Stockholm Syndrome since he caused it.

Ackster took a deep breath. Mara and Karandiel were still waiting for him to say something. They were nervous.

Ackster had been affectionate with them, especially compared to the others in his party. But it was no secret that he hadn’t had time for anything unrelated to his goals. Maybe they had jumped the gun.

"Mara...I don’t know where to begin with you, so I’ll start with Karandiel."

Ackster looked at Karandiel with clear eyes.

He didn’t need to lie and deceive anymore.

"It wasn’t a coincidence that I showed up when and where you Fell from the Celestial Realm. I won’t go into the details since they are messy, but I knew it would happen in advance due to time having been rewound. I also knew how strong you could become. I intentionally approached you and tried to make you either indebted to me or hold me in a positive light."

"..."

"I lied, manipulated, and used you, Karandiel. I don’t remember everything I said, but I do remember that everything I said to you I said to deceive you and have you use your strength for me."

Karandiel’s head hung, and her face was impossible to read.

"The me that you love, worship, and wish to follow isn’t who I am."

"..."

Karandiel was silent.

Ackster’s heart was heavy, but his shoulders were light.

"...It is."

Karandiel spoke, and a moment later, she raised her head and looked straight at Ackster.

"The you that I love is you. I love all of you, Brian. I love the man who is willing to do anything to achieve his goals. I love the man who’s ruthless enough to almost drive a race to extinction. I love the man who has to pet a slime to calm his nerves. You might think you lied to me, but you would still have done what you promised back then. You said you would help me if I needed it. You did. You did help me. You saved me from those ants. And you gave me a reason to live and become stronger."

Karandiel’s eyes shone with determination.

"Even now, I am convinced you would help me without hesitation. Didn’t you just do that? When I killed Yillister, it didn’t take a moment for you to reach out a hand and help me."

Karandiel stepped closer to Ackster and grabbed his shoulders at the base of his neck.

"The only one you’re lying to is yourself, Brian. I love you."

Karandiel kissed Ackster.

Ackster could have reacted, even if he was still reeling from the shock of Karandiel’s words. Karandiel might have grown stronger after killing Yillister, but a slow and gentle motion, like leaning in for a kiss, was something Ackster could dodge without realizing.

However, Ackster could tell that if he avoided Karandiel’s advance, it wasn’t something he could come back from. He wasn’t sure what would happen if he accepted Karandiel’s kiss. But he could feel that he would regret it if he didn’t.

After all, Karandiel’s kiss was the proof he needed. It would confirm whether he was lying to himself or everyone else. If he didn’t return it, he would never know.

Even before he could feel the feelings that cropped up in response to the kiss, he could tell that it had been the right choice. There was no way Karandiel’s lips would have been so soft, delicious, and warm otherwise.

Ackster didn’t just accept or return Karandiel’s kiss. Before he knew it, he was the one drawing her in and asking for more.

Karandiel’s kiss and embrace awakened a hunger that Ackster hadn’t even known he had when he was busy saving the world. A feeling of peace and the absolution of his infernal craving to save the world and himself had cleared the space for suppressed urges to spring forth like a volcanic eruption.

"Alright! I think that’s about enough!"

Before Ackster could drown further in the almost euphoric feeling of emotional and physical connection and sensation with Karandiel, Mio transformed into a human while still in Ackster’s lap and pushed them apart, much to the displeasure and disappointment of both. But much to Mara’s appeasement.

She and Karandiel had agreed they would go at the same pace. Yet, here she was, making out with Ackster like a teenager while she was relegated to a spectator seat.

"Before you proceed any further, you need to settle things properly! Don’t just follow the whims of the present, you brats! You also need to think about your surroundings."

Mio huffed and crossed her arms as Karandiel stepped back.

Mio stood on Ackster’s knees as she looked at Karandiel before turning to Ackster, who nodded.

"Right. I will get back to you at a later date, Karandiel. I still need time to sort out my feelings."

Karandiel smiled and gave a slight nod.

"Don’t make me wait too long."

"I won’t."

Ackster turned to Mara.

"Your turn."

"Yes, My lord."

Mara closed her eyes and puckered her lips.