Stealing Heroines’ Affections Is My Job as the Villain

Several weeks back…

Vritra stood in his chambers, arms behind his back, his head held steady. He appeared more rigid than usual, with no smile or even a word as he stared into the black rift before him.

He was speaking with his father.

Demon King Rohan.

Though Rohan wasn't physically present, his aura was so powerful that it made Vritra's chambers feel like they were trembling.

"Father, you' re looking well."

"I didn't come here for small talk, boy. You did well securing that alliance with Duranzia, but now I need you to go further. We can't let our enemies or the other Asura families get ahead of us."

"What do you need from me, Father?"

"I want you to take control of Duranzia's western vassal state, the Sword City of Gladius. I've been reviewing the reports you've sent me on Duranzia, and that city has more potential than most realize. If you manage to bring Gladius under our control, we could use the city's semi-independent status to cut ties with Duranzia.

That way, the [Conditional Magic] wouldn't affect you, me, or our family anymore."

"That's clever…"

"Of course, I didn't expect you to figure that out on your own. All you seem to know how to do is bring trouble and disgrace to our family in every way possible. Still, I approve."

"How kind of you, Father."

But Vritra already knew about this.

He learned about Gladius City's semi-independence during his date with Luciana.

In fact, he had already come up with six different plans to take control of the city. However, the main reason he was against it was because of the System and its rules.

『Knowing this bastard Rohan… as soon as I take control of Gladius City, Luciana and her family will almost certainly be dead. And I haven't triggered enough events to know how the plot will unfold once I take control.』

Though the thought were stressful, Vritra kept smiling.

Rohan ignored the odd smile and spoke.

"Back to Gladius. If you become its ruler and build your own power there, you'Il be free from the pact with Duranzia, and you won't even have to stay married to that human filth, Luciana. Isn't that right?"

"Hm, I suppose so."

"Mhm. I've always preferred Lilith for you. Luciana's too cheerful and submissive… it's sickening. I'd rather you kill her after you're done with this mission. Or better yet, bring her to the Hell Continent, say you want to introduce her to me. I'Il have Lilith deal with her; she'd enjoy it."

"And if I said I did't wan──"

"I'd kill both you and that human myself."

"Understood."

"Get to work…"

The rift sealed shut, and the shaking in the room finally stopped.

… Phew~

Vritra let out a deep breath, placing a hand over his chest, relieved that Rohan was gone.

"That guy really doesn't mess around, does he?"

He looked down at his hand and noticed it was trembling, which really took him by surprise.

『Ever since my soul was transported into Vritra's body, I've felt this godlike power and a sense of invincibility, like nothing could harm me. But I guess this serves as a good reminder that I'm still far from reaching my goals… very far.』

Slowly, a grin spread across his face.

『Good… enjoy that throne while you can, Rohan, you've earned it. But I'll enjoy it even more when I take it from you and seize full control of the Bloodgarden household. For now, though, I'll put those plans aside and focus on Gladius City.』

He was already laughing with excitement.

━ ━ ━ ━

Presently…

When the meeting began, Edmond and Gordias were seated across from Vritra.

Now, however, the two lords stood with their hands nervously behind their backs and sweat dripping from their foreheads.

Meanwhile, Vritra was relaxed in his chair, his legs crossed and resting on the desk as he sipped his cup of red tea.

Finally, Edmond found his voice and managed to speak up.

He held out a finger, his throat tight with nervousness.

"S-, So… what do you need from us, God Vritra?"

He chuckled awkwardly afterward.

Vritra took a sip of his tea and waved his hand dismissively.

"Oh, nothing for now. Your plan was to remove Cedric from power and have me take over as the feudal lord of Gladius City, then use an invasion from Serathen's military to force me out. You do realize I could destroy this entire continent if I wanted to, right?"

Edmond was about to reply, but Gordias placed a hand on his shoulder, signaling him to stay quiet.

Vritra snapped his fingers to get their attention.

"So, what were your plans to overthrow Cedric?"

Vritra pointed at Gordias.

He wanted him to speak this time.

He was irritated by Gordias's usual silence.

Gordias cleared his throat before answering.

"The heads of the four aristocratic houses in this vassal state form something called the Council of Four. We need a three out of four vote to decide if Cedric should step down as high marquis, and the same number of votes to appoint a new lord of Gladius City."

"Mhm."

Vritra nodded thoughtfully.

『I'm guessing their main issue is Marquis Kris. Unlike the other lords, Cedric personally introduced him to me, which means they must have a very close connection. If that's true, Kris will likely vote in Cedric's favor. But with me here now, I don't think that will be much of a problem.』

The young Asura smiled mildly and sipped his tea.

The two noblemen were at a loss for what to do.

They didn't want to look directly at Vritra, but if they stared straight ahead, they would end up facing Neron's stone-cold gaze from behind Vritra.

The fact that the old man wasn't trying to hide his demonic appearance made it obvious that he really wanted to kill them.

The thought made them gulp nervously.

[Ding! The "female character" Katherine Eadgifu Bluesteel is having a heated argument with her husband, Cedric Bluesteel. This is your chance to sway her heart more!]

As soon as Vritra received the message, he threw all politics out the window.

"Alright. Hup!"

He quickly got up from his chair and set his teacup down on the saucer.

The sharp clink of the cup made Edmond and Gordias fidget, but before they could react or say anything, the wine room was empty.

Vritra and Neron had vanished.

The nobles didn't question it… they were just relieved.

"Phew~ we're safe…"

━ ━ ━ ━

Vritra searched through most of the hall and the Redwood Manor for Cedric and Katherine.

Eventually, he found them in a small, luxurious garden on the other side of the mansion.

They were having their usual lovers' quarrel, and the dark prince just watched with a plain face and a secret smile.

『It seems my plan worked…』

The dark prince continued to observe.

Cedric swung his fist angrily and growled.

"So you still won't tell me the truth──?!"

Katherine, looking distracted and out of sorts, responded with a sigh.

"Sigh~ Truth about what now, honey?"

Since Vritra arrived, all Katherine seemed to do was argue with her husband.

She didn't want that.

But Cedric was a big otherwise.

He roared louder and waved his fists around.

"Don't you dare call me 'honey'! That name should only be used by a woman who is faithful to her husband! I saw you sneaking out of our bedroom last night, and when you came back, your dress was loose! I checked that dress before we left for this event, and I saw it was cut. Were you so eager to spray your legs open for that bastard god's little cock that you tore it yourself?!"

Katherine didn't know how to respond.

She hadn't done most of what Cedric accused her of, but she knew that answering would only lead to more twisted accusations.

"I can't do this, Cedric…"

She shook her head, disappointed, adjusted her shawl, and gave her husband a respectful bow before walking away.

Cedric was furious.

"Grrr! This bitch──!!"

He yanked her back and slapped her roughly.

… SMACK~!!

Katherine crashed to the grassy ground.

She was too weak and shocked to get up.

"Next time… don't you dare walk away from me…"

Cedric clicked his tongue in disgust then stormed off.

[Ding! There's been a great rift in the married couple's relationship. The host now has a chance to win over the target, but only if he can make her like him more.]

Love Saint Vritra has seen his chance.