Chapter 2
Chapter 2
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: The Villain's Plan
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Atop the massive throne, I sat in the highest seat.
Drumming my fingers on the black marble armrests, I looked down upon these pathetic humans.
Humans truly look best kneeling before this body!
"Kakak! At last, it is done! This world—no, this universe—is now the mighty Grimoire Empire!"
The moment I'd dreamed of.
The weight of the crown on my head proved this body's majesty. The red cape draped over my shoulders, the faintly glowing horns—all symbols of my evil, and more than enough to show it.
"Your Majesty, please accept this humble tribute!"
The President of the United States offered the nuclear football with trembling hands.
Beside him, the Chairman of China tearfully presented his national seal.
Even the rulers of superpowers have no choice but to kneel before this body!
"Hmmm... Very well, I shall accept it as a special exception."
Tremble in fear! Worship me! This is the true charisma of a villain!
"Great Grimoire, Your Majesty!"
Someone cried out in anguish. It was the Hero Association Chairman. Covered in dust from his ordeal, tears of remorse streamed down his face.
"I dare not beg forgiveness for my sin of calling Your Majesty a 'hero'—a crime ten thousand deaths could not atone for!"
Oh? Excellent! At last, someone recognizes this body's true worth!
"Forgive our foolishness in mistaking Your Majesty's evil deeds for acts of good!"
The other heroes wept and begged for mercy as well. Perfect! How long had I waited for this moment!
"This body is a merciful villain, so I shall forgive you especially! Your foolishness only makes my greatness shine brighter! Kakak!"
Outside the window, the flags of the Grimoire Empire fluttered. Black fields embroidered with gray horn motifs blanketed the world!
"Long live Grimoire, Your Majesty! Long live our great villain! Glory to the Ruler of All Things!"
The citizens' cheers pierced the heavens.
Yes! This body has conquered the world! The ultimate glory for a villain!
This is the grand triumph of a great villain!
"At last, I've found my proper place!"
The gray light emanating from my horns grew even more intense.
"Master..."
Somewhere, Everlin's voice called out.
...Huh?
"Everlin? How dare you interrupt this perfect moment?"
Her voice grew clearer. At the same time, the throne and the kneeling leaders began to fade.
"Master, it's time to wake up."
"No! Just a bit longer! My world...!"
But it was too late. The grand throne turned into a soft bed, the luxurious cape into pajamas printed with dinosaurs.
I clutched the blanket tightly, but my victory crumbled like a sandcastle.
"This can't be! My subjects! My empire...! Come back! All of you, return! That's an order from this body!"
When I opened my eyes, I saw the familiar ceiling.
"Eek! It was all just a dream?"
I bolted upright and looked around. The Grimoire Empire flag I'd drawn with crayons all night, posters of myself as the ultimate villain towering over Earth—they covered the walls.
"Master, it's already noon. The sun is high in the sky. Oversleeping like this diminishes a villain's dignity."
Everlin's voice was as expressionless as ever, but it seemed tinged with subtle amusement.
"Th-this isn't oversleeping! This body was running a world conquest simulation!"
I jumped out of bed. The moment my feet hit the floor, the last remnants of the dream vanished.
But it's fine! World conquest is just on hold for now! The ending is already set!
"Everlin! Listen to this! This body had an amazing dream! All the heroes kneeling, world leaders offering tribute... Oh, and my flags covering the entire world!"
"Of course it will happen soon, Master. World conquest is only a matter of time."
"Right? My maid truly understands this body's greatness!"
"For breakfast-slash-lunch, I've prepared your favorite homemade cheeseburger."
"...A burger? What about fries and a milkshake?"
"Of course."
"Yay! My maid is the best! She knows how to properly honor this body's greatness!"
Right now, the burger was more important than world conquest.
No, world conquest comes first, of course... but recharging energy is essential beforehand! Even a great villain can't commit evil deeds on an empty stomach!
I dashed to the table, following the delicious aroma.
A perfect lunch was already laid out. Crispy fries, sweet milkshake... and above all, Everlin's homemade burger!
Thick patty in a butter bun, two slices of cheese standard, minimal lettuce, tomatoes strictly forbidden. Generous special sauce! It perfectly matched my tastes!
"Everlin's homemade burgers are the best!"
"Thank you... but I also prepared a salad."
What? Salad? The sight of that green intruder ruining my perfect meal made my brow furrow.
"I won't eat veggies! This body is a villain! Not some herbivore!"
I declared, grabbing the burger with both hands. I wouldn't even glance at the salad!
What kind of villain eats grass like a rabbit!
"Master, proper nutrition is vital during growth spurts."
"Hmph! This body is already perfect... Urk."
Mid-sentence, I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. A cute little girl stared back.
Sure, it radiated great villain majesty... but after two years, my horns had only grown 0.5cm!
My height was still stuck at 150cm. Absolutely, definitely not 149cm!
"Everlin, this body's height isn't growing..."
"Master, growth takes time."
Meanwhile, Everlin boasted perfect proportions at 175cm. I wanted to flaunt such elegant, graceful poise too!
What kind of subordinate is taller than their master!
"A true villain needs an imposing height! This petite stature can't inspire fear!"
"Besides, a villain's dignity isn't determined by height. Napoleon was short, yet he conquered Europe. Charisma matters more than size."
...Charisma? This body has that in spades!
"That's right! And this body has horns!"
"Moreover, a small build offers strategic advantages, like lulling enemies into complacency. It's also easy to dodge attacks."
"Oh ho! Flaws into strengths! This body truly is amazing!"
Regaining my confidence, I sat at the table—gracefully... no, villainously!
Nom nom—
Both hands on the burger, big bite!
Mmm, this is it! The juicy beef patty's charred flavor blending with the melting cheese!
Glancing ahead, Everlin was elegantly slicing her burger with fork and knife.
"Cutting a burger? Everlin, you're far from a true villain! This is how a villain eats! Watch this body closely!"
Chomp chomp!
I devoured it messily with both hands, sauce smearing my mouth without a care.
With one hand, I dipped a fry in the milkshake. The sweet shake with salty fries—perfection!
This is the true villain's dining style!
"...Master, shall I fetch a bib?"
"N-no, that's fine!"
Everlin's eye twitched faintly. Surely she wasn't laughing at this body?
"Today is the day for your planned 'first act of villainy.'"
Everlin approached naturally and wiped my mouth with a napkin.
"Right! The day has finally come!"
It had been two years since this body escaped the lab.
Settling in S-City, Korea, with Everlin had been fun... but now it was time to step out as a true villain.
"From today, this body's infamy will spread across the world! The world will tremble at the name 'Grimoire'! Kakak!"
Even in the shower, I couldn't contain my excitement. Warm water hitting my skin sharpened the evil plan in my mind.
Ideas always flow best in the bath! The droplets must be stimulating this body's genius brain!
Standing before the closet, I pondered.
An outfit fit for my first villainy... something worthy of the greatest villain in human history's debut!
A flashy dress? Or something bolder?
"For such an important day, I must wear my favorite dress!"
I pulled out my usual gothic lolita dress.
Black base with purple frills—this was this body's trademark! Wearing it doubled my dignity!
Dressed, I checked myself in the mirror.
Silver-glowing long hair, ruby-red eyes, and my pride: black horns.
Perfect! All the makings of an ideal villain!
"Hmm... I look extra cute... no, majestic today?"
"Master, the frills on your dress are a bit creased."
Everlin approached impassively and smoothed the dress. Her fingers deftly ironed out the wrinkles.
"Good! Now, time to practice poses and lines!"
I struck various poses before the mirror. Chin up, one hand on hip, the other toward the sky... angles that fully displayed this body's majesty!
"Kakak! Tremble, puny humans! The great villain Grimoire has arrived!"
...No, something's missing. Needs more evil vibe! Again! More menacing this time!
"Kneel before this body and beg for your lives!"
Deep breath, try again.
"Ka! Kak! Kakakakak! How's that? Terrifying enough?"
"Perfect, Master. Your laugh is more sinister, chin angle optimized. Overall, 15% more intimidating than last time."
"...Only 15%?"
Disappointment slipped out. After practicing all night, just 15% improvement!
"Ah, sorry. I miscalculated."
Everlin continued earnestly.
"Rechecking, it's at least 85% higher. Especially the 'Kakak!'—terror index hits 95%. Even S-Rank heroes would shudder."
Her words swelled my chest with pride. My maid has sharp eyes! A subordinate must recognize their master's greatness!
"Indeed! Now, let the villain debut begin! Hear this body's evil plan?"
"An honor, Master."
I approached the whiteboard and gripped the black cloth covering it.
One, two, three!
"Ta-da!"
Yanking the cloth away revealed the colorful operation plan.
This body's all-night artistic masterpiece! Every crayon stroke chosen strategically!
[OPERATION: Grimoire Bank]
(Bold red crayon arrow pointing sharply at Black Lotus Bank, S-City Branch)
• Building blueprints
• Security system analysis • Guard patrol routes • Vault schematics
(Drawing: Tiny crowned me (horns HUGE!) holding money bags)
"My first act of villainy is..."
For dramatic effect, I paused.
"Robbing a bank! Kyakakak!"
"......"
Silence fell.
"Everlin, this is where you clap."
"Ah, sorry. The plan was so grand, I was speechless."
Clap. Clap.
Everlin applauded politely.
A subtle shift crossed her expressionless face.
Clearly awed by this body's plan!
"For my debut, it has to make an impact! Not some petty shop—Black Lotus Bank is fitting for this body's stage! The world's strongest villain needs the ultimate target!"
I puffed out my small chest proudly. Faint gray light seeped from my horns.
Preparations were perfect!
Building blueprints, security analysis, guard routes, vault designs—all ready!
My heart pounded. All that remained was announcing this body's evil to the world!
"Now the world will tremble in fear! The moment I rob that bank, everyone will know how evil I am! Kakak!"
I laughed confidently. It begins. My first step as a true villain!
From this moment, history divides into 'Before Grimoire' and 'After Grimoire'!