Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Villain's Holiday
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Dawn broke the morning.
Everlin's blue eyes gleamed. The moment she opened them, not a trace of sleep remained.
Even in the darkness, everything in the room was crystal clear. The black-and-white furniture, the small potted plant by the window, and even the second hand on the clock hanging on the wall.
It was time for the maid to rise.
Everlin neatly made the bed. Not a single wrinkle in the sheets, the pillow perfectly centered. It looked like no one had ever slept there.
She walked to the window and peered through the curtains, surveying the area around the villa.
The street, sunk in silence, appeared peaceful. Of course, she didn't trust peace. Peace was just danger wearing a temporary mask.
Normally, at this hour every day, she patrolled the villa's surroundings. To check for and eliminate any elements that could threaten Grimoire's safety.
But the situation had changed recently.
Last week, thanks to Darkness and White King's joining, she no longer needed to patrol personally.
Rats were everywhere. Around the villa, in back alleys, even inside Hero Association buildings. Their information network far exceeded Everlin's expectations. Countless eyes and ears moved for Grimoire.
Everlin entered the bathroom, showered, and stood before the mirror. She stared at her reflection through the hazy steam for a long time.
Porcelain-like delicate features, flawless skin, black hair like a night sky poured out.
Of course, such beauty had meant nothing to the old Everlin.
"How elegant and refined! Perfectly suited to be the maid of this body!"
Those words from Grimoire had finally given it value.
She had to maintain the posture of a perfect maid at all times, to appear beautiful in her master's eyes.
Everlin took one of the many maid outfits from the closet and put it on. Black dress, white frills, and the apron tied around her waist. For the finishing touch, she pinned on the horn-shaped brooch.
Grimoire's maid.
This was Everlin's identity.
Tap tap.
A small sound rapped against the window. The black rat, Darkness, held a tiny piece of paper in its mouth.
"New information?"
The black rat nodded and handed over the paper.
"Thank you for the information. Please continue monitoring the last subject."
Darkness took the cookie Everlin offered and vanished outside the window once more.
Everlin headed to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast.
Today's menu: chocolate pancakes, homemade whipped cream, and fresh seasonal fruits.
Hands once gripped daggers and guns now deftly wielded spatulas and frying pans.
She checked the clock: 8:30 a.m.
Grimoire's wake-up time was 10:00, later than usual since it was the weekend.
Everlin finished stacking the pancakes, decorated them with cream, and cleaned the kitchen.
"No need for patrols, so I have some time. In that case..."
With the rats' network taking over, she had a sliver of free time. Normally, she'd clean every corner or research new recipes.
Today... she wanted to do something else.
Everlin stood before Grimoire's door, hesitating for a moment. This wasn't part of her daily routine.
But with time to spare, she wanted to see her master sleeping adorably. A small deviation.
She quietly opened the door and entered. Grimoire slept peacefully under dinosaur-printed covers.
Silver hair with peeking black horns, smooth cheeks tinged pink, tiny breaths escaping slightly parted lips.
Grimoire unconsciously reached out, hugging a plush toy. It was a cute rabbit unfit for a villain, but she called it "Death Rabbit, Incarnation of Terror" to preserve her dignity.
Everlin sat silently in the chair by the bed. And just... watched.
Morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, softly illuminating Grimoire's face. She looked like an angel in her innocence.
"Master would insist she's the descendant of a demon, not an angel."
A smile crept onto her lips, an unconscious change. Before Grimoire, Everlin had no expressions. Controlled emotions, stripped humanity—that was all she knew.
"Mmm... kahkat... all kneel before me..."
Grimoire mumbled in her sleep. Everlin stifled a laugh at her master's attempt to maintain villainous dignity even asleep.
On the small desk lay an open "Evil Deeds Planner." Colorful crayon writings were decorated with cute drawings.
"Today's Evil: 1. Collect 'Villain Toll' on park grass, 2. Teach neighborhood cats villainy, 3. Change central fountain to cola(?)..."
In her past as an experiment subject, she'd never felt emotions. Just a tool executing orders. But after meeting Grimoire...
She could now name her own feelings. This warmth watching her sleeping master was definitely "happiness."
"What you gave me wasn't just a name."
She placed a hand on her chest. Loyalty, protectiveness, affection, warmth. And proof of Everlin's existence.
"Time to wake Master."
She instantly schooled her face to neutrality. The brief deviation was over. Back to perfect maid.
"Master, it's time to rise."
Everlin flung the curtains wide. Sunlight flooded the room.
"Ugh... give this body five more minutes... no, five years..."
Villains needed only eight hours of sleep. Time to start "today's operation."
"Master, chocolate pancakes await."
She deployed the first tactic: sweet temptation. A faint swallow from under the covers, but no movement.
Everlin moved to the second strategy.
"Darkness and White King seem to be eyeing your share of pancakes..."
"What?!"
The covers flew off. Ruby eyes flashed with fury.
"Daring to covet this body's pancakes! Disloyal vermin! Know your place!"
Sleep still lingered in Grimoire's eyes, but her rage was vivid.
"When this body conquers the world, the first decree will be 'Subordinates shall not touch the master's food'! Second: 'Abolish morning wake-ups'! Third... um... what was it..."
Grimoire scratched her head, lost in thought. Everlin seized the moment, squeezing strawberry toothpaste onto a toothbrush and handing it over.
"Villains should operate at night... why does morning even exist? Hero conspiracy, surely..."
Grimoire grumbled her way to the bathroom.
This daily morning skirmish held special meaning for Everlin. This was "normal life." Warm and vibrant, utterly unlike the cold lab.
At the table, pancakes awaited Grimoire.
Everlin had taken extra care. Whipped cream crowned the stack, chocolate sauce drizzled abundantly, fruit slices jeweled atop.
"Choco-choco fit for this body's evil! I shall partake!"
Happiness bloomed on Grimoire's face. Sweetness flipped her mood instantly. Her feet dangled, swinging excitedly off the floor.
"Everlin, last night I dreamed... I built a giant robot and plunged all of S City into terror! Everyone knelt and surrendered! Kahkat!"
Her fork slashed the air like robot controls.
"Impressive, Master. Your dream will become reality someday."
After finishing pancakes and sipping milk, Grimoire suddenly stood.
Her eyes shifted—from playful mischief to (attempted) wickedness.
"So, is the item ready?"
Her voice dropped dramatically.
Everlin knew this roleplay. She tilted her head innocently.
"What item do you mean, Master?"
Grimoire's face flushed red. Her horns seemed sharper.
"Everlin! We promised a movie if I woke up on time for a week! Are you tricking me!?"
She stomped, pouting furiously. All villain dignity vanished, leaving a girl counting down to her promise.
Everlin pulled two tickets from her apron pocket. She would never disappoint her master. Reserved a week ago.
"Mega Cinema VIP seats, reserved. A reward for your diligence, Master."
Grimoire's eyes sparkled like stars. She snatched the tickets lest someone steal them, dancing joyfully.
"It's finally out! 'Chainsaw Man VS Sans'!! I've been waiting forever! The ultimate villain showdown! Can't wait to see who wins! The trailer animation was insane!"
Then she checked the clock, face changing.
"12 o'clock showing! Hurry and get ready! Movie theater means popcorn! Cola! Nachos! This body's viewing must be perfect!"
"Right away, Master."
Grimoire dashed to her room, rummaging her closet.
Everlin held the car keys, waiting. Footsteps approached from the entrance.
Slightly excited steps. A girl's silhouette bouncing lightly.
Then it fully appeared.
Grimoire in a bright pastel Lolita dress. Sky blue and soft pink instead of her usual black and purple. Silver hair adorned with a ribbon headband.
Everlin's gaze lingered. This side of Grimoire was her exclusive privilege.
Not long after, Neo Plaza came into view. A 12-story state-of-the-art shopping mall with VIP facilities and luxury views of the city. S City's landmark at 52 Namgu Commercial Road.
"Whoa! It's huge!"
At the cinema concession, Grimoire's eyes locked on the snacks.
"What would you like, Master?"
"Hmm... popcorn? No, nachos look good! But squid rings too..."
Everlin ordered without hesitation.
"Extra-large popcorn, nachos and cheese, squid rings, caramel churros, premium double hot dog... and large Mountain Dew, please."
"All of it?"
"Yes. All, please."
Grimoire's eyes twinkled at the tray piled high.
"This much...! Offerings to this body! At least today, I won't doubt your loyalty!"
VIP seats were worlds apart from standard. Spacious, deep cushions, adjustable reclines. Everlin fine-tuned temperature and angle for maximum comfort.
"The movie starts soon, Master."
Lights dimmed, screen lit up—Grimoire was fully immersed. Everlin, though, focused more on her master's expressions.
Surprise, excitement, laughter, awe. Dozens of emotions flickered across her face. Everlin memorized them all.
Feeding popcorn to her mouth, sipping drinks via straw—Everlin's eyes scanned surroundings. No threats? No suspicious figures?
As the movie ended and they exited, Grimoire buzzed, mimicking action scenes.
"Whoa! Sans! Chainsaw Man! They're the pinnacle of villains! I'll become one too!"
She swung her arms, imitating a chainsaw attack.
"Heroes are in for hell! Kahkat!"
Gifting these happy moments to Grimoire. That was Everlin's paramount duty.
Just as they left the theater, a white shape brushed Everlin's feet.
White King. The white rat handed over a small paper.
Everlin's expression shifted subtly. Her blue eyes iced over, then warmed instantly toward Grimoire.
"Master, where to next?"
"Hmm... need more villain research! To the bookstore!"
Grimoire pointed at the large bookstore. Everlin nodded.
In the store, Grimoire beelined for villain novels, mumbling as she tapped spines.
"This body's evil deeds surpass these... Someday, my autobiography will fill this place!"
But she picked comics, not heavy tomes.
"These are research materials! Not because they're fun!"
"Of course, Master. Gathering diverse sources is essential for villainy."
For lunch, they headed to a famed restaurant. Everlin guided her to the reserved table.
"Whoa! Dining here?"
Grimoire's eyes widened at the chandeliers and elegant decor.
"Naturally. Befitting your stature, Master."
"Hmm... steak? Or truffle pasta? What suits this body's villain image?"
"Red meat for villains. Symbol of power."
After deliberation, Grimoire chose steak, marveling at the first bite.
Nom nom.
Devouring the steak, Grimoire suddenly spoke.
"Tasty... but Everlin's cooking is way better. This body’s spoiled by your food."
"Thank you, Master."
While Grimoire savored, Everlin's gaze swept the room. The note nagged at her.
Of course, Grimoire chattered excitedly about her next villain plans, oblivious to Everlin's concerns.