Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Villain and Rabbit
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"Alright, everyone worked hard, so let's have a late lunch. These days, even half a day's work leaves my legs shaking."
At Grandpa's words, the other elderly folks shook off the dirt one by one and stood up. They spread out a large mat, creating space for all of us to sit around. Of course, the center spot was naturally reserved for this great villain, Grimoire!
"This bento was specially prepared by this one's maid! Everlin is this one's first subordinate in world conquest and the world's best maid!"
I boasted about the bento Everlin had prepared. The elderly began unpacking their own bundles, but...
"Huh?"
The food they pulled out was no ordinary fare.
One brought out braised short ribs and grilled eel. The grandma next to him set out handmade yakgwa and millet dumplings. Another grandpa ladled out soybean paste stew with king crab from a pot, while someone else laid out potato pancakes and mung bean pancakes.
In an instant, a feast was laid out.
"Picnics with our neighborhood senior club are always like this. The more you eat, the better!"
"No, more than that, this kid brought a bento too—let's see it."
"Handmade by a maid? It must be something special."
The elders' eyes turned to my bento. I suddenly felt tense.
"Ahem, the bento made by this one's maid is the best in the world! I'll graciously let you have a look!"
I bluffed and opened the bento.
"Ooh..."
Exclamations of admiration burst out—not just from me, but from the elders too.
The bento was a perfect work of art embodying the 'villain farmer' concept.
Atop fluffy black rice, a miniature farm landscape unfolded. A tiny vegetable patch made from colorful veggies even featured a hoe carved from carrot and a shovel shaped from cucumber. (Of course, those aren't for eating.)
In the center sat a rice ball modeled after my face. My silver hair was replicated with thinly sliced radish, and my horns with half-sliced shiitake mushroom stems—perfectly rendered.
Finally, sweet-and-savory pork patties glazed with honey and soy, topped with egg yolks! This... represented the sun rising over 'Grimoire's Garden'!
"Goodness, I've never seen such a perfect bento!"
"Is this really a bento? It's too pretty to eat!"
"That's not a rice ball—it's artwork! Even the eye color is spot-on!"
Their attention made my chest swell with pride. This was the skill of the world's greatest maid. A perfect bento fit for a villain farmer!
"Heh heh, behold the handiwork of the world's top maid! Jealous, are you? Kah kah!"
"Must be nice having a maid. I wish we old folks could try a bento like that someday."
"Th-this is villain rations..."
But there was no helping it. A true villain rewards service fairly. They'd helped make the garden today, so...
"Very well, I shall graciously share!"
"We should all share. There's so much—go ahead and pick what you like!"
Grandpa pushed some grilled eel my way. Another grandma offered mung bean pancakes, and yet another grandpa poured me a bowl of soybean paste stew broth.
"Goodness, kids these days don't know traditional food like this, but you eat anything!"
"Right, right. Even when the grandkids visit, they only want pizza or burgers."
Yes, this was a banquet in my territory! That's right—I am the king of this garden, and this feast is my benevolence!
"Goodness, eating together like this brings back old memories."
"What was it like back then?"
Why was I even asking? I'm a villain! But I was curiously hooked.
"During rice planting season, the whole village gathered. We'd work from dawn till dusk, then gather in the village yard and pass around bowls of makgeolli. Thinking back, those were the happiest days."
We shared bentos and listened to the elders' stories. They were all former farmers who sold their fields during S-City's redevelopment and struck it rich overnight. Rich now, but with nothing to do, they passed time on park benches.
"Heh heh, today was truly fun. Touching the soil like this brings it all back to my body. Proof these old bones haven't rusted completely. Felt like my youthful days all over again."
The old man gazed at his wrinkled hands. His dirt-caked, thick fingers sparkled in the sunlight.
"Don't enjoy it! This one exploited you all! You must realize you were forced into labor!"
"Sure, sure—so come tomorrow and exploit us old folks to your heart's content. We'd gladly endure such delightful exploitation anytime."
Everyone burst into hearty laughter. My villainy getting such a warm reception... Something was definitely wrong here!
We shared food while gazing at the completed garden. Neatly furrowed beds, densely planted seedlings, and vibrant flowers. Far more beautiful than I'd imagined. As expected of this one's territory?
"What'll you plant tomorrow?"
Park Grandpa asked.
"Haven't decided yet. Must plant something to this one's taste!"
"How about tomatoes? They grow red and pretty."
"Did you know? Villain trivia! Tomatoes are fruit, not vegetables!"
"Heh heh, smart girl. Correct—botanically, tomatoes are fruit. Learned that in ag school, so it's solid."
Chatting with the elders flew by the time.
"Guess we should head out now. Haven't felt this excited since my last grandkid was born."
The elders stood one by one, bidding farewell.
Some talked about seeds and tools they'd bring tomorrow; one promised unused gardening gloves from home.
Once all gone, I stood alone before the garden. The 'Grimoire Garden' sign glowed fantastically in the sunset.
"Today's operation: success! This one has conquered a part of the park!"
Yes, just as planned. The method differed a bit, but the result? This place was now my territory. Everyone acknowledged it—my land, my garden!
I'd even exploited those foolish elders' labor! Utterly wicked! They'd work for free and bring their own tools and seeds as tribute... Perfect villainy!
Basking in pride after finishing the garden work. Time to head home and brag to Everlin about this one's masterpiece!
"Hm?"
Suddenly, a familiar silhouette at the park entrance.
Black jacket, black pants, cheap goggle-style mask.
"Kang Hyunwoo?"
I shook dirt from my hands and glared imperiously.
"What business does a puny hero like you have trespassing in Grimoire Park, this one's domain?!"
"Oh, Grimoire! Long time no see—good to see you!"
Casual speech? To this one?
"How dare you speak casually to this one! Craving a thrashing? Kneel and beg for mercy at once, or no forgiveness!"
Hands on hips, I struck my most menacing pose. That should make him quake in villainous charisma!
But Kang Hyunwoo didn't flinch. He approached with an even friendlier smile.
Kuh, a hero through and through, even if third-rate!
"The park looks prettier today. Your handiwork? Impressive!"
A proud grin slipped out before I could stop it.
"Naturally! This one created... No! Heroes shouldn't act chummy with villains! This one is your enemy!"
Kang Hyunwoo just smiled and pulled a candy from his pocket.
"Got it, got it. Let me off just this once—here, toll fee."
"T-toll fee?"
"Yeah. Passage tax to Grimoire Park's ruler. Right?"
Strawberry candy. How did he know my weakness? Can't let my guard down. This hero's been eyeing villain weak spots!
"Hmph! Special mercy today! Next time, bring something pricier! Gold, diamonds—or hambugers!"
I popped the candy in my mouth imperiously. Strawberry flavor spread. Mmm, tasty.
"You decorated it so nicely. Heard you worked with the elders? They talk about you a lot."
"They were crushed by this one's charisma, trembling in fear as they toiled in forced labor! Dragging their frail bodies to tend this one's garden!"
Rustle—
Then it happened. Something moved in the bushes around us.
"Huh?"
A rabbit burst from the bushes. White fur, glowing red eyes, ears twitching cutely. Adorably so.
"A rabbit! So cu— No, a lowly intruder in this one's territory!"
I instinctively reached to pet it.
"No! That's no ordinary rabbit!"
Too late. The 'rabbit' gaped wide, revealing razor-sharp teeth. Not normal bunny fangs—rows like a shark's, packed tight.
"Wh-what is this?!"
Chomp—
The rabbit bit my hand. Sharp pain; I swung instinctively.
"Ow! What the—! You insolent pest! Let gooo!"
I flailed wildly to shake it off, but it clung stubbornly.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh—
After vigorous shaking, the rabbit flew airborne.
"D-Rank Monster 'Blade Rabbit.' Don't underestimate it just 'cause it's small. Those teeth chew through steel."
"Chews steel?"
My hand had only light scratches.
That thought fled as I spotted it digging up my garden. Rage surged.
"Daring to invade this one's territory and bite this one's hand? By the great Grimoire's name, no mercy!"
My kick slammed its body. It flew with a thud, crashed into a tree, and collapsed. Easy prey!
"Kah kah! Serves you right! That's the price of invading this one's land!"
Kang Hyunwoo swiftly donned his goggles and charged the Blade Rabbit. Far faster and sharper than before—not the clumsy D-Rank hero anymore.
Swish—!
Two more Blade Rabbits attacked him, but he dodged perfectly and countered with punches and kicks, subduing them efficiently.
"Eh, you've improved a bit. For a D-Rank... Though to this one, you're ant to elephant!"
"Really? Thanks! Trained hard thanks to you! So I'm the elephant?"
"Fool! Obviously you're the ant! The weakest, near-extinct kind! That wasn't praise! Are your ears decorative?!"
Before I finished, the situation escalated.
Rustle rustle—
Bushes shook violently; dozens of Blade Rabbits gathered.
"Wh-why so many...? Nice bunnies... Go bite that hero over there! He's tasty! Lots of meat!"
I instinctively backed away.
Screech—!
Suddenly, they all charged me. I bolted, dodging rabbits full throttle!
"Eek! Why are they all chasing me?!"
I circled the park, kicking up dust. Glancing back, the rabbit horde pursued. Worse...
"Nooo!!! My garden! Stop! Stop trampling it!"
Blade Rabbits ravaged my garden mercilessly; freshly planted sprouts became their fodder in seconds.
"Those were all planted today, you furballs!"
The central 'Grimoire Garden' sign got chomped, wobbling over. Fury boiled to my scalp.
Destroying my territory, my achievement, proof of my pure villainy!!
Gray light faintly leaked from my horns.
"You dare... trample this one's territory? Then you've prepared to die?"
Power surged through me. Unshakable confidence, overwhelming strength. I swung at the horde.
"Worthless furballs...! I'll smash you all!"
Boom—!
Punch shockwave rippled out. Dozens of Blade Rabbits scattered like bowling pins.
"Kah kah! Child's play—like eating carrots lying down!"
Splat—
One flying rabbit smacked Kang Hyunwoo square in the face.
"Oh ho! Rabbit accessory for your face? New hero costume? How about 'Rabbit-Man'?"
"Ugh... Grimoire, at least warn me..."
Kang Hyunwoo peeled it off, staggering.
"Pfft hah! Suits you perfectly!"
Laughter bubbled up. Villains mock others' misfortune, after all!
Then, a crack split a small hill in the park; white light seeped out. And...
"Again...? Is today Rabbit Day or something?"
One, two... No, dozens, hundreds, thousands!
Blade Rabbits poured endlessly from the gate.
Grind—
They all glared my way, gnashing teeth.
This one is a villain, so I must defend my territory! Because tomorrow, we're planting tomatoes!