Chapter 83
Chapter 83
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: Villain and Mascot
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A week flew by in the blink of an eye. In that time, this body had truly become the kingpin of the Black Dolphin!
"Kakakat! The great Grimoire has arrived! Open the doors and welcome this body at once!"
Bam-!
Today, as always, I kicked open the heavy iron door with flair and strode in majestically. The bartender at the counter let out a deep sigh as he turned to look at me.
"Kid, just open the door and come in normally for once. I already gave you the password and the code phrase."
He still hadn't fully grasped this body's greatness. A being as magnificent as this one was meant to make a grand entrance like this!
I hopped up and plopped down on the bar stool. This seat was practically my exclusive throne now.
"Hmph! Silence! This body doesn't bother with such trivial procedures! More importantly, what's today's special drink?"
The bartender shook his head and placed a glass of blue lemonade in front of me with a clunk.
Gulp gulp-
I took a big swig of the blue lemonade. The sweet and tangy flavor filled my mouth—pure satisfaction.
But then, as if he'd been waiting, the bartender slapped a crumpled bill right in front of my eyes.
"What's this? A pledge of loyalty to this body?"
"It's your tab. Don't you think it's about time you paid up?"
"...Pfft! Cough! Th-three, three hundred thousand won?!"
I nearly spat out my drink when I saw the number on the bill.
No way. Could the drinks I'd had in just a week really cost this much? Sure, I'd ordered specials and snacks every day, but this was ridiculous! Was this bartender ripping me off?
"Ka-kakat! Th-this paltry sum! This body is magnanimous, so I'll pay it back with interest! After world conquest, of course!"
The bartender sighed again but, thankfully, didn't push it further. Phew, this body's charisma was truly something else!
Just then, the villains sitting at a table in the back spotted me and waved happily in greeting.
"Hey, Grimoire's here! Hi~"
"Not out causing trouble today? Come with me!"
"So cute! Adorable! And horns too! You're the Black Dolphin's mascot!"
Mascot? How dare they treat this fearsome villain like a mascot!
Laughter erupted around me, but surely it was admiration for my dignity.
"Yes, yes, my faithful slaves! Bowing so politely to this body—your training is coming along nicely! Very commendable!"
"Hold on, slaves? We said subordinates."
The red-haired female villain who'd been watching spoke up teasingly. Her name was... Venom Kiss, right?
Daring to question this body? But this body was generous, so I'd bestow some wisdom!
I climbed onto the stool and declared majestically to all the villains.
"Listen well, you fools! The great Grimoire Empire has a strict and systematic class structure!"
I dragged over a whiteboard from the corner of the bar. Grabbing a marker, I started drawing boldly.
"Behold! At the very bottom are ordinary citizens like you—slaves! They grovel at this body's feet like dust and revel in happiness!"
I sketched crude little people and boldly labeled them 'Slaves.' I added smiling faces. Becoming this body's slave was a blessing, after all!
"Above them are somewhat useful citizens—the servant class! Take that Kang Hyunwoo or that arrogant golden brat, for example! They handle the annoying tasks for us."
This time, I drew more detailed figures and labeled them 'Servants.'
"And above them! The villains specially recognized by this body—the retainer class! Naturally, this includes my loyal subordinates Darkness, White King, and Malcang!"
I drew two rats and a slime, labeling them 'Retainers.' Then, with a smile, I pointed to the top of the board.
"And! At the pinnacle of all classes stands the most loyal, capable, and beautiful subordinate! The one and only top-tier rank in the Grimoire Empire: 'Maid'!"
I lovingly drew a woman in a maid outfit with sparkling eyes.
The villains fell silent at my proud declaration, then exchanged glances and started snickering.
"Of course! With effort, you could all be promoted! This body is a fair and lenient villain, after all! Serve me diligently, rack up merits, and you might even reach retainer status someday! ...Though 'Maid' is absolutely off-limits. That position is reserved solely for Everlin! You're in a whole different league from her!"
"Right, right. Let's commit more crimes to climb the ranks!"
"Yeah!!!"
Clink-
The villains cheered and toasted with laughter. Good, they were finally recognizing this body's greatness!
I was in the middle of expounding on my magnificence when a familiar voice came from behind me.
Turning around, I saw Stonehead standing there, his head wrapped in bandages, looking awkwardly sheepish.
"Little villain, here... a gift."
He stepped forward and thrust a fancy snack bag at me. It was labeled 'Premium Honey Butter Almonds.' Ooh, that looks delicious!
"Is this your apology for last time? Pathetic! ...But your sincerity touches me, so I'll accept. This body is a benevolent ruler."
"I've decided to target only Dream Corp from now on. No civilian casualties. Thanks to you, I get what real villainy is."
"As expected before this body's wise teachings, all gain enlightenment! You've awakened to the true path of evil! Excellent!"
I patted his stone head. Stonehead nodded with a rare faint smile and returned to his seat.
A swell of pride welled up inside me. I ripped open the honey butter almonds and shoved a handful into my mouth. Mmm! Sweet and salty—delicious! This body even had a talent for reforming people!
Then, a massive hulking man who'd been watching from the corner lumbered over. He was at least 190 cm tall, covered head to toe in shaggy fur. Like... a bear?
"Wh-what? Eyeing this body's almonds? Begone!"
"Not bad, kid. First time I've seen that stone-headed uncle submit so easily. You're special. You've piqued my curiosity."
He laughed heartily and plopped down beside me. The stool creaked as if it might break.
"I'm A-Rank Villain Mad Bear. Wanna join me for some fun villainy tomorrow? We're hitting the zoo. Got a killer plan."
"Proposing a plan to this body? Bold!"
Zoo? Villainy? Hmm... smelled intriguing!
"What's the plan? If it's lame, this body passes!"
"Come tomorrow and see. I promise it'll be a blast."
"Fine! This body will graciously join your plan! But remember—all command is mine! Got it?"
"Hahaha! Of course! Boss!"
The next day, I met up with Mad Bear in front of Dreamland in S City's South District.
"You're here, little villain. Early bird, huh?"
"How dare you keep this body waiting! Penalty for being 30 seconds late: you pay admission! Snacks! Lunch! Souvenirs!"
Mad Bear chuckled and pulled out two tickets.
"Already bought 'em."
"Hmph, you have potential as this body's minion. Good! Let's go in! This body wants to see penguins!"
I wasn't thrilled about the kids' rate, but whatever—he was paying!
"Alright, time to get started. Let's bring true chaos to this peaceful, boring zoo!"
Crack, pop.
Mad Bear's body suddenly began to swell!
Bones twisted with cracking sounds as fur sprouted wildly. In a flash, he transformed into a massive black bear! He towered at least 3 meters, with razor-sharp claws and fangs glinting menacingly!
"Groooar—!"
He swiped his paw, shattering a weathered sign that read 'Do Not Feed the Animals.'
Ooh, impressive! That size could be useful!
"Good! From now on, you're this body's loyal minion, 'Beary One'! Revel in the honor!"
"...Beary One?"
A flicker of bewilderment crossed the giant bear's face.
Mad Bear—no, Beary One—covered his face with a massive paw. Even bears sighed, huh?
"Sigh... whatever. Back to the plan. Simple goal: smash all the enclosures and unleash the beasts. Lions, tigers, elephants, hippos—let 'em all loose! The zoo turns into pandemonium, people scream and flee in terror, and we slip out nice and easy! Simple and explosive, right?"
"Chaos! Destruction! Anarchy! Perfect! That's a villain's plan!"