The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 155

Chapter 155

Sevi confidently stepped out of the banquet hall. Behind him, a few knights from Blenga followed as a courtesy. Koa also trailed behind, nodding towards Scheuer. Under normal circumstances, one would expect the High Priest to be anxious if he were kidnapped, but he appeared relaxed. His steps were lighter and faster than usual, making it seem as though he was secretly pleased.

Scheuer, whose role was to lead this ruse, feigned exaggerated concern.
“Did you see how reassured the guests were because you were here, High Priest Sevi? ”

“There’s no choice, is there? Really, why does Lord Lapel burden me so? Tsk.”

Despite his solemn tone, the corners of Sevi’s mouth twitched with amusement. He was enjoying the moment, basking in the attention of everyone—from the famous Blenga knights to Scheuer and the guests. Given how he had felt sidelined during the ceremony, this spotlight clearly pleased him.

They moved through a dark corridor, relying on the light created by Sevi’s divine power. Yet, as usual, he didn’t simply illuminate the path ahead. Instead, Sevi made himself glow, drawing attention to his own presence. Scheuer had grown accustomed to the way his silver hair shimmered in the soft light, blending with the divine glow. Koa followed silently, used to this spectacle, but Naveed was not.

“High Priest… Your mere presence… is blinding, not just to the eyes but… ”Naveed stumbled over his words, squinting as he adjusted to Sevi’s radiance. Clearly, the brightness was overwhelming him.

As they reached a fork in the corridor, Scheuer discreetly tugged on Naveed’s sleeve. It was time to part ways, as planned. She spoke with a serious tone, playing her role perfectly.

“I will take High Priest Sevi and Priest Koa to the right. Naveed, please lead the other knights to check the opposite direction. Understand, Your Grace! Please return safely!” 

Naveed saluted with a sharp, determined voice, brimming with resolve. His exaggerated politeness even made Sevi raise an eyebrow.

“Aren’t you sending a knight with us?” 

Sevi asked, suspicious of the arrangement, We have you, High Priest Sevi! ”Scheuer smiled brightly, her words playful yet reassuring.

The divine light made Sevi appear even more ethereal in the dim corridor.

“With you by our side, we have nothing to fear. I’m more worried about the knights than us. Of course. I am more than capable.”

Sevi laughed, his confidence restored. With that, he strode boldly ahead.

He smiled confidently and stepped boldly towards the corridor. As the number of people decreased, only their footsteps echoed loudly.

However, Scheuer continued to chatter away. If she stopped, the sensitive Sevi might notice the magic of Leilda. Though she tried to conceal her presence, Sevi was perceptive enough to sense the divine power emanating from Scheuer’s flower.

‘Sometimes, he truly is remarkable, in many ways…’ But if they endured today, they might free Raygrain from the demons. ‘Just like in the original story, there won’t be a flood of demons. Then, the Grand Duke will have a perfect happy ending! ’

Scheuer concealed her true feelings with a smile and spoke,

“High Priest Sevi, you are the strongest in divine power on the continent, right? ”

“Of course! How could there be anyone else whom the god Lapel cherishes? ”

“Wow, how can one monopolize the love of a god? I want it too! ”

“You can’t. Just look at yourself. Isn’t your appearance completely different? The god Lapel desires perfection from the moment one is born, just like me.”

Sevi casually glanced over at Scheuer, who also stared at him with shining eyes.

The light made his eyes sting, causing him to blink a few times. He tilted his head back and, pretending to size her up, let out a “Hmm” before shaking his head.

“If I had to say, you’re not really God Lapel’s type. Too flashy.”

Not quite understanding what he meant by “flashy,” Scheuer simply nodded. At that moment, bang! A loud explosion echoed. Sevi’s gaze immediately sharpened, his attention drawn to the sound. He stretched out his hand, and a warm aura enveloped Scheuer and Koa.

“Step back,” he ordered.

“Sevi…” Scheuer called his name, her heart slightly heavy with guilt. She hadn’t expected him to go this far to protect them. Clutching her chest, she called out to him with sincere emotion. Sevi, with a faint frown, focused on the dimly lit corridor.

“What is this? Something’s off. Why do I sense power?”

“It’s Blenga. Plus, Her Grace is here.” 

Koa quickly responded, diverting Sevi’s focus. In the distance, they heard a faint tap tap—something was approaching. It didn’t sound like human footsteps.

Could it be that their plans had gone awry? Flustered, Scheuer quietly moved behind Sevi. From the darkness, a small figure approached. All eyes were fixed on the shadow drawing near, and at its end was a chicken, holding a daisy in its beak. The chicken tilted its head, seemingly oblivious to everything.

“The dowry!” 

Scheuer rushed forward, picking up the chicken. No sooner had she done so than ancient characters began to glow like light beneath Sevi’s feet.

“Hey, Scheuer, step back.”

A voice echoed from somewhere, and fearing that she might step on the magic circle, she quickly retreated. From behind Sevi, Leilda was grinning wickedly.

“Welcome, assistant.”

At that chilling remark, Sevi seemed to shiver.

“Could it be that sound we heard…?”

“Ah, that was the Daisy. I thought it would suit your taste, so I personally picked it from the northern garden.”

“Are you telling me this was all a trick? ”

He tried to step out of the magic circle but found himself unable to move as if bound. Leilda, smiling more wickedly than ever, calmly replied from behind Sevi,

“Tricked you? You walked right into it yourself.”

“You damn old man! You think I’m going to cooperate willingly?”

“Well, that’s something we can talk about together, peacefully.”

“Koa! Koa! What are you doing? Get your holy sword and strike this bastard down!” Sevi shouted, trying to rally Koa, but Koa, seemingly too disheartened to even watch, lowered his head.

“May the blessings of God Lapel be with you.”

With Koa’s final words, the light from the magic circle engulfed Sevi. When the light finally faded, and as their eyes adjusted to the darkness, Koa was the first to break the silence.

“Please finish within two weeks.”

His voice, filled with resignation, echoed forlornly down the corridor.

***

Having successfully captured Sevi, Scheuer returned to the banquet hall with a light, almost floating step. Most of the guests had already left, and only a few drunk mercenaries remained, sprawled out.

“Where is the Duke? ” she asked, approaching Cali, who had been waiting. Cali smiled and replied, “He has already left.”

“Where to? ”

“To His Grace’s chambers.”

It seemed that anticipating the banquet’s early end due to the situation with Sevi, the Duke had retired early to her room. Scheuer nodded in understanding.

As Scheuer blinked in surprise, Cali’s firm voice cut through. 

“You need to go to the Grand Duke’s room. We’ll escort you.”

“Yes! ”The maids replied in unison, ready to guide her.

Scheuer felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness as she followed them, the weight of the evening’s events still lingering in her mind.

***

Raygrain had long since taken off the suffocating ceremonial attire. It was just a piece of clothing, but Scheuer had blushed with joy, her cheeks glowing red. He didn’t mind her gaze, so he had kept the outfit on through the banquet. However, her gaze wasn’t directed at him but rather at the clothes themselves. And even that attention didn’t last long, as she eventually turned her eyes toward those calling her from all sides.

For that reason, he had uncharacteristically held her back, pretending not to hear her voice. He wanted her to notice him, even amid the crowd. With a bitter laugh, Raygrain ran a hand through his wet hair.

“She went off to capture the High Priest anyway, so it was pointless.”

How long was this going to take?

He understood that the wedding had ultimately been used as a means to protect the North, but a strange sense of frustration still welled up inside him. With a sigh and a wry smile, he opened the door, and a familiar voice called out to him.

“Your Grace! ”

In front of him stood Scheuer, hugging a pillow tightly.

“Most Ardently”