Being a Villain is My True Calling

Thus I followed Heart around, touring various sections of the venue.

“This area’s appeal lies in the nearby fountain installation.”

“Ah, this space allows reclining and relaxation. Surprisingly, other villains seem rather satisfied with it as well.”

“Over there is…”

“And this area…”

On and on, Heart’s explanations showed no signs of abating.

“Black Night is quite expansive.”

Even during my earlier detour to observe the brawl, the sheer vastness of the premises had been evident.
The scale seemed several times larger than warranted by the number of invited villains alone.

Moreover, the central party hall had yet to open its doors.

“Do you utilize this entire expanse annually?”
“Oh, no, that’s not the case.”

Head shaking in response, Heart elaborated:

“Black Night annually rotates the garden area opened prior to the central party hall. The layout is meticulously rearranged each time…I speak from personal experience participating!”

“I see…”

Belatedly registering her unintended disclosure, I offered a cursory acknowledgment while tapping my foot restlessly.

“Then what typically happens if one ventures into the restricted areas unopened this year?”

“Ordinarily, unauthorized entry leads to forcible removal. In severe cases, they may even be deemed hostile adversaries.”

Hmm.
That presented a potential issue.

“…Didn’t we bypass a restricted access tape earlier?”

“Ah.”

I revealed the tape I had collected moments ago.
Only then did Heart seem to realize her oversight, her expression faltering momentarily.

“W,well, you see…ah! I had obtained prior permission!”
“…Is that so?”

As if.
At least put some effort into your lies!

‘Is she attempting to conceal her identity, or is the opposite true?’

Such blatant implausibilities prompted reasonable suspicions that this was some manner of test.
Frankly, wouldn’t gullibly accepting such transparent deceptions be the greater cause for concern?

Just what was her objective here…?

Having interacted with a diverse array of individuals, I prided myself on maintaining composure.
Yet this woman was the first to induce such exasperation.

“Even with prior permission, lingering excessively will only invite trouble. Let’s depart.”
“Ah, yes. You’re right!”

Suppressing my urge to call her out directly, I opted to play along for the time being.

‘I am oblivious…I shall indulge Heart’s whims, accepting her narratives at face value…’

Yes, that mentality helped restore a semblance of equanimity.

“Then shall we proceed elsewhere?”
“Yes, preferably areas intended for this year’s enjoyment, if possible.”

Continuing to wander restricted zones would likely shatter my cultivated facade of ignorance.

“Heuk!”
“?”

For some reason, my words prompted her to widen her eyes dramatically before lowering her gaze, mumbling fervently.

“Isn’t this blatant flirtation? Suggesting we experience this year’s offerings, then repeat it next year as well? Kkyaa! What do I do?! If promises accumulate like that…the formal distances erode, first-name terms emerge, then endearments like ‘honey’ and ‘darling’…! Before long, a wedding is planned, seeds are sown, children are born…Huhih! Huhihih!”

Mumble mumble mumble.

“……”

Regardless, I continued accompanying Heart around the venue’s various locales.

Ding- Ding- Ding-

-Attention, guests! As of this moment, the central party hall has been opened! A ‘Information Exchange’ event is scheduled shortly, so please keep that in mind! I repeat…

Until the event I anticipated finally commenced.

“It’s about that time, it seems.”
“Oh my, already…”

Checking her wristwatch at my words, Heart let out a regretful sigh, pursing her lips slightly.

The Information Exchange.
The main event held within Black Night’s central party hall.

‘Omitting the convoluted rules, a simple explanation would suffice.’

All participating villains gather at the central hall’s tables and merely disclose any information they possess.

After a final wardrobe adjustment, I gazed up at the towering edifice before us.

“…You mean that entire building serves as the venue?”
“The first and second floors, yes. The third floor is…hmm, a lodging area.”

So this was the location Clock Rabbit had alluded to earlier.
Heart’s momentary hesitation suggested the ‘selection’ she had referenced would likely occur there.

‘How vexing.’

Were I unoccupied, I might have entertained certain indulgences.
A regrettable missed opportunity, from various perspectives.

“And the fourth and fifth floors house the staff quarters and the Queen’s personal chambers!”
“I see.”

Just how many more slips would she commit…?
Once again, I deliberately overlooked her statement, fixating my attention on the building instead.

‘I had no idea feigning ignorance could be so taxing…’

But it would be over soon, at least.
This charade was nearing its conclusion.

“I should proceed inside now.”
“Ah.”
“Heart?”

As the evident organizer of this event, extending her ruse within could potentially prove problematic.

‘Due to the Information Exchange.’

Disclosing information one possesses is subject to certain conditions.

Firstly, the information cannot contain any falsehoods.
If deception is detected, the individual must divulge two genuinely valuable pieces of information as compensation.

Additionally, if more than ten villains are already privy to that information, it is deemed inadmissible.
Hence, attempts to exploit overly simplistic common knowledge are prohibited.

Furthermore, the information sharing proceeds in a rotating format, with each participant disclosing one piece of information over the course of five rounds.
However, if the information’s value is deemed exceptional, the required disclosure rounds are reduced accordingly.

‘Under such circumstances, even a lunatic could hardly maintain the charade of being a villain once inside.’

The risk of being compelled to divulge sensitive information would be far too great.
Having hosted the party thus far without any drawbacks, she would be foolish to jeopardize that advantage needlessly.

‘Especially considering her artifact’s inherent nature precludes manipulation.’

Whether the information was truthful, how many other villains were aware of it, and its overall value – all assessments were conducted solely through Black Night’s artifact.
Tampering was inconceivable.

Artifacts were merely refined remnants of the primordial mysteries, their intrinsic abilities unalterable through human intent.

“Heart.”
“Yes?”

Ultimately, if Heart attempted to proceed inside, she would be cornering herself like a trapped rat.
One misstep could potentially expose her true identity as Black Night’s overseer.

“The truth is, I recognized that you differed from the other attendees here.”

Hence, I sought to provide her an opportunity to gracefully extricate herself.

“What do you…”
“For someone claiming to be an obscure villain, your demeanor exudes an inordinate poise. And that peculiarly accommodating ‘Warden’ raised suspicions. Freely roaming Black Night’s premises seemingly at will – it would be foolish not to discern the truth.”

“!!!!”

Why the surprise?
Surely she hadn’t genuinely expected to deceive me flawlessly…?

For a fleeting moment, I nearly lost my composure at the sheer audacity. But I swiftly regained my poker face, regarding Heart steadily.

“Certain peculiar circumstances naturally led me to surmise your authentic identity, Heart.”
“……”

As Heart tensed, eyeing me warily, I continued:

“You are, in fact, an official representative here, are you not? Specifically, a guide assigned by Black Night’s Queen to assist me, a newcomer.”
“…Pardon?”

My statement was truthful, yet also a deflection from the full reality.

“Am I incorrect?”
“Ah, no! You’re right, I was assigned as a guide by the Queen!”

Having frequently praised the ‘Queen’ at every opportunity, she could hardly admit to being her now.
I suppressed an amused smile at her predicament.

“As I suspected. Thanks to your guidance, I was able to thoroughly enjoy exploring Black Night.”
“Oh no, I didn’t really…”
“In any case, you may conclude your duties as a guide now. I shall proceed into the venue alone.”

You are dismissed.
My words prompted her to hesitate briefly, lips pursing contemplatively.

‘She cannot feasibly insist on accompanying me further.’

Regardless, she had now overtly identified herself as a mere guide.
And as Maker of Eclipse, I had requested her dismissal.

This had transitioned from a personal matter to a professional one.
Recognizing this reality, a regretful pout formed on Heart’s lips.

“…Understood.”

Yet, devoid of any valid pretext to persist, she could only acquiesce.
Ah, but there was one final point to address.

“Heart, might you inquire with the organizers whether I could secure a private audience once the Information Exchange concludes?”
“…Pardon?”
“There are certain matters I wish to discuss.”

With a meaningful smile, I turned and proceeded into the venue once more.

‘The bait has been cast…time to initiate my agenda within.’

Hoping Heart would maintain her flustered demeanor even after the party’s conclusion, I pushed open the doors.

Kuguguguung-

Raising my hand, the doors slowly parted.

“”……””

It seemed I was the final arrival, as numerous villains had already taken their seats.
The sound of the opening doors drew their collective gazes towards me.

“Greetings, everyone. I am Maker.”

Despite their scrutinizing stares, I offered a cordial smile in greeting.
It was time to sow some chaos once more.