I Reincarnated as a Noble Bastard, So I'm Seducing All the Villainess-Chapter 107: North, here we come!

It feels so good to get revenge and still get away with it, you see. After all that action with Ophelia, I returned to the inn and started preparing for the next day, besides, we have a torturous and painful journey ahead.

I'm just not showing any more concern because we haven't even properly reached the North, and I've already gone through at least two near-death experiences, which, let's face it, is little compared to the rest I've been through so far.

One of the things I didn't expect was Ragna joining the group. Well, it's not the worst thing in the world, but it still gives me the impression that I could be murdered in the back at any moment... I guess with Victorian's help, there's less chance of that happening.

I stretch my arms high as the sun rises behind the clouds. Huhuhu, what a delightful feeling to finally peace out after helping this dear city so much. I dance across the floor while grabbing my clothes, it's already impossible to shake off my feeling of victory. The lightness of a bird has possessed my body, and I fear nothing!

Bring it on, Northern rebels, I'm going to kick your butts!

Still with the swagger of a ballet dancer, I descend the inn's staircase towards the stable. The day looks bright, the streets alive in a way I haven't seen before. You can hear laughter, merrymaking, everything pumping to the rhythm of a catchy pop song that won't leave your head!

Hmm, it almost makes me want to send souvenirs to the palace staff. Am I going to do that? Ha! As if they deserve it!

I march to a stable near the gates leading out of Mastan. Yes, my smile is inextinguishable, just like my desire to leave.

Opening the front door, I run into the horses and my dear friends Elizia and Victorian, the two of whom now seem less deadly and cooler than before.

"Well, well, well" my muse begins, seeing me too happy for someone normal. "Where did all this joy come from? Was last night that good?"

"You bet. Not to mention I think our victory in the North is practically guaranteed."

"Sweetie, you are far too conceited... at least, it's good to see you like this."

"Indeed, it is rare to see Master Darius in any mood other than sullen or hopeless" comments Victorian, as he ties backpacks onto the horses. "I wouldn't want to spoil your mood, Master Darius, but we had a small problem while you were away."

"A problem? Come on, you're not going to cut my buzz, are you?"

"It's just that we don't have a mount for Ragna. She's too heavy."

"You would rip a lady's heart out saying those words, Victorian."

Frankly, I don't care if that Orc goes or not. It would even be good for her to stay behind and for me to be in less danger of being harassed by her or something, and I also wouldn't need to maintain my facade of Daria Montclair pretending to be Darius Moonlight.

Besides, what kind of beast could handle that mountain of muscle? Only a mammoth, perhaps, and I doubt mammoths haven't gone extinct in this world too. Hmm, thinking in retrospect, I think there's a better solution.

I see Ragna out of the corner of my eye, with crossed arms and a sullen expression, tinged with shame that the horses can't even stand to be near her. You know, I'm still a little sore from those punches, so I have a malicious solution.

"Heeey, Ragna, you're really strong, aren't you?"

She seems a bit surprised to be addressed out of nowhere. I let out that naughty, typical playboy smile that would make any average girl melt if she didn't know my reputation.

"Ye-Yes, I am. What about it?"

"If you jumped, how far could you go?"

"I don't know...?"

"It's just that, as you know, we don't have a horse for you, but I still wanted you to come with us... Ha. I thought maybe you could cut the path by leaping with all your strength and going very far, but I guess that idea is stupid."

I put on a kind of sad expression, but as I learned in previous experiences, there's a way to control your face to look more fragile, and that's exactly what I use.

"It looks like there's no other way but to leave you behind. It's a shame."

The comment serves as the nail in the coffin. I haven't forgotten that you're head over heels for Daria Montclair, what do you do when your dear princess leaves? Her face shows a complicated expression, like a dog that gets angry about not receiving a treat and puts on a sad face to get it.

I'm breaking up with laughter inside. If she accepts this, I'm simply going to shatter!

"N-No... NO!" Ragna takes a step forward, almost tripping over her own feet, her face red with pure denial. "I... I will accompany Daria no matter the cost!"

Ah, this, my dear imaginary diary, is music to my ears. I abruptly turn my back to her just to maintain the act, letting out a melodramatic sigh, the kind of sigh that would make any idiot believe I was about to cry.

"Oh... you would do that... for me?"

Damn, my sweetness is so fake I feel like it could serve as a sweetener for bitter coffee. Who knew my artistic skills would soar to this level? I really am a genius in the field of performing arts!

Ragna swallows hard, striking a pose that tries to be heroic, like the knight kneeling before the lady to hold her hand, but she just looks like a giant wardrobe trying to pose for a Renaissance painting. I would just like to know what kind of artist would have the courage to paint a green wardrobe, but I doubt one exists.

"Of course I would! I... I promise I will protect Miss Daria!"

"Hahaha... cute." I turn around with a smile that any literate person would realize was deception, except for her. "Then, I... uh... I will reward you somehow. I think you still wanted that dinner with me, didn't you? We can definitely do that, for real this time."

I even place my hand on her cheek, and for a moment I feel like white petals combined with flowers are creating an angelic image of me, because this Orc nearly faints, and for half a second I have to bite my tongue hard not to laugh. One day, I'll change professions.

With the world's most transparent fake sympathy, I make a gentle gesture with my hand for our two companions to approach.

"Well, my dear group... shall we go?"

"Finally" Elizia comments, fixing her hair and throwing a mocking glance. "I thought you were going to start singing about your eternal love."

"Oh, please, I haven't gotten married yet. I can't sing vows of love to anyone."

Victorian approaches, giving the horse's flank a light pat.

"Master Darius, I will guide the way."

"Hm?"

"I know the city of Luie well. There is a safer route, less subject to ambushes and marauding monsters. I ask that you trust me."

I raise an eyebrow. This is the first time I've seen Victorian ask for a vote of confidence, but it's not like I suspect anything of this guy. I prevented him from falling into a corruption arc and killing many people in the process, for me, it's a victory that he's on my side and so loyal.

"Trust you?"

"Yes."

"Fine. I trust you."

There's really nothing to suspect... unless this damn guy is planning some crazy scheme.

"Thank you, Master Darius."

"But..." I raise a finger at his face. "If I fall into a pit full of monsters, I will turn you into fertilizer. Just so you know."

"I am well aware of that, Master."

Ragna takes a hasty step, intending to get closer to me, which makes two horses let out a desperate whinny and try to flee in fear. I dodge slightly, elegantly and gracefully, maintaining the posture of my dear persona Daria Montclair.

Then I take a deep breath, flash a winning smile, and signal for us to walk toward the gates.

The sun hits my back as the breeze kicks up some dust from the road.

Man, how good it is to get away and still look good in the picture.

Bring it on, Luie, whatever villains you have, and even the craziest damn rebels there are! I've already survived being nearly beaten until my soul left my body... I can handle anything after that!

With that thought ringing in my head, we ride toward the horizon, with a giant Orc leaping at least a kilometer over our heads from time to time. The day is beautiful, I must say. It's good to see some fields in the distance full of green, with that gigantic machinery passing in the distance.

North, here we come!