I Regress if the Villainess Dies! Chapter 35: Chapter 34 Carmillia(1)

Deep into the night, the streets of the academy were still dimly lit by rows of street lamps. In the game, this was the hour when players wandered the grounds in search of nightly agendas, hidden encounters, and incidents that only appeared beneath the cover of darkness. Venturing toward the gates leading to the districts of the higher years using a hidden route were even possible. None of that interested Xian tonight. After entrusting Miri to the care of a student stationed outside the girls’ dormitory, he left with Carmillia. The young woman responsible for guarding the entrance looked thoroughly flustered and repeatedly reminded them that whatever they intended to do was against academy regulations. Her reddened cheeks suggested she had imagined something entirely different. Xian ignored her. He knew exactly where he was going. Guiding Carmillia through the quiet grounds, he led her toward a secluded garden enclosed by old stone walls. At its center stood a weathered fountain wrapped in tangled vines, hidden away from the eyes of curious students. It was the perfect place for privacy. And if Carmillia decided to attack him here, there would be no one to stop her. Xian thought about what happened earlier. By delaying Carmillia’s death, he now questioned what his regression point would be if she died. Less than a day had passed since his last regression in the examination grounds, and he had no desire to repeat those events. Deep within him, an aversion to such a situation stirred, like an instinct. Yet he couldn’t figure out a reason. For now, he managed to salvage the situation, and Carmillia’s affection level had stabilized at [Black Heart: 2] . The follow-up quest remained silent and unchanged, meaning Carmillia could still change her mind at any moment and kill him—or herself. Upon their arrival, Carmillia briefly admired the area. Xian let her be and silently awaited her instructions. Seemingly satisfied with the place, she faintly smiled at him as if nothing had happened at all. That smile was mesmerizing as usual, tinged with her distinct temptress expression, showing just how well she wielded her beauty. Xian fell for her once again. The desire to possess her surged within him. However, in Carmillia’s eyes, his empty stare and silence were proof that her beauty held no sway, believing him to be a man with exceptional control. “You’re really willing to accept my brand? No questions?” Carmillia asked, tilting her head, her faint smile daring him. She leaned slightly forward, hands behind her back like a playful child, as if she hadn’t just attempted suicide and blamed him. “I am,” Xian said evenly. “Though I would appreciate any warnings my lady has kept from me.” “Hm. You can accuse me of hiding things now. Is it because Serika and Lucinelle aren’t by my side? Such an arrogant butler.” Instead of answering, Carmillia circled him with unhurried steps. Xian’s eyes flicked to the ground beneath her, just in case, but Carmillia noticed and chuckled. “Calm down. I won’t kill you, nor myself.” She backtracked her steps and gazed at him. “I admit, the sudden absence of my trusted subordinates was rather unsettling. When they pledged their loyalty to me, I thought they’ll always be by my side, protecting my precious peace.” ‘Peace? Peacefully sowing discord in the protagonist’s group until their bonds shattered?’ Xian scoffed inwardly. There was no way she led a peaceful life in the academy, he knew from experience back when he chose to go along with Carmillia’s wishes, desperate to find her route. A sadistic villainess, evil for the sake of her role, manipulative for the sake of hindering the player. That was Carmillia, thus, Xian didn’t believe a word of what she said. Not one bit. “If that is so, then please proceed with the branding. Tell me what I need to do, my lady.” Xian didn’t want to waste time. The earlier she placed her branding, the sooner he can see the result if this decision affects the quest. “You’re quite ea