The S-Class Hunter Doesn't Want To Be A Villainous Princess - Chapter 8
"I think actions speak louder than words, Cedin."
You have gained your first disciple. How about you do something to develop your relationship with him?
Just like that, she would lure him.
"Actions speak... I see."
Cedin mulled over her words for a moment before slowly nodding.
"I knew it. You're thinking of using your powers. The Crown Prince will be no match for your ladyship, so I think it is a good idea."
"That's not what I'm saying. What do you think I am?"
"Then how...."
There are plenty of ways.
“Answer me first. How do I get in contact with the Crown Prince?”
“I believe it would be difficult for you to meet him alone.”
“Why?”
“…He would refuse.”
That brief silence said everything. Renee gave a dry laugh.
“Complicated. Then we’ll just have to meet him by force. Right?”
“By… force?”
Cedin looked completely unable to imagine what she meant.
But Renee was serious. Why should she care about the will of someone like him?
“Are you planning to infiltrate the imperial palace?”
“I’m not going to sneak around like that. I’ll make him come to me.”
“…Pardon?”
“I firmly believe that if you want to drag someone who refuses to leave their house outside, you burn the house down.”
It’s the fastest and simplest way.
“I understand. What kind of fire will you set?”
“The one he hates the most.”
Isn’t it obvious?
If you’re going to light a fire, you might as well make it burn hot enough to reduce everything to ashes—so he’ll never think of hiding again.
---
“Everything is ready, my lady.”
Cedin spoke as he stepped out of the mercenary guild within the Duchy of Markious.
Well done. Let’s go home.”
“Home… you mean your residence, my lady?”
“Yes. Do you absolutely have to sleep at your own place?”
“Not necessarily…”
“Then that settles it. Let’s go.”
“…Are you certain it’s acceptable for me to accompany you to the ducal estate?”
“Why? Is it not?”
“That is…”
Cedin cast a troubled glance at Sir Martin standing behind Renee. Martin simply shook his head as if to say there was no stopping this.
“You are, after all, someone who attracts a great deal of public attention, my lady.”
“Am I embarrassing you? That’s disappointing.”
“That’s not what I meant. I was concerned you might be embarrassed by me.”
“Why would I be embarrassed of you?”
He’s handsome, capable, and strong in his own right. What more is there to want?
“…I am not a noble, so the public’s gaze will not be kind. I was recently granted a knighthood, but it is still far from being worthy of you.”
Is social hierarchy really that rigid here? But he’s a Sword Master.
Even just looking at this territory, it’s obvious how extraordinary that is.
As she walked alongside Cedin, Renee came to realize just how much influence reputation held in this world.
Everyone looked at him with a mixture of fear and reverence. It was to the point that even Renee’s own reputation rose in real time simply by standing beside him.
[The <Mercenary King> Cedin Ansirad was seen accompanying you! Your reputation increases by 1.
(Current Reputation: -848)]
[The <Mercenary King> Cedin Ansirad expresses respect for you! Your reputation increases by 1. (Current Reputation: -847)]
“So what? Noble, knight—what does any of that matter? Even if you were a slave, it wouldn’t matter to me.”
“My lady…”
“My lady…”
It truly didn’t matter.
She had grown up in a democratic world. Even in her past life—however chaotic—it hadn’t been ruled by rigid class systems.
…Or had it? Strength itself had been a form of status.
[Cedin Ansirad's Affinity increases by 50.]
[Martin Oresho's Affinity increases by 20.]
hat? Why are their affinity scores suddenly rising? Cedin’s makes sense, but Martin’s?
“Anyway, I’ll introduce you as an official investigator dispatched by the Crown Prince, and say we met by chance. It’s not entirely wrong.”
“My relationship with the Crown Prince is well known. It won’t raise suspicion.”
“With your reputation, no one would even assume you’re connected to me.”
A good starting position.
“My lady, may I ask why you are taking me to your residence?”
'Why? Obviously because of the quest.'
<Special Quest - Your Loyal Disciple>
You have gained your first disciple. How about you do something to develop your relationship with him?
Clear Condition: Increase Cedin Ansirad's Affinity to 500 points.
Clear Reward:
- Reputation +50
- Change in Relationship: ??
'Those two questions marks next to the change in relationship bother me. What improvement could there be?'
"I want to get to know you better..."
"You... do?"
"Yeah. A master-disciple relationship."
Master and disciple.
Cedin repeated the words silently.
It felt… better than he had expected.
But—
“You don’t need to feel burdened about teaching me. I am already learning just by being at your side.”
He spoke carefully, not wanting her to feel pressured.
“If you think I’d feel burdened because of you, that’s your misunderstanding.”
What an arrogant assumption.
“And if I want to know how things unfold, it’s faster if you’re beside me.”
“…I see.”
That was outright disappointment.
If he had a tail, it would definitely be drooping right now.
“Let’s just go.”
She had no intention of comforting him. Why would she?
---
By the time they returned to the ducal estate, it was nearly midnight.
Renee entered confidently—only to be met with an intense glare the moment she stepped inside.
“Renee Markious. Do you have any awareness at all that you are a duke’s daughter?”
It was Ante—eyes blazing.
Beside him stood Kyril, wearing an expression that was half amused, half annoyed.
Renee considered ignoring them, but then remembered she had brought a guest.
“…Doesn’t seem like it.”
“You return at this hour and even bring a man with you? Just because His Highness ignores you, do you think you can drag just anyone into your bedroom?”
“My lord, this person is—”
Martin tried to intervene, but Renee stopped him.
Words wouldn’t fix that attitude.
“Ante. Have you ever heard this saying?”
“…?”
“Mind your own business.”
[Kyril Markious’s Affinity increases by 20!]
[Ante Markious’s Affinity decreases by 50!]
She could feel Cedin tense behind her, but ignored it.
As expected, Ante’s face flushed red with anger.
“We are both adults. Live your own life and let others live theirs. Why interfere in mine?”
“When Father is absent, I am acting head of this house. I have every right to intervene. I also have the right to stop your reckless behavior.”
'Reckless.'
She didn’t like that word—but held back. For now.
“Is that so? You’re the head of the house?”
“Yes.”
“Alright then. Try interfering as much as you like.”
She patted his shoulder and walked past him.
Cedin gave a brief nod before following her.
“What just happened?”
Ante stood frozen, only snapping back when Kyril burst into laughter.
“Renee Markious, stop right there!”
"Hmph. No."
Pfft—
[Kyril Markious’s Affinity increases by 20!]
“If you’re that desperate to talk to me, fine. I’ll allow it.”
Renee smiled faintly, then pointed at one of the maids watching the scene.
“Could you show my guest to his room?”
“Pardon?”
The maid flinched as if struck by lightning, hesitating awkwardly.
'…Seriously? In front of a guest?'
Fine.
[Skill activated! <Asmodeus' Snare>]
She didn’t want to use this—but it couldn’t be helped.
“I will carry out your command, my lady.”
“!”
The effect was too strong.
The other maids stared in shock.
Is it really that surprising for servants to follow orders?
Renee sighed. Manipulating someone’s will—even temporarily—felt unpleasant.
“Cedin, go ahead and rest. I’ll deal with this rude brother of mine and come up shortly.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Once he left, Ante spoke again.
“Your guest? Do you truly think you’re in a position to host guests?”
“Yes. Why not? I’m part of this family too.”
Ante clenched his teeth.
“Do I need to remind you of your current situation?”
“No. Just read tomorrow’s newspaper.”
“What?”
“I was going to explain it myself, but after seeing you, it feels like a waste of time. Everything will be in the paper.”
She had meant to explain—there was even a quest tied to it.
But not anymore.
“What exactly—”
“My innocence.”
“You cleared your name in a single day?”
“Do you even know who that man you insulted earlier was?”
Ante fell silent.
He had heard the name—but had never seen him before.
He had mistaken him for nothing more than one of Renee’s amusements.
“He’s Cedin Ansirad. You’ve heard of him.”
“…The Crown Prince’s hound?”
“Why would I bring someone else’s dog here? He’s my hound.”
“What are you even saying?”
Kyril cut in instead.
“Wait. That was the Mercenary King, Cedin?”
“Yes.”
“Why is he here?”
“He was personally dispatched by the Crown Prince to investigate the case.”
“…His Highness…!”
“You didn’t expect that?”
Renee smirked.
“I ran into him while investigating my innocence. It would’ve been rude not to invite him.”
Kyril glanced between them, then looked at his brother.
“If that’s true… you’re in trouble.”
“You believe her?”
“Why not? She’s crazy—but not stupid enough to lie about something that’ll be exposed immediately.”
Only then did Ante’s expression stiffen.
Something had finally clicked.
Renee turned away. No need for more words.
“Apologies are self-service. You know that, right?”
Sometimes, one strike is better than a hundred explanations.
Ante sent Renee off in a daze. He couldn't possibly follow along with the current situation. He was confused. What was the truth?
Just maybe, just maybe.
Could his useless younger sister be telling the truth?
And so, Ante stayed up all night.
And the next morning, he grabbed the newspaper before anyone else.
He didn’t even need to open it.
The headline was printed boldly across the front page.
<Is the culprit behind the kidnapping and murder of the Saint, Crown Prince Isyre?>
『…Regarding this, Priest Etna Diputs (age 23, alias) testified, 'The Saint mentioned that she wanted to escape from the Crown Prince in her sleep.' He pointed out that there may be more to the case. He is the last witness who saw the Saint and is also a victim of coercion and perjury. Furthermore, Renee Markious, the daughter of the Duke of Markious, who has been identified as the prime suspect in the murder, appealed her innocence, claiming that it is the Crown Prince who hid such witnesses and is the true culprit…』
After reading it, Ante silently lay down, placing the newspaper over his face.
It seemed like he was truly done for.
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