The Benevolent Lie and the Arrogant Villain

Morgan City’s mercenary guild was as bustling as ever, with countless mercenaries moving between the nearby taverns and the guild hall.

However, the mercenary hall, which should have been teeming with activity, was surprisingly quiet. It was so silent that the drop of a pin would have echoed.

“‘Miss So… Soronna, are you saying that while investigating the source of the unknown energy fluctuations in the heart of the Velsen Forest, you encountered this traveling Mr. Domu? And that these unknown energy fluctuations were actually a summoning ritual for a demon god by an ancient demon? And that Mr. Domu defeated the powerful ancient demon performing this ritual, thereby saving this adorable little lady?'”

The guild’s receptionist, Miss Mira, rattled off Soronna’s mission report at a jaw-dropping pace, her hands clamped over her mouth in utter astonishment.

“‘No way, really? An ancient demon?’ a man exclaimed in disbelief.

“‘Even if Miss Soronna said it herself, that’s just impossible!’ another person chimed in.

“‘Ancient demons are demigod-level beings! Does this young master in splendid armor possess strength beyond a demigod?’ someone questioned.

“‘Impossible, it must be fake!’ an older man declared righteously.

All eyes were drawn to the man, awaiting his profound analysis.

“‘Look how adorable that little girl is! I refuse to believe any creature in this world would dare harm such a sweet child!’ the man proclaimed with an air of superiority.

“‘You’re just a lolicon, you pervert!’

“‘Go to hell, you freak!’

“‘I’m not wrong, I’m right! There’s only one truth!'”

As the man’s final roar echoed, a brawl erupted among the crowd.

“‘Yes, Miss Mira, but please don’t speak so loudly…'”

Soronna sighed, pressing her right hand to her forehead as she surveyed the chaotic scene. Yet, a knowing smile subtly played on her lips, hidden by her arm.

“‘I’m so… so sorry, Miss Soronna! I was just too surprised! It’s been centuries since any news of demons emerged. Ah… I-I’m not saying I don’t trust you, Miss Soronna. It’s just that Mr. Domu here doesn’t seem to be a registered mercenary.'”

Mira offered her apologies, then turned her gaze to Mr. Domu, who stood clad in splendid pure white armor.

Despite being merely a receptionist, Mira had encountered countless mercenaries, allowing her to gauge their approximate strength.

However, Mr. Domu appeared utterly powerless in her eyes. Though he wore magnificent armor and possessed a tall, imposing physique, not a trace of power emanated from him.

Mira’s large eyes brimmed with curiosity.

“‘Hello, Miss Mira, my name is Domu, and I am a traveling adventurer. As you’ve surmised, I am not a registered mercenary, nor can I readily provide proof of my identity.'”

“‘However, the child is quite exhausted from our journey. Might we expedite the paperwork so I can take her to rest?'”

Domu spoke with a dignified, magnetic voice, gently taking Dove’s hand as he made his suggestion.

‘At this moment, Domu sensed the receptionist’s skepticism regarding his strength.’

‘Ordinarily, he would display his power to earn everyone’s admiration, thus elevating his reputation.’

‘However, observing the sky darken outside, and knowing Dove had been constantly on the move with him without proper rest, Domu decided to forgo showcasing his abilities for now.’

‘He would prioritize a good night’s sleep and return tomorrow. This way, the news of him, the man who defeated an ancient demon, could spread further tonight.’

‘Ultimately, he hadn’t planned this properly. He had naively assumed that simply proclaiming himself as the man who defeated a demon would earn everyone’s belief.’

‘It seemed he had underestimated the intelligence of the people in this world. Yet, in novels and comics from his original world, wasn’t this precisely when a dim-witted villain was supposed to appear, offering the protagonist a chance to show off?’

‘Domu sighed inwardly, these thoughts swirling in his mind.’

“‘Hmph, my daddy is super amazing! With just a wave of his hand, everyone in this entire room will disappear!'”

Suddenly, a soft, sweet voice drew the attention of everyone in the mercenary guild.

Dove stood with her hands on her hips, her small head held high in a proud stance, her soft white hair nearly brushing the ground.

‘Eh? Eh?? We agreed on ‘big brother’, didn’t we? How did it become ‘daddy’?’

Domu stared at Dove, utterly astonished, an internal complaint bubbling up within him.

“‘Eh? Eh?? Daddy???'”

This wasn’t Domu’s internal groan, but Miss Mira’s astonished gasp as she gazed at the adorable little girl.

The surrounding mercenaries were equally surprised. Could this adorable little girl, rescued from a demon, truly be the daughter of this man in splendid armor?

‘It wasn’t just Mira; Soronna, Kase, and Os were equally taken aback.’

‘According to their plan, Dove was supposed to be a pitiful young girl rescued by Domu from a demon, a ‘younger sister’ who, having endured terrifying events, now relied on him.’

‘If everyone discovered the true relationship between Domu and Dove, the narrative of a girl saved from a demon would fall apart.’

‘It seemed Dove was simply too young. Yet, Soronna couldn’t fault her, for she knew better than anyone how much Dove adored her mother.’

“‘How enviable,’ Soronna thought, her mind racing to devise a solution.’

“‘Yes, her name is Dove, and she is now my daughter.'”

“‘After rescuing her from the demon, Dove lost her original memories, scarred by fears no ordinary person could imagine. When I found her, she was trembling, curled up like a wounded animal.'”

“‘To soothe her, I tried to communicate with her repeatedly. Eventually, I learned she held an unwavering belief that her father would return to save her. And so… I broke my knight’s vow, using a benevolent lie to fulfill this child’s dream…'”

Domu composed himself, covering Dove’s ears with one hand as he spun a completely fabricated tale. He even concluded with a tone laden with guilt and apology, expressing his self-reproach.

‘Would his impromptu story manage to salvage their perceptions?’

‘Why had it suddenly grown so quiet? Everyone had fallen silent.’

‘Oh no, oh no, his hastily concocted tale had so many holes. It seemed his plan to expand his reputation was doomed to fail…’

“‘Ah… ah… what a truly magnificent man!’ a man cried out, tears streaming down his face.

“‘Lord Domu! You are so incredibly manly! Can I be Dove’s mother? I want to marry you!’ a woman with arms as thick as thighs shrieked hysterically.

“‘Lord Domu, your voice is so magnetic, I feel like I’m going to get pregnant.'”

A… ahem, a gay man?

“‘Lord Domu! Wuwuwu~~ Don’t blame yourself! This isn’t your fault; what you did was true justice!'”

A voice cried out, defending Domu.

“‘Wuwuwu… Lo-Lord Domu… you… yingying… truly… ying… are so magnificent!'”

Mira, the receptionist, was moved to tears, her words catching in her throat. With one hand, she incessantly dabbed at the strings of tears flowing from her eyes, her face flushed crimson.

“‘Domu… lies aren’t always wrong, especially benevolent ones. Please, don’t blame yourself!'”

To Domu’s surprise, Soronna, Kase, and Os were also shedding tears, offering him comfort.

“‘Lord Domu… ying… I’m… I’m sorry… Mira shouldn’t have… ying… doubted you… wuwuwu… You are… so kind… so powerful… so merciful… such an upright man… wuwuwu…'”

Mira wept as she continuously apologized to Domu, expressing her profound guilt. A whole box of tissues had been emptied, and her delicate pink face was streaked with tears.

“‘It’s alright, Miss Mira, I have a handkerchief here, if you don’t mind…'”

Though he couldn’t quite grasp what was happening, Domu felt a pang of sympathy for the weeping girl before him.

He retrieved a handkerchief from his inventory and offered it to Mira.

“‘Thank you… ying…'”

Mira’s face flushed crimson as she took the handkerchief, thanking Domu in a soft whisper.

“‘Dove… can you explain what exactly happened?'”

Domu, still utterly bewildered, sought an explanation from Dove in his mind.

“‘Mama, Dove doesn’t understand such overwhelming emotions. Perhaps the people of this world are even more innocent than Mama imagines.'”

Dove, still with her ears covered, subtly turned her small head towards Domu in his armor, speaking within his mind with a slight frown.

“‘Though the path was unexpected, things seem to be turning out for the better,’ Domu murmured to himself.

‘He hadn’t even needed to display his strength, and yet these people seemed to believe him?’

‘A strange feeling washed over Domu, but it was mostly joy. It appeared he was as clever and resourceful as ever.’

“‘Hahaha, Domu, you’re amazing!'”

‘He gave himself a proud thumbs-up as encouragement.’

Bang!

With the sound of the door being kicked open, a green-haired youth dressed in rogue attire strode in, his feet splayed.

It was as if the words ‘I am the villain’ were emblazoned across his face.

The green-haired youth first surveyed the mercenary hall, then advanced with an arrogant swagger towards Domu and his companions.

“‘This is the son of the leader of the Venomous Scythe Mercenary Group. The Venomous Scythe is an 8th-tier mercenary group, incredibly powerful, though not very popular in Morgan City due to their ruthless methods.'”

“‘However… if possible, it would be best not to kill him. It would cause a great deal of trouble…'”

Soronna leaned in close behind Domu, whispering her warning.

“‘Hello, Miss Soronna~ I hear your Eye of Soaroka just returned from the Velsen Forest? And you brought back a hero?'”

The green-haired youth looked at Domu, clad in pure white armor, with a playful smirk, then addressed Soronna.

“‘Gobar, I advise you not to provoke those you shouldn’t,’ Soronna said, stepping out from behind Domu with a warning tone.

“‘Hahahaha~ That’s truly hilarious! Do you really think there’s anyone in Morgan City that I, Gobar, can’t afford to provoke?'”

Gobar burst into arrogant laughter, his threatening gaze sweeping around as if searching for someone he shouldn’t offend.

Everyone caught in Gobar’s gaze involuntarily lowered their heads, unwilling to meet his eyes.

This was not only due to the power behind Gobar; the Venomous Scythe, an 8th-tier mercenary group, was arguably one of Morgan City’s strongest.

Beyond Gobar’s father, who was a peak-stage Shadow Dancer, Gobar himself was an entry-level Shadow Dancer.

This was a strength comparable to General Baro, Morgan City’s lord, who was an entry-level Sword Master.

“‘Oh, right, Soronna, how have you considered my previous proposal? Will you be my concubine? Such treatment is something ordinary women can only dream of.'”

“‘It’s certainly far more interesting than always playing with your two dogs, hahaha!'”

Seeing that his authority remained unchallenged, Gobar brazenly taunted Soronna and her companions.

“‘Gobar! I’ll give you three seconds to retract what you just said, or I won’t hesitate to educate you on your father’s behalf.'”

Kase stepped in front of Soronna, his eyes fixed on Gobar with the intensity of a wolf.

“‘Uh… hahaha, I’m so scared, Kase! Do you really think your Great Swordsman strength can defeat me?'”

For a moment, Gobar had been intimidated by Kase’s gaze, but now he looked at Kase with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.

Just as Kase prepared to draw his greatsword, Domu reached out, stopping him.

Domu nodded at Kase, then turned his head to face the green-haired villain.

“‘I believe you are here because of me. I will give you ten seconds to state your purpose and retract your previous words.'”

“‘Otherwise, you will experience a rare, up-close encounter with death.'”

The deep, magnetic voice, imbued with a chilling tone, conveyed this message to a sneering Gobar.

“‘Oh?? I can’t believe I’ve been threatened twice in the same day in Morgan City! I heard you, this ‘hero’, took down an ancient demon?'”

Gobar stared at Domu with an utterly arrogant expression.

“‘I thought it was some extraordinary hero~~ but it’s just a fraud in pretty armor, trying to gain fame by clinging to a woman’s skirts, isn’t it?'”

“‘Everyone~ do you really believe this pretty boy can defeat a demon?’ Gobar loudly challenged those present.

Still, no one dared to respond.

“‘Five seconds remaining,’ a cold voice echoed from within the pure white armor.

“‘Oh, right~ I heard this hero saved a little girl from a demon? Let me see, that must be you!'”

“‘Tsk, tsk, tsk, what a striking beauty you are. You’ll surely be a great beauty when you grow up~'”

Gobar spotted Dove, appraising her with a lecherous gaze.

“‘How about this, hero, you sell this girl beside you to me? Then, in Morgan City, Lord Gobar will look out for you, eh?'”

Gobar continued to eye Dove lustfully as he provoked Domu.

‘He’s dead…’

These three words continuously echoed in the minds of Soronna, Kase, and Os. Never in their lives had they witnessed someone courting death so thoroughly.

“‘Hehehehe… very good… very good…'”

A low, terrifying laugh emanated from within the white armor.

“‘Do you know the two types of people in this world you should never offend?’ Domu asked, his question seemingly out of nowhere.

“‘The first is a woman, and the second is a father who deeply cherishes his daughter. And you, you’ve offended both!'”

As Domu’s roar erupted, for a fleeting instant, everyone in Morgan City felt as though they had been plunged into an ice cavern, their bodies trembling uncontrollably with a primal fear.

This sensation lasted only a moment. In the very next instant, the fear vanished.

And there, on the floor of the mercenary guild hall, lay a person convulsing uncontrollably, their face contorted with bulging veins, foaming at the mouth, and soiled themselves.

‘Wait… why did I get both… ah…’

In Gobar’s mind, just before he lost consciousness, only one thought surfaced.