Ascension Of The Villain

Once Clyde strutted onto the stage, Vyan mouthed in disbelief, "You were actually serious about winning?"

"I sure was," Clyde shot back with a grin, proudly accepting the gilded cup, sword, and shield like they were the only accessories missing from his wardrobe.

"And you said I was acting crazy in love," Vyan quipped, his tone playful.

Clyde let out a hearty chuckle. "Who said I wasn't crazy too?"

The crowd erupted in applause, though a few curious whispers snaked through—Easton's absence wasn't lost on them. But Vyan and Clyde? They knew exactly where he was: somewhere trying to clean up Vyan's latest masterpiece of chaos before the emperor found out the truth.

"Attention, ladies and gentlemen," the announcer chimed in with far too much glee, "it's time for our empire's top Monster Hunter to reveal the name of the fortunate lady to whom he has dedicated his glorious kills."

"Oh, this is going to be good," Vyan muttered, just loud enough for his aide to catch it.

"Now, Lord Magnus, if you would kindly not feel shy and go ahead…" the announcer teased, clearly relishing the spectacle.

Clyde scanned the sea of faces, his grin never faltering as he zeroed in on one particular pair of striking green eyes. "Well, no worries, anybody who is acquainted with me knows that I have never been one to shy away, especially not about my feelings."

Vyan, Iyana, and half the audience bobbed their heads in agreement, while Althea felt like she was sinking into the ground. She knew exactly what was coming.

"Interesting," the announcer purred, leaning in with a mischievous smirk. "So, does that mean you have feelings for the lady you have dedicated your kills to?"

"Yes," Clyde replied unabashedly, making Althea's heart skip a beat. His grin grew wider as he took in her amusing expressions, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I promised her there was something I would tell her if I won this competition."

Oh, no, please no—please tell me he is not doing this, Althea screamed internally, praying for the ground to swallow her whole.

"And this isn't to pressure her or anything," Clyde added quickly, one hand raised as if surrendering to an invisible jury. "It's just that I want to show her how far I am willing to go for her. Because honestly, I am not the type who usually puts in a ton of effort. I mean, hats off to those who do, but that's just not me. However…" His gaze softened as he looked into her eyes.

"I would absolutely go the extra mile for the people I love."

"Oh, my, Lord Magnus, if you keep talking like that, I might be the one falling for you!" the announcer quipped.

"Haha, if only she did too," Clyde chuckled, though there was a touch of bittersweetness in his tone. "Nevertheless, I am not here to spill all my secrets in front of everyone. Some things are better said in private, right? I mean, I did ask her to spare me five minutes after my victory, so I have got to save a little mystery for later."

The crowd erupted in laughter at his charming attempt to ease the tension.

"For now, though," Clyde continued, his voice steady and warm, "I would just like to say the name of the incredible person who inspired me to work so hard to win this."

The audience collectively held their breath, anticipation crackling in the air. The ladies who were close to Clyde weren't even jealous—in fact, they were silently rooting for him. Who in their right mind would turn down such an earnest, lovable guy?

"Your Imperial Highness, Princess Althea, it's for you," Clyde announced, his smile so utterly charming that Althea felt like she might melt right there on the spot.

And if it weren't for Clyde's smile, Althea might have actually melted under the weight of everyone's stares. It felt like every pair of eyes in the open space was laser-focused on her.

But even as the heat crept up her cheeks, memories from her past flashed through her mind—the way she had to keep her previous relationship hidden, desperately erasing any trace of it to avoid scandal.

And here was Clyde, boldly declaring his feelings in front of the entire nobility, like it was the most natural thing in the world. No secrets, no manipulation, no sneaking around. Just pure, unfiltered feelings. A love that wasn't shadowed by fear or secrecy.

Or, knowing Clyde, even if it had been forbidden, he wouldn't have cared. The guy was brave enough to confess in front of the entire nobility, even her own family. He truly was fearless and upfront about his feelings, with no regard for consequences.

"Oh, my goodness! Princess Althea is the lucky lady! Who could have guessed?" the announcer gushed, practically vibrating with excitement. "How wonderful to witness such a grand declaration of love!"

It's Clyde who is truly wonderful, Althea thought, her heart squeezing as she realized just how rare it was to find someone who wore their heart on their sleeve, even in front of an audience this intimidating.

"Wow, congratulations," Iyana offered excitedly beside her. "Clyde is truly a remarkable man, Your Imperial Highness. If he does so much for Vyan, just imagine the lengths he would go to for you."

Althea's heart clenched further as she whispered, "But does someone like me truly deserve Clyde?"

"I can't understand why you would think that," Iyana replied gently but firmly. "To say such a thing is to insult Clyde's choice. He has, like, the strongest intuition ever, and if he believes you are worthy of his love, then you are. There is no need to think of yourself as 'someone like me' when he clearly puts you on the pedestal."

"That's because he doesn't know all of me," Althea murmured, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"Then, allow him to know," Iyana encouraged. "Reveal those parts of yourself and see if he remains by your side."

"I am still afraid," Althea admitted quietly.

"Afraid of what? That he might judge you?" Iyana chuckled, her tone light and teasing. "I doubt he would. After all, he serves Vyan, who isn't exactly without his own complexities. Or, in simpler terms, he is shady as hell. But does that bother Clyde?

Not in the slightest. And it doesn't bother me either. The point is, everyone deserves to be loved for who they are, no matter what."

Althea nodded thoughtfully, taking her words to heart.

"Sorry if I just rambled on like some love guru," Iyana added, suddenly sheepish. "I am not exactly an expert myself."

"No, it was quite helpful," Althea reassured her with a warm smile. "Thank you."

With renewed resolve, Althea met Clyde's gaze as he descended from the stage, and in that moment, she made her decision.