I'm a Villainess, But So What? Fuck Off.

Maria's Absolute Retribution

Despite my nearly-depleted mana, my disguise (AKA my past life's appearance) remained intact, since I already prepared my mana beforehand and my disguise was on a set time, dissolving at 8:30 p.m. sharp. I walked toward the Tavern of Rils Weas and registered as Nova. After gaining my platinum identification card, I started moving back to the duke's mansion in the capital.

And that was when I saw Al. He was browsing around the stalls that featured food and other trinkets lazily, with a serene expression on his face which I've never seen when he was with me. What's he doing? I was really curious. I was really, really curious. What could he possibly be doing for him to sneak out to the commoner's stalls at 4:00 p.m.? I wanna know. I was going to approach him, but used my last ounce of self-restraint to stop myself. Your disguise might be here... but you don't have any mana left. If you use your sword... Alven would recognize your fighting style right away. Don't approach him. Don't approach...

So, while biting my lower lips in frustration, I turned away, flipping my hood back on and continuing back to the mansion. Before a hand grabbed my shoulder. I put my hand on the hilt of my sword in a flash and turned back to the person holding me warily. Even though equal rights for women and men have been established here, there are still many cases of sexual assault in the kingdom. I should tread carefully. But I shouldn't engage. I had those thoughts before turning my head up to face the man.

Then I paled. Shit shit shit shit shit shit shitty shit shit! "Sir, I do believe it is quite improper to lay your hand on a lady without permission." I spat with a regal and emotionless tone, completely forgetting that I had just come back from a battle. I had frizzy and singed hair and a face that had blood and soot all over it.

"A lady? Now, that is quite a surprise. Seeing as you look more like a beggar than a lady." Al shot back. Inwardly, I was quite surprised that Al could talk that way. He was always stuttering with a small voice when he was with me, or replying to me in a calm tone (that always sounded childish to me). Seeing him talk to me with such disrespect was quite displeasing, but I couldn't reveal myself, for fear that I would be exposed by him and grounded.

So all I could do was change my attitude. Right now, Little Al, you are no longer my brother. "Mister, please watch your tone." I put my hands in my pockets, which made him more wary of me. "Hey, hey, Mister, I don't even know your name. Please don't try and kill me just yet. After all..." I grinned and flashed my platinum card from the Arvana guild I got today.

He was momentarily stunned before regaining his wary and rude expression again. "My apologies." He finally said in a begrudging manner. "I did not realize you were an S-rank hunter from Arvana."

I ignored his half-assed apology. "Now, what business do you have with me. I hope you understand that right now, you are quite the nuisance to me. Spit it out." My tone was cold, and so was my expression, filled with disapproval. Why, if I was your sister right now, I'd give you a good beating!

"...Do you know my sister?"

I blinked in surprise. "...Come again?" Does he know?!

"My sister. Silver hair. Ruby eyes. Heir of-" He began before cutting himself off.

I just sighed in exasperation at my brother's denseness. Dude, don't be casually waving around my name like that! And... What should I say? If I say no... I don't know, I feel like that would be a bad move. I went with my gut. I always go with my instinct. This time shouldn't be any different. "Yes. Ali is such a nice girl."

He narrowed his eyes. "Let's talk." He tried to grab my arm but I just jumped away.

"Ah-ah! You may be a precious young master, but I will never be ordered around by you, Little Al~"