I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss, Vol. 4, page 1
Copyright
I’M THE VILLAINESS, SO I’M TAMING THE FINAL BOSS, Vol. 4
Sarasa Nagase
Translation by Taylor Engel
Cover art by Mai Murasaki
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
AKUYAKU REIJO NANODE LAST BOSS O KATTE MIMASHITA Vol. 4
©Sarasa Nagase 2019
First published in Japan in 2019 by KADOKAWA CORPORATION, Tokyo.
English translation rights arranged with KADOKAWA CORPORATION, Tokyo, through TUTTLE-MORI AGENCY, INC., Tokyo.
English translation © 2022 by Yen Press, LLC
Yen Press, LLC supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), please contact the publisher. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Nagase, Sarasa, author. | Murasaki, Mai, illustrator. | Engel, Taylor, translator.
Title: I’m the villainess, so I’m taming the final boss / Sarasa Nagase ; illustration by Mai Murasaki ; translation by Taylor Engel.
Other titles: Akuyaku reijou nanode last boss wo kattemimashita. English
Description: First Yen On edition. | New York, NY : Yen On, 2021
Identifiers: LCCN 2021030963 | ISBN 9781975334055 (v. 1 ; trade paperback) | ISBN 9781975334079 (v. 2 ; trade paperback) | ISBN 9781975334093 (v. 3 ; trade paperback) | ISBN 9781975334116 (v. 4 ; trade paperback)
Subjects: LCGFT: Fantasy fiction. | Light novels.
Classification: LCC PL873.5.A246 A7913 2021 | DDC 895.63/6—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021030963
ISBNs: 978-1-9753-3411-6 (paperback)
978-1-9753-3412-3 (ebook)
E3-20220908-JV-NF-ORI
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Prelude: The Villainess’s Departure
First Act: The Villainess Insists on Standing Out
Second Act: For a Villainess, Two-Timing Is Child’s Play
Third Act: The Villainess Pushes People’s Buttons Without Blinking
Fourth Act: When the Villainess Is Involved, Imbroglios Ensue
Fifth Act: The Villainess Conspires with the Final Boss
Sixth Act: The Villainess Wins with a Foul
Final Act: The End of the Villainess’s Journey
Encore: The Final Bosses’ Tea Party
Afterword
Yen Newsletter
Prelude
The Villainess’s Departure
The smell of salt hangs in the air, and the water’s surface is white with choppy waves. The vast ocean glitters. Seagulls skim over the great passenger ship, making for the bright blue horizon.
“All right, Master Claude. I’ll be going.”
Resettling her broad-brimmed hat on her head, Aileen looks up at her husband, who’s come to see her off. Even when he’s glum, his face is rapturously beautiful. He checks with her for the thousandth time: “You insist on going, no matter what?”
“I do. I must demonstrate our sincerity by going in person.”
“…Wouldn’t it be better if I teleported you there, at least? Even if it is a luxury passenger liner, you are the crown princess. Arbitrarily instructing you to board this ship, instead of sending a personal escort? It’s outrageous.”
“Let’s view it in a positive light. Besides, if we use your power, Master Claude, they may take it as an intentional display of the demons’ might. We’ll never establish amicable relations that way.”
“But if anything were to happen to you—”
“Never fear: Rachel is here, and Serena will guard me. Besides, I have this.” Softly, she touches the gleaming band on her left ring finger. It’s the ring she hasn’t been able to remove since she pledged her eternal love—or rather, the one she always wears. It has been imbued with the demon king’s magic, and as long as she has it, the sacred sword within her is an invincible weapon capable of subduing any foe. “Don’t worry. I am the second strongest person in the world, after you.”
“I wish I could accompany you, but if you’re bound for the kingdom of the oracle-princess, where men are forbidden…”
“Why not disguise yourself as a woman and come anyway? With your beauty, Master Claude, you could be the loveliest woman alive.”
Claude grimaces. Aileen chuckles a little, then gives her husband a kind smile. He gets surprisingly lonely. “I won’t be gone long. Wait for me, if you would.”
“According to your logic, I suppose sending demons to guard you won’t do, either.”
“That’s correct. We must show that we aren’t plotting to use demons to dominate the world by maneuvering through the Queendom of Hausel.”
The day after Claude and Aileen’s wedding, an invitation arrived from the Holy Queendom of Hausel, a land that claimed perpetual neutrality. It is an “invitation” in name only; in reality, this will be a court of inquiry. Claude is well aware of this.
“It was bad timing. The fiend dragon appeared in the neighboring Kingdom of Ashmael while my memories were gone… Thanks to that, they suspect I’m plotting an invasion.”
Internally, Claude’s grumbling nearly makes Aileen break into a cold sweat, but she doesn’t let it show. “Well, I will go and explain to them, in no uncertain terms, that their assumption is incorrect!”
“But since I did have amnesia, I’m not entirely certain it isn’t my fault.”
“You weren’t to blame, Master Claude! Besides, the Kingdom of Ashmael and Imperial Ellmeyer have always been at odds with one another. Even my father said that this may be mere fault-finding.”
Just as Imperial Ellmeyer had its sacred sword and Maid, so the Kingdom of Ashmael had a founding myth about a Daughter of God and her holy sword. Upon receiving the holy sword, the Daughter of God slew the fiend dragon, and water welled up from the sword, creating a fertile land in the desert. Or so the legend goes.
Roughly a century ago, the Kingdom of Ashmael had abruptly claimed that Ellmeyer’s Maid of the Sacred Sword was in fact the Daughter of God, which made Ellmeyer a vassal state to Ashmael. Bridling at their treatment as a subordinate state and this baseless denial of their founding myth, Imperial Ellmeyer had vehemently objected. While they had avoided outright war, the Kingdom of Ashmael had been isolationist to begin with, and diplomatic relations between the two countries had been severed.
Now Ashmael had requested mediation from the Queendom of Hausel on the grounds that the demon king, Ellmeyer’s crown prince, had revived the fiend dragon and was attempting to encroach on their sovereign territory.
“They haven’t even explained the current situation with the fiend dragon,” Aileen continues. “If it weren’t for the fact that the Queendom of Hausel is mediating, this wouldn’t even merit our attention. It’s utterly galling.”
“Since our countries have no diplomatic relationship, requesting mediation by a third party is a legitimate approach. It’s far better than a sudden declaration of war from Ashmael. War is pointless, and I’d rather avoid it.”
The Holy Queendom of Hausel is a pacifist, inviolable, benevolent land. It claims neutrality, is under the protection of a goddess, and has a history of giving aid to countries far and wide. All these things explain its selection as mediator.
Every country respects it, and making an enemy of it would earn them criticism from around the world. They’d find themselves with a host of new problems—everything from diplomatic issues to unease among their own citizens. Conversely, if they can satisfy the Queendom of Hausel, the complaint from Ashmael will end as mere carping.
“True, at the very least, we do want to avoid war. That said, we must not back down.”
“Yes, after all, this incident is still suspicious either way… I really am worried. We should send someone el—”
“Goodness, Master Claude! Do you imagine I’ll be outdone in the negotiations?”
If so, he’s drastically underestimating her. When Aileen glares up at him belligerently, Claude looks troubled. “That isn’t what worries me.”
“In that case, rest assured and wait. I promise you I’ll thrash them within an inch of their l
“If you thrash them, won’t we end up with a war on our—?”
“I meant in spirit! They summoned me, you know!”
As the crown princess of Ellmeyer, Aileen is currently the empire’s highest-ranking noble lady, as well as the Maid of the Sacred Sword. If she goes as an official representative, she can’t possibly return empty-handed. Not even if it means traveling with an individual who’s a nuisance of the highest order, constantly spewing a storm of otome game terminology—
“Lady Aileen! We’ll be setting sail soon.”
Coming up behind her, the nuisance embraces her arm. Aileen’s face stiffens, but the other girl’s smile practically glows. Her shining eyes gleam more brightly under the clear sky; is that a heroine bonus?
“…Lady Lilia. I’m quite certain I told you to remain with Serena.”
“Oh, did you? I’m sorry. The thought of traveling with you makes me so happy that I simply can’t sit still!”
Since Claude is present, Aileen smiles at her, and Lilia responds with a charming smile of her own, feigning ignorance.
“We are on our way to a diplomatic engagement. If you forget your manners, you’ll bring shame on our nation. You are the fiancée of the second prince. Bear that in mind and behave yourself, please.”
“It’s all right, Lady Aileen! Things have gotten rather complicated, but the Queendom of Hausel wants me, the true Maid of the Sacred Sword. Why else would they summon me as well? Hee-hee. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Looking forward to it? Even though you’ll be parted from Prince Cedric for a while?” She gives Lilia a thin smile, and the other girl’s expression cools. Peering into her eyes, Aileen whispers. “Let me caution you one more time: Behave yourself, Lady Lilia. All right? If you don’t, I’ll have such an intense urge to tell Prince Cedric that I’ll truly regret the fact that men are forbidden at our destination.”
“……”
“Besides, it would be awful if the spell on your neck were to activate, wouldn’t it? Particularly the cleanup afterward.”
“…………”
Lilia is silent, but she hasn’t flinched. That thin smile is still on her lips, and crackling sparks fly between the two of them. Claude, who’s watching, murmurs. “…If men are forbidden, there’s no possibility that you’ll come back with more lackeys. I suppose that’s something.”
“? Did you say something, Master Claude?”
“No, it was nothing… You are my wife. I’ll leave this in your hands.”
Since he put it like that, she’d have to give it her very best. Throwing her shoulders back, Aileen nods. “Yes, you may count on me.”
“Once you’ve arrived safely, send me a letter. After that, I want you to write me once each day.”
“…Wouldn’t it be enough to write only in an emergency?” Claude’s epistolary talents make it difficult to come up with responses, and she tries to put him off with a smile.
However, he promptly comes back with an alternate proposal. “Would twice a day be better?”
“O-once a week.”
“I’d gladly accept one every hour.”
“Very well, once a day it is! Communication is the key to success, after all!”
It looks as if she’s compromised, when in fact she’s given in to Claude’s original demand. However, if she ends up souring the demon king’s mood, the weather will be a problem. She can’t have him causing a storm that might keep the ship from leaving port.
When Aileen gives in, the corners of Claude’s lips relax into a smile. “That will do, then. If anything happens, summon me at once. I may be the next emperor now, but I am also your husband.”
“I-I’m aware of that.”
They haven’t yet been married for a month, and she still isn’t used to claiming him as her spouse. Feeling rather embarrassed, Aileen begins to lower her gaze, but Claude raises her chin with his fingertips.
As his shadow falls across her face, she hastily closes her eyes. Aileen is so nervous she can feel the tips of her eyelashes trembling. Where will his lips fall? On her forehead, her cheeks, her eyelids? Or perhaps on her own lips, which, despite their marriage, he has yet to kiss?
We are already man and wife, you know! Come, Master Claude, steel yourself and take the plunge— The atmosphere is rather lacking here, but that’s all right! It’s better than staying as we are, never truly becoming husband and wife!
But contrary to Aileen’s internal enthusiasm, Claude’s lips land gently on her forehead.
“……”
“Be careful, Aileen. I love you.”
“…Y-yes. I…love you…as well.”
In response, the demon king gives her a sweet, melting smile, then vanishes.
She’s never doubted his love, but her shoulders slump. Putting a hand to her forehead, she sighs.
“……”
“Lady Aileen, tell me, is it true? Have you and Master Claude still not consummated your mar—?”
“Unless you want to die this instant, be quiet.”
Lilia is currently being treated as a criminal, imprisoned under guard along with Cedric. Since the Queendom of Hausel requested her presence as well, they’ve been compelled to grant her permission to go out. In exchange, a spell has been cast on her neck, in lieu of a bomb.
Since it is a spell, it won’t be spotted easily. However, if Aileen sends the merest trace of Claude’s magic into it from her wedding ring, the merciless spell will send Lilia’s head flying.
That said, Lilia calls herself “the player,” and is treating this world as if it were a game. Perhaps even her own death doesn’t feel real to her: She’s completely unperturbed. “But the demon king was very fast about that sort of thing in the game, you know. There were still images in the fan discs.” As Lilia reveals information nobody wants, Aileen turns on her heel, leaving her. Lilia follows. “Could it be that your womanly charms leave him cold? That couldn’t be, could it, Lady Aileen. Not when you’re my very favorite character. Oh, or perhaps the main game’s ‘All Ages’ rating is still in effect? If that’s true, then you’ll never, ever—”
“Don’t talk about that. People will think you’re a lunatic.”
“Oh, yes. The business about the otome game was our little secret, wasn’t it?” Lilia says cheerfully. Aileen has given up trying to understand this side of her. “Still, I didn’t expect that. To think you’d intentionally go with me to a country that serves as the stage for the game. Even though everything about the scenario is sure to give me the advantage.”
“That’s no reason for the crown princess to run from a diplomatic mission. Besides, this is a different era.”
“Hee-hee. That’s true. I’m sure it won’t end so quietly, though. Not when the Maid of the Sacred Sword is going.” Without specifying which of them she means, Lilia overtakes Aileen, then twirls around to face her. “Don’t look so grim. I just know we’ll get to enjoy the game again. That’s why, just this once, I’ll behave for you.”
“Even with a bomb around your neck?”
“Oh, this is nothing. Considering the game’s plot, there’s no way I’d die now.”
Stepping lightly, Lilia boards the ship ahead of Aileen. Fighting back a sigh, Aileen follows. Serena, her guard, materializes from who-knows-where and falls in behind her. Rachel, her lady-in-waiting, has had their luggage loaded onto the ship, and she greets Aileen with a bow. “Lady Aileen, let me show you to your cabin.”
“Thank you, Rachel… Serena, I insist that you cooperate with me this time. If you don’t, I’ll have you marry Auguste.”
“What kind of a threat is that?”
“My, my. Don’t tell me you’ve tripped a flag? This late in the game?” Lilia’s mutter seems to perplex Rachel and Serena. The woman is disregarding the warning Aileen literally just gave her. When she glares at her, Lilia smiles, putting her index finger to her lips in a charming gesture. “I know. Our little secret, correct?”
“…Ignore her. Let’s focus on reaching the Queendom of Hausel safely… In order to avoid a marital crisis, among other things.”
Serena frowns. “What marital crisis? Don’t tell me…”
“The secret art of the Holy Queendom of Hausel.”
Serena looks patently disgusted. Beside her, Lilia’s eyes widen. “Lady Aileen, you can’t mean you’re after that, can you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. My goal is diplomacy, the avoidance of war. However, since we’re headed there anyway, I may as well try for two birds with one stone!”
