Being a Villain is My True Calling

Within Optimus’ office, the Ice Queen and Phantom Luna were intently staring each other down.

“…As I mentioned in the car, that role originally belonged to me.”
“It was merely ‘temporary’, subject to change at any time.”

“By that logic, I understood Phantom Luna’s role to be temporary as well.”
“I only recently transferred to Korea, which is why my current status is still temporary. Considering my unchanging role for over half a year, it seems more like a semi-permanent assignment, doesn’t it?”

Seemingly convinced of her counterargument, Phantom Luna continued regarding the Ice Queen with a newfound confidence.

“Not to mention, I’ve held the designated hero role far longer than you, Ice Queen.”
“……”

The Ice Queen’s arched brow prompted Phantom Luna to swiftly backpedal, but she had already spoken.

“I was the one originally pursuing Maker. Judging by who began tracking him first, wouldn’t that be me?”

“…Yet you still attended the exchange program, didn’t you? If you were truly the only one capable of handling Maker, you could have skipped it.”
“That’s because…”

Their verbal sparring continued for quite some time.

‘What am I even doing right now…?’

While occasionally acknowledging the childishness of her actions, each heroine ardently desired to be Maker’s designated pursuer.
Truthfully, even they weren’t fully certain of their reasons.

It could stem from a sense of duty, a desire for vengeance, or some other complex emotion entirely.

However, one conviction united them both:

‘I will be the one to capture Maker.’
‘I will capture Maker myself!’

Was that not sufficient justification as heroes?

“Hmm.”
“Which is why in terms of both rank and suitability for the task, I’m the more appropriate choice.”
“I may lag behind in rank, but my response capabilities are hardly lacking. Just look at my abilities…”

“Now, now, let’s all take a breather here.”

Having observed their prolonged bickering, Optimus interjected to regain some order.

“”Why?””

“Is the option of one of you conceding completely off the table?”

“”No.””

Regarding Optimus with exasperated expressions implying his words were utterly senseless, the two heroines remained adamant.

‘Their stubbornness is quite the perfect match.’

While their dismissive gazes bordered on insolence, Optimus decided to simply let it slide – this was hardly the first such instance.

Uuwoong-

Glancing briefly out the window, he turned back to the Ice Queen and Phantom Luna with an amused smile.

“Then it’s settled.”

The two women focused their attention on Optimus’ forthcoming words.

“You can both serve as designated heroes, can’t you?”
“What?”
“Pardon?”

His straightforward declaration elicited stunned exclamations from the bewildered pair.

“…Ugh, what’s with this chill?”

Immediately after departing Astra’s office with a cursory report, an icy draft caused me to shudder involuntarily.

‘Where is this cold draft coming from?’

Yet no matter how I surveyed my surroundings, no apparent source could be discerned.
Soon thereafter, a comforting warmth enveloped me, the fleeting chill already forgotten.

‘Let’s head back to the room.’

Udadadadada-!

As I neared the entrance to my quarters where the two mischievous ones resided, hurried footsteps could be heard from within.

Kkiiik-

“W,welcome back!”

Upon opening the door, Riru was the first to greet me.

Bungbungbung-!

While attempting a polite greeting with folded hands, her twinkling eyes and vigorously wagging tail betrayed her excitement.

“I’m back, Riru. Were you guarding the place diligently?”

“Greung-! I guarded it well!”

Rewarding her confident response with a pat on the head, Riru beamed proudly.
Maintaining that expression, she extended her arms to bar my entry.

‘…This posture seems familiar somehow.’

It reminded me of those ubiquitous internet memes featuring the simplistic flying squirrel character with outstretched arms, as if pleading “Hug me!”

And her current stance likely stemmed from a similar intent.

“Hihihi…”

Seemingly vindicated as the appropriate response, she nuzzled her face against me with an amused giggle.
Chuckling in return, I gently stroked her head.

Tukttuk.

After a brief moment, Gah-yeon tugged at my sleeve, gazing up at me.

“Should I remove this parasite?”
“…You don’t call your sister a parasite.”

Adopting a solemn expression, I lightly flicked Gah-yeon’s forehead in reprimand.
Parasites? To your own sister?

Undeterred, she promptly shifted her attention towards Riru.

“Mutt. Brother is struggling to enter, so scram.”
“…Iing.”

Shaking her head defiantly, Riru only burrowed deeper into my embrace.
Gah-yeon regarded this scene with mild disapproval.

“I’m fine, Gah-yeon.”
“But you must be tired, brother…”
“I can manage carrying her inside.”

After all, I was quite accustomed to maneuvering with you occupying both arms, Gah-yeon.

“Besides, Riru had to remain separate from us during our terror activities. I should spend time with her now.”
“Oppa…!”
“Kuhuk!”

Seemingly touched by my words, Riru tightened her embrace around my neck.
Whoa, ease up there! Any tighter and you might snap my neck…!!

“…You can’t call me a mutt, you greedy girl…!”
“A mutt is a mutt, dummy. And loosen your grip a bit. Are you trying to kill brother?”
“Ah…”
“Khukhuk. Kuhum…I’m alright. It’s fine.”

Startled by Gah-yeon’s admonition, Riru swiftly released her grip.
Thanks to her prompt reaction, I could quickly recover.

“Sheesh, you dummy. Still can’t gauge your own strength?”
“Iing…”
“Stupid mutt. Dummy.”
“Iik…!! If, if I’m a stupid mutt, then you’re a greedy girl!!”

Stung by Gah-yeon’s relentless taunts, Riru contorted her face in an exaggerated pout as she retaliated.

“I want to stay with Oppa too! You’re the one always joining him for terror…terror…uh, that thing!”

Letting out a scornful “bbak” sound at Riru’s outburst, Gah-yeon curved her lips in a mocking smirk.
Just where does she even learn such mannerisms…?

“I only bring you along if you’re helpful.”
“Riru is helpful!”
“Not at all helpful.”
“Is too!”
“Not helpful.”
“Is too!”

Pursing her lips petulantly, Riru turned and burrowed back into my embrace.

“Meanie greedy girl! Always hogging Oppa and never giving me a turn!”

“There, there, I understand your anguish.”
“Love must be seized, not merely waited for. Crying won’t summon your destined partner.”
“…That’s not an appropriate phrase for this context, Gah-yeon. And just where did you even learn such lines?”
“From a book under Auntie Anriri’s bed.”

…No matter how I look at it, that hardly seems like a wholesome literary source.
For now, I decided to address this matter with either Anriri directly or raise it with Astra at a later point.

“Brother is struggling, so move aside.”
“No, no!! This is Riru’s special spot!”
“Haha…”

Alright you two, enough bickering already.
I just want to rest a bit…

“Greureung…pyuhuuu…”
“……”

After somehow making it to my room and showering, I emerged to find Gah-yeon and Riru already sound asleep.

“It would be so nice if they remained this docile normally.”

Gently stroking their heads, eliciting contented expressions, I carefully relocated them to the bed before stretching out on the sofa.

“I can’t tell if I’m raising subordinates or daughters anymore.”

With an amused chuckle, I quietly reflected on the day’s events as I closed my eyes.

‘Today was quite hectic.’

From Phantom Luna’s inexplicable predicament at the villain’s hands,
to my impromptu solution of leashing her, somehow.

And just as I was poised to prompt her awakening to a sturdier resolve after briefly shaking her convictions, the inopportune arrival of the Ice Queen disrupted that pivotal moment.

‘Was there even a single aspect that unfolded according to plan?’

While I had grown complacent, the most unanticipated factor was undoubtedly the Ice Queen herself.

I mean, what person immediately seeks out a villain upon returning from an exchange program?

‘It’s not an entirely unfavorable situation, however.’

True, it wasn’t an outright failure either.

‘With the Ice Queen’s return alone, so many new possibilities have emerged.’

Her homecoming allowed the main cast to assemble.

Additionally, her immediate assault enabled me to broadcast footage of my casual evasion from two top-tier heroines.

‘…That alone should sufficiently inflate the Maker persona’s credibility, ensuring I won’t be taken lightly in ‘that place’.’

“Splendid.”

It seemed the opportune moment had arrived to commence the grand scheme I had spent half a year meticulously preparing.

‘The preparations are flawless.’

Finally, an opportunity to acquire the artifact I required while plunging the nation into turmoil.