I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 128: The Content of the Oracle

“No way…”

After dinner, I heard about the situation in the Holy Kingdom and the contents of the oracle in the Saintess’ room, and I couldn’t help but hold my head in my hands. It wasn’t about defeating the Evil God, as Jeanne had mentioned,. But it seemed that afterward, I would need to visit various countries.

“When they mentioned those who have deviated from the natural order, I instinctively knew it was referring to Captain Justin, Jest-chan, and Jeanne-san. It’s hard to explain, but I felt it, not just through words but through a sense. But what does it mean to deviate from the natural order?”

The Saintess tilted her head slightly while looking at me. Orel was sitting beside her. He was deep in thought, with his hand on his chin.

“Could it be that the Captain was originally supposed to die in the Taleraan Frontier County….? But if that’s the case, it doesn’t explain why Jest would be involved as well… Hmm.”

I had an idea about what they meant by deviating from the natural order. It was probably because I remembered my previous life and stopped acting as the villain. Jest was also supposed to be defeated along with me originally. It must be referring to the fact that we have strayed from the novel’s storyline.

“…And after the Evil God is defeated, those who have deviated from the natural order should visit other countries and save their kindred, huh…? Does ‘kindred’ refer to humans?”

Orel read out loud from the report written in the Holy Kingdom. It was written in such an archaic manner that the Saintess could only understand it through the sound and feeling of the words rather than their meaning.

“It seems that ‘kindred’ doesn’t refer to humans but rather to people in the same position. Could it be referring to those who serve as knights?”

“I see, people in the same position…”

I tried to remain calm, but inside, I was utterly confused. Most likely, it refers to people who, like me, have reincarnated as villains. If that’s the case, wouldn’t they be able to avoid a bad ending without me having to go? Or does it mean to save those who were born as villains rather than those who reincarnated?

“To accomplish that, we must first successfully defeat the Evil God. It seems its resurrection is imminent,”

Axel said with a serious expression as I pondered.

“Indeed, unless we can defeat the Evil God, talking about the future would be nothing more than a pipe dream. It would be helpful if we knew exactly when it would resurrect, but I suppose even the Goddess didn’t know that?”

“Well… I was only told to prepare because it would happen sooner than originally planned…”

I don’t recall the novel specifying a date either. However, based on the storyline, the resurrection should occur a few months after the Saintess’ appearance. In any case, it should be within a year. As for me leaving the country, I’ll think about that after we defeat the Evil God.

“I see… By the way, what prompted the two of you to start dating? I didn’t notice any such atmosphere between you before we left for the Holy Kingdom.”

Now that I had sorted out my thoughts, the question that had been bothering me slipped out of my mouth. Both of them turned beet red. It seems Jeanne was right; their relationship is still in its early, almost playful stage.

A few minutes later, I regretted asking that question. I was subjected to a sweet, no, bittersweet story of the Saintess’ first love mixed with some bragging. I felt like I might vomit sugar… I was surprised to learn that Orel is easily swayed.

“By the way, isn’t it a problem that the Saintess is to marry someone with only a knight’s title? I assume he’ll be ennobled if the Evil God is defeated.”

“Marry…!?”

“T-That’s too hasty, Captain! We just started dating recently… Besides, I’m just an old man; she might lose interest in me at any moment.”

“There’s no way I’d lose interest!”

“Eleanor…”

“Vice Commander Orel…”

I meant to ask Axel, but the Saintess and Orel reacted first. It seems they’ve entered their own little world.

“Ahem. The Saintess’ wishes are generally respected. So except for a few who seek to connect with noble interests, there shouldn’t be much opposition,”

Axel replied, clearing his throat. I’ll have to take him out for a drink when we return to the capital; he’s been enduring this atmosphere all along.

“Orel, you should at least get engaged soon. If not, someone might scheme to marry Eleanor off to someone else before you know it. And if word gets out before you’re engaged, there might be people who’ll work to prevent your engagement by influencing Baron Luminar’s family.”

“No…”

The Saintess let out a pained cry as Orel gently held her hand.

“Eleanor, if you’re feeling anxious, let’s get engaged as soon as we return to the capital. So please, don’t make that face.”

“Vice Commander Orel…”

The two of them gazed into each other’s eyes once more.

“It’s best if no one knows about your engagement until we reach the capital. …That said, since you two immediately create such a sweet atmosphere when you’re together, it’s bound to be noticed. Therefore, no contact outside of your private room at the inn is allowed! Orel, this is a direct order from your captain!!”

“”Whaaat!?””

In stark contrast to the shocked couple, Axel looked genuinely relieved.