The Devil Is The Villainess (✔)

Chapter XXIV: Sin and Defilement (Part 4)

"Have you heard the news?"

Medea strolled through the obsidian tower's library, searching for a book on natural magic. Caelus followed closely behind, his presence a comforting shadow. It was a particularly sunny day, and Medea felt a surge of enthusiasm as she visited the magician's tower, eager to begin her lessons on harnessing magic through her vessel's mana. She was dressed impeccably in a white blouse with a cravat, a red blazer, and a long white fitted skirt. Her bangs were swept aside, revealing her forehead, and her long black hair was combed loosely but neatly.

As she browsed the shelves, Caelus, arms crossed, broke the silence. "About the crown prince?"

Medea turned to him and nodded. "Yes, about him." A flicker of satisfaction crossed her heart, and she could already picture Frederick's likely distressed expression. She bit her lips, suppressing an unusual smile.

"Some of my students come from noble families, so I've already heard the news. It's the talk of the town. People across the Empire are surely in disbelief," Caelus remarked, his eyes scanning the bookshelf for another interesting read. His gaze shifted back to Medea just as she struggled to reach a book on the top shelf. He blinked in incredulity before sighing to himself. Did she forget she has powers to use? he thought and stepped forward to assist her.

Caelus positioned himself behind her and awkwardly leaned in to grab the book she was trying to reach. Medea tensed, acutely aware of his proximity. When she turned, their eyes locked—his amethyst gaze meeting her ruby ones. Her back pressed against the bookshelf, and her mind began to whirl, nearly losing all rational thought. The scent of lavender and the sight of his strawberry-stained lips overwhelmed her senses. But then, Caelus handed her the book, cleared his throat, and walked away.

What's wrong with him? Medea scoffed internally, clutching the book to her chest as she followed him. When they reached his chamber, Caelus spoke again, this time with a seemingly indifferent tone. "Are you not bothered by the sudden arrest of the crown prince?"

Medea noticed the shift in his tone and furrowed her brows. Is he changing the topic to diffuse the tension? She shook off the thought and flopped comfortably onto his sofa. "Well, I honestly don't care. I told you, I have a plan." She traced the cover of the book with her fingers. "You see... I will not stop until I manage to get my hands around his neck," she declared, her words hanging dangerously in the air.

Caelus smirked. "Ah, right. You're going to turn this situation to your advantage?"

Medea looked at him, a malicious smile spreading across her lips. "Sharp as ever, my dear Cael," she replied.

Their conversation carried on, thick with unspoken plans and shared understandings. Medea's mind raced with possibilities, each one a step closer to her ultimate goal. Caelus, despite his calm exterior, seemed to be piecing together his own thoughts about the unfolding events.

Caelus leaned against the edge of his desk, arms crossed, watching Medea with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. She was flipping through the pages of the book with such carelessness that it was clear she wasn't actually reading any of it. After a moment, she closed the book with a decisive snap and set it aside.

"Let me tell you something interesting," she fixed her gaze on Caelus and approached him. Dressed in his simple white button-up shirt and signature magician robe, he watched as she grasped his white sleeve, lifting it slightly. She lifted the fabric slightly, her touch was cold and deliberate.

"If a white cloth falls onto muddy ground, it becomes unclean. This defilement of what was once pure shows what a sin does to a person: it taints, thereby defiling them," she explained, letting go of his sleeve and taking a step back. "I want them to fight for the throne they crave. I want to see who will dive deepest into the depths of darkness and who will succumb to sin the most."