The Strange but Effective Villainess Life

Chapter 36 Episode 36: Who Is Back? (I)

Meyer was difficult to move because he was not attracted by money or fame.

He usually lived like a beggar, and sometimes, he would earn a lucky penny on days when the shopping streets were crowded… then he would drink with the money.

‘I received God’s blessing, so I can drink alcohol like a drunkard.’

Very few people knew that ‘Meyer Els’ was the last high priest.

20 years ago, the temple closed after a huge corruption was discovered.

While the people inside the temple were eating well, High Priest Meyer Els was drinking alone without knowing anything.

It was only natural that the role of the temple was almost nonexistent. In particular, the role of serving the public with divine power was already being replaced by the monastery.

In that way, Meyer Els instantly became an alcoholic and unemployed instead of a priest.

Cesare wanted something from Meyer. That was why he had been observing him nearby at every opportunity to figure out how to move him.

Few people could completely hide their presence as much as Cesare, so it was difficult for him to order someone else to do it.

Of course, this was a bit painful for Cesare.

He was somewhat particular and sensitive, and he hated messiness. Therefore, Meyer’s dusty old tent was very annoying.

It was to the point of wanting to get out of Meyer’s tent as well as this street itself as soon as possible.

Especially since Meyer did nothing except drink a fixed amount of alcohol every day.

‘I have to work a little faster… I’m a little impatient.’

Originally, he would have grasped the location of the holy relic and moved in earnest.

However, he hastily worked to prevent Kiana and Rodrigo’s engagement.

“Well, I think you were a little hasty… And isn’t Princess Kiana’s marriage really irrelevant? You said that you’re just using each other plainly.”

Despite Ragnac’s words, Cesare did not waver in the slightest.

“She is a benefactor. No matter how much I say we are only taking advantage of each other, it’s not right to see her marry such trash.”

“Uh… hmm… I thought the marquis had abandoned all those human emotions.”

Cesare tried not to recall his last conversation with Ragnac.

He didn’t want to dwell on why he couldn’t stand to see Kiana and Rodrigo’s marriage proceed.

It was then.

The entrance to the tent opened with the sound of a rusty bell.

Cesare’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw the person entering the tent.

The unexpected guest was Kiana dressed as a maid.

Her pink hair was carefully hidden in a checkered kerchief, and round glasses half-covered her face.

‘No… If you’re going to wear a maid’s outfit to hide your identity, then you shouldn’t wear a plaid kerchief…’

Seeing the checkered kerchief exuding a presence in a strange place, Cesare laughed.

“Did you come to receive a blessing?”

Meyer, who had just woken up, asked while rubbing his eyes.

Kiana replied bluntly.

“No, I don’t believe in that kind of superstition.”

That… she said it so confidently, considering she came to such a place.

Cesare was shocked, despite already knowing Kiana’s personality.

It was dirty inside the tent. But Kiana didn’t care. Sitting down in front of Meyer, she said without hesitation.

“I just came to talk.”

“…What?”

Bewildered, Meyer stared blankly at Kiana.

Well, it was absurd to come to talk to an impoverished old man in a dilapidated store like this.

“Get out.”

And Meyer immediately pointed his finger at the door.

“The unknown guest seems to know who I am.”

“Of course. How could I walk into a crappy store like this without knowing anything?”

Meyer smiled at Kiana’s answer and waved his hand.

“Looks like someone has a grudge against the temple, but nothing will change no matter what I do. So, go.”

“Well. Quite the opposite. I actually have a liking for God.”

“…To God… a liking?”

“Yes. I received help when I was struggling. That’s why I came to spend some time with the high priest.”

Kiana beckoned to the accompanying maid.

The maid hurriedly presented what she was carrying. A bottle of the finest wine and two large glasses were brought out.

Kiana smiled brightly at Meyer, whose expression changed.

“So, I would appreciate it if you could be my drinking buddy for this bottle.”

It was very easy for Meyer to reject people. However, it was difficult for him to refuse alcohol.

“By the way, this drink is really good. Would you like to try?”

And it was impossible to avoid the temptation of alcohol.

“Hah, how does this lady see me…”

“I see you as the high priest who drank alcohol throughout his tenure at the temple.”

“Ah!”

Meyer shouted as he hit his knee.

“This lady’s eyes are accurate! Then follow me!”

That’s how Meyer and Kiana’s party began.

The two emptied their glasses at once and filled it again. Then it was emptied again.

It was a repetition of that situation.

Kiana endlessly pulled out bottles.

And after some time…

“Now… stop, stop!”

Meyer declared surrender first.

“Lady… haha, what a party. Actually, I could drink more… but if I drink too much, my hands and feet get cold like ice and it hurts…”

He muttered sadly as he kneaded his hands.

“When I was in the temple, I asked the junior priests to bring me warm water and continued drinking… But there is no hot water here anymore.”

Kiana responded quickly.

“I knew that, so I brought a hand warmer.”

“Hand… what? Generally, the people of the temple rejected magic, so we didn’t have magic tools.”

“It’s not a magic tool. It is just a scientific device using a supersaturated solution and heat of coagulation.”

There was only one reason why Meyer never got drunk even though he was an alcoholic. As a person blessed by God, if he felt like he was about to lose his mind, a physical reaction would come. For him, it was cold hands and feet.

“Okay then! Since the blessing that’s placed on the high priest’s liver was overcome with the power of science, shall we have another drink?”

Suppressing that physical reaction with a scientific device, Kiana raised the next bottle. And made a tempting toast.

“For the last high priest who rebels against the blessings of God until the end!”

“Yes! For my messy liver! God, this Meyer is coming soon! Please wait!”

“For the poor junior priests who had to bring hot water for the drunken high priest!”

Kiana shouted her toast, gently wiping her tears away. And she muttered quietly.

“Ah, the poor kids are just like graduate students… Those kids wouldn’t have known they would have to do such a terrible job when they enter the temple… It’s sad that it’s like that everywhere…”

And some more time passed.

Bottles started rolling on the floor. Finally, Meyer stumbled and lost focus.

As if waiting for that moment, Kiana sat upright and softly ordered.

“Spy, get out.”

It was completely different from the voice that had only been pleasant so far. It was a very serious yet relentless commanding tone.

“Yes?”

“Get out now. I have something to talk about only with the high priest.”

The maid stared at Kiana for a few seconds, then finally sighed and left the store. Kiana’s words had an irrefutable atmosphere.

“High Priest.”

Kiana, who sent the maid out like that, looked at the high priest and asked at once.

“Where is the last relic of the temple?”

Her pronunciation was precise and her question was discreet.