Rise Of The Villain : In a World Ruled By Anomalies

Chapter 74 : Wish me luck

The evening light filtered softly through the large glass windows, casting a golden glow across the lavish room. Arthur stood in front of the mirror, his posture straight, his expression calm yet focused.

He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve slightly, his sharp red eyes scanning his reflection.

He was wearing a perfectly tailored three-piece suit, deep black with subtle silver accents. The fabric looked expensive, the kind that reflected wealth without needing to scream it. The vest hugged his frame neatly, the coat resting flawlessly over his shoulders, and the tie sat perfectly aligned.

His black hair was styled neatly, framing his face just enough to enhance his sharp features. His red eyes stood out even more against the formal look, giving him an intimidating yet captivating presence.

Arthur tilted his head slightly as he observed himself. "Well... this should be enough to look like someone of high importance and wealth in the auction."

A knock echoed from the door.

A familiar voice followed. "Are you ready... or not yet?"

Arthur didn’t turn around. "Well, you can come inside and look for yourself."

The door opened slowly.

A blonde-haired girl stepped inside.

Julia.

For a brief moment, even Arthur’s eyes shifted slightly.

She was wearing a fitted black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, with a subtle slit along the side that added elegance without being excessive. The fabric shimmered faintly under the light, and a thin silver chain rested around her neck.

Her hair was styled neatly, falling smoothly over her shoulders, and light accessories adorned her ears and wrists. The high heels she wore added height, making her presence even more striking.

She looked beautiful.

But—

She also looked completely out of place.

Her posture was stiff, her movements careful. As a martial artist, she was used to loose, flexible clothing. This... was the complete opposite.

Her balance wavered slightly as she stepped forward, clearly struggling with the heels.

Even then—

She still looked stunning.

Julia focused intensely on standing properly, her eyes fixed downward as she tried to stabilize herself.

Arthur suddenly chuckled. "A beauty who can’t stand on her own two feet, huh? Now that’s something... you rarely see. You’ll bring shame to the ladies who take hours just to put on makeup."

Julia’s face turned red instantly.

She was still looking at her heels, trying to adjust her footing. "Ah... this is so damn uncomfortable... why the hell do we have to wear these? Can’t we just wear something else?"

She finally looked up toward Arthur—

And froze.

For a few seconds, she just stared.

Arthur looked... different.

Sharp. Refined. Handsome.

The usual lazy aura around him was gone, replaced by something far more dangerous and composed.

Julia suddenly shook her head sideways.

’What was that just now...?’

Before she could process it further—

Arthur’s voice cut in lazily. "Why don’t we go wearing tracksuits? I’m sure those guys will welcome us if we do that. We’ll tell them we came here to finish our evening training... what do you say?"

Julia’s mouth twitched. "Was that supposed to be a joke? It didn’t seem funny to me."

Arthur smirked slightly. "What’s funny is how you’re acting in those clothes... when they look so beautiful."

Julia blinked.

Then—

A faint blush spread across her cheeks. "Do you really think I look beautiful in them?"

Arthur let out a small sigh. "Haaah... I mean the clothes are beautiful, not you in them."

A vein popped on Julia’s forehead.

Arthur burst out laughing.

Annoyed, Julia immediately tried to land a roundhouse kick straight at his smug face.

But—

Her balance wavered mid-motion because of the heels.

Her body tilted.

She was about to fall—

When suddenly—

Arthur caught her by the waist.

Julia’s eyes widened in surprise.

Arthur frowned slightly. "What the hell? You shouldn’t have worn those heels if you knew we might have to fight if things go wrong."

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then Julia quickly pulled herself away, regaining her composure as she stood straight.

"I will go change them immediately."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out of the room.

The door closed behind her.

Arthur blinked once, slightly confused.

He scratched the back of his head. "...She’s women after all... taking so much time to get ready."

Arthur finally stepped out of his room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. His footsteps echoed lightly as he walked down the quiet hallway, his expression calm, yet his eyes carried a sharp focus.

He made his way toward the living room.

As he entered—

He found Yuna already sitting comfortably on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, casually sipping coffee.

She glanced toward him.

Her eyes lingered for a moment before she spoke. "You look good in those."

Arthur gave a small nod. "Thanks for the compliment, Master."

Yuna took another sip before placing the cup down on the table. "So... what are you going to do now?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow slightly. "Do what?"

Yuna leaned back into the sofa. "After making that ridiculous promise to Yuichi... do you really think you’ll be able to find them that easily?"

Arthur smiled.

A confident, almost knowing smile.

"Don’t worry," he said. "I wasn’t just saying random things there... I’m sure of it."

He paused briefly.

"In fact... I’m sure I’m going to meet her today."

Yuna’s eyes widened slightly. "How are you so confident about that?"

Arthur’s smirk deepened. "If I tell you that now... it’ll ruin the fun."

Yuna leaned forward slightly, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Come on now... you’ve made me even more curious. Tell me something at least."

Arthur shrugged casually. "Well, I can’t tell you everything... it involves some things that are out of your syllabus."

Yuna’s eye twitched.

Arthur continued, unfazed. "But... let me put it this way... after talking with James and asking around the staff... I found out that Sakura is Yuichi’s daughter."

He paused briefly.

"But... she’s not from his current wife."

"She’s the daughter of his mistress."

Yuna let out a small sigh, clearly unimpressed. "Is that your big reveal? I already know that."

She leaned back again. "Yuichi brought Sakura here about two years ago after her real mother passed away. Her home was in a country far in the west... called Levenon."

Arthur remained silent, listening.

Yuna continued, "She was quite talented. She had already started her own company there and was fairly successful in running it."

She picked up her cup again. "And one more thing... as you know, Yuichi has aged quite a lot. He can’t have children anymore."

A small pause.

"So she’s his only legitimate heir now. That’s why he brought Sakura back."

Yuna’s voice softened slightly. "But... I do know one thing... he loves his daughter dearly. That much, I’m sure of."

Arthur nodded slowly. "Yeah... yeah, I know."

Then his eyes sharpened slightly.

"But just let me say this... Sakura is not some normal girl... who became successful at such a young age."

A brief pause.

His voice lowered slightly.

"And then... accepted her father so easily."

Arthur leaned slightly against the wall, his gaze steady as he spoke, "Right now... I can tell you this much... she possesses something special... something only a few people in the world possess."

He paused briefly, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"And then suddenly... just six months prior... she falls in love with someone. That’s not something simple either."

His tone turned sharper.

"And then... an organization like the one James described appears in this nation."

A faint smile formed on his lips.

"It’s all too well connected... even her kidnapping."

Yuna’s eyes narrowed immediately. "Surely... you’re not saying..."

Arthur cut her off.

"Yes... it is possible that James was the one who had her kidnapped."

Yuna’s eyes widened in shock. "Are you serious?"

Arthur shrugged slightly. "Well... there’s a fifty percent chance of it being true."

He straightened his posture slightly.

"And then... there’s another theory."

His expression darkened just a bit.

"One that I hope isn’t true... because if it is... things will get troublesome."

He glanced at Yuna.

"And you’ll have to step in yourself... to resolve this situation."

Yuna frowned. "Do you really think it’s something this serious?"

Arthur’s voice turned calm... but heavy.

"Let me tell you this... in this world... some people are blessed with a power... a power so special... that if given enough time... even those who seem unbeatable right now... will fall as if they were nothing."

Yuna’s mouth fell open slightly.

For a second—

She just stared at him.

Then suddenly—

She burst out laughing.

"You really like making jokes, don’t you?"

Arthur shrugged. "You can take it as a joke if you want... what I’m saying might also turn out to be complete nonsense."

He turned his gaze toward her again.

"But... when the time comes... and if my instincts are right... you’ll see it for yourself."

Yuna smirked. "So... I take it you’re one of those special people... who will turn everything upside down in the future?"

Arthur smiled faintly. "Who knows... only time will tell."

Just then—

James entered the room.

"Arthur... the car is ready. We are waiting for you outside."

He then bowed slightly toward Yuna before turning to leave.

But not before casting one final glance at both of them.

Arthur exhaled softly. "Seems like I have to go now."

He looked at Yuna. "Wish me luck, Master."

He turned to leave—

"Wait."

Arthur stopped.

Yuna stood up and walked toward him.

She pulled out a small earring.

Without warning—

She pierced it into his ear.

Arthur winced slightly. "Tch—what the hell..."

Yuna smirked. "If something comes up that you can’t handle... just break it."

She stepped back slightly.

"And everything will get resolved magically... a beautiful fairy will come and help you."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "So... it’s a summoning artifact, huh?"

Yuna simply smiled.

"I gave one to Julia as well... so you should have one too."

Arthur sighed lightly. "Alright... although I’m not a big fan of accessories... I’ll take it."

He turned toward the exit again.

Yuna waved her hand lazily. "Don’t disappoint me."

Arthur smirked as he walked away. "Don’t worry... I’ll definitely do everything to disappoint you."

He paused briefly.

"After all... I’m your disappointment."

Yuna’s mouth twitched. "You brat—"

Before she could finish—

Arthur had already dashed out.

Yuna let out a long sigh.

Then—

She smiled.

A faint, almost proud smile.

Outside—

Arthur stepped out and immediately spotted Julia standing beside the car.

She looked far more comfortable now.

Her heels had been replaced with something practical, allowing her to stand properly without struggling.

Her heels had been swapped for a pair of chic strappy flats.

She took a step, smooth and effortless, no longer teetering with every move. The soft shimmer of the straps caught the light as she walked, elegance intact—but now it was easy.

Arthur glanced down, raising a brow. "Gave up the heels?"

Julia smiled, lifting her chin slightly. "Upgraded. Let’s go."

Arthur nodded.

The two of them stepped into the limousine—

As the night of the auction began.