Reborn As a Villain Son With The Strongest Wife-Chapter 23: Villain and Hero – The First Confrontation

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The forest was dead silent.

I stood still, my hand resting on my sword's hilt.

Celestia leaned lazily against a tree, a playful smirk on her face.

And standing across from me—

Was Rael Ascarion.

The original protagonist.

His golden eyes burned with suspicion.

"You still haven't answered me," he said coldly.

"Did you kill Lucius Arden?"

I didn't flinch.

"I didn't."

Rael's gaze sharpened.

"Then why is his Sacred Beast dead?"

I exhaled slowly, keeping my face neutral.

"Lucius challenged me. His beast lost. Simple as that."

Rael's hand tightened on his sword.

"You're lying."

I didn't respond.

In truth—I could easily kill Rael here.

But that would immediately make me a public enemy.

And worse—Celestia's presence would also be exposed.

(Stay calm. Outsmart him.)

Celestia suddenly giggled.

"Ara~ Look at his glare~ Such hatred for my darling husband already?"

Rael's eyes snapped to her.

And the moment he did—his entire body froze.

His pupils dilated.

His Sacred Beast—the Griffin—suddenly screamed in terror inside his Beast Space.

[Warning: Hostile Presence Detected.]

[The Sacred Griffin senses a Calamity-Class Threat.]

Rael staggered.

(What the hell...?!)

His gaze locked onto Celestia—and a cold chill ran down his spine.

(Who... what is she...?)

Celestia simply smiled, her presence oozing unfathomable malice.

"Ara~ What's wrong, little Hero? Does my mere presence frighten your beast~?"

Rael's heartbeat raced.

His Griffin was trembling.

(Who the hell is this woman...?!)

Rael gritted his teeth, his hand gripping his sword tighter.

His Sacred Griffin's warning continued to blare in his mind.

[Calamity-Class Threat Detected.]

[Danger Level: Impossible.]

His eyes locked onto Celestia again.

(This woman... She's beyond dangerous.)

Rael finally spoke, his voice strained.

"...Who are you?"

Celestia smiled, a chilling, seductive smile.

"Ara~ Just a loving wife supporting her dear husband~"

Rael's stomach churned.

Loving wife? Supporting husband?

This suffocating malice... from a wife?

Rael's instinct screamed: She is a monster.

"You're lying," he growled.

Celestia giggled.

"My, my~ So accusatory. I haven't even done anything yet, you know?"

Rael turned to me, his hostility surging.

"And you. Who exactly are you, Leonhardt Valtara?"

I stayed silent for a moment.

Then I answered coldly—

"...A survivor."

Rael flinched.

My voice carried no lie.

Just cold, hard truth.

"And if you continue threatening me, Rael Ascarion," I added sharply, "You'll end up like Lucius."

Rael's entire body tensed.

A surge of anger burned in his chest.

"You...!"

I smirked.

"Leave, Hero. You've already overstayed your welcome."

Rael's knuckles turned white, his entire body screaming for a fight.

But he didn't draw his sword.

Because deep down—his instincts screamed that if he fought now, he would die.

"...We'll meet again, Leonhardt," Rael said darkly.

I smiled coldly.

"And when we do—come prepared."

Rael turned away, his gaze lingering briefly on Celestia.

His Sacred Griffin still refused to respond.

(What... is she...?)

As he walked away, Celestia giggled maliciously.

"Ara~ I like that boy. His despair will be delicious to watch in the future~"

I shot her a glare.

"Don't provoke him too much."

She simply smiled.

"But darling~ Isn't it fun watching him struggle?"

I sighed.

(Great. Now I've officially gained the hatred of the original protagonist.)