Tyrant? No, I am the Villain
Chapter 36: I’ll be the devil

Chapter 36: I’ll be the devil

Estefan stood alone on the high balcony of his palace, the weight of his growing responsibilities casting a long shadow over his youthful face.

The sky over Rammstein was hazy, painted with dust and smoke from far-off chimneys. Below, beyond the large walls of his palace, the city sprawled like a corrupted beast, a haven of crime, sin and a lot of suffering of the people who have no other way to live aside from suffering.

He looked out beyond the marble rails, past the gardens, past the blood-stained soil hidden beneath new grass. "Total annihilation." He muttered, slamming his clenched fist against the railing. The impact cracked the stone slightly, though he didn’t care since he had to kill many as caring will only lead to self destruction.

He must never be emotional, as emotions can be a weakness especially to a person whose goal is revenge through the death of those who have wronged him.

"The city will be cleaned." He whispered into the wind. "Because all of them are trash." There was no one to hear him but the city itself and perhaps, it listened.

Meanwhile, Galliard and the servants cleaned the grand hall in anticipation. Estefan had given a hint to them that more guests would come. After all, the palace hadn’t had this many visitors in years, not until now, when Estefan took over as the Baron and came to rule the City.

Estefan descended the staircase at a steady pace. "The next one is arriving." He announced rather casually.

Galliard blinked, surprised. "Already? That’s rather quick. My lord, come and sit as we have prepared things, though rather hastily."

Estefan looked around as he walked, his sharp eyes scanning the setup. "It’s fine. This isn’t the King we’re receiving. No need to pamper these criminals." He replied, clapping a hand on Galliard’s shoulder before taking his seat.

Moments later, a lone carriage arrived as it was far more modest than the flashy procession from Lutis earlier. The doors of the palace opened once again but this time, a woman entered. She was flanked by two armed men, their curved scimitars strapped to their hips as they were mercenaries.

Galliard narrowed his eyes and leaned close. "That’s Celine Zorthar." He whispered to Estefan. "The niece of Mikhail Zorthar. She’s dangerous. Known for her cruelty and her obsession with fashion. Some say she’s the most beloved member of the Zorthar family."

Estefan watched her approach. She was beautiful with short, dark-blue hair, piercing green eyes and a sultry, confident stride. Her attire was provocative as a thin, dark dress that clung to her body, with twin slits starting well above her waist, revealing muscular thighs and long, sculpted legs. Her arms were bare, her figure athletic, and she wore her body like a weapon.

"Stop staring." She teased, smiling as she took a seat opposite him. "I know I’m beautiful."

Estefan sighed. "Not exactly appropriate attire when visiting your ruler."

She laughed as it was a high, haughty sound. "Look at him, thinking he’s my ruler. Sweetheart, you have no idea who really runs this city and as for my attire, this little thing is made from enchanted threads. Stronger than steel, lighter than air. It costs more than the old men’s rags you are wearing."

Estefan scoffed. "Amazing apparently for women, the less you wear, the stronger the armor."

"Handsome." She said, crossing her legs. "But doesn’t know how to hold his tongue."

"You should try looking in a mirror." He jested.

"I do." she smirked. "Frequently. It’s a joy to behold beauty, especially my own."

Estefan narrowed his eyes. "Let’s get to the point. State your purpose, considering you walked in here like you own the place."

Celine leaned back and sighed, clearly enjoying herself. "Well, I suppose Lutis already made their offer, didn’t they? I imagine mine will be similar."

"They did." Estefan confirmed. "They tried bribing me with women. I refused. Since I don’t have any plans to accept gifts from criminals."

Celine burst into laughter. "Of course they did. That’s all they know as flashing some flesh and expecting the world to bow. Pathetic but still, if you want to survive in this city, you’ll have to accept offers. Otherwise, you’ll be a fool."

"I see but I’m not a fool and I am certainly not a criminal nor born a commoner like you, to wallow in filth and call it survival." Estefan responded to her words.

She rolled her eyes. "You nobles are all the same. The only thing you have got going for you is that you are massive, well-built and absurdly handsome. Everything else? Just another stuck-up aristocrat."

"How so? Should I treat someone like you, a glorified thug with an expensive luxury dress as a queen?" He said, "After all the blood you’ve spilled, the people you’ve hurt?"

Celine straightened, her tone sharpening. "You have no idea what we’ve done to survive here. It’s a world of predators and prey. Either you eat, or you are eaten. Nobles like you have family names, ancestral gold and a palace. You play politics while people like me fight in the dirt."

"Don’t justify your savagery." He did not accept her justification.

"I don’t need to justify anything." She said, voice rising. "Yes, I have killed dozens. Maybe hundreds. I have tortured, extorted and bled people dry and I’m not ashamed of it."

She leaned forward now, elbows on her knees, baring a dangerous smile. "Because in Rammstein, power doesn’t come from birth. It comes from fear."

Estefan met her gaze without blinking. "You kill for profit. I kill to cleanse this city. To ensure children aren’t stolen into slavery. That women aren’t sold like cattle. That the future of Rammstein doesn’t rot from the inside."

Celine scoffed. "Delusional."

"Aren’t you the delusional one here considering you are openly bragging about your crimes to me." He snickered.

"You want to fix Rammstein?" she mocked. "Good luck. This city doesn’t need a savior. It needs a devil."

Estefan leaned forward, folding his hands together. "Then I’ll be the devil." There was a pause as the air grew colder, denser.

"I’m not afraid of you." She said, but her voice cracked barely. "I can do more, and I will keep on doing more."

[To be Continued]