A Psychopath Reborn as a Third-rate Villain

The forest gradually returned to silence.

A thin layer of frost still blanketed the clearing, glittering beneath the pale moonlight. The frozen statues that had once been charging tribesmen stood scattered among the trees, their expressions forever locked in fear.

Evelyne turned toward Andras with a gentle smile.

”You should have been asleep.”

Her tone was calm, almost teasing.

”I know you expected more tribesmen to come searching for those who died.”

”But there was no need for you to stay awake.”

”The soldiers were more than capable of dealing with them.”

She paused for a moment before adding with quiet confidence,

”And if they weren’t...”

”I’m here.”

”There was never anything for you to worry about.”

Andras met her gaze and smiled faintly.

”I wasn’t worried.”

”I simply wanted to fight them.”

He let out a quiet sigh.

”I sacrificed my precious beauty sleep for nothing.”

For a brief moment, Evelyne stared at him.

Then she laughed softly.

The elegant sound carried through the quiet campsite.

”So that’s what disappointed you?”

She shook her head with an amused smile.

”I’m afraid I’ve already ruined your chance to enjoy yourself.”

She folded her hands behind her back.

”In that case...”

”You should return and recover your precious beauty sleep.”

She deliberately emphasized the last three words, her voice filled with playful exaggeration.

Even Andras couldn’t help smiling.

”I suppose that’s all I can do now.”

”Good.”

Evelyne nodded with satisfaction.

”We still have a long journey ahead tomorrow.”

Without another word, the two returned to their respective tents.

Night passed peacefully.

No further disturbances came from the forest.

The soldiers on watch remained vigilant until dawn, but nothing emerged from the darkness.

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the towering pines, the campsite slowly came to life.

One after another, soldiers emerged from their tents.

Some rekindled the campfires.

Others fed the horses and inspected the carriages.

The cooks were already preparing breakfast, and before long, the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meat spread throughout the clearing.

Inside his tent, Andras opened his eyes.

Unlike most people, he had never required much sleep.

After washing and changing into a fresh set of clothes, he stepped outside.

The crisp morning air greeted him immediately.

The frost covering the clearing had almost completely melted beneath the rising sun, leaving tiny droplets of water shimmering across the grass.

Nearby, Evelyne was already enjoying a cup of tea.

She looked up as Andras approached.

”Good morning.”

”Good morning, Mother.”

He took a seat across from her.

Not long afterward, breakfast was served.

The meal was simple but filling.

Fresh bread.

Roasted meat.

Fruit.

Warm soup.

The atmosphere was far more relaxed than it had been the previous evening.

The events of the night seemed little more than a passing incident.

After everyone had finished eating, the escort captain approached the carriage and bowed respectfully.

”Your Grace.”

”Everything has been prepared.”

”We’re ready to depart.”

Evelyne nodded.

”Very well.”

”Let’s continue.”

The campsite was dismantled with remarkable efficiency.

Within minutes, every tent had disappeared, every supply had been packed, and every trace of the night’s encampment had been erased.

The convoy soon resumed its journey.

The carriage rolled steadily along the Imperial Highway, its wheels gliding smoothly over the well-maintained stone road.

Inside, Andras quietly watched the scenery pass through the window.

The landscape had gradually begun to change.

The dense forests surrounding Darkmoor had given way to broad plains dotted with prosperous villages and fertile farmland.

The road itself had become increasingly crowded.

Merchant caravans traveled in long lines, transporting goods from every corner of the Empire.

Adventurers on horseback rode toward distant frontiers.

Noble carriages bearing the crests of influential houses occasionally passed by, escorted by their own retinues of knights.

Each time the silver wolf banner of House Darkmoor came into view, travelers respectfully guided their wagons aside, allowing the ducal procession to pass unhindered.

Evelyne noticed Andras observing everything outside.

”The closer we get to the Capital,” she explained, ”the busier the roads become.”

”Nearly every major trade route in the Empire eventually leads to Valtharis.”

”It truly is the heart of the Empire.”

Andras nodded.

”I can see that.”

Hours slipped by.

Before long...

The coachman gently slowed the horses.

One of the escort knights rode alongside the carriage.

”Your Grace.”

”The Imperial Capital is just ahead.”

Evelyne smiled.

”We’ve arrived.”

Andras shifted his gaze toward the horizon.

In the distance...

Beyond the rolling plains...

He caught sight of something immense.

A colossal wall stretched across the landscape like an unbreakable mountain range.

Its pale stone gleamed beneath the midday sun, rising so high that it seemed to touch the heavens themselves.

Countless watchtowers stood proudly along its length, each flying the crimson-and-gold banner of the Empire.

Behind those towering walls...

The rooftops of an enormous city gradually came into view.

Valtharis.

The Imperial Capital.

Even from several kilometers away...

Its sheer scale was breathtaking.

Andras quietly watched as the legendary city grew larger with every passing moment.

A faint smile slowly appeared on his lips.

”So...”

”This is the heart of the Empire.”

The convoy continued forward.

The towering walls of Valtharis grew larger with every passing minute until they dominated the entire horizon.

The closer they drew, the more imposing the Imperial Capital became.

The walls were carved from pale white stone that had withstood centuries of wind, rain, and war. Massive watchtowers rose at regular intervals, their crimson-and-gold banners fluttering proudly in the breeze.

Countless Imperial soldiers stood guard atop the battlements, their polished armor gleaming beneath the midday sun.

Before the enormous gates stretched an endless stream of people.

Merchant caravans waited patiently for inspection.

Adventurers returned from distant expeditions.

Nobles arrived in luxurious carriages bearing the crests of their respective houses.

Travelers from every corner of the Empire filled the road, creating an atmosphere unlike anything Andras had seen before.

The moment the silver wolf banner of House Darkmoor came into view...

The atmosphere subtly changed.

The Imperial guards immediately recognized the emblem.

”The Silver Wolf...”

”It’s House Darkmoor.”

The captain of the city guard stepped forward at once.

He bowed respectfully toward the carriage.

”Welcome to Valtharis, Your Grace.”

”The gates are open.”

Without delay, the soldiers ordered the waiting caravans to move aside.

The crowded road quickly cleared, creating a wide path for the Darkmoor procession.

Many pedestrians stepped aside and lowered their heads respectfully.

Some whispered among themselves.

”That’s the Duchess of Darkmoor...”

”I heard House Darkmoor rarely visits the Capital.”

”They must have come for Her Highness’s birthday banquet.”

”I heard the young master is accompanying her.”

”Andras watched the passing crowd through the carriage window.

No one shouted.

No one caused a disturbance.

The respect shown toward House Darkmoor wasn’t born from fear alone.

It was recognition.

Recognition of one of the Empire’s greatest ducal houses.

The convoy passed through the colossal gates.

The moment they entered the city...

Andras understood why Valtharis was called the jewel of the Empire.

Wide stone avenues stretched in every direction.

Elegant buildings lined both sides of the streets, their architecture blending white marble with dark granite to create an appearance that was both majestic and timeless.

Crystal lamps hung from ornate iron posts, illuminating the streets even during the day with faint traces of enchanted light.

Bustling marketplaces overflowed with merchants displaying goods from across the continent.

Rare herbs.

Magical beast materials.

Enchanted weapons.

Exotic fabrics.

Jewelry crafted by master artisans.

The lively voices of merchants mixed with the laughter of children and the rhythmic clatter of horse-drawn carriages.

The city radiated prosperity.

Everywhere he looked, people moved with purpose.

Nobles traveled in luxurious carriages.

Scholars wearing academy robes discussed magic as they walked.

Adventurers proudly displayed trophies from recent expeditions.

Even the ordinary citizens appeared far wealthier than those in most other cities.

Andras silently observed everything.

His expression remained calm.

Yet inwardly...

He admitted that the Capital had exceeded his expectations.

Evelyne smiled as she noticed his quiet curiosity.

”Impressive, isn’t it?”

”It is.”

She looked through the window.

”Valtharis has stood as the Empire’s capital for nearly a thousand years.”

”It isn’t merely the political center of the Empire.”

”It is also its greatest center of commerce, culture, and magical research.”

”The finest academies, workshops, guilds, and noble families all gather here.”

”The entire Empire revolves around this city.”

As they traveled deeper into the Capital, the crowds gradually thinned.

The commercial districts gave way to broad, tree-lined avenues reserved for the nobility.

Elegant estates stood behind towering iron gates, each surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens.

Every residence displayed the crest of its noble house with unmistakable pride.

Before long...

The convoy slowed once again.

Standing before them was an imposing black iron gate adorned with a magnificent silver wolf.

Beyond it stood the Darkmoor Mansion.

Unlike the ancestral estate within Darkmoor Duchy, this residence wasn’t built as a fortress.

Instead...

It embodied refined elegance.

A magnificent three-story manor stood at the center of the estate, its pale stone walls accented by black marble pillars and expansive crystal windows that shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.

The roof was crafted from polished slate, while silver decorations bearing the House Darkmoor crest adorned its highest peaks.

Beautiful gardens surrounded the mansion.

Flowerbeds bloomed in perfect symmetry.

Stone pathways wound gracefully between marble fountains and carefully sculpted hedges.

Ancient trees provided cool shade across the estate, while a tranquil artificial lake reflected the sky like polished glass.

Dozens of servants had already assembled before the entrance.

The moment the carriage came to a halt, they bowed in perfect unison.

”Welcome back, Your Grace.”

Evelyne stepped down from the carriage with practiced elegance.

Andras followed shortly afterward.

An elderly butler approached and bowed deeply.

”The mansion has been prepared.”

”Your rooms are ready.”

Evelyne nodded with satisfaction.

”You’ve done well.”

The butler smiled.

”It is our honor to serve House Darkmoor.”

Andras lifted his gaze toward the magnificent residence before him.

This would be their home for the coming days.

More importantly...

the Imperial Princess’s birthday banquet was already being prepared.

The gathering of the Empire’s greatest nobles was drawing near.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

It wouldn’t be long...

Before Valtharis became far more interesting.