VILLAINOUS SYSTEM: I am fated to be a villain in fantasy novel

Chapter 21 - a sneaky adventure (2)

William scanned the bustling crowd, his sharp eyes catching the subtle glances of a few individuals watching them too closely. A smile tugged at his lips.

So bringing him was not a bad idea, he thought.

Beside him, Yashir turned with a bright, genuine smile. "Thank you, William. I've had more fun today than in my entire life."

William snorted. "Man... you're making it sound like we're lovers on a date."

Yashir's smile faded, his tone suddenly serious. "I'm not joking."

William blinked, caught off guard. "Oh. My bad..."

Without another word, Yashir stepped forward, heading toward the edge of the square.

"Where are you going?" William called after him.

Yashir glanced over his shoulder, calm but sharp. "Did you really think my father would let me leave the palace without any guards?"

As if on cue, several figures stepped out from the crowd—disguised guards, their movements coordinated, precise. Leading them was an older dwarf with a silver-streaked beard and a stern face.

"Kimal," Yashir said coolly, his voice shifting into that of a crown prince. "How long have you been following us?"

"We've been shadowing you since you left the palace, Your Highness," Kimal replied, placing a fist over his chest in salute. "His Majesty was furious when he discovered your absence."

He took a step forward, voice lower. "As punishment, you are to be confined to your chambers for four days, with extended study sessions under Lord Sahir's supervision."

Yashir's expression didn't falter. "Are you testing my authority, Kimal?"

Kimal stiffened. "Please forgive me, Your Highness. I'm only relaying His Majesty's orders."

Yashir turned to William with a composed expression. "See you in four days, young lord. Please offer my greetings to Lord Medici."

Then, with his escort in tow, Yashir departed.

William watched them vanish into the crowd, his expression unreadable.

"Well," he muttered to Wiz, "looks like he won't be breathing down my neck for the next four days."

[WOW. HE'S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN A MOMENT AGO.]

William smirked slightly.

"He wears it well."

[WAIT !ARE YOU GOING BACK?] Wiz asked.

"Yes," William said. "But I'll return tomorrow."

[WHAT ABOUT THE EARRING?]

"Relax. That stall won't disappear overnight. Besides..." William glanced around. The small commotion had drawn more attention than he liked.

Too many eyes.

He straightened, replacing calculation with a harmless, boyish grin. "I've had enough excitement for today."

With an air of innocence, he turned away and strolled back toward the palace, leaving the murmuring crowd behind.

On the way back, William entered the square, his gaze casually sweeping across the bustling surroundings. As he turned his head to the left, a massive structure caught his eye—larger and taller than any of the nearby buildings.

It wasn't a single structure but a complex of interconnected halls, joined together by high bridges that arched gracefully between them.

Several carriages stood outside its grand entrance. Some bore the elegant crest of the elves, while others displayed the emblem of a human county—likely Anjou. Representatives from both sides were entering the building.

[WHAT IS THAT BUILDING?] Wiz asked.

William smiled faintly.

"The Trade Centre. Edgar built it as a neutral ground for business between races in exchange for learning dwarves technology " he said. "I'll be visiting it tomorrow. Which means..."

His eyes gleamed. "...tomorrow is the perfect chance to get the earring."

Without lingering, he turned his gaze forward and resumed walking, blending once more into the rhythm of the street.

At last, William reached the guest palace. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue across the city. It was early evening, and the fading light stretched in every direction, painting the marble walls and polished stones in soft amber tones. The air carried the quiet calm that came just before dusk—neither day nor night, but something in between.

The guest palace stood before William, bathed in soft evening light. It mirrored the elegant architecture of the human continent—graceful and symmetrical— instead of the usual bronze and brass favored by dwarves, this structure gleamed with smooth marble walls and a red brick roof. The white palace shimmered with quiet dignity, its wide facade framed by a sprawling garden of vibrant roses and tulips. A polished stone driveway led up to the entrance, reflecting the dwarves' meticulous craftsmanship.

It was unmistakably built for this visit —an intentional gesture of honor, a mark of respect.

William stepped through the grand archway and was greeted by bowing servants, their movements precise but courteous. He offered only a faint nod before heading directly to his assigned chambers. The moment the door shut behind him, he kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto the plush bed.

He stared up at the carved ceiling, expression thoughtful.

"Edgar didn't say anything about me going out without a guard... Looks like he doesn't know," William muttered to himself. A smirk curved his lips.

"I'll have to keep up the act—be the obedient son. I don't want this trip cut short."

After a moment, he sat up, crossed his legs on the bed, and closed his eyes. The air around him shifted subtly as he began drawing in the surrounding essence.

"I need to increase my strength," he thought, focusing his breath.

"I can't always rely on the Essence of Corruption like I did with Seven. It's an unpredictable variable... one that could very well cost me my life."

His expression hardened with resolve as cyan light filled the room.