Taming The Villainesses novel Chapter 354

This sanctuary atop the mountain was said to be a place sought by those who had cut all ties with the secular world.

It’s common to hear people say someone “shaved their head and retreated to the mountains” when they withdraw from society.

This temple, they said, was exactly for people like that.

Which is why the monks here had no interest in worldly affairs, nor did they know who was famous or what festival was taking place at the moment—they were ignorant of all of it.

Perhaps that’s why the monks here didn’t seem to know who I was. Having grown used to everyone recognizing me no matter where I went in Angmar, this situation actually felt unfamiliar.

"Who might you be?"

The old man asked, and I was just about to answer—

Shff.

Mirna stepped between me and the elder and spoke.

"That’s not important right now. Eliesel, please take us to the Hall of All Gods. We need to retrieve a treasure from there and use it. It’s urgent."

"Urgent... Well, the Hall of All Gods does belong to the Dragon King. It would be right to follow the word of the Lady, who is one of his descendants. However, this old monk has something to inform you..."

The elder then launched into a rather long explanation.

"The artifacts stored within the Hall of All Gods... Among them are objects that harbor twisted curses and desires—things like the monkey’s paw, or the seven dragon orbs. Thus, we regularly conduct purification rites..."

Lately, he said, the ominous energy within had grown noticeably stronger. Which was why, aside from the high monks, no one was permitted to even approach the Hall of All Gods.

"However, the purification rite is nearing its end. If you could wait just a little longer, we’ll be able to reopen the hall shortly. Would you consider waiting?"

At the word “wait,” Narmee’s brow twitched.

"If we wait, how long?"

"Let me see... Is Grand Master Norba here? The young lady is asking when the purification rite is expected to end."

A young man in silk robes stepped forward and whispered something into the old monk’s ear. He deliberately spoke quietly, but my sensitive fairy ears picked it up clearly.

━It’ll take about two more days.

Two days.

A short time, relatively speaking. But for us, two days—or even two hours—was time we absolutely didn’t have. While I was pondering what to do, Elder Eliesel spoke again.

"In any case, you’ve come a long way. Please, come inside. I’ll have five-flavor tea and red bean jelly brought out. There’s nothing better to soothe the fatigue of mountain travel."

At his overly laid-back response, Narmee burst out in protest.

"We really don’t have time! We need to get to the Hall of All Gods right now! My sister and I will take care of whatever curses there are—just tell us where it is!"

At Narmee’s bright and direct plea, I saw the old monk’s face momentarily soften.

Of course, anyone would want to accommodate Narmee’s request. To the people of House Draco, Narmee was a beloved princess—someone they’d spoil without question.

However, the monk soon adopted a very stern expression.

"I’m afraid not."

Narmee scowled.

"I’m Narmee von Draco. You are servants, retainers, disciples, and monks of our house. If I give an order, shouldn’t you obey?"

It might’ve sounded a bit impolite, but Narmee was right.

This world had a clearly defined class hierarchy.

Noble and commoner rights were legally codified. And Narmee—second daughter of the great House Draco—could practically level a mountain lake and call it land if she wanted to.

But—

The monks merely stared at one another blankly.

Then, one by one, they began to smirk—and soon burst into full laughter. Their unexpected mirth caused both Narmee and Mirna to frown in confusion.

"What? Why are you laughing? Do I look funny to you? I’m Narmee von Draco...!"

Narmee seemed genuinely hurt, like someone who’d just been mocked.

The elder monk gently tried to console her with a soft tone.

"We were entrusted with the peace and safety of this sanctuary and the Hall of All Gods by your grandfather and our great master, Lord Yudas. Even if it’s the young lady’s request, we cannot defy that command."

His tone was gentle, but his resolve was ironclad. No matter what was said or begged, this old monk would not yield to Narmee’s wishes.

Realizing this, Narmee’s eyes welled up, and she looked to me and Mirna.

Mirna let out a small sigh and muttered under her breath.

"So we’re still not acknowledged. Not yet recognized as heads of House Draco, as rulers of these peaks. Not yet as heirs to Grandfather Yudas."

The monk said nothing.

But sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.

From what I’d gathered listening to their conversation, I was beginning to understand. Narmee and Mirna had not yet been formally acknowledged as successors at this central sanctuary of their clan.

Despite House Draco being devastated by evil sorcery, the lack of support from their ancestral base had always struck me as strange.

Now, it made sense. It explained why Mirna had been carrying so much on her shoulders all this time. The issues of inheritance and authority were still unresolved.

That’s when Narmee asked:

"Then what do I need to do to get that recognition?"

At her question, the monk’s face lit up.

"Are you expressing interest in the Rite of Succession, Lady Narmee?"

The onlookers glanced at one another with expressions of relief and happiness, murmuring things like "That’s great news" and "Now everything will be fine." It seemed they viewed her interest in the succession quite positively.

"Then, Lady Narmee, over the next three days, you must purify your body and soul—bathing in cold water and reciting prayers. Purity is paramount in inheriting the Dragon King’s Orb."

Three days of ritual cleansing.

For us, who only had two hours to spare, it was impossibly long.

Yet Narmee looked over at us and gave a sly wink.

It was adorable, but I had no idea what it meant—until Mirna said, nodding to herself:

"Ah, so that’s what we’re doing."

***

SPLASH!

"Ahh! Cold!!"

Narmee, clad in a white linen robe, was being doused in icy water inside a large fountain. The sacred spring water of Mount Yeong, said to be colder than ice.

"So cold!!"

She trembled violently, like a puppy caught ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) in a downpour—there was something pitiful about it.

━The poor young lady...

━Still, it’s the rule, nothing to be done.

As everyone watched her endure the ritual, Mirna nudged my side.

"Everyone’s attention is focused on Narmee right now. If we’re going to slip away, this is our best chance."

"Slip away?"

"While Narmee draws their attention, we’re going to steal the treasure from the Hall of All Gods."

"Ah."

Stealing.

Hearing such a criminal-sounding plan from the mouth of the ever-proper Mirna was shocking.

But at the same time, it was flawless.

To commit a crime and deceive others so openly in service of a plan—truly, she was worthy of being my wife.

Shfff.

We began to retreat backward, away from the crowd.