[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-villain-s-pov":3,"chapter-the-villain-s-pov-the-villain-s-pov-chapter-62":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","THE VILLAIN'S POV",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},336919,598,"Chapter 62 62: Signs of Disaster","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-62",62,"\u003Cp>The sky slowly darkened as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside one of the temple's cafés, a well-dressed man sat, sipping his coffee while admiring the view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, he glanced at his watch—it was just past seven. Taking a final sip, he stood up, leaving a few silver coins on the table, much to the delight of the staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He strolled leisurely through the temple's vast grounds, which resembled a small city. Turn after turn, he found himself alone, having ventured deep into the dimly lit alleys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, he stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the pitch-black darkness, his figure vanished entirely, leaving only his crimson eyes gleaming through the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out a strange device—a crystal with a deep violet hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single tap, an eerie silhouette materialized—a man clad in a black suit, his face completely obscured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he appeared ordinary, the red-eyed man's reaction suggested otherwise. The moment the figure emerged, he knelt on one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suited man remained unfazed, skipping pleasantries altogether.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is everything ready?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, the preparations are complete. I await your command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faceless man gave a slight nod. Clearly, he had no interest in idle chatter, seeking to end the conversation as swiftly as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before vanishing, he left behind a final warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't mess this up, Kai Luc. This is your only chance to ascend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kai Luc remained kneeling until the projection faded. Slowly, he rose to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was calm, but the cracks forming along the nearby buildings betrayed his true emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists clenched tightly, his crimson eyes burning with an ominous glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, no one knew what kind of storm was about to descend upon the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Frey Starlight Pov-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat dripped down my skin after hours of intense training. Over the past few hours, I had tested a variety of techniques, from solo drills to sparring with others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, the experience had been more rewarding than expected—I even found new sparring partners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lingering heat in my muscles fueled my desire for one final match before calling it a day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to ask Snow when I noticed a tall young man with long blond hair approaching me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a friendly smile, he raised his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How about a duel?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Feyrith's polite demeanor, I couldn't help but chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You want a rematch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the teasing tone in my voice, Feyrith frowned slightly. But what he did next genuinely caught me off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I apologize for my past behavior. I now realize how childish and unfair I was toward you. Frey, I don't expect you to forgive me, but I hope this can at least make up for it a little.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words made me freeze for a moment, and even the others nearby halted their training upon hearing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was stunned. Was this really Feyrith, the typical third-rate villain, saying something like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the one I had always believed was meant to replace the old Frey in this version of the story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything pointed to him being the likely suspect, but recent events had started to challenge that assumption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, since he approached me on his own, I wasn't about to waste the opportunity to dig deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I patted his shoulder with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's fine. I overreacted back then too… No hard feelings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm glad to hear that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging polite smiles, I made my way to one of the nearby arenas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shall we begin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my question, he nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come at me whenever you're ready.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising my sword, I immediately shifted into combat mode. My previous friendly demeanor vanished, replaced by cold focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feyrith Earlet… This might be my chance to bring you into the light and end this once and for all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skipping unnecessary warm-ups, I lunged forward, slashing with a surge of dark aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feyrith reacted swiftly, deflecting my strike with a sharp parry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our swords clashed, locking together in a fierce struggle. He thought he had blocked my attack—until ten identical copies of myself emerged, striking simultaneously at multiple points on his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing danger, he conjured several wind barriers, blocking my attacks in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet somehow, he immediately pinpointed my real position, launching a counterattack that forced us into a close-quarters clash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the arena, several spectators watched intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing side by side, Snow and Dawn observed the duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the first exchange, Dawn muttered in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Frey is more aggressive than usual...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow remained silent, simply watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, I continued pressing Feyrith. He was much stronger than the last time we fought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I had anticipated that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quickly scanned the training ground, noting the presence of many people—most notably, Snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My goal was to push Feyrith into revealing his true nature. If he lost control, Snow and I would be able to restrain him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real question was—how?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much I pressured him, he wouldn't crack. If anything, he was handling my attacks too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I unleashed my full power, this wouldn't be considered a simple spar anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sank into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think… How do I force him to use his demonic power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling what I knew about demon contracts, an idea struck me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons were fueled by emotions—anger, hatred… and love.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A smirk crossed my lips as I took a few steps back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let's test this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, you've improved a lot… Feyrith.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my words, he adjusted his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Glad to hear it. But I still have a long way to go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, no—you're really strong. I bet plenty of girls would fall for you like this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lunged forward again, our swords clashing violently. Taking advantage of my close proximity, I threw out my next words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Girls like Sansa, for example.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fraction of a second, he froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I carefully studied his reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed a response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead of what I expected, he simply chuckled, pushing me back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd be happy if that happened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A normal response?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed further, determined to dig deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? So you're admitting you like her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite our relentless swordplay, my voice carried through clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He feigned calmness, answering nonchalantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't answer that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him pretend to be flustered, I intensified my attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So I was right. But are you sure about that, Feyrith?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks flew as our swords clashed with increasing intensity—a stark contrast to the nature of our conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do I mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I paused briefly before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honestly, your chances are close to zero… Feyrith, I'd suggest giving up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark Aura surged as I unleashed a series of rapid slashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's a princess, after all… I doubt she'd ever fall for someone like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's out of your league, Feyrith.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feyrith had been silent for a while now, doing nothing but defending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I watched him, growing restless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come on… Do it. I just made you hear the words you hate the most. Fight back!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I waited for an angry outburst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead, Feyrith simply smiled as the wind surged fiercely around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks for the advice, Frey… but I won't give up that easily.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he attacked—but it wasn't the reaction I was expecting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We clashed for a while longer, but in the end, neither of us could overpower the other, so we stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good match.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thanked me before walking away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I watched his retreating figure, my expression unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What… was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone had mentioned Seris to the old Frey, he would've snapped immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, Feyrith Earlet barely reacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was almost impossible. Demonic contracts were supposed to amplify emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be… that Feyrith wasn't the contractor after all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I found myself unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, the chill I had felt earlier refused to fade—not even after leaving the training hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, I returned to my room late, took a shower to wash off the sweat, and collapsed onto my bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was exhausted and fell asleep instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Next Morning\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As usual, I headed to class early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the lessons were dull—except for Sophia's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sat through Fleming's lecture on elemental affinities for what felt like the hundredth time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Struggling to keep my eyes open, I fought off the overwhelming urge to sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When class finally ended, I stood up and made my way toward two girls who were about to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I stepped in front of them, blocking their path, both Sansa and Adriana halted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter instinctively hid behind Sansa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, I was used to this reaction, so I wasn't surprised. Instead, I focused on the princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can I have a moment?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sansa frowned slightly, her brows knitting together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you need something?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just want to talk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then speak here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised an eyebrow at her response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she… mad at me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In private, if you don't mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing my insistence, she stared at me for a moment before sighing in resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go ahead first, Adriana. I'll catch up later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Adriana leaned in, covering her mouth as she whispered in Sansa's ear, clearly trying to keep me from hearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you sure about this? You know the rumors about him. What if he—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's fine. I'll be okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Adriana, I'll be fine. Just go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at them blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What's the point of whispering when I can hear even the quietest sounds?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief exchange, Adriana reluctantly left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Sansa and I stepped out of the classroom together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had an hour before the next lecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I left the room, my body relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, the strange sense of danger I had felt earlier that morning returned the moment I entered the classroom, leaving me puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I decided to think about it later and focused on the girl in front of me instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked ahead, her face unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since I knew she wouldn't speak first, I took the initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is something wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was clearly upset with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know. You tell me—\" she said. \"Is there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wouldn't be asking if I knew the answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, we reached a vending machine stocked with various drinks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I grabbed a soda for myself before turning to ask what she wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply pointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Iced tea, then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After getting our drinks, we sat down at one of the benches nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So? What do you want?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a sip before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, can you drop the hostility?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What hostility?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This… this aura of yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have no idea what you're talking about.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'd never understand this girl. Out of all the characters in this world, she was the only one I hadn't written, and that often made her a source of endless frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least tell me why. I'm in a tough spot here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at me before shaking her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You've got some nerve, Frey. After pushing me away, you now act as if nothing happened?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pushing her away? Was she talking about that time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frowning, I responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My reaction was natural. You were the one who doubted me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only asked if you were okay. And of course, I doubted you! I know exactly what kind of person you are! Maybe you were deceived, or maybe you're after power and benefits… When people hear the name Frey Starlight, anything is possible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her words, I lowered my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring her unwavering stare, I silently continued drinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She's not wrong. At least, if she was talking about the old Frey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that person was long gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I refocused on her when she pointed out something important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you doubt me, then why did you follow me here alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my question, she tilted her head slightly and looked to the side indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I simply realized that demons wouldn't waste their time dealing with an idiot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, I nearly choked on my drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was a dumb question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had seen us leave together earlier, and some might even be watching me now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had forgotten she was a princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Choosing to ignore it, I got straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's just forget it, Sansa. Call it even.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just say what you need to say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a moment before asking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright… This might sound strange, but have you ever felt like you were being targeted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Targeted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, like… do you ever feel like someone is watching you? Or maybe someone has been getting close to you a lot recently?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing how serious I was, she laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The only person who's been getting close to me lately is you. And the one staring the most is also you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My expression betrayed me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did I finally realize what she meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smacked my forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had been observing her frequently after learning about her story… Had she noticed every single time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somehow, the coldness from earlier disappeared as the princess chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm just messing with you. Why are you reacting like this now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing my silence, she finally answered my question seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's see… I don't feel like anyone's watching me. I get a few stares here and there, but nothing unusual. As for people getting close to me… well, a lot of them do because of my status. Other than that, nothing else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lowered my head, deep in thought, before looking at her again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about a confession? A love confession?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My question made her pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After staring for a moment, she sighed before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because of my position as a princess, no one can approach me that way. You already know that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew most of my questions sounded ridiculous, but I had to ask them to confirm my suspicions about Feyrith.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She studied me for a while before speaking again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you asking these questions now? Are you worried about me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, I suppose so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn't expected that answer, which explained the surprise on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn't want to admit that I had done it for my own reasons. Since I had already resolved things with her, there was no point in stirring things up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's not like you, Frey. Are you actually worried about someone other than yourself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do, from time to time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that I didn't deny it, she idly played with her fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well… there's no need to worry. I am a princess, after all. It won't be that easy to lay a hand on me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded. She was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If her situation was anything like Prince Aegon's, then there were surely unseen eyes watching us even now. There was no way someone of her status would be left unguarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet pause followed as we both finished our drinks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, almost absentmindedly, I asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You once told me you can read emotions just by looking at someone's face, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then tell me… what do you usually see when you look at mine?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remained silent for a moment before answering,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I had to put it into words… sadness. For some reason, that's the emotion I see the most.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was oddly reassuring. At the very least, my emotions and desires were still present—they hadn't completely faded away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed like she wanted to ask more, but in the end, she held back. Maybe because we weren't that close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be honest, you've become harder to read lately… Everything about you feels different, like you're a completely different person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned back in my chair, answering her in a relaxed tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's only natural.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all… I'm not Frey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>",2627,"2026-05-30T03:41:22.346Z","2026-06-01T04:30:13.202Z",1,"novelbin.me","e534f9c83e9b0fe1c301d1e2fc735f35f52a3c307702fbe1cbc3c48b6b39b5da","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-371","the-villain-s-pov-chapter-370",866,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-villain-s-pov-cover.jpg"]