Taming The Villainesses - Episode 186.2

(EP-186.2) Own place #2

186 – Each in their own place #2

I couldn’t decide on the recent job advancement opportunity. It was challenging to choose between the safe and beneficial 《Archmage》, or the potential highly rewarding but risky 《Demon King》.

Part of the reason for my meeting with Elga and Mirna during the day was to solidify my decision.

I had a feeling that no matter which I chose, there was bound to be regrets. I’d probably be saying, ‘If only I had known, I might have chosen differently!’

「You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent 《Calm Thinking》.

All job experience +5」

It was a calmly unfortunate situation.

Whichever path I took, either was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with many changes ahead. I wished I had more time to contemplate, but the time for a decision was rapidly approaching.

Alas, time was not on my side.

As my heart was gradually sinking into a corner, I suddenly rose from my seat, as if possessed by something.

I wanted to confront what I had to overcome head-on.

“Theo, you came at the right time. I was about to call for your assistance.”

In her luxurious and tidy room, Aira greeted me on a chair. Two colorful outfits were laid out in front of her on the table.

“Which one do you think suits better? I’m contemplating what to wear in the upcoming trial, to shine as the Queen of Queens.”

Aira seemed immersed in her own dilemma.

She appeared torn between a black and a white dress. Then she lifted the black garment.

“I think I should go with the usual dark tone, nymph black. I’m certain that wench Serazade will come in black too. Black is an auspicious color in Tureuki.”

“Yes, Empress Serazade will undoubtedly wear black.”

“It might be nice to mingle with the same color scheme, but I don’t think it would be bad to draw overwhelming attention with an entirely different color.”

Aira picked up the hanger with the white outfit. It was a splendid pure white attire adorned with golden embellishments.

It looked like a bridal dress and seemed to suit Aira exceptionally well. In the first place, it was hard to find clothes that didn’t complement Aira’s slender, model-like figure.

“Theo, what do you think of this nymph white color? I really want to hear the opinion of my loyal, faithful servant. This is a privilege granted to no one else in the world, so think carefully.”

“Um-.”

Black or white…

Both had their own charm. Choosing either would inevitably feel like wasting the opportunity cost of not choosing the other.

“I… I think this one….”

I chose black. Imagining Aira in white clothes didn’t quite fit, so I opted for the more familiar black color that she had always worn.

“I see. Do you think it’s better to wear black?”

“It’s a color that suits Aira-nim well.”

“Fufu, that is wrong. Any color suits me well. Well then, I suppose I should wear this.”

Aira lifted the white outfit.

“Nymph white, a color that has been used as a bridal dress for goddesses since ancient times. Pure white with a nymph’s tears—”

“… Then, was there a need to ask me?”

When I expressed my doubt, Aira, like a wise mentor responding to a young disciple seeking guidance, spoke with weight.

“Ultimately, the choice is mine to make, no? I am the Queen. I have the right to make all decisions for myself~.”

‘Indeed.’

Aira had always made her own choices and decisions. Although she listened to my opinions like the color of her stockings and going to Ark, she still made her own choices.

As a Queen, her life must have presented immense options.

The opportunity costs scattered on the floor like mountains. I couldn’t resist my growing curiosity that was spreading like bamboo shoots.

“Have you ever regretted a decision, my lady?”

“Never.”

“Truly?”

“Believing that what you choose is the best. That is the King’s way. You can only give your best to what you’ve chosen.”

‘A King.’

Aira’s presence seemed to radiate from somewhere. In a white nymph dress, she was sure to shine even more beautifully like a goddess.

Even those who schemed with malicious whispers and plots against Aira would stop in their tracks to admire her, at least once.

Then Aira asked.

“So, have you heard from Serazade again?”

Aira had been strangely defensive of Serazade lately. It was the first time I’d seen Aira like this, I was not used to it.

“No, there was none.”

“I see… Then, what’s the purpose of your visit?”

“I just wanted to check in since the trial is approaching, my lady. Now that I’ve confirmed you’re doing well, I’ll take my leave.”

I backed away and exited Aira’s room.

After that, I returned to my room and called up the status window. Then, with a hand that had lost all hesitation, I selected the words for job advancement.

In truth, my heart had already leaned in a certain direction. However, not knowing the extent of the risks made me cautious.

But now that I had accurately assessed who my opponent was, any further hesitation was a waste.

As I realized that my ultimate adversary was not the Hunter, but Queen Aira herself, a peculiar mix of confidence and zeal seemed to surge in my heart.

My Queen, and at the same time, my greatest rival and goal.

Aira Von Tarantera.

If you illuminated the throne with pure white, then I—.

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