The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix's Novels Also Desires Happiness Chapter 317: Choice

“I’ll try...”

A pure white glow flowed from Liya’s fingertips, seeping gradually into the bronze gate. Faint lines surfaced on the tal, resonating softly in ti with her breath.

“Amazing...”

Watching, Muen—who had only asked half-seriously—couldn’t help but praise:

“You can even crack chanisms? As expected of Liya.”

“N-no... I only saw it in books. And this is just a try. I don’t know if it’ll work.”

Her light wavered for a mont, a blush of shyness appearing, but she quickly refocused on unraveling the seal.

The array etched into the gate was imnsely complex. Though, as the earlier inscription implied, those who left this behind hadn’t wanted their civilization to be lost forever, they also hadn’t wanted their legacy trampled at will.

This door was the first trial.

The warning of “danger and opportunity together” ant nothing until one proved worthy to open it.

The powerless could not seize opportunity.

But—

As she worked, Liya’s eyes grew brighter.

Sweat dampened her brow, yet her fingers moved nimbly. White light burrowed into the gate, spreading through the patterns. Years of diligent study guided her hand, keeping her from straying long even when she faltered.

Like solving one puzzle after another, every breakthrough made her heart leap.

Finally—

Click.

A clear sound of gears. Dust long settled burst into the air as the bronze gate rumbled open, revealing a deep, lightless passage beyond.

“I... I did it.”

She froze a second, then snapped from her trance. Seizing Muen’s hand, she exclaid excitedly:

“Muen, look, I really did it!”

“Mm.”

Muen nodded, smiling bright as the morning sun.

“I saw it all. You worked hard. Didn’t I say so? Liya really is amazing.”

“I...”

Words caught in her throat. Then she realized she was still clutching his hand. Like touching fire, she pulled back—only for her wrist to remain tightly held. Color rose quickly to her cheeks. She muttered low:

“Th-thank you.”

Her heart thumped violently. She didn’t know if it was joy at overcoming the challenge, or... sothing else.

“So now we go in?”

Eager to dispel her confusion, she turned toward the blackness beyond the gate.

“It’s... so dark.”

Neither her senses nor Muen’s light penetrated it. It was like a yawning abyss, fearso in its depth.

But Liya felt relief.

The opening of the ruin ant they could finally leave their pursuers behind. No matter how terrifying, no matter what tricks, those cutthroats couldn’t follow them inside.

And ruins often had multiple exits. Perhaps they could even leave the forest entirely.

As for the “opportunity and crisis” ntioned... everyone knew ruins were dangerous.

But so long as she felt the warmth on her wrist, the danger didn’t seem so frightening.

Strange. That feeling ca more and more often. But what was it?

...Forget it. She’d think later.

“...Muen?”

She had braced herself to step forward—yet the hand holding her wrist hadn’t moved.

“What is it?”

Puzzled, she looked back.

“Aren’t we going? If they catch up—”

“......”

Muen said nothing. The glow in his palm flickered, throwing light and shadow across his face.

He was thinking.

His gaze road the darkness, brows knotting and loosening. He glanced behind, lips moving in silent calculation.

At last he closed his eyes, then opened them. Within the deep blue, firm resolve shone.

“Forget it.”

He spoke.

“We’re not going in.”

“Eh?”

Liya froze.

“Why not?”

“Because entering isn’t the right choice.”

“Not... the right choice?”

Her confusion deepened.

“But—”

“I know what you’re thinking.”

Muen cut her off.

“Yes, stepping through would let us easily shake pursuit. We might even find another exit and leave the forest.

“But there’s a problem.”

“Wh-what problem?”

“Ti.”

His voice was steady.

“Ruins are unknown. We can’t know how long it would take to pass through. From how hard you worked to open the gate, it won’t be short.”

“Of course not. Exploring a ruin can take months. But compared to being hunted by killers, just months...”

Her brows knitted, eyes narrowing at him suspiciously.

Such a good option, and he refused? Could it be—could it be... he hated being with her?

Her lips pouted angrily. Staying days was fine, but months he’d grow tired? If he dared say so, she’d... she’d bite him!

“Sigh... months aren’t the problem.”

But he didn’t say that. He sighed, looking at her with helplessness.

“Liya, did you forget sothing?”

“Forget... what?”

He paused, then spelled it out.

“The Holy Baptism Ceremony.”

“......”

Her heart gave a heavy thump, nearly stopping.

Right.

How could she forget?

Her most important goal.

The ritual to decide the next Saintess candidate.

The Holy Baptism.

If she entered now, she would miss it. Without question.

She wasn’t the only candidate. No one would wait for her.

Not going... ant failure. Total failure.

Ten years of effort, gone.

But...

But...

She glanced into the darkness, then turned back to the distance behind Muen.

She rembered the battle, the terrifying criminals, Muen’s wounds.

She thought, and thought again. Her misty eyes cleared.

Finally, she lifted her head. Though her eyes were dim, her face was steady.

“It... it doesn’t matter.

“As long as it helps us escape safely.

“It’s only a small thing. It doesn’t matter. Not at all...”

“...Really?”

Muen looked at her, sighing inwardly.

How could she say it didn’t matter?

If it truly didn’t, why did her body tremble like lightning struck, every word shaking?

“But it matters to .”

“Eh?”

“I said—it matters to .”

His tone was deadly serious.

“Because of that damn loli old hag, I have to reach the Holy City as fast as possible. I can’t waste months.”

“Is... is that so?”

Her eyes widened, searching his face for signs of a lie. But the shifting glow revealed nothing.

“And I told you, didn’t I?” he added suddenly.

“Hm?”

“I’ll definitely see Liya safely to the Holy City. If it takes months, how could that count as success?”

“B-but...”

“No buts. And besides...”

His voice took ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ on a teasing edge.

“I’ve wagered a big bet on you. If you’re secretly a Saintess candidate, I’ll win big. But if you miss the ceremony, my plan fails.

“A gambler always stakes everything on their bet!”

“......”

Her heart quivered. She studied his face in the glow.

Did he... really know?

No. Her identity was the Church’s highest secret. Even a Duke’s son couldn’t learn it.

So what he said... was only because...

“Idiot.”

She muttered softly.

“How could soone like ever be a Saintess?”

“I think you’re perfect,” Muen laughed. “Cute, kind, knowledgeable. If it were up to , I’d choose Liya as Saintess right away.”

“......”

A faint holy light drifted from her, blending with Muen’s glow, brightening the cave. Her eyes shone again.

Brilliantly.

He glanced curiously, then looked away, unconcerned.

“Alright. Close the gate. Sorry for making you open it for nothing.”

“...Mm.”

She lifted her hand.

Yet before touching the gate, she hesitated, asking:

“Are you sure? Even if nothing else, the treasures inside... even you, as a Duke’s son...”

“Of course. Even I’d covet them.”

It was, after all, the legacy of a fallen civilization. Who wouldn’t?

But—

He sighed lightly.

“Too bad. I’m not the protagonist.”

“Eh? Protagonist?”

She tilted her head, confused.

But he didn’t answer. He simply watched as the gate slowly closed, his expression relaxed.

Yes.

He wasn’t the protagonist.

Just the yellow-haired villain in soone else’s story.

So this kind of heaven-sent chance, he’d leave to the real hero.

As for him—

Muen raised the hand still clasping Liya’s wrist, smiling.

“All I need is to hold on to what’s in front of .”