Isn’t the wannabe Villain too cute?

It's been two days since the meeting took place in the headmaster's office, and Tiara took the role of relaying Austin's request to her father, mainly known as the Emperor of Gram.

Since then, Austin has been preparing the items and weapons he needs inside the labyrinth and sorting them out inside his inventory.

A quest in between the days arrived for hunting some demons but other than that, the system has been staying silent ever since.

Well, Austin didn't bother with it more than necessary since he knew, other than a few skills and inventory, the system couldn't take anything from him. And as for the things he has in inventory, Austin has made a backup for that, as well.

Finally, the day arrived for his meeting with Royal Highness Prince Mikhail, for which Austin used Teleportation this time, unlike the last visit, where he flew all the way from Eden Academy to the Capital.

Arriving at the palace, his treatment by the officials and guards has become incredibly bothersome. They salute with high-pitched greetings at every corner.

""WE PAY RESPECT TO THE HONORARY WARRIOR!! ""

Like this one.

After the ceremony, an image of Austin as a war veteran had been getting widespread in significantly less time. There were those too, who still didn't believe that someone without Goddess' Blessing could be so mighty and such.

But then again, in a way or another, Austin was getting the attention that he never sought. If only not for his mother's request, Austin would have left Gram after sorting out this Labyrinth issue.

'*Sigh*...another year in the academy is it…. '

Sighing in weariness, he made his way to the office he had visited some days ago, only to be halted by a beautiful woman.

"It's been a while, Jeanna-san."

The person responsible for Prince Mikhail's assistance and protection, Jeanne Calight, stood in front of the door with guards stationed at either side.

Just like the last time, Jeanna still was wary of Austin but what changed was her perception after what she saw happening with the first prince, Cain.

Never she thought that a mere boy in his teenage years would not even hesitate to slaughter a High Noble like a pig to the point, even she vomited on the spot.

Of course, she didn't have sympathy for Cain, but to think that only attempting to touch this person's girlfriend could result in such death…

She, indeed, was shaken up to the core.

"I apologize for the impolitic behavior I displayed the last time, Sir Austin."

Rather than greetings, what Jeanne chose was to ask for forgiveness as she realized what position Austin might be acquiring in no time in the court of Gram.

She respects strong people despite not trusting him even a bit.

"You were doing your job, Lady Jeanne. That's not something you should be feeling regretful about, no?"

With a thin smile, Austin entered inside, leaving a stunned Jeanne on the spot as she understood her mistake. But what was spoken couldn't be taken back, so she chose to follow him inside.

…

"Pleasure to meet you after so long, Austin-san."

Austin was a little perplexed why Mikhail said 'after so long,' but soon realized the reason.

'We are being tapped….'

It didn't take long for him to survey the office before he located three artifacts placed at distinct places, which probably would have been built to transmit the talks they would be having now.

Following suit, Austin also extended his hand and offered his greeting with a wry smile spreading on his lips.

"I am honored to meet you after so…long, Your Highness."

Shaking hands wasn't a greeting someone in the position of Austin should use for a high noble like Mikhail. But neither of them minded such courtesy and treated each other like equals.

After offering the seat, both men sat facing each other as the beautiful sharp-eyed woman stood beside her lord while keeping an eye on the surroundings.

What amused her was the not-so-believable acting Austin had just presented. But, well, she would keep it to herself…for now.

"My sister, Tiara, has proposed a request to Your Majesty regarding your permit to enter the Abyss. Am I on point?" (Mikhail)

Austin nodded without hesitation before he saw Jeanne walking to the door since they heard two consecutive knocks on it.

A tray filled with baked snacks and two cups was slid inside before the lady brought it up to the table and served the men while maintaining the silence.

Austin did a quick survey and found no suspicious add-on in the coffee, fortunately. As he took the first sip, he heard the Prince continuing.

"As per our history, you must have known how many elite warriors have lost their lives in that place since the labyrinth doesn't support the essence of our strength, mana."

"I am aware of those facts."

Enjoying the bitterness of the beverage, Austin replied in an unconcerned tone making the Prince even more anxious.

Exhaling deeply, Mikhail continued, "And you want permission to venture into that lair of mystery without even letting us know your goal? Is that what you desire, Sir Austin?"

His anxiousness was building from the probable consequences which might arise if Mikhail permitted Austin to dive into that hell hole.

But just as he expected, Austin is a tough nut who couldn't be cracked with mere words.

"It's exactly what I want, Your Highness."

Sipping on the last drop, Austin concluded his words which had no room for negotiation or possible way of stopping him.

Mikhail observed the boy for some seconds, but in the end, he couldn't find a single uncertainty in his resolve.

Sighing, he accepted his defeat.

"Okay then, Austin-san. You will have permission to dive in the Labyrinth, but there's a condition you have to agree to get this deal settled."

Austin expected something like this from the start. Royalties, letting a teenager have all the fun without getting their nose stacked in it… was unlikely to be the case. And Mikhail's words confirmed that speculation.

"You have to take someone from the court inside the Labyrinth. . I assure you that the person would only be helpful to you, and the last thing she will become would be a burden."

Austin blinked in perplexion as this twist came out of nowhere before he saw Mikhail pronouncing a name, which tingled a part of his memory.

"Cordelia."

A black shadow emerged on the right of Mikhail before the figure of a young woman appeared out of nothingness.

Before analyzing anything about her, what made Austin astonished was the identity of the person.

'How can I forget about her…

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A/N: - Drop a comment if you are hyped for the next chapter.