The Tale of the Redeeming Villain

For the next seven days, Catherine and Blake were constantly moving. They never stayed at one place for more than six hours and even in those resting hours, one of the two was guarding the premise.

It was not as bad as Blake initially thought. Thanks to Catherine's barriers, they were able to camouflage in the surroundings if they came across soldiers patrolling in the area. And thankfully, there were enough beasts in the forest that never had any shortage of food.

Now, after a week of travel, they reached the trade center through a back door. The old Blake used to come here a lot so he knew the person who could have helped him enter the town without any identity.

Although it took almost ten times the regular gold coins, they were able to enter the bustling city and the trade hub of the Empire.

There were about five thousand shops in the whole city and a total population of one million. The city was even bigger than the capital, and naturally, guarding every corner was not possible.

After changing their appearance—with Catherine wearing a shawl over her head to hide her hair and Blake using a beard and mustache to hide his features—they went to a shabby-looking motel to get some much-needed rest.

"How many days?" The receptionist asked while not even bothering to look up.

"Umm, three days." After doing a quick calculation, Blake responded, "Do you provide meals?"

The receptionist shook her head, which was unfortunate for them. But he couldn't be asking much from a motel that has only two floors and seemed to be surviving somehow.

He paid for the room and took the key before leading Catherine towards the stairs.

It was then, "Nice hair," The receptionist complimented, which sent a chill down Catherine's spine.

She looked down and found that her golden hair was peeking from under the shawl. She didn't react immediately and after thanking the receptionist, they walked upstairs.

Naturally, they never reached the room and changed the motel. They couldn't have taken the chance.

This time Catherine wrapped her hair in a bun before wearing the shawl. And thankfully, they were able to check in safely this time.

Entering the small room, which had a double bed, a tea table, and a wardrobe, Blake first started searching for any kind of traps or surveillance devices around.

Catherine sat down on the bed, feeling her feet now getting numb because of exhaustion. The smell of the bed was pleasant, fortunately, and it looked clean enough for her to relax a bit.

She unwrapped her hair and allowed it to fall down her shoulder.

While looking at her hair, Catherine couldn't help but ask, "Do you think I should cut my hair and dye them?"

Blake paused before he looked at the girl with a puzzled look. Then, in the next moment, he realized why she suggested something like that. Catherine must be seeing her hair as a hindrance by now since her golden hair always brings attention.

However, "You love your hair, don't you?"

While looking down at the hair strands that were stuck between her fingers, she slowly nodded. But soon, she said, "We need to get rid of it. The only striking feature I possess is this mane of mine."

Blake heaved a sigh. There was certainty in her voice which signified that she might actually end up dying her hair, to not let themselves get caught.

Blake crouched down near her before holding her hand and telling her, "But I love your hair tho..."

Catherine jolted before looking at him, "Do you really like my hair?"

"I love them. It was your hair which made me notice you for the first time. The glow you radiated made me mesmerized. I was captivated by your hair."

Slowly raising his hand to cup her cheek, he said, "And why do you think your hair is your only striking feature? Have you ever looked at your eyes? The way they innocently move around, the way you blink is something only the Saintess can do. And your small adorable nose? From your lips to your neck, everything is beautiful to me. So, how are you gonna replace all of them?"

Her face was burning hot as she heard his words while keeping her eyes constantly locked with his. The fact that he was saying all those things with utmost honesty made the situation even more embarrassing for her.

She used her hair to hide her face and slowly uttered, "Okay...I won't dye them. Just for you."

Blake smiled at his lover and softly caressed her head. The cute side of the Saintess always makes his heart restless and sends a calming pulse at the same time.

After he was done checking around, he asked her, "Do you want to freshen up before dinner?"

Catherine thought for a moment before suggesting, "Let's rest for a bit and then visit the nearby eatery. We need to gather information about what is currently happening in this city as well."

Blake nodded. Asking people would cause trouble. That's why they would just hear others' conversations and discern their next step.

"I will go and bring warm water for you," Blake said as he walked towards the door.

"Hey Blake," Hearing her voice, he turned to look at her as Catherine smilingly said, "Will you help me wash my body again?"

That day from the mansion resurfaced in his head, and a slight redness bloomed on his cheek.

Catherine giggled at that reaction, and an embarrassed Blake hurriedly left the room.

Seriously, this Saintess is becoming mischievous day but day.

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A/N:- I hope the pacing looks fine. I skipped those chapters when they were traveling as they contained no plot. I will be adding scenes of Carlson from time to time and about the other side, to keep everything in order.

Anyway, drop a comment if you enjoyed reading the chapter.