The Villain Saint is my secondary account

"Is that so? Thank you for your guidance, Your Grace..." Ye Xiao replied subconsciously, then immediately realized, "Oh no! Well... Your Grace, I meant that I was indeed lacking in attention to detail regarding this sword..."

"Alright, alright." Duke Heville looked displeased and, taking advantage of a lull in their close-quarters sword fighting, asked in a low voice, "You brat, you deliberately held back your strength to embarrass me in front of Ella, didn't you?"

"You've really misunderstood!..."

Ye Xiao felt a chill run down his spine. He had deliberately hinted several times that he was quite powerful!

It's practically saying outright that you really can't beat me!

"Tell me the truth, what's your skill level?"

Ye Xiao swallowed hard, weighed the pros and cons, and answered truthfully, "...Grandmaster."

As they spoke, the two pretended to be arguing with the wooden swords, as if they were dancing a ballroom dance.

In Ella's memory, the Duke had met masters and even extraordinary figures, and had even sparred with them. Since Ye Xiao's clumsy acting skills had already been seen through, it would be a bit deliberate for him to pretend to be an expert or master again if he were to be seen through again.

Although such a young grandmaster is astonishing, perhaps the excuse of "an interdimensional traveler" could be used to barely fool people...

Even so, the Duke's eyes clearly showed disbelief and shock, to the point that the sword in his hand paused for a moment.

"What rank???"

Ancestors above, is it even possible for a human to reach the level of a grandmaster at such a young age?

Ye Xiao responded with a sneer. He knew that even if the Duke had already seen through some of the clues, he would probably find it hard to believe his answer for a while.

Suddenly, with lightning speed, he swept his sword past the opponent's cheek as the opponent drew his sword, lightly touching the neck, and immediately returned to defend, blocking the opponent's thrusting sword.

Even though she hadn't seen it clearly, Duke Hevil could understand what had happened just moments before from the lingering chill on her neck.

Such a vast gap... that's what makes a true master.

Duke Heville immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

Then, the next second, everyone heard a clear "snap" as Ye Xiao's wooden sword was knocked to the ground.

This was naturally Ye Xiao's intention. When the Duke pointed his sword at Ye Xiao's chest, he was still horrified by the slight chill left on his neck.

"Stop! Okay, Father wins!" Ella hurriedly interlaced her fingers in a mocking manner, "Father, you're amazing! Ye Xiao has done his best, so please let him go!"

"Hmph, your father is certainly no less formidable than ever." Duke Heville, sweating profusely, deliberately stepped forward to shake hands with Ye Xiao, then secretly asked, "Is Ella unaware of your true strength?"

“Miss Ella… has a rather strong sense of self-respect, and she’s also rather… assertive in relationships… so I only protected her secretly… without telling her,” Ye Xiao replied, forcing a smile. “Actually, regarding Storm Harbor and the Royal Selection this time… I secretly helped Miss Ella quite a bit…”

“You little rascal, you’re really a hypocrite.” Duke Hevil twitched his beard. “However… considering you’ve put in quite a bit of effort, I’ll let it go for now that you’ve kept it from her.”

"Ah, thank you for your understanding, Your Grace."

“I acknowledge your strength, but,” the Duke said, narrowing his eyes and tightening his grip on her hand slightly, “with your strength, getting close to Ella makes it hard for me not to suspect you have ulterior motives.”

Oh, please, please let me go, Father-in-law!

Ye Xiao was truly on the verge of tears. He couldn't be strong, nor could he be weak. What more did they want from him?

I'll probably have to go back and learn how to downgrade and integrate into different skill levels. Sometimes being too strong can be a real problem.

"But my heart is truly devoted to Miss Ella..."

To be honest, cutting him in half would be easier than getting him to break up with Ella.

"Is that so? But I've never heard of any romance between you and Ella from the sanctuary, the royal family, or even the teachers at the academy." The Duke frowned. "On the contrary, you have quite a few stories with His Majesty. How can you prove that you weren't using my daughter?"

"So, what does His Excellency mean...?" Ye Xiao asked with a bitter face.

"Since you're dating, you should at least act like it's a relationship. Are you sneaking around like this because you think my daughter isn't good enough for you?" Duke Hevil's eyes were deep.

"You claim to be in a romantic relationship, but have you actually gone on dates?"

Chapter Nine Dating Plans

“Um, Your Grace, well… Miss Ella is, after all, your daughter and a saintess. I think it’s perhaps inappropriate for me, given my current status, to be too intimate with her in public…”

Duke Heville held out her hand to stop Ye Xiao from speaking. "Is this your own opinion, or is it what Ella asked you to do?"

"...Is this my own consideration?"

"So how do you usually date?"

"Um... well... let's... chat privately..." Ye Xiao felt like ants were crawling all over his body; this was probably the most agonizing interrogation he had ever experienced. "...Holding hands... like this..."

The Duke frowned as he scrutinized Ye Xiao, whose back was covered in cold sweat.

A moment later, the Duke beckoned to Ella, who was pretending to admire the scenery, "Ella, come here!"

The girl obediently walked to the two men with her hands behind her back, saying, "Yes, Father."

The Duke then looked at Ye Xiao, pondered for a moment, and said seriously, "Young man, after today's exchange, I have indeed seen excellent potential, worldly wisdom, and tact in you. In terms of background, you are a knight personally appointed by the king and have also obtained the academy's admission qualification, which can be considered as barely meeting the threshold."

"But I haven't seen any feelings from you for Ella."

Upon hearing this, Ye Xiao felt a chill run down her spine—oh no, did it not pass?

But the Duke didn't stop there. He continued, "Don't rush to refute me. As someone who's been through this, I must advise you that since you've chosen to pursue love, you should have the courage to face all the troubles together."

“If you are truly in love with Ella, then you should show that you are worthy of her entrusting her with your life. You cannot hesitate because of your fear of your family or the sanctuary.”

“I once arranged a partner for Ella who was not suitable for her because I only considered his background, status, and family interests, without taking into account whether his feelings for Ella were genuine.”

"This left a deep scar on her, and I regret it immensely."

Ella glanced away somewhat awkwardly. "Is that so? ...Oh, Second Prince, I almost forgot this guy broke off my engagement."

"After that, I realized that with the foundation of my Haivier family, it doesn't really matter what kind of status Ella's partner has."

"The important thing is whether he is someone she can entrust her life to and who can give her true happiness."

"So, kid, I acknowledge your abilities, but I still have reservations about whether you're qualified to be Ella's lover."

"...Then, Father, what do you mean?" This time it was Ella's turn to ask.

“Oh, my dear daughter, I will be leaving the capital to return to my territory the day after tomorrow.” The Duke stroked his chin. “Since you two are lovers, then spend a day together openly and properly tomorrow. In the evening, I will also host a banquet to bid farewell to the family members and old friends here. You should bring your chosen partner and introduce him to them.”

"Eh!?" Ella's eyes widened; the mere thought of the scene made her feel ashamed. "Father, this..."

"Don't hesitate or be timid. Daughter, go for it with passion and intensity. That's how young people should pursue love."

The Duke gently stroked Ella's head and smiled kindly, then glanced at Ye Xiao, "And this is also my test for this boy. I will have someone keep a close eye on him to see if he is truly sincere towards you or if he is just pretending."

……

In the evening, we returned to the Seven Stars Society's headquarters from the Duke's mansion.

Ye Xiao lay on the chair, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

What kind of mess is this...?

Spending a day together... isn't that a date?

So, how do you show "feelings for Ella"?

We are exactly the same person. No matter how narcissistic that person is, they can't look at themselves affectionately in the mirror, right?

Just as Ye Xiao was struggling with his decision, Li Cheng, carrying a set of fishing gear and a basket, pushed open the gate of the mansion and swaggered back: "Hey, Brother Ye, you're back so early today. Did you give your kidneys a day off?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Ye Xiao straightened up and waved to Li Cheng. "I was just waiting for you... By the way, did you go fishing??"

“Indeed, the fish in the Blue Dragon River have been particularly plump these past few days. The Adventurers Guild even issued a fishing commission,” Li Cheng said cheerfully. “I finally found a decent spot, but the palace guards are a bit annoying, always chasing me away.”

"You son of a bitch... those fish in the lake at the foot of Mount Vallonde are raised by the royal family! It's a miracle you haven't been arrested and are in jail!"

"They're raised to be eaten, aren't they? If the royal family eats them, why can't I?" Li Cheng put the fish basket on the ground; the fish inside were still jumping around. "By the way, Brother Xiong, you look so worried. What trouble with a woman have you run into this time?"

"And you know it's about women?" Ye Xiao's lips twitched.

“Brother Xiong has never seen anything other than women that could make you so melancholy, Brother Ye,” Li Cheng said, shrugging.

"Alright, your observation skills are only really sharp in these useless situations." Ye Xiao scratched his hair. "I noticed that you used to date your female classmates every weekend before you transmigrated, so I was planning to ask you for advice on how to date girls."

“I was just exchanging ideas and learning, I can’t slander Brother Xiong… But Brother Ye, it’s rare for you to be so romantic, so it’s my duty to help Brother Xiong.” Li Cheng said cheerfully, “Which of our sisters-in-law is so lucky this time, Her Majesty the Queen, or the maid?”

"Um... it's with Ella."

"Oh... uh?" Li Cheng was taken aback. "Hey, not bad. I didn't expect you to be so romantic, Brother Ye..."

"Go away, go away." Ye Xiao stopped Li Cheng from making his strange statement in time. "It's like this... I met Duke Heville today..."

Ye Xiao then briefly recounted to Li Cheng what had happened at the Duke's mansion that day.

"Hahahaha!!! Holy crap, that's awesome!!!" Upon hearing this, Li Cheng immediately burst into hearty laughter.

"What are you laughing at!" Ye Xiao curled her lip. "Hurry up and think of a solution for me, okay?"

"Hahahaha... Hey Brother Ye, stop laughing, Brother Xiong really isn't laughing anymore."

Li Cheng hurriedly pressed down on Ye Xiao's fist, "Well, let me think about it. Actually, the main purpose of the date is to gain the Duke's approval, so the focus is on how the two of you show your deep affection."

"Because I also have no experience as the woman, but based on my observations at that time, most of them behaved like this when they were interested..."

With Li Cheng's extensive experience, the two discussed and gradually came up with a plan for the second day.

Chapter Ten: Mutual Affection

Time quickly came to the next morning.

In Xicheng District, the renowned Central Avenue Square shines brightly.

Because of its proximity to the sacred and majestic Vallonde Mountains, this place naturally became the most prosperous and bustling area in the western part of the city.

The most famous Rongge Tavern in the capital is located here. It is a magnificent six-story mansion with its entrance facing the imposing fountain in the center of the square.

On one side, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the cascading waterfall of Mount Vallonde and the picturesque Mirror Lake that complements it; on the other side, one can have an unobstructed view of the bustling central avenue and the well-arranged urban landscape.

Benefiting from its prime location, Rongge Tavern also became a popular social gathering place for nobles and wealthy merchants.

As the fine snowflakes danced in the air, a lavishly decorated carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the tavern's imposing entrance.

The carriage door opened, and Ye Xiao, dressed in a tailcoat, stepped out, then pulled out a slender arm wearing a white silk glove.

Ella lifted her skirt and stepped off the train. She then exchanged a glance with Ye Xiao and gave him a shy yet slightly nervous smile.

From that moment on, Ye Xiao Aila immediately felt countless eyes focused on them.

The Holy Maiden of Light easily becomes the center of attention wherever she goes, and now there's a man holding her hand, which would make anyone curious.

But Ye Xiao wouldn't care about these ordinary glances. What's more important is how many of them are spies planted by the Duke to observe him.

【The Saintess's Dog 2: OK, the director is in position】

Let me see... It's wonderful, the Saintess's smile is absolutely perfect.

[But, Brother Ye, your expression is so awkward. This shouldn't be a first date. Don't act so nervous.]

[Late-night snack: Seriously? They're all laughing the same thing!]

Ye Xiao's expression immediately fell, but when he thought of Duke Heville's men watching them, he immediately forced a smile.

The tavern waiter led them up to the sixth floor, to a table by the window.

As soon as he sat down, Ye Xiao keenly sensed a strong gaze that made him feel like he was being pricked by needles.

Are they the Duke's men? But why do they seem to be carrying murderous intent?

Ye Xiao subtly shifted his gaze, only to see a girl wearing a scarf and a fluffy winter hat staring at them from a table across from theirs.

Although the scarf covered most of the girl's face, Ye Xiao recognized her instantly from her murderous eyes.

She was also holding a silver fork in her hand—and she was indeed "holding" it, because the fork had been bent into a crescent shape like a noodle between the girl's slender fingers.

Well, His Majesty seems to be very well-informed.

On the table in front of Skadi, there was a fat golden cat, also wearing a thick scarf and winter hat, squatting there and staring at them, like an emotionless killer.

Greta, what's the point of your outfit... and when did these two even get together??

Ye Xiao suppressed the urge to complain and stiffly turned his head back to look at Ella. At that moment, Li Cheng's message popped up again.

[The Saintess's Dog 2: A small eye was spotted at the two o'clock position]

Ye Xiao glanced out of the corner of his eye in the direction Li Cheng had indicated, and sure enough, he saw a richly dressed person in the corner looking in their direction from time to time.

Being watched by three people while eating a meal is the ultimate torture.

Ye Xiao picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip. A gentle voice from the tavern waiter reached her ears, "It is a great honor for Her Majesty the Holy Maiden to grace us with her presence. And this gentleman beside her, may I ask how I may serve you?"