Being a Villain is My True Calling

[12:00]

The digital clock displayed 12:00.
According to Astra, someone should be arriving now…
.
.
.

‘Why aren’t they here yet?’

Did they get into an accident on the way?
Various thoughts crossed my mind as I pondered the delay.

‘The original work only mentioned Black Night itself, not the method of arrival…’

Yet it seemed odd to pester Astra about such trivial details now.

“……”

For the time being, I maintained a composed facade instead of causing a fuss.
Though if Astra questioned my restlessness, that would only compound the awkwardness…

Uwoong-

Fortunately, that proved unnecessary.
Before long, an object within my grasp began emanating a radiant glow.

Upon inspection, it was the invitation I had previously received from Astra.

“The invitation is shining.”
“Once you tear it, your escort will arrive.”

Following her instructions, I promptly tore the invitation.

Uuwoong-!

The torn pieces emitted an even brighter luminance than before.

‘Ah, this must be it.’

I had nearly dismissed it too hastily.
Shortly thereafter…

Pit!

“Kkyahah! That exquisite fragrance must be from Eclipse!”

A woman clad in a rabbit mask appeared with a melodious giggle, materializing from thin air.

“Oh my! Astra~! It’s been so long~!!”

Upon locking eyes with Astra, the woman greeted her familiarly.

“…It certainly has.”

Astra’s response indicated a degree of acquaintance, albeit tinged with exasperation.

“You’ve only grown lovelier in the interim!”
“And you’ve become even more enchanting yourself, Clock Rabbit.”
“Eheh!”

Beaming with pride at the “Clock Rabbit” moniker, the woman patted her ample chest coyly.

“In that case, shall we depart now, Astra?”
“Ah, I won’t be attending this time.”
“Pardon?”

Astra rebuffed the extended hand, prompting Clock Rabbit’s eyes to widen comically in shock.

“Another executive will be going in my stead. I merely came to demonstrate the invitation’s usage.”
“I see. Well, if that’s the case! Who will I be escorting instead?”
“Right here.”

After an exaggerated display of scanning her surroundings, Clock Rabbit turned upon hearing my voice.

“Oh my?”

Her expression registered surprise upon noticing me.
Likewise, her attire left me momentarily taken aback.

From the choker mimicking a shirt collar
to the revealing leotard accentuating her curvaceous figure,
completed by rabbit ear hairbands.

‘A bunny girl…?’

Initially obscured by her unzipped jumper, Clock Rabbit was unmistakably clad in a bunny girl outfit of ebony hues.

“My, a rare beauty…”

While Clock Rabbit’s astonishment seemed rooted in different reasons…
In any case.

‘Astra maintained her composure remarkably well.’

Perhaps frequent exposure had afforded her a certain nonchalance towards such sights.

Swiik.

“Kkyaa! A pleasure to meet you! You must be the infamous Maker who caused such a stir this year! Please, call me Clock Rabbit!”

Extending her hand boldly while I was preoccupied with my musings.

“Likewise, Clock Rabbit. As you’ve deduced, I am Maker.”

I accepted her handshake cordially, offering a polite greeting in turn.

‘Hmm…she seems more capable than anticipated.’

While sporting a playful smile, her gaze harbored a piercing sharpness – her physique undoubtedly honed through rigorous training.
Her frivolous demeanor belied potential formidability.

“Aing, staring so intently is making me blush~”

Seemingly flustered by my scrutiny, Clock Rabbit coyly twisted her body while feigning embarrassment.
Yet her mannerisms lacked true conviction.

Then, briefly glancing towards Astra, a mischievous glint entered Clock Rabbit’s eyes as she sidled closer with a sly smile.

“Could this be a case of~NTR, perhaps?”
“…What nonsense! We share no such relationship!”

After a brief silence, Astra abruptly erupted in outrage, belatedly registering the implication.

“Rest assured, I harbor no such perceptions regarding Astra.”
“…? Maker?”

As if sensing potential ulterior sentiments behind my words, Astra fixed me with a trembling, almost betrayed gaze.

“Kkyahah! Is that so? Then is this a case of BSS instead? How disappointing~”
“…Neither is true!! Do not mischaracterize innocent individuals in such a manner!”
“Is that right?”
“Indeed.”
“Makerrr!!”

Eek.
Clock Rabbit broke into peals of laughter at Astra’s indignant roar.

“Truly, you feel no attraction whatsoever?”
“None at all!”
“Ah, did you at one point?”
“No, absolutely not. Never!”

Seeming to revel in provoking Astra’s ire, Clock Rabbit persisted with her insinuations.

“You’re certain?”

Then, abruptly ceasing her laughter, she regarded me with a sultry smile distinct from her earlier coyness.

“In that case…”

Draping her arms around my neck as if to initiate a kiss, Clock Rabbit eyed me alluringly.

“Does that mean I can claim this one for myself, Astra?”

‘How absurd.’

I rebuffed Clock Rabbit’s advances by gently pushing her away, conveying my disinterest.

“Ehk, why?!”

Why, indeed? I held no particular desire to indulge such frivolous impulses.
While brimming with a sense of amusement and intrigue, those cursory stirrings hardly warranted my attentions.

“That’s enough for now. We should depart.”
“Eek, is it that late already?!”

The Queen will scold me for tardiness!
Extracting a pocket watch nestled between her cleavage, Clock Rabbit’s eyes widened in alarm.
With an urgent expression, she reached out towards me once more.

“Tch, there’s no helping it then!! Grab my hand tightly!”

We’re late, so late!
Suppressing an amused chuckle at her flustered hopping, I obliged.

“Very well.”

Grasping Clock Rabbit’s hand, I turned to regard Astra.

“I shall take my leave now.”
“Keep my words in mind, understood?”
“To avoid bringing any disrepute to the organization. Understood.”
“Take care, Maker.”

Uuwoong-!

With her parting remark, our surroundings gradually began fading from view.

When I opened my eyes, the scenery resembled an outdoor medieval garden.
Well-manicured lawns and a perforated ebony sky left quite the striking impression.

‘Exquisite.’

Profoundly dreamlike and breathtaking, yet devoid of any sense of artificiality or dissonance.

“So this is Black Night…”
“Correct!”

Nodding in affirmation at my murmured observation, Clock Rabbit momentarily took the lead with a sprightly gait before pivoting to face me.

“Indeed, this is Black Night!”

Gesturing expansively yet maintaining a respectful, if not subservient, demeanor akin to a medieval butler or servant.

“The sanctuary of the dark stars dwelling in shadows! The villains’ sacred ground! The villains’ social salon! The villains’ hope!”

“Rather subjective descriptions, wouldn’t you agree?”

Springing to her feet with exaggerated flourishes, she broke into an amused giggle, seemingly basking in pure enjoyment.

“Welcome to Black Night!”

“It seems more akin to a strange wonderland than ‘Black Night’, I must say.”

“Kkyahah, no need to nitpick the details!”

Distorted lamp posts bent at peculiar angles, benches undulating in wavelike contortions – the entire space exuded an irregular, surreal ambiance defying conventional norms.

I surveyed my surroundings with a casual sweep.

“Hahaha! That’s why I just plucked that hero’s eyeballs right out…!!”
“This buffoon is spouting nonsense again!”

Amicable conversations mingled with…

“Hey, quit messing around. You tryna rile me up?”
“You wanna throw hands with me, asshole??”

Aggressive posturing and grappling between volatile individuals.

“Given the recent geopolitical shifts…”
“We must instruct our subordinates to remain vigilant.”

Civilized information exchanges transpiring elsewhere.
More composed conduct than I had envisioned, for the most part.

‘Outwardly, at least.’

“Will you be departing now, Clock Rabbit?”
“Yes! My role has concluded.”

Nodding in response to my inquiry while fidgeting restlessly by my side.

“Besides, arriving late with a guest will surely earn me a scolding…hee.”
“I see.”

I acknowledged her statement with a nod, indulging her antics.

“…Though why ask? Could it be that my departure fills you with longing? Sadness, perhaps? Is this the blossoming of love…?”

No, that would be an overreach.
We had merely encountered each other roughly half an hour prior – hardly enough time to foster such sentiments.

However, seemingly misconstruing my impassive demeanor, she persisted with her flirtatious overtures.

“Within Black Night, such indulgences are quite permissible, you know~”

Cupping her hands conspiratorially, Clock Rabbit leaned in with a secretive whisper before blowing me a playful kiss.

“If desired, you need only request this sensual Clock Rabbit’s company?”

Uu, ah, yeh~
Protruding her lips alluringly, she struck a flirtatious pose in a mock seduction attempt.

“That won’t be necessary.”

Nevertheless, I rebuffed Clock Rabbit’s advances.
While the prospect of spending the night with a ravishing woman held undeniable appeal, I had not come here for mere revelry.

“For your reference, rabbits experience a continuous 24-hour heat cycle, perfect for sating any carnal urges…”

No need, I insisted, waving her off like a dismissive peddler.
Yet Clock Rabbit merely pouted defiantly, shaking her head.

“Well then, I’ll be off~!”
“……”

After persisting with her shameless solicitations for nearly 10 minutes, Clock Rabbit finally vanished with a faint ‘pung’ sound.

‘…What an eccentric one.’

To so brazenly tease the executives of Eclipse, an organization others would rightfully approach with trepidation…
Either her psyche was genuinely that innocent, or she possessed immense confidence in her own capabilities.
Otherwise, Astra would have likely disposed of her long ago.

“In any case, I should explore the area.”

Since the event I sought would require some waiting, I intended to wander about and fill that interim period.

‘Hopefully I encounter something amusing in the meantime.’

Just as those thoughts crossed my mind while strolling…

Kkuwoong!

“You bastard! Wanna throw down?!”
“Bring it on, asshole! I’ll leave you unable to walk on both legs today!!”

Perfectly timed, the ground trembled as the sounds of a scuffle erupted nearby.

‘What seems to be the commotion?’

With an intrigued smile, I headed towards the source of the ruckus.