Chapter 176 - Postlude 4: "Villains should be spectacular until the very end, right!"
"Say. If you were to be executed, what method would you prefer?"
I tried asking that on a whim. Well, sort of just because, without any particular meaning behind it.
"Hah? Is there really a difference in how you get killed?"
Chesta, who had been sitting nearby spacing out, turned toward my words and tilted his head. Well, I admit my question was sudden. However, I cannot simply overlook him saying, "Is there really a difference in how you get killed?"
"My, my. It is your final act, after all. Wouldn't it be better if it were spectacular?"
"Is that how it works?"
Chesta doesn't seem to quite get it. Well, I already knew he was the type who doesn't mesh well with that kind of romanticism.
"Indeed, Chesta. If you don't understand the difference in ways of being killed, then consider this: which execution method would be better, 'a single thrust through the heart with a sword' or 'being sliced into tiny pieces starting from your fingertips while alive'?"
...Incidentally, I also knew Doran was this kind of guy! But even so, wasn't there something else he could have said!? What I want to hear about is something a bit more overflowing with romanticism! Of course, I wouldn't want an execution that borders on torture either!
"Uwah... I hate things that hurt."
"Anyone would. What, are you just now realizing that?"
As Chesta, whose sense of reality was slow to catch up, was nudged from the side by Giovan, he began to groan, "Hmm, hmmm." I suppose he's finally started to ponder his 'ideal execution method.' Though, given it's Chesta's pondering, I'm sure it's bound to be shallow...
...After waiting for a while, Chesta raised his head as if he had suddenly realized something and said:
"I want to die drowning in booze."
Yes. Well, that is... very, very much like Chesta. In other words, it's like saying he's a paper-thin margin away from a genius, or that he's like a pair of scissors that depends on how you use them—that kind of thing! (T/N: Refers to the idiom 'Even a fool or a pair of scissors can be useful depending on how they are handled.')
"Listen, Chesta. I said it was an execution method, didn't I?"
"Is there no execution method like that?"
"Did you think there was? Ah, you really think so...?"
As expected, I don't think there's such a thing as letting someone drown in alcohol for an execution. Well... it lacks reality, but I suppose that's Chesta's ideal way to die...?
"No booze, huh. Then I want to die by drugs. Is there no drug execution?"
...An even more unlikely one has come. Yes. If he could be killed by an acute overdose of 'leaves,' Chesta would probably be overjoyed, but that's an increasingly impossible execution method.
"It's likely a different kind of drug than what you're thinking of, but they do exist."
Well, execution by poison is a possibility. Depending on the formulation, one can die as if falling asleep, so I've heard it is or isn't adopted in other countries as a 'humane' execution method.
"Heh. Then I'll go with that."
Chesta says so with a satisfied look... but, well, thinking about it carefully, even if Chesta were to be executed by drugs, I feel like he'd just end up getting high and that would be it... This guy is constantly using drugs. If he's unlucky, he might have built up a resistance to poison almost equal to Onii-sama's...
"Well, if it's execution by drugs, you can die without suffering, so that's fine. But I'd like a bit more romanticism!"
Now then, after Chesta, it's Giovan's turn.
Well, while he does tend to be a bit overly dramatic, Giovan is the type who understands this kind of romanticism, so I'm looking forward to it a little.
"Then, Giovan? What kind of execution method do you desire?"
"I'm glad you asked. The execution method I desire is... well, how about death by gun?"
Oh. Death by gun... is it? That's somewhat unexpected. Choosing a gun as a way to die feels rather rare.
"Look, guns are something associated with you, Milady, aren't they?"
While I was wondering about it, Giovan began his explanation with a smirk. For me, it's a bit hard to say...
"It's an execution, right? Then in any case, I'll probably be dying because I got involved with you. In that case, being killed by a gun would be a fine end for a curious fate, wouldn't it? ...So, please take care of me until the very end, Milady?"
Furthermore, being told something like that, I really don't know how to react. Unfortunately, I am not so foolish as to irresponsibly say, 'I won't let you face something like being executed.'
"...Well, even if that weren't the case, it's better to die in an instant when the time comes. In that regard, a gun is perfect, isn't it? Besides, you were shot once, Milady. So I thought it wouldn't be bad for me to try getting shot once, too."
My. ...How should I put it, well, it really is unexpected. I felt like he would be a bit more nonchalant when he died.
"Hey, Milady. What does it feel like to be shot by a gun?"
"Let's see... it probably feels similar to being stabbed with a red-hot iron rod. And yet, a hole opens up, so blood flows out. But the most prominent feature is that all of that happens in an instant. That's why, when you're shot, it doesn't feel very real..."
I try to answer while remembering, but being shot by a gun isn't particularly a good thing. If it hits the wrong spot, you can't die instantly. In fact, that's how I survived...
"Hey, Giovan. I've been shot before too."
"I don't share your hobby of feeling romanticism, pal. Shut it."
...Come to think of it, Doran survived being shot too.
Yes... could it be that dying from being shot by a gun is actually quite difficult...? No, that shouldn't be the case... but I'm starting to get worried...
"Well, a gun would probably involve little suffering. If it hits properly."
"Hey, Doran. Could you not say scary things?"
Doran, having been brushed off by Giovan, said that threateningly with a laugh, and then suddenly knitted his brows.
"If I'm going to die, I'd rather go out on a rampage."
"That's not an execution!"
I wondered what he was going to say with such a serious face, but isn't he being quite greedy! I'd prefer that too! To fight and fight to my heart's content, and then die after going on a total rampage—that would be the best!
"Supposedly, it exists in other countries. A punishment where you're killed by being attacked by beasts. ...Well, it seems to be based on a superstition that by being eaten by a beast, you won't be able to become human when you're reborn."
Ah, I see. I've certainly heard of that.
In short, it's a distasteful execution method, or rather a spectacle, where an unarmed human is locked in a cage with a wild beast, and spectators watch from outside the cage as that human is eaten by the beast...
Certainly, such things aren't non-existent. However, if it's for the purpose of execution, it would be for reasons involving religion as Doran said, and if not, it's not an execution but a mere spectacle.
"But, in the first place, I wouldn't be able to die from that. I wouldn't lose to a beast."
"...Come to think of it, that's true."
That's right. Doran was the guy who could throw a dragon with his bare hands. Even if he were put in a cage with a wild beast, the one who would die wouldn't be Doran, but the beast.
By the way, in my case, I would hesitate a bit to challenge a dragon unarmed. Oh, but I would definitely make sure we both went down together. After all, if that dragon ate me, it would undoubtedly die from the poison. Ohohoho.
"Then... well, I don't care what kind of way I'm killed, but being fodder for a beast might not be bad."
While I was thinking about the dragon I'd take with me, Doran suddenly laughed with a strangely calm face and said such a thing.
"If I'm going to die anyway, it's better to die being useful to someone."
Y-you say things like that...? Well, since Doran is a werewolf, he might have various thoughts about being eaten to death by a beast...
...To say something like, 'It's better to die being useful to someone.'
Hmm, Doran's goodness peeks through in places like this. I really feel like he wasn't suited to be a villain after all.
Well, as long as he himself has chosen to be a villain, it's not for me to say anything.
"Then, Keeb. How about you?"
Now then. With Doran's wish understood or not understood, I'll ask Keeb next.
"Huh? There's no way I'd have a preference for how I die."
...I thought so, and he immediately said that! Honestly, he's a very realistic boy...
"I mean, why are you even thinking about that in the first place, Violia?"
"Because romanticism is there, of course. Don't you think it's desirable for your own final act to be beautiful?"
While being looked at with damp eyes by Keeb, I offer an excuse for now.
I am aware that it is a somewhat distasteful topic... but for us villains, isn't our own end a form of romanticism?
Yes. I think this is romanticism precisely because we are 'evil'!
"We're playing the part of villains, after all. Don't you think it's not bad to indulge in this kind of daydreaming?"
"Hmm. Oh, I see..."
W-well, Keeb might not be able to understand it. I also feel like I don't want him to understand, so I suppose this is fine.
"Then I'd like to be with Violia."
"Eh?"
Just as I thought that, Keeb suddenly said such a thing and gave a smirk.
"If I'm going to be executed anyway, I want it to be together. Also, I'd prefer to die first."
Oh, is that so. Keeb, with me. Together. And also, before me.
...That's not good at all!
"I hate that!"
"Then don't talk about this from the start."
If I, who am about to be executed, were to see Keeb being executed before me! I don't know if I could maintain my sanity! 'Keeb being executed in the same place as me, and in an order before me'—that is the worst execution method for me! I hate it! Absolutely! No! Way!
"Even if you don't want me to die, Violia, if you're going to die, I'll die before you. If you hate that, then don't get into a situation where you'd be executed."
Keeb wore a smile full of confidence. Ugh, a statement made with a full understanding that he is my weakness—truly magnificent...
...Well, since it means Keeb has become confident enough in himself to say that, let's forget about the execution talk and think positively!
"U-um!"
Now then. Lital, who had been listening to Keeb's story the whole time, suddenly stared at me with an expression of strong determination.
"If Keeb-san is to be executed with Violia-sama, then I shall accompany you as well!"
"Please do not accompany us."
So I quickly refused.
What is it with Keeb and Lital? Is harassing me a trend now...?
No, it's not what Giovan was saying, but if they were to die, it would probably be my fault... I can understand wanting to harass the person who is the indirect cause of one's death, but...
"...But when the time comes, I might run away. Because I'm a coward."
However, looking at this extremely serious Lital, I can't say anything anymore! Please don't be so distressed!
"Listen, Lital. It's not something to think about so deeply. Besides, there's no need for pride in such a thing. I think it's perfectly fine to say that the one who survives is the winner. You should definitely do that."
Because Lital was so serious, I ended up giving serious advice. Even if such a situation really occurred, I would want Lital to run away.
"Thank you, Violia-sama. ...Well, with that in mind, I would like a method where I can die without looking unsightly. Before my determination wavers, I want to be executed without looking unsightly."
But Lital is wearing a somewhat refreshed smile. It's an expression that's almost bright, as if he's found another goal for himself...
...Lital isn't exactly a villain, so I don't want him to be dyed in this side's colors...
"So, what about you, Violia?"
Just as I was starting to worry about Keeb and Lital's future, Doran asked me.
"You've asked us all this. You must have an ideal execution method of your own, right?"
"Yes, of course."
If asked, I cannot help but answer! Putting aside my worries for Lital and Keeb, I'll show them my villainous soul!
"My ideal execution is, naturally, beheading by guillotine!"
"...Beheading, huh."
"Ah, certainly, that would make for a picture. The moment the beautiful Queen's head falls would surely be mistaken for a work of art."
Doran has a very puzzled face, and Giovan is nodding as if to say, 'I get it, I get it.'
But you're wrong!
"And then, I'll stain the square with my blood."
"...Ah."
"Ah... I see. That's what you mean. Right, right..."
Yes.
My blood is a deadly poison. To the extent that the ground where my blood spills in its undiluted state would turn into a land of death.
In that case, if a massive amount of my blood were to flow... that place would undoubtedly become a land of death where not even grass would grow for the next 100 years!
"The square of those who kill me should be stained for a century!"
"Isn't thinking about the damage situation after you're dead a bit too strong on the vengefulness?"
Yes! Revenge is the flower of evil! I want to cause as much trouble as possible for the people who kill me! Ohohoho!
"You like having your head cut off? Since it's you, I thought you'd want to be set on fire."
"I like setting things on fire, but I hate being set on fire!"
Chesta seems somewhat disappointed, but wouldn't you know that if you thought about it normally!? Is there ever a person who wants to set fires who also wants to be set on fire!? Certainly, I like fire, but making fire the cause of my death is somehow wrong!
"...Violia. I want to confirm one thing. If you were to be burned, what would happen to your poison?"
While I was explaining to Chesta, Doran asked me that with an indescribable face.
...Let's see, the poison? If I? Were to be burned?
In that case... when I am burned, my blood, which is poison, would also burn, wouldn't it?
And then... the ash would fly away on the wind, and other than that...
"...Perhaps, if I am burned, my poison will rise into the sky with the smoke, and then, fall upon the earth as rain...?"
When humans are burned, they turn into smoke. I've heard stories that when you become smoke, you can travel to the world above, the world after death... but what's more important is what happens after that!
"The components of Violia's poison, in the rain...?"
"Yes! That might not be bad in its own way!"
Thinking about it for a moment, I started to feel like that wasn't bad in its own way! If my blood becomes smoke, then clouds, and then rain... it would undoubtedly trouble the people who killed me!
"Wait, wait, Milady. That's a major disaster that could potentially kill every living thing in an entire country, without a doubt."
"It's quite wonderful! Yes, let's definitely go with that!"
"That, after the execution, huh. In any case, your execution would likely be for the sake of dragging you down from the throne because the country was shaken... but for your death to invite new misfortune, what a troublesome person you are."
Before the wonderful plan, while I was frolicking a little, both Giovan and Doran said such things while smirking! Between fellow villains, there are things we just sort of understand!
To be spectacularly executed! And even after I die, to leave a vicious scar on the country!
This is the ideal! The ideal execution! Ohohohoho!
"...Well, it's best not to be executed at all. And I have no intention of being executed just yet."
"That's true~"
"R-right... phew."
Now then. It's about time to end the idle talk. Lital looks like he's about to cry. I have plenty of romanticism overflowing regarding 'execution,' but let's leave it at this.
"That's what I've been saying. So what are you thinking, worrying about when you're executed?"
"Fufufu. Aren't actual stories and dream stories separate things?"
Keeb seems to have gotten a bit worried, and his attitude is a bit sulky. But, this kind of distasteful dream story isn't bad once in a while.
Because we are villains, after all. Right?
...Well, I'll save this story for when I'm actually about to be executed!
And so, with that, everyone, farewell! Have a wonderful life!