The Villain’s Cheat Code: When a Gamer Becomes the Evil God’s Sidekick

Chapter 164: That Kind of Thing… At Least Wait Until After Marriage

"My... birthday?"

Gwen stared at the elegant Viktor before her, frozen in place.

The cello music around them shifted from its initial gentle rhythm to something more lively and joyful, while the restaurant's lighting reflected even more brilliantly from the crystal fixtures above.

Everyone's attention was focused entirely on the two of them.

It seemed as if everyone present tonight was here just to celebrate her.

Gwen had never experienced anything like this before.

Due to her childhood experiences, no one had ever celebrated for her.

Only when Kevla was at home would her most loving sister secretly prepare two pieces of cake for her.

But after Kevla grew up and left home, even this small surprise was stripped from Gwen's life.

As time passed, she herself had forgotten this special day that used to mean so much to her each year.

At this moment, Gwen seemed to understand.

Why Lia had patiently helped her with makeup and designed such an exquisite dress.

Why Viktor had suddenly invited her to dinner.

It turned out they had been preparing from the very beginning.

An indescribable emotion slowly bubbled up from the depths of Gwen's heart.

She remembered now.

Today was indeed her birthday.

A day she herself had almost completely forgotten, yet Viktor had reminded her of it.

Him - the person she once despised the most.

Gwen stood motionless, feeling as if a huge stone was suspended in her heart.

She wanted to say thank you, to express gratitude to Viktor standing before her.

But her throat felt blocked, unable to produce any words.

She stood there, growing increasingly anxious.

All around, countless eyes were watching her.

If she continued without responding...

Wouldn't that embarrass Viktor?

Move, Gwen.

It's just one sentence, how hard could it be?

Please...

"I..."

"Hmm?"

Viktor smiled at her.

That smile showed an emotion Gwen had never seen on Viktor's face before.

Was he truly happy?

Just for me?

For someone like me?

Even as she remained silent, his gaze stayed gentle.

Like bright moonlight.

Guiding and illuminating her.

"You don't like it?"

"No... that's not it."

Gwen shook her head, hurriedly speaking up.

But her voice came out somewhat hoarse.

Gwen felt nervous and regretful.

Regretful that she had spoken those words.

How could her voice sound so unpleasant?

Viktor would surely be mocked by others.

Perhaps noticing her slight embarrassment, Viktor bent down slightly in a gentlemanly manner and slowly took her hand.

The sensation of his large palm came through their gloves.

A warm feeling rubbed against her palm, causing a tingling sensation.

Though he held her hand just as before, this time the feeling was completely different.

Her heart felt itchy yet somehow reassured.

As if someone had built an iron castle around her for protection.

Viktor's voice softly sounded beside Gwen's ear:

"Well then, shall we dine?"

"Lady Gwen."

The moment his words fell, flames rose from the restaurant floor, shooting straight toward the sky.

On the ground, the released verdant energy quietly ignited, and slender tree trunks were wrapped in flames.

As leaf buds burned, consumed by fire, crimson flowers began to burst forth.

Like night-blooming cereus appearing, bringing beauty to all for an instant before being consumed by flames, carrying even more exquisite splendor.

The temperature gradually rose, but the surroundings merely became comfortably warm.

Like sitting beside a hearth fire, quiet and cozy.

Then, the expanding flames began to gradually envelop both Gwen and Viktor.

The vast restaurant opened its dome, and a castle of flame slowly formed within.

Under everyone's amazed gazes, those spark-filled plants gradually turned to ash, drifting in the air.

A burst of flames suddenly roared up, flickering for a moment.

The two people within those flames seemed to dissolve into ash.

Like a stream of light ignited in the air, quietly departing.

After they left, the huge cake on the table seemed to be automatically sliced by a blue magical dagger.

The cake was cut into uniform pieces, each the same size.

They slowly floated in the air, as if carried by invisible hands, steadily settling before each spectator present.

The nobles, looking at the cake placed before them and thinking of Viktor's marvelous magic, felt somewhat at a loss.

They never expected that.

Just coming out for a meal, they would even get to share cake.

Perhaps... Viktor wasn't as cold and distant as others had said?

In any case, this time.

Viktor's grand celebration of Gwen's birthday would quickly spread throughout the royal capital.

.......

Gwen slowly landed on the ground and opened her eyes.

Before her was an extremely large and luxurious private dining room.

Candles lined the walls, their lights twinkling toward the ceiling.

The floor beneath was incredibly soft - looking down, Gwen saw red wool carpeting covering the entire room.

The massive red silk curtains hung down ten meters to the floor.

Transparent windows surrounded them on all sides - they were in the highest rooftop room of the restaurant.

Through the windows, they could see every movement of the crowd below.

Servers lined both sides of the room, elegant and extremely respectful.

Before them was an extremely long dining table, covered with a white tablecloth and laden with golden plates of various sizes, each holding exquisite delicacies - truly extravagant.

"Isn't this too wasteful?"

"I wasn't sure what you liked, so I ordered one of everything."

Viktor spoke as a server pulled out his chair for him to sit.

A server stepped forward to offer him a napkin, but Viktor waved his hand. A flame appeared from nowhere, transforming into a burning napkin that hung at his chest.

Then, with a snap of his fingers in the air, the dishes began floating around, rotating one after another before Gwen's eyes.

Making her dizzy with the display.

Whatever she wanted to eat, with just a thought, would float before her the next moment.

Since getting to know Viktor, Gwen had always thought magic was an incredibly amazing and convenient ability.

The servers watched in amazement, seeing Viktor's completely natural control making them feel somewhat superfluous.

You're this capable?

What do you need us servers for?

Viktor nodded to one side, and the servers immediately understood his meaning.

Showing their keen perception, they turned in unison and orderly left the private room.

In the vast room, only Viktor and Gwen remained, seated across from each other.

She looked up at Viktor.

The man before her was completely at ease, holding his knife and fork, eating slowly.

Even his chewing appeared extremely elegant to Gwen.

She had only dined with Viktor twice before.

And each time made her feel that Viktor's elegance wasn't from training, but rather an innate quality in his very bones.

He perfectly embodied noble refinement and grace.

Just watching him was a pleasure.

Gwen gradually relaxed and opened her mouth to say gratefully:

"Thank you... for helping me out of that situation earlier."

In those circumstances, if Gwen hadn't said anything, they both would have been ridiculed.

After all, being unable to speak a single word - was that befitting a former captain of the Royal Knights?

Fortunately, Viktor had suddenly taken her away, quickly removing Gwen from everyone's scrutiny.

It was as if he had anticipated it, ready to help her escape at any moment.

"It's fine."

Viktor didn't look up, continuing to eat methodically.

Gwen lowered her head, her hands nervously fidgeting at her waist as she asked:

"Um... that."

"How did you know my birthday, and why... did you do all this?"

Why are you being so kind to me?

These words, Gwen didn't speak aloud.

She feared he might simply respond that it was basic noble courtesy.

For some reason, she didn't want to hear such words from Viktor's lips.

Besides Kevla, she couldn't think of anyone else who had ever celebrated her birthday.

She wanted to gently freeze this moment in her heart, even if his supposed kindness was just her wishful thinking.

Viktor picked up his knife and fork, cutting a piece of the thick steak and piercing it with his fork.

"Open your mouth."

Gwen froze, her mouth slightly parting.

Just as she was about to say something, Viktor had already stood up, reaching out with the fork to bring the meat to Gwen's lips.

Gwen leaned back slightly, looking at the piece of steak as her face immediately flushed red.

"I-I... that's not what I meant..."

"Open your mouth."

The calm words carried an undeniable authority.

Under Viktor's gaze, Gwen's mind went blank.

She couldn't help but close her eyes and slightly open her mouth.

The steaming meat entered her mouth.

Gwen chewed, feeling the juices burst in her mouth, the warmth flowing across her tongue.

Though it was just ordinary steak with an ordinary taste.

Yet now it seemed incredibly delicious.

Gradually, Gwen found herself lost in the sensation.

She didn't want to open her eyes.

Didn't want to open them and find Viktor gone from before her.

Better to just continue like this.

The sound of rustling came beside her ear as Viktor sat back down in his chair.

He picked up his knife and fork again, casually spearing a piece of cake and tasting it.

After slowly savoring it, Viktor's voice gradually sounded by Gwen's ear.

"After we finish eating, don't go home yet."

"I want to take you somewhere."

"...!?"

As if thinking of something, Gwen's face turned bright red.

She suddenly opened her eyes, no longer able to stay calm, hurriedly standing up and waving one hand frantically before Viktor while loudly protesting:

"N-no!"

"That kind of thing should at least wait until after marriage..."

Viktor: "?"
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