Perfect Villain Life: Universal Job Change

Chapter 266: Zahl

Zahl’s posture was arrogant, even when facing the prestigious Windsor Family. But then again, he had every reason to be.

The Saint-Spear Family—a legendary dragon-blooded lineage—was arguably the most powerful family in all of Hydra. As descendants of the Dragon Vein, their bloodline was steeped in ancient pacts and bonds with the mighty dragon race. That was why they were also called the Dragonrider Clan.

And dragons… dragons were the most fearsome beings in all of Hydra. A single adult dragon rivaled an 8-star mage in raw power.

Generations of Saint-Spears had formed soul contracts with dragons, becoming one with their partners to ascend to the rank of the legendary class: Dragon Knight.

The Saint-Spear Family had produced countless heroes. Most famous among them was Todd the Star-Piercing Spear, the greatest Dragon Knight in history. His strength had rivaled the gods, and he had defended Hydra for nearly a thousand years. Even now, his legends and statues could be found in every corner of the world.

In modern times, the Saint-Spear Clan boasted five 9-star Dragon Knight Commanders—with even more 7 and 8-star elites among their ranks.

Once upon a time, the Windsor Family might have matched them. But since the Void invasion, the Windsors had been severely weakened, with only Anthony left to hold the line. The disparity between the two clans had grown stark.

Meanwhile, the Saint-Spears had remained on the frontlines, standing as Hydra’s most prestigious noble house. Even Hero Rosha needed their support to hold back the Void.

And Zahl?

He was a direct heir of the Saint-Spears. His father was one of the five Dragon Knight Commanders. Zahl himself was exceptionally gifted, having been recognized and bonded with the Frost Dragon Icemane, forming a soul pact and becoming a true Dragon Knight.

Now at peak 5-star strength, Zahl was considered one of the brightest stars of Hydra’s younger generation.

His engagement to Lia was a “perfect match” by noble standards—both families renowned, both bloodlines strong.

But Zahl’s personality… was insufferable. Arrogant, domineering, and dismissive of all others. Lia hated him. She’d even left home for years just to escape the engagement.

Zahl, on the other hand, was obsessed with her. He adored Lia, but couldn’t accept her rebellion. He’d pressured the Windsor Family through political means. Only Anthony’s personal protection had kept her safe and hidden. Otherwise, the Saint-Spears would have found and retrieved her long ago.

Now, with word of Lia’s return, Zahl had immediately flown to the Windsor estate on dragonback.

Hearing his arrogant words, many Windsor mages turned visibly angry. This man was going too far—acting like the Windsors were mere servants.

But Zahl noticed their scorn and didn’t care. As far as he was concerned, the Windsors were in decline, their prime long past. What could they do, really? Their only option was to accept the engagement with bowed heads.

Zahl relished this kind of superiority—watching others glare, powerless to act.

Anthony frowned deeply. As the patriarch, he had to consider the greater good. An alliance with the Saint-Spears was still beneficial to the Windsors.

He swallowed his fury and said calmly, “Zahl, Lia only just returned. The family simply hasn’t had the chance to inform you yet. Besides, your engagement is set for next year. No need to rush, is there?”

Though arrogant, Zahl still showed Anthony basic respect. “Apologies, Uncle Anthony. I was just… so eager to see Lia. It’s been so long.”

For once, he was being honest.

Zahl had fallen for Lia at first sight—deeply, obsessively. So when he heard she’d returned, he immediately flew over just to see her again.

Then his eyes shifted to Qin Xian, who stood calmly beside Lia.

“Who are you?” Zahl’s gaze turned sharp.

He was familiar with most Windsor members, and this handsome youth was clearly not one of them. More importantly, the way Lia stood so close to him, the unspoken rapport between them—it stabbed Zahl in the heart.

Lia had never looked at him that way.

Qin Xian, meanwhile, was observing the Frost Dragon.

On Blue Star, there were dragons—but they were just digital bosses, not living creatures. This was his first time seeing a true mythical being up close.

At Zahl’s question, a flicker of mockery passed through Qin Xian’s eyes.

He didn’t even bother responding.

This kind of situation—arrogant suitor challenging the mysterious outsider—felt like something out of a cheap web novel. He’d never expected to be dragged into something so melodramatic.

Just because he was hiding his identity didn’t mean he had to put up with this nonsense.

If Zahl truly crossed the line… Qin Xian would have no problem tearing the mask off and burning everything to the ground.