I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 12

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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12

That Saturday, as soon as I woke up, I hurriedly finished what I needed to do and headed to Diern Manor.

‘Unless something special happened, he wouldn’t come home right away on the weekend after the school term started.’

To get here from Mitas, the city where Randerstd Royal Military Academy was located, required half a day’s carriage ride one way. Without a reason, there was no point for Darius to bother coming home.

Still, I rushed over with some hope, but the butler of the Diern Ducal House informed me of Darius’s absence. Disappointment welled up, but I couldn’t help it and asked.

“Then where is the Countess?”

The plan was to have tea time with the Countess first, then go find Kail.

“Today, the Countess has also gone to the Royal Palace and is not here.”

“Oh! Is today the Royal Debutante Ball?!”

“That’s correct.”

I had forgotten since Count Brante didn’t like attending social events. So this year’s social season had officially begun.

Until fall, there would be major events of course, and parties hosted by various noble families at least three times a week.

The Countess was the type to frequently appear at such places, so I was freed from my role as her conversation partner for the time being. It worked out well since I was getting tired of butterfly talk.

“She left word that if Miss Rieze happened to visit today, you should be attended to so you can rest freely.”

“Then would it be okay if I play with Kail before leaving?”

“Of course. Shall I call for Master Kaileus?”

The old butler of the Count’s Estate, who was already well aware of my usual routine, wore a kind smile.

“He’s at the Outdoor Training Ground, right? I’ll go find him myself!”

“Then I’ll have refreshments brought there.”

“Thank you!”

I immediately left the reception room. Finding the exit of the Maze Garden that led to the Outdoor Training Ground had become as easy as pie after repeating it several times.

“Kail, hello! I’m here.”

As soon as I saw the round, black back of his head, I called out cheerfully.

Kail wiped the dripping sweat with the back of his hand and turned his head. Even after confirming I had come, he continued what he was doing.

“Isn’t it about time you acknowledged my greeting?”

I was complaining when I discovered a chess board on the wisteria bench table. Chess pieces were scattered here and there on the opened board.

“What’s this, you were waiting for me? Because you wanted to play chess?”

I approached Kail while trying to suppress the laughter that was about to burst out.

“…Because defeat is not permitted for a Diern.”

Geez. Acting all prickly because he’s embarrassed.

Oh. But wait, that line!

It was a famous line that Darius said in the original work, so it must be like an actual family motto. I want to hear it from Darius’s mouth later!

Anyway, it was clear that Kail was quite determined. Since he didn’t deny waiting and immediately sat in front of the chess board.

The kid who used to only think about chasing me away was now voluntarily wanting to play with me – what great progress.

As soon as I sat in the opposite seat, Kail was burning with competitive spirit and ready to start chess immediately, so I waved my arms frantically.

“What’s with starting a game as soon as I arrive? Let’s talk a bit too.”

“Talk about what.”

“Um, did you eat lunch?”

When I asked about his well-being in Korean style, Kail turned around with an annoyed expression and shook his head.

“…Sort of.”

“What did you eat?”

“Just this and that.”

“What do you mean this and that?”

“I just grabbed something to fill up.”

His attitude showed not even a speck of sincerity, but I didn’t give up and continued my one-sided questioning. Meanwhile, servants from the Count’s Estate came to set up refreshments and left.

“But it’s Saturday today. Do you train all day without resting even on weekends?”

“Yeah.”

“Muscles need time to recover in order to regenerate. How about resting completely for at least one day a week?”

“I’ll handle it myself, so don’t interfere.”

“…”

My words were kind, but his response was harsh.

I stopped talking and looked at Kail’s profile. His face, hidden by long bangs, looked shabby at first glance, but his golden ratio profile hinted at potential.

He’s someone who will become handsome in the future, but his personality really. If he wants to meet someone other than the female lead Adel, this attitude needs to be fixed.

Once we become closer, will I be able to reform his personality too?

His bright amber eyes rolled around and glanced toward me.

“What.”

His thick eyebrows narrowed, creating a vertical crease.

“Relax your brow. If you keep frowning, you’ll get wrinkles.”

“Whether other people get wrinkles or not.”

I’m gradually getting used to that prickly response now. Hearing it all the time, it doesn’t really affect me much.

“Fine, fine. Let’s just play chess.”

I gave up on friendly conversation and pulled the chess board toward me. Kail also silently set up his pieces on the board.

Let me see how much he practiced and what his skill level is.

***

“Checkmate.”

“Gasp!”

…I lost even though he didn’t go easy on me. My king’s head fell in just 30 minutes after we started.

Kail’s lips curved up on one side as he declared victory.

“In just four days, how much did you practice? Did you just eat and play chess?”

“Practice what. I didn’t do anything like that.”

“You’re lying!”

Whether he studied it himself or looked through books, he was using amazing tactics!

Anyway, I was finally freed from the chess curse.

I took out the dice and trump cards I had brought in my handbag. This time, instead of packing a trunk full of stuff, I only brought these two things. There are countless things you can do with just these.

“Now let’s play something else. Chess gets boring. I brought several fun games…”

Then Kail suddenly held up his hand with thumb and middle finger pressed together, reminding me of the penalty.

“Ah, the flick…”

Did you want to hit me that badly? How petty.

I pushed back my bangs, lowered my head, and leaned forward. I closed my eyes tightly and waited, then soon a sharp thud flew to my skin.

“Aaah!”

Wow. I thought my forehead would split.

I looked up with teary eyes and sent him a resentful look. Whether it’s because he’s a kid or lacks social skills, he didn’t hold back when hitting.

“Don’t exaggerate. I held back my strength.”

“It really hurts! Am I bleeding?”

Kail started setting up the chess pieces again, so I rubbed my throbbing forehead and shouted.

“Stop it! You won, so that’s enough! Let’s do something else!”

“It’s still 3 to 1.”

“What?”

His words about playing until he won… meant until he reversed the overall record?

Kail, who had quickly set up the pieces in their places, turned the board 180 degrees.

“You take white.”

Ha. Now he’s the one going easy on me? After winning just one game!

Feeling my swollen forehead throbbing, fighting spirit boiled up in me. I’m going into serious mode.

After that, we had several close games going back and forth. At first, I was also fired up by the competition and fought enthusiastically, but after two hours, my brain was overloaded.

When we were tied 5 to 5, I threw down a chess piece and hit the table.

“Let’s stop! I think my brain is going to cramp!”

“Because you think you’re going to lose?”

“It’s hard! My brain has turned all wrinkled.”

I declared a strike and flopped down on the long bench. Even my wrist, which I had compromised to hit instead of my forehead, had turned red.

“So weak.”

“I can’t do any more today. Let’s settle this next time.”

Kail glared at me with dissatisfaction before reluctantly getting up. Suddenly I remembered what I had prepared.

“Wait, I have something to give you!”

I quickly sat up and pulled out a card from the inner pocket of my bag. It was a colorful birthday party invitation I had decorated myself last night.

An official invitation would come out later, but that would look boring, so I made this one with a personal touch.

“There’s still some time left until the date, but I’ll give it to you early. Make sure to keep your schedule free!”

I proudly presented the invitation with a flourish and forced it into Kail’s hand. Kail looked down at the card and frowned with displeasure.

“I don’t have time.”

“What? You promised.”

He avoided my gaze, picked up a wooden sword, and strode toward the training area.

“Kail! I’m disappointed that you’re someone who doesn’t keep promises. Do you know how much I’ve been looking forward to having a birthday party with you, my first friend? I worked so hard on this invitation with these little hands, stitch by stitch—”

“Ah, fine. I’ll go, okay?”

As I followed behind him, pretending to be hurt while pouring out my complaints, Kail finally snapped back reluctantly.

“Yes! I’ll prepare tons of delicious food.”

I cheered and jumped around, making Kail let out a deep sigh as if the ground would cave in.

“Here. Hook fingers. I need to make sure you can’t back out.”

When I held out my pinky finger, Kail looked down at my hand and hesitated with his arm.

I grabbed his arm and proceeded with the oath ceremony.

“Promise, stamp, copy, sign, laminate.”

I busily moved my hands over Kail’s awkwardly extended palm. Back in elementary school, you had to go through this elaborate procedure to make any promise.

“What kind of nonsense is this?”

“It’s my oath method. Now if you break your promise, you’re in big trouble. You’ll catch some unknown disease and have to live bald for the rest of your life.”

When I seriously threatened him, Kail let out a laugh as if he found it absurd. Though it was just a brief chuckle, it was the first time I had seen Kail laugh out loud.

I was pleased to see him gradually letting down his guard and softening.

If we keep getting closer 1mm at a time like this, someday we’ll become real friends, right?

I had no idea at the time. I didn’t know that my plan, which had been proceeding smoothly like a sail with favorable wind, would soon hit rough waters.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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