I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 16

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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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16

News that the war had come to an end spread throughout the entire kingdom.

The bell tower’s chimes rang high, splitting the sky, and people drunk with joy poured out onto every street, adding to the liveliness. Children ran through the merchants who were raising their voices and filling their display stands, waving flags.

The capital Pelrn was far from the north, so it had been less affected by the war, but it was a scene where everyone rejoiced at this national celebration.

As someone who had possessed this body and knew nothing about the war before the original story began, I felt no great emotion. I was just glad that the Count’s family and servants were happy.

When I opened the window, fresh air settled on the windowsill. As I stretched and took a deep breath, the flower scent carried on the wind seeped into my body.

It was clear weather perfect for a picnic. I should coax Kail into going outside the ducal mansion sometime soon.

I turned toward Milly, who was humming while clearing the dishes behind me.

“Milly, do you know any good places for an outing in the suburbs?”

“Oh my! Are you going on an outing?”

She clapped her hands in delight, then rested her chin in thought.

“Around here… Ah! How about Eltia Plain?”

“Is it close? What kind of place is it?”

“It’s about 40 minutes one way by carriage. There’s a lavender festival every June!”

Milly clasped her hands together with a rapturous expression.

“According to my friend who went there before, purple waves ripple all the way to the horizon.”

“Wow, that must be incredibly beautiful.”

Just imagining it was an overwhelming scene. But I doubted whether Kail would agree to go to such a bright and beautiful place. Especially if there was a noisy event like a festival.

“Would there be many people?”

“Well, it is a festival.”

“Isn’t there somewhere more secluded? Sorry for being picky.”

“Not at all. Then how about Serdin Lake? The nobles of the capital usually enjoy boating on the Ruben River, so Serdin Lake isn’t very crowded. I went there during my vacation two years ago and it was really nice.”

“Oh. That sounds good?”

I finished getting ready while storing Milly’s continued list of recommendations in my memory. However, to go to the outskirts, I’d need to get permission from both sets of parents and bring along a guardian.

I indulged in the fantasy of how blissfully happy I’d be if Darius came along too, then shook my head.

‘Where would Darius have time for that? And Kail’s agreement comes first. If he says he won’t go, it’s all for nothing.’

First rule for handling Kail: gently scratch his competitive spirit to provoke him. Second rule: act hurt to stimulate his sympathy.

‘In this case, wouldn’t it work if I said there’s a place I really wanted to visit and I absolutely want to go there with you, my first friend?’

Something I learned while spending time with Kail was that he had a surprisingly soft side and couldn’t refuse well when directly pestered. He was particularly weak to words like ‘because I want to get close to you, because I like you.’

I had gotten his promise to come to my birthday party that way too.

I felt like a petty adult, but I decided to exploit that side of him once more.

Sorry, Kail. But this is ultimately for your sake too, so please understand!

***

The day after making the grand plan of ‘going on a picnic with Kail,’ I headed to the Diern Ducal House with snacks and toys.

Due to the overcast weather that was completely different from yesterday, it was gloomy even though it was broad daylight. The clouds hung low, and it seemed like a downpour would soon begin.

‘I’ll just make plans for the picnic and return early today.’

When I entered the now-familiar central hall of the ducal mansion, the air felt particularly heavy. There was a strange tension amid the commotion.

“Lady Rieze, you’ve arrived.”

Even the butler, who always greeted me with a kind smile, seemed to have slightly low energy today.

“Hello, butler. Is something wrong?”

I looked around at the servants who were moving busily yet quietly holding their breath, then asked in a lowered voice.

“Ah, nothing is wrong. It’s just that the master returned from his expedition the day before yesterday, so the mansion seems to be bustling.”

The butler smiled awkwardly as he subtly informed me of the cause of this atmospheric change.

The master would be Duke Selpieus Diern, wouldn’t it?

He was Darius and Kail’s father and the head of this family. Only then did I realize he had returned from fighting in the northern war.

Come to think of it, I heard there was a victory parade in Pelrn Square two days ago – that must have been the Duke’s homecoming. I had visited at a bad time.

“Young Master Darius also returned home this morning.”

“Gasp! Really?”

“Yes.”

Darius!! How long has it been!

Ah. I miss him so much. Even just a glimpse from afar would be good.

But I shouldn’t intrude when the family was completely reunited after so long…

Sure enough, the butler, who had become dejected, asked for understanding.

“I’m sorry, but the Countess will also be busy all day… I’m not sure if she’ll be able to spend time with you as usual, Lady Rieze…”

“It’s fine! I’ll just go back today.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

When I waved my hands and declined, the butler’s graying eyebrows drooped apologetically for making me come for nothing. The butler, who had been escorting me toward the door, suddenly stopped walking.

“Lady Rieze, Young Master Kaileus is at the training ground as usual, so you could visit him before you go.”

“Oh, really?”

Even though his father had returned after a long time, Kail was still focused on training. Had the father and son at least greeted each other?

“Then I’ll just quickly see Kail and go.”

“Yes, please take your time.”

I bowed to the butler and was about to step outside the mansion when the sound of multiple boot steps echoed. Soon, men dressed in black uniforms came down the central staircase.

The servants who had been hurrying about lined up and bowed their heads in unison.

The largest man at the head of the knights caught my eye. I could tell at a glance that he, walking with an intimidating presence, was Duke Selpieus Diern himself.

Despite being around forty, this handsome middle-aged man with his tall stature and not a single wrinkle exuded a menacing aura. An appearance befitting the names of the kingdom’s greatest sword and commander-in-chief.

Now I understood why all the mansion’s servants held their breath like herbivores before a predator. It seemed like he’d devour you if you made the wrong eye contact.

Seeing him like this, Darius resembled his mother while Kail resembled his father. Especially the jet-black hair, vivid golden eyes, and sharp gaze were identical. Even the disagreeable impression was a perfect match.

As I was examining the Duke’s appearance, his gaze touched me before turning to the butler. The butler bowed respectfully and introduced me.

“Master. This is the daughter of Count Brante, a guest of the Countess.”

Not Kaileus’s friend, but the Countess’s guest? I felt a momentary doubt at the butler’s introduction of me, but I curtsied gracefully.

“It’s my first time meeting you, Duke Diern. I am Rieze Brante. I am greatly indebted to the ducal house.”

The Duke looked down at me with eyes that showed not a trace of interest, then merely nodded once and tried to go on his way.

“I am also close friends with Young Master Kaileus.”

At my impulsive addition, his steps came to an abrupt halt. He turned toward me, one eyebrow rising sharply.

“You’re saying you’re Kaileus’s friend?”

“Yes.”

Was he sneering that someone like me dared to be friends with his son? Or was he just surprised that Kaileus had a friend?

He let out a faint snort and strode away with his long legs. The ducal knight order following him also quietly withdrew like shadows.

No matter that the other party was much younger and of lower status, speaking informally between nobles at first meeting. Moreover, the cold treatment without a trace of warmth.

It was a reaction that didn’t deviate from my expectations, but since he was a character who was the starting point of conflict in the original story 【Golden Pledge】, I found him even more disagreeable.

An irresponsible man who abandoned his family, cracked by his own infidelity, and only wandered battlefields.

I wanted to shout at him that if he had decided to take in Kail, his illegitimate son, he should give him attention and affection and mediate harmoniously between family members.

Of course, I couldn’t do that, so I held back.

Feeling powerless, I passed through the gloomy Maze Garden and headed to the training ground to meet Kail.

The sky filled with gray storm clouds heightened the bleak atmosphere.

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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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