I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 19

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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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19

Going back two weeks in time, that day was when Selpieus returned to Pelrn’s Manor.

At the news that the head of the family was returning victorious after two years, all personnel of the ducal residence gathered in front of the main gate to welcome the procession of carriages.

Among the servants dressed in perfectly pressed uniforms without a single wrinkle, even their breathing was cautious.

Of the ten carriages, the first and most magnificent one was elaborately adorned with gold emblems symbolizing the Diern Ducal House, hinting at who rode within.

The glossy black horses snorted and came to a halt at the coachman’s signal, and as the carriage door opened, steps were lowered.

The Countess, Violet, descended gracefully down the stairs in her usual pristine and elegant attire.

Kaileus followed behind his mother like a shadow. He too was dressed more neatly and formally than ever before.

The mother and son stood calmly before the figure who had stepped down from the carriage. There was a somewhat distant feeling between them.

Violet looked up at the tall man standing before her with a refined smile.

“I’m relieved you’ve returned safely. I heard your achievements were great.”

“This place remains the same.”

To Violet’s proper greeting, Selpieus also responded without any emotional elevation. For a reunion between husband and wife after two years, it was quite dry.

Kaileus, who had been stiffly staring at his father from behind Violet, took a step forward.

“It, it’s been a long time… I’m deeply moved by your safe return, Fa, Father.”

Kaileus bowed at a 90-degree angle as he greeted. When he brought the word “father” out of his mouth, his mouth felt dry and his insides seemed to shrivel.

Selpieus looked the anxious child up and down with indifference. A glimmer appeared in his previously unfocused eyes.

“…You’ve grown a lot, Kaileus.”

“Yes, yes! Have you been well all this time!”

His voice, cracking with excitement, echoed through the air.

Selpieus’s lips stretched slightly for a moment before returning to normal. It was so brief that no one could catch it, and far too insufficient to be called a smile, but Kaileus smiled with overwhelming emotion.

The butler, who had been standing a few steps back, approached thinking the family’s greetings had concluded.

“Master, I shall escort you inside. There is a message from the Royal Court.”

“They don’t give me a moment’s rest.”

Selpieus spat out irritably and strode up the steps of the main gate. Following him, Diern’s knights entered, and the servants also returned to their positions, moving busily.

Kaileus’s footsteps bounced with an uneven rhythm as he returned to his room.

Father remembered me. And he even smiled, however faintly!

Kaileus, who had been most afraid of being forgotten, was grateful even though their reunion after two years had ended with just a brief word.

Since he’ll be staying at the capital’s manor for a while, there will be many opportunities to talk in the future. Perhaps he’ll visit the training ground someday. I want to show him the results of my training.

Among everything, he especially wanted to show his archery skills quickly. For the day he could join his father, who enjoyed going to hunting grounds, he wanted to move on from bows to rifle shooting as soon as possible.

Having recently received confirmation from his mother that he was not an illegitimate child, Kaileus was elated with hope and confidence.

With such a soaring mood, he spent two days training even more intensely than usual.

On the third day of Selpieus’s return, a grand dinner was prepared for the master’s family. It was by order of Selpieus, who usually dined alone in his room.

In the center of the dining hall where golden chandeliers sparkled, elaborate and luxurious dishes were densely arranged on a ten-meter-long marble table.

Kaileus glanced back and forth between Selpieus sitting at the head of the table and Violet sitting opposite him. He was planning to gather courage and invite both of them to come watch his martial arts skills.

While moving his lips and waiting for the right timing, the worst uninvited guest entered the dining hall, shattering Kaileus’s happiness.

Darius had returned home for the weekend. Kaileus’s face showed disappointment as he hadn’t known his brother was coming.

“You’ve arrived, Father.”

“Darius.”

A brief greeting as if they had met yesterday. The father-son reunion after two years was equally plain as that of the married couple.

There was no emotion whatsoever on Darius’s face as he looked at his father after so long. Rather, his bored and tired, indifferent attitude made Kaileus frown.

“Darius, have you been well? You should come home more often.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve been busy during the semester.”

His response to his mother Violet was equally lackluster. After Darius exchanged a few more pleasantries with his parents, the meal began.

Darius nodded in greeting toward his younger brother, but Kaileus ignored him with a disgusted expression as if he had seen something unseemly.

Only the clinking sounds of bowls and utensils filled the space. After the main dish was served, Selpieus finally spoke.

“In three weeks, there will be a victory celebration ceremony at the Royal Palace. As I informed you beforehand, Darius, you must escort your mother there.”

“…I understand.”

After a slight pause, Darius answered reluctantly.

Kaileus, hearing about the victory celebration ceremony for the first time, looked up with round eyes, but regardless, Selpieus’s one-sided commands continued.

“Graduate early next year. I’ve already informed the school of my intentions. There’s no need to keep a grown man in student status for long. Enlist as an officer as quickly as possible.”

Darius closed his eyes tightly and shook his head with a bitter laugh.

“Early graduation is only possible for the top student of the year. I lack the ability.”

“Darius.”

Violet quietly intervened to scold her son, but it was too late. Selpieus slammed down his cutlery with a menacing aura, revealing his fierce mood.

“I’ve already heard the ridiculous story that you’re currently second in your year. You’ve lost your mind. The Diern name will become a laughingstock!”

Even under Selpieus’s reproach, Darius showed no sign of being intimidated and continued speaking.

“There’s this impossibly diligent and smart guy, you see. A maniac who gets up before sunrise to train and studies until the moon sets.”

“Shut up! The son of the Kingdom’s Army Commander-in-Chief being second place—what a disgrace!”

Selpieus cut off Darius’s jest sharply and shouted.

The servants carrying food quickly retreated, and a chilling coldness flowed through the air. Suffocating silence swept through the dining hall.

Selpieus roughly pulled back his chair and stood up, opening his mouth again.

“If you fail to secure first place this semester, then I’ll personally take charge of your education.”

“…”

At words that sounded like an ultimatum, Darius lowered his eyes and bit his lips. Kaileus was shocked by his brother’s behavior, sighing as if fed up.

How could he be so arrogant and rebellious when he received all of their parents’ expectations and attention? If it were him, he would never act that way.

He couldn’t believe the attitude of finding it bothersome to enjoy the honor of attending the victory celebration ceremony where Father was the protagonist.

“Darius, quickly tell your father you’ll do better.”

Unable to watch any longer, Violet intervened again to encourage Darius. Darius’s Adam’s apple bobbed greatly.

“…I will correct it.”

At the low declaration, Selpieus’s fierce momentum subsided.

“Remember this. Defeat is not permitted for Diern.”

After delivering his final threat, Selpieus abruptly left his seat and departed.

“Haah.”

As the dining hall door slammed shut, Darius slumped back against his chair.

Violet stood up abruptly and approached Darius, placing her hand on his shoulder.

“Darius. Your father has high expectations for you, that’s why he’s like that. You have more than enough talent, so with just a little effort, taking first place won’t be difficult. I’ll also send a letter to the military academy’s headmaster asking him to pay special attention to you.”

“…It’s fine, Mother. I’ll handle it myself.”

“Or should I arrange an excellent swordsmanship tutor for you?”

After that, Violet’s consolation and comfort continued repeatedly.

Kaileus pushed away his half-eaten main dish and quietly left. Hurriedly wiping away the tears that had fallen down his cheeks before anyone could see them.

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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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