I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 20

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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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20

That day, Kaileus visited his hideout for the first time in two months. It was a hanging chair hidden in the bushes at a corner of the Maze Garden.

It was a place where he had often hidden from people’s eyes since he was very young.

After shedding tears in that comfortable and secret place where no one knew, cold anger rose to fill its place.

His plan to invite his mother and father to watch his training at today’s meal was completely shattered when Darius appeared.

He was going crazy with sorrow, feeling like a ghost because his parents wouldn’t even glance at him, while in contrast, that bastard Darius acted like he was dying from the burden of attention focused on him.

Even his reasons for whining were absurd. Not wanting to participate in the victory ceremony? Not being first in school?

He wondered just how full one’s belly had to be to make such complaints.

It was always like this. Holding everything he desperately wanted but couldn’t have, Darius pretended to be unhappy as if it had all been given to him without wanting it.

Disgusting deceiver.

After tormenting him in childhood, now acting like a caring older brother made him sick to his stomach.

To quell his rising anger, Kaileus headed to the outdoor training ground.

He frantically pounded the striking post. His breath rose to his chin and his arms felt like they would tear, but he didn’t stop.

‘I will definitely earn mother and father’s recognition.’

When he entered the military academy, he wouldn’t settle for just being top of his year but would become the overall top student. When he enlisted in the army, he would be promoted faster than anyone and achieve military honors.

He would elevate the family’s honor and become his parents’ pride. Me, not that bastard Darius.

In his imagination, his mother and father smiled brightly at him, showering him with praise. Embracing him, saying he did well, that he worked hard, that they were sorry for not recognizing him until now.

No one could point fingers at him or mock him as a bastard anymore. The retainers and knights would revere him as the heir. Darius would watch that scene while being thoroughly ostracized.

Imagining such a future, reversed from reality, made him chuckle quietly. The training didn’t feel arduous at all, and his palms, blistered and bleeding, didn’t hurt.

Kaileus swung his wooden sword in a trance for a long time.

Then, his vision spun around. Heat rushed to his head and warm liquid flowed down his philtrum.

When he came to his senses, he saw a girl offering him a handkerchief as he crouched on the ground.

After barely managing to stand on his trembling legs, he roughly wiped the blood with his sleeve and pushed her away.

“Are you okay? You seem to have overexerted yourself.”

At this moment, the face he least wanted to see was staring at him with worry.

He felt ashamed and disgusted at showing his weak side, but at the same time, his heart felt relieved and he wanted to cry.

“…Hey, you go home.”

Those were the words he barely managed to say after swallowing down an unidentifiable lump. Despite his cold dismissal, the child continued chattering cheerfully.

Suggesting they go somewhere to play, or see something, or that something would be delicious. She rambled on about stories from another world, completely disconnected from the reality he faced.

Her innocent and pure voice seemed to scratch at his heart. So he wildly wielded sharp words he didn’t mean.

It was ugly jealousy and venting toward that child who received abundant love, unlike himself who hung precariously within the family’s boundaries.

“Can’t you tell me what happened? I’m your friend. I’m on your side.”

Even though he ruthlessly pushed her away, her words of concern left him speechless.

Friend. On my side.

For a moment, his eyes grew hot.

She had purely played the role of a friend to him, just as she had boldly promised.

She was worlds apart from other kids who revealed their true intentions and tried to use him once they became somewhat close. Her desire to be friends with him, even deceiving her mother the Countess, seemed quite… genuine.

Honestly, he had enjoyed himself while playing with her too. For the first time in his life, he felt what a true friend was like. Though he hated to admit it.

But that’s precisely why this child was an obstacle in his life. She didn’t just steal his training time but also disturbed his soul, making him weak.

If he continued to associate with her, he would be dragged into another world. A peaceful and affectionate world that he would fall into helplessly once he set foot in it. If he became intoxicated by that sweetness, he would never be able to return to his place.

So now, he had to cut it off.

“You’re in the way, so please get out of my sight.”

His tongue moved on its own, creating thorny words.

Her eyes, which had been warm with spring, contorted. The color drained from her flushed cheeks.

However, her expression, which had seemed deeply hurt, soon smoothed out as if nothing had happened. When he heard her say goodbye calmly without lingering, he felt relieved.

Kaileus knew he was wrong, that he was a bad bastard. But he neither held her back nor apologized.

This was right. The longer it went on, the harder it would become, so it was better to cut it off when it hurt less.

Kaileus stared endlessly at the spot where Rieze had left. The sound of wheels from the Brante Estate’s carriage faintly faded away.

The wind brushed coolly against his shoulders, and small drops began to darken the ground one by one.

“Make other kind friends instead of someone like me…”

His hollow voice spread like an echo. Soon raindrops began pouring down like a waterfall.

Kaileus looked up, welcoming the tears the sky had burst open. The fragments of emotion that had accumulated in his chest were washed away together.

***

A magnificent ceremony was held at the Royal Palace to commemorate the victory in the Northern War. The protagonist of the medal ceremony and banquet held in the Great Hall of the Royal Palace, where the capital’s nobles gathered, was undoubtedly Duke Selpieus Diern.

Since I was still a young lady, I didn’t attend, but I heard the story from Count Brante at dinner that evening.

“Young Master Darius came too. As his friend’s father, he spoke to me familiarly – what a solid and pleasant young man.”

Count Brante, who had seen Darius in person for the first time, smiled contentedly as he set down his teacup.

“He’s not exactly solid, but his nerve is certainly impressive.”

Simon, sitting beside him, responded indifferently while picking at fruit.

“And he was so handsome it was eye-popping. He’ll be incredibly popular when he debuts in society.”

“He’s pretty like a girl, which is rather disgusting for a guy.”

“Standing next to him, you’d look like a squid.”

I repeatedly expressed agreement with Count Brante’s praise of his favorite character, while Simon kept throwing cold water on it.

Since my brother had come home yesterday, I also learned that Darius was staying in the capital once again to attend the victory commemoration banquet.

‘He’s so close, just a stone’s throw away.’

I considered going to see the Countess and casually running into Darius, but I gave up on the idea.

If I planned it that way, I’d surely run into Kail. Murphy’s Law.

‘It would be awkward to face each other just three weeks after cutting ties…’

“You don’t visit Diern Manor to play anymore these days, Rieze.”

“Ah, yes… Since the Duke is there now.”

Startled by the Count’s mind-reading, I stuffed a cherry tomato from my salad plate into my mouth. I couldn’t avoid Kail forever, but not just yet.

“I guess you decided not to associate with young Darius anymore. Good judgment.”

“Why did you crawl back home when you’re not even going to the victory ceremony? If exams are coming up, you should be holed up in the dormitory studying.”

I fired back at my brother who was picking a fight.

“What, you little? Why am I here right now…,”

“Ahem, hmm!”

Simon shut his mouth tight at Count Brante’s clearing of his throat.

“What, did you really come because it’s my birthday tomorrow?”

There was no need to go that far. I had canceled the party anyway.

“Would I come just for that? Your brother is a busy man.”

“Ah, yes yes. Thank you for the meal.”

I answered Simon’s pompous attitude half-heartedly and got up from my seat.

“Rieze, go to bed early tonight and sleep well.”

“…? Yes. Good night.”

I wondered why he emphasized going to bed early, but since Count Brante was always one to worry about and care for me, I just said good night.

When I went up to my room, I found an unexpected item waiting for me, so Count Brante’s wish wasn’t fulfilled.

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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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