I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 27

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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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27

 

Ah. Since they said they came together, I can tell this is a gift from Darius.

 

Actually, just the fact that Darius gave it made this bracelet’s value close to infinite. It became my number one treasure that I wouldn’t trade for billions, and I decided to preserve it on my wrist like a tattoo for life.

 

But I couldn’t be that honest.

 

Kail’s thoughtfulness in personally buying something he thought I’d like was equally touching. Enough to make him rush to the ducal mansion with his eyebrows flying.

 

“I like them both.”

 

“Which one do you like more?”

 

“I really like them both! I can’t rank them!”

 

“But there must be one that appeals to you a little more.”

 

A vertical line appeared on Kail’s forehead. Why is he competing with his brother over something like this…

 

“Kail, when is your birthday?”

 

I asked to change the subject and to repay him with birthday wishes and a gift.

 

“Don’t change the subject.”

 

“I’m telling you both of them make me want to cry with joy.”

 

“Choose just one.”

 

“…”

 

The glare from his eyes seemed to emit rays that would sear my skin. I had no choice but to go along with his leading question.

 

“…Kail, I like what you gave me the most. It was the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten.”

 

“You mean it?”

 

“Yes. Of course!”

 

Only then did Kail seem satisfied as he relaxed his facial muscles.

 

Goodness, without his pride he’d be a corpse…

 

“More importantly, tell me your birthday! I want to get you something light in return. When is it?”

 

“…You don’t need to know.”

 

“Why not. You could at least tell me your birthday.”

 

“I said you don’t need to know.”

 

What’s this? Is he being considerate because it would be burdensome?

 

“I’ll get you something that won’t be burdensome. If you receive something, you should return the favor – that’s human nature.”

 

“Forget it. Don’t bother.”

 

“Tch, why are you being prickly again. I’ll have to ask someone else.”

 

Kail’s expression darkened rapidly when he heard “someone else.”

 

Ah, I get it. His family doesn’t celebrate Kail’s birthday very well.

 

Come to think of it, the Countess wouldn’t throw Kail a party on the same scale as Darius’s birthday.

 

Even if Kail doesn’t want that kind of noisy party, he’d inevitably be compared to his brother, so he must dislike birthdays. Feeling sorry for him, I realized I had asked something thoughtless.

 

“Ah, no. I won’t do that. Tell me later when you feel like it, Kail.”

 

I quickly corrected myself and shook my head. I could give him a gift as thanks anytime, not necessarily on his birthday.

 

“Then is there anything you want?”

 

“No.”

 

An immediate answer came back before I’d barely finished asking.

 

So cold anyway… I’ll have to think about it slowly.

 

After that, once our business was finished, seconds ticked by in the slightly awkward silence. It made my excited chattering beside Kail seem pointless.

 

‘Come to think of it, what kind of relationship are we now?’

 

Kail had only said something with an apologetic nuance, but hadn’t breathed a word about going back to being friends.

 

He had simply realized his mistake and felt remorse, but might have no intention of returning to how we were before.

 

No, to Kail I was nothing more than an existence that interfered with his training, so in a way that was natural. He had repeated until my ears were sick of it that he didn’t need friends.

 

Then from now on… it would be right to maintain a neighborly relationship where we greet each other when we pass and occasionally ask after each other’s well-being.

 

After reaching this conclusion, I felt my inflated heart deflate with a whoosh, making me realize I had liked Kail as a friend more than I thought.

 

‘Still, we tied things up well, so this is something.’

 

We apologized to each other and made up, so that’s enough. Next time we meet, we won’t have to blush or feel uncomfortable.

 

I wouldn’t be able to fulfill Darius’s request, but it couldn’t be helped.

 

Well then, should I say goodbye appropriately and head back?

 

“Um, Kail. I’ll be going back now. It was fun meeting after so long.”

 

“…”

 

“Thank you sincerely for the congratulations and gift. It’ll be an unforgettable birthday.”

 

“…”

 

“Well then… let’s meet again when we get the chance. Take care.”

 

I left an awkward farewell and stood up hesitantly.

 

‘Still no goodbye, I see.’

 

I took bitter steps and left the mansion. Before I knew it, the day had grown late and the sunset was dyeing the world in red light.

 

The small expectation I had unknowingly harbored that Kail’s response might be different this time faded helplessly.

 

‘Still, we resolved it beautifully, so that’s enough.’

 

I repeatedly suppressed the rising disappointment and pulled up the corners of my lips.

 

After meeting Milly who was waiting nearby, I headed to the gate to return to the Count’s Mansion.

 

Just as I was about to get into the carriage, the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps echoed from behind.

 

“Hey! Wait!”

 

When I turned around, Kail was running toward me in a hurry.

 

Looking at Kail who had stopped in front of me, I waited for him to catch his breath before asking.

 

“Kail. What’s wrong? Did you forget something?”

 

I watched silently as he fidgeted restlessly, running his hands through his hair. Kail, who had been struggling like someone who really needed to use the bathroom, finally opened his mouth as if he’d made up his mind.

 

“You, sometimes, you can come play at our house… It seems like resting muscles is necessary too, like you said…”

 

My goodness. The day has come when he says something like this.

 

I was surprised by Kail’s proposal and covered my mouth.

 

This means let’s be friends again! It’s as moving as a stray cat that had been panting finally opening its heart to me.

 

As if he couldn’t bear the embarrassment of having said such words out loud, Kail was completely red from his ears to the nape of his neck.

 

‘Really now. Anyone would think he just confessed his love.’

 

Unable to contain the laughter bubbling up, I nodded vigorously.

 

He must have swallowed his pride and mustered up all his courage to tell me this, so I’m incredibly grateful.

 

“Yes! I’ll come play again!”

 

“…”

 

“Don’t worry, I’ll only come occasionally so I won’t be in the way! Just once a month!”

 

“…Once a month?”

 

“That won’t take up much time, so it’s okay, right?”

 

It seemed like a reasonable compromise. Kail, frowning deeply and chewing his lips, looked full of dissatisfaction.

 

“If you don’t like that either, once every two months?”

 

“…No, once a month… is fine…”

 

Kail answered hesitantly, cutting off his words. Still with a somewhat displeased expression.

 

Right, two months would be too much after all! I’d forget your face!

 

“Okay. Got it. Then I’ll go. See you next month!”

 

“…”

 

After firmly establishing the meeting interval as one month, I climbed into the carriage.

 

After the door closed, I looked out the window and made eye contact with Kail. When I waved, he flinched in surprise then stiffly raised his palm.

 

His half-opened fingers hesitated and wiggled slightly.

 

‘Wow. Finally! I finally got a goodbye from him.’

 

Along with the laughter that burst out naturally, I waved even more enthusiastically. The back of his head as he hurriedly turned around was endearing.

 

Looking at the Diern Manor growing distant no longer hurt. If until now I had been a one-sided friend petitioner, it felt like we had finally become equal friends who acknowledged each other, which made me purely happy.

 

Our first fight and reconciliation, grand if you call it grand, trivial if you call it trivial, came to an end like that.

 

Returning to the Count’s Mansion after the guests had left, I unwrapped the new novel series that was a gift Brother had left behind, and had my first meeting with the foal Father had brought.

 

The foal with glossy fur was much cuter and cleverer than expected, shocking me. I named the foal ‘Baekseolgi’ after its white fur.

 

The eventful and long birthday, where I had emotional ups and downs dozens of times a day, came to an end.

 

***

 

Two days after my eventful birthday came to an end, it was the anniversary of Countess Brante’s death.

 

Today, the mansion was unusually quiet. All the servants of the Count’s family seemed to be observing the etiquette of mourning with hushed voices and gentle footsteps, even while going about their usual daily routines.

 

After finishing my morning tasks, I headed to the study, wanting to see the dignity that the Countess had possessed in life. In the family portrait hanging on the study wall, six-year-old Rieze was sitting on Mother’s lap.

 

As I gazed endlessly at the face that looked exactly like me now, with blonde hair and emerald eyes, warm scenes and her voice came flooding back to me.

 

Though these weren’t experiences I had lived through myself, they were now precious memories no different from my own.

 

I had only confided the fact that I had regained my memories to Milly so far. I hadn’t even told Father and Brother yet due to the hectic circumstances.

 

Looking out the window, I could see Father and Brother crossing the garden in the distance. It seemed they were going to hold a memorial service, leaving me behind.

 

‘I suppose it’s time to tell them now.’

 

I clenched my fists and headed down the stairs for another sincere confession.

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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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