I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 33

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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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33

 

“Thank you so much for inviting me, Miss Rieze. This is the best vacation ever.”

 

Darius said with a brilliant eye smile.

 

It’s only been a day since he came to our territory and he’s already giving such praise – I don’t know what to do with myself.

 

“I’m even happier that you came! You must have seen much more spectacular scenery, so I’m just grateful for your generous evaluation.”

 

He said while maintaining a gentle smile.

 

“The weather is beautiful too. It’s bright and sunny but not hot, very pleasant.”

 

Thank you, weather fairy!

 

Without a weather forecast system, planning outdoor activities like this was a gamble.

 

The only prediction possible was that if stars were clearly visible in the night sky, tomorrow would likely be clear.

 

“Shall we take a tour around the lakeside?”

 

“Sounds good.”

 

As Darius rowed again, the pleasant splashing sounds added to the peaceful atmosphere.

 

While I savored the tranquility, the boat continued flowing gently without stopping.

 

Then suddenly, Darius’s gaze shifted behind me.

 

“Miss Rieze, look over there.”

 

When I turned to look where he pointed, I saw willow trees lined up below a steep cliff.

 

The boat that had been drifting along had somehow reached near the lakeside opposite the pier.

 

Between the densely hanging leaves, I could see a gap just wide enough for one boat to barely enter.

 

“We could go inside there. Shall we take a look?”

 

As if intrigued, Darius rowed enthusiastically, and the boat moved quickly, slipping smoothly between the willow leaves.

 

Inside, surrounded by curtains of willow leaves on all sides, there was quite a spacious area. The lake water had filled a crescent-shaped hollow in the ground, forming a cove.

 

Sunlight filtered through the leaves in fragments, so it didn’t feel dark or gloomy. Thanks to the appropriately mixed shade, it was like a secret retreat.

 

The gently blowing wind and water sounds were also like a performance meant for this mysterious space.

 

Darius looked around and steered the boat deeper inside.

 

“This is wonderful. To think there’s such a secret space within the lake. It would be perfect for couples to come on dates.”

 

Only after hearing that did I suddenly remember the story Milly had told me this morning with a blush.

 

“Miss. Have you heard about the romantic legend of Lake Lagria?”

 

“What legend?”

 

“There’s a secret space surrounded by willow leaves that can’t be seen from outside, and can only be entered by rowboat. Even when rowing around the lake’s perimeter, the entrance is so narrow you’d pass by without noticing unless you look carefully. There’s a legend that any man and woman who enter there alone together will definitely become lovers! Kyaa! Isn’t that incredibly exciting?!”

 

The place Milly had mentioned was definitely here.

 

“Brother Darius, let’s go out.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Let’s get out of here!”

 

I urgently pointed toward the entrance and rushed him.

 

I don’t blindly believe in superstitions or legends, but it’s better not to create unnecessary trouble.

 

Darius, who only sees me as his friend’s younger sister or his sister’s friend, would never fall for me.

 

But what if some irresistible force were to work?

 

For example, if we were bound by something like an arranged marriage.

 

‘No way!’

 

If things went wrong, we might become strangers forever.

 

My pure fan heart became inflamed.

 

No matter how many times I chanted it like a mantra, I absolutely don’t want to have that kind of relationship with Darius.

 

I want to be a viewer of romance dramas or reality dating shows, munching popcorn while watching!

 

“Ah, are you scared by any chance? I understand.”

 

Darius, thinking I was afraid of this place, quickly straightened his posture.

 

Just as he picked up the oar, a huge water bird the size of my body came plunging down from the sky.

 

“Kyaa!!”

 

Darius swung the oar to chase away the large water bird that was flapping on the boat. The bird, which had quickly grabbed the picnic basket handle in its beak, flew up into the air as if mocking us.

 

It was the attack targeting food that the boatman had warned us about when we departed. Fortunately, since we had already finished eating, the stolen basket was already mostly empty.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

“Yes… I was just startled…”

 

Darius let out a sigh of relief and sat back down.

 

“What an absurd bird.”

 

He laughed helplessly, then looked at the oar gripped in both hands and sighed.

 

“Ah.”

 

“Oh no.”

 

The water bird had failed to obtain food, but it seemed to have succeeded in playing a trick on us.

 

In the commotion, the only oar on this boat had split in half.

 

***

 

At the same time, Simon and Kaileus were sitting across from each other on a boat, glaring at each other as they drifted over Lake Lagria.

 

Despite the same setting, a desolate atmosphere contrasting with Darius’s boat circulated between the two.

 

About 30 minutes earlier, when Simon had immediately chased after him and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, Kaileus had struggled and screamed.

 

“Let’s go boating, you bad-tempered brat.”

 

“Let go of this! You don’t want to ride with me either!”

 

Simon, who had been dragging the child along, was flustered by the unexpectedly fierce resistance.

 

The strength coming from a body smaller than Rieze’s was tremendous. The daily blood, sweat, and tears of training weren’t for nothing – the force emanating from that small body was fierce.

 

Watching Kaileus finally escape from his grasp, Simon let out a hollow laugh.

 

‘Even if he’s only half, he’s inherited the blood of the Diern Family.’

 

Cracking his numb knuckles, Simon approached Kaileus.

 

Simon, who had planned to carry Kaileus like a sack, changed his plan upon seeing those fierce golden eyes that showed no sign of giving up.

 

The picture of overpowering and subduing a child by force wouldn’t look good to others and could cause troublesome consequences later.

 

“…If you follow me quietly, I’ll tell you Darius’s weakness.”

 

When he dangled a carrot instead of a stick, Kaileus’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

 

“You’re that bastard’s friend. How can I trust you?”

 

“He’s a friend, but also a rival. This semester he stole the top spot from me, so I’m quite sore about it right now.”

 

“…You’re the model student who was top of the military academy until last semester?”

 

“Model student… well, yes. So, do you feel like talking now?”

 

Though Simon’s temple twitched at the insolent tone, he decided to humor the child’s bravado for now. He could establish discipline slowly later.

 

Some strength left Kaileus’s raised fist.

 

“What’s that bastard’s weakness?”

 

“I said I’d tell you if we ride the boat together.”

 

“…”

 

“I’ll tell you a very fatal weakness.”

 

“…Really?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Kaileus, who had dropped his ready-to-pounce stance, clicked his tongue and agreed to his negotiation.

 

It was a dramatically concluded boat ride.

 

After the small boat departed from the pier, 15 minutes passed, and Kaileus, who had been nervously shaking his leg, urged Simon impatiently as if he had no intention of waiting any longer.

 

“Hey. Tell me now, Darius’s weakness.”

 

Simon wickedly twisted up one corner of his mouth and stopped rowing.

 

“Before that, let’s reorganize the way you address me. Repeat after me. ‘Brother Simon.'”

 

“Shut up.”

 

“You can’t swim, can you?”

 

“….”

 

Seeing Kaileus flinch, Simon stretched his lips into a smile.

 

Except for the very few nobles who enjoyed swimming as a hobby, most generally didn’t bother learning how to swim. Simon himself had only learned it last year since it was one of the practical classes at school.

 

“What do you think would happen if I dropped you into this lake?”

 

“…Do you think I’d just quietly let you do such a thing?”

 

“Well, I wonder. I guess we’d find out if you tried?”

 

Simon let out a sneer and stretched his arms, loosening them up.

 

Kaileus gritted his teeth with a grinding sound and glanced around slyly. The surroundings were quiet.

 

To deliberately intimidate the child, Simon had steered the boat to a secluded corner of the lakeside.

 

There were no watching eyes, and it meant there would be no one to rescue someone if they fell into the water.

 

Kaileus, who had been breathing heavily as if frustrated, finally lowered his tail.

 

“…I won’t call you ‘you’ anymore. Is that good enough?”

 

If he continued to act out of line without knowing his place, Simon had planned to give him a refreshing dip in the water, but the child made a surprisingly rational decision.

 

His face was even pale, so it seemed he had gotten scared after feeling the difference in strength earlier.

 

“Well, fine.”

 

Simon snorted and shrugged his shoulders.

 

It seemed his sky-high pride wouldn’t allow him to add the title ‘hyung-nim,’ so he’d let it slide this much.

 

Simon clasped his hands together and sat down with dignity again.

 

“First, you’ll need to answer a few questions, Kaileus.”

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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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