The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 16

“I guess I was very lonely.”

“…That’s because you were being mean, young master.”

A dispirited grumble came back, as if he had lost his will. I felt a little sorry for flirting with a child, but I didn’t want to send him back to the basement.

“I suppose so.”

When I nodded with a bitter smile, Luwen hastily added:

“B-but it’s okay now since you’re not like that anymore. If you keep being like you have been recently, everyone will like you.”

“Luwen too?”

I stared intently at Luwen, openly showing my expectation. Perhaps finding my gaze burdensome, he swallowed hard and took a step back.

Don’t run away because you’re embarrassed.

“Not Luwen? Do you still dislike me?”

“That’s… not it. I think there are good things too. I’m not sure how it will be in the future though.”

“Then there’s hope for me?”

Luwen tilted his head as if he didn’t understand the meaning.

“Hope that Luwen will like me.”

“…My feelings aren’t important, are they?”

“Why not? I want to become close with Luwen. Your feelings are the most important.”

Luwen rubbed his palms on his thighs and turned his head, avoiding my eyes.

“H-honestly, I don’t hate you now, young master. You give me lots of delicious things and let me learn swordsmanship. You’re being nice to me.”

Suddenly, Luwen’s demeanor softened. His expression was as if he had just taken a bite of sweet cotton candy.

“And you’re getting along well with the lady too.”

Ah, was that face because he thought of Irene? Surely Luwen isn’t emotionally precocious too? Come to think of it, kids talk about boyfriends and girlfriends even in kindergarten…

‘No way.’

I can’t let the child go down the predetermined path of misery. To capture the moments when his eyes or expressions change, I’ll need to keep Luwen by my side from now on.

“Of course I have to get along well with your sister. I’ll continue to do so.”

Right now, Luwen loves the time when he goes to greet Irene regularly the most.

It seems I did well to follow him around just in case. Thanks to that, Irene has grown quite fond of me. It seemed to have worked as a plus for Luwen.

“The lady is truly a wonderful person. Never hurt her. For the lady, I would-“

“Luwen.”

He was probably going to say he could give his life. They say words become seeds, and since it’s actually a high possibility, I hurriedly cut in.

“Yes?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Can you stay in my room with me from now on?”

“What? Why me?”

Can’t you just say yes? Seeing him scrunch up his face as if he really dislikes it makes me feel a bit hurt. Still, reminding myself that it can’t be helped, I tried to calm myself down and was about to say what I had prepared-

“I.”

My voice trembled. It was because I hadn’t calmed down yet.

Calm down. There’s still plenty of time, right?

“I don’t want to be alone. I’m a little scared.”

“But you’re an adult, young master. Is there still something you’re scared of?”

“Many things.”

For instance, you hating me. Or you going somewhere I can’t protect you. Or… me failing to change your ending and witnessing your death.

“…Then I’ll help until you feel better.”

“Thank you.”

When I responded with a faint smile, Luwen rubbed his nose with the back of his hand.

This is driving me crazy. Why is he so cute, really? I want to lift him up, spin him around a few times, and then shower his cheeks with kisses. When he gets bigger, I won’t be able to lift him with my strength… I must do it at least once before that happens. When we get closer. When Luwen opens his heart to me, then definitely.

“Young master… by the way.”

While I was secretly resolving to fulfill my personal desires, the child hesitated uncharacteristically. The reason why this kid, who usually speaks his mind boldly, is acting like this is obvious. It’s when he has something disappointing to say, wants to express gratitude, or has an unfamiliar request.

“What is it? Are you hungry?”

Luwen’s already large eyes grew even bigger.

“How did you know?”

I just threw that out there, but I guessed right. I just thought a growing child who had an early dinner last night and slept straight through might be hungry.

Checking the time, it had just passed 7 AM. It was too early for the kitchen to be preparing breakfast.

Oh? This could be a chance to score some points.

It’s a timeless truth applicable everywhere that to win someone over, capturing their stomach is key. Until now, I’ve relied on others, but it’s time to show off the skills I honed living alone in my previous life.

Luwen, let your big brother show you the taste of Korea that you haven’t experienced in this world.

“I’m hungry too.”

In truth, I wasn’t hungry at all due to lack of sleep, but I empathized first. That way, Luwen would eat without feeling burdened.

“Really? You’re hungry too, young master?”

“Yes. Shall we go get something to eat?”

“Yes!”

Luwen’s simplicity, disarming in front of food, is so cute…

* * *

Contrary to expectations, breakfast preparation was in full swing in the kitchen. They’re quite diligent… I should have come at this time before.

It was the same for them, as the servants, surprised by my appearance, fumbled and spilled flour. Right in front of me, no less.

“Cough, hack. Cough cough.”

“Y-y-y-young master!”

The head chef frantically waved his arms, dispersing the flying flour, but I had already properly inhaled it. The coughing wouldn’t stop, and tears even started to form.

“Young master… really…”

As I bent over, leaning on the kitchen table and coughing, I felt small hands patting my back. The voice filled with exasperation was a bonus.

This kid. Why aren’t you coughing!

“Q-quickly, you, you should, should go out, or, or maybe w-water first.”

“It’s fine. Cough, my head is ringing, be qui- cough cough.”

Meanwhile, why is the chef’s voice so loud? My head was pounding from the assault of coughs and high notes. Not only had my plans gone awry, but I was now covered in flour and coughing, so irritation welled up.

“Prick! Bring a glass of water! Quickly!”

“Cough, be qui-“

“What should we… Y-young master, here’s some w-water. At least have some water…”

Can’t you hear what I’m saying!

“Be quiet for a moment!”

After shouting while holding my breath, I was busy spitting out the coughs that erupted again. The taste of Korea, my foot. I’ve only thoroughly embarrassed myself. This is upsetting…

“Hic. Hic.”

This is ridiculous. The chef who started hiccupping covered his mouth with one hand, but of course it wouldn’t stop. If anything, the hiccups seemed to be getting faster…

“Hic-hic-hic, gasp, hic.”

He looks like he might pass out at this rate.

In the brief moment, some of the flour that had spread everywhere settled on the floor, while the rest seemed to have escaped through the brightly open window.

At the same time, I came to my senses. Didn’t I just lose my temper? Sigh. I should try to salvage this situation even now. Deliberately not looking in Luwen’s direction, I tapped the back of the chef’s hand and said:

“You should drink the water, chef. Hold your breath and drink it all at once. It wasn’t anything serious, so please calm down.”

“Hic, y-yes, young, hic-hic.”

Today just isn’t my day. The taste of Korea will have to wait for another opportunity… No, maybe this is for the best. There might be ingredients missing, so I should prepare properly and do it right.

Although I changed my mind, having my plans disrupted wasn’t a pleasant thing, so I had to exercise patience and smile. I needed to be careful as I felt like the corners of my mouth might twitch.

When I firmly gripped the chef’s shoulder, which was trembling with emotion, his face turned as white as if he had received a death sentence. He looked as if he was the one covered in flour, not me.

“When you’re done cleaning up, prepare breakfast for two and send it to my room.”

“Eek! Yes, yes! Young master!”

Leaving behind the kitchen servants moving busily at the loud response, I came out. With each step, a strong scent of flour wafted. Flour was even scattering in little specks.

“Young master. Your hair too.”

Luwen said, pointing at my hair. I can’t miss an opportunity like this, can I? I immediately bent down, placing both hands on my knees and lowering my head. I’m the young master, so I can’t do it myself. Dust it off for me.

“Do I have to do this for you too?”

“I can’t see how much is on me. And I can’t walk around looking like this.”

When I added a slight excuse, small hands carefully touched my hair. The feeling of my hair being moved felt pleasant.

“Pfft.”

Maybe that’s why. When I noticed Luwen standing on his tiptoes to dust off my hair, I couldn’t help but laugh. When I bent my knees a little more, Luwen, realizing the meaning of my laughter, mumbled softly:

“It’s because I can’t reach if I don’t see. I’m not short!”

I know. You’re going to be very tall. You might even be taller than in the original work. I’m feeding you well with nutritious food. What’s the reason modern kids grow so well? Our Luwen will grow up fast too.

“Mm-hmm.”