The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 20

Perhaps because I recalled the past, I suddenly felt sorry and glanced at the child. Luwen’s Adam’s apple bobbed noticeably as he stared straight ahead.

He’s still nervous.

The 5th Prince likes sweet things, so cookies or fruits are always plentiful at tea gatherings. Though I’ve never touched them before, since they’re offered to be eaten together, I could give some to Luwen. Eating something sweet might help relieve his stress.

Hmm. Still, I felt somewhat grateful to Father. The luxurious life I could enjoy as a young lord would continue from now on.

I should feed our Luwen delicious things, dress him in nice clothes, and provide him with excellent equipment and swords. There’s so much more I want to do for him, and I’m in an environment where I can give generously without burden. For that alone, I was truly grateful. Sincerely.

“You’ve changed a lot.”

Ah, what’s this? Why get sentimental now? The conversation was over. I pretended not to hear and fixed my hair that had been tousled by the wind. My gaze remained fixed on the scenery outside the window.

“Fei.”

Father called me. This time his voice was clearer, so I couldn’t pretend not to hear.

“Yes.”

“You may join us for meals.”

I almost laughed at Father speaking as if he was doing me a favor. Judging by Luwen’s gaze, I might have actually laughed a little.

“Only if I want to, right? Just like you said three years ago.”

When I turned to respond, Father’s brow furrowed for a moment before quickly returning to a blank expression. He seemed displeased with my impudent attitude.

“That’s right.”

“I understand.”

I could simply not go. Just before I turned my head again to avoid conversation, I caught a glimpse of Irene’s face. She looked radiant, seemingly full of anticipation.

A meal with Father? She’ll end up suffering from indigestion. I felt sorry for Irene, but I had absolutely no intention of doing it.

* * *

Contrary to expectations, Irene, who thought she would go with Father right after entering the palace, followed me instead.

If there was time before the appointment with the 2nd Prince, we could have entered the palace more leisurely. We unnecessarily made things uncomfortable by riding in the carriage with Father.

Unlike me, who was sulking, Luwen kept smiling warmly, probably excited about touring the greenhouse with Irene, whom he adored so much.

“Fei-Fei.”

“Yes?”

I answered lightly to Irene’s curious question.

“What kind of person is the 5th Prince?”

“He’s a gentle and well-mannered person.”

“It’s my first time meeting the 5th Prince, so I’m a bit nervous.”

Irene, blushing and smiling shyly, was truly lovely. It was as if she was radiating a halo.

Luwen told me I smelled like spring, but Irene is truly spring. She was like spring sunshine. Though the darkened Irene could be merciless to enemies, she was originally endlessly affectionate to those she loved.

A person who knows how to embrace others with a kind and broad heart. That’s why I liked her. I liked how she was the opposite of my pettiness, yet dealt with enemies decisively.

“I really like you, sister.”

It was an abrupt statement, but recalling the original Irene, I couldn’t help but say it.

I really liked her. I wished for her happiness and wanted a happy ending for the story. There were times when I put the book down after Luwen’s death because it was too painful to read, but I opened it again wanting to see the protagonist, whom Luwen loved and I loved, attain everything.

Come to think of it, Luwen wanted to see Irene crowned as Empress. Just before his last breath, he regretted not being able to see Irene’s coronation ceremony.

I empathized so deeply with what Luwen must have felt at that moment. The aching pain in my heart, as if I had experienced it myself, is still vivid even now. Perhaps that’s why I cried while reading the scene of Irene’s coronation as Empress. It’s my own secret that I’m too embarrassed to tell anyone…

“Oh Fei, what’s with that sudden statement?”

“Your face is smiling.”

“That’s because I’m happy!”

Irene’s clear laughter mixed with the sound of her hitting my back. She hit lightly, but… ouch. It hurts. Still, Irene’s smile was beautiful no matter when I saw it. Enviably so.

“Oh? Is that the greenhouse over there?”

In the middle of our cheerful conversation, Irene’s mouth gaped open at the sight of a transparent building in the distance. It was probably beyond whatever she had imagined. The scale of the greenhouse was enormous.

It looks like a jungle, doesn’t it? I was surprised at first too. It’s the 5th Prince’s greenhouse, personally bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor for him who loves flowers. Though he wasn’t respected by others due to his lowborn blood, he was the Emperor’s beloved son.

It’s important that he was just beloved. If not for that, he would have been dead already.

“Fei!”

Even dull golden hair can shine quite nicely in the sunlight. The 5th Prince, who had been lingering at the entrance of the greenhouse, waved his arms happily upon seeing me.

The Zeint Empire has a legend that it was founded 2,320 years ago by a Gold Dragon in an era when magic was common. As if to prove this, the imperial family is born with blonde hair. The purer the blood, the more gorgeous and beautiful the blonde hair is said to be.

There are also rumors that in such cases, they can use magic, but I’m not sure. I suspect it might be a false rumor spread by the imperial family. To concentrate power through idolization based on mythology. For this reason, most imperial citizens revere the blonde hair unique to the imperial family.

Even I, with modern common sense, find it plausible because the male protagonist, the 2nd Prince, has such radiant and beautiful blonde hair that it looks like it might have been made by melting gold.

The 1st Prince is not far behind, but it’s said that when standing next to the 2nd Prince, his light is relatively dimmed.

In contrast, the 5th Prince’s hair is so dull that it can be mistaken for light brown at first glance. Moreover, his mother is of commoner origin. Far removed from power in many ways, he lives quietly on the outskirts of the imperial palace.

A man who, in a way, was a partner in fate, dying alongside me while trying to kill Irene. Seeing the 5th Prince running towards me with a bright smile, I wonder even more. Why did you try to kill my sister with me?

As the prince approached, I greeted him along with Irene.

“We greet Your Highness, the 5th Prince.”

The 5th Prince eagerly grabbed both my hands. I straightened my back and smiled.

“It’s been a while, Fei.”

The 5th Prince, his face flushed red, greets me shyly.

“Yes. Have you been well?”

“I’m always well. More importantly, I missed you. I wish you’d come more often. Why are you always so busy? And… you’re even prettier when you smile.”

Actually, I’m not busy. I lied because it was bothersome. I subtly withdrew my hands while still smiling. His shy, fixed gaze was extremely uncomfortable.

To show that withdrawing my hands was a natural action, I immediately introduced Irene standing beside me.

“Your Highness, this is my sister, Irene Vinter.”

“I greet Your Highness, the 5th Prince.”

Irene gracefully lifted her skirt and bowed again. The 5th Prince looked surprised, which I don’t understand. Why is he acting like that?

“Ah, um, ahem. Nice to meet you, Lady Vinter. I think this is the first time I’m meeting Fei’s family.”

Hm? Did he have feelings for Irene? Why is he so flustered? Did he secretly watch her at a ball or something? If he likes Irene, there’s no future in it. The 2nd Prince’s jealousy is quite frightening.

“I always look forward to the days I meet Fei, so I unintentionally failed to receive your greeting properly. Will you forgive me?”

“Your Highness, there’s no need to ask for forgiveness. Please don’t worry. I’m not offended at all. Rather, I’m grateful that you look upon my brother so fondly.”

Irene smiled brightly, radiating her characteristic positive energy. If she smiles like that, the 5th Prince will fall even deeper… Hm? Or not? I thought his face would turn red like a ripe persimmon, but he seems relieved instead.

“Well then, shall we go inside? The roses sent from the great country this time are truly beautiful. The petals are large and lovely. You wanted to see them, right?”

Ah. Right. I liked roses. Since recalling my past life, I’ve only been interested in Luwen, so I forgot what I used to like. Now that I think about it, I think I mentioned waiting for a gift I would like during our last meeting.

“Is the rose the gift you said you’d give me?”

“Yes. I’m sure you’ll like it. It’s pretty, just like you.”

Hmm. To think I imagined the 5th Prince had fallen for Irene. It was all my misunderstanding. This guy likes me. Since I was seven years old until now… that’s about 10 years.

Until now, I thought he just liked me as a friend, but I’ve just realized that’s not the case. It’s not like I’ve only experienced such sentimental gazes once or twice.