The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 85

“What? No. Why are you suddenly saying that?”

“You’ve never been curious about other people before. So…”

Is that so? Did I pry too much? Thinking back, I realized that after Luwen returned, the conversation was indeed mostly about the Honorary Duke.

Judging that he had revealed his true feelings and no longer needed to hide, Luwen’s lower lip puffed out more than usual.

‘But is this really something to feel so hurt about?’

Luwen acting like a firstborn whose parents’ attention was stolen by a younger sibling was too cute. He’s grown older, but he’s still a child. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hahaha!”

“Why are you laughing?”

Luwen turned his head away sharply and slowly rolled his eyes towards me. He’s always done this since he was young. It was mainly what he did when he felt embarrassed or awkward. I wanted to tease him, but fearing he might try to introduce me to the Honorary Duke, I thought it best to clear up the misunderstanding first.

However, since I couldn’t bring up any stories about the future or past, I had to skirt around it. Fortunately, I had a good excuse, so it wasn’t difficult.

“I was curious about the Honorary Duke because he’s the person I’m entrusting you to. You’re going monster hunting with him again during the summer break, right?”

As I started explaining calmly, the head that had turned away slowly returned to its original position. I continued speaking while gazing at Luwen’s eyes, which were softening docilely.

“Although I gave permission, I’m not without worry, so I was curious about the Honorary Duke’s character and his ability as a commander.”

“Is that really all?”

“Yes. Really.”

I replied plainly with a smile. Luwen, whose hurt feelings seemed to have dissipated with the short explanation, blushed and smiled, looking relieved.

“Is it my turn now?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m curious about what you were thinking?”

I probed, half-jokingly, wanting to see Luwen’s cute expression again. But Luwen suddenly froze up. Every action was awkward, as if it would make creaking sounds.

He rolled his eyes fiercely, then suddenly started cutting the salmon and quietly moved a large piece to my plate.

“What’s this? Why are you suddenly giving me this?”

“Pl-please eat a lot.”

“Aren’t you avoiding the question too obviously? It just makes me more curious.”

I rested my elbow on the table, supported my chin with my fingers, and smiled with my eyes. He gulped down water. As if that wasn’t enough, he called someone over to order more water and asked for the next course to be brought out.

‘Why is he trying to stall time so suspiciously?’

I just wanted to see a shy Luwen. But rather than being shy, he seemed to be desperately trying to hide something, which made it more suspicious. I had a feeling that the cause of his sullenness was far from what I had expected.

“What could it be? Should I wait until you want to answer?”

“Ugh. Do you really have to know?”

“Yes. I really need to know. So I can be careful next time. I don’t want to do things Luwen dislikes.”

I softened my voice as much as possible, intending to coax him. Luwen, still hesitating, started cutting the salmon. I kept my mouth shut, quietly watching the process of the fish being dismantled on the plate.

Only the clattering sound continued in the silence. Perhaps uncomfortable with this, Luwen sighed and opened his mouth.

“To be honest, I don’t know why I had such thoughts, but…”

Luwen put down his knife and fork and met my eyes. He still seemed hesitant, but it looked like he had decided to open up. I just nodded to show I was listening attentively.

“I thought you were interested in the Honorary Duke.”

I was puzzled inside. The reason seemed too trivial compared to Luwen’s attitude.

Is this right? Was it so hard to say something so insignificant? I wondered if there might be another reason he was hiding, but seeing him fidgeting with the knife, it seemed he had honestly confessed.

“Of course I’m interested, aren’t I?”

“Is that interest for the reason you mentioned earlier?”

“Yes. Is there something else?”

When I asked back, not understanding, Luwen’s face lit up. He looked as happy as when I explained earlier, which was rather baffling.

What? What on earth is it?

“No. There isn’t. There isn’t.”

“Something seems suspicious…”

“Me? What? More importantly, you haven’t eaten as much as you promised. Please eat a bit more.”

He’s changing the subject again. Although I still felt a bit uneasy, seeing Luwen looking as joyful as when we left the mansion, I thought minor things didn’t matter. I also confirmed that he still likes me, so I don’t feel jealous of Cromwell.

‘Oh? Come to think of it, I’m in no position to talk either.’

I had acted the same way, as if my parents’ love had been stolen by a younger sibling. I should have felt embarrassed, but realizing that the weight of my and Luwen’s emotions was similar, I felt rather cheerful instead.

After removing Cromwell, who had placed a thin veil between us, the rest of the meal was comfortable and enjoyable. It would have been perfect if not for the fact that my fever rose even more after drinking a glass of wine to hide my slight fever.

On the way to buy cloud candy after leaving the restaurant, Luwen worriedly stuck close to my side. He supported my back with one arm and held onto my right arm. Although I was just a bit flushed and not even staggering, he was being as cautious as if dealing with a heavily drunk person.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. Just feeling good.”

“Please don’t drink next time.”

“Should I not?”

“Yes. Especially when I’m not around, absolutely not.”

“Hahaha. What? So it’s okay to drink in front of Luwen?”

“Yes. I’d like it if you only drink on weekends when you meet me.”

“Pfft.”

I burst out laughing at his strange standard. But this guy, as if it wasn’t a joke but serious, kept trying to get a definite answer. Only when I vaguely agreed did he finally smile at ease.

There’s nothing as peaceful and happy as watching Luwen carefully selecting the cloud candy I’ll eat at the stall.

“This is less sweet than what we ate in the royal capital. It should suit your taste, young master.”

Luwen handed me a red cloud candy. It doesn’t seem to be mint flavor, I wonder what it is. As I put it in my mouth curiously, a sweet and sour daily flavor spread.

“How is it?”

Seeing his face tinged with slight tension, I felt like I should say it’s delicious no matter what, but there was no need to lie as it actually suited my taste.

“It’s better than I expected.”

“Right? You dislike sweetness but tend to like sourness, so I thought this ratio would be good for you.”

Luwen straightened his shoulders, looking proud. I laughed seeing him so proud of having caught my taste in one go. While I was dissolving the cloud candy I had bitten into, I saw Luwen paying.

“I’ll give you the money.”

I quickly took out silver coins, intending to pay, but Luwen pushed my hand away.

“When I was young, I often thought that I wanted to buy it for you when I grew up, as I always received it from you.”

This cheap guy? He’s playing on emotions by bringing up childhood memories? The problem is, it works. It’s touching that he had such thoughts since he was young.

“…I’ll eat it well.”

“Thank you.”

Luwen might be the only person who says thank you while spending money. I was worried that he might be cautious about spending money from now on because of the last incident.

“Why is the gift-giver saying thank you? I should be the one thanking you.”

“Just you accepting it makes me happy.”

Luwen smiled with his eyes. It was captivating enough to momentarily lose my senses. I didn’t know he could smile like this. Perhaps because I saw a new side of him, my heart fluttered.

Luwen, who had received the cloud candy wrapped in large leaves, put his arm around my shoulder and turned me towards the carriage. I hadn’t noticed because I was only looking at Luwen, but quite a crowd had gathered around us in the meantime. It seemed we had found the most popular stall in the area.

‘I should remember this location.’

Since Luwen will come every week from now on, it would be good to always have some at the mansion. I made a mental note of a few easily describable buildings and got into the carriage.

* * *

When I was with Luwen, I didn’t realize how tired I was, but after seeing him off, my body suddenly lost all strength. The head servant supported me as I sat slumped on the floor.

‘Can I return to the academy?’

Staying out overnight would be a clear violation of the rules. I don’t mind getting penalty points, but the problem is that unauthorized overnight stays result in not being allowed to go out for three months. If that happens, I won’t have an excuse to give Luwen.

Of course, I could say I’m going to visit my sister. But then the diligent Luwen would send a letter to the Duke’s residence to check on me. Since I wouldn’t be there, my sister would end up seeing the letter.

What would be the result? Fei Vinter would go missing. It would surely cause an uproar since I wouldn’t be here or at the Duke’s residence. Thinking about the aftermath sent chills down my spine.

‘Damn. I absolutely have to return to the dormitory.’

I hurriedly dyed my hair with the help of the protesting head servant.

And because it was difficult to even take one step, not to mention the time constraints, I had no choice but to take a carriage. But since I couldn’t go all the way to the academy’s main gate, I had the carriage stop at a suitably secluded place.