Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone (Completed)

Hesitantly, I asked Elsie, “Didn’t Father mention in his letter that he’d be bringing someone?”

“Ah… Yes, that’s right. The Count said he would be bringing someone under his sponsorship.”

Elsie trailed off, clearly choosing her words carefully.

Sponsorship, huh? It seemed that was the excuse being used for now. Knowing the truth—that Callisto was entering the estate under the guise of the Count’s illegitimate child—I let out a bitter laugh and nodded.

“All done, my lord. You look so lovely.”

“What’s lovely about me? There are so many people much prettier than me.”

“What are you talking about? You’re the loveliest in my eyes, my lord.”

Elsie’s reply was comforting, but I was being honest. Soon, someone “much prettier than me” was about to make their entrance.

In the original novel, the protagonist Callisto was renowned throughout the empire for his rare beauty. His tall, slender figure and elegant, striking features captivated everyone who saw him.

‘They did call him a peerless beauty. H certainly has consistent taste.’

H’s love for beautiful male leads was infamous, even within the publishing house. This project was no exception. I couldn’t help but look forward to meeting Callisto. After all, beauties were always a treat for the eyes.

That is, if said beauty wasn’t fated to kill me someday…

“My lord, take a look in the mirror. Don’t you think you’re beautiful?”

At Elsie’s gentle suggestion, I glanced up. The ornate frame of the mirror reflected my face back at me. I studied it silently.

Fine silver hair neatly framing a smooth forehead. A face small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Skin as flawless and pale as porcelain. Large, round violet eyes. Soft, plump lips with a faint pinkish hue.

It was a delicate appearance, undeniably cute and pretty for a 12-year-old. But when compared to Callisto—the empire’s celebrated beauty—it was obvious that Etienne’s looks were bound to pale in comparison.

Still, there was no need to crush the opinion of my doting nanny, who thought the world of Etienne. With a faint smile, I shook my head.

“Alright, Elsie. You’re right.”

“Of course I am.”

Elsie responded firmly, tidying up my hair with a satisfied expression.

Not long after, a maid entered to announce the Count’s arrival. My heart tensed as I made my way to the first-floor drawing room of the estate. Surrounded by towering bookshelves, the elegantly furnished room exuded an air of dignity. Waiting there was a refined middle-aged man who turned to me with a warm expression.

“Etienne, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well, Father. I’m glad to see you’ve returned safely.”

I greeted him with a slight bow before glancing up to study his face.

The Count, William Winyeates, didn’t hold a significant role in the original novel. Early on, he served merely as a benefactor to Callisto, rescuing the boy from the streets and raising him as his illegitimate child until adulthood. To Callisto, he was a savior. Without the Count, the prince would have likely died of starvation or fallen prey to the harsh streets.

Unfortunately, the Count’s fate wasn’t a happy one. Though a kind and respectable man, his inability to adapt to the changing tides led to disastrous financial decisions. By the end of the novel, the once-prosperous Winyeates estate was left in ruins.

Thankfully, at this point in the timeline, the estate’s wealth and influence were still intact.

“Come here, Etienne. Let me have a look at you.”

Following his gesture, I sat on the sofa across from him. The Count greeted me warmly, his affection for his son evident, though there was a hint of worry in his expression. It wasn’t hard to guess why.

‘He’ll have to bring up the matter of the illegitimate child.’

As expected, the Count hesitated to mention Callisto. Unable to bear the awkward tension, I decided to help him out. Smiling as brightly as I could, I looked at the Count and said, “Father, didn’t you mention in your letter that you’d be bringing someone under your sponsorship?”

“Ah? Yes, that’s right. I did bring someone. But, Etienne…”

The Count faltered, clearly unable to admit that the boy was his illegitimate son. In the original, Etienne only learned the truth through whispers among the visiting nobles.

Would things have been different if the Count had been honest from the start? Hearing it directly from his father would surely have softened the blow. However, if I remembered correctly, Etienne disliked Callisto from the moment they met—perhaps out of sheer irrationality.

But I wasn’t the real Etienne. I had no reason to harbor any resentment toward the Count’s “illegitimate child.” My priority was survival. If that meant treating Callisto like my own brother, I was more than willing.

“Where is he?” I asked with a cheerful smile. “I’d love to meet him.”

The Count studied me for a moment before turning to the footman at his side.

“…Jamie, bring Callisto in.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Shortly after, the doors to the drawing room opened. I turned toward the sound, and there stood a small boy, his head barely reaching my chest, shoulders hunched as if trying to make himself smaller.

The boy looked pitiful. Though I knew he was supposed to be seven, he could barely pass for five. It was heartbreaking to think about how much suffering he must have endured to be so small and frail.

Yet, his large eyes, sharp nose, and plump, rosy lips were undeniably adorable. He looked like a meticulously crafted doll.

‘H really does have a one-track mind when it comes to her type…’

Once again, I found myself marveling at H’s taste as I gazed at the child.

The Count called to him warmly.