Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone (Completed)

“Callisto, come here. This is my son, Etienne. I hope the two of you can get along.”

“Yes, my lord,” Callisto replied quietly and approached the sofa where the Count and I were seated. His eyes flitted between the Count and me before lowering demurely. The shy expression on his face was endearing, like a little fledgling.

I had a soft spot for children to begin with, and I momentarily forgot that this sweet boy was destined to grow into the obsessive maniac who would hold my life in his hands.

“Wow, Father. He’s so cute. His name is Callisto?”

“That’s right. Think of him as your younger brother… and treat him kindly, Etienne.”

The Count’s face clouded with worry, perhaps anxious about the inevitable revelation that Callisto was not just a sponsored child but his illegitimate son. It must have pained him to hurt his legitimate son to protect the imperial prince, but he was too good a man to abandon the boy to the streets.

To ease the Count’s concerns, I smiled gently at Callisto. Even if the truth about his parentage were revealed, my attitude wouldn’t change. After all, my survival depended on earning Callisto’s favor.

Since finding myself in Etienne’s body, I’d spent a lot of time strategizing how to navigate this world. My ultimate conclusion? Cling to Callisto.

Callisto hated Etienne in the original story for two reasons. First, Etienne was a second male lead who loved the main character. Second, he bullied and tormented Callisto while they grew up together in the Count’s household.

Fortunately, the first issue was easily resolved—I had no intention of stealing the main character from Callisto. No matter that I was gay; I wasn’t stupid enough to march headlong into a death flag.

The second issue also seemed fixable. Since I was meeting Callisto for the first time today, I still had a chance to change our relationship. I wasn’t the 12-year-old Etienne who saw Callisto as an interloper. I was a 28-year-old editor with no reason—or inclination—to bully a child.

In the original story, Callisto grew up to be as cruel and ruthless as he was beautiful. It was no surprise, given the abuse and hatred he endured as a child. But if I could nurture him with care and kindness, perhaps I could steer him toward becoming a gentle, considerate protagonist instead.

If I succeeded, I might even be able to shift the narrative away from tragedy entirely. And if Callisto could live happily ever after with the main character, my chances of survival would skyrocket.

Callisto was still young, so there was plenty of time. Every night before bed, I reminded myself of my goal.

“I must never become Callisto’s enemy!”

Reaffirming my resolve, I smiled at Callisto and said, “My name’s Etienne. Callisto, right? That’s a lovely name. It suits you.”

But then…

‘Why is he looking at me like that?’

Callisto had just arrived at the Winyeates estate. As far as I knew, there was no reason for animosity between us yet. And yet, his gaze as he looked at me was anything but friendly.

For someone so small, the intensity in his eyes was startling. It was as though he were glaring daggers at me. Only moments ago, when he’d faced the Count, his expression had been nothing like this.

‘What’s going on here?’

I stared at the boy in confusion.

Callisto averted his eyes, refusing to look at me again. With no way to confirm what I’d seen, I began to doubt myself.

While the Count discussed Callisto’s living arrangements with the steward and housekeeper, I discreetly studied the boy. His small face showed no trace of the ferocity I thought I’d seen. He simply sat there, his doll-like features calm and quiet.

‘Maybe I imagined it.’

Perhaps he was just nervous around me, a stranger. Or maybe my paranoia about his future actions was making me overly sensitive.

‘There’s no way a child this young could have anything against me… right?’

Reassured by the thought, I began to relax.

The Count, having finished his discussion, turned to Callisto.

“Callisto’s room will be the one at the far end of the west wing. A tailor will visit in a few days to fit him for clothes. Elsie will assist you,” he said.

Elsie, my nanny, bowed to Callisto. The boy’s cheeks flushed pink as he smiled shyly.

“Thank you, Elsie. I look forward to your help.”

“Oh my, Callisto! It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Elsie replied warmly.

…He was too cute.

I’d never been particularly drawn to beautiful male leads before, but seeing Callisto in person, I finally understood H’s obsession. Even with his shabby appearance, that small smile had already won over Elsie—and me.

The Count chuckled and ruffled Callisto’s hair affectionately.

“It seems everything is settled. You must be tired from your journey, Callisto. Get some rest, and a maid will call you for dinner.”

“I’m not tired at all,” Callisto said softly, his angelic face lighting up as he nodded obediently.

I sighed inwardly. I must’ve been imagining things earlier.

A few hours later, I arrived in the dining room for dinner. As I greeted the Count and Callisto, I noticed the Count looked relieved—likely because I had shown no hostility toward Callisto.

“Callisto, it seems Etienne has taken a liking to you. That’s wonderful,” the Count said kindly.

Callisto, who was seated beside the Count, raised his head. My eyes widened.

Earlier, he’d been covered in dust and grime, his beauty muted but still apparent. Even then, I’d been impressed by H’s keen eye for aesthetics.