The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 9

I sipped my tea slowly, waiting for Dedric to speak first. If I initiated the conversation, I might appear too eager.

“Let’s get to the point. Why are you here, young master, when you used to ignore the sword I teach?”

“Because of Luwen.”

Listen carefully, I’ll tell you about it. From now on, your brother will set the table for you. You don’t even need to pick up a spoon. Just open your mouth and eat.

“Luwen?”

Upon hearing his name, Luwen stiffened, straightening his back and pulling in his chin, assuming a rigid, motionless posture. He must have been observing closely to imitate what he saw earlier.

“Luwen dreams of becoming a guard recognized by his father.”

Dedric stroked his chin while looking at Luwen. Judging by his relaxed expression, he seemed to view my actions on behalf of someone else as a positive sign.

“So, will this friend become young master’s guard later?”

I reflexively looked at Luwen and saw his face crumple. Seeing his obvious aversion, I felt the need to quickly correct the misunderstanding. It wouldn’t be good for Luwen to be disliked by Dedric.

Despite appearances, Dedric is quite fond of me, Luwen.

“Not for me, but for my sister.”

“So he’s the young lady’s person? But why did you bring him, young master?”

Not wanting to explain in detail, I spoke briefly.

“I’m temporarily taking care of him, and I want to impress Luwen. I’m thinking of offering a bribe of sorts.”

Dedric pulled his chin in tightly, making a strange expression as if he couldn’t believe what I said. It was a bit surprising to see that even someone who seemed to be made of muscle could develop a double chin.

“But Luwen doesn’t like it. Still, since we’re here, it might be good to check if he has talent for swordsmanship. What do you think, Luwen?”

“I… I’m okay with it.”

“Hmm. I’m curious, so let’s give it a try.”

I stood up and gently pushed Luwen’s shoulders. It was a light force, so he could have resisted if he wanted to, but Luwen allowed himself to be moved by my hands. I had to suppress a smile at the complete lack of resistance. I shouldn’t laugh in front of a kid who’s nervously swallowing dry saliva.

“Dedric.”

I signaled with my eyes, and he scratched his head, seeming a bit reluctant.

“It’s not difficult, but…”

Just do it. I pushed Luwen once more to urge Dedric.

Unable to resist the silent plea in Luwen’s eyes and my insistent gaze, Dedric chuckled and replied.

“You’re so impatient. Alright, I’ll take a look.”

Dedric knelt on one knee to match Luwen’s eye level and began to examine the child’s body. He carefully checked his arms, waist, and legs, just as he had done with me.

As time passed, his expression changed vividly. At first, there was slight annoyance, then puzzlement, and finally surprise. When Dedric lifted his head after removing his hands from Luwen, I could see in his eyes that if I pushed a little more, I might achieve what I wanted.

“Amazing. He’s a natural. You must teach this kid the sword, no matter what!”

“Is he that good?”

“I’ll need to keep observing, but I’ve never seen someone with such perfect physical conditions. It’s astonishing.”

“Luwen! You’re really incredible!”

I couldn’t help but smile broadly when Luwen’s talent was recognized by someone else, especially Dedric. I was so happy that my voice tone rose higher than usual, causing me to clear my throat in surprise and try to calm myself down.

How embarrassing to make such a fuss, forgetting my position. Setting aside my own embarrassment, I worried that I might have put unnecessary pressure on Luwen and glanced at him discreetly. To my surprise, Luwen had his head bowed low, with his nape flushed like the sunset!

Ugh. How cute. Young Luwen is so expressive with his emotions!

I wonder if this child grew into a taciturn man because of the heartache from a long unrequited love? Perhaps he became a person with faint emotions, killing his feelings for fear of revealing his heart if he acted carelessly. Yet, the descriptions of him always smiling when Irene called him suggest that his emotions leaked out despite his efforts to conceal them.

Am I going to let him grow into such a lonely person? One of me is enough for that.

Anyway, I showed an unusual side of myself in my excitement. I rolled my eyes to gauge Dedric’s reaction. But… his face was softly relaxed as he looked at me. He seemed to view me with approval.

Is it now time to show how important Luwen is to me so that he can’t refuse my request? As I was about to think about how to start the topic, Dedric spoke in a gentle tone.

“It seems the young master has really let go of his burden.”

Oh my. Thank you for setting it up so nicely.

“Ah…”

I flinched noticeably as if hearing unexpected words and hesitated. Then, avoiding Dedric’s gaze, I moved my lips slightly before wiping the smile off my face and sitting back down.

I didn’t forget to place my fists on both thighs, clenching them so tightly that the veins on the back of my hands bulged. My finger joints hurt a bit from gripping too tightly, but I had to endure it for Dedric to see.

Fortunately, Dedric immediately caught my signal. As I confirmed his expression gradually darkening, I turned my head towards Luwen openly. The key was to maintain the angle so that Dedric could see the changes in my expression well.

After finishing my preparation, I relaxed my stiff expression and put on a faint smile. He must have understood well enough that I changed because of this child. Maintaining my smile, I turned my head back to look at Dedric and said,

“I told you so. All I had to do was give up on father’s love, but I don’t know why it was so hard to let go.”

“The Duke will eventually come to like you, young master.”

“Pfft. No way. Dedric, what nonsense are you talking about?”

If he were that kind of person, his face wouldn’t be so cold when looking at me. He would have shown at least a bit of guilt.

I could have brushed it off insensitively, but it was better to laugh as if I had completely let it go now. Well, it’s true that I have let it go. I’ve let it go so much that I don’t even care anymore. But for now, I had to act as if I was trying to hide my wounds.

“I want to stop talking about such absurd things. Dedric.”

I removed the smile from my face and looked at Luwen once, as if receiving healing from the child, and relaxed my body.

“Young master…”

Dedric’s voice wavered. Yes, he’s following along well.

“Luwen.”

I called the child in the gentlest and softest tone I could muster, stroking his head.

Luwen looked at me. He also seemed to have a lot to say. It looks like I’ve managed to appeal to Luwen’s sympathy a bit too.

Compassion is good too. It would be perfect if he could think that the past me was just a porcupine with many quills because I didn’t know how to heal my wounded heart. Even if he can’t think that way now, when he grows older and accumulates more information about me, I hope he’ll see me that way.

But today’s protagonist is you, Luwen.

“What do you want to do? Do you want to learn swordsmanship?”

Luwen, who seemed to have forgotten momentarily, swallowed hard as he was given the choice.

Luwen, look at what I’ve laid out for you. You’ve been told you have talent, and there’s a capable teacher right in front of you. I’ve also shown that I’m ready to support you. Now you just need to say one word that you want to do it.

But Luwen, with his lips tightly shut, soon had tears welling up in his eyes.

Sigh… Why is even this appearance so pretty? I really want to pinch those cheeks.

It seemed that the desire to seize the opportunity was conflicting with his thoughts of Irene. I could pretend not to know and retreat, then ask again in a week when Dedric comes, but perhaps it’s better to spoon-feed him the first time. After all, the first experience of anything is usually difficult.

I stood up from the chair again, knelt on the floor, and met Luwen’s eyes.

Ah, I made a mistake. The moment I realized the distance was closer than expected, the child stepped back half a step, apparently feeling uncomfortable.

No matter what, it hurts a little when you run away so quickly. The feeling of being rejected wasn’t very pleasant, but we’re not that close yet, so it’s understandable. I spoke, taking care not to let my gentle voice and soft smile waver.

“Why are you holding back what you want to do? From what I can see, Luwen seems to want to learn swordsmanship.”

And carefully taking Luwen’s small, soft hand, I continued.

“You can tell me if you want something. If you’re worried about your sister, I can speak on your behalf.”

“… Really?”

“Of course.”

It seems he’s coming around a bit. For Luwen, who was still hesitating, I added a bit of theatrics.

“Dedric, what do you think if Luwen wants to learn swordsmanship?”