The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 82

As the large carriage passed through the narrow alley, people pressed themselves against the walls. The carriage was annoyingly big.

‘Isn’t this a bit inconsiderate?’

It might be better to use a regular carriage next time. After all, today was the important day.

Fortunately, after leaving the alley, we came out onto a wide boulevard. I had never been to this area before, so I enjoyed the scenery outside the window.

People who looked like academy students were gathered in small groups, and nobles in neat attire out for a stroll passed by leisurely, along with carriages that, while not as lavish as mine, still displayed their own splendor.

‘Is it because the buildings are different? It feels like I’m in another country.’

This must be the charm of travel. If I get the chance later, I’d like to see more diverse regions. After everything is over, that is. When my sister becomes the empress, and Luwen becomes independent, leaving me alone – that might be the right time. I could travel with the purpose of providing medical services, which would also help my sister’s reputation.

‘I don’t like wandering around, but if I’m left alone in the duke’s residence, I might feel restless. I’ll just have to do it until I get used to it.’

Still, I plan to build a heated floor building for the winter to stay cozy. Anyway, when the weather gets cold, I’ll catch a severe cold, so wandering around would mean receiving medical care rather than providing it.

“Oh? Cloud candy. Want some?”

The colorful cloud candies displayed at the stall caught my eye. It was one of Luwen’s favorites when he was young. They looked like fluffy cotton candy but much smaller and harder. However, they melted quickly in the mouth, so you’d bite into them and let them dissolve.

When I started going to the clinic, Luwen was curious about their strange appearance, so I bought him some once. That was the beginning. He must have found them delicious because after that, he always stared at them intently.

‘I spent a few months encouraging him to ask for them himself.’

I used to just put them in his hand when he stared, and when he started to take it for granted, I passed by without buying any. I vividly remember how he looked at me with round, surprised eyes. Luwen, alternating his gaze between me and the stall, was so cute. Thinking about it now made me smile involuntarily.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had cloud candy.”

“Let’s stop the carriage. I’ll go buy some.”

“It’s before meal time, so it’s okay. Let’s buy a few when we go to the lake later.”

“Shall we?”

“Yes. Young master should try one too. The white ones there have a mint flavor and aren’t too sweet.”

I thought candy was candy, sweet or not, but since Luwen, who knows my tastes, was recommending it, I figured it might be worth trying one.

“Is it something I can eat?”

“Yes. Ah, it might be different here, so I’ll taste it first.”

“Then pick one out for me later.”

“Leave it to me.”

I should be the one feeling pleased, but why does Luwen look so content? While I was tilting my head at his peculiar expression, the carriage stopped.

“I’ll get out first.”

“Okay.”

As Luwen got out, I heard people saying “It’s Luwen” here and there. There was quite a commotion, but as soon as Luwen straightened up and reached out his hand to me, it suddenly became quiet. They seemed to have guessed that someone from the Duke Vinter’s family was with him, judging by the crest on the carriage and Luwen’s behavior.

As I took Luwen’s hand and got out of the carriage, a series of short gasps could be heard. Among them, I heard someone say “Huh?” in confusion, so I rolled my eyes to find the culprit. They probably recognized me and were surprised to think of Norman.

Sure enough, I saw a group wearing academy uniforms. They all wore white neckties indicating they were from the medical department. As soon as I looked at them, they turned pale and bowed their heads deeply, as if afraid to make eye contact. They were trembling so much I could see it.

‘I don’t recognize these faces. They must not be in the same year.’

I briefly wondered if they would be the source of rumors, but they didn’t seem bold enough to mess with nobles, so I decided not to worry about it.

“The restaurant is ahead. I’ll ask if we can go in right away.”

“Okay.”

As I followed Luwen, I quickly scanned the line of people waiting at the restaurant. I didn’t see any familiar faces, including my roommate or Adrian. That alone was a relief, and just then, the manager appeared. He politely guided us in before Luwen could even ask.

As we walked towards the restaurant entrance, I noticed Luwen’s steps were lighter than usual. When I looked at him, he seemed to be trying hard not to smile, focusing intently on managing his expression.

“Are you happy because people called you ‘Sir’?”

I whispered in a low voice, and Luwen’s ears immediately turned bright red.

“How did you know? I couldn’t help but feel excited to be recognized as your guard…”

“Just as you know me well, don’t forget that I know you well too.”

“Ugh. Please pretend you didn’t notice.”

“Ahaha.”

Luwen, feeling embarrassed, cleared his throat and turned his head away. Why do I feel so glad when he shows these childlike moments after seeming so grown-up? My fingertips twitched with the urge to pat Luwen’s head.

‘Let’s hold back since we’re outside. Luwen has his dignity too.’

Following the manager inside, the antique interior caught my eye. Salmon statues were tastefully decorated, and tapestries added splendor. The interior was wider than expected, and the individual room we were led to seemed perfect for a comfortable meal. We wouldn’t have to worry about others’ gazes.

“Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

“Luwen, this is your first time here too, right?”

“Yes, I’ve only heard about it.”

“Then let’s go with their recommended dishes.”

After telling the waiting manager to bring out something suitable, I looked out the window. I was wondering if any familiar faces might have appeared in line in the meantime.

“Is there something interesting outside?”

Perhaps because I kept looking outside, which was unlike me, Luwen turned his head towards the window curiously. Then he blurted out something completely unexpected.

“Honorary Duke?”

…What? Cromwell?

Remembering how much Luwen had admired him through letters, I reflexively looked at Luwen. His lips curled up high, his body language suggested he was about to stand up, and his eyes were sparkling. In every way, it was clear that Luwen was extremely pleased.

‘…While he’s with me.’

He’s expressing his feelings towards Cromwell so openly, as if he’s forgotten about me. What I’m sensing is admiration or idolization. It was the same kind I felt in the letters. I know it well because he showed a similar attitude towards Dedric.

But when he was with Dedric, he never neglected me like this. So it was natural for me to feel wary. I followed Luwen’s gaze to see what kind of person this Cromwell was.

‘Is it that person?’

A tall man who stood a head taller than those around him. But I ruled him out as a candidate when I saw his graying hair. He’s supposed to be in his late 30s, so it couldn’t be such an old-looking man.

‘I thought a Sword Master would stand out more, but I guess not.’

Surprisingly ordinary and unremarkable atmosphere. A Sword Master indistinguishable from the crowd? I became a little curious about Honorary Duke Cromwell.

“Which one is Honorary Duke?”

“Ah. I’m sorry. I was surprised because I heard he doesn’t come this way on weekends.”

“I see. So who is it?”

“Do you see that tall elderly man over there?”

He pointed to the middle-aged man I had spotted earlier.

“Yes.”

“That’s the vice-captain. The person on his left is the Honorary Duke.”

On the left? I hadn’t noticed because of the large figure blocking him, but there was a mild-looking man standing where Luwen pointed. At first glance, he had a gentle impression like a farmer, but upon closer inspection, I noticed a long scar running from the center of his forehead, down his nose, to the corner of his mouth. If it’s visible from here, it must be even more noticeable up close.

‘If it weren’t for the scar, he might have been quite famous as a handsome man.’

But perhaps because the scar was so large, he looked fierce. That wasn’t all. There were also small scars on his cheeks and neck. If the visible parts were like this, there was a high probability that there were more scars on the parts hidden by clothes.

‘Before becoming a Sword Master? Or after?’

If it was before, it wouldn’t matter, but if it was after, it would be a problem. It would mean that one of the empire’s top swordsmen frequents places dangerous enough to get injured.

“He has a lot of scars. Do you know when he got injured?”

“I heard he came to the city from the borderlands relying only on himself. He started as a low-ranking mercenary and frequented many dangerous places.”

“And now?”

“If the Honorary Duke were to get injured, the subjugation team would be completely wiped out.”

Luwen said this with a hint of laughter in his voice, as if joking, but there couldn’t be a clearer expression of trust towards Cromwell.

I carefully managed my expression as I observed Cromwell. I couldn’t hear his voice, but seeing his lips firmly closed even as the person next to him, apparently the vice-captain, talked incessantly, he seemed to be the quiet type.

“You seem to trust the Honorary Duke a lot.”

“Yes. He’s a person worthy of respect.”

He looks very pleased. At the duke’s residence, Cromwell was a main cause of my bad mood. I didn’t expect it to be the same here. Forcing a smile made my cheeks tighten, so I took a drink of water.