The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 70

Only after the warmth covering my hand moved away did I notice that my once cold hands had become warm. It was thanks to Luwen’s warmth seeping in. Somehow, my fingertips tingled slightly, so I clenched my fist.

“I’ll believe you. Never forget. That I’m always waiting for you.”

“Yes. I won’t forget.”

Luwen’s smile deepened. Unlike him, who seemed at ease, I felt conflicted, but there was nothing I could do. I wouldn’t let him go alone anyway.

‘I’ll have to confirm it with my own eyes after all.’

That seemed to be the only way to put my mind at ease. How well Cromwell would protect Luwen, whether he really wouldn’t end up in the medical unit. If Luwen were to be carried to the medical unit, I’d quit everything – Norman, the academy – and take him back immediately.

I don’t care if he hates me or resents me then. Those emotions can only be felt when one is alive. Luwen’s safety was a non-negotiable issue.

‘Sigh, when I return to the academy, I’ll have to look into the conditions for joining the subjugation team first.’

A subjugation team in summer. It was dreadful just to think about. If it weren’t for Luwen, this would never be a choice in my life.

The stench from monster carcasses, how long we’d have to walk through the suffocating heat in the forest, how many people would share a tent, not to mention the standards for bathing and food. All I know is that it will be hellishly difficult.

‘I hope my body doesn’t break down. Ah, how did it come to this?’

Moreover, the subjugation team wasn’t my only homework. I hadn’t even started with Adrian’s side, and as Norman, I was still stuck in a 4-person room. My head was throbbing.

‘All I had imagined for my academy life was enduring boring classes while cheering for Luwen…’

The situation unfolding differently from my expectations felt strange and uncomfortable. But what could I do? They were all necessary tasks. First, I had to solve the 4-person room issue. Then I could tackle the rest one by one.

And right now, the most important thing was to feed Luwen. I had told them to hurry, so the preparations should be done by now.

“You must be hungry. Shall we go eat lunch?”

“Yes. I’ll put this away.”

Luwen picked up the aromatherapy oil placed on the table.

“Huh? No. There’s no need for that.”

“But you don’t want it, do you?”

“When did I…”

‘I wouldn’t be happy with a gift bought with dangerously earned money.’

Ah. I know how upsetting it is to have a gift rejected… and yet I did just that.

Even so, Luwen told me without a trace of resentment that I was more important. He must have been hurt, but he didn’t show it at all.

Suddenly, I was reminded of my previous life. Wanting to celebrate my mother’s birthday, I had saved up money to buy a cake and a wallet. But…

‘Who told you to bring this trash? It’s disgusting!’

Did the cake hit my face as it flew towards me? Watching the still-wrapped wallet go straight into the trash, I updated my list of things not to do.

Don’t give gifts.

‘How am I any different from my mother back then?’

I had ignored Luwen’s feelings, who had prepared the gift out of fear. In the end, my true nature was revealed. My ugly bare face. No matter how thoroughly and beautifully you package it, you can’t hide the stench.

“…Don’t throw it away.”

“Young master?”

“Earlier…”

Excuses. All that came to mind were excuses. Thoughts rushing to repackage and hide myself again. That’s not what I should be saying right now. I know, I know very well-

“Young master.”

Warmth touched my cheek. Startled by the gentle, comforting caress, I looked up to see Luwen’s kind face.

“It’s alright.”

“You shouldn’t… say it’s alright. I told you not to hide your feelings, to tell me everything if you’re hurt or upset.”

“That includes happiness and joy too, right? Right now, I’m happy and joyful to be with you, young master. I’m not sure about feeling hurt. Ah, but there is something I’m upset about.”

Before I could respond, Luwen continued.

“You’ve lost too much weight. That’s what upsets me the most. If you feel sorry towards me, please eat a lot.”

…When did he grow up like this? Luwen was actually comforting me. It was a moment that made my resolution to become a reliable older brother seem foolish.

‘Let’s apologize sincerely.’

No excuses. I should say what needs to be said. Just like when I thanked my sister, so that my feelings can be conveyed. So that the wound Luwen might have received can be soothed.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Then, will you eat a lot?”

Luwen replied playfully, raising the corners of his mouth in a grin. Sensing his desire to change the mood, I forced myself to relax my tense face. Something usually easy was particularly difficult this time, but I managed it in the end.

“I will. Don’t throw away the gift. Everything you give me is precious.”

“But I don’t see the ribbon.”

“Ah.”

I didn’t tie it because I rushed out after drying my hair. Touching the back of my head, I ended up making an excuse after all.

“That’s because you came early, and I rushed out. It’s still my favorite.”

“Shall I tie it for you first? It might get in the way while eating. Like old times?”

“Yes. Would you, please?”

As we exchanged this brief conversation, I felt my heart gradually becoming more at ease. Luwen really seemed unbothered, and that was comforting. Although this might just be my selfish interpretation.

* * *

Luwen piled food onto Fei’s plate. Although Fei was diligently using his fork, having promised to eat a lot, his chewing speed had noticeably slowed down, as if he was already full.

“Are you done already?”

“…Be honest. You were hurt, weren’t you? Is this your revenge?”

Luwen swallowed his laughter internally and moved a piece of steak onto Fei’s plate. Fei stared at the steak as if it were a living monster before stabbing it with his fork and putting it in his mouth.

‘Now I understand why he always stared so intently when I ate.’

But it seemed unwise to force him to eat more. Given that he didn’t particularly like meat and was usually a light eater, forcing more food might make him sick.

“Chew thoroughly and swallow. If you eat that, I won’t urge you to eat more.”

It was a shame that the table was full of mostly meat dishes. If there had been more salads, he could have fed him a bit more.

‘It’s all things I like.’

Truthfully, he had felt hurt when Fei said he didn’t need the gift. He had come with an excited heart, imagining Fei smiling happily.

But more than that, he was concerned about Fei’s uncharacteristically sharp reactions. Because he had received so much affection, and because he knew well how Fei thought of him, such minor disappointments didn’t bother him at all. So there was no need for Fei to feel so sorry. That’s not what he wanted.

In fact, he felt more upset when Fei became rigid with self-blame than when he rejected the gift. He regretted buying it, thinking he shouldn’t have. He disliked the situation where Fei was upset because of a mere aromatherapy oil.

‘He’s always been sensitive about my injuries. He must have been very shocked.’

Come to think of it, he had always been like that, even though Luwen had never been seriously injured. All while not taking good care of himself.

He always paid attention to injuries during sword training. It was the same when Luwen first learned horseback riding. Even if he fell off the horse due to unfamiliarity with slippery roads, Fei thought that’s how one learns. But Fei was firm.

Suddenly bringing Luwen to his room to wash with cold water, and giving up his bed at night were not ordinary actions. When he was young, Luwen simply believed Fei’s words that it was work, but as he grew up, he realized. It was treatment so generous it could hardly be called a privilege.

Nevertheless, the reason he persisted was that he realized how important practical experience was. Looking back on when he fought the Honey Grive, he reluctantly understood how inexperienced he had been. If he had been calm, he could have handled it without Fei having to overexert himself. But he couldn’t.

Of course, there were reasons – it was his first encounter with a large monster, and he was afraid because his precious young master was nearby. However, to Luwen, everything felt like an excuse. Because fear dulled his sword and tied his feet. As a result, Fei nearly died.

‘I never want to experience that again.’

If he could return safely many times, if he could keep his promise to Fei, then perhaps Fei would be able to feel at ease.

“You’re not eating more? You like this, don’t you? Try it.”

As soon as Luwen said he could stop eating, Fei quickly changed his stance and started picking up various foods to hand over. He was piling them on the plate like he was building a tower.

“Are you getting revenge for me feeding you too much?”

“No. You didn’t eat much because you were busy taking care of me. I know how much you usually eat.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Eat a lot. I like watching you eat.”

“I didn’t know, but I feel the same.”

“…I’ll try my best.”

Luwen suppressed the urge to laugh out loud. Was the young master always this cute? It was a strange feeling he was experiencing for the first time. His chest felt ticklish inside, like when a butterfly lands on your finger.