I Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble, Nothing More Than the Hero’s Foil: Since the Hero Can Only Bring Misery to My Favorite Heroine, I’ll Use My Game Knowledge and Over-the-Top Effort to Rewrite the Scenario and Make Her Happy. - Chapter 21

Two months later

I led the Schwarz Brigade, a force I had carefully trained, on relentless monster-hunting missions across the territory.

It had become evident that this was a looped playthrough of the world. High-level monsters were appearing far more frequently, a clear indication of the increased difficulty.

By defeating these monsters, I steadily raised both my level and that of my subordinates.

While watching my own growth was satisfying, training and developing 100 elite soldiers was a unique and exhilarating experience.

Thanks to these efforts, every member of the brigade had reached at least Level 15, equivalent to a C-rank adventurer in strength. I had taught them skills valuable for group combat: Swordsmanship Level 2, Arrow Deflection, and Apothecary Level 1.

“Woohoo! Lord Cain and the Schwarz Brigade have returned!”
“Hooray for our hero, Lord Cain!”
“With Lord Cain here, no monster can scare us! When I grow up, I want to join his brigade!”

As we marched back into town, the townsfolk greeted us with cheers and admiration.

The local Adventurers’ Guild was overwhelmed by the influx of monsters, making our contributions vital. We had earned their immense support and gratitude.

“Brother Cain, your popularity is amazing. It makes me so proud,” Selvia said, puffing out her chest with pride.

She had been actively participating in the hunts as a valuable offensive mage.

“It’s all thanks to your efforts, Selvia. You’ve really mastered Albidus Fire.”

“Thank you! Ehehe,” Selvia beamed as I patted her head.

For nearly five months, she had followed my instructions and practiced exclusively fire magic. She was likely close to fulfilling the conditions to learn an advanced skill.

Selvia’s level had risen to 25, while mine had reached 31.

We were making progress. Soon, we would be able to challenge S-rank monsters, which would allow us to level up at an incredible pace.

Despite my eagerness, I reminded myself that in this world, rushing recklessly could mean death. I had to maintain a steady, safe pace.

“To think we were once despised as bandits… and now we’re the town’s heroes. It’s surreal!”

My subordinates stood tall, their pride evident as they basked in the townsfolk’s admiration.

“It’s all thanks to Lord Cain!”
“Eating three proper meals a day and sleeping in a warm bed… becoming Lord Cain’s slave was the best decision of my life!”

Some were even moved to tears.

It seemed being a bandit was far harder than I had imagined. None of them complained about their new role as slaves.

Most of them were third sons of poor farming families or deserters from the army, men who had endured considerable hardship.

“Ahem… let’s not forget, Brother Cain’s favorite slave is me,” Selvia declared smugly.

Her odd boast made me chuckle.

Still, I played my role as the cruel noble to maintain appearances.

“Listen up, everyone! I treat Selvia like a lowly slave, forcing her to fight dangerous monsters for the glory and prosperity of House Schwarz! Mwahaha!”

“Yes, Lord Cain! Keep up the good work!”

Despite my villainous declaration, the townsfolk’s reverent gazes didn’t waver.

Huh? Not long ago, there were whispers criticizing me for sending a young girl to the front lines.

“Honestly, Lady Selvia’s fire magic saved us all again!”
“She’s an incredible mage! So reliable!”
“A noble family risking their lives to protect us… Lord Cain and Lady Selvia are truly exceptional!”

The soldiers’ praise only made Selvia’s delight more evident.

“Still, I have a long way to go. I need to keep working harder to be more useful to Brother Cain,” she said, leaning against me.

While her closeness made me happy, it didn’t help my image as a cruel noble.

Thankfully, Selvia stepped up with some convincing acting.

“Brother Cain, how will you punish me tonight? If you pour that potion on me again, I might die of embarrassment!”

“Y-yeah… maybe I’ll whip you, you lowly slave!”

I did my best to sound convincing.

“Understood. So you’ll pour the potion on me and whip me?”

“W-what?”

That potion… she must mean the Magical Clothing Dissolving Potion that Lil, our apothecary, developed.

Lil had once proudly said, “I worked hard to create a potion that dissolves just enough fabric to keep things suggestive!”

I had been too stunned to respond at the time.

Apparently, Selvia had requested its development.

Wait… does she actually want me to use it?

Even Elise had urged me before, “Cain, kiss Selvia already! She’s waiting for it! And don’t shy away from using the potion—it’ll make her happy!”

The thought made me swallow nervously.

But with the townsfolk watching, I had to stay in character.

“Mwahaha! I’ll pour the potion on you, humiliate you completely, and then whip you!”

“I’d be so happy, Brother Cain!”

Wait, happy!?

My self-control was on the verge of collapse.

“Lord Cain and Lady Selvia seem to get along so well. The Schwarz family is in good hands!”
“Stop flirting in front of us—it’s making us jealous!”

The townsfolk’s comments left me stunned.

What? That was supposed to be a convincing act as a wicked noble!

Instead, it seemed we were seen as a loving couple.

Even when I paraded Selvia around with a collar, it didn’t have the intended effect. Clearly, I had underestimated how it would be perceived.

At this rate, Prince Leon might start to suspect our true relationship.

I decided it would be best to avoid public appearances for now.

“…The Schwarz Brigade can handle monster hunts on their own now. Selvia, would you like to come with me to the deeper levels of the Mithril Mines to level up?”

“Just the two of us? Yes, I’d love to!”

Selvia clapped her hands in excitement.

The Mithril Mines, a hidden late-game dungeon, were home to powerful monsters.

My father’s forces had cleared the middle levels, but the deeper sections remained untouched.

Clearing them would not only make us stronger but also provide high-purity mithril ore—a double win.

While it wasn’t quite suitable for our current levels, with enhanced recovery potions, it should be manageable.

As I planned, Lancelot approached with a grim expression.

“Urgent news, Lord Cain! You must return to the estate immediately!”

“What’s wrong, Lancelot?”

“Prince Leon has sent an emergency magical communication! Your father is handling it now!”

“What!? What’s the message about?”

Selvia and I tensed.

I had expected Prince Leon, bitter over Selvia’s rejection, to make a move, but this was sooner than I’d anticipated.

“Undead have appeared in large numbers near the capital. Lord Fernando, Selvia’s father, has been tasked with dealing with them. However, Prince Leon has commanded House Schwarz to ignore his request for reinforcements and let him die!”

“Father…” Selvia gasped.

I see. So this is his move.

Prince Leon intended to eliminate Selvia’s father under the guise of legitimacy, causing her immense suffering.

This was also a loyalty test for House Schwarz.

The discovery of the Mithril Mines had strengthened the alliance between House Schwarz and House Fernando.

Prince Leon, seeing his schemes backfire as the two families grew closer, must have grown suspicious.

“Prince Leon also wishes to speak with you directly, Lord Cain.”

“With me? Perfect.”

I patted Selvia’s head to reassure her.

“Don’t worry, Selvia. I’ve planned for this.”

“Y-yes… but to think my father would suffer because of my actions… I’ve been so naive.”

“Don’t blame yourself. This is all on Prince Leon. I’ll handle it.”

Selvia, trembling with guilt, nodded slowly.

“Thank you, Brother Cain. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my father and House Fernando.”

“Good. Let’s go, Lancelot. I’ll speak with Prince Leon myself.”

“Yes, sir!”

The first confrontation with Prince Leon was about to begin.