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 22

I pushed open the door to my father’s study.

Inside, the large communication crystal—used for long-distance magical transmissions—displayed the smug visage of Prince Leon, leaning back as though the entire world was beneath him.

“Cain, you’ve returned…”

My father, visibly worn out, likely from Leon’s relentless questioning, glanced at me with a mixture of relief and unease.

“Your Highness Prince Leon, it is the greatest honor to behold your esteemed presence. I, Cain Schwarz, your most loyal servant, am at your command,” I said, bowing deeply to the blond prince.

Although Leon was the very man responsible for tormenting both me and Selvia, I suppressed my resentment, presenting only a façade of servility.

“So, Cain, I’ve heard some troubling rumors. Despite my explicit command to subject Selvia to unrelenting torment, it seems the Schwarz family has grown suspiciously close to the Fernando family. You wouldn’t be disregarding my orders, would you?”

Leon wasted no time addressing the matter, his voice laced with thinly veiled anger.

“I’ve been waiting to hear from you directly, Cain, all while tolerating dull chatter with your father. Now speak!”

“Of course, Your Highness. I dedicate myself daily to fulfilling your noble commands. Just this morning, I dragged a reluctant Selvia into the wilderness to use her as a shield while hunting monsters. Slowly and thoroughly breaking her spirit, as per your wishes, has been my utmost priority,” I said, twisting my face into a despicable grin befitting a lowly sycophant.

Leon sniffed dismissively, clearly unconvinced.

“Then explain why the Fernando family has been making frequent visits to your territory.”

This was due to the mithril ore mined from the newly discovered Mithril Mine. My father and I had already prepared a plausible explanation.

“Your Highness, the Fernando family has been ostracized by other nobles for producing the so-called ‘false saint.’ Out of desperation, they’ve clung to their old ally, the Schwarz family, showering us with gifts in the vain hope that it might improve Selvia’s treatment. Frankly, it’s a nuisance.”

“Hmm. That aligns with what your father said,” Leon muttered, though his gaze remained sharp and probing.

“Very well, Cain. Prove your loyalty. Strike Selvia across the face before my eyes. Do not stop until I command it.”

So that’s his play…

A quiet fury began to rise within me.

“With all due respect, Your Highness, such an act would reveal that her suffering is due to your orders. Selvia is infatuated with me. It is precisely because she believes the abuse comes from her beloved that she is driven to despair. Would it not be far more entertaining to let her think this torment is born of her own poor choices?”

Leon stroked his chin thoughtfully, his scowl softening slightly.

“Hmm… You’re not wrong. Killing that wretch outright would be too easy, too boring. No, I want her to experience utter despair before she dies!”

“Exactly, Your Highness!”

Under no circumstances would I ever harm Selvia. If Leon had insisted, I was prepared to initiate a war, even if the timing was less than ideal.

“As you likely heard from the steward, I’ve ordered Fernando to lead an expedition against the undead near the capital. Recently, powerful monsters have been appearing with alarming frequency, even near the royal city. The royal family cannot ignore this.”

Ah, so even the capital isn’t immune to the effects of this looped world.

“This, however, is also a punishment. Fernando’s life will serve as penance for producing that so-called saint who dared to defy me. No noble family is to assist him. I’ve made this clear to all other nobles. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Your orders are clear and absolute.”

I bowed deeply, then raised my head to pose a question.

“If I may, Your Highness, are you truly prepared to let the undead run rampant so close to the capital?”

Undead were especially dangerous because those they killed would rise again as more undead, rapidly multiplying the threat.

If this outbreak was the work of a high-level necromancer or similar monster, the situation could easily escalate into a catastrophe, threatening the kingdom itself.

“You dare question me? The capital’s walls are impenetrable. Let those creatures ravage the villages and towns of commoners. A few thousand dead peasants are of no consequence. They breed like vermin, after all.”

This prince was hopeless. No, he was worse—a walking disaster for the kingdom.

I had known from the game that Leon was a fool, but experiencing his idiocy firsthand was even more appalling.

Fine. In the game, Leon’s downfall was meant to be the hero Abel’s task. But here? I’ll crush him myself.

“As my father has already assured you, House Schwarz will remain uninvolved in this matter, no matter the circumstances. I, Cain Schwarz, remain your loyal servant, Your Highness. Please continue to command me as you see fit.”

Leon’s lips curled into a smug grin.

“Good. It pleases me to hear you speak so. Break Selvia’s spirit as I commanded, and I shall elevate you as my right hand. Serve me well, Cain.”

“With boundless gratitude, Your Highness!”

Satisfied, Leon cut the communication. His image disappeared from the crystal, leaving the room eerily quiet.

“Hmph. He thinks he’s tied my hands? What a fool. Lancelot!”

“At your command!”

Lancelot appeared instantly, standing at attention.

“Summon Gordon from the Orchival estate immediately!”

“Understood!”

“Cain, are you planning to use the Orchival family?” my father asked, his voice tinged with unease.

Given the secret profits from the Mithril Mine, cutting ties with the Fernando family wasn’t an option. Doing so would risk both families’ downfall if their dealings were exposed.

“Yes, Father. You needn’t worry. I have everything under control. I’ll ensure that neither the Schwarz family nor the Fernando family suffers any harm.”

“I see… Cain, you’ve grown remarkably dependable. Between the creation of your private brigade and your monster-hunting achievements, you’ve become someone I can rely on. Whatever you need—men, supplies—just say the word.”

“Thank you, Father.”

I bowed deeply. From here on out, time was of the essence. Every move had to be calculated and precise.

There was one lingering concern.

Undead typically emerged in cursed or desecrated areas, such as ancient battlefields. For them to appear in large numbers near the capital was highly unusual.

Could this be the work of a necromancer?

If so, that would actually be perfect.

A necromancer would provide the ideal setup for a boss-farming loop, allowing me to rapidly increase my levels.