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 48

[Sophie’s Perspective – The Hero’s Childhood Friend]

I am Sophie, a completely talentless 15-year-old girl.

No, that’s not quite right—I’m even worse than that. No matter what I do, I’m below average at everything, and on top of that…

“Owwww!”

As I stepped out of the carriage, I tripped over absolutely nothing and fell flat on my face.

I was born with a Unique Skill: [Stumble]. Its effect? “Causes the user to trip over nothing.”

A completely useless skill.

When we were kids, Abel, my childhood friend, used to laugh at my clumsiness. But ever since he was chosen as the Hero, he started looking at me with cold, disdainful eyes, clicking his tongue in irritation.

During a battle against monsters, when I tripped, he called me “a useless girl with a garbage skill.” I pretended not to hear it and forced a smile.

Because I wanted to believe that deep down, Abel was still a kind person.

But I never imagined he would have me thrown against a monument and banish me from his party.

I nearly died from that head injury.

“Are you all right, Lady Sophie?”

A man—my benefactor—extended his hand to help me up. He had treated my wounds and escorted me to this remote region. I had learned that he served Count Schwarz, the noble ruling these lands.

“Ah, yes! My only redeeming quality is my energy!”

I forced myself to smile cheerfully.

Because if I didn’t smile, I would feel far too miserable.

“I still can’t believe it… Why would the son of Count Schwarz want to speak with someone like me? And even offer me a job?”

At first, I wondered if this was some kind of kidnapping plot, but that didn’t make sense.

If they wanted money, they could have simply sold me to a slave trader right after treating my injuries. Even I knew that much.

Besides, Cain Schwarz, the Count’s son, was rumored to be a hero himself—the “Undying Slayer” and the adopted son of the legendary Edward. He had apparently defeated countless dangerous monsters.

“Of course, I’d be happy to answer any questions my benefactor has, but…”

“Sophie! It is you, Sophie!”

Just then, a well-dressed young man rushed out of the mansion.

He was tall, sharp-eyed, and undeniably handsome—his well-trained physique making his presence even more imposing.

For some reason, his eyes lit up with joy the moment he saw me.

My heart skipped a beat.

“Lady Sophie, this is Lord Cain Schwarz.”

“W-what?! Y-you’re Lord Cain?! Thank you so much for saving me! It’s an honor to meet you!”

I bowed my head repeatedly, pouring all my gratitude into my words.

“Raise your head, relax. I’m happy to see you, Sophie!”

“H-huh?”

He was happy to see me?

No man—let alone a noble, let alone a hero—had ever said that to me before.

“I want to ask about Abel. After he was chosen as the Hero, did he continue training with his sword?”

Cain asked the question with a serious expression.

*”Huh? O-oh… No, I don’t think he did. He used to say, ‘I’m the strongest now, a Level 99 Hero! Why would I waste time swinging a sword like a grunt?!'”

“I see… I thought so. That’s good to know—thank you!”

For some reason, Cain looked delighted to hear that.

That my words could make someone—especially him—so happy made me feel… warm inside.

And when Cain looked at me like that, my heart started racing.

“By the way, do you know what Abel has been doing in the capital?”

“O-of course. He’s been… kidnapping girls he likes and forcing them into his harem. There are even rumors that he’s been killing people without remorse…”

A painful ache spread through my chest.

Abel had changed completely.

The entire capital was seething with anger and hatred toward him.

But his power was overwhelming, and no one could stop him. His atrocities only escalated day by day.

“I intend to take down the Hero Abel. Sophie, I’d like you to serve as a commander in my private battalion and fight alongside us. What do you think?”

“W-WHAAAT?! M-me, a commander?! That’s impossible!”

I nearly fainted on the spot.

What was Cain even saying?!

“You’ll be fine. You have talent. Your Unique Skill [Stumble] is actually an ultimate skill—strong enough to take down even the kingdom’s elite Royal Guard.”

Cain extended his hand toward me.

“Fight with me, Sophie. We have to stop Abel before it’s too late!”

“A-Abel…?! T-there’s no way! He’s too strong! And what are you saying about my skill? How could tripping over nothing ever defeat the Royal Guard—oof!”

I was so flustered I tripped again.

My skirt flipped up, fully exposing my underwear.

Normally, people would mock me when that happened.

But Cain didn’t even chuckle.

“Sophie, please. I need you. I promise—I will make you the strongest fighter in the world.”

“H-huh?!”

My heart pounded furiously.

“O-of course, I want to stop Abel if he’s doing such awful things. But… are you sure about this? If you make me a commander, people will mock you. Everyone will laugh at you for choosing a useless girl like me…”

*”What nonsense are you saying? Sophie, you’re anything but useless. In fact, you’ll become so powerful that people will start saying, ‘Wait, is she even stronger than the Saint?'”

“S-Stronger than the Saint?!”

That sounded ridiculous.

“Lady Sophie, it’s time I tell you the truth—Lord Cain is none other than the ‘Undying Slayer.’ Even Lord Edward and Lord Gordon have sworn their allegiance to him.”

“W-wait… WHAT?!”

I was so shocked I couldn’t even speak.

Such a legendary man… needed me?

“Sophie, please—lend me your strength.”

Cain bowed his head toward me.

Nobles were always arrogant and self-important.

But Cain was different.

I had been discarded by Abel, but maybe… just maybe… I could be reborn under Cain.

“I-I understand! If you’ll have me, I’ll gladly join you!”

I made up my mind and took Cain’s hand.

“Thank you, Sophie! Now, once you’re ready, we’ll start with a Dragon Zombie boss raid marathon!”

“H-huh?”

“I need you to grind against Level 75 Dragon Zombies for a week straight. Let’s aim to make you the strongest human alive!”

Cain’s eyes sparkled as he made his outrageous declaration.

What… what was I getting myself into?!