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 7

The next day, I began running within the estate grounds.

Defeating monsters to level up would be the fastest way to grow stronger, but in this world—where the game had become reality—death was likely permanent. To avoid being killed, I needed to ensure a wide safety margin.

Thus, I decided to start by building my basic stamina. If I had enough endurance and speed, I could at least run away from monsters.

“Ugh… this is brutal!”

However, as a lazy villainous noble who had lived a decadent lifestyle, I was already out of breath after running a short distance. Over the past year, I had indulged in binge eating and drinking, leaving me with both extra weight and a bad reputation.

The maids in the mansion watched me with cold, judgmental eyes.

“I heard Cain-sama made a bold claim about winning the martial arts tournament in a year…”
“There’s no way someone as lazy as Cain-sama could manage that.”
“He’ll surely give up in no time.”

My poor behavior had earned me the maids’ scorn, and I could hear their whispers. It stung a little, but I ignored them and kept running.

The martial arts tournament, a year from now, was a pivotal event mentioned in the game’s prologue. It was where the hero, Abel, was destined to win. Abel, the protagonist of this world, was a cheat-like character blessed by the gods. He would gather a harem of beautiful women, led by the saint Selvia.

I couldn’t waste a single day if I wanted to beat him. There was no way I would let him take my favorite character, Selvia, from me.

“But why has Cain-sama’s attitude changed so drastically after he started treating Selvia-sama so kindly?”
“Apparently, Cain-sama personally asked the lord to welcome her. He even presented her with a bouquet of baby’s breath and vowed to protect her with his love.”
“What?! That’s so romantic!”
“I think I might be starting to see Cain-sama in a new light!”

As I continued running, I noticed the maids’ gazes turning warmer and more admiring. Though I couldn’t make out every word, rumors about yesterday’s events seemed to be spreading quickly.

“Cain! You can do it!”

A loud cheer startled me as my older sister, Ellis, ran toward me, wearing shorts that shamelessly flaunted her long legs.

Selvia followed close behind in similar athletic wear. To my confusion, she wore a collar with a chain around her neck.

Um… why?

“Hey, Cain! We’re joining your training!”
“Really, sister? Thank you!”

Since I wanted to test whether my game knowledge applied in this world, their participation was incredibly helpful. There were limits to what I could try on my own.

“Cain-niisama! This feels just like when the three of us used to play tag—it’s so much fun!”

Selvia smiled radiantly, her long hair flowing behind her. She looked as adorable as a fairy, and my heart couldn’t help but race. The fact that Selvia was my fiancée felt too good to be true—a dream come to life.

“Ah, yeah. It’s just like old times. Fun, isn’t it?”

I coughed to cover the grin threatening to spread across my face.

“Cain-niisama, I am your possession. Please hold onto the chain attached to this collar firmly.”

Selvia handed me the chain, dropping a bombshell with her words.

“Huh?! Wh-what are you saying, Selvia?!”
“Cain-niisama, it’s all an act. In public, we agreed to make it look like I’m being mistreated, remember?”
“Ah, right… yeah, that’s true.”

We had discussed and agreed on this earlier today, but actually doing it made me uneasy. Still, it couldn’t be helped.

After all, Prince Leon doubted I would follow his orders.

This morning, I had received a “gift” and a command from the prince to ensure his suspicions were unfounded.

“Ellis, did you bring the magical camera Prince Leon sent?”
“Yes, yes! Here it is!”

Ellis handed over a handheld magical camera, a rare item that the prince had sent with orders to photograph evidence of me mistreating Selvia. This magical device, one of only a few in the kingdom, could capture still images on paper. It was like a digital camera and printer combined. Surprisingly convenient.

“With this, we can capture a photo of an exhausted Selvia and create an image of her being mistreated by you, Cain—complete with the collar!”

Ellis clapped her hands enthusiastically. Even though it was just an act, the thought of it felt incredibly immoral. I swallowed hard.

“…This is all for a happy future with Cain-niisama. I’ll do my best.”

Selvia ran until she was visibly exhausted, swaying unsteadily.

“L-like this?”

I grabbed the collar of the collapsed Selvia and looked down at her with an arrogant expression.

“Yes, yes! Perfect! Cain, you really look the part of a villainous noble treating a poor, innocent beauty like a slave!”
“R-really?”
“But your expression still shows hesitation. Cain, try saying a proper villainous line to complete the act!”

Ellis, holding the magical camera, gave me acting directions. Now that I thought about it, she had always wanted to be a stage director or screenwriter. Her enthusiasm was intense.

“What kind of request is that…!”

I was in trouble. But to deceive Prince Leon and protect Selvia, I had no choice.

Swallowing my reluctance, I channeled the in-game Cain and delivered his iconic line.

“You will be mine forever, Selvia. Don’t think you can escape.”
“Yes, Cain-niisama. I will always belong to you.”

Selvia looked up at me with teary eyes.

Whoa! This expression of hers should be illegal. It simultaneously triggered both my protective instincts and a strange, guilty pleasure.

“Perfect! Both of you are amazing! Keep it up!”

Ellis snapped photos enthusiastically.

“Ugh, this is seriously embarrassing…”
“But I’m enjoying it.”

Well, as long as Selvia was having fun, it wasn’t all bad. It eased my guilt a little.

“Next, let’s try a scene where Cain-niisama ties me up with rope!”
“Wait, what?! No! Absolutely not!”
“But don’t you think it’s necessary?”

Selvia tilted her head innocently, but the suggestion was far too problematic.

I needed to win that martial arts tournament as soon as possible, so I wouldn’t have to engage in these strange performances anymore.

With renewed determination, I vowed to train even harder.