The Villainous Noble Son Wants to Capture His Stepsister! - Chapter 16

Ah, I’m exhausted.

My Water Iaijutsu (self-named) doesn’t consume much water for a single strike, but when used consecutively, my mana runs dangerously low. Endurance is definitely something I need to work on.

The ones who surrendered were handed over to the city guards, who had gathered after noticing the commotion. Though they may have survived today, it’s only a matter of time before the law catches up with them, and they join their fallen comrades.

Still, I didn’t expect nearly half of them to surrender.

Then again, Berserk Mode Heliotrope was absolutely terrifying—so, fair enough.

Okay, okay, I get it. I wasn’t thinking. So, Heliotrope, could you stop pinching my thigh now? It really hurts.

Also, Laps, why do you look jealous? Do you want to pinch me too?

Now, we’re inside the carriage on our way home.

On the way here, the two of them were sitting across from me.

But now, for some reason, they’re sitting on either side of me, pressing in close.

This carriage seats four—meaning it’s supposed to be two per side.

Even if they’re two women and I’m technically still a kid, this is way too cramped.

Forcing three people into this space isn’t “Cinderella fitting the glass slipper”—it’s just plain uncomfortable.

…If I don’t focus on dumb thoughts like these, I’m seriously in trouble.

If I let my mind wander to things like—how soft they feel, or how warm their bodies are, or how nice they smell—

NOPE. STOP. STOP RIGHT THERE. ERROR. SYSTEM FAILURE.

――――Wait, what?

Did I just black out for a second?!

Alright, I need to distract myself before my thoughts spiral out of control. Time to talk.

“Both of you, thank you for today. Because of you, I was able to accomplish my goal.”

Sure, I took a verbal beating from the crowd at first, but in the end, they cheered for me.

At the very least, they understood that I’m not the same Kraut as before.

“All of this is the result of your hard work, Master. However, the real challenge begins now.”

“I know. Today was just the starting point.”

As expected, Heliotrope is calm and composed.

I still have a long road ahead—building trust takes time and effort, but losing it happens in an instant.

“But I believe in you, Lord Kraut. One day, the people will come to understand your boundless kindness.”

“…Ah, uh… thank you.”

Wait.

Is it just me, or is Laps’s faith in me getting heavier by the day?

It’s starting to feel less like trust and more like religious devotion.

She’s not… starting a new religion centered around me, is she?

Also, why are we all sitting so rigidly, staring straight ahead, having this serious conversation? This looks so weird.

The carriage rattles and shakes as it makes its way back to the ducal estate.

With no suspension and the uneven cobblestone roads, the ride is anything but smooth.

But right now, I welcome the shaking—

Because it hides the trembling in my hands.

Everything went better than expected—even the plan I didn’t tell anyone about.

I rebuilt the orphanage, purged corrupt officials and thugs, and changed how the people see me.

And…

For the first time, I killed someone.

This world is one where lives are lost easily.

Without power, I can protect nothing. No one.

One day, I may have to cut down another to protect someone important.

If I hesitate, I could lose them forever.

That’s why—I had to experience killing.

So that, when the time comes, I won’t falter.

…I thought I had hidden it well.

But the two sitting beside me clearly noticed.

Otherwise, why else would they be sitting so close, practically sandwiching me on the way home?

I must look like wilted lettuce to them right now.

…Well, whatever.

For now, I’ll just accept their kindness.

One year until my little sister arrives.

Now then—

What’s next?