The Villainous Noble Son Wants to Capture His Stepsister! - Chapter 35

“Ah, damn it… This has turned into such a hassle.”

I sighed, leaning back against the chair in my office.

The hassle in question was none other than the recent kidnapping incident involving Primelia.

“The confirmation has been made. The knight in question was indeed from the Veltheim household… To think a knight would dare to abduct the lady of the house he serves.”

“Yeah, so this wasn’t just some ordinary kidnapping.”

I replied to Heliotrope’s comment.

A knight from our house would know Primelia’s face. There was no way this was a mistake. This wasn’t about the orphanage children at all—Primelia had been the target from the start.

“Did Primelia say anything about what happened?”

“No, she was forced into the carriage and had a cloth thrown over her. She barely caught a glimpse of her captors.”

“I see… Has she been frightened or shaken up since?”

“I confirmed with Laps as well, but there have been no such signs.”

“That’s a relief.”

The incident itself was a bitter failure on my part. But the fact that Primelia was unharmed—physically and mentally—was the only silver lining.

If they had so much as tried to lay a hand on her, even if they had failed, I would have turned them into diced steak. Well… I did already splatter their guts everywhere.

“By the way, have you found a reliable female bodyguard for her?”

After what had happened, ensuring Primelia’s safety was my top priority. And for that, a female bodyguard was preferable.

When I asked about the matter, Sebastian responded with utmost confidence.

“Leave it to me. I personally met with her and made the request. She is skilled, and her character is beyond reproach.”

I glanced at Heliotrope just in case, and she gave a small nod.

“Indeed. She is truly formidable. I have never met another woman with such strength.”

“Huh… If even you say that, she must be something special. So, who is she? She’s not from Veltheim, is she?”

“No, Master. Given what has transpired, even the knights cannot be trusted. We hired a seasoned adventurer.”

“An adventurer?”

Adventurers typically earned their keep by hunting monsters or delving into dungeons. But some took on escort missions or gathered resources for a living.

A request from a ducal house was prestigious and well-paid. Many would jump at the opportunity.

Still, if I couldn’t trust my own knights, how could I put my faith in an outsider?

I was just sipping my tea when—

“Her name is… Enzi, if I recall correctly.”

“Cough!”

“Master!? (My Lord!?)”

I choked and spat out my tea in classic manga fashion. Oh no, my documents!

No—this was a bigger issue. Enzi… Could it be—?

“Cough, cough… Hey, Sebastian.”

“Y-yes, Master?”

“This Enzi… She wouldn’t happen to have the title ‘The Crimson Flame,’ would she?”

“Ah, you know of her? Impressive, My Lord.”

“…Yeah.”

You’ve got to be kidding me.

I was already shocked when it happened with Lilliane, but this might be an even bigger twist.

Because Enzi wasn’t just anyone—she was the mentor of the game’s protagonist!

◇

Enzi—one of the world’s most renowned adventurers and the mentor of the protagonist in Sword, Magic, and the Flower Crown.

She was known for her mastery of fire magic and the greatsword, and with her striking red hair, she was called The Crimson Flame.

For the record, titles like these weren’t officially bestowed. They were nicknames given by the public based on a person’s deeds or strength.

As someone with the heart of a middle schooler, I had a deep appreciation for cool titles. But someone like me would probably never earn one. Damn it.

Anyway—

In the game, Enzi met the protagonist in a small village and, recognizing their talent, took them under her wing. They lived together until the protagonist enrolled in the magic academy.

Meaning—she hadn’t met the protagonist yet.

“Man… How did someone so famous even agree to this?”

The game was still years from starting, but she already had her title. She wasn’t the kind of person who bowed to power.

Why would someone like her take a job as my bodyguard?

As I wondered, Heliotrope answered.

“It seems Laps personally requested it.”

“Laps did?”

“Yes. Lady Enzi is actually from that orphanage, just like Laps.”

“Wait, what!?”

“She happened to return for a visit after five or six years. They reunited by chance, and Laps told her about the situation.”

“No way…”

That explains it! No wonder, in the game, when the protagonist mentioned me, she said—

“Stay away from that man. That house is full of nobles unworthy of the name.”

At the time, I thought it was just because of her strong sense of justice.

Turns out, she had every reason to hate me.

Wait—does that mean I’m safe now? Hell yeah! Good thing I saved the orphanage!

“Oh, that reminds me—before taking up her duties, she wishes to meet you, My Lord.”

“Oh no…”

What does she want? Please let it be just a greeting.

◇

“Yo, Lord Kraut. Name’s Enzi. My upbringing wasn’t great, so don’t expect me to speak all prim and proper.”

Standing before me was a strikingly beautiful woman with long, crimson hair.

She was taller than Heliotrope—easily over 180 cm. Her lean, muscular body retained its feminine curves, but it was hard to imagine she could wield the massive greatsword strapped to her back with ease.

“An honor to meet you, Lady Enzi. Having a warrior of your caliber as my sister’s bodyguard is reassuring. Your manner of speech is of no concern.”

“Heh.”

Wait, what’s with that smirk?

She looked like a predator sizing up its prey.

Her presence alone was overwhelming. Compared to her, the thugs from the orphanage were like hamsters.

“Laps told me all about it. You saved our orphanage. I owe you one.”

“Ah, no… If anything, I should apologize.”

Back when Enzi was growing up, the orphanage had been struggling.

And knowing how things were run back then—

“The donations meant for the orphanage were embezzled. I assume some of your money was among them?”

“…Yeah. But that’s on me too. I sent the money but never checked in. Anyway, you dealt with those scumbags, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. Sorry, but there aren’t any heads left for you to claim.”

“Heh…”

For some reason, my words made Enzi chuckle.

Her chuckles grew into full laughter, until finally—

“AHAHAHAHA! I like you, kid! Normally, I hate nobles, but you? I think I’ll stick around.”

“That’s an honor.”

“Honestly, if I didn’t like you, I would’ve refused, no matter what Laps said. But I’ll take care of your sister. Count on it.”

“I’m counting on you.”

We shook hands firmly.

Ow! Damn, her grip is insane! Someone, help—!