The Villainous Noble Son Wants to Capture His Stepsister! - Chapter 45

Vice—the protagonist of the game Swords, Magic, and Flower Crowns—was the very definition of a classic hero.

Despite being born a commoner, he possessed exceptional talent.

He was an all-rounder, capable of wielding all magical attributes.

…I was insanely jealous.

On top of that, he could use any weapon flawlessly.

After all, in the game’s mechanics, swapping equipment didn’t apply penalties.

Hell, he could even use nunchaku (a joke weapon) effectively.

Not only was he strong, but he also had a strong sense of justice.

He simply couldn’t ignore someone in need.

If this were a different kind of game, he’d probably be called a hero.

“I won’t let you do as you please! Your opponent is ME!”

…Yeah.

His hot-bloodedness was off the charts.

The sheer intensity of his energy reminded me of former pro tennis players or professional wrestlers.

I half-expected him to start shouting “Get fired up!” or “It’s all about fighting spirit!”

The golem raised its massive fist once more.

Vice, in response—

…Wait.

What the hell is he doing!?

“Ooooooooooaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!?”

For reference—

The first “Oooooo” was his battle cry as he charged at the golem with his bare fists.

The latter “Aaaaaahhh” was his screaming as he got punched and sent flying.

“Are you an idiot!?”

Why.

Why would you try to punch that thing!?

So not only was the game’s protagonist hot-blooded, but he was also a musclehead.

Thinking about it now…

The game’s story revolved around defeating enemies to progress the plot.

So naturally, the most efficient way to romance the heroines was to grind levels and get stronger.

It all made sense.

Vice, after being launched like a pinball, crashed into an invisible barrier mid-air before dropping to the ground.

Ah.

So that’s where the boundary of the magical barrier was.

“Ugh… that hurt.”

“You’re absurdly durable.”

How did he survive a direct punch from that thing?

If it had been me, I’d have turned into a gory, unrecognizable mess.

Meanwhile, the golem had stopped targeting me and was now approaching Vice.

…Sigh.

Guess I had no choice but to help.

Since I didn’t have my sword, my best option was…

Throwing a rock.

At full strength.

“Hmph!”

With my enhanced physique and Chikara Mizu, my strength had skyrocketed over the past few years.

The rock slammed into the golem’s head, producing a shockingly loud impact.

“Whoa, seriously?”

At least my control over magic and strength had improved.

The drawback was that Chikara Mizu still left me sore afterward.

…Though it wasn’t as bad as before.

The golem turned toward me again and charged.

As it swung its fist, I sidestepped into its blind spot.

With a quick leg sweep, I knocked out its knee joint, causing it to stumble.

Then, I ran over to Vice.

“You alright?”

“Eh? Y-Yes. I’m pretty sturdy.”

“That’s an understatement.”

“Huh?”

Was this an RPG protagonist trait?

It made sense—after all, heroes always started off with no armor and fought monsters barehanded.

“Um… You’re the Duke of Wertheim, right?”

“Yeah.”

“M-My name is Vice! I was trained by Master Enzi… oh! Do you know the name Enzi!?”

“Of course. My sister was under her care.”

So Enzi really had become Vice’s master.

I had heard she visited the orphanage once or twice a year, but I hadn’t been lucky enough to see her.

“Master always talked about you! She said you were a rare noble—one with true strength and honor!”

“…Excuse me?”

Damn it, Enzi!

Why did you raise my reputation so high!?

I was just some guy who barely survived by outsmarting an opponent while drenched in bl00d!

“Even now, you’re standing your ground to protect others… Just as Master said!”

…This is too much.

He wasn’t a bad guy, but he was too much to handle.

I had to deal with this golem and get away from him ASAP.

“I really didn’t expect this…”

“Huh?”

“Never mind. Listen, I need you to do something.”

“Yes! Leave it to me! Let’s protect everyone together, Lord Wertheim!”

The blond pretty boy’s eyes sparkled.

How the hell did it come to this?

Sigh.

“Vice, can you use fire magic?”

“Yes! I can use all elements!”

I knew that already, but I needed confirmation.

And…

Damn it, I’m still jealous.

“Hit it with the strongest fire magic you have. Then, once I give the signal, hit it with everything you’ve got.”

“That’s all?”

“That’s all you need to focus on.”

“Understood! I’m going in!”

“The Romance Game Protagonist Being a Musclehead—Is That Really Okay?”

As Vice prepared to attack, waves of heat-like magic began to radiate from his body.

Wait.

I recognized this.

“Crimson Fang!”

Vice swung his fist, and a dragon of flames erupted from his strike.

Though it lacked Enzi’s level of power, it was still the same technique.

The fire dragon crashed into the golem, engulfing it in a fiery explosion.

“Damn… I wanna do something like that too.”

But that was wishful thinking.

For now—

“Douse it with water.”

Once I confirmed the golem was sufficiently heated, I let water rain down upon it.

Now that I thought about it…

This was the exact same move that game Kraut used to harass the protagonist.

As the flames were extinguished, a huge cloud of steam erupted from the golem’s body.

…Hot!

I continued pouring water until the steam finally began to settle.

Alright—

Time to finish this.

“Vice! Now!”

“Got it!”

Vice charged forward and threw a full-powered punch into the golem’s torso.

I couldn’t help but think—

Didn’t that hurt?

But instead of Vice’s fist breaking, it was the golem that cracked.

Fractures spread rapidly across its body—

Until it completely shattered.

“Aftermath of the Golem Incident”

The disaster was resolved, but Vice and I were still scolded to hell and back by the examiners.

Unfair.

Sure, we didn’t run away when we were told to.

But hey—

I was the one being targeted!

As for Henohenomoheji (placeholder name), the one who caused this mess—

His life wasn’t in danger, but he was dragged away by his parents, who looked beyond furious.

…Rest in peace.

“By the way… what happens to our practical exam scores?”

“Oh, right!”

Vice and I were the only ones left who hadn’t taken the test.

They weren’t gonna make us do it now, right?

Because at this point—

I had so little magic left that my water spell would barely be enough to mimic a decorative fountain cherub.

“…That golem’s abilities were exceptionally high.”

“Despite working together, the two of you managed to take it down quickly. Given that, the highest possible evaluation is warranted.”

Hell yes.

My biggest concern had just resolved itself in the best possible way.

Once we were dismissed, Vice and I left the academy grounds together.

“Um… Duke Wertheim?”

“Just Kraut is fine.”

“Huh?”

“We’re about to be classmates, right? It’d be weird if you kept calling me ‘Duke.’”

“A-Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

I still had no intention of getting too involved with him.

But I wasn’t going to be hostile either.

This was a reasonable middle ground.

“T-Then… Kraut-sama.”

“What?”

“Thank you for today. If I had been alone, I don’t think I could have beaten that thing.”

“…I’m not so sure about that.”

Even if he had struggled, he probably would have found a way.

It just would have taken longer.

“At the very least, the damage would have been far worse.”

“Now I understand why Master always spoke so highly of you.”

“You’re overestimating me.”

As we walked out of the academy gate, I saw my ducal carriage waiting.

“Need a ride?”

“No, Master told me to run back home. But I appreciate the offer.”

“…That’s hardcore.”

“Well then!”

Vice took off running.

…This guy really is the protagonist of a romance game, right?

Because this felt more like a sports anime.

Oh well.

Before he got too far—

“Vice!”

He turned back at the sound of my voice.

With the setting sun behind him, his figure looked ridiculously picturesque.

Damn pretty boys.

“See you at the academy.”

Hearing that, Vice , flashed a smile so dazzling it could make anyone’s heart skip a beat.

“Yes!”

…For the record, I don’t swing that way.