Blessed to be the Villain

After watching Lara disappear into the distance, Ethan turned back toward the mansion. A strange emptiness settled in his chest.

Their companionship had been anything but pleasant, yet the mark they had left on each other's lives was undeniable.

Despite the circumstances, she was the first person he had met in this unfamiliar world—the first woman he had ever been intimate with.

Back on Earth, it wasn't as if he lacked attention from women, but relationships had never been a priority. He had been too focused on his ambitions, too occupied with his goals. And so, he had never lost his virginity. Yet now, barely after arriving in this world, that had changed.

Was he lucky or unlucky?

He had lost his V-card, but he had also experienced the worst pain he could ever imagine. Just the thought of it sent a phantom ache through his chest, making him subconsciously squint his eyes.

Their contract forbade them from seeking each other out, so he didn't know if they would ever meet again. But one thing was certain—he would remember her for the rest of his life.

After all, no man forgets his first time.

Shaking the thoughts from his mind, Ethan made his way back inside the mansion. He needed rest, despite having just woken up. The events of the morning had left him mentally drained.

As he walked through the dimly lit corridors, the scent of polished wood and old parchment filled the air. Servants bustled around, scrubbing the floors and dusting the grand paintings that lined the walls.

Ethan noticed something strange.

Whenever he passed by, the servants averted their gazes, yet he could feel their eyes subtly stealing glances at him.

Why are they acting like this?

It wasn't something he particularly cared about, but the sudden shift in their behavior made him take note of it.

Just as he was about to reach his room, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hall. A shadow paced near his door, back and forth, restless.

Turning the corner, Ethan's crimson eyes landed on the source.

Saka the Knight.

A man in his forties, his square jaw clenched in frustration as he marched in front of Ethan's door. His furrowed brows and dark expression made it clear—he was waiting for someone.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. Why is this guy here?

Sifting through the original Ethan's memories, he tried to recall what he knew about him.

Then, as if sensing his presence, Saka suddenly turned toward him.

The moment their eyes met, the man's furious expression vanished—replaced by an almost sickeningly eager smile. His entire demeanor shifted as he strode toward Ethan with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Ethan's eyes flickered with realization.

Yes, he knew what kind of person this was.

A bootlicker.

Saka came to a halt in front of him, bowing slightly. His tone was laced with a false warmth.

"Good morning, young master. Did you have a pleasant night?"

His words were deliberately suggestive, his knowing smirk barely concealed.

Ethan's gaze darkened slightly, though he kept his expression neutral. He understood the implication. After all, this was the man responsible for Lara being in the original Ethan's bed.

Yes, this was the one who had ambushed and captured Lara.

A wave of disgust curled in Ethan's stomach. Not just because of what this man had done, but because Ethan hated people like this. He despised bootlickers. Every time he saw one, it made his skin crawl.

Yet, he couldn't let his true emotions show.

Although he didn't think it would be necessary, Ethan decided to maintain the original Ethan's behavior. There was something about Saka that was… off. Even the previous Ethan had found this man suspicious at times.

So, instead of letting his disgust show, Ethan's expression shifted into one of practiced confidence. A lazy smirk tugged at his lips as he met Saka's expectant gaze.

"Satisfactory indeed," he drawled.

Saka's smirk widened. "Of course, of course!" he nodded eagerly. But then, his expression shifted slightly, and he asked, "By the way, young master, I heard you let that girl go free earlier. Why was that?"

Ethan's eyes sharpened.

How did he know?

No one was supposed to have seen him escorting Lara. Only Sir Ralf and the guards at the back door had been present.

And Ethan was certain that Ralf wouldn't have said anything. As for the guards, he had ordered them to keep the matter secret.

So how did this rat get the news so quickly?

His suspicions deepened, but he didn't let it show. Instead, he leaned slightly, his crimson gaze turning cold.

"I did. So what?" His tone was indifferent, but the sharp glint in his eyes made his threat clear. "You have a problem with that?"

Saka hastily shook his head, his forced smile twitching.

"No, no! Of course not, young master. It's just that… well, you told us not to disturb you for two days, yet it has only been one night. I was wondering if something was wrong."

Ethan's expression didn't change, but internally, he scoffed. So he's testing me, huh?

His voice turned cold. "I do what I want. I don't have to answer to anyone."

Saka immediately bowed his head in submission. "Of course, young master. I apologize for my presumptuousness. Please, don't mind me."

Ethan tilted his head slightly, watching him with an unreadable gaze before finally nodding.

"As a generous person, I'll forgive you this time. But don't make this mistake again." His tone was light, but there was an underlying edge of warning.

Then, without another word, he brushed past Saka and entered his room.

As the door shut behind him, he caught a final glimpse of the man's face—still plastered with that same sycophantic smile.

"Rest well, young master," Saka said, bowing.

Ethan barely suppressed a shudder of revulsion before locking the door behind him.

But outside, the moment the door clicked shut, Saka's fake smile disappeared.

His eyes darkened, his expression turning sharp with suspicion.

A low murmur escaped his lips. "Something is wrong."

His fingers twitched slightly, as if itching to grip his weapon.

"Why did the plan fail?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. His eyes flickered toward Ethan's closed door one last time before he turned on his heel and hurried away.

"I need to inform his lordship."

With that, he disappeared into the dimly lit corridor, his hurried footsteps fading into the distance.

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