I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Who Gets Killed Midway Through the Story but It Looks Like I’ll Be Executed as a Traitor if I Try to Do Good Deeds

25: Efficiency

Since I was able to respond to the incident caused by my mother in “Destiny Blood,” I thought it would be good if I could approach other family members. However, I was struggling to find an opportunity.

Then, my brother entered the room and started talking to me. It was perfect timing. But what was he going to say?

“Brother, you’re amazing! Following your words, the efficiency of the slaves’ work has increased!”

My brother was extremely excited. In the original story, he respected me and would listen to anything I said. So, if I used this to my advantage, I might be able to correct his trajectory. With that in mind, I decided to listen to what he had to say.

After all, people who don’t make a face when listening to others tend to be more open-minded. A good listener is a good talker. I didn’t want to forget that.

“What do you mean by ‘following your words’?”

“I told them to handle the slaves with care, just like tools! You’re truly exceptional, Brother!”

How should I interpret this? Should I be afraid that he genuinely sees others as tools, or be happy that he’s treating the slaves with care?

Either way, it’s more important that the slaves aren’t mistreated. Even if my brother is a psychopath, killing him wouldn’t solve the problem. I need to somehow guide him in a positive direction.

Still, he looks like a good kid. With his black hair and black eyes, he’s a handsome boy. But he might be extremely dangerous. He doesn’t seem to have a normal sense of ethics, even now.

“Of course! I don’t treat others as humans. I use them as tools completely.”

“I see! Humans can become disliked, after all.”

So, there’s a distinction between likes and dislikes. Well, that’s natural. Even psychopaths have emotions, so I need to make sure to treat them with kindness. Everyone wants to be treated kindly by those they like.

For now, I’ll assume my brother is an efficiency-oriented person. His current behavior suggests that he prioritizes efficiency.

“That’s right. Treating others roughly is proof that you’re treating them as humans.”

“Exactly! If they’re tools, it’s all about whether they can be used or not.”

It’s terrifying to hear someone casually refer to humans as tools. Even if I’m just acting, I feel guilty. My brother is treating others like tools with a calm face. It’s frightening.

But I still can’t afford to slack off in building relationships. The fate of the slaves is in my hands. Ideally, I’d like to free the slaves, but that’s impossible for now.

My parents would never allow me to discard the workforce. They don’t possess a sense of human rights. So, I need to operate within the bounds of their values. I’m not brave enough to sacrifice my life to free the slaves. It’s pathetic, but that’s how it is.

If I were to abandon my life, my parents would continue to use slaves as they always have. In the end, it would be a meaningless death.

“Jan, what do you think about treating others as tools?”

“That’s a strange question. Ah, I think it’s different from my father’s way. As for me, I think my father’s method is inefficient.”

Jan still prioritizes efficiency, doesn’t he? The word “efficiency” has come up multiple times already. If so, it shouldn’t be difficult to persuade him. I’ll believe that.

“Then that’s good. As for me, I don’t want to oppose my father either.”

“I understand that. My brother is also working hard for the Black family, isn’t he?”

To be precise, it’s for the people close to me, but of course, it’s also for my own benefit. However, saying it’s for the Black family might be more convenient.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Yeah! Hey, brother, if you have a better way, please teach me!”

He asked me directly. It’s certainly convenient, but I didn’t prepare an answer in advance. This is troublesome. I have to come up with something on the spot. At least, I’ll think of something that doesn’t harm the slaves.

“That’s right. We should improve the slaves’ living environment and not scold them excessively.”

“Why is that?”

I’m used to making up excuses for my actions. I’ll just come up with a suitable reason.

“It’s simple. If we make them work in dirty places, they’ll touch us, right? And if anyone can come up with insults, it’s proof that their vocabulary is limited. It’s not something a noble would do.”

“That’s true. You’re the best, brother! Please teach me again if you have the chance.”

Jan seems to have accepted it. It seems he’s also acquired the villainous way of speaking. In other words, there’s a high possibility that he’ll be misunderstood as a good person. Both can’t coexist, making it difficult.

“Yes, that’s fine. I’m also happy to see my brother grow.”

“When you become the head of the family, I’ll support you, brother!”

“Thank you. For that, I’ll study hard too.”

If I have the correct knowledge, I can avoid making obvious mistakes. That’s something I experienced in my past life. So, I want to study too, especially magic. I’ve been improvising a lot, like when I healed Wes’s right arm.

“Of course. If I gain knowledge, I can be of use to you, brother.”

“I’ll help too. If Jan grows up, it’ll be easier for me.”

And if I can instill values that are convenient for me, that would be great. As for me, I want to make the Black family a benevolent existence. To do that, my parents are obstacles, but I’ll try to make it happen within my limits.

At least, I want to reduce the reputation of being an evil noble before the original story begins. In other words, before I enter the academy. After all, a destruction order for the Black family is issued midway through the original story. The reason is clear: the Black family’s evil deeds exceeded the royal family’s tolerance.

“That’s efficient, isn’t it? You’re amazing, brother. Normally, people would monopolize knowledge for themselves.”

“Jan, do you understand that problem?”

“Of course. If there are two people with the same knowledge, we can do twice the work. If it’s just me, I can only do my part.”

Exactly. I wonder if I had the same thoughts as Jan when I was his age. Honestly, he’s incredibly talented. In the original story, he had three attributes (Trikiro). He’s also a skilled magician and has a good head on his shoulders. I want to make him my ally no matter what.

“That’s right. Jan is smart. From now on, please use your talents to support me.”

“Of course. It’s for my respected brother’s sake!”

I want him to respect me forever. If that happens, I can guide Jan onto the path of good. In other words, the possibility of me dying will decrease.

For now, I’ll slowly guide Jan. Since he listens to my words sincerely, it should be easier than with others.

First, one step. From now on, I need to guide my brother skillfully.

Now, the only family members left are my father and brother. My father is impossible, but if I can make my brother an ally, that would be great.