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

48 Julia’s Favor

Rex-sama came to observe our lesson and left. After confirming that, I let out a sigh. Honestly, I wanted to spend more time with him. He’s the first person to treat me with kindness, aside from Stell.

To be honest, I think my parents are weird. They treated me like a tool or something. That’s how I feel. So, only Stell was on my side. Rex-sama brought change to those days, so I love him that much.

“Ah, Rex-sama, I wish you could stay and play with us more.”

“You’re thinking of me as who? I’m just here to observe, so you should be grateful.”

That’s true, of course. Nobles usually leave their plans to others, so it’s not surprising. That’s why Rex-sama’s visit to our lesson is a sign of kindness.

Basically, his words are harsh, but he listens to our conversations carefully and thinks about the content. He gives us clear answers. That’s far removed from the image of nobles I know.

No, Lana-sama did visit our town once for an inspection, but she only watched from afar. We didn’t have a chance to talk. I understand that’s unavoidable, but I had some feelings about it.

We’re still in a suspicious situation, but we’re eating delicious food surrounded by guards. Chrono said Lana-sama was amazing, but I couldn’t agree.

However, I do like the current Lana-sama. Her appearance as a teacher at Rex-sama’s school is impressive.

All of this is thanks to Rex-sama’s plan. Lana-sama said so herself, and others were gossiping about it too.

That’s why we can’t thank Rex-sama enough.

“That’s true, but… being with Rex-sama is fun, isn’t it?”

“I’m not denying that. But it’s no good. He prepares our meals and gives us opportunities to study. We can’t burden him more than that.”

“That’s right. Then we should become stronger. We should aim to enter Astral Academy, at least.”

“Well, even if one of us gets in, it’s still a great achievement, isn’t it?”

Astral Academy is an extremely difficult institution to get into. We commoners know that. Therefore, the education to get in is quite severe. But compared to our past, it’s not that bad.

Even as children, we were sent to hunt beasts. I can wield a sword because of that, and Stel can use a bow because of that. There are children who were killed by beasts. There are children who were killed by demons. It was hard to believe that there would be a tomorrow.

That’s why I want to enter Astral Academy, no matter how difficult it is. Leaving aside the debt of gratitude.

“That’s right. If we don’t awaken to magic, there’s nothing we can do. What can we do?”

“I’m fine with being Rex-sama’s concubine or anything. As long as I can be of use.”

Stel is serious. You can tell by looking at her face. Well, I understand how she feels. It’s unbearable to receive everything from Rex-sama and not be able to return anything. That’s a common thought among us.

“I want to become strong. I’ve been able to drink a decent soup without having to suck on a piece of meat because of Rex-sama’s kindness.”

If there’s even a small piece of meat in the soup, it’s quite luxurious. Basically, it’s just a soup with some potatoes dissolved in it. That’s the kind of soup we used to have. If someone told me to go back to those days, I’d definitely refuse.

“I understand. Even if I become a concubine, it’s a special treatment. I’d be played with and then discarded. That’s something we’ve heard often, isn’t it?”

There are stories about young girls from noble families being sold and eventually dying. We’ve heard those stories in our hometown too. We’ve even seen people we know being sold. It’s not like we didn’t hear about it.

“That’s why I think Rex-sama is a kind person. The rumors about the Black family seem like lies.”

“Don’t be too optimistic. There are still bad rumors about the head of the family. Rex-sama is an exception.”

“Ah, is it true that Lady Lana was taken as a hostage?”

There were rumors about it. Lady Lana was sold for gold or taken as a hostage for debt. But from what I’ve seen, Rex-sama seems to have good intentions towards her.

“At least, Rex-sama is trying to make use of us. That’s why Rex-sama is different.”

“That’s right. Even today, he gave us advice.”

Don’t swing your sword with just your arm; use your whole body. When I became aware of that, I felt like my sword skills had improved. That’s why I feel like Rex-sama has expectations for me. Even I, who had nothing, can feel like I’m being watched over.

“I’ll definitely master the curved shot. I won’t betray your expectations.”

“I’ll also become stronger. At least, I have to surpass Rex-sama’s sword skills, or it’s meaningless.”

Rex-sama can use powerful dark magic. If that’s the case, it’s difficult to win with magic. That’s why I’ll focus on sword skills. If I can be of use, I have to do something that Rex-sama can’t do.

“That’s right. We’ll definitely become strong. To repay Rex-sama’s kindness.”

“We’re receiving everything: delicious food, a warm bed, and training time. We’re getting everything.”

We used to drink a thin soup and rely on beast hides to get through the night. And we’d polish our skills in actual combat. Thinking about that, what Rex-sama has given us is enormous.

We can eat meat, vegetables, and fish, and have three meals a day. We can sleep in a bed. And we’re even taught magic and sword skills. It’s something we never even imagined. But now, we’re living a life beyond our imagination. It’s all thanks to Rex-sama. That’s why we want to repay him. It’s only natural.

“If we had stayed like that, we wouldn’t have had a future. That’s why…”

“It was a matter of time. Would we have died of hunger or been killed by beasts? Which would have happened?”

At least, we wouldn’t have been able to survive until adulthood. That’s something I’m certain of. But now, we can think about the future. A future where we can be of use to Rex-sama.

“We don’t need to think about that. Rex-sama has given us hope. That’s why we’ll repay him.”

“That’s right. Thinking about what-ifs is pointless. Let’s do our best!”

We’ll defeat any enemy that comes our way. That’s why I want Rex-sama to keep watching over us. With eyes that are kind despite their words. The happiness of being watched over by those eyes is something that no one else can understand. But that’s fine. As long as Rex-sama is with us, I’m happy.

That’s why I’ll kill all of Rex-sama’s enemies. Even if they’re from the same hometown as us. Anyone except Stel can be killed.

Please, Rex-sama. I want you to expect things from me. I want you to watch over me warmly. That’s all I need. I can do anything. I can become strong.

Stel and I will dedicate our lives to serving you. That’s why I want to be with you forever, no matter what the future holds. Forever and ever.