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

53: Joyful Emotions

Is Julia the protagonist or not? If she is, how should we approach her? I’ve been racking my brain.

Maybe there’s no clear answer. But I just can’t stop thinking about it. Is it foolish of me to do so? It’s difficult.

“If Julia is the protagonist, then awakening her magic is extremely important.”

Null attribute magic is special and belongs to the protagonist alone. Eventually, it will become incredibly powerful and be able to take down even the strongest enemies.

In the first place, it has a special effect against dark attributes, which are common in villains. That alone is something we can’t ignore.

So, whether Julia’s null attribute magic awakens or not will have a huge impact on the future.

“Even so, we can’t use the same method as the original story. Sacrificing someone close to us, like Stelle, is out of the question.”

I’ll never let that happen. If someone tries to kill Stelle, I’ll stop them no matter what. I’ll even kill them if I have to.

To me, Stelle is an important person, like family. Of course, Julia is too. So, I won’t consider any methods that would hurt Stelle. Julia would be sad too.

“Null attribute magic awakens with strong emotions, right? Then, can’t we use joyful emotions instead of sorrow?”

In the original story, it was clear that emotions were the trigger. So, Stelle’s death became the reason. But if strong emotions are the key, then it doesn’t have to be sorrow. That idea might be correct. At the very least, it’s worth considering.

“But how do we make Julia happy? A light joy won’t be enough, after all.”

Even if I ask myself, I’m not sure if I can get a good answer. Or rather, if I try to please myself, I might end up reducing my own joy. If it’s a strong emotion, a surprise might be better.

I’m the type who asks the other person what they want when it comes to presents. But that’s just to enjoy their expected reaction, and it doesn’t evoke a strong emotional response like an attribute-less magic awakening. I’ve experienced it, so I know.

However, it’s difficult to think about it on my own. So, I decided to ask the people around me.

“Philis, what brings you the greatest joy?”

“…Magic. If I can see the greatest magic beyond this, that would be the best.”

“Then, it’s simple. If you just look at me, you can achieve it.”

Even though I’m called the greatest magician, I still seek more magic. That attitude is something I should emulate. I want to become stronger and protect everyone.

And, I want to repay my debt to my teacher. If I can show them an amazing magic, I’ll do it with my own hands.

However, it’s not directly relevant. Julia doesn’t have the same obsession with magic as Philis. Well, it’s fine if I just think about what’s at the center of her heart. That should be possible.

“Erena, what do you think is the most joyful thing in this world?”

“That’s when Rex perfects his sword technique. If he does, it will leave proof that I’ve lived.”

“Then, it’s simple. I’m a genius, after all.”

She’s completely awakened to her mentor’s heart. That’s why I want to respond to her thoughts. I think it’s wonderful if I can leave a mark on someone’s memory.

However, it’s not as simple as saying it out loud. My sword technique can only be completed with dark magic. There’s no one who can teach me that right now. I’m referencing Camila’s sword, but it has a different attribute. In other words, I need to find it on my own. It’s a tough challenge.

Leaving something to someone. For Julia, it might be too early. If that’s the case, it’s not a reference for me either. But I think I’ve received Erena’s thoughts.

“Aria, what would make you the happiest?”

“I think it would be if the Black family regains its former glory.”

“If I become the head of the family, it would be foolish to compare it to the past.”

As an elf, she knows about the Black family’s past. I don’t know about it, since it wasn’t described in the original story. However, the current Black family doesn’t look very promising. It’s the same as me. Maybe I can achieve it. It will be a difficult path, though.

Does Julia want to regain something from the past? Either way, it’s difficult for me to fulfill.

“Wes, what do you wish for most?”

“I-I want to be with Master forever…”

“That’s an easy one. But I’m the best, so it’s only natural, right?”

I’m not thinking it’s easy. Spending a lifetime with someone important is the same wish as mine. However, it’s difficult to awaken Julia’s magic with that directionality.

But Wes’s feelings are very joyful. It’s a wish I want to grant. It should bring me happiness as well.

“Mary, what situation makes you happy?”

“When I can feel my brother’s magic. It’s warm and happy.”

“Then, I’ll show you my magic. It’s amazing, right?”

I took Mary’s hand and gathered magic in my palm. She gave me a wonderful smile. If I can feel the existence of someone important, that’s joyful. I can empathize.

For Julia, the important person is probably Stell. Using that is probably impossible, though.

“Felicia, can you see your own happiness?”

“Are you looking for an excuse to flirt with someone again? Of course, my happiness is already decided.”

“I don’t feel like answering. You’re a hopeless case.”

It’s fine if I just keep it to myself. That’s also important. However, it’s crucial to have the ability to sense it.

Felicia probably has her own happiness already decided. It’s enviable, yet not enviable at the same time.

Perhaps true happiness lies in something that can’t be put into words.

“Lana, what makes you happy?”

“I think it would be if I’m cherished. I don’t really understand anything else.”

“If you’re a person who only seeks attention from others, you won’t be cherished. You need to think about your own actions.”

I said something bad. It’s mixed with my true feelings, but it’s not something I should say to others. It’s like something Rex would say, though.

What Lana said is understandable, to some extent. It’s about her past, or rather, her present. She was treated like a hostage, and it’s hard to believe she’s being treasured. That means she’s seeking something she doesn’t have now. Something Julia lacks. It might be a clue to understanding her.

“Jan, do you know what makes you happy?”

“Of course, it’s being useful to my brother. Becoming the greatest leader is my goal.”

“Then, you need to work hard. You know it’s not an easy task, don’t you?”

What a wonderful conversation. I respect my brother, who is acknowledged by someone. Being appreciated by someone is also a form of happiness.

I asked everyone, but I couldn’t get a good answer. However, I got a hint, so I thought about it on my own.

“It seems like asking the person directly won’t bring joy. That means the method to make them happy is difficult.”

I need to understand Julia’s heartfelt desire. That’s necessary. In the original story, she was seeking a warm family and didn’t want to lose anyone. But the current situation is different. It’s inexplicable.

“No, trying to give her a sword might be good. If it doesn’t match her magic, I can just give her another one.”

It’s better than not doing anything. Granting someone’s wish is also important. She did say she wanted a sword before.

“By the way, I’ll give Stel a bow too.”

I wouldn’t dare treat the two of them differently. It’s not like I’m biased towards others.

So, I prepared a sword and a bow. I made them look like they were casually tossed together, in case my father found out.

“Julia, Stel. I’ll give you a reward.”

“Wow, a sword! Lord Rex, can I use it now?”

“I got a bow. I’ll treasure it, Lord Rex.”

Both of them are delighted. However, Stel’s words made me a bit uneasy. If they’re treasured more than their lives, that’s not good. That’s not what I want.

“I’ll use my poverty to not miss the timing.”

“Thank you very much. I won’t forget your kindness.”

I hope it gets through to them. I think so. Swords and bows can be replaced easily, but I don’t want them to be in danger because of such things.

For now, they’re very happy. However, my goal hasn’t been achieved. Julia still hasn’t awakened to magic.

“I guess just giving gifts wasn’t enough. Well, it’s fine. At least they’re happy.”

I want to continue thinking about how to make them happy. Just seeing their happy faces is enough to make me happy.