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

92: Heading Towards the Goal

What could I do about the people around me? Such doubts had been gnawing at my heart.

However, I couldn’t afford to stop because of that. I had to do my best and not rely on others.

For now, there was little I could do. My priority was to improve my skills, and I also had to pay attention to Ike and Muska. What else could I do? I couldn’t think of anything.

As I continued training, I saw a familiar green-haired figure. It was Hanna.

“Rex, I won’t lose to you. As a knight aiming to become a royal guard, I won’t be disliked by the princess.”

Hanna’s current goal was to become a royal guard, and she was only focused on that. She didn’t care about the princess’s character; she just pursued her own objective. I wondered if that was correct.

As Rex, it was easy to choose words that would provoke Hanna. It was like teasing her, and I was sure her true feelings would surface. It might be unnecessary, but…

“Hmph, are you satisfied with wagging your tail? Want to become their dog?”

“Rex, please don’t make fun of me…!”

Her eyes were filled with hostility. Of course, they were. If she didn’t get angry with my words, something would be wrong. However, if Hanna got fired up, it would be beneficial for me. If she became stronger, it would lead to a better outcome.

“So, are you just going to bark? Don’t you think you should show me something?”

“If that’s what you want…! No, that’s not it…! Defeating you won’t solve anything…”

The intense emotion she felt earlier had disappeared, replaced by a calm gaze. This was a much better development than I had imagined. Hanna might understand what she needed to do to become a royal guard. If so, I would confirm it.

“So, how do you plan to resolve the situation? Tell me.”

“I will support the princess. Taking away her ally is unthinkable. Therefore, I need to train more…!”

This was perfect. If things went well, I might be able to build a good relationship with the princess sisters earlier than expected. Or maybe Hanna had already been introduced to them, which meant she was already acknowledged. If so, was it pointless? No, that wasn’t the case. Looking at Hanna’s eyes, I could see her strong determination. At the very least, it had become a catalyst.

Then, I would create an opportunity to make her angry at me. With a suitable pretext.

“Interesting. Show me your power now.”

“I’ll borrow your chest for now, but I won’t lose to you. Soon, you’ll be the one borrowing my chest!”

We faced each other, but all I had to do was prepare my dark attire (Gratinee Wear). I knew her trump card, and given its nature, my defense wouldn’t be breached.

In case of an emergency, I could use other magic, like the Fatal Blade. It was simple, but it would greatly reduce her stress and benefit me.

“I’ll show you my strongest technique! Tempest Blade!”

A massive amount of magical swords rained down from above, leaving no gaps. Few people could avoid this technique. Even if they tried to dodge after being hit, only someone like Camila could escape outside the range.

It was an excellent technique, one that many people couldn’t counter. They would simply be pierced by the sword. However, I could handle it. At least, I could at this stage.

“This is my power! Dark attire (Gratinee Wear)!”

I enveloped myself in magic, solidifying my defense. Hanna’s sword couldn’t reach me. Even when she saw it, she looked frustrated but not desperate. She was a strong person, just as I had thought when I played the original game.

However, it was bad to view her as a game character. I should see her as a classmate and a fellow knight aiming to become a royal guard, a common friend.

“Damn it, it doesn’t work at all. I should be stronger than any ordinary knight…”

“I’m the strongest, so it’s ridiculous to compare me to a mere knight.”

“Your words can’t be laughed off as mere boasting. That’s quite surprising. Still, I…”

“Do as you please. If you’re just going to break under ordinary pressure, that’s all there is to it.”

“I’ll definitely surprise you…!”

If I were to be truly surprised, I’d be delighted. I can sense Hanna’s growth, and I think of her as a respectable opponent. I’m not sure if this feeling is due to the original story or my interactions with her.

As Hanna departed, her figure looked magnificent. I expect her to become even stronger in the future, shining brightly. That impression won’t fade anytime soon.

Lost in sentiment, I soon found myself face to face with the royal sisters.

“Rex-kun, you’ve become friends with Hanna! That’s wonderful! You’re a good boy, after all!”

Did they hear something from Hanna herself? Becoming friends might be a bit different, but at least I’ve made a good impression. It’s fortunate that they don’t seem to dislike me.

“Saying ‘good boy’ might not be suitable for Rex-san…”

“That’s right. It’s something you’d say to a child…”

“Sorry about that? But Rex-kun is an important friend, almost as important as Lina-chan.”

Considering Mira’s thoughts, it’s clear that I’m being highly evaluated. There aren’t many things I can do to impress the royal sisters. I’ve managed to connect with the two of them, but that’s all.

“I suppose it’s good to be praised. Well, it’s better than being disliked.”

“It doesn’t matter what you think of me.”

“Oh, Rex-kun should be more straightforward! Say you love me!”

In reality, I do love Mira and Lina, but I can’t put it into words. It’s unfortunate. If I could be more straightforward, I might be able to return their kindness in some way.

“Anyway, getting along with Hanna-san is a good thing. It’s convenient for us, too.”

“I didn’t do it for your convenience. Well, as long as we don’t hurt each other, that’s fine.”

To be honest, I wish the two of them would be happier. I want to take action to make that happen, but I can’t think of a way. There are many things lacking in me. I need to work harder.

“If it’s possible, I’ll do even more! But it’s a good relationship, anyway!”

“That’s right. We think Rex-san is important. Don’t forget that.”

I want to return their kindness because I’m valued by them. It feels distant, but I think it’s just my imagination.

However, there’s little I can do. That’s why I need to make a steady effort.