The Villain Wants to Change Genres

Chapter 99

‘If I don’t apply, that guy will get it.’

Norman proved his overwhelming level in this exam. Especially in the indoor practical exam, the grade of the medicines and potions he made was said to be good enough to be supplied to the imperial palace. There were even talks of him skipping a grade to the graduating class in the second semester, so he had a high chance of passing the subjugation team test.

‘With Luwen’s recommendation, it would be even easier.’

And… the subjugation team is originally a place where you never know what might happen. Alteo, who had been biting his nails, curled his lips into a smirk.

‘It doesn’t matter if there’s no one to move. I’ll do it myself.’

Rather than being betrayed like this time, he could just harm him himself and destroy the evidence. It would be fine if that pretty face got scarred, or if an arm or leg were broken.

“I’ll protect what’s mine.”

He would definitely become the imperial physician. Those who interfere with that should disappear.

* * *

“Hey! My beloved Norman~”

“…”

“Hahaha! Don’t make such a sour face first thing in the morning! You’re Norman who loves himself, aren’t you!”

Nadian threw a dirty wink. The dejected look he had after learning the president’s true nature was no longer remembered.

‘I left him alone because I felt sorry for him, but this guy has really gotten into it.’

The problem was that it wasn’t just Nadian. Even the young ones I met while leaving the dorm room were teasing me.

“Beloved Norman! Have a good day!”

“You’re going to the subjugation team, right? Take care, beloved Norman!”

“Beloved- Ack!”

“Stop it!”

After enduring for so long, I finally burst out. It was teasing with ‘himself’ omitted before ‘beloved Norman’.

After it was revealed that my rumors were slander by the president’s group, the number of people who approached me like before decreased considerably. Those who still pestered me seemed to be that way regardless of the rumors, so the nasty rumors that had followed me were indeed caught.

Instead… a new pain of having to hear the awkward greeting “beloved Norman” that I created and Nadian popularized several times a day was born.

‘Did I make a mistake?’

It was to emphasize the confident country Norman. Was the expression too much? I’ve been pretending it doesn’t bother me because I don’t want to admit I got too immersed, but I’m reaching my limit.

‘But there’s no way to fix this, is there?’

I can’t just shout that I actually don’t love myself! There was no answer other than hoping it would naturally die down after the summer vacation ended.

“Can’t you walk while savoring it a bit more?”

Nadian, who had come out to see me off, snickered beside me. I glared at him hard and hurried my steps.

“Take it easy.”

“Hahaha!”

Yeah, laugh. It’s true that this is better than being depressed.

But regardless of my irritation, I wanted to shake off Nadian, but with his long legs, his steps were fast too, so it wasn’t easy. I was just getting out of breath for nothing.

“Can you really follow the subjugation team like that?”

As I was panting, Nadian looked down at me with a worried expression.

“I can do it.”

“I’m worried. Maybe I should have gone with you.”

“They only select one person from each department, how could you?”

“As a porter!”

He grins, showing off his bulging arm muscles. Then he lowered his arm and started to smirk.

…Why is he suddenly grinning so slyly?

“Well, I guess it’s fine since Luwen is there.”

Luwen? At his gesture, I quickly turned around to see Luwen trudging towards us. Judging by his expression, he still seemed upset.

Nadian patted my shoulder.

“Take care and have a safe trip. I’m going to the kids now.”

“Okay. See you when the new semester starts.”

“Yeah.”

Nadian waved and strode away.

No matter how much he teased me, I couldn’t hate him because of things like this. Even though the rumors are gone and it’s fine now, he stayed by my side because he couldn’t leave me alone. And now he’s going straight to check if Cadin is okay.

I remembered his face turning pale when he received news that his younger sibling was sick. Little Norman had gone with him because he couldn’t let Cadin, who was almost panicking, go alone.

I sent someone through Linder, but I was worried too, not knowing how serious it was. I told them to support everything for a full recovery, so I think it will be okay, but…

After staring at Nadian’s back for a while, I turned my head. Luwen had come right up to me. He let out a deep sigh and took my bag instead.

“Are you really going?”

“Today’s the departure day, you still haven’t given up?”

“Young mas-“

“Norman.”

“…Norman has a weak body.”

The subjugation team during the summer vacation. Luwen tried to dissuade me, saying it was dangerous not only because of my physical strength but also because we couldn’t be certain there would be no monster attacks. Even with all precautions, monsters can’t be controlled, so he was worried there might be attacks on the rear.

I understood his concern, but since the subjugation team matter wasn’t a decision for my sake in the first place, I couldn’t break my resolve. In the end, Luwen even made the strong move of saying he would drop out of the subjugation team so I shouldn’t go either.

But I had developed another purpose, so that was useless too.

I obtained all the information about Cromwell from the report I received from Linder. It was so detailed that I even learned the name of the midwife who delivered him. The contents were so thorough that I wondered how they found out.

Anyway, the conclusion was that Cromwell was a trustworthy person as a commander and his character was impeccable. He’s frugal, knows how to give, and values people, especially talented individuals.

‘Unfortunately, I couldn’t recall how he was when the war broke out, but I want to confirm it.’

Whether Cromwell is really the person as reported. If so, I thought I could trust and send Luwen to him later if he wanted or if a situation arose where I needed to evacuate him.

“It’s still not too late. I wish you would just rest in the dormitory.”

“How did you persuade the Four Musketeers?”

“…Don’t change the subject.”

Luwen subtly avoided my gaze. But what can I do if this is effective?

Two topics that Luwen wanted to avoid had emerged. One was how he cut off the president’s zealous minions, and the other was Gaspar. I heard he had already been disciplined when I tried to teach him a lesson. He avoided expulsion but won’t be able to return to school this year.

I laughed in disbelief when I received a report that he had gone home crying with his arm broken. Looking at the location, I knew all too well who had broken it. Nevertheless, all incidents were concluded without any discipline or controversy for Luwen.

‘It means he acted that cunningly.’

I thought he had grown up righteous and naive, but he’s become a young man who knows how to work behind the scenes. But if he comes back crying after being backstabbed somewhere, I’d be devastated. I was rather relieved that he seemed capable enough to pay back if he got hit.

“We’re here.”

“Sigh…”

You’re sighing as if the ground would cave in. Still, my mind won’t change. I tried to take my bag back, but Luwen loaded it onto the luggage carriage I was to ride. And after looking at me with pleading eyes until the last moment, he reluctantly turned away when it was time to depart.

I crouched down on the floor, all cramped up. It couldn’t be helped since it was supplies sent by the academy. Nevertheless, this was my last luxury. Once we arrive at the duke’s territory where the subjugation team gathers, there won’t be a carriage for the medical team assistant to ride.

The ride was terrible, it was hot, and there was a strange smell. Even with the windows wide open, the stagnant smell wouldn’t leave.

While I was suffering, a pure white horse galloped up, its mane fluttering. Luwen’s dependable face appeared outside the window.

‘…He’s doing all the cool stuff alone.’

Why doesn’t commoner Norman have a horse? I know how to ride too…

“Norman, isn’t the luggage carriage uncomfortable?”

“…It’s fine.”

It’s not fine at all. But wouldn’t commoner Norman consider even this comfortable? Let’s endure a bit more.

“Don’t you want to try riding a horse?”

Luwen asked again. This… would it be okay to accept? First, for the sake of commoner Norman’s image, I should refuse once out of courtesy-

“No time to get you down.”

The person in charge of delivering the supplies said sternly from beside the driver.

Luwen looked at me regretfully. He seemed to have forgotten about me being loaded onto the luggage carriage while focusing on trying to stop me from joining.

“Next time when there’s a chance… please let me ride then.”

“Yes…”

A wave of awkwardness swept between us.