The Villain Wants to Live a Quiet Life

During the walk, the two had become quite comfortable with each other as they spoke.

At times, they talked so much that I almost felt left out. I didn’t mind, however.

Sofia, in particular, seemed to admire Emilia.

Being naturally weak in constitution, she probably envied Emilia, who had made a name for herself in martial arts at a young age, as well as being strong and upright.

Since childhood, she had expressed a desire to learn martial arts.

“Young Master, your clothes…”

Interrupting my thoughts, Paula approached me with spare clothes.

I know it was a maid’s job, but having dressed myself since early childhood, it’s still an unfamiliar concept.

As I shook my head reluctantly, she maintained her stance, refusing to back down as always.

“I can do it myself.”

“As I’ve said many times, this is my duty.”

I don’t understand why she’s being stubborn. I’d at least like for her to get some rest.

What’s the point when the person receiving the service feels uncomfortable…

However, I can’t just coldly refuse.

I remember when I was 12, about five years ago, I ran away because I disliked being attended to during baths, and Paula, who was attending me at the time, ended up crying.

Being only two years older than me, Paula must’ve misunderstood that I disliked her.

Of course, she wouldn’t cry like that now, but she would still be subtly hurt. She is sensitive after all.

“You’re stubborn in such strange ways.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Young Master.”

Paula calmly bowed her head despite my sarcastic tone and quietly approached me again with the clothes.

If only Lord Adolf wasn’t waiting in the reception room… Sigh, let’s just give in for today.

Finally, I raised both arms in defeat, and Paula dressed me with a gentle smile.

I don’t understand what she’s so happy about. Does she take such pride in her work? She’s quite the peculiar woman.

“Come to think of it… Young Master, you seem to have grown much taller than before.”

“Of course I have. I’ve even just had my coming-of-age ceremony.”

There was a time when Paula was taller than me, but by the time I turned 16, I had long surpassed her in height.

A man’s growth spurt is usually most active around this time… I hope to be at least 180 centimeters tall.

“I see. The Young Master has already…”

She came around to the front to adjust my clothes and gazed at me intently with a somewhat melancholic look.

Even Mother doesn’t look at me like this anymore… It’s incredibly uncomfortable.

The air felt awkwardly stifling, so I grumbled, asking why she was looking at me so.

“It seems the Young Master is becoming a figure befitting the Aiphretz family.”

“Your tone suggests I wasn’t before.”

“Haha, of course not. It’s just that seeing you as a proper adult fills me with emotion.”

Her tone had a strangely distant feel to it.

It contained a slight regret, like realizing one day that you have to release a bird you’ve been nursing back to nature.

“You’ll be seeing me for 10 or 20 more years, so why the fuss?”

“For that long… you say?”

Paula asked with wide eyes as if she hadn’t expected my casual remark.

Surely she didn’t think I was planning to run away as soon as I became the head of the family? If so, it would truly be shocking.

I don’t think I’m a particularly kind master, but I also don’t recall exploiting her that much.

“Did you think I was planning to run away somewhere?”

“Of course not. I was just happy that you thought that way.”

“You’re being silly.”

A laugh escaped like air deflating from a balloon.

Always causing worry. At this rate, it’s hard to tell who’s the servant and who’s the master.

But what can I do? If there’s someone who wants to follow you for a lifetime, you should indulge their whims to this extent.

More importantly, our chat has gone on too long. I can’t keep Lord Adolf waiting any longer, so I should hurry.

 *          *          *          *          *          *          *

Ending my conversation with Paula, I quickly finished changing and headed to the reception room.

Soon after, I was granted permission to enter, and as I stepped inside, a large man with blond hair greeted me with open arms.

“Oh, Young Master! It’s been so long!”

This man is Adolf Este.

He’s the head of the Este baronial family, subordinate to ours, and has been both a vassal and close friend to my father since childhood.

Although I’m technically higher in rank, he’s around the same age as my father and heads a family, so I also show him respect.

Lord Adolf insisted it was unnecessary and wished me to speak casually… but it was a bit difficult for me emotionally.

Since showing respect wasn’t wrong, Father also praised it as good behavior.

“It’s been over a year. Have you been well, Lord Adolf?”

“Very well indeed. And how have you been faring, Young Master?”

With his genial appearance and friendly smile, he was as jovial as ever.

Being around him sometimes made me smile too.

Ah, seeing him like this, it’s hard to believe he’s Sofia’s father. Did she take after her mother more?

“Have you greeted Sofia?”

“Yes. I think of her like a little sister, so it was delightful to see her after so long.”

“I’m grateful you think of her that way. Although she’s lacking, she should be able to stay by your side without much trouble.”

…Hm? The nuance feels oddly different. Is it just my imagination?

As I raised my head to meet his eyes, Lord Adolf smiled as usual and asked about my conversation with Sofia.

He’s being unusually fussy today, even with Father present.

“Let’s continue this on the sofa. I’d like Father to hear this too…”

“Ah! My apologies. Please, let’s go sit, Young Master.”

Lord Adolf stepped back dramatically, like an actor in a play.

Freed from him, I approached the sofa and was finally able to greet Father.

Father chuckled, saying I should understand as he was excited to meet after a long time. I nodded calmly, saying it was fine as I hadn’t minded.

“I apologize for the intrusion, Count Carl.”

“You’ve always been fond of Ludwig. I understand it’s out of joy at seeing him, so don’t worry about it.”

“I’m grateful for your understanding.”

After Lord Adolf apologized to Father, the conversation shifted to more ordinary topics.

The main topic was about my marriage and future partner.

Lord Adolf subtly suggested that now that I’ve come of age, it might be good to look for a fiancée. I thought he might get along well with Mother.

“What do you think, Count Carl? I believe it’s about time for the Young Master to have a fiancée…”

“First my wife, and now you. Although he’s had his coming-of-age ceremony, he’s still a child. Even as his father, I can’t push him without his consent.”

Father used to teach me quite strictly about my duties as the Young Master of the Aiphretz family when I was young.

But as I grew closer to adulthood, he started respecting my opinions more, trusting that I would take care of myself properly, though not to the point of completely letting go.

And now seems to be a similar case.

Hearing Father’s firm tone, Lord Adolf backed down obediently and didn’t push any further.

He reminded me of a large dog pouting after not getting enough food.

At times like this, I should be grateful for the hierarchy between him and our family.

“Son, did Emilia say she would stay in her room?”

“I told her she didn’t have to come if she felt uncomfortable… but she insisted on coming.”

She’s probably still getting ready. She’ll likely take longer than me, as she’ll need to do her makeup again.

“By Emilia, do you mean Lady Bayemühren, Young Master?”

“Yes. She is staying for a while to help with my sword training. Didn’t you hear about it?”

“I did hear, but… never mind.”

He mumbled something more but then immediately paused.

Perhaps he felt uncomfortable at the thought of an outsider joining what he thought was a conversation between just the three of us.

If true, it would be quite surprising. I didn’t think Lord Adolf was the type to care about such things.

If anything, it would have suited him better to make a fuss, saying, “I’ve been wanting to meet the Young Master’s friend, how fortunate!”

– Knock knock.

Speak of the devil – no sooner had we mentioned her than a knock came from beyond the door, and a maid outside announced Emilia’s arrival.

With Father’s permission, the door opened, and Emilia, having freshened up, appeared modestly.

“So this is Lady Bayemühren. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Lord Adolf stood up abruptly to greet Emilia.

It seems my suspicion was unfounded.

Although there was some distance due to it being their first meeting, his face bore a smile just as he did for me.

Even if Emilia is shy, she would surely feel at ease seeing Lord Adolf’s friendly expression.

However, contrary to my expectations, Emilia, who had been staring blankly at Lord Adolf as he greeted her politely,

“…The honor is mine, Lord Este.”

She responded to his greeting coldly, with a more formal tone than when she had met Wilhelm.

Her gaze was as if looking at an enemy pointing a spear at her on the battlefield.

translator’s corner

i dun think emilia likes him either D:

;w; also sorry for delay