The Villain Wants to Live a Quiet Life

A secret meeting between just the two of them, without guards nor maids.

Although they weren’t particularly in a romantic relationship, there was a strange atmosphere between them.

This wasn’t solely due to the presence of a woman in unrequited love.

Emilia, chewing on a piece of naan bread stuffed with vegetables and lamb, let out a low exclamation.

The chewy texture and taste of spices was quite a delicacy.

For Emilia, who seldom ate street food, it was quite an unexpected experience.

Although she knew it was against etiquette to eat while walking, she had no time to care about that at this moment.

It felt strangely different from the food prepared by the chef at her family home.

It wasn’t boasting an incredible flavor, but it had a peculiar way of attracting one’s taste. She could understand why people enjoyed eating it.

“This is delicious.”

As she nodded with satisfaction, placing one hand on her cheek, Ludwig, who had been looking around at the surrounding stalls, turned his head.

He had bought it because she said she wanted to try it, but he was worried if it would suit Emilia’s taste. Fortunately, it seemed to be fine.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Would you like to try some too, Ludwig? Here.”

As she took another bite and casually offered the food in her hand, Ludwig cleared his throat and waved his hand.

‘No matter what, this isn’t right.’

There were still lines that should be maintained.

Moreover, if he were to have an indirect kiss in this situation, his heart might just leap out of his body.

“It’s delicious… Is what I was eating dirty after all?”

“Pardon?”

Just when he thought she had calmed down, this woman was acting up again.

He knew that Emilia in the original story was quite insensitive when it came to romance, causing the male protagonist Christian quite a bit of trouble, but this was excessive even considering that.

Does she lack awareness as a woman? Or is it behavior she can do because she doesn’t see him as a man at all?

Either way, it was quite a peculiar situation.

“Ah, well, if I were to put my mouth on food you’ve been eating, Emilia would probably dislike…”

“What does it matter? I don’t mind at all.”

“That…”

Why was she putting him through such trials? At this rate, no matter what he said, the ending was predetermined.

If he denied it wasn’t dirty, she would say it was fine and try to feed him.

If he said it was dirty… he didn’t even want to imagine what would happen.

How should he navigate this sudden predicament?

Ludwig pondered for a solution, moving his gray cells as if possessed by some famous detective.

But not long after, as he turned his gaze, there stood Emilia, smiling brightly.

“Hehe. It was a joke.”

“…Pardon?”

“It’s not like I only bought one. I wouldn’t give Ludwig food I’ve been eating. I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Only then did he realize he had been tricked, a low sigh escaping his lips.

Although he was relieved it was just a joke, he wished she would refrain from such pranks if possible. He felt like his lifespan had been shortened by at least 10 years.

Ludwig felt chills realizing that her dejected look just now had been an act.

Did Emilia originally have such talent? It seemed she could show considerable skill as an actress instead of a swordswoman.

“You seem to be getting quite mischievous lately.”

“Are you angry? I’m sorry, Ludwig. Sometimes when I look at you, I feel like teasing you…”

“I’m not angry. The problem was that my heart sank.”

Although he said that, it was clear that his voice had become quite curt.

Giggling again, this time she suddenly approached Ludwig and hugged his arm.

“You say that, but you’re angry, aren’t you?”

“No, really, I’m not. So please let go of this first…”

“Don’t lie. Do you think I can’t tell that much?”

Lies are not allowed in front of her eyes.

However, Ludwig really wasn’t lying.

Despite clearly confirming with her own eyes, Emilia acted oblivious and drew even closer to him once more.

Ludwig’s body stiffened like a wooden stake as he felt a soft sensation near his elbow.

To think this was the development of a 17-year-old girl. It seemed like too powerful a weapon to aim at a commoner like himself.

“Um… Emilia? The gazes…”

“I don’t mind, you know?”

“……”

‘But I do’

He barely swallowed the words that had almost come out of his throat.

Is this the kind of confidence befitting someone who earned the title of Sword Saint at the age of 21?

Emilia, still holding onto his arm, now pulled him along as if escorting him.

In the end, Ludwig gave up resisting and was dragged along by her hand like a cow being led to the slaughterhouse.

 *          *          *          *          *          *          *

Upon returning to the mansion, Ludwig wanted to calm his mind and body by tending to the flowers in the garden for a while.

Lately, with many guests visiting, he had time to look at the flowers but not to care for them.

As there was nothing better than this to organize his thoughts alone, it was just the right time for him now.

As he leisurely doused the flowers with a watering can while whistling, he finally felt a sense of peace coming to his heart.

“Young Master.”

“Hm? Paula, what brings you here?”

Despite telling her to rest for a while and that he would call if anything came up, Paula had come out to the garden and addressed him.

Could there be a summons from Carl? He couldn’t think of any other reason.

“As a maid, I cannot rest while the Young Master is working. I’ll help.”

“This isn’t work, it’s a hobby… It’s fine, go back and wait.”

“However…”

“Tsk.”

As he shook his head with a stern expression, Paula stood there.

She wanted to help, but couldn’t ignore her master’s orders, which was truly perplexing.

She wanted to snatch the watering can from his hands, but it was frustrating that she couldn’t.

As Paula hovered around him, unable to return to the mansion and hesitating, a savior appeared.

“What are you two doing there?”

“Ah, Emilia. As you can see, I was watering the flowers.”

“I heard it was a hobby, but it’s interesting. May I help too?”

“It’s alright. I even turned down Paula’s offer to help.”

Of course, it would be appreciated if they helped.

But he didn’t want to ask for help from the two of them just because watering seemed troublesome.

If it had been Heike the gardener who asked, he would have agreed. It was her job, and he couldn’t take that away from her.

Although it could be said that Paula helping him was also her job… somehow it felt uncomfortable to assign even this task to her.

But Emilia, who had been watching him intently, seemed displeased about something, and she approached me with pouting lips and quick steps.

Then, with one hand on her hip, she bent slightly and spoke as if lecturing a child.

“You shouldn’t do that, Ludwig. You should also know how to accept when a servant wants to help you.”

“Is… that so?”

“Yes. I’m sure Paula would rather help you than rest. Right, Paula?”

As both of their heads turned towards Paula simultaneously, her body, which always maintained a calm demeanor, flinched for a moment.

Ludwig urged an answer with his eyes as if asking if it was true.

Emilia nodded with a smile as if telling her to hurry and tell Ludwig her true feelings.

Originally, as a servant, it would have been right not to speak her mind in order to take Ludwig’s side.

However, today, with such a strong ally present, she thought it wouldn’t be bad to indulge a little.

“It’s as the lady says. Young Master, please allow me to help, even if inadequately.”

“You too…”

Although he was grateful for the sentiment, he wondered why she was so fixated on helping.

Such a question arose, but he soon decided to think positively and nodded, handing the watering can to her.

At this, a bright smile bloomed on Paula’s face, more radiant and beautiful than any flower in the garden.

“Since Paula got permission, it should be fine for me too, right?”

“I don’t mind, but… there’s not much to do.”

“Isn’t that a watering can behind your back? Give me one too, Ludwig.”

She’s truly a difficult woman to deal with.

I had prepared a few more watering cans filled with water in advance but to think she would spot one at once.

Reluctantly, he handed a watering can to Emilia and bent down to pick up another.

“At times like this, I wish I could use magic.”

“Magic… I see.”

An unexpected word popped out of Emilia’s mouth as she was diligently watering each flower bed.

His eyebrows twitched for a moment, but soon regained composure and nodded calmly.

In this world, magic was so close to a miracle that it was described as borrowing the power of the divine, and it was rare.

Few could use it, and fewer still were those who could manifest it skillfully.

To use such magic merely as a substitute for a watering can. Noble magicians might be appalled if they heard this, but what could be done? It’s not like they would overhear this conversation.

“Should I water this side too?”

“Yes. Thank you, Emilia.”

To have a woman who will later be called the Sword Saint as a substitute gardener. What luxury is this?

Although it wasn’t something he had asked for, he was grateful for her thoughtfulness, planning to treat her to a delicious meal that evening.

“It’s nothing. If anything, please do it for Paula.”

“N-no. Helping the Young Master is my job, so I don’t deserve such thanks…”

“No. Emilia is right. Thank you, Paula.”

As he smiled and expressed his gratitude, Paula bowed her head deeply and quickly disappeared somewhere, saying she would fetch more water.

“She’s diligent.”

“I think she’s too good a maid for me.”

“Surely not. It’s possible because Ludwig is well-liked.”

She chuckled and moved her feet to go to the next flower bed.

At that moment,

“Ah!?”

Her foot caught on something, perhaps a protruding stone on the ground.

Unable to properly balance herself, her figure drew closer to the ground.

Catching sight of this, Ludwig threw away his watering can and immediately ran to embrace her body.

– Thud.

But perhaps it was too sudden? He succeeded in embracing her body but lost his balance.

In the end, both of them tumbled to the ground together.

“Young… Master?”

Paula, who had just returned, witnessed this scene, dropping the basin she was holding.

With a splash, water droplets sprayed vigorously onto the two fallen figures.

Their overlapped bodies couldn’t separate, and they had to remain that way for a while longer.

translator’s corner

time to get a towel -w-