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

4 The Responsibility of Saving

For now, it seemed like my strategy was working out. But that didn’t mean I could let my guard down. Even considering the original story, I had at least a year left. I couldn’t forget that I was only a few steps into a long journey.

And as for me, I didn’t think it was enough for just me to be safe. I wanted Aria, the maid, to live as well. Speaking of which, there was another child who caught my attention.

“I wonder if that rabbit child is doing well. I hope they’re not secretly killed or something.”

Since it’s the Black family, they might be proud of being cured by me and then kill themselves. I might be worrying too much, but I wanted to confirm. Even if it’s just a little, I want to know that the child I saved is alive.

I couldn’t resist, so I decided to go see how the beast child was doing. I headed towards the separate building where I was guided earlier and found them right away. They stood out because of their pure white skin.

“Hey, you! Carry this!”

“Yes, I understand! I’ll carry it right away!”

They were doing miscellaneous tasks, but at least they were alive. I felt a bit relieved.

“It seems like they’re doing well. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to free them from being slaves right now. It’s sad, but if I were to risk my life, it would be a pointless death.”

I just wanted to see how they were doing, so I returned right away. I hope they can smile someday. But it’s difficult to give them special treatment, and it’s impossible to free all beast children.

I had no choice, so I spent the day training in magic. By the way, my dark attribute can’t be used in combination with other attributes like light and nothingness. But the remaining five attributes can be combined, which is interesting. Researching that would be fun, too.

Thinking about magic is truly enjoyable. In my previous life, I couldn’t even handle magic, and it didn’t even exist. So, this feeling is like my long-held desires have taken shape. That’s why I can get passionate about it.

After training in magic for a while, I heard a knock, and Aria came in.

“Rex-sama, dinner is ready. Please take a break.”

“Ah, got it. I’ll eat soon.”

It seems like someone is stopping me from using magic all day. In that sense, Aria’s existence is a blessing.

As the day ended, I went to see the rabbit-eared child again. Somehow, I couldn’t shake off the anxiety that I might die.

But there was no sign of an accident, nor was there any sign of being killed. Maybe I could feel a little relieved.

“Today, that child is safe. Then, at the very least, they won’t be treated roughly to the point of visible injuries.”

As I thought that, my father came to see the beastman. We met unexpectedly, and I got a little flustered. But I didn’t show a suspicious face, so it was probably okay.

“Rex, are you that concerned about which slave? Then, I’ll place them as a maid by your side. They’ll become a plaything, at least.”

“I understand, Father. Then, I’ll take them.”

I was irritated by the way he said “plaything,” but if I argued, not only I but also the rabbit child would be in danger. Considering that, I couldn’t even frown.

The child who was to become my maid was brought to my room. I did some light small talk with them.

“D-do I just serve Rex-sama from today…?”

“That’s right. Now, introduce yourself. You already know my name, don’t you? I’m Rex.”

“U-UEST, sir… nice to meet you…”

UEST, meaning trash. It’s hard to believe it was just a coincidence. This is a family that treats beastmen as slaves, after all. Giving them a name like trash wouldn’t be strange at all.

So, I wanted to get rid of that name. It’s just my self-satisfaction, but still. Calling someone trash is something I apologize for.

“I don’t like the name UEST, which was given by someone else. From today, you’ll be called Wes.”

“I-I understand. I am Wes…”

I wonder if they’re accepting it. Are they thinking it’s a difficult task? Either way, they’ll have to go along with my whims. I know that. It’s just a pointless act to comfort myself, after all.

After naming them Wes, I did the same as I did with Aria, dressing them up in proper attire and fixing their appearance.

“D-do I look good like this…?”

“My maid can’t be dirty, or people will think I’m dirty too.”

Honestly, I thought they looked very cute. Their rabbit ears were twitching, and they looked a bit shy. But I couldn’t show it on my face. Beastmen are a discriminated species, at least in the Black family. I know that, and I can’t say I like it. I’m weak. That’s just how it is.

They seemed to be eating poorly, so I also made them eat proper food.

“T-this is delicious. Will I be punished later…?”

“I won’t do something so pointless. I’m a person who takes care of my tools properly.”

I wonder if they think I’m looking down on them. Even so, I want them to feel a little happy. I can’t save all the beastman slaves, but at least I want to make this child in front of me happy.

When Wes was unwell, I used dark magic to heal them. Of course, I experimented on myself first.

“You don’t look well. Come here.”

“D-do you have to use magic too…?”

“I told you, I take care of my tools properly. It’s only natural to maintain them.”

Honestly, I just didn’t want to see Wes suffer. But I couldn’t show that to my parents. I already felt uneasy about healing Wes’s right arm. It was a reckless action, but I don’t regret it. I didn’t want to be the kind of person who abandons a child who’s about to die.

As I spent my days like that, Wes started to show a slight smile. It made me happy, and I wanted to make them even happier.

“P-please, Master, I’ll do

“I won’t discard you. I’ve told you many times, I take care of my tools properly.”

If I got involved with them and then discarded them, they would be attacked by an even greater despair than before. I absolutely won’t do that. I won’t let it happen. After seeing Wes’s smile, I realized that they’re an important person to me.

You might think it’s strange to think that about someone I just met. But the only ones who might be on my side are Aria and Wes. In a world where everyone around me is an enemy, they gave me a rare moment of respite.

After that, I continued to spend my days like that. Aria took care of me, and Wes took care of me too. I felt like I wasn’t doing anything myself, but it was a happy time.

“T-thank you for the delicious meal and the nice clothes, Master…”

“It’s only natural. I’m not the kind of person who mistreats their tools.”

“T-that’s true, but… I’m glad I became your maid, Master…”

I was desperately trying to suppress a smug face at Wes’s words. I was so happy that I almost forgot to act. The fact that someone I had helped was thanking me was a reality.

I thought that even if I pretended to be a villain, I might be able to save someone. And by doing so, I might be able to create a future where I wouldn’t be killed by the protagonist, Julio.

While feeling the happiness that Wes had brought out, I had a sense of hope for the future. I was determined to survive until the end with Aria and Wes, no matter what.