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

9: Elina’s Elation

I’ve been making a living as a mercenary. As someone born in the Leprechaun Kingdom, it’s difficult to rise through the ranks using legitimate means. In the kingdom, there are few ways for beastmen to survive. However, as a mercenary, my abilities are recognized, and I can live on my own terms. That’s the only way I can survive.

Even so, I had the aptitude to become a mercenary and earned the nickname Silent Killer. I was called the hope of beastmen, which was a strange feeling. I’ve only been fighting for myself.

“Now, I’ve stabilized my life to some extent. My sword skills have helped me.”

When I first became a mercenary, I had to think about how to survive each day. But now, I have some leeway in my life. I can even think about my future.

I have ambitions. In the Scorpion Empire, where power is everything, I want to become the emperor using my abilities. But that’s not a certain goal. Magicians are incredibly unreasonable. If I’m hit by magic, it’s difficult to win.

However, that’s a story for those with three attributes or more. Humans who can only cast magic can’t keep up with my speed, and I can see through their swords.

So, I decided to live by my sword. At least, as long as I can fight.

One day, I received a request from a certain noble. The Black family. They have a bad reputation, but they pay well.

“Sword instruction? I’m a mercenary, not a teacher. Besides, it’s a noble… it’s just a hobby.”

In the Leprechaun Kingdom, only magicians can become nobles. In other words, magic is the main combat method for nobles. So, I didn’t doubt their judgment.

“Well, it’s fine. If I can get paid for playing along with a child’s game, that’s easy money.”

In reality, if I can live comfortably, I don’t mind teaching sword skills. My ambition to become the emperor isn’t more important than my life. I just think my sword skills are the most useful.

“I want to save up while I can still fight.”

If I lose my arm, I won’t be able to earn a living. In other words, I’ll lose my way of living. Even if I have savings, I won’t be able to live a long life. In the kingdom, weak beastmen have no value.

No, that’s wrong. Even in the Aries Federation, a country of beastmen, metallurgical technology is the main focus. In other words, you need to have at least five limbs to survive. That’s why I want to earn as much as I can now. If something happens in the future, I’ll be able to survive.

“By the way, Rex or whatever seems to be able to use dark magic. This is a serious game.”

I was told by James Brighten Black, the client. He seemed to be boasting. Well, dark magicians are extremely rare.

From what I’ve heard, dark magicians have a value of at least five attributes. It’s just a rumor, but…

However, since it’s a child’s game that can be lived with magic, I thought there was a fun part to it.

“Since I was specifically requested, I’ll show off my Silent Kill and make them happy.”

It seems that Rex or whatever has specifically requested me, the Silent Killer. So, I thought it was a simple job.

But when I actually started teaching Rex, my thoughts changed.

Rex had seen my Silent Kill and imitated my footwork. They were able to fully observe my technique, which no one had been able to see through before.

Just by that, I understood Rex’s talent. It wasn’t just about having good eyesight. He could reflect the movements he observed onto his own body. Well, it was his first time wielding a sword, so it was understandable that he was inexperienced.

But I was about to be even more shocked. He watched me swing my sword and pointed out the areas I needed to improve. Just by doing that, Rex’s sword technique visibly improved. He reached the level I had attained after years of practice in just one day.

Rex’s Silent Kill was beyond my capabilities. However, even just forming the shape of the technique required a considerable amount of time and effort. Despite that, he was able to maintain the bare minimum form. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, and my interest in him grew even more.

“No way. Rex is just too different. Talent like that isn’t something you’re born with.”

Those were genuine words from the heart. Even I, who was called a genius, was on a different level. It was impossible to comprehend.

After finishing my first day of training with Rex, I was approached by a blue-haired elf.

“…Greetings. I’m Phyllis Aquarius, the one teaching Rex magic.”

Phyllis Aquarius. Even I knew of this monstrous elf, a Five-Wise Mage who had lightly defeated human armies and was rumored to be the pinnacle of magic users. Rex had such an existence as his mentor and was trying to teach me sword techniques as well. The thought sent shivers down my spine.

“By the way, how’s Rex’s magical talent? Is he a dark magic user?”

“…A genius. Even that’s not enough to describe Rex.”

“Terrifying. The owner of such incredible sword talent is also a genius in magic.”

“…I agree. Even I, who has magical talent, can’t keep up with Rex. And yet, he’s also skilled in swordsmanship.”

In terms of sword technique, I was considered one of the top. Yet, Rex surpassed me in both sword and magic. He was an unbelievable existence.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Rex’s abilities. The image of him surpassing me and Phyllis floated in my head, and I couldn’t help but imagine the future.

After parting ways with Phyllis, I couldn’t stop thinking about Rex.

“Heh, just how strong will Rex become?”

I was genuinely filled with anticipation. The goal of becoming the empire’s emperor seemed insignificant compared to the strong light I saw before me. Perhaps Phyllis saw the same light as well. Her expression was calm, but I saw heat in her eyes.

As I thought about this, an image floated in my mind.

“I’ll be surpassed by Rex and pinned down… What am I thinking? He’s just a child!”

As a wolf beastman, the scenario of being pinned down by a strong man sent a thrill through me. I knew he was a child, but I couldn’t suppress the feeling.

“But when Rex grows up, he’ll be a magnificent man…”

Despite his still childish face, he had a face that inspired hope for the future. He was a genius in both sword and magic, and his face was handsome as well. I wondered how much the heavens loved Rex.

And if I were to be sought after by such a man, I wouldn’t be able to resist. I could easily imagine myself in that situation.

“Let’s not think about the future for now. For now, let’s focus on bringing out Rex’s talents to the max. Then…”

No matter how talented someone was, they couldn’t bring out their abilities without effort. How far Rex would go depended on my guidance. The excitement I felt at that moment was something no one could understand.

Rex, I’ll give you everything I have. So, become stronger than anyone else.