The Villain Wants to Live a Quiet Life

Was today a full moon? The garden illuminated by the round moon certainly had a different charm than in the morning.

I’m not eloquent enough to express it poetically, but the view was quite pleasing.

“If you’re cold, wrap this around you. It should help.”

“Ah… thank you.”

Though she smiled as if it was nothing, I couldn’t help but be drawn to her eyes.

Somehow they seemed to sparkle even more at night. Even her beauty, which had not yet bloomed, shone brighter under moonlight.

In my previous world, there was an idiom “bì yuè xiū huā,” meaning a woman so beautiful that the moon and flowers hide in shame. 

If Emilia were to walk to the center of the garden, it would prove that saying true.

Of course, that’s nonsense.

“I see why you brought this.”

“Even though it’s spring, it’s still chilly at times. What use is flower viewing if you fall ill?”

“Hehe… that’s true. Young Master Aiphretz, you seem very thoughtful.”

Excessive praise for just bringing a blanket.

Still, I didn’t mind. After all, it was praise from my favorite character. I might need to restrain myself from getting too puffed up.

The brown blanket draped over her casual clothes.

Despite being unremarkable in material, color, and design, it looked elegant on her, like formal wear. 

She must be able to pull anything off. Even the blanket looks good on her.

“Does the garden at night feel different?”

“Yes. It was gorgeous during the day… but at night, it has a calming atmosphere.”

“I also like the garden at night. It’s especially nice for a walk when I have a lot on my mind.”

I’ve been walking in the garden at night a lot this past year. According to the original story, I might meet Georg soon.

Even if I don’t walk the path of a villain, it doesn’t solve everything.

I might unknowingly be influenced by Georg, become at odds with Emilia, and meet my end at her hands.

Some romance fantasy novels I used to read had such scenarios.

Stories where no matter how much one struggles, they end up fated to a miserable end.

“…ter? Young Master Aiphretz?”

“Yes?”

Oh no. I must have been lost in thought without realizing it.

Emilia, who had been waving her hand in front of my face, looked at me with concern.

As I instinctively averted my gaze from her blue eyes that seemed to see through my mind, she gently tugged at my sleeve.

I stiffened involuntarily as I felt a faint trembling sensation through her fingertips.

What am I doing? I must have gotten too caught up in the atmosphere.

“You didn’t look well. Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing. I guess I was thinking too seriously about what tomorrow’s breakfast might be.”

“Breakfast is important. I understand that feeling.”

Emilia agreed with my words, smiling subtly. Being as perceptive as she is, she must have noticed it wasn’t something trivial.

I’m grateful she didn’t push further.

Perhaps it’s because she’s wise to know that there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed.

Even though we’ve realized we get along well, we’ve only known each other for a day after all.

“Aren’t you cold? Since I’m the only one with the blanket…”

“As a man, I’m quite resistant to cold. So don’t worry.”

“That’s a shame. We could have shared it.”

Her casually spoken words lingered in my ears, carried by the dawn breeze.

A very kind offer, but I can’t accept it. Honestly, it’s already hard enough to maintain my composure.

Fortunately, it’s only possible because she’s still a young lady who hasn’t fully grown.

If she had done this as an adult, I might have rushed at her regardless of the consequences.

Of course, even with her current appearance, if I were my old self, I might have flirted with her immediately.

“Young Master Aiphretz’s hair color is like the night sky.”

“Yes. I often hear that it’s a dull color, not even properly black.”

“Who says that? It’s such beautiful hair.”

My father does.

If I said that, it would have turned awkward.

I vaguely said I hear it from people around me, and Emilia expressed the strongest emotion I’ve seen since meeting her today.

“What ignorant people. It’s more elegant and nicer compared to common black hair.”

Father of this body, I’m sorry. I’ve made you the target of criticism because of my careless words.

If I don’t end up walking the path to the afterlife at 21, I’ll live my life serving you well. I apologize again, Father.

Though he wasn’t in the mansion, I mentally apologized countless times to my father who must be sleeping soundly in his chambers by now.

Emilia was still fuming, seemingly unsatisfied.

Is she saying this because I treated her well for a day? It’s a bit touching.

To be honest, I’m desperately restraining the urge to hug and caress her out of overwhelming emotion.

“Thank you for such kind words, Lady Bayemühren. You’re the first to compliment my hair since my mother.”

“R-Really? Indeed, Lady Aiphretz must have an excellent aesthetic sense.”

Mother having an excellent aesthetic sense? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.

She’s someone who needs to be checked by servants before going out to social events because her fashion sense is so poor.

I was truly shocked when I saw the formal dress my mother sincerely chose to wear.

“May we go to the center of the garden?”

“Of course.”

Unlike during the day, I offered my hand to escort her as we needed to descend stairs in the dark.

Of course, I can’t say there’s no ulterior motive.

As I went down the stairs first and extended my hand to her, Emilia’s figure, backlit by moonlight, looked incredibly radiant.

It’s as if she doesn’t need any other lighting. As expected of a main heroine from a romance fantasy novel, she captivates the viewer.

“It’s a different atmosphere from daytime, even though it’s the same place.”

“I’m glad you seem to be enjoying it.”

“Aren’t you enjoying it, Young Master Aiphretz?”

“How could I not? How could a man not enjoy a moment in the presence of such beauty?”

I had been refraining from such flattery, fearing she might dislike it, but now I felt it would be okay.

It wasn’t based on any particular reason, just a gut feeling.

But she was staring at me intently with her lips slightly pursed, as if unsatisfied with something.

Ah, did I make a mistake? My intuition seems unreliable. Should I immediately bow my head and apologize?

As I was running various simulations in my head, she stepped closer to me and spoke with a stern expression.

“I don’t want to hear such obvious lines.”

“Hmm…”

What could it be? Does she want me to use more sophisticated vocabulary to touch her heart?

That’s a difficult request. I could manage even a sword dance if asked, but I’m not confident in my eloquence.

In the end, I decided to respond with utmost sincerity, even if it wasn’t phrased elegantly.

“I am enjoying it. Perhaps even more so because you’re a friend I’ve only recently made.”

“Is that so?”

It seems this answer was satisfactory to her. Emilia let out a soft laugh and twirled her body before walking forward.

Her hair, peeking out from under the blanket, sparkled beautifully in the moonlight as if sprinkled with jewels.

What a strange sight. I’ve only just learned today that human hair can emit light.

“It’s still a bit cold even with the blanket.”

“Would you like my coat…”

“No, it’s okay. We should head back soon. I can’t impose on you any further.”

There’s no need to think of it as an imposition. But I decided to follow her wishes without argument.

It is quite late, after all. It’s about time we should be going to bed.

“Shall we go, Ludwig?”

Emilia extended her hand as she passed by me. I noticed a scent from her that I hadn’t before.

It could be the flower fragrance that clung to her from our long stay in the garden, or it could be her natural scent, but I found it quite fragrant.

She used my name. Does this mean she’s becoming more comfortable with me?

It’s true that I still find it difficult to interact with her. Even if I try not to think about it, it only becomes more ingrained in my mind.

So while I’m with her, I’ll try to act as if we’re friends at the very least. That should be comfortable for both of us.

“Let’s go, Emilia.”

Why did she come to see me today? Why did she suggest viewing the garden in this moonlight? Why did she readily call me by my name first?

My complicated thoughts were quickly washed away as I took her outstretched hand. It feels as if I’ve been enchanted.

I should just worry about tomorrow’s breakfast before going to bed. As if nothing unusual happened, just like any other day.

translator’s corner

yay ch.4 😀

i’ll be uploading a chapter a day for this series ;w; feel free to point out any mistakes i might have missed since i’m still pretty new to this <3

i go schleep zzzzz