I Was the Hero, But She Turned Me Into the Villain
Chapter 17 - 16 : The Bastard Who Doesn’t Give Up: Part 1

Chapter 17: Chapter 16 : The Bastard Who Doesn’t Give Up: Part 1

«Daven» said Lucius firmly, interrupting my thoughts. "Have you come to train?"

—And what else would I be doing in a place like this? —I replied indifferently.

Lucius seemed to weigh my words, though he said nothing at first. I felt his gaze linger on me for a few seconds.

—It would be interesting to see the young master in action... but that will be for another time. —he said, holding back a laugh to avoid sounding impertinent.

—Suppose so —I answered flatly, with a barely visible shrug.

Beside me, Alice lowered her gaze nervously. Then she stepped slightly closer and whispered in a trembling voice:

—Young master... is it alright to speak to him like that?

—It doesn’t matter —Lucius replied before I could, letting out a faint smile.

Alice was startled. Perhaps she thought no one else had heard her whisper. But of course... Lucius was no longer an ordinary man.

—Then, I’ll take my leave —Lucius added, adjusting his cape over his shoulder—. Good luck in the duel.

—I won’t need it —I replied naturally.

I turned without looking back and walked toward the training field. The wind blew harder there, dragging dust and dry leaves.

With each step, the murmurs grew louder.

『Is that the Marquess’s youngest son...?』

『They say he’s been sick for months...』

『He’s really going to fight young Frederick...?』

『Doesn’t look like much...』

『Haven’t you heard the rumor...?』

『Rumor...?』

『He beat his brother to a pulp...』

『Is that why he ended up in the dungeon...?』

I didn’t care. Not now.

***

I started by warming up my body. A light jog around the edge of the field.

"Ha..."

The cold morning air pricked my skin like needles, and each step on the compact earth raised small clouds of dust. At some point along the way, Alice had quickly excused herself, muttering that she would prepare "things." I didn’t know exactly what she meant, but I didn’t think much of it.

I hadn’t even finished two laps when my body began to protest. My muscles felt heavy, as if I were carrying shackles, and my breathing became erratic, ragged, forced. A metallic taste rose in my throat with every breath, and sweat began to soak my back at an absurd rate.

I stopped, hands on my knees.

—Hah... hah... —I gasped, my chest rising and falling as if I were on the verge of collapse—. What a disgusting body...

I clenched my teeth and continued. I couldn’t give up so easily. I forced myself forward, even though each step felt like a dagger in my ankles. The hot air entered my lungs, threatening to rob me of oxygen. I knew I couldn’t stop, even if it hurt—no matter if everyone in this damned house looked at me with that mix of pity and contempt.

«I’ll be the one laughing at the end.»

—Come on... —I muttered through clenched teeth.

Suddenly, my legs gave way. I stumbled.

—Tsk...

I couldn’t stop it. The next instant I was rolling on the ground, face in the dirt. A dry sting ran across my palms and knees.

—Hah... hah... —I wheezed, my forehead against the ground—. Pathetic...

—Young master?! —Alice’s voice reached me from afar.

I had no strength left to get up. Every muscle screamed. My shirt clung to my skin like a wet rag, drenched in sweat. My breath came in violent gasps, as if I had just escaped death.

I felt rushed steps and the soft touch of a trembling hand on my shoulder.

—Young master... are you alright? —Alice knelt beside me, her face pale, her eyes almost brimming with tears.

And for a moment—for that damn, treacherous moment—I saw Helena’s reflection in her eyes.

My hand rose, purely by instinct, almost touching her cheek... But I stopped halfway. I closed my fist.

«No... it wasn’t her.» I repeated it to myself, over and over.

—Help me up —I murmured.

—B-but you’re hurt...?

—It’s nothing —I cut her off with a hoarse voice, lowering my gaze—. I’m done for today.

Alice hesitated a second, but then nodded. She held me carefully as I got to my feet. My legs still trembled, but I managed to stand.

『That was it...?』 『Wow... I’m surprised... ha...』

『He actually beat young Frederick!? ...』

『Must’ve been an exaggerated rumor...』

『Or maybe... he used drugs or some dirty trick...』

『Yeah, no way a bastard like that won fairly...』

The voices were barely whispers, but each word that came from their mouths was pure venom. When I looked up, I saw muffled laughter among the servants, and mages hiding their contempt behind condescending glances.

One of them shook his head and whispered:

『Pathetic. Can’t even move on his own...』

Alice at my side had a cold look in her eyes. It was the first time I’d seen her like that. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but I raised a hand to stop her.

—Doesn’t matter... —I muttered, looking straight ahead.

My steps were shaky, but I didn’t stop. If I were going to fall, let it be while walking.

『Tch... what a disgrace to the Riesenhart name.』

Yes. Let them talk. Let them laugh. Soon, I’d make all these bastards bow their heads and beg for forgiveness.