I Became the Older Brother of a Villainess - Chapter 17.2
“Shut your mouth. Blend in. Do as you’re told.”
Pippin recited the wisdom of life taught by Kaku.
It had been two hours since he started balancing on the edge of the cliff. Pippin’s entire body was drenched in sweat, but his master’s gaze remained stern.
“But, Master. It wasn’t just any monster, it was a Viridis. That’s…”
“Pippin!”
“I’m sorry.”
Kaku struck Pippin’s shoulder. Pippin, who had been supporting his weight on his arms while balancing on the cliff, collapsed.
Kaku roughly lifted Pippin back up.
“This village isn’t worth protecting.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve almost gathered enough money. Soon, I’ll send you to the city. Become a knight in the royal service. Then you can be free.”
Until then, stay quiet and survive.
When Kaku thought about it, Pippin had to keep a low profile as much as possible.
Pippin’s potential posed a danger the more it was revealed. The malicious villagers would exploit and discard Pippin ruthlessly.
Just like what happened to Phoebe, he might be murdered.
“I’m afraid, Pippin. Afraid you might be sacrificed.”
Unlike the worried Kaku, Pippin was nonchalant.
He knew how strong he was. He had surpassed his master long ago.
He could easily deal with the torment from the villagers. He could even destroy this small village in an instant.
However, he endured.
He hoped to live as an ordinary and lazy boy, for the sake of his only remaining family.
“But….”
Ignoring the continuing nagging as usual, Pippin thought of Cierra Glutoni.
The boy who stood boldly in front of the snake-like village chief. The boy who tore apart the head of Viridis with a breath-like magic.
Pippin’s keen intuition shouted,
“That noble lord will recognize my worth.”
Pippin desperately wanted someone to acknowledge his abilities. Praise was precious to him.
“But, but, but, but….”
He knew it wasn’t possible. He had learned that living quietly was the best. If you attracted attention, you’d only get curses and have your money stolen.
It was a well-known fact.
“But!”
Just once, tomorrow, let’s rebel for the last time.
Even just once would be enough.
If only I could talk to someone who recognizes my worth…
***
Until morning, Phoebe did not return. It seemed that witnessing the Death’s Door was quite a shock.
Well, considering she saw the devouring monster that killed her, how surprised would she have been?
“I don’t need to worry about her.”
Speaking as if reassuring to oneself, I stood up from my seat. I should immediately call the chief and tell him to bring Pippin’s head to me.
Once Pippin is taken care of, there’s no need to waste time in this dull village. I wanted to indulge in expensive dishes in my splendid and comfortable castle. I also wanted to admire the beautifully decorated garden.
Yes, I’ll take care of it right away.
I opened the curtains with a lively mood. However, outside the window was not as peaceful as I expected.
In front of the main gate of the lodging on the first floor, people were bustling about. They were all murmuring, and among them, I could see a carriage.
Has the chief already come with a bribe? Despite changing into more formal attire and examining, the crowd below showed no signs of dispersing.
Upon descending to check, a face more embarrassing than the chief’s wrinkles was waiting for me.
“Duke Cierra! Milord, hello!”
It was Pippin, who had dressed up in flashy clothes. Due to the people around him trying to stop him, he couldn’t enter the inn. Dandel, who belatedly recognized me, came to me by pushing through the crowd.
“Milord!”
“What’s going on here?”
“Well… Yesterday, a boy named Pippin, whom I saw, kept insisting on meeting you, milord.”
As I glanced towards Pippin, a cheerful greeting returned. Pippin shook my hand vigorously without any regard for courtesy. If the people around hadn’t held him back, he might have kept waving his hand until I returned the greeting.
[♥♥]
Above his innocent and naive head were two red hearts. Truly, he was a foolish guy. To receive such favor after just meeting me yesterday. Moreover, I had already expressed my intention to punish Pippin yesterday.
He’s a foolish guy who doesn’t even recognize his own situation. I wonder what made the crown prince choose this guy as his favorite.
“Get rid of that in front of me.”
Despite my firm response, Dandel seemed at a loss for what to do.
“Do I have to say it twice? Get rid of that.”
“Well, milord…”
Dandel stuttered, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.
“We’ve been trying to clean it up for an hour, but it just won’t go away. Its strength is so great that even if ten people stick together, it won’t budge. It’s not an ordinary fellow, that one.”
At that moment, the cause of the problem cheerfully shouted, “Milord! I’ve brought a gift!”
As Pippin swung his arm, the people who were holding the guy collapsed like bowling pins. Whether the fallen people glared or not, Pippin remained cheerful.
“I brought meat from Viridis.”
Dandel nervously wandered around me.
“That’s right.”
“You came to offer monster meat?”
Trying to win people’s favor with a lump of meat, not like a primitive but somewhat dull in the head. Well, judging by the appearance, he seemed to have nerves as thick as a primitive.
“Just take it and get rid of him. Call the village chief; otherwise, his treatment…”
“Milord!”
Pippin pulled the cart into the inn with a clattering sound. I raised my hand, stopping Pippin, who had come dangerously close to me.
Fortunately, the guy didn’t charge at me like a wild ox. Instead, he stopped with a posture as obedient as Sugar Princess and looked down at me with sparkling eyes. His posture, bent and awkward, made him look like a large dog standing on two legs.
I continued pointing at the ground, and Pippin knelt down neatly, sitting on his heels. A wry smile escaped me. Not recognizing the enemy wasn’t enough; was he also lacking in pride? There’s a limit to being foolish and dull.
I didn’t hide my disdain.
“Pippin.”
“Yes!”
“Get lost. Don’t catch my eye.”
“….”
