“Th-th-this...”

Muen stared, dumbfounded, at his father and mother—fingers intertwined, eyes locked in deep affection, utterly oblivious to the world around them. A sudden, visceral sense of being metaphorically screwed by a couple of lovesick dogs hit him like a truck.

This... wasn't how it was supposed to go.

I—I’m Muen Campbell! Weren’t you two supposed to adore me?

Where’s the pampering?

Where’s the doting care?

And now you’re just ditching me and running off together? Just like that?

Is that supposed to make any sense?

DOES IT?!

And what’s with this sudden sibling development?

So what, in the original novel Muen Campbell got screwed over just because you two had a new kid and forgot about your firstborn?!

“...Uhm... Father, Mother... If both of you leave, what am I supposed to do?”

Muen figured he had to salvage something out of this disaster. At the very least, he could try to go with them. Anything to avoid being left behind in this cursed cesspit called Bellrand.

“How about I just...”

“Hm? What are you supposed to do?”

Noias turned ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) to him with a puzzled look.

“Little Muen, aren’t you starting school soon? Saint Maria Academy has free meals and housing. It’s safe and reputable. What’s there to worry about? If you're worried about pocket money, don’t be—we’ve already handed your allowance over to Anne. Just ask her if you need anything.”

“No, that’s not what I meant...”

Safe and reputable? With Celicia and the entire protagonist harem attending?! That school is a deathtrap waiting to happen!

“What I mean is... what if I get attacked again?”

Muen’s brain was scrambling for excuses.

“Yes, exactly! What if I get assassinated again? Last time I just got lucky—what if I’m not so lucky next time?”

“Assassinated? Why would anyone try to assassinate you?”

Lorne frowned deeply, clearly baffled.

“What’s the benefit in killing you?”

“Well, obviously, I’m...”

I’m the Duke’s son.

That was what Muen meant to say.

But halfway through, he froze.

Right.

He was the Duke’s son. But... who in their right mind would want to assassinate him?

Would his death damage the Campbell family?

No.

Because the current Duke of House Campbell is his father—Lorne Campbell, the Lion King himself.

The man was in his prime.

And, more importantly—

Muen’s gaze drifted toward Noias’s slightly swollen belly.

—there was already a second heir on the way.

Why would anyone risk the wrath of a ducal household just to kill a washed-up disgrace like him?

Were they bored?!

“I understand the Celicia incident left some emotional trauma,” Lorne said, patting Muen’s shoulder with a look that basically screamed, You’re so useless, just lie down and don’t resist. “But don’t worry. No one’s going to waste time assassinating you.”

“And if they do try, the assassins they send won’t be any good. I’ve reinforced the Duke’s estate barrier myself. You’ll be fine.”

“...”

Muen felt like crying.

Was that supposed to be comforting?! That was a dagger straight through your son’s heart!

“But...”

“No ‘but.’”

Lorne sighed. “I know you’re reluctant to part with us. But don’t think we’re not the same.”

“Unfortunately, this world rarely allows for perfect outcomes.”

“Your father—I—must take command at the warfront. His Majesty agreeing to let Noias return to the countryside for prenatal care is already more than generous.”

“As for you, Muen... you’ll be staying here in Bellrand.”

“To be honest, I was worried about you. But your recent behavior has completely exceeded my expectations.”

He gently punched Muen’s chest, eyes brimming with approval.

“You’ve grown, Muen Campbell. You’re finally starting to act like a real man.”

“Father...”

Muen felt a warm sting in the corner of his eyes.

But then—wait. Hold on.

Wasn’t this just the classic "leave the son as hostage while the father grabs military power" play?

What happens when you one day smack your thigh and say, “Under my command are tens of thousands of elite soldiers, that idiot Emperor is surrounded by corrupt ministers—why not rise up and take the throne?”

And then I, left here, get instantly executed by royal decree?!

That’s a hard pass, thank you very much!

But Lorne didn’t give him the chance to protest.

He scooped Noias up into his arms and strode toward the carriage in big, confident steps. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

“Well then, Little Muen, we’ll be heading off. Do well in school,” Noias said, poking her head out of the carriage window and waving.

“Wait—!”

“Oh, right.”

Lorne looked over at Anne.

“Anne, I’m leaving Muen and the estate in your hands for now.”

“Understood, Master.”

Anne bowed respectfully.

“I will absolutely take good care of the Young Master. I won’t let anyone hurt him.”

“Haha! You’re still as reliable as ever.”

Then, unexpectedly, Lorne leaned slightly, waggled his eyebrows at Muen, and mouthed something. The sound didn’t come from his lips—it rang directly in Muen’s ear.

“If you can’t find a noble lady anytime soon, Anne’s an option too, you know. I’m not like those uptight old noblemen—so long as someone can give House Campbell a child, I couldn’t care less about their status.

And now that your mother and I are gone, you’ll have more alone time with Anne, right?

Plenty of opportunities.

She certainly won’t resist you.”

“Father! What the hell are you saying?!”

Muen yelled, face flushed with shame and fury.

“Hahaha, no more time! We’re off!”

Lorne roared with laughter, yanked the reins—

The griffin pulling the carriage let out a thunderous shriek, spread its massive wings, and soared into the sky with a powerful beat.

“Goodbye, Little Muen!”

Noias continued to wave furiously from the window.

“Goodbye, Mother!”

“Goodbye, Father. Travel safely...”

All Muen could do was cry internally as he watched his greatest source of security vanish from sight.

****

“Ah, fate, fate, why do you torment me so? Was that one cursed ten-pull with five yellow orbs really worth this much retribution?”

Staring at the now-empty gates of the estate, Muen felt the hollowness creep into his heart.

With Father gone, his flawless survival plan was in shambles.

He was once again like a newborn tossed into the world naked—left to face all the lurking dangers alone.

“So this world really does hate a yellow-haired villain like me, huh...” Muen muttered with a bitter, self-mocking smile.

“Young Master Muen, are you alright?”

Anne’s concerned voice pulled him from his spiral.

“Are you... very upset?”

“I’m fine.”

Muen shook his head and stepped into the estate.

“What would you like to do next, Young Master?” Anne followed at his heels. “Would you like breakfast first, or take a walk through the garden? The tulips Madam imported have started blooming.”

“No. Neither.”

Muen said flatly.

“I’m going to the library.”

“...Eh?”

Anne blinked in surprise.

She stared at Muen’s retreating back in disbelief.

The Young Master—who had always hated reading—was voluntarily going to the library?

“...Then breakfast...”

“Bring it to the library.”