I Was Reincarnated as a Villain Prince’s Follower, but I Refuse to Be Ruined—Turns Out the Prince Is Surprisingly Competent - Chapter 4

After school, Jeremy met up with Rufus and headed to the first-year classroom. Chris was just finishing packing his textbooks into his bag. Unlike the other students, no one tried to talk to Chris; in fact, it looked like everyone was actively avoiding him.

(…That’s right, Chris is isolated in his class.)

The reason was Reinhard. Reinhard had caught some classmates bullying Chris because of his background and scared them into stopping. Because of that, even the students who weren’t involved in the bullying kept their distance. Reinhard’s protection had saved Chris, but it also left him lonely.

Chris noticed Jeremy and Rufus. At the same time, the other students began whispering among themselves at the sight of Rufus. It seemed the rumors of the “Villain Prince” had already spread to this year’s freshmen.

“Seniors, what brings you here?” Chris asked.

Rufus cleared his throat. “Chris, do you have plans for the rest of the day?”

Following the advice from lunch, Rufus asked with a gentle smile and polite manners.

“I was just going home.”

“In that case, would you like to have tea with me? I’d like to invite you to the royal palace.”

“Really!?”

Chris’s eyes sparkled with innocence. He was truly pure. To an outsider, it might look like he was acting cute on purpose, but for Chris, this was just who he was.

“—Hey, are you trying to pull something with Chris again?”

“!”

A fierce growl like a wild beast came from behind, making Jeremy’s skin crawl. He didn’t even have to look to know who it was. It was Reinhard. Just being near him made Jeremy feel like his life was in danger. Rufus, however, remained calm.

“Don’t say such rude things. I simply invited Chris for tea.”

“I bet you’re planning to put sleeping medicine in the tea and take advantage of him.”

“Of course not. I’ve never thought of such a thing.”

(In the original story, you actually tried to do that. And then Reinhard punched you as hard as he could,) Jeremy thought.

“Or are you planning to spill hot tea on yourself on purpose to make him feel guilty and force him to stay by your side?”

“What a vulgar imagination you have. This is why dukes… ahem… Anyway, I just want to enjoy tea with Chris. If you’re so worried, you should come along too.”

“…What are you planning?”

Reinhard was clearly on guard. Rufus, who had done nothing but terrible things to try and force Chris to be his, was acting completely out of character. It was only natural to be suspicious.

“Nothing. I just want to have tea and chat.”

“Rufus, is it okay if Rein comes too?” Chris asked.

“…I don’t mind.”

As they had planned, Rufus agreed easily.

“Great! Thank you. See, Rein? He says you can come too. He couldn’t be thinking of anything bad if he’s letting you join us,” Chris said brightly.

Reinhard couldn’t resist when his beloved Chris spoke to him like that.

“Fine. But if anything happens, we’re leaving immediately.”

And so, Jeremy and the others headed to the royal palace with Rufus. Upon arrival, Rufus immediately ordered his attendant to prepare tea.

“The weather is beautiful, so let’s drink in the garden,” Rufus told the maid.

Even then, his tone was very gentle. The maid looked confused, likely because he had never asked for anything so politely before.

(See? You can do it if you try!) Jeremy thought, impressed.

A table, parasol, and tea set were prepared in a spot with a perfect view of the palace gardens.

“I have something to say before we drink.”

As Rufus stood up, Reinhard conjured a small flame in his hand and braced himself.

(What is he going to say?!) Jeremy’s heart raced at the unexpected move.

“Chris. I want to apologize for the many rude things I’ve done to you. I am sorry. Please forgive me.”

Rufus actually bowed his head.

(That man, who is made of nothing but pride, actually bowed and apologized…?!)

Jeremy was stunned. Reinhard looked just as shocked. Chris, however, was smiling.

“It’s okay. I’m sure you had your reasons, Senior. But from now on, we can be friends, right?”

“If you wish to think so, that is fine.”

Rufus kept licking his lips as if they were twitching. He was desperately trying to hide his joy behind a mask of coolness. Once they sat down, Rufus started some small talk.

“Chris, have you gotten used to school yet?”

“Not completely but I think I will soon.”

“It’s only been two months since enrollment. Have you made any close friends?”

“…Not yet. But I have Rein with me, so I’m not lonely.”

Hearing his name, Reinhard’s expression softened, and his cheeks turned red.

(Seeing a big, “mad dog” hero blush like that… what a treat!) Jeremy thought.

“—Well, this is a rare sight.”

The voice made Rufus’s smile freeze. A man with shorter blond hair and amber eyes appeared with a group of followers. He shared some facial features with Rufus, but he wasn’t nearly as handsome.

This was the Crown Prince of the kingdom, Raven Uranus Sadquiel—Rufus’s older half-brother. In the original story, he was portrayed as a noble prince who celebrated Rufus’s downfall and praised Chris for saving the country. However, looking at him now, the way he sneered at Rufus didn’t make him look noble at all.

Rufus stood up. Sensing the tension, Reinhard prompted Chris to stand as well. A moment later, Jeremy followed suit and bowed.

“Brother.”

“Brother? Who are you talking to? Hey, do you guys know if there’s anyone here related by blood to such a lowly man?”

Raven turned to his followers. They shrugged and laughed, saying, “No, we have no idea.”

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince,” Rufus corrected himself.

Raven wrinkled his nose in disgust and looked at Jeremy.

“Are you still hanging around with that useless second son of a Baron? Well, I suppose he’s the perfect lackey for the disgrace of the royal family.”

Raven’s followers laughed along.

“Excuse me, Your Highness. Prince Rufus is going to change from now on,” Jeremy blurted out.

Calling him a “disgrace” was too cruel. Jeremy couldn’t help but talk back. Of course, Rufus’s past behavior was a problem, but he couldn’t believe someone could say something so horrible to their own brother. Besides, it was this kind of treatment from everyone that had twisted Rufus’s personality in the first place.

“…Hey, who gave you permission to speak?”

“You’re being rude!”

“A mere Baron’s son!”

The followers shouted one after another. One of them stepped forward—a man with blue hair and a sweet face that looked like it would be popular with women. He wore a gold ring on his finger and looked to be in his early twenties. To Jeremy, it looked tacky and gaudy.

“Know your place!” the man shouted, and he shoved Jeremy hard.

Jeremy hit the table, flipping it over, and hot tea soaked into his clothes.

“Agh…!” He winced from the heat.

“Hahaha! Now you finally look the part! That suit fits you much better!” Raven and his followers laughed loudly.

Rufus moved to Jeremy’s side and bowed his head to Raven.

“I apologize, Your Highness. This is due to my lack of discipline. Please, for my sake, let this go…”

“For your sake? Trash protecting trash. Fine, I’ll forgive it. I’m in a good mood today. Enjoy your tea party—though you’ll have to pour it again!”

Raven and his group walked away laughing.

(What is wrong with those guys?! The Crown Prince is nothing like the original story!) Jeremy thought. There was nothing “noble” about him.

“…I’m sorry, you two. I apologize that you came all this way for this…”

“Let’s go, Chris.”

“But…”

“We’ll only be in the way if we stay.”

“I-I understand. Jeremy, I hope you’re okay.”

“I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“…Okay.”

Reinhard put a hand on Chris’s shoulder and led him away. Rufus ordered a maid to escort them out, then turned to Jeremy. “Can you stand?”

“Yes.”

Rufus pulled Jeremy up and led him back to a room. On the way, he ordered a maid to call for a doctor.

“…I’m sorry. It’s my fault for saying something unnecessary.”

“It doesn’t matter. Take off your clothes. You were hit with boiling water.”

As the adrenaline wore off, the heat trapped in his uniform became painful. When Jeremy took off his shirt, his skin was bright red and starting to blister.

“It looks bad.”

“It’s not as bad as it looks. It just stings a bit.”

Rufus began wiping Jeremy’s skin with a towel provided by the maid.

“I-I can do it myself.”

“You… are not just a follower. I consider you a friend. So just shut up and listen. It’s not often I do something like this for someone.”

Rufus whispered, his cheeks turning slightly red with embarrassment.

“Thank you.”

“You were injured because you protected me. It’s only natural I want to do something. I should have been the one to protect you but I couldn’t move.”

Seeing the sadness in Rufus’s expression made Jeremy’s heart race and his ears feel hot.

“…I understand.”

“Lift your arm.”

It felt ticklish as Rufus wiped under his arm.

“Thank you very much.”

“Still, why did you say something so unnecessary? You should have just looked down and waited for the storm to pass.”

“It wasn’t unnecessary. Calling you a disgrace was going too far. Just because he’s the Crown Prince doesn’t mean he can say whatever he wants. Sure, the way you treated Chris before was a problem, but…”

The doctor arrived and used recovery magic on the burns. Mages who can use healing magic are rare and usually only found around high-ranking nobles like Earls or higher.

(Wow… it really is a world of magic,) Jeremy thought, watching the wounds heal instantly. A maid then used magic to dry his wet uniform.

“That was a big help. Well, I should probably head home. Today was a shame, but don’t give up! Let’s invite Chris again.”

“I suppose so. I’ll send you home.”

Rufus started walking out ahead of him.

“You don’t have to do that. I’m not a kid, I can get home by myself.”

“Just do as you’re told.”

“…Yes, sir.”

He was dropped off at his house by carriage.

“Thank you for the ride,” Jeremy said, bowing as he stepped out.

“Hey! What have you been doing until this hour?!”

Balzet appeared from behind the gate.

(So noisy… it’s barely past 6:00 PM.) Jeremy thought. His brother was overreacting for a younger brother, let alone a young nobleman. (He probably just wants someone to yell at.)

Balzet noticed Rufus inside the carriage. His arrogant face twitched slightly.

“…Y-Your Highness.”

“It’s been a while, Balzet. It’s my fault Jeremy is late. Don’t raise your voice so much. People will think you’re a fool.”

“…M-My apologies.”

(Is he scared?)

While Jeremy was confused by Balzet’s reaction, his brother scurried back into the house.

“Jeremy, see you tomorrow.”

Jeremy waved—though he wasn’t sure if he should wave at royalty—and watched the carriage leave. He went inside and put his things in his room. A maid appeared and told him his father was calling for him in the study.

“Explain yourself,” his father said, the frown lines on his forehead deepening.

“…About what?”

“What happened to the talk about breaking ties with that useless prince?”

(Balzet. That little snitch.) Jeremy thought.

“…It’s true I thought about breaking ties. But I changed my mind. The Prince is trying to change. I want to support him.”

His father let out a mocking snort.

“He can’t change. He’s a man with the lowly blood of a dancer in him. He’s royalty in name only.”

“Father, isn’t that a bit disrespectful?”

His father shrugged as if it didn’t matter.

“It’s not disrespectful, it’s a fact. Honestly, I can’t believe our brilliant King was so blinded by love. Sometimes it even seems he dotes on the Second Prince more than the Crown Prince… They say parents love their most troublesome children the most, but if the royal family is like that, the future is grim.”

Rufus’s mother had died shortly after giving birth to him. Without a powerful family to back him, Rufus was isolated in the palace. Jeremy wondered if one of the reasons Rufus was so obsessed with Chris in the original story was because he recognized a fellow lonely soul. Chris was an orphan, and Rufus had a mother whose background made the nobles whisper. They both stood out for the wrong reasons in the narrow world of the nobility.

“Anyway, the Prince is changing, so please just watch,” Jeremy insisted.

“I wish you had at least made yourself liked by the Crown Prince instead…” his father grumbled.

(The Crown Prince is a total jerk who looks down on our family, though.)

“If that’s all, I’ll be going.”

“If you cause any more trouble, I’ll consider disowning you. Keep that in mind.”

“I understand.”

Jeremy left the room with a renewed determination. He was definitely going to help Rufus graduate from being a “Villain Prince” and turn him into a proper Second Prince.