I Was Reincarnated as a Villain Prince’s Follower, but I Refuse to Be Ruined—Turns Out the Prince Is Surprisingly Competent - Chapter 5

From that day on, a new friendship began between Rufus, Chris, Jeremy, and Reinhard. While Reinhard remained on guard, Rufus didn’t seem to mind. He started making conversation not just with Chris, but with Reinhard as well.

Following Jeremy’s advice, Rufus stopped showing any signs of arrogance in his gestures or speech. This change extended to his interactions with other students, too. In Jeremy’s class, where people used to talk behind the second prince’s back as a matter of course, he began to hear girls whispering about how gentlemanly and wonderful Rufus had become lately. This was a good sign.

Then, during lunch break one day, Rufus unexpectedly showed up at the classroom.

“Jeremy, let’s go.”

“Eh, Your Highness? Why are you here…?”

“My class ended early, so I came to get you. Is something wrong with that?”

“Ah, no…”

“Hurry up,” Rufus said, walking away, so Jeremy scrambled to follow him.

“You’ve been doing great lately, Your Highness.”

“Doing great? Is that proper language for a noble?”

“Aren’t we close enough for that? Don’t be so stiff. Everyone is surprised by how much of a gentleman you’ve become.”

“I was always a gentleman.”

“…Let’s just say people are finally noticing it.”

“It’s true that there were problems with my attitude. I only realized that thanks to you.”

It was a surprisingly humble response.

“Lately, even the maids’ attitudes at the palace have changed. Before, they were always trembling and watching my every move just by being near me. Now, they act normal. They’ve stopped making small mistakes, too.”

“Did you used to criticize every little thing before?”

“Of course. I am royalty. It’s natural to demand the utmost care… but I suppose that’s what made them so nervous. I’d like to apologize to the maids I fired because I judged them as incompetent. Honestly, I’m ashamed of my own immaturity.”

“Just realizing that is huge progress! Even Chris is warming up to you. Well, even if the ‘guard dog’ Reinhard hasn’t changed much.”

“Yeah… well, I suppose so…”

“?”

Rufus nodded vaguely.

“Oh, speaking of Chris, Your Highness, I have something I’d like to consult with you about.”

Jeremy explained that Chris had no friends and told him the reasons behind it.

“Was the whole class involved in the bullying?”

“No, just some of them. I was hoping to help him fit into the class somehow. If you lent a hand, Your Highness, I’m sure Chris would be very grateful.”

That wasn’t all. In the original story, being isolated in class led to Chris getting caught up in trouble and suffering. This even caused his relationship with Reinhard to sour for a while (though, of course, they eventually made up). Since this was the main plot, things would likely resolve themselves eventually, but as a reincarnated person, Jeremy couldn’t bring himself to just stand by and watch.

“I’ll think about it.”

When they arrived at the cafe, Chris and Reinhard were already waiting. They moved to the terrace seats together to have lunch.

“Chris. I heard from Jeremy that you’re having trouble fitting into your class. Is that true?”

Jeremy nearly choked on the tea he was drinking.

“Your Highness!? Maybe a bit more tact…”

“There’s no point in being indirect about these things,” Rufus said calmly.

Meanwhile, Jeremy felt like his life was in danger as Reinhard glared at him with enough intensity to burn a hole through him.

“…It’s true,” Chris nodded awkwardly.

“I’ll help if you need it.”

Reinhard’s eyes sharpened.

“Don’t do anything unnecessary. Besides, the people in his class are—”

“I’ve heard the details from Jeremy. Reinhard, you protected Chris. That is worthy of praise. It’s a noble thing to act for the sake of someone precious to you.”

“Of course, it is!”

“Naturally, if Chris doesn’t want it, I won’t do anything. However, these three years of school life are valuable. If there are classmates you want to be friends with, I’ll help. I’m not going to force them to be nice to you. I just want to help close the distance by having tea together. That’s all. If it’s a bother, forget I said anything.”

Chris stole a glance at Reinhard.

“Don’t tell me there actually are people you want to be friends with.”

“…Y-yeah.”

“Those people did nothing and looked the other way while you were being bullied. You still want that?”

Jeremy could understand Reinhard’s anger. But not everyone had Reinhard’s strength.

“But I understand how they feel. Back at the orphanage, there was a kid being bullied, and I looked the other way, too…”

“The situation is different. An orphanage is a place where the strong survive.”

“A classroom is the same way. Everyone has different family ranks and connections to maintain. The people bullying me were from Earl families; they had the highest status in the room. If they had protected me… Um, Rufus, may I ask for your help?”

Rufus looked at Reinhard. Reinhard kept a sour face, stood up, and said, “Do whatever you want,” before walking away.

“Ah, Rein…”

Chris reached out, but Reinhard avoided him and kept walking. Jeremy gently patted the shoulder of the dejected Chris.

“Don’t worry, Chris. Senior Reinhard isn’t actually angry.”

Reinhard was likely just feeling frustrated with himself—that while he could stop the bullying, his actions had left Chris isolated in class.

“I’m so grateful that he saved me. Rein always protects me.”

“I’m sure Rein knows how you feel.”

“…Do you think so?”

“Yeah, definitely.”

Chris gave a bittersweet smile.

“Senior Jeremy, it’s like you really understand how Rein feels.”

“Uh. Maybe I’m talking like I know too much. Ahaha…”

Chris shook his head.

“No. I’m happy that Rein is slowly getting along with you all. He usually doesn’t try to interact with anyone but me.”

Reinhard truly believed he didn’t need anyone else but Chris.

“He doesn’t even get mad anymore when he knows I’m having tea with you guys.”

“He’s an adult. Once he cools his head, he’ll be right back. Then, let’s hold a gathering right here after school today.”

“Please do!”