Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone - Chapter 1.10
I replied absentmindedly, but Callisto shot me a sharp look.
The moment our eyes met, I flinched. Memories from the original story surfaced: Etienne flipping Callisto’s plate, mocking him, and treating him like a beggar. I stammered, trying to smooth over my thoughtless comment.
“What I mean is… none of that actually happened, right? Don’t confuse reality with dreams, Callisto.”
“It wasn’t a dream.” Though he spoke firmly, Callisto’s expression wavered.
He seemed unsure, probably because the future he “knew” kept diverging from reality. Seizing the opportunity, I pushed the idea that his visions were mere nonsense dreams. “It’s just a bad dream nonsense, really. You know what we call those? ‘Dog dreams.’”
“Dog dreams?”
“Yeah, dog dreams. Completely absurd and meaningless.”
“Hmm… I guess it makes sense, considering who was in them. But still, everything else came true…” Wait a minute. Was he calling me the dog here? I clenched my teeth, forcing a smile, and slid the plate closer to him. “From now on, if there’s something you want to eat, just let me know. I’ll ask Mrs. Jones to prepare it for you.”
“Okay.”
Callisto lowered his gaze, appearing lost in thought. After a moment, he sneaked a glance at me and muttered softly, “…Thanks.”
I blinked, taken aback. Callisto? Saying thank you? He quickly averted his gaze, but the tips of his ears turned red. In a hesitant voice, he added, “For the clothes, the bandages, and everything.”
“It’s nothing. I just did what anyone would.” Was he finally starting to trust me? I mentally patted myself on the back.
Truly, the way to a child’s heart was through their stomach. If I’d known this sooner, I would have bribed him with good food from day one.
Feeling a bit smug, I reached out and cupped his cheek. Callisto flinched, startled, his wide eyes locking onto mine. His face turned a deeper shade of peach as I gently patted his cheek and said, “So no more calling me a villain, okay?”
“Then what else should I call you? A villain’s a villain,” he retorted without missing a beat. And just like that, the brief moment of sentimentality was over. A Few Days Later The tailor finally visited the estate to make new clothes for Callisto.
He planned to craft two or three sets of everyday outfits, but I quickly intervened.
“Please make seven sets of everyday clothes. Winter is coming soon, so we’ll also need five coats and matching hats, gloves, and boots.” “That many, young master? But Callisto will outgrow them quickly,” the tailor replied with a polite smile.
Beside me, Callisto looked bewildered. In the future he had seen, even the few clothes the tailor made for him were torn apart by Etienne. I had no intention of letting that happen.
It was about time Callisto realized that his so-called “dreams” were entirely false. “Then we’ll just have to make new ones when he grows,” I said cheerfully. “He’s so good-looking, after all. The more outfits he has, the better.”
“Young master, perhaps you should put this much effort into your own wardrobe,” Elsie chimed in teasingly. I shrugged. Before Callisto’s arrival, I’d commissioned a few autumn outfits for myself, but I hadn’t paid much attention to the process. Choosing fabrics and having measurements taken felt like a hassle.
Besides, I wasn’t particularly vain, nor was Etienne described as exceptionally handsome in the novel. If I had to choose, I’d rather invest in dressing up Callisto. Callisto muttered under his breath, “I only need one set of clothes.” “This isn’t for you,” I countered. “It’s for me to enjoy seeing you in them.”
It was true.
I had always liked children, and Callisto was exceptionally beautiful, even for a kid. Despite being so young, his features hinted at the striking beauty he’d possess as an adult. Even wearing my oversized hand-me-downs, his charm shone through. I couldn’t wait to see how much more dazzling he’d look in properly fitted clothes.
But Elsie and the tailor seemed to interpret my enthusiasm differently.
“Young master seems so happy to have a younger sibling,” the tailor remarked with a pleased smile.
Callisto immediately bristled. “I’m not a child! I’m all grown up!” “But aren’t you five years younger than the young master?” the tailor replied, looking puzzled. Elsie nodded with a smile. “That’s correct.
But of course, Callisto is very mature for his age, aren’t you?” “Yes!” Callisto said emphatically, before tugging at my sleeve. I bent down, and he whispered into my ear, “I’m not your younger sibling.” “Huh? Whether or not you’re grown up, you’re still younger than me. Isn’t that right?” I’d spent the past few days bribing Callisto with various lamb dishes to gain his trust. I thought we’d made progress, but maybe I was wrong.
His insistent denial stung a bit. Callisto pouted and glanced at me from the corner of his eye, his cheeks faintly pink. “You want my approval, don’t you? Your intentions are so transparent that it’s actually endearing.” “Hmm, let’s see. Stand straight.”
Although Callisto looked adorable at first glance, I couldn’t resist teasing him. Standing at attention before me, his nervous demeanor gave me a playful urge. I feigned a serious expression and inspected him from head to toe.
The clothes Callisto wore were the finest creations from the tailor’s collection, meticulously chosen to suit him.
Among them, the amber robe that matched his golden eyes stood out with its elegance. He wore a crisp, well-fitted shirt, paired with sleek black trousers. White knee-high socks peeked out from under the pants, leading to polished black shoes that gleamed under the light. However, the most crucial element wasn’t the outfit itself.
“You look absolutely stunning. As they say, the best accessory for fashion is a good face!” “Fashion’s… what?” Callisto repeated with a puzzled expression. No matter how well-fitted or beautiful the clothes, they’re meaningless without a good appearance.
And in that regard, Callisto was perfect. When he first arrived, he had the charm of a sweet village boy, but now, dressed up, he resembled a small, elegant young prince. Which, of course, he truly was. Overcome with excitement, I clapped my hands together.