Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone - Chapter 2.1

The relationship between Callisto and me had diverged significantly from the original storyline. However, everything else progressed as planned. For instance, the joint lessons for noble children began not long after, just as in the original story, where this event played a significant role.

In the world of The Prince’s Sword, the education of noble children was divided into two main types: either hiring a private tutor for solo or group lessons or enrolling in an academy with dormitories.

The latter often required several years away from home, so heirs to noble families typically chose the former. As the only child of the Count of Etienne, I had always received solo lessons from private tutors. Then, a close friend of the Count suggested joint lessons, and the Count accepted.

The problem was that this “friend” was none other than Viscount Camois, who would later lead the Count’s family to ruin. I debated whether to refuse the joint lessons. However, these lessons were the catalyst for Callisto and Lawrence to fall in love.

Through these lessons, Callisto would develop feelings for Lawrence, sustaining him until he eventually enlisted as a young sailor in the navy, unable to bear Etienne’s oppression. Canceling the lessons altogether was not an option. My only choice was to figure out a way to expel Yves, the heir of Viscount Camois, from the lessons and sever the Count’s ties with the Viscount. “Group tutoring at my age?” From my perspective, it felt like herding children for group lessons. I was about to take an expensive course I hadn’t even experienced during my school days.

I sighed for what felt like the hundredth time and scanned the children gathered in the library of the Winyeates estate. Since this wasn’t a formal academic program like an academy but a group formed based on connections, the children’s ages varied.

First, there was Yves, the central figure of this tutoring group and the heir to Viscount Camois. At twelve years old, he was much taller and more physically developed than Etienne, who was the same age. His appearance was neat, but his sharp, slanted eyes, reminiscent of the Viscount, gave him a menacing look. I needed to figure out a way to get rid of him.

As I pondered various methods, I glanced at the boys seated on either side of him.

The sons of a baron and a viscount, respectively, were practically Yves’ lackeys. Even after inheriting their titles, they would align with the Viscount and support the Empress’s faction, which opposed Callisto. It would be best to deal with them along with Yves.

Next to me sat Lawrence, the main love interest of the original story and the son of the Duke of Armagnac. With his curly brown hair and warm chestnut eyes, he looked like a kind-hearted boy. When our eyes met, Lawrence smiled softly, his eyes crinkling.

Distracted by Yves’ issue, I reflexively smiled back.

However, the sharp, childish voice that usually chimed in whenever I smiled at Lawrence was absent today. Concerned about Callisto’s status being accidentally revealed, the Count had excluded him from these lessons. Officially, as the Count’s illegitimate son, Callisto wasn’t welcomed by other noble families either. In the original, however, despite the Count’s concerns and opposition from other families, Callisto joined the lessons thanks to Lawrence’s help. I was determined to find a way to include Callisto as well. At that moment, the Count of Winyeates and Viscount Camois entered the library. The Count greeted the children with a gentle smile. “You’ve all gathered. These will be your companions for the lessons. Have you introduced yourselves?”

“Yes, Count.” Yves took the initiative to answer. I narrowed my eyes and scrutinized Yves.

His fierce expression gave him such an air of slyness that it was almost impressive for a mere twelve-year-old. Meanwhile, Lawrence, who usually had something to say by now, was unusually silent. Curious, I glanced at him and was startled. Lawrence, who seemed to have been watching me intently, hadn’t averted his gaze.

The warmth usually present in his chestnut eyes now felt strangely cold. “What’s going on…? Is he looking for Callisto?” Confused, I glanced around, but nothing seemed out of place.

Instead, Lawrence smiled again, his eyes narrowing kindly. Yet he showed no sign of bringing up Callisto’s name. “Well then, we’ll leave you to it. Your teacher will arrive shortly.” The adults were already preparing to leave. Feeling desperate, I called out just as the Count was about to exit the library.

“Father, wait!” “Hmm? What is it, Etienne?”

The Count paused and turned back, while Viscount Camois looked curious. Stealing another glance at Lawrence, I found him still smiling sweetly. Why does he keep staring at me? Putting Lawrence’s odd behavior aside, I spoke up. “Could Callisto join these lessons too?

There’s enough room, and it would be good for his education, Father.” “…Callisto, you say?” The Count seemed surprised by my suggestion.

“Hmm…” Before he could respond, Lawrence let out a faint sigh beside me. Thinking he was about to interject, I turned to him, only to see him quickly smoothing out his furrowed brow. Raising an eyebrow, I looked at him questioningly. In response, Lawrence smiled brightly, unfazed. His strange behavior was distracting, but bringing Callisto into the group was my priority.

In the original, Lawrence, the heir to the most prestigious dukedom, had supported Callisto, making things easier. This time, I would have to persuade everyone myself. “We’ll be having lessons every day. Leaving Callisto out would make him lonely.

It would be nice for him to join us. Lawrence is around his age, too.”

“…I’m two years older than that kid, Etienne.” Lawrence muttered under his breath from beside me. Thinking I had misheard, I turned to him. The smile on his lips had deepened, more pronounced than before. “Lawrence, what did you say?”

“Nothing much. But, Etienne, you’re so kind.” Lawrence’s unexpected response only made me more anxious.

“…Lawrence, do you dislike the idea of Callisto joining the lessons?”

That would be problematic. If the gentle love interest rejected the main character, the story could veer in an unpredictable direction. Even though Callisto had calmed down recently, being disliked by Lawrence could push the narrative back into a darker genre. Lawrence furrowed his brows slightly, then shrugged as though he had no other choice.

“No, not at all. If you really want it, I’ll go along with it.” His tone was oddly reluctant. Did I push too hard and make him resent me? Widening my eyes, I stared at Lawrence, but he had already returned to his usual gentle expression.

Still feeling uneasy, I shifted my gaze back to the Count.

The Count originally planned to arrange private lessons for Callisto. However, my mention of Callisto needing friends seemed to make him reconsider.

Looking around the room, he asked the group, “Shall we include Callisto as well? What do you all think?” Viscount Camois, standing beside my father, looked displeased at the idea of his son sharing lessons with an illegitimate child. However, he seemed unwilling to oppose the Count outright. Seizing the opportunity, I added, “Callisto would be delighted to make friends. He’s young, but he’s clever and…” I trailed off as a harsh, cutting voice interrupted me.

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