Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone - Chapter 2.8

“But wasn’t Roen grin revealed to be an Alpha? The crown princess should be an Omega, though. Etienne was diagnosed with a high likelihood of being an Alpha.”

Yes, that’s it! The trait issue I had completely forgotten about suddenly reassured me.

In the original story, Etienne was publicly known to be a dominant Alpha. Since the Peron Empire had a strict class system, being a dominant Alpha was the most favorable trait for the heir of a count family. It seemed like this had been made public for that reason. However, it was hinted that the actual traits were different—he might have been a recessive Alpha or even a Beta who didn’t manifest his Alpha traits.

However, for an Alpha like the First Prince, succession issues were of the utmost importance. Since an Omega must be the crown princess, my marriage to Roen was impossible from the start. In the original story, Roen pursued Lawrence because Lawrence, who had been a Beta, later manifested as an Omega, which was a key reason for Roen’s interest.

“That’s an Alpha? Really? But I see no signs of that. Such a beauty… it’s a shame.”

Duke Harrington looked me up and down, clicking his tongue as he gazed at me in a way that sent chills down my spine.

Father stepped forward, blocking my path, and bowed deeply to the Duke.

“My son is still young. It seems far too early to discuss matters of marriage.”

“What, are you being so serious? I was just making a harmless joke because he’s such a striking figure.”

Duke Harrington waved his hand dismissively and laughed loudly. But in the aristocracy, there’s no such thing as a casual remark. Every joke has a bite to it.

It was fortunate I wouldn’t be turning into an Omega. Otherwise, I could have ended up helplessly engaged to the First Prince, dragged by Harrington. Just the thought of it made me break out in cold sweat.

“By the way, how about we discuss the business a little? I, of course, am interested in the Eastern Continent trade, but there’s no suitable site for a new port in our territory. The budget has grown larger than expected, and I’m worried about how we’ll manage the funds. At this rate, I’m not sure we can proceed. Ha ha.”

Duke Harrington naturally shifted the conversation. I could see uncomfortable expressions crossing Count Camois and Father’s faces. It seemed he was asking for more than just a transfer of Wynyeats’ business rights—he also wanted funding and suitable land for a port. He was a slippery snake, that one.

But…

‘That might not be so bad after all.’

I glanced at the oily, greedy face of Duke Harrington.

For such a greedy man, the only way to deal with him was with the same tactics. Struggling to suppress a smile, I spoke nonchalantly.

“Well, couldn’t you use the land my father had planned for the new port? There’s no need to purchase new land, which would automatically solve the funding issue.”

“Etienne!”

Father shouted in surprise, clearly flustered by my thoughtless suggestion. Meanwhile, Duke Harrington narrowed his eyes and burst out laughing.

In the nobility, once a word is spoken, it can’t be taken back. Even though I was just a child, as the heir to the Wynyeats family, my opinion carried weight. Having spoken up, my father now found himself in a difficult position—he couldn’t easily back out of the port deal.

“Indeed. That’s a very good solution!”

Duke Harrington, without a hint of shame, seemed pleased with the idea of gaining control over the lucrative Eastern Continent trade. I shrugged and casually added,

“However, if Duke Harrington were to receive the Wynyeats land as a free gift, the taxes would be substantial.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Duke Harrington furrowed his brow and nodded. The new port land was in high demand, and its value was soaring. If the land were gifted by the Count, the tax burden would outweigh any benefit.

I pretended to think for a moment before continuing.

“Then, how about we select a suitable plot of land from the Harrington estate and trade it? For example… a place like Blast Harbor.”

“Oh?”

Duke Harrington’s eyes lit up.

Blast Harbor, located on the North Sea, was a neglected, decaying fishing village. Exchanging it for the new port land from our territory was obviously a deal that heavily favored us.

From the perspective of today, it certainly seems that way.

However, in a few years, the Eastern Continent trade will collapse completely, and the value of the new port land we are about to transfer will plummet.

Instead, the Northern Sea trade will rise rapidly as the new center of commerce.

In this way, while the Wynyeats family sinks with the fall of the Eastern Continent trade, Harrington, by chance, will accumulate immense wealth thanks to owning Blast Harbor along the North Sea coast.

I was planning to swap the futures of Wynyeats and Harrington. Rather than handing over the worthless new port to Harrington, I intended to steal the golden goose from him—the value of Blast Harbor, before anyone realized its potential.

“I think it’s an excellent idea. What do you think, Count?”

“…Yes, Duke. Let’s proceed with that.”

Father looked reluctant but agreed more quickly than I expected. Perhaps the lingering gaze of Harrington, which had been oozing with unwelcome intent, bothered him, and he seemed eager to settle the port issue and send the Duke off as soon as possible. Harrington, oblivious to his own future, laughed boisterously.

“Ha ha, Yungshik is very clever. Count, you have a very smart son!”

I smiled so broadly that dimples appeared on my cheeks.

The partnership with Count Camois was completely settled. Having successfully passed off future trash to Harrington and walked away with a jackpot, I was in a good mood for the time being. Meanwhile, the joint lessons resumed. After the new members safely joined, it was time for the first class.

“Wow, the Count’s house is amazing! Anetta, look at that big window, you can see everything outside!”

“Wow, I’ve never seen such a shiny mirror before. Kevin, come here and reflect the mirror! It’s so cool!”

The 8-year-old Gilloth twins, Anetta and Kevin, seemed fascinated by visiting a high-ranking noble’s mansion for the first time. They ran around excitedly without the slightest sign of being intimidated. They were completely different from Ivry, who already looked gloomy and sly at such a young age.

“…You guys need to be quiet. It’s rude in front of Yungshik…”

A 10-year-old girl, Breene, the daughter of the Marquess of Beringham, pressed her forehead and tried to rein in the excitable twins. It seemed she was already acquainted with the Gilloth twins.

“No, it’s fine. The teacher hasn’t arrived yet. Just relax, everyone.”

I waved my hand with a smile. After dealing with Ivry, who had thrown punches at me from the start, these noisy kids seemed almost cute. I was glad to see the relatively calm and mature Breene doing a good job of keeping the twins in check. I thought I’d be the one stuck babysitting, so I was relieved.

Callisto, who was sticking closely to my side, was observing the kids with curiosity. Lawrence, sitting behind us, kicked Callisto’s leg lightly.

“Hey, move away. Is Etienne yours?”

…‘The kind-hearted Duke,’ he said. Then, the ‘possessive prince’ in the making replied.

“He is! He sleeps with me every night!”

“Because you’re a baby, you little runt!”

When would these kids stop obsessing over me and start noticing each other? I wished I could raise them quickly, have them grow up, and start making money. Father had gathered quite a sum for the new port business that he hadn’t used. In a few years, I’d hit the jackpot with Blast Harbor, but I couldn’t afford to wait idly until then. I wanted to make money right now. To make Callisto a crown prince and ensure my own future, there was a long way to go.

While I was brainstorming business ideas, Lawrence and Callisto continued to bicker. At times, I wondered if the original story was secretly a battle-homo genre. Though I’m not sure there was ever a keyword like that… I thought about the “Prince’s Sword” keyword again, when Lawrence tapped my shoulder.

“Hmm? What is it?”

I turned to find Lawrence smiling kindly at me. Even knowing that he wasn’t just a genuinely kind character, his smile still made my heart melt.

“But… you owe me something, Etienne.”

“Owe you something?”

I didn’t think I owed him anything. Did I? I looked at him questioningly, and Lawrence’s voice became smooth as he spoke.

“Don’t you remember? I helped Callisto join the joint lessons.”

“Oh, that…”

That was when Ivry had been throwing a tantrum. Was that still valid, though? I glanced at Lawrence, and his expression suddenly stiffened. His voice turned cold.

“You’re not going to go back on your word, are you?”

“…Alright.”

This 9-year-old was already plotting like a pro.

As I slumped my shoulders, Callisto, who had been holding my waist, started squirming.

“What do you mean ‘owe’? It’s my business, why are you making Etienne do it! I’ll pay him back!”

“Etienne, how about we go on a picnic next week? I’ve heard there are beautiful spots in the Wynyeats estate. Would you show me around?”

Lawrence, who had ignored Callisto’s outburst, asked in a much warmer voice than before. It was a bit unexpected.

“A picnic?”

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