Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone - Chapter 3.3

Back in my bedroom, I gently comforted Callisto.

“Were you very scared, my dear? I’m sorry.”

“…No…”

Even as he lowered his gaze, Callisto’s cheeks puffed out, looking rounder than usual. It wasn’t possible, of course, but he seemed visibly sulky.

Curious, I tilted my head and asked, “Are you upset about Yves? Should I scold him more?”

If Callisto wanted, I’d find a way to deal with Ivry properly. While I was still considering my options, Callisto suddenly lifted his head. His amber eyes burned with indignation and sorrow, as though he’d been wronged. But why?

“Do you still think I’m a baby, Brother? I’m not a baby anymore—I’ve grown up! I won, didn’t I?”

“…What?”

Caught off guard by his quivering voice, I could only blink.

“I’ve been working hard at swordsmanship… I even beat Ivry. So why am I still a baby?”

“Oh… I’m sorry, Callisto. Are you angry?”

Feeling flustered, I awkwardly hugged him. A small part of me worried he’d push me away, declaring he wasn’t a baby anymore. But to my surprise, Callisto nestled into my arms, though he continued to complain in a pouty tone.

“Didn’t you see earlier? Ivry doesn’t stand a chance against me. I’m the strongest among all the kids. Even Kevin, Anessa, and that fox can’t beat me.”

“Really? I didn’t know. That’s my fault. Forgive me, okay?”

“I’m not mad. I’m just hurt.”

“Alright, alright.”

As I comforted him, the earlier scene replayed in my mind. The anger Yves had stirred up had overshadowed everything else, but Callisto’s swordsmanship had been astonishing. Yves was not only an adult but also known for his skill in combat among noble families. Despite the size and experience disparity, Callisto had defeated him in an instant.

“Well, in the original story, Callisto was exceptional at everything,” I mused.

It was no surprise, considering he had risen to the rank of naval commander by 13.

I chuckled to myself, recalling how Callisto had split Ivry’s sword. The boy glanced at me, still sulking.

“Callisto, you were incredible earlier. Why didn’t you tell me you were so talented?”

“…Really?”

“Of course! You even broke Yves’s sword. He’s stronger than you, so how did you manage that?”

Callisto’s expression turned smug, his cheeks flushing pink as he shrugged nonchalantly.

“Brother, swordsmanship isn’t just about strength.”

“Oh? It’s not?”

“Of course not. It’s about skill. Not just anyone can do it.”

“Then I guess I couldn’t do it. No one could match you, Callisto.”

“That’s okay. I’ll protect you, Brother. So just stick close to me, alright?”

“Alright, alright. I’m not going anywhere.”

His quick shift from sulky to cheerful was adorable. Hugging him tightly, I asked teasingly, “Thanks, Callisto. Can I still kiss you? Or is that not allowed now that you’re all grown up?”

Callisto blinked his large eyes and frowned slightly in thought. After a moment’s consideration, he reluctantly leaned in, offering his cheek.

“Kisses are fine.”

Then, after a brief pause, he quickly added, “And sleeping together is fine too. I’m not a baby, but you can still hold me when we sleep.”

One thing at a time, please. I sighed inwardly but couldn’t resist planting a kiss on his soft, mochi-like cheek.

Harrington willingly handed over the Bjorn region to me because he believed the placer mines in the area had long since dried up, making it worthless. However, my real target was the copper mine that would be discovered in this region a few years later.

Copper is not as precious as gold or silver, but it is the key material for making copper cannons, which are much more powerful and have a longer range than traditional iron cannons. A few years from now, Brienne, who had been attending joint lessons at the Count’s household since the age of 10, was destined to develop these copper cannons.

Brienne was now 16 years old. She had already shown remarkable talent in firearms a few years ago, so I had set up a dedicated research team for her under the Wynyeates name.

Thanks to the well-equipped environment, Brienne’s research was progressing much faster than in the original storyline. Recently, she had improved upon existing cannons to create superior iron cannons. At this rate, the day she would complete the copper cannon technology featured in the original story didn’t seem far off. I planned to arm the Wynyeates private soldiers with these copper cannons.

Unlike the Harrington dukedom, which had maintained a private army for years, Wynyeates had only begun building its forces a few years ago and was not yet strong militarily. However, once the copper cannons were completed, it would only be a matter of time before Harrington’s forces were overwhelmed. Then, Callisto would be able to seek vengeance on the Empress and Roen.

As my thoughts wandered to cannons, I felt the urge to visit Brienne. With mining set to begin soon in Bjorn’s mine, it seemed like a good time to inform her about the copper ore.

“Cliff, is there a lesson scheduled for today? Are all the children here?”

“Sir Lawrence is still touring the territory with the Duke of Armagnac and has taken the day off, but the others are at the training grounds with the young master.”

“Thank you. I’ll head to the training grounds.”

“Yes, young master.”

After sending Cliff away, I made my way to the training grounds. Upon arrival, I noticed the lesson had ended; the children were gathered in a cluster, speaking in serious tones. Brienne sat a step away, watching them with an exasperated expression.

As I approached silently, wanting to surprise them, I heard Kevin shouting, flailing his arms.

“You act like such a baby! How’s Etienne supposed to see you as a marriage prospect?”

Suddenly, my name came up.

What in the world? I stopped in my tracks, narrowing my eyes. Anessa nodded vigorously in agreement.

“That’s right, that’s right! You’re already 13, but you still act like a baby, just like when you were 7. Don’t you think?”

“At this rate, you’ll never marry Etienne!”

“Exactly! What if someone else takes her? Lawrence is so sly; what if he comes back from the territory tour with something amazing and proposes?”

“Oh no! Callisto has to propose before Lawrence does!”

“Have you saved your allowance? You need to buy a nice ring!”

It finally dawned on me why Brienne seemed so exasperated. So this was what they were up to. Despite the recent quiet, it seemed Callisto still hadn’t given up on the dream of marrying me.

I clenched my teeth, stifling a laugh. Then, Callisto spoke weakly.

“I saved up, but I don’t think I can afford a purple diamond ring. It’s too expensive.”

“Really? Is it that pricey?”

“Yeah… Lawrence could buy it easily, though. What should I do?”

“Then… ask for a bigger allowance!”

Brienne’s face showed a mix of pity and exasperation as she shook her head.

“This is why you’re all treated like kids. Are you really going to ask Etienne for an allowance to buy her a proposal ring? Not that she’d accept it.”

“Why are you so mean? Are you on Lawrence’s side?”

“You’re awful, Brienne! You’re not going to tell Lawrence, are you? It’s a secret!”

“I don’t care if Lawrence knows or not. Etienne isn’t interested in him, either. What’s the point of competing among yourselves?”

Kevin and Anessa’s expressions instantly dropped, and they protested to Brienne with hurt faces.

“Whose side are you on, then?”

“There are no sides. Why would you take sides over something like this?”

“Still, you should make your stance clear!”

“If I had to choose, I’d be on Lawrence’s side.”

“What? Why? Why Lawrence?”

Brienne sighed and scolded them.

“Why do you think? Callisto is Etienne’s sibling. How would that even work?”

“Oh…”