Leave the Villainous Second Male Lead Alone - Chapter 8.10

Which made it even harder to stay mad at him as he blinked at me with that forlorn expression.

At any rate, he was back safe, and I couldn’t bring myself to care much about anything else. As I wiped the blood off his cheek with the back of my hand, I asked worriedly, just in case.

“What’s with all this blood? You’re not hurt, are you? Let me see your face.”

“I am hurt… I think I split my forehead open. It hurts so much, brother…”

Callisto pointed at his forehead, where I could barely make out a scratch no bigger than a fingernail. Ivry, who was quietly receiving medical treatment nearby, cleared her throat in disbelief. But even a small wound could lead to infection, so I carefully ran my fingers over Callisto’s forehead, inspecting it.

“I told you to be more careful. What am I supposed to do if you come back like this?”

“Sorry. I won’t do anything dangerous again.”

Without missing a beat, Callisto wrapped his arms around my waist and rubbed his cheek against my chest. Ivry’s coughing grew even louder.

“Are you okay, Ivry? Etienne’s frail, so you shouldn’t infect him. If your treatment is done, you should leave.”

“Calli, don’t talk to Ivry like that…”

Despite all they had been through together, it seemed Callisto couldn’t muster an ounce of camaraderie.

Once Callisto’s minor injuries were treated and he’d composed himself, he began receiving reports from his officers. The ships under the Gillos siblings’ command had sustained less damage, but the new flagship under Callisto’s command was nearly destroyed beyond repair. Casualties were lower than expected, but only a handful of ships remained intact; most were wrecked beyond salvage.

I shot Callisto a suspicious look, wondering what on earth he had done. Sensing my gaze, Callisto looked up from the report and smiled at me with that disarming, eye-squinting grin that I couldn’t help but find adorable.

I couldn’t figure out when he’d picked up the habit of using his charm to get away with things, but the fact that I fell for it every time was even more exasperating.

“Good work, everyone. Make sure the families of the deceased receive their belongings and compensation. Injured soldiers will remain in Blast Harbor to recover.”

“Yes, Admiral.”

“Good. The rest of the troops are to rest adequately. We’ll depart for the capital in four days.”

“Understood!”

After the officers finished their reports and left, Callisto immediately approached and buried his face in my shoulder. He reminded me of an overexcited dog rushing to greet its owner. I couldn’t help but chuckle as he leaned into me, even going so far as to breathe into my neck like he was sniffing me.

“…What did you say, Etienne?”

Lawrence set his teacup down with a grim expression. He had just returned after escorting Lilibet to the Camois estate, where she had gifted him a puppy as a token of gratitude.

Apparently, she had added with shy enthusiasm, “I’m so glad you like it. Let’s raise this adorable puppy together, Lawrence.”

Without a word, Lawrence had promptly turned on his heel and fled the estate, heading straight for Blast Harbor. Unfortunately for him, he arrived just after I had finally pried Callisto off me. The sight of the puppy in Lawrence’s arms drew an unbidden thought.

It looks just like Calli. Such a cute little puppy.

Lawrence’s face twisted into an expression I couldn’t even begin to describe. He stared down at his teacup, gripping it tightly, before finally managing to speak.

“You’re saying my puppy looks like Callisto?”

Even though I adored Callisto, I could understand how others might perceive him. Awkwardly, I nodded.

Lawrence sighed loudly, furrowing his brow. “In what way?”

“It’s… cute…”

I watched as Lawrence clenched his jaw. Hastily, I added, “…and lovable…”

“….”

“…and charming,” I finished sheepishly.

Lawrence stared at the ceiling for a moment before rising abruptly.

“Now that I think about it, raising a puppy alone sounds just fine.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t have to share my life with someone… Besides, I already have a younger sibling, so I’m not worried about an heir.”

“Uh… sure?”

“I’m fine, Etienne. I mean, I’m not the only one who’s ever been rejected. Though I suppose it’s rare to have the rejection rubbed in my face repeatedly… Anyway, my point is, as long as you’re happy, I’m fine.”

“Oh…”

With nothing else to say, I nodded awkwardly. Hugging the puppy tightly, Lawrence quietly—and quickly—left the room. Just as he exited, Callisto walked in, looking puzzled.

“What’s his problem?”

“Nothing… Why are you here already, Calli? Aren’t you tired?”

Unintentionally or not, it seemed I had driven off a competitor. For what or whom, I still wasn’t entirely sure. I pressed a kiss to Callisto’s cheek as he sat beside me, and he blinked in surprise before lowering his gaze. His ears and cheeks turned red, as though he were suddenly shy.

It was endearing, though I also found it worrisome. He’d lost weight since the war. I resolved to treat him to his favorite lamb steak once everything settled down.

“Are you okay, brother? You’re not hurt, are you?”

“Why would I be? I’ve been resting at the estate the whole time.”

“But you’re frail…”

“I’m not anymore. Ever since the reawakening, the side effects of the catalyst have mostly disappeared.”

“Even so, you should keep resting. Don’t push yourself by meeting people or sitting for too long…”

Despite his words, Callisto didn’t seem inclined to let go of me. His lips brushed against my cheek and ear, making me giggle as a ticklish warmth spread across my chest.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Callisto’s expression darkened, his brows furrowing.

“What is it now? I said no interruptions.”

I had no idea when he had issued such an order, but it would certainly make his officers roll their eyes. Roen might be dead, but the empress’s faction still posed a threat. Interruptions likely meant urgent news.

“Let them in, Calli. It might be important.”

As his elder, I couldn’t behave exactly like him, so I coaxed him into relenting. Still scowling, Callisto reluctantly allowed the visitor to enter.

A soldier entered, covered in dust and visibly exhausted. He looked as though he had come a great distance and was struggling to catch his breath. Something was clearly amiss.

“What happened?” Callisto asked, his voice low and steady.

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