Stuck as a Villain!

Chapter 193: I will be back for you

The original Seth had a stern personality with a nonchalant attitude toward those in inferior positions. While he had a strong will and great wisdom, Seth never had the quality to be modest or respectful toward someone of a lower standing than him.

However, the current Seth—who was under the possession of a native Japanese high school boy—witnessing someone more than double his age, bowing in front, naturally made Seth restless.

"Viscount Alfred, Lady Riona, please raise your heads. I have accepted your gratitude, so please don't burden me with the sin of making two elders bow."

Seth was honest with his words when he said about his acceptance of their thanks.

However, the tears they both held in their eyes elaborate how they still felt the need to extend their thanks to Seth, for bringing their daughter back to them.

"I can't even express how thankful I am, Seth. This past month, every day felt like torture, and every night; a series of nightmares." Being a Viscount and a man in his thirties, if something could make a man cry then it is their family and everything surrounding them.

Seth understood the sentiment before he brought his hands on Rommen's shoulders and transferred a low calming spell, while he spoke,

"I know it must be difficult for you, but please maintain your calm, or who would look after your wife and daughter?" Seth didn't know whether it was the right way to comfort a person, that's why he just spoke his mind and stated the best reason for the man to calm down.

Since Seth couldn't chant a calming spell without physical contact, he didn't use it on the lady before he helped them to situate back on the seat, while he took the seat opposite them.

"Viscount Alfred, after a week, I will revisit the mansion. Would you be free at that time for a conversation? It is about Laila."

At the moment Viscount was quite shaken up and Seth knew, the older ones must be getting eager to see their daughter, so he kept the meeting brief for now.

Rommen didn't take more than a second to respond, "Yes, of course. I will keep my schedule free that day." Whether he was treating Seth as his priority was because of their social status or just because he viewed Seth as his benefactor, remained a mystery.

Soon, Seth got up to take his leave however, just before he was about to step out of the mansion, he found a familiar face approaching from upstairs.

"Laila?" Both Rommen and Riona also turned toward the direction, only to find their daughter advancing in their way with Seth set as her destination.

"Mother, father...can I escort Seth to the carriage? Please?"

Seeing those pearly eyes of their daughter, not even an instance they thought before nodding; much to Seth's bewilderment.

He thought they would at least try stopping her in the name of her health, but well.

Soon Seth and Laila could be seen walking down the path that led to the main gate of the mansion.

It was Seth who asked first, "Are you fine now?"

Laila, without turning her head, nodded twice.

"And...do you want to tell me something?"

Another nod, but no words were added.

Seth was left with no choice but to wait and see whether the girl could sum up the courage before they reached the carriage.

Finally just as Seth and Laila stepped out of the gate, he felt a tug on his shirt, before Seth turned to look at Laila.

Her eyes were moistened with a faint blush elevating her cuteness. This particular expression was something Seth didn't want to face while separating from her.

In the end, he sighed before pulling the girl closer and wrapping her in his arms.

Laila didn't seem incredibly surprised to miss the chance as she enjoyed the warmth she had ever yearned for. Her shoulder relaxed and the cluster of thoughts swirling in her mind came to a rest.

"I will be back in a few days to take you away. Spend time with your parents until then."

"Hm."

The wind of early spring washed over the couple, as they stood within the confines of each other's warmth; reluctant to detach yet forced by the circumstances.

****

The next place Seth set as his destination was the capital of Ranghaur, or to be precise, to meet his fiancèe, Celine.

He has sent a letter to his mother about his arrival in Albeck duchy, which was scheduled to be tomorrow. Although his mother seemed displeased by his prolonged trip and a little curious to know where Seth had been this long, she only asked for him to travel safely and take proper rest in between.

"Ava."

To heed the call of her master, the fourth-ranked Shadow soldier under Seth's command appeared inside the carriage with her left knee planted on the floor and her head leaned forward in respect.

"Master."

"Protect Laila until I return. Make sure she alone doesn't go far from her house...and if she does, knock her out and place her back in her room. Be on guard all the time."

"Understood."

The small exchange ended as Ava disappeared from the carriage, after receiving the orders.

Seth has already told Laila to not wander too far for these few days and if she goes against his words, means that Kyouko has somehow taken over Laila's consciousness, and considering that girl's wild nature, Seth needed to be cautious.

That was why, Ava was required to be stationed twenty-four-seven. Being an experimental individual with an artificially implanted core, Ava surely could live ten days without a wink of sleep and food.

"Young master, we are here." Hearing the coach's words, Seth disembarked the carriage before the church came into his vision.

The land under Viscount Rommen's jurisdiction and the capital were far apart, that's why Seth decided to use teleportation rather than traveling.

Walking toward the church, he inwardly muttered,

'Wonder whether Celine is still upset....'

Seth was prepared to coax a temperamental princess, however, he never thought the person standing to greet him would not be Celine, but her father....

*****

A/N:- Ah, shit. Seth was hoping for a sweet night with the princess and here...sigh. Drop a comment.