I Became the Mastermind Who Betrays the Heroines

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 88 – Catalyst (4)

“Wow! Commander!”

“It feels like it’s been so long…!”

“We missed you!”

The children welcomed me with enthusiasm.

It must have been their free time, as they were all gathered together, playing.

As soon as one small fox noticed me, the others swarmed.

Patter, patter.

The little ones ran toward me on their short legs.

I spread my arms wide, catching them as they threw themselves at me.

Warm bodies clung to me from every direction.

“Hehe… Have you all been well?”

“Yes!!”

Their answer was bright and full of energy, radiating the innocence unique to children.

“Commander, Commander! Why are you here today?”

“You’re here to play with us, right?”

“Dummy! He’s obviously here to work! Teacher said we shouldn’t bother him!”

“I’m not a dummy!”

“You totally are, dummy!”

“Hey, hey, don’t fight in front of the Commander.”

Despite their bickering, it was clear how close they were.

It was the kind of bond only kids their age could have.

I smiled warmly, watching their chatter.

As their voices filled the room, Irene appeared, gently pulling the younger ones away.

She had the stern demeanor of an older sister dealing with a pack of mischievous siblings.

“What are you all doing, pestering someone like this?”

“Oh, it’s you, sis!”

“You came too!”

“Yay…! Big sis, we missed you!”

“W-wait, don’t just cling to me all of a sudden—”

She had started with a scolding tone, but even Irene couldn’t hold out against the kids’ affectionate onslaught.

Her serious expression melted in an instant.

Letting out a sigh of surrender, Irene gave up admonishing them and began patting their heads instead.

The little foxes chirped happily as they surrounded us.

“Hehe.”

Watching them, I couldn’t help but think.

Whoever ends up with Irene in the future will have their hands full.

They’d need to take care of all these foxes too.

'Though that still feels far off.'

If this world ever reached a happy ending, each of them would eventually find their own happiness.

Of course, some would meet people they loved.

The original story had no romance, but there was no rule saying such connections wouldn’t form after the ending.

When that time came—

Stories I couldn’t witness in my previous life, stories of their eventual happiness.

Watching those unfold would be a joy.

'Until then.'

I smiled faintly at the thought.

As I made a lighthearted comment about it, Irene’s expression grew thoughtful.

Perhaps it was because love was still an unfamiliar concept to her.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, her ears perked upright, and her tail swayed uncertainly.

After clearing her throat, she asked a question.

“…What about you?”

“Hmm?”

“I mean… normal men. What do you think they’re like? Do they dislike having a lot of kids?”

“You’re asking about my thoughts?”

“Yes…”

So she does think about these things.

I’d always seen her with that stoic face, so I’d assumed she wasn’t interested in such matters.

It was surprising but not entirely unexpected.

She was, after all, a girl in the bloom of youth.

With a gentle smile, I answered.

“I quite like children. Their innocence always reminds me of something important.”

“R-really… so, men…”

“Of course, that doesn’t apply to everyone. People have different preferences.”

“I see.”

We shared a casual exchange as time passed.

Before long, someone else appeared.

A middle-aged man with striking red hair stepped in, wearing an apron that didn’t quite suit his imposing frame.

“Commander! You’re here!”

“Sir Kyle.”

Kyle Strovan.

Once a star said to touch the heavens, he was now Astro’s head chef.

I returned his hearty greeting with a smile.

“So you were here after all.”

“Of course! This is my post! It’s always a joy to teach these kids!”

“Excellent. It’s reassuring to have left them in your care.”

“I heard you were looking for me! Is there something you need?”

“There’s a matter I wanted to discuss.”

“Hmm? What kind of matter?”

“It concerns Baob.”

“…Understood. Let’s talk in the next room.”

His boisterous tone immediately quieted.

His crimson eyes, once warm, now grew cold.

With a calm demeanor, Kyle ushered the children back to their activities.

The noisy atmosphere faded as we moved to a nearby lounge.

The Swordmaster’s expression remained frozen, his demeanor solemn.

***

The reason I sought out the Swordmaster wasn’t complicated.

With the cult showing signs of resurgence, we needed to discuss our next steps.

Kyle was the most experienced member of the group and had fought on the frontlines during the Great Purge.

He was the perfect person to discuss such matters.

I began by explaining the recent attack on the church.

While he already knew the basics, I now provided more detailed information.

The primary topic was the “Conductor,” the presumed mastermind behind the attack.

“The Conductor… so he’s returned.”

Kyle sighed, pressing his fingers to his temples.

As he contemplated, I made an observation.

“I’ve heard you faced him before—during that fierce war.”

Five years ago, Kyle had encountered the Conductor.

No, 'encountered' was too light a term.

As champions of their respective sides, they had clashed countless times on the blood-soaked frontlines.

The scars they left on each other weren’t few.

And yet, both had survived.

In a way, their connection could be called a cursed bond.

After a moment of silence, Kyle finally spoke.

“I know him well.”

“Do you now?”

“I was the one who cut him down. Severed his lower body, leaving him in a state where he’ll never live without a wheelchair.”

“I’ve heard that story before.”

“He gave me quite a fight. He was a formidable foe.”

“For someone the ‘Star’ acknowledges, he must have been impressive.”

“I always had to face him alone. If I didn’t, he’d corrupt our allies with his Magi and turn them against us.”

“He certainly seems to have troublesome powers.”

“Troublesome is an understatement. He was a devil. So many lives were lost to him… I’ve lost count.”

As if reliving old memories, Kyle’s expression darkened.

“More people will die, won’t they…?”

Did he still carry the heart of a hero?

His crimson eyes trembled with sorrow.

Offering reassurance, I spoke with a smile.

“This time, I’m here. You don’t need to worry.”

“That’s true… Having you here is a relief. No matter what that bastard brings, he won’t stand a chance against you.”

“Isn’t that a bit of an overestimation?”

“But you’re not denying it.”

“Hehe.”

The tense atmosphere softened.

I offered a reminder.

“As I’ve said before, you’re not to take action yourself.”

“May I ask why?”

“It’s best to keep our trump cards hidden for as long as possible.”

Kyle Strovan, the Crimson Swordmaster.

Among the cards I held, he was the strongest joker yet to be played.

To the world, Kyle was dead.

Only those within Astro knew he was alive.

That knowledge gave us a significant advantage.

“For now, just focus on guarding the headquarters.”

“Understood.”

“Besides, you have a family to protect. If you want to keep them safe, you must act with caution.”

“My family… You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Kyle nodded vigorously, his eyes reddening with emotion.

Perhaps he was moved by my concern.

After all, I had saved both him and his wife from the cultists and restored his daughter, who had been turned into a monster.

Now, I was even offering advice to protect his family.

'Loyal to a fault.'

An ideal pawn.

I would continue to work him hard, all while ensuring he remained grateful for my “kindness.”

“Sniff… Haha! I’ll do my best!”

“I’m counting on you.”

After exchanging a few light remarks, I brought up my next request.

This time, it was personal.

Gesturing toward Irene, I spoke.

“I’d like you to help train Miss Irene for a while.”

“You mean as her mentor?”

“She’s just reached a new level. This is the time for a proper guide to help her refine her skills.”

“No problem.”

Kyle studied Irene with a sharp gaze, then let out a low whistle of admiration.

“Impressive… She’s certainly changed. She truly has the makings of a genius.”

“Do you think she could reach the stars?”

“That’s hard to say. Talent alone doesn’t guarantee it. Most fall short along the way.”

“So it depends on her efforts.” @@novelbin@@

“Exactly.”

Kyle nodded calmly.

“But I can teach her the basics.”

“That’s all I ask.”

“Never thought I’d take on a student this late in life.”

“I’ll leave her in your care for the next few days. I’ll be away for a bit.”

“Understood.”

Kyle stood, towering before Irene.

His crimson gaze bore down on her, intense enough to feel crushing.

Yet, Irene held her ground, staring straight ahead.

Seemingly pleased, Kyle let out a hearty laugh.

“Haha! I like that determination!”

“…”

“It won’t be easy. The path will feel like hell. Are you ready to endure it?”

“If it means standing beside him… I’ll endure anything.”

“Good, good! Excellent!”

Kyle’s approval was clear.

Irene, however, looked past him and directed a question toward me.

Her dark eyes wavered slightly.

“If I stay here… what will you do?”

“There’s somewhere I need to go.”

“Where?”

“The Imperial Palace.”

“You’re going to see that princess, aren’t you?”

“I made a promise.”

It wasn’t a situation where Irene could accompany me.

Dealing with the Imperial family wasn’t something I could bring her into.

With a deep breath, Irene nodded.

It was her way of agreeing.

“I… I’ll do my best.”

“Good.”

“But…”

Suddenly, Irene grabbed my tie and pulled me into a tight embrace.

Her cheek pressed against mine, warmth spreading between us.

As she held me close, she whispered softly in my ear.

Her voice carried a bittersweet note.

“…Don’t get hurt.”

Her quiet concern lingered in the air.

Caught off guard, I chuckled faintly.

With our cheeks still touching, I responded.

“Of course.”

She was, in many ways, a difficult partner to manage.

***

A few days later.

I was riding in a carriage.

The scenery outside the window rolled past along the long road.

Beside me sat a girl with platinum hair.

Her doll-like features, ocean-blue eyes, and ever-blank expression were unmistakable.

It was Charlotte.

We were on our way to the Imperial Palace.

“Can it really be fixed?”

Charlotte asked suddenly.

Her voice, though calm, carried a trace of unease.

Feigning ignorance, I replied.

“I’ll have to see for myself. My abilities aren’t omnipotent, after all.”

“I see…”

Her response was quiet, almost lifeless.

I smiled subtly.

Could she sense my hidden intentions?

The naive princess simply clasped her hands and made a faint plea.

Her transparent eyes reflected the face of a cunning serpent.

“Please… save Elise.”

Elise.

'Elise Rose von Staufen.'

The Empire’s second princess.

Charlotte’s younger sister.

A character modeled after a rose, destined to die in every route of the original story.

As I headed to the treacherous Imperial Palace to meet the ill-fated girl, I muttered silently to myself.

'This time.'

This time, I will save her.

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]