On a sunny day, I'm enjoying apple pie in the garden. Even as I eat, I can't help but imagine my future as the villain, getting beaten up by the hero. I'm just six years old.
"Young Master, how is today's pie?"
The chef, who stands by my side, is 36 years old. Because I always call him to remake the pie, he's been waiting nearby for a while now. Strangely, he always asks with a smile, 'How is it?'
I savor the apple pie in my mouth and swallow. "Hmm! This doesn't taste like apples! You've changed it again! Why do you keep altering it...?"
"Young Master, I regret to inform you that this is actually a berry pie..."
"Make one without the purple stuff! Right now! Before I get too full and fall asleep!"
"Yes, right away!"
As the chef hurries back to the kitchen, I realize something.
Ahh.... This is it again! I'm becoming a villain again!
"I'm going to get beaten up," I muttered. Well, at least I didn't burst into maniacal laughter this time. Maybe the effects from my past life are still lingering! Aarrrggghh!
I continue to munch on the makeshift apple pie, fork in hand. Whether it's due to my emotions or the purple jam, it's a bit sour.
"Fran."
"Stefan nii-sama."
My oldest brother, Stefan, who is ten years older than me, walks over from the mansion. He's usually busy with the knight order, and our house is so large that we rarely cross paths. It's been a while.
I don't stand up, but I wait for Stefan nii-sama to take a seat, setting my fork aside.
"Are you done playing as a mermaid who was washed up ashore?"
Wait, did I really imitate something that gruesome?!
"You were lying in bed without moving," Stefan says.
"Oh... well, I was contemplating why I am who I am."
Even I didn't want to reincarnate as the weakest! Why bother being reborn as someone who's constantly called the weakest? It would have been better to be the hero. I can't help but feel unlucky.
"Hoohhh? Fran, have you been studying philosophy? Truly fitting for a man of the Triaina family."
While praising me with casual compliments, Stefan nii-sama slides a plate of apple pie (temporary) toward me.
"Hmm? Aren't you going to eat?"
"I'm afraid it'll reduce Fran's portion."
"I've already had two slices. Besides, a fresh apple pie is on its way."
Indeed. Despite my complaints, I always manage to eat the food I criticize. My hands move on their own, even before my memories return. No matter what I say, the chef is a professional, so he makes even the things I dislike taste delicious. It can't be helped.
"Is that so? Well then, let's dig in-"
"Wait! It's coming now! It's on the way!"
"Huh?"
"Chef, dash! Run! Hurry!"
I spot the chef pushing a cart from the kitchen side, so I stop Stefan and urge the chef on!
My voice must have reached him because the food cart arrives with a clatter. The chef, holding the handle, joins me in a hurry.
On the food cart sits a glossy, steaming-hot apple pie!
"Young Master, I apologize for the wait. Oh! Is that Stefan-sama?"
"Indeed, Head Chef. Are you here during lunchtime?"
"Chef, cut it quickly! Before Stefan nii-sama loses patience!"
"Fran, your older brother can endure."
"Is this apple? It doesn't have any brown stuff on it, right?"
"Yes, no cinnamon. Just a plain apple pie."
"Wow! Looks amazing! So delicious!"
"Fran, calm down."
I can tell my excitement is showing in my heavy breathing. But isn't freshly baked pie incredible? I want to drizzle honey on it, and besides, I'm already getting sleepy!
"Please, Stefan-sama, Fran-sama."
The apple pie is sliced. This is it!
"...Mmm, delicious!"
I press my cheek with my hand as I chew. With each bite, the sweet juice and syrup from the apples...
(. . .)
Next to me are two carts. One contains purple jam apple pie, and the other holds a regular apple pie. They're both full-sized, so even if I eat some, more than half will remain.
Chef and the maids, along with other servants, watch Stefan nii-sama and me with smiles.
Glancing sideways, I notice Stefan nii-sama sipping tea after every bite, eating slowly, and not likely to go for a second slice. I'm feeling sleepy, and if I eat too much, I won't be able to have dinner later, which would earn me a scolding from Father.
(Ugh...)
Is this it? Is this the dividing line between being a villain and not?
I look at the food cart again. The glossy, delicious-looking apple pie— it's mine. My apple pie.
"What's left... what's left..."
"Fran?"
"Young Master?"
Everyone watches as I chew on my fork.
I close my eyes tightly and say it boldly.
"What's left... let's all share it!"
It's heartbreaking! So painful! Almost like self-sacrifice! But it can't be helped.
"Young Master... we appreciate your kindness."
"Young Master..."
"Young Master..."
They all call me 'Young Master.' Thank you. I hear sniffling, and Kitty, the maid who's always by my side, collapses onto the grass, exclaiming, "Oh, Young Master...!"
I open my eyes sharply and focus on the apple pie in front of me, avoiding the carts. It diminishes with each bite, but there's no other choice.
Chewing and munching, I feel Stefan nii-sama patting my head.
"Seems you've learned compassion. Well done."
"I've decided to be a good child..."
And then, I'll evacuate to the neighboring country to avoid getting beaten up by the hero.
"I see. Fran, becoming a good child, huh? In that case, your older brother will assist. Consider this support from your older brother."
Stefan nii-sama hands me his half-eaten plate. Well, it's barely touched. Only a few apple slices are missing from the cut edge.
"Did Stefan nii-sama dislike the sweetness?"
"Hehe, actually, yes. I came because Fran was here. It's been a while since we met, and Fran has changed... growing into a true Triaina man. I feel relieved."
Stefan nii-sama takes out a handkerchief and wipes his mouth. Who would've thought that this gentle older brother would tease me with 'Hey, weakest one!' in the game? What kind of relationship did I imagine with him?
To avoid becoming a villain, I'll build a better relationship with my older brothers.
With renewed determination, I reach for Stefan nii-sama's plate.