Reincarnated as the Final Villain’s Vessel

Caius’s POV

After Kyle and Ellen left, Alicia delivered the others to their homes as a gesture of kindness unusual for her.

I think the reason she did that was because she didn’t want their families coming here and causing unnecessary commotion.

She’ll probably head off afterward to inform Talia’s family of their daughter’s death... What an unfortunate thing.

It’s true that she was an annoying person and got us into this, but I never hated her or held any grudge against her.

And now the only ones left here are me and that old servant.

I moved through this small mansion while feeling his gaze still on my back... Why the hell is he walking behind me?

Soon, I reached the back exit and stepped outside before closing the door behind me, finding myself in the backyard of this place.

It’s nice being the Vice Principal of the Axis if they give you a small mansion like this to live in.

Though I suppose it’s nothing compared to her main residence... Seriously, why does she work here when she’s a Duke and a King on top of that?

I know that most nobles, especially those from the higher ranks, occupy important political and social positions in addition to their titles and lands.

Things like ministers or leadership positions in the military... But being the Vice Principal still feels meaningless compared to that.

Or maybe she just likes this... Why am I even thinking about this anyway?

The old man’s gaze disappeared as I walked through the small garden.

It wasn’t anything amazing, just an area the size of a small house filled with flowers and trees, surrounded by an old brick wall that gave the place its own touch.

I put my hands in my pockets as I walked toward the only table and two chairs there and sat down.

I rested my elbows on the marble surface while leaning forward lazily.

Every time I sat like this, that writing returned to my mind again and again without fail.

The lack of knowledge bothered me, and even asking Alicia hadn’t yielded anything.

Most of the things I thought I knew had become meaningless now... Maybe I need to change my plans.

I don’t know.

I looked at the natural imperfections in the marble table while feeling its coldness travel through my arms.

There was a glimpse of my reflection there, distorted and bent across the polished stone surface, yet I could still see the lost expression.

"Who am I really?..."

For the first time in a long while, I felt...

Lost.

How much did I really know myself... How much of my memories were actually true?

I raised a hand and ran it through my hair, pushing it back while letting out a long breath. "Haaaa..."

From the corner of my eye, I spotted a small bird landing on a tree branch with a piece of bread in its beak.

It hopped on its tiny feet near a nest, causing its chicks to stretch out their beaks hungrily.

Seeing that made the others come to mind.

"They must be happy right now..." I muttered unconsciously.

"Have you developed a habit of talking to yourself?"

A voice echoed from behind me, interrupting my chaotic thoughts.

I shook my head. "At least I listen to myself."

Alicia stepped forward and sat on the chair opposite me. "Aren’t you going anywhere?"

"I don’t have anywhere to go... The only place I had was my room, and it was taken by a strange girl."

Alicia nodded in agreement. "Yes, she is."

I raised an eyebrow at her unexpected response. "Really, you’re saying that of all people?"

She tilted her head in a silent question, but I ignored it. "I’ll leave tomorrow if my staying here bothers you."

Alicia frowned. "I didn’t tell you to leave."

What’s with her now? "What does that mean?"

"You can stay here." Her tone wasn’t one of permission but of ordering me to do so.

And I wasn’t stupid enough to refuse. "Thanks... I think."

Alicia nodded, satisfaction clear on her face... Why is it clear? It shouldn’t be.

Let’s ignore that... Let’s just ignore that and change the subject.

"Do we need to take the exams, or are we repeating the year... Or better yet, getting an early graduation?"

Alicia leaned back in her chair. "I haven’t thought about it, but none of that."

"I’m not responsible for that side of things, but I think they’ll let you skip the year and pass directly."

"Oh..."

I was surprised by that, but not surprised at the same time... What a boring outcome.

At least second-year missions would be more interesting... And have better rewards and returns.

Alicia looked at the plants as she continued. "You’ll receive compensation as well."

My ears twitched when I heard that, and I straightened unconsciously. "What kind of compensation?"

She turned her head toward me. "I don’t know. It’ll be to ease the families’ anger, and also as recognition for what you did."

For what we did?... I don’t think returning from the Ancient Earth counts as an achievement that serves the Empire or humanity.

Or does it?

"Did you tell Asterval what you told me?" I asked regarding the part about the distant past.

Alicia nodded. "Only the obvious parts."

"Good, I hope."

We sat in silence for a while until I stood up from the chair, only for her to ask me,

"Where are you going?"

I sighed. "Nothing special, just the library... And taking a walk around the city after being gone for so long."

She nodded while I turned and headed toward the door.

I could feel her gaze stuck to my back until I entered and closed the door behind me.

It seemed she had become somewhat strange after the conversation where I told her everything.

Without thinking too much about it, I headed toward the front exit and left the small mansion, greeted by the familiar grounds of the Axis.

I placed a hand on my stomach as I thought,

"Maybe a good meal will improve my mood."