I Reincarnated as a Cringeworthy Villainous Noble, but Got Obsessed With Magic

Episode 3: Annoying Maid

“──You came.”

“My apologies. Father, do you have something you need?”

Although it doesn’t seem like a typical conversation between a father and son, it’s quite normal in noble society.

Father is the head of the Lestinata family, but I, as his son, am not a noble; I’m just a noble’s offspring. Therefore, I must show respect to my noble father.

“Recently, your private tutor has expressed concerns that you haven’t been taking your magic and swordsmanship lessons seriously. You may be talented, but unlike Ganon, you don’t possess exceptional skills. Despite that, you’re neglecting your studies. You must learn to behave as a member of the Lestinata family.”

Hmm? He’s actually making a valid point, isn’t he? Zenon has been talking about how he feels inferior to his brother, Ganon, because he’s constantly compared to him. However, the fact remains that he hasn’t been taking his lessons seriously, and his father is just reprimanding him for it. It doesn’t seem like his father is unfairly comparing him to his brother, does it…?

Well, Zenon is going through puberty. He probably can’t stand listening to his father’s advice. He might have subconsciously retained only episodes involving his brother in his memory…

Yeah, I should just apologize. It’s my fault, really.

“I… I’m deeply sorry. From now on, I will make every effort to improve myself and avoid causing any trouble for you, Father.”

“Hmm? …Very well. If you understand, then that’s good. Keep up the effort.”

Father raised an eyebrow for a moment but seemed satisfied, so he turned away. It’s as if he’s saying there’s nothing more to discuss, and he’s busy with the documents piled on his desk.

Father, you took time out of your busy schedule for this. You have a different kind of tsundere vibe going on here.

“My apologies.”

I expressed my gratitude silently as I left Father’s office.

“Looking at it from a different perspective, it’s actually a good environment. Zenon probably couldn’t see his family properly because of his rebellious teenage phase…”

I understand now.

At this age, it’s not surprising. The pressure of being a noble and the inferiority complex from having an excellent older brother must have been difficult for Zenon. He has quite the pride, after all.

“I get it.”

“What did you understand?”

“…Is it a habit of yours to sneak up from behind and talk to me?”

“It’s a habit, you know, being stealthy. Just kidding☆”

This time, I wasn’t surprised. Standing behind me was the maid, Seres. She exuded a playful atmosphere, but her beautiful blue eyes seemed to be observing me closely, not letting her guard down.

Did I do something? Well, I must have been doing something, as always. During this period, my attitude towards Seres, a commoner, wasn’t particularly warm, but it wasn’t as harsh as it would become later on. I wonder if she’s suspicious of the sudden change in me.

“What were you talking about?”

While she watched me intently, Seres asked.

It’s nothing to hide, so I replied openly, “It was a reprimand regarding my recent attitude in class. They told me to behave more like a Lestinata and take it more seriously.”

“Please don’t dislike Master so much. Even though he seems…”

“I understand. He took time out of his busy schedule for me. You can tell from the piled-up documents on the table. If he didn’t care about me at all, he wouldn’t have said anything.”

While I spoke, Seres stared at me, her eyes widening, and then she asked, “Did you eat some weird mushrooms on the roadside, Zenon?”

“I’ll fire you, you annoying maid.”

“Oh, it’s Zenon-sama after all!”

“What do you mean by that?”

Seres clapped her hands together and seemed to be teasing me. That’s why Zenon couldn’t become more open with her…

When I looked at Seres again, her eyes seemed to have lost their suspicion and she nodded, as if she had come to some realization. It’s similar to Father’s reaction. You never know what people are truly thinking, but with my actions deviating from the original story, who knows what will happen?

I need to get stronger, and I also have to change my attitude.

Well, for now, it seems I can get along with this maid just fine.