The Time-Limited Extra is Disguised as a Tutor in a Villain's House

***

 

Standing outside Cardien’s office, I tilted my head.

 

‘Why isn’t there an answer?’

 

Is he out?

 

‘Could it be another magical outburst?’

 

I briefly debated whether I should check inside due to the sudden sense of unease that washed over me.

 

“Ah.”

 

Suddenly, the door opened, revealing a man from within.

 

‘This man is…’

 

With hair that seemed to blend with the sun, vivid green eyes, and distinct features, he was a typical handsome man.

 

‘Not as handsome as Cardien, but still quite good-looking…’

 

Wait, I know this face.

 

In this empire, there was only one person with golden hair and green eyes.

 

Prince Hysterion Rare Lagranasia!

 

At the same time, the male lead in < Everyone Loves the Saint>!

 

“Who are you?”

 

Without even having a chance to question why the male lead was here, I quickly lowered my head and spoke in response to the questioning tone that reached my ears.

 

“I’m Livia Pellington, the tutor.”

 

And after a moment’s hesitation, I added.

 

“I’m pleased to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”

 

“Ah.”

 

He nodded his head.

 

Then he stroked his chin and mumbled to himself.

 

“Livia Pellington… Livia Pellington… Why does that name sound familiar? Have we met somewhere?”

 

“No, we haven’t.”

 

“That’s weird, that sounds really familiar. Do you happen to know if your dad has…….”

 

“That’s enough.”

 

Just as Hysterion persistently questioned, Cardien’s voice interjected.

 

I turned to look in the direction of the voice.

 

Cardien leaned against the door, his sharp eyes fixed on Hysterion as he spoke.

 

“Your schedule is tight, Your Highness. Please make your way to the palace quickly.”

 

“Hmm……”

 

Hysterion appeared slightly embarrassed by the curt command, nodding his head as if he had no choice.

 

“Anyway, please give my words some thought.”

 

“Farewell.”

 

“Haha…”

 

With a laugh that seemed to acknowledge his inability to win, he turned his gaze back to me.

 

I found myself looking at him with a renewed sense of curiosity.

 

Perhaps it was because he was the male lead, or the Crown Prince, but he didn’t seem like someone I could easily encounter.

 

Unintentionally, I continued to gaze at Hysterion.

 

Just a while ago, I was too surprised to properly notice.

 

‘It’s really Hysterion…’

 

Celestina’s man. And…

 

‘Cardien’s rival.’

 

It was truly an extraordinary sight to see Hysterion with Cardien, the villain.

 

‘But…….’

 

The two had been allies until Cardien became obsessed with Celestina.

 

‘It was Hysterion who helped him become a duke.’

 

Now, for the record, Hysterion, the crown prince and first prince, isn’t actually the legitimate heir.

 

He is the child of a concubine.

 

‘The second prince is the child of the empress, who is the official wife.

 

Therefore, strictly speaking in terms of succession rights to the throne, the prince’s side might hold a higher position.

 

‘But the Second Prince is only 11 years old this year.’

 

Considering his young age, it would be too early for the Second Prince to succeed the throne. Additionally, Hysterion’s own abilities were exceptional, making it possible for him to become the Crown Prince without much difficulty.

 

‘The problem lies in lacking the power to carry the throne.’

 

By the time Hysterion would inherit the throne, the Second Prince would no longer be a child.

 

He would be of a sufficient age to compete for the throne, and it seemed that the weakness of Hysterion’s external support could also become an issue.

 

‘This must have been quite a challenge.’

 

If the Emperor were to suddenly die due to Akaban, even if Hysterion were a Crown Prince, his life would be in danger due to the pressure from the Second Prince’s faction.

 

In any case, given the intricate circumstances above, Hysterion formulated a single strategy.

 

‘Exploiting Mercedes’ vulnerability.’

 

That vulnerability was none other than Cardien Mercedes.

 

With Hysterion’s assistance, Cardien was able to overcome fierce opposition from the elders and become a duke.

 

A relationship where they help each other when they are both in jeopardy.

 

Cardien might have his own thoughts, but from my perspective, their relationship seemed more than just allies.

 

Of course…

 

‘Everything went wrong after Celestina appeared.’

 

In order to possess Celestina, Cardien betrayed Hysterion first.

 

Comparing the current Cardien to the original, the Cardien from the original seemed like quite a lunatic.

 

He was so blinded by his love that he went behind the back of his only ally, Hysterion, and even plotted a rebellion.

 

‘And as a result, he had his downfall.’

 

In the original story, this arc developed quite rapidly.

 

The fact that the two individuals had been in an alliance was essentially just a few lines of explanation.

 

Perhaps that’s why their current appearance, which didn’t seem to show any animosity between them, felt even more intriguing.

 

“Livia Pellington.”

 

At the sudden call, I looked at him in surprise.

 

Our eyes met, and Hysterion chuckled lightly before speaking.

 

“Until we meet again.”

 

Leaving only those words behind, Hysterion departed.

 

I stared blankly at the spot where he had been standing.

 

Because it was such an unexpected encounter, I found it hard to believe the situation I was in.

 

“How long are you going to stand there like that?”

 

At the sudden voice, I turned my head and saw Cardien looking at me with an irritated expression.

 

He gestured inward.

 

“Come in.”

 

I followed Cardien inside.

 

He sat down at his desk and glared at me for some reason.

 

The problem was that his eyes were somehow filled with displeasure.

 

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

 

Unable to resist any longer, I asked, and after a while, he finally muttered a single sentence.

 

“Is the tutor always this audacious?”

 

“Audacious… what?”

 

Wait, what is this guy saying now?

 

“It was like you couldn’t take your eyes off him.”

 

“What…”

 

Oh, could it be?

 

“You mean, the crown prince?”

 

“…….”

 

Cardien stubbornly pursed his lips.

 

I was so perplexed that I lost my words.

 

“Well, it’s because it’s the first time I’ve seen His Highness the Crown Prince, so I was curious.”

 

Plus, he’s the male lead.

 

But wait, do I really need to explain all of this?

 

“The Crown Prince seemed to recognize the tutor.”

 

“You must have seen it wrong. What kind of connection could there be between a fallen noble like me and His Highness?”

 

“That makes sense.”

 

Cardien nodded pleasantly.

 

He was nodding so readily that it was almost provoking.

 

‘No, let’s not encourage him.’

 

I have something to discuss with him today.

 

First, I need to talk about the lessons.

 

As usual, I reported on Vincent’s progress.

 

Unbeknownst to me, Cardien had become interested and was twirling a pen.

 

“…So, we’re slightly ahead of the current pace of the academy.”

 

My voice as I delivered the report was confident.

 

Thanks to Vincent keeping up well, we were actually progressing faster than the academy’s curriculum.

 

Of course…….

 

“I see.”

 

Cardien’s response remained consistent, whether ahead or behind.

 

A moment of silence passed, and I slightly parted my lips.

 

“Also, um…”

 

I took a deep breath inwardly and continued.

 

“The young master expressed his intention to attend the ceremony celebrating the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Imperial Academy, and I think I will be away for a while that day.”

 

Cardien lifted his head to look at me.

 

“So?”

 

“So… if Your Grace allows it…”

 

“…….”

 

“Would it be possible for the butler to attend as well?”

 

“……what?”

 

He asked with a bewildered expression.

 

I inwardly nodded to myself.

 

Of course, that makes sense. Winston doesn’t just serve as his aide; he also oversees the entire management of the estate.

 

‘It might not be easy to have him absent even for a day.’

 

Considering how he’s managed Vincent’s studies as well, it’s quite impressive.

 

‘But aside from Winston, there’s no one else that comes to mind.’

 

I’ve already received Winston’s agreement.

 

Of course.

 

‘But for it to be valid, Cardien needs to give his permission.’

 

I looked at Cardien with pleading eyes.

 

Vincent has finally mustered the courage, and I don’t want to miss this opportunity.

 

“Heh…….”

 

He let out a hollow laugh, as if finding it absurd.

 

Then he flipped through some documents and responded firmly with a cynical tone.

 

“No.”

 

Even though I was prepared for some resistance, I didn’t expect an outright denial like this, and my eyes widened.

 

IIn a desperate attempt to persuade him, I quickly added:

 

“If His grace will allow this, the butler has said that he will arrange it so that there will be no disruption to the day’s business…….”

 

“Whatever the tutor says, if it’s a no, it’s a no.”

 

“……!”

 

I looked at Cardien with a bewildered expression.

 

‘Why is he acting like this?’

 

I can’t figure out what he’s thinking at all.

 

Of course, I could never really understand his thoughts even before, but he has never been so stubbornly obstinate before.

 

‘Maybe it’s because Winston is so important.’

 

I tried my best to comprehend Cardien’s perspective.

 

It occurred to me that he might be in trouble without Winston.

 

‘It can’t be helped.

 

I nodded my head and said.