Reborn As The Minor Villain In A Romance Fantasy Novel

Lucius was soon seated back on the motel bed with the head of the woman on his lap, slowly caressing her hair as if this were the most normal thing in the world.

His fingers combed through strands of silver that shimmered faintly in the dim room light.

'I can't even believe this…' Lucius thought, staring down at her like she was a puzzle he hadn't agreed to solve.

At this point his life no longer resembled reality. It was a novel — one of those over-the-top fantasy rom-com harem novels where the protagonist couldn't walk five steps without a new woman appearing to throw herself at him.

He knew he looked good — he was narcissistic and he wasn't delusional.

But this? He was rizzing women left and right… well except the Saintess who was trying to turn him into a personal dick toy.

This shouldn't be so easy.

"Yes, rub my hair more…" Elena murmured, a soft moan escaping her lips.

Lucius's lips pressed into a thin line.

'…Well, she's an older woman like Vanessa. Maybe this is some weird older-woman thing. Can't refute that logic.'

He continued rubbing her hair, half out of obligation, half because she looked like she'd burn down the motel if he stopped.

"Ahem… so why are you here?" Lucius asked finally, trying to shift the conversation somewhere safer. "I thought you were out of the country."

He remembered clearly: in the original story, Elena was gone during this period, involved in some top-secret mission.

She wasn't supposed to reappear until much later.

"I was throwing a tantrum," Elena said matter-of-factly, not even blinking as she tilted her head for his hand to reach another spot.

Lucius paused mid-rub. "…A tantrum."

"Yes." She gave a little hum of delight as his nails grazed her scalp. "I told Father not to disown you from the clan or I would throw a tantrum. He dismissed you anyway. So I left."

Lucius stared at her flatly.

'The way she says that with such a straight face… does she even realize what she's admitting? She abandoned her post as a Mage General because of me? That's… either incredibly touching or the dumbest thing I've ever heard.'

Elena's crimson eyes glittered when she looked up at him, clearly thrilled by her own defiance.

"Still," Lucius said, trying to inject reason, "you have your duties as a Mage General. You can't just abandon them because you didn't get what you want."

Instead of answering, Elena reached into her pocket and extended something toward his face.

Lucius blinked and took it with his free hand. It was a crumpled piece of paper.

He unfolded it slowly, eyebrows climbing as he read the big, bold letters written in what looked suspiciously like colored marker:

'I QUIT.'

Lucius stared at it. Then at her. Then back at it. "…You can't be serious."

"Hehe~ I quit," Elena said cheerfully, pumping her fist into the air like she'd just won a contest.

Her cheeks flushed with pride as if this childish scrawl was a weapon greater than any spell.

"You quit?" Lucius repeated in disbelief. "Do you seriously expect me to believe this note — this kindergarten-level doodle is a valid way to resign from the military?"

"Erm…" She twirled a strand of silver hair, clearly unconcerned. "The boss called me and said I could take a long break. But I should come back if the situation gets very hard."

Lucius pinched the bridge of his nose. "…So you didn't quit. You're just… on extended leave."

"He said I could treat it however I want." She leaned closer, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "And what I want is you. So tell me, little brother — do you have any plans to return to the clan?"

"Nope." Lucius didn't even hesitate.

"Are you here to convince me?"

"Actually, I'm not." She shifted even closer, her crimson gaze heated, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "How about we move over—"

"I'm not moving anywhere with you." Lucius cut her off immediately, sitting straighter as he yanked out his phone like it was a shield. "Besides, I'm waiting for something…"

Almost on cue, his phone lit up with an incoming call.

Unknown number.

Lucius grinned.

"Speak of the devil." He swiped to answer.

"Hello, Mr. Lucius," came a calm, professional female voice on the other end. "I'm so glad you picked up. This is Alenia Viroux, and I was assigned by the Council to get in contact with you regarding the demands you texted the President."

Lucius froze. Then slowly grinned wider.

'So it worked. I really did just text the President a bunch of 'small' demands on Stitch and now the Council's calling me.' He suppressed the urge to laugh.

The power of being a celebrity.

Out loud, he cleared his throat. "Right. Well, before anything else… how do I know this isn't a scam call?"

The voice on the line chuckled softly, unfazed. "Fair question. If you'd like, Mr. Lucius, we can switch to video. That way, you'll have full confirmation of who I am."

Lucius leaned back with a smirk. "Sure. Let's see it."

There was a brief pause, then his screen flickered.

The voice transformed into an image — a woman with sharp features, dark hair pinned neatly, and eyes that screamed competence, she looked like a receptionist that knew what she did.

She sat behind a polished desk with the Council's insignia gleaming on the wall behind her.

"Do you believe me now?" she asked coolly.

Lucius raised a brow. "You look official enough. Though I half-expected some scammer with a headset sitting in a basement."

Alenia did not smile. "While it was… arrogant of you to text the President so directly, you did succeed in catching the Council's attention. You and your Guild Master are hereby invited to the 100th Year Anniversary party of the Council. The Council hopes to speak with you more formally there."

Lucius tilted his head. "And if I refuse?"

Alenia's gaze sharpened. "Then you would squander an opportunity few are ever granted. Consider it carefully, Mr. Lucius. The Council is very interested in you."

Lucius tapped his phone, pretending to think.

Inwardly, he was already plotting how to milk this for every possible benefit. "Alright then. Send the details to my Stitch. If I have questions, I'll save your number and call."

Her expression eased, though only slightly. "Good. Expect the details shortly. I'll be in touch if anything changes."

The call ended, leaving Lucius staring at his reflection in the black screen. He sighed and tossed the phone onto the bedside table.

'Step one: get famous. Step two: text the President. Step three: Council invites you to a party. Honestly, life's too easy sometimes.'

He barely had time to savor the thought when he was suddenly tackled backward.

"Hey, Stop that!"

"Stop focusing on other women and look at me!"

… Yeah most times it was easy.