Redemption Of The Yandere Villain

"Eugene, it's been quite some time."

Eugene lifted his head and grinned, "Lord Keerto, I'm delighted to see you outside the annex palace."

Keerto chuckled, and Khalil, who stood behind his mother, made a slight pout.

"I simply wanted to see my future daughter-in-law."

Keerto took a seat and inquired, "How is my son doing? Is he not causing you any trouble?"

After all, Keerto recently noticed how possessive and attached Katnier was to him, so he wondered if his eldest son shared similar traits. Thus, he sought to spend time with Eugene to see if he [Eugene] was finding it challenging to keep up with his son.

"A common occurrence. Nothing will change."

Khalil pouted upon hearing his sister-in-law's response and remarked, "Mom, I told you they're a perfect match. Even if they argue, it's my brother who will end up being beaten."

Eugene raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his tea, glancing at Khalil, who stood behind the grand duchess and asked, "You don't have class?"

"My father requested my absence as I was instructed to accompany my mother."

A faint movement of Eugene's lips is noticed.

He ponders whether the directive entails mere companionship for the grand duchess or a vigilant watch to prevent Lord Keerto from escaping once more, as he had done before.

Keerto let out a sigh and addressed his daughter-in-law: "I advised him not to concern himself, emphasizing Khalil's education as more crucial. However, your father-in-law remains unyielding, persistently expressing his apprehensions about my well-being."

Eugene possessed no knowledge regarding the grand duchess's physical state, yet he was aware of his (Keerto) amnesia following his departure from the grand duke. Despite his curiosity, he believed it wise not to intrude excessively, allowing the two adults to manage their own predicaments. He speculated that the grand duke was likely delving into Lord Keerto's history subsequent to his escape.

In that case, as the mission executes, the grand duke delves into the mystery surrounding Lord Keerto's disappearance. If there exists a hidden force aiding Lord Keerto in evading the grand duke's pursuit, it is likely that this force is also responsible for Lord Keerto's memory loss.

This endeavor could either intend to safeguard Lord Keerto from the grand duke's influence or simply aims to ensure Lord Keerto never returns to disrupt the grand duke's affairs. Neither of these possibilities bodes well.

It is bound to push the grand duke to the brink of madness.

While engaged in conversation in the living room for a brief period, Kaizer entered with a serious countenance. He glanced at his mother and younger brother, offering a mere nod in greeting, before making a beeline for Eugene. He approached in haste, encircling his beloved from behind in an embrace, and inquired, "Would you be interested in accompanying me to the Del Viltaria Household?"

Eugene's eyelashes quivered, and he emitted a soft hum.

"What is the purpose of your visit there?"

Leaning in, Kaizer pressed a kiss to Eugene's forehead before explaining, "I must confer with Casimin about the territory. Reports from father regarding West Astrum have arrived. We require the Del Viltaria's collaboration concerning the ongoing mission mandated by the emperor."

—Eugene didn't decline and excused himself from the grand duchess's presence.

They first changed their clothes then entwining their hands, they descended the staircase. Waiting below, Keerto's countenance brightened upon spotting the duo.

"In what hour should we expect your return, so the kitchen may prepare dinner accordingly? Sharing a meal will ward off any sense of monotony."

Eugene exchanged a glance with Kaizer.

Sensing his mother's eagerness, Kaizer addressed him, "We shall return at dawn. You and Khalil are welcome to lodge in the main palace for the next few days. Simply request accommodation from the head butler."

Keerto's smile widened, gratitude evident in his demeanor.

Khalil's grin widened, and he piped up, "Brother, bring me a tassel on your way back!"

A scoff escaped Kaizer, "Why not instruct a servant to—"

With a forceful nudge from Eugene's elbow, Kaizer was cut off and Eugene spoke, "Your brother desires you to procure it. Is there a particular design he should look for, Khalil?"

Kaizer pursed his lips, casting a slightly off-kilter gaze at his beloved.

"Any design suffices, as long as it's shaded in red."

Eugene's gaze bore into Kaizer's, "Did you catch that? Your younger brother has a request. Ensure you remember and obtain it for him."

Kaizer offered a wry smile. "He's got the audacity to—ugh." With that, Kaizer embraced his lover and conceded, "Fine, fine. I'll get it!"

Khalil's laughter resonated as he hugged his mother's arm, beaming.

Lord Keerto, wearing a helpless expression, flicked his youngest son's forehead and commented, "You could have easily instructed a servant. Your brother might not have the time. Why burden him?"

Khalil pouted, retorting, "It's only special if my brother gets it for me!"

A snort emanated from Kaizer.

Eugene chuckled softly and linked arms with Kaizer, remarking, "We shall depart now."

Keerto nodded affirmatively, bidding, "Stay safe."

—Eugene and Kaizer settled into the carriage, and as Khalil and the grand duchess waved their farewells, the vehicle began its journey toward the gate. Eugene eventually shifted his gaze from the diminishing figures and turned to Kaizer, who was staring at him intently.

"Is something the matter?"

"No, you remain as stunning as ever. I find joy in beholding your visage."

Eugene regarded Kaizer with an expression that could be interpreted as looking at someone who was being foolish.

Thankfully, during the course of the journey, Kaizer displayed an unexpected degree of composure, which prompted Eugene to release a sigh of relief. Regardless, the effort of repeatedly reminding Kaizer to respect boundaries was a wearisome task.

They soon arrived at the Del Viltaria dukedom, greeted by Casimin.

The Del Viltaria Dukedom, while expansive, paled in comparison to the vastness of the Grand Dukedom. The manor before them boasted a palette of white and blue, exuding such beauty that Eugene found himself compelled to observe his surroundings. This marked his first visit to the Del Viltaria dukedom in all his lifetimes.

"Eugene!"

Casimin extended his arms, poised to embrace his younger brother. However, Kaizer promptly intercepted the hug, averting his gaze in a different direction. Eugene locked eyes with Kaizer as he noted this interaction. A sense of helplessness washed over him, yet he chose not to reprimand. It seemed futile to scold Kaizer repeatedly, as such behavior appeared ingrained.

Casimin's lips twitched, and he expressed his dissatisfaction, "What's the matter with hugging my younger brother?" His tone dripped with disdain as he emitted a snort.

Kaizer grunted, retorting, "You're getting up there in age, why must you insist on hugging?"

Casimin was momentarily taken aback. "You! You have a younger brother; how can you not comprehend?!"

Eugene scowled, "Cease this nonsense. Kaizer, weren't you here to discuss matters with Casimin? Why this argument? You'll squander time."

Both Casimin and Kaizer pretended to cough.

Casimin glared at Kaizer and then turned toward his younger brother with a gentle grin, remarking, "Please come in. I've instructed the butler to fetch some refreshments. Feel free to explore if you wish, and I'll arrange an attendant to accompany you, ensuring you're not bored during your stay."

Eugene hummed, "Not necessary, I'll partake in the conversation."

Casimin gazed at his younger brother helplessly but didn't object.

They entered the manor grandly, receiving greetings from a row of servants at the entrance. Eugene bore a striking resemblance to the duke, causing the servants who stole glances to be astonished.

They shifted their gazes between Casimin and Eugene.

The purpose behind the master's instruction to welcome someone became evident—because the rumored true twin of the master would arrive at the dukedom. This led to speculation: would this young master decide to stay here?

What about young master Cadmus?

"I've been receiving missives from your grand dukedom and have thoroughly reviewed the situation. At present, I've instructed the soldiers to patrol West Astrum and to station personnel at the fort, overseeing the identities of those entering and exiting the empire."

The trio proceeded along the corridors.

Kaizer cast a fleeting look at the sky through the expansive window and responded, "Father is probing into the matter, ensuring the succession ceremony proceeds smoothly as the emperor is eager for the ceremony due to the growing restlessness of the empress."

Casimin scoffed, "It won't make much difference once we assume leadership of the household."

Kaizer turned to Casimin and articulated, "There is a distinction."

Casimin met Kaizer's gaze and frowned, "What do you mean?"

"The downfall of the Marquis and the Duke holds the answer."

Kaizer aimed to comprehend the empress's avarice, employing Dela Vallier's intelligence to glean information that proved invaluable in devising plans for his future as the grand duke. From his insights, the empress desired her son to ascend the throne not for power but vengeance. Why this thirst for revenge?

It emanated from the Royal family's entrapment and the Catharis family's shackling of her wings.

The empress nurtured animosity toward the royal lineage and sought its annihilation.

Simultaneously, she harbored a deep grudge against the Catharis family, who suppressed her for eliminating the former empress and desiring the emperor's lineage.

Kaizer grasped the ruthlessness of the Catharis family.

After all, they were the family he favored; it was only natural for his devotees to occupy the apex of the hierarchy.

"The downfall of the Marquis and the Duke will instill the belief that there could be an end for the four foundational families. Anticipations lie in Shradinza and Del Viltaria bearing grievances against the royal family and potentially aligning with the crown prince's faction. This alliance could lead to support for overthrowing the son of the former empress. Additionally, this situation will influence the second prince's perception of allies. The second prince may perceive a threat from these two families and may plot to ensnare them, pushing them to their limits."

Casimin's expression turned fiery with anger.

"If the second prince dares to take that course of action, his fate will be sealed."

Kaizer chuckled, "Calm down. The second prince is under our influence. His mentor is my father. He will undoubtedly seek counsel from my father. If my father truly cares for the second prince, he will advise him against pursuing those who have pledged allegiance."

In an abrupt moment, Eugene recollected Lincoln's destiny.

He didn't feel any pity and mused on the capricious nature of fate. It determined the certainty of one's existence, and escaping it proved futile. Unless the divine entity overseeing fate chose to intervene on your behalf.

Eugene's fists clenched as he lowered his gaze.

He had ascended to the status of such a divine being, yet he held no inclination to rescue Lincoln or anyone else. He harbored no desire to alter the fate of those who had ended his life, including Kaizer. Their destinies were theirs to govern, as altering one person's fate would infringe on others. As a deity, he refrained from such self-serving actions, as he intimately understood the ache of a life plagued by misfortune.

He merely sought balance.

To harmonize all elements and entrust their destinies to their own cognition.

Their choices would shape their path.

If a future arrives where he loses everything once more, he might no longer struggle to reclaim it. If a life of contentment seems perpetually out of reach, he might only choose to release his grip and abandon the yearning that once resided in his heart.

Eugene glance at Kaizer and said, "Leave it to their fate."

Kaizer looks at his beloved understanding his meaning.

The three reached the office and resumed their discussion. This time, the royal family was conspicuously absent from their conversation, their attention directed toward the empire and its citizens.

"Right, did you hear the announcement from Vena church?"

Casimin's thoughts drifted to the recent proclamation from the Vena Church. He cast a concerned glance at his younger brother. He understood well the extent to which his brother avoided Eullian. Their reunion implied revisiting the painful memories of parental maltreatment. Casimin wished to shield his younger brother from the recollection of those bitter moments, but they seemed destined to confront the future saint sooner or later.

"Eullian is on the verge of being canonized," Casimin stated.

Eugene raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Although he had begun to question the process that led Eullian to sainthood, Eugene didn't particularly mind his little brother's presence as long as Eullian remained within the confines of the church.

Kaizer pondered, holding his chin, "I also heard that the body of Saintess Rebecca was returned to the Cathalia family yesterday. They demanded answers about the incident, but the church couldn't provide any."

"Isn't Eullian the only witness to what happened?" Casimin inquired.

Kaizer chuckled, "Witness, you say?"

Who knows?

"Eullian's explanation was that the Saintess slipped and fell down the stairs. However, a simple accident wouldn't account for her condition, falling into unconsciousness," Kaizer elaborated.

Eugene frown, Did such an incident happen?