I Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One
“Gentlemen, I apologize for keeping you waiting. It took some effort to get Barbaro to join the meeting.”
As I dragged Barbaro into the conference room, the room immediately erupted into murmurs. “Why is Barbaro here…? He’s the lord’s favorite…” “Did Lord Weiss really defeat that brute?” “So the rumors about Lord Weiss changing were true…” I could hear voices like these.
I waited for their chatter to die down, then cleared my throat to draw their attention.
“I haven’t fully explained the agenda of this meeting to all of you yet… Along with the mid-term reports I requested, it is to expose Barbaro’s crimes and pass judgment on him. This time, Barbaro not only skipped the meeting for a frivolous reason but also attempted to assault a maid in my mansion. Furthermore, after my investigation, I found that he has committed various other crimes. As punishment, I am stripping this man of his position as security captain and appointing a new one!! Where is the former security captain?”
“That would… be me…”
“Ah, so it’s you.”
Kaiser, the man in charge of cleaning the toilets, raised his hand with a puzzled expression. I patted Kaiser on the shoulder and glanced at his status.
Kaiser Anderson
Strength: 70
Magic: 40
Intelligence: 50
Skills:
Advanced Swordsmanship LV3
Guardian’s Shield LV3
Unique Skill:
Heart of Justice LV3
When participating in a battle he believes is just, his stats increase by 10%.
Occupation: Toilet Cleaner
Loyalty to the Lord: 70
During the previous lord’s reign, he was the security captain and also in charge of Weiss’s education. However, after voicing his opinions to Weiss when he became lord, he was demoted. He has a strong sense of justice and is well-liked by the people.
His stats are pretty high!! Wait, wasn’t he removed from his position as security captain because of Weiss and Barbaro? He must have been manipulated by Barbaro into messing up. No wonder Kaiser looks so confused.
Feeling a headache coming on, I addressed everyone.
“Kaiser… I’m sorry for what I’ve done to you until now… It might be presumptuous of me, but would you be willing to lend me your strength again, despite how terribly I treated you?”
“Lord Weiss, please raise your head. I am the one who should apologize. I regret having been too harsh on you, telling you to practice your swordsmanship and to be more aware of your responsibilities as a lord, especially right after the previous lord’s tragic accident… If given another chance, I, Kaiser, will wield my sword for you once more.”
“Thank you, Kaiser…”
Wow, what loyalty. Even after being demoted and going through such hardships… Wait, Weiss, you were surrounded by good people all along. If only you had listened to them more… No, you probably didn’t have the luxury to do so… That’s exactly why I’m here to change things.
After thanking him, I spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.
“Listen, everyone!! I know I’ve been a terrible lord until now. The death of my beloved parents, the pressure of being an inexperienced lord—it all made me run away from my responsibilities. As a result, I lashed out at you all unfairly and allowed people like Barbaro to grow unchecked… I have no excuses for that. But I won’t run away anymore!! I declare this: from now on, I will dedicate all my strength to this territory!! I want you all to witness it!!”
The reactions were mixed. Some looked at me with cold eyes, thinking, “What’s the point now?” Others held a glimmer of hope, and those who worked in the mansion seemed to think, “Maybe, just maybe…”
It’s only been a week, but it seems my efforts haven’t been in vain. Now, the real work begins. All that’s left is to prove myself through action.
“So… what’s the first step?” someone asked.
“Right. To start, I plan to crack down on the criminal organizations operating within the territory. Fortunately, I have a reliable source of information.”
I grinned as I kicked the unconscious Barbaro at my feet.
