I Like Villains, so I Reincarnated as One
I have always had a keen sense of observation since I was young.
The Bloody family rose to prominence as nobles through their achievements on the battlefield. Therefore, it was only natural that I, even as a woman, learned swordsmanship and the art of combat. As I underwent training, my observational skills became sharper and sharper, eventually allowing me to vaguely understand what my opponent was thinking during a duel.
“Aegis is incredible… That ability is called ‘Mind’s Eye,’ and it will become a powerful force that protects you.”
“Is that so? But I don’t really like this power. Because… I can tell when someone is lying…”
The power my father referred to as “Mind’s Eye” was indeed advantageous in battle. However, it wasn’t as useful in daily life. In noble society, where flattery and political maneuvering were commonplace, it became a burden. If I had the intelligence or cunning to see through lies and exploit them, things might have been different. Unfortunately, I wasn’t particularly clever. I preferred swinging a sword over deep thinking. Gradually, I began to dislike people because of how often they lied, and I started skipping parties by pretending to be sick.
When I confided in my father about how I felt, he responded with a laugh.
“To be honest, Papa is the same way. I was never good at anything except fighting… Back in the day, I got taken advantage of quite a bit. So, Aegis, find someone you can trust, someone who is intelligent and destined for you. If you do, you’ll be happy. They will surely guide you.”
“Really? Did you meet someone like that, Papa?”
“Yeah… It was your mother. Maybe that’s why I can never get ahead of her. But I’m very happy. We’ve also been blessed with wonderful children.”
Watching my father sheepishly scratch his cheek, I dreamed that one day I would meet someone like that too. At that time, the Bloody family was still at peace.
That all changed when my mother fell ill with an unknown disease. My father used every connection he had to search for a cure, but nothing worked.
“What should I do…?”
As my mother’s condition worsened, my father grew more and more desperate. He began relying on people whose credibility was questionable, even those we couldn’t trust.
“Papa… You shouldn’t trust such people…”
“I’m sorry, Aegis… But if there’s even a small chance, I want to take it.”
My words couldn’t reach my desperate father. Even though I could see through their lies, he refused to listen… No, he didn’t *want* to listen. He wanted to cling to any hope, even false ones.
The Bloody family had accumulated wealth and vast lands through their continued success on the battlefield, so there were many people who sought to exploit us. And those people approached not only my father but me as well.
“I know someone who can cure your mother.”
A fraudster trying to make money off us approached me. I saw through his lie and knocked him out before banishing him.
“We’ll definitely find a cure. Let’s search together.”
One of my father’s friends approached us with pure intentions, but after investigating for a while without results, he quickly gave up.
“I hate everyone… No one is going to save her… Then, I don’t want to have anything to do with anyone.”
So I decided to reject everything. Though I attended my birthday party at my father’s request, I had no intention of getting along with anyone.
But there, I met a strange boy. At first, when he approached me, I thought he was just another person trying to flatter me, and I was disappointed…
However, when I accidentally told him about my troubles after seeing my father secretly meeting with suspicious people, he said this:
“You don’t have to believe me, but I’ll save her anyway… In return, protect my territory.”
It was a proposal filled with both sympathy for me and self-interest. But he seemed genuinely intent on finding a way to save my mother. At the very least, he didn’t seem to be trying to deceive me. After all, we had only just met. He had no reason to go out of his way for me. That’s why I trusted him more than those who acted purely out of goodwill.
Goodwill alone isn’t enough to gain trust. People might start with good intentions, but they quickly give up when faced with difficulties. People act because there’s something in it for them. Perhaps a hero from a legend would save someone with 100% goodwill, but I was no longer naïve enough to believe in such figures.
Later, I visited his mansion. I kept telling myself not to expect too much… Not to expect too much. Still, I held onto a faint glimmer of hope…
When I met him and asked about the medicine, he replied with this:
“Yes… You can rest assured. I’ve found a solution.”
He smiled to reassure me. With my Mind’s Eye, I could tell. He was telling the truth…
Mixed emotions swirled within him: relief that a cure had been found, kindness hoping that I would feel reassured, and satisfaction that this would strengthen ties between the Bloody family and himself, securing his territory… But there was no trace of deceit.
Ah, he really did find it… Mother will be cured.
Realizing this, I broke down crying in front of everyone. After sobbing for a while, I decided to tell him about my power. He seemed suspicious of how quickly I trusted him, and regardless of his motives, he was offering to help me. It wouldn’t be fair if I kept secrets from him.
Being able to read people’s emotions… It must be unpleasant for others. Honestly, I expected him to find it creepy, so I nervously explained it to him. But his reaction was unexpected.
Instead of being repulsed, he showed concern for me. His expression held no deceit… and that made me so happy that I made a request I had never made to anyone before.
“Then… um… Would you be my friend?”
“Of course, Lady Aegis. If you’ll have me, I’d be honored.”
When he smiled and agreed, I almost cried again. And then I realized. His immediate knowledge of how to cure my mother, his lack of prejudice upon learning about my power… This person might be like my mother was to my father—my destined one.
So… I vowed to myself. I would protect him… and I became curious about what he would do next.
Just as I was thanking him and about to leave, he mentioned going to the Spirit Spring with a maid… and a man named Nial.
Upon hearing that, I changed my mind. Nial… There was something suspicious about him. Because when I used my Mind’s Eye on him, I couldn’t read his emotions at all.
Of course, there were people like that. For example, seasoned nobles skilled in courtly politics or assassins who showed no emotion whatsoever. But Nial was just the son of a noble… Something might be off. Worst case scenario, Weiss could be in danger… Before I knew it, I had offered to accompany Weiss.
Though he looked troubled, he agreed.
Would he think I’m being too forward and dislike me? I was afraid of that, but I didn’t want him to get into trouble because of my request.
