Chapter 4: Let’s Make the Mid-Boss a Subordinate!

The morning after I successfully tarnished my reputation with Sofia and the knights by turning the Great Forest of the Underworld into a scorched wasteland, Wyndham suddenly approached me with a grave expression.

“Lord Renford, there’s something I must inform you about. We will have an unexpected guest today.”

“A guest?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Yes. The lord who has lent us this land wishes to pay his respects. Under normal circumstances, we would be the ones to visit, but as you know, Lord Renford, the situation is… unique. Thus, they have graciously decided to come to us.”

“I see. Got it.”

Honestly, I had no clue what he was going on about, but it didn’t seem like a big deal, so I just nodded along. From what I gathered, the lord who lent me this land as a base for governing the Great Forest of the Underworld was coming to visit. Probably expecting to profit from the resources I’d extract from the forest. Hah, I could already picture them fainting at the sight of the forest’s pathetic state. Let’s see how much lower I can drag my reputation with this one.

Just then, Sofia, standing nearby, flashed a soft smile. “By the way, I’ll be attending the meeting as well.”

“You too, Sofia?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes. I’ve been directly tasked by His Majesty to accompany you, so it’s only natural. A-and as the one destined to be Klaus-sama’s future partner, it’s only right that I stay by your side at all times… (mumble)”

“...Huh?”

Her voice dropped so low toward the end that I couldn’t catch it, but whatever—she was coming along. “Alright then,” I said, summing it up. “So, it’ll be me, Sofia, Marquis Wyndham, and Marie as my attendant.”

At that, Wyndham’s face grew oddly tense. “Well… this is a bit difficult to say, but considering the lord’s temperament, it might be best if we… refrained from bringing her.”

“What?” I blinked, confused.

His gaze was fixed on Marie’s head—specifically, her jet-black hair, dark as the night sky. My genius brain pieced it together in an instant. Aha! So this lord’s got a thing for black hair, huh? Wyndham must be worried that the lord would try to use his authority to make a move on Marie. But no need to fret. I’d personally trained Marie in the art of assassination—er, I mean, self-defense. No random noble would even get close enough to lay a finger on her.

With confidence, I declared, “No problem. Marie’s my (well-trained) attendant. Whatever happens, she’ll (handle it herself and) deal with it.”

“...Klaus-sama.” Marie’s eyes sparkled as she looked at me.

She must be thrilled to have her skills acknowledged. Good, good. Keep honing those assassination—ahem, self-defense—skills to sharpen my own reflexes, Marie.

Beside me, Sofia murmured, “As expected, the bond between Klaus-sama and Marie-san is not to be underestimated.”

Wyndham nodded solemnly. “To protect his attendant without bowing to power… Truly, Lord Renford is remarkable.”

I was too caught up in my own thoughts to really hear their reactions, though.

◇◆◇

A few hours later, I headed to the guest room where the visitor awaited. Standing there was a man—plump, dressed in opulent clothing, exuding a seasoned air of confidence. His noble demeanor was unmistakable, worlds apart from the random aristocrat I’d beaten to a pulp before. But the real shocker? I knew this guy.

Marquis Markovar.

He was a mid-boss in the game. (This is… unexpected.) I hadn’t anticipated running into a game character here of all places. But it clicked—Wyndham’s earlier concern made sense now. Marquis Markovar wasn’t just a mid-boss in a certain black-haired heroine’s route; he was the embodiment of this world’s prejudice. He hadn’t noticed Marie’s black hair yet, but this guy was notorious for his cruel treatment of anyone with it, despite employing demons in his shadowy organization, the Phantom Hand. A truly irredeemable villain. In that one route, he oozed more malice and presence than even the Demon King himself (though in the other four routes, he and I—Klaus—get disposed of in a single sentence in the epilogue).

From all this, my feelings toward Markovar boiled down to one thing. Anger? Hatred? Murderous intent? Nope—

(I’m so damn jealous!)

Pure, unadulterated envy. Think about it! I, Klaus, am a mob villain executed in a single sentence across all routes. Meanwhile, this guy, in just one route, outshines the Demon King and the final boss with his villainy! How could I not be jealous? If I had to reincarnate, why couldn’t it have been as this guy?

As I seethed internally, Markovar spoke, his voice smooth. “A pleasure to meet you. I am Marquis Markovar, the lord who governs these lands. I’ve heard much about you, Lord Renford.” His smile was oily as he continued. “They say your governance of the Renford territory is exceptional, earning you the people’s support. Why, some of my own subjects have even moved to your lands. I’d love to learn the methods behind such success.”

His words dripped with hostility. And it made sense. In the game, by this point, Markovar is already under Luciel’s thumb, the true final boss, scheming all sorts of vile plans. Meanwhile, thanks to a series of flukes, I’ve been propped up as a national hero (ugh, it’s so unfair I could cry). To Markovar and Luciel, I’m a prime target for elimination. Talk about harsh, especially when I’m so positively disposed toward him!

But enough of that. Meeting a game mid-boss like this, what’s my move? Stop his plans? Nah, that’s protagonist logic. For me, aiming to be the final boss, there’s only one path forward.

Recruit Markovar as my subordinate! Or rather, steal him from Luciel!

If I pull this off, not only will my reputation tank for associating with a scumbag like him, but I’ll also earn Luciel’s hatred. Perfect! Luciel’s the one I’ll inevitably have to face as the final boss. Setting the stage for that conflict now? That’s the dream!

“Heh, heh heh heh…” A grin slipped out at the golden opportunity.

“Is… something the matter, Lord Renford?” Markovar asked, visibly unsettled. “I only wished to learn from your methods…”

He seemed thrown by my sudden shift, but that was trivial. (Now, how do I get this guy under my thumb?) Threatening him with game knowledge could work, but I don’t know the full extent of his schemes at this stage. Besides, I don’t want to antagonize him—I want us to be buddies, fellow villains, with him as my loyal minion—er, subordinate. Threats would only sour things. No, I need a proper, wholesome way to build a bond. That means gathering intel—er, finding ways to get close to him, even if it takes time.

It’s settled. While I’m here wrecking the Great Forest of the Underworld, I’ll use this visit to make Marquis Markovar switch sides and join me. That’s my new goal!

Fueled by excitement, I declared to Markovar, “Of course, Lord Markovar. I’ll personally show you the true path you should follow.”

“—!?!?” His eyes widened, and he staggered back.

Hmph. I was offering to kindly share my ways, and he reacts like that? Whatever. My goal remains unchanged. I’ll uncover everything Markovar’s hiding and make him serve me wholeheartedly. Every evil deed he commits will only amplify my infamy!

In my heart, I swore with fierce resolve: (Just you wait, world! This time—this time, I’ll bring despair and terror to all!)