The Villainous Me Turned the Losers into Blackened Bosses-Chapter 113 - Hidden Thoughts (Part 1)

—

“Hmm… Will, you definitely… have something on your mind, don’t you?”

Leah’s gaze was like that of a caring school counselor. She even scooted her chair closer to Will, leaning in slightly.

“Leah-sensei, really, it’s nothing. Didn’t I just say so?”

Will indeed had “something on his mind,” but… it wasn’t something he could easily share.

He glanced down at the small piece of steak Leah had cut for him, lying quietly on his plate. Cooked medium-rare, the side still glistened with streaks of red.

Leah’s eyes were still fixed on him, and Will instinctively averted his gaze.

He thought about her earlier explanation of dungeon mechanics using lettuce leaves and a fork…

They were people who lived in this world. The “plot” from beyond their reality, and the “unexpected deviations” that even he couldn’t fully understand, were matters best left for him to deal with alone.

“Really?”

Leah still seemed skeptical.

“Really, really. When have I ever had any psychological issues?”

“Alright, but it’s just… you didn’t even touch your favorite steak when it was served. That’s so unlike you.”

She was as perceptive as ever, expressing her concern in her own unique way.

“I’m just a little tired, Leah-sensei. Don’t overthink it.”

“Hmm…”

Leah bit down on her fork, staring at Will as if trying to decipher his expression.

She looked at the smile behind his glasses…

And wondered if he was hiding something from her.

After all, that smile… seemed so forced.

Leah often thought of her student as diligent and mature, too much of a “model student.” He planned everything meticulously, like a perfectly functioning machine.

But his true feelings…

Will seemed uncomfortable under Leah’s scrutiny. After holding her gaze for a moment, he turned his head away, focusing instead on a bowl of tomato soup that had just been served.

—Had anyone ever truly seen his real self?

Eye contact was, in a way, an exchange.

It was a way to share your genuine feelings without reservation, while also receiving the sincerity in someone else’s gaze…

But…

Leah watched his face, his light blue eyes behind his glasses fixed forward.

This time, the connection she offered through her gaze was avoided.

—So, who’s the one being evasive and indirect now?

Unconsciously, Leah bit down harder on her fork.

—

Later that night.

The four members of “Morning Star” had rented a small house in Novice Town for the time being, each occupying themselves with their own activities.

Leah had gone to her room to rest, while Eir busied herself cleaning the house, wanting to familiarize herself with the space.

As for Treya and Will…

Treya had a habit of practicing her swordsmanship at night—she felt the “demon’s” power most clearly during the nighttime.

From the small backyard of the house came the sound of her blade slicing through the air.

After completing several forms to increase her proficiency, Treya sheathed her sword.

Normally, she would practice a bit longer, but tonight she was feeling particularly tired.

She was eager to start their next dungeon expedition as soon as possible.

The reason was simple…

She had successfully turned Eugenie into her “inside agent.” Eugenie’s mother was the current queen, making Treya the third person, after Eugenie and her brother, to have the most insight into their father’s health.

In short, the situation was grim. Over the past three years, his condition had steadily worsened. In the past year, he had stopped seeing people entirely, confined to his bed and kept alive only by the royal physicians’ constant care.

The time left for her was likely very limited.

But it didn’t matter—Treya had faith in Will… that he would walk this path with her.

Turning back, she took a few steps toward the house, ready to call it a night.

But…

She suddenly sensed someone nearby!

Circling around slightly, she peeked toward the side of the house.

There, in a narrow path beside the house, Will was pacing back and forth, holding a red-covered book and flipping through its pages. He muttered to himself as he walked.

“The best course of action would be to stay here for the next month and observe the situation. There’s another beginner-friendly dungeon nearby. If Hugh shows up and joins the team…”

“Will-sensei?”

Treya approached quietly, greeting him in a soft voice.

“…Come to think of it, I’m curious what the protagonist will actually look like in person…”

“Will?”

“…Huh? Treya?”

Will looked startled. He had assumed Treya would still be training for a while longer. He had stepped outside specifically to avoid worrying Eir, who was inside the house.

“Is something troubling you? I rarely see you looking this anxious. And the lighting here is so dim—if you need to read, why not do it inside?”

“It’s nothing, just a small matter. But Treya… you finished early tonight?”

“Maybe it’s because it was my first time in a dungeon. I’m a bit tired.”

“Really? Today wasn’t particularly strenuous.”

Will immediately closed his book and walked over. He began inspecting her light armor, then took her sword to examine it closely.

“Let me analyze this. Hmm, I didn’t consider the weight and heat resistance issues before. Maybe you can coordinate with Eir. The sword’s wear and tear is also noticeable… it might feel less smooth during slashes. We can buy a new one in town tomorrow during our rest day.”

“I think it’s just the heat from waiting in line this afternoon. It drained my stamina, but physically, I’m fine.”

Treya found herself caught up in Will’s analysis, joining him in breaking down the possible reasons.

She looked up at him.

Will frowned slightly, his expression showing traces of fatigue. His short brown hair was messily tousled from his habit of running his hands through it while thinking.

“No, no, this just proves that your current gear has poor ventilation. We’ll eventually encounter fire-themed dungeons, so we need to address this. Starting with the stockings? That might be a good idea. I’ve heard about ice-thread stockings before…”

Will was always like this—more concerned about her issues than his own.

As he continued his train of thought, Treya suddenly reached out and grasped his hand with her slightly cooler half-elf fingers.

“?!”

“Will, even though I often say not to treat me like a princess, if you ever need help, you can always tell me.”

Treya’s deep blue eyes locked onto his, her tone unusually serious.

Will quickly pulled his hand away, flustered.

—Could even someone as emotionally reserved as her tell that he had something on his mind?

—Was he being that obvious?

—Or had he just been acting too carefree before?

“R-really, it’s nothing! Not enough to bother you about, that’d be terrifying… Ah… i-it’s getting late. I should head to bed!”

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freeweɓnøvel.com.

“…Alright.”

Treya looked down at her now-empty hand and quietly agreed.

She was no longer the naive princess she had been three years ago. Over time, she had used her sister’s connections to establish ties with various groups, nobles, and factions that dealt with the royal family.

It was during this time that she realized…

Everyone who approached her had their own “interests” and “desires”—just as Will had once taught her.

In this “blackened” world, this was normal.

This was a world bound and driven by desires.

But…

He seemed like someone without any desires…

Treya realized that even now, she didn’t know why Will had chosen to approach her.

—What is it that you want?

—If I knew that, would I be able to find a way… to keep you by my side?

Treya watched his retreating figure, unaware that her previously empty hand had clenched into a tight fist.