I Became The Villain's Trainer - Chapter 105

Chapter 105 

Today’s protagonist was, without a doubt, Alexa. The wolves kept chattering about Ysildus and Alexa, who had danced like a pair of swans, much to the satisfaction of Essellia, who had also taken to the dance floor with Carlisle.

“Fortunately, it seems that others also think Ysildus and Alexa suit each other well.”

“…To be honest, there’s no one more fitting for Alexa than Ysildus. He’s the wolf that resembles me the most.”

“Ysildus is really beautiful, isn’t he? And Alexa is dashing. They’re both so adorable. Ah, of course, Terrun also looks great in a dress. I think dressing him up like this from time to time would be a good idea. It’s a rare sight, after all.”

“As expected, he’s beautiful because he takes after me. It might not be a bad idea to put him in a pink dress next time. Would Alexa look odd in a black suit?”

“Alexa suits bright colors better.”

“Hmm… I’m worried that he might seem too gentle, and others will take him lightly.”

“Not with you around. Besides, Ysildus and Terrun wouldn’t allow that to happen.”

“Then that’s a relief. Tsk. If you were going to dress them up anyway, you should’ve gone all the way and given them a diamond necklace from the vault. That part is a bit disappointing.”

“The size didn’t fit,” Essellia said in a regretful tone. 

Essellia had wanted to give Ysildus a diamond necklace, but it hadn’t fit, so she had to abandon the idea. She let out a soft chuckle as she looked at Carlisle. He might speak harshly, but it was clear he cherished Ysildus and Alexa. Looping her arm around her prickly husband’s, Essellia shot him a playful glare.

These days, Carlisle had been impossibly busy. The natural disasters occurring within the Thersion territory were already a problem, but the small-scale skirmishes continuously breaking out near the border added to the burden. The imperial capital had officially issued a decree, demanding that Thersion fulfill its duties.

At that, Carlisle had scoffed, ‘They threw us away when it suited them, and now that they need us, they come crawling back. Just like the saying: after the hunt, the hunting dog gets boiled and eaten. How typical of those ungrateful vermin.’ Then, with a cruel smile, he had added, ‘Perhaps it’s time they learned that an enraged hunting dog can turn on its master.’

As Essellia recalled his words, her gaze landed on Jeremiah, who was mingling among children his age. The other wolves, intimidated by Carlisle’s overwhelming presence, didn’t even dare to approach. But there was Jeremiah, effortlessly blending in among the young wolves, his golden hair shining brilliantly, a symbol of the imperial bloodline. That radiant gold, carrying the light of the empire. Slowly, Essellia parted her lips.

“Carlisle, are you planning to use Thersion’s power to seize the capital?”

“If it means biting the hunter, then I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Carlisle bared his white teeth in a grin. Essellia did not misunderstand the murderous intent and malice he harbored toward the capital. She, too, felt the same way. But there was one difference between them – Essellia was more flexible. Her keen eyes could perceive the intricate web of relationships forming among the children, the bonds woven within their circle.

Essellia had a faint idea of what Ysildus was scheming. After all, Ysildus and Carlisle were far too similar in temperament. Carlisle was the one who most resembled the wolf god, yet he had little interest in wearing an unwanted crown.

Just as the wolf god had once cast aside his throne, so too did Carlisle. He had no intention of forgiving the imperial family for their offenses. He would make them pay. But as for the burdens of rule and duty that would follow? He planned to leave all of that to Ysildus.

However…

“Ysildus seems to have different plans, Carlisle.”

“What do you mean?”

“He takes after you a great deal.”

“You mean he takes after the wolf god.”

“Either way. Which means… he’s probably thinking the same way you do.”

Essellia glanced at Carlisle. While it was difficult to read her husband’s thoughts, she could at least guess at her own son’s intentions. The reason Ysildus had chosen to share Alexa with Jeremiah was likely…

“He intends to make Jeremiah, the Ninth Imperial Prince, the next emperor.”

“…What?”

Carlisle’s lips twisted. While he had been preoccupied with external affairs, his son had managed to come up with such a bold and cunning plan. Carlisle’s sharp gaze locked onto Ysildus.

As if sensing it, Ysildus turned to look back at him. His bright, smiling face was an almost perfect reflection of Carlisle himself, something he wasn’t eager to admit. But for them to think alike as well…

“That won’t do. Humans will betray Thersion the moment they get the chance.”

“Perhaps. But Ysildus has absolutely no intention of taking on the emperor’s responsibilities himself. Right now, the only thing that matters to him is Alexa. He’s so focused on building a future with her that he isn’t looking at anything else. Every single day, he pours all his energy into enchanting that girl. Do you really think he cares about something as meaningless as power?”

Carlisle let out a dry chuckle.

“Even if Ysildus doesn’t want it, if I want it, he will have to do it.”

Essellia swallowed a sigh. Maybe the inevitable clash between father and son had always been fated to happen. They were far too alike, even in their stubbornness and absolute self-righteousness.

“Try to be a little more open-minded, Carlisle. Ysildus has the right to pursue his own path, just as you do.”

Carlisle’s blue eyes gleamed coldly. Essellia couldn’t tell what was running through his mind. With a heavy sigh, she murmured,

“…Ysildus is your son.”

“You once promised that you would always take my side. Does that promise still stand?”

“…You do realize, sometimes, that both you and Ysildus are utterly childish?”

Essellia threw Carlisle a mildly exasperated yet fond glance. His need to divide everything into sides felt like a child’s quarrel. But the possessiveness and obsession he showed toward her… it was intoxicating. Perhaps it was because she, too, was a wolf.

If Carlisle ever found something he treasured more than Essellia, she would sink her teeth into his throat and die with him. That was the unwavering, all-consuming love of a wolf toward their fated mate. Her gaze, void of emotion, landed on him. She whispered softly,

“Even so, I am always on your side, Carlisle. A wolf’s most important bond is the one they have with their fated mate.”

Her hand gently caressed his.

“So for life, I belong to you. Just as you belong to me.”

* * *

Ysildus turned away from Carlisle. His gaze was sharp, his thoughts unreadable. Judging from Carlisle’s conversation with Essellia, they were most likely discussing Jeremiah. There was no way Carlisle would look so cold while watching Alexa. His hostility had to be directed at Jeremiah. Carlisle wasn’t someone who would bare his fangs without reason.

It seemed they had figured out what Ysildus was planning. He had never expected Essellia to remain oblivious, but Carlisle was the real problem. If left unchecked, he would have no qualms about doing something ruthless to Jeremiah. Ysildus knew that much, precisely because he was his father’s son. A slow, effortless smile curled on his lips.

Of course, just because Carlisle had different plans didn’t mean Ysildus would obediently follow them. He draped an arm over Jeremiah’s shoulder. The sight of Ysildus in a dress, embracing Jeremiah in his uniform, did not seem strange to anyone around them.

“Jeremiah.”

“Hm?”

“You should be careful.”

“Careful of what?”

“Some wicked wolf has started eyeing you.”

With a smirk, Ysildus graciously offered his warning. After all, Jeremiah was the perfect puppet for his needs, at the very least, this much was worth doing. Then, leaving the puzzled Jeremiah behind, Ysildus turned his attention back to Alexa.

“Alexa.”

“Hmm?”

“Would you like to dance once more? It’s the minuet you love.”

“Hmm… Alright!”

Alexa took Ysildus’ hand. Seeing this, Terrun let out an indignant cry.

“It’s my turn!!”

“Oh dear, Terrsia. The minuet really isn’t your style. Why don’t you let me have this one?”

Grinding his teeth, Terrun whispered to Ysildus. “I’m not forming an alliance with you anymore!”

“Suit yourself.”

With a shrug and a smile, Ysildus took Alexa to the dance floor.

* * *

Humans are creatures of forgetfulness, easily lulled into complacency. Alexa was no exception. With a soft plop, Selina let a single drop of poison fall into the crimson cherry-colored drink.

“Hmm~”

A hum of delight escaped her lips. She flashed a radiant smile.

“Lady Alexa, have something to drink. You must be thirsty after all that dancing.”

“Ah, Selina! Thank you!”

Without a trace of suspicion, Alexa reached for the glass.