I'm Not Your Dad, I'm a Villain - Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Rebellion

Modifying fate is never done lightly.

Erasing a person means interfering with every trace left from their birth to their living environment, and all events tied to them.

Every “butterfly effect” they cause is re-established in a way that doesn’t disrupt plausibility… Just understanding that makes it clear how absurd the Boss’s power is.

Such power needs the “time” one has walked through.

“I used my ability once during the war that day, and only once more after that.”

Since her last encounter with Seolhwa, the Boss had only used her power twice.

To alter her final moments and erase her trace from the war.

Later, during our infiltration into society, an incident occurred, and she reverted it to non-existence.

The privilege that usually only executives received, she used it on me.

Even then, the scale was nothing compared to when she was in the organization.

“Yes, my power had already weakened significantly by then.”

Looking at her smaller hands, the Boss smiled bitterly.

Unlike Seolhwa, there was no seriousness in her expression.

For one who does not fear even the extinction of her existence, the risks tied to her power were trifling.

“Seolhwa, it’s not Bread’s fault that I’ve become like this. So, please don’t blame him too much.”

“But…”

“Blame me if you must.”

I interrupted her before she could continue.

After all, I didn’t appreciate her having a conversation like this with the Boss.

Despite knowing the cost of the Boss’s power, she had basked in its protection.

How could I look favorably upon her now, after she abandoned our ideals and changed her stance because the organization fell?

“…It’s all because I’m weak.”

But the hatred was no different for me.

The fundamental reason the Boss had weakened so much was that she saved me when I should’ve died in the Great War, and then used her power again because I couldn’t protect her in her weakened state.

That day remains an unforgivable mistake.

As I clenched my fist on the table, Seolhwa turned away and sighed softly.

“…Power is only part of how we evaluate others. The Boss is wiser than me or any other executives, so I do not question her judgment.”

Oh, how generous.

So kind of an executive to forgive a grunt like me.

“But, considering what you said, I’m still concerned.”

She must have many grievances against me.

“You said you intended to rebuild the organization, correct?”

For instance, challenging her despite my lack of power.

And the fact that I’m staying in a place that’s nothing more than a home, rather than a proper organization.

“Just to clarify, you’re not planning to rely on the Boss’s power to rebuild the organization, are you?”

-Bang!!

Unable to listen any longer, I slammed my fist on the table.

Using the Boss’s power to rebuild the organization? Me?

“…Let me ask you something first.”

Yes, perfect timing.

I had many questions for her too.

“Why did you even come here? To take the Boss away? Do you expect her to lend her name to your new organization?”

How you found us doesn’t matter.

A bigshot in the underworld would have the information network to find my address and approach.

If I could create a fake identity, so could she.

“If you came to ask the Boss to use her power…”

“I have no such intention.”

Seolhwa shook her head at my suspicion and continued in a serious voice.

“I found the Boss through your words and wanted to check on her well-being. I owe her a debt I can never repay, even in my lifetime. Asking for more help would be rude…”

Seolhwa glanced at the Boss with pity in her eyes, seeing her much younger form.

But I found even that gaze insufferable.

“Bread.”

The Boss called me just as I was about to voice my displeasure.

Realizing my emotions were flaring, I turned my head and saw the Boss’s gentle gaze directed at me.

“I understand your concern, but Seolhwa once served me loyally. Though our paths have diverged, she doesn’t harbor ill intent. Please don’t push her too hard.”

“…Yes, I got too excited.”

Yes, my grievances with her are personal.

I can’t disgrace myself with petty outbursts in front of the Boss.

As I quietly backed down, the Boss turned her kind gaze to Seolhwa.

“Seolhwa, I’m relieved to know you’re safe.”

“I’m sorry for causing you worry.”

Seolhwa still paid her respects courteously.

The Boss continued, looking at her.

“And about forming that organization, Pandemonia…”

“…”

“I won’t say anything about it.”

Seolhwa tensed, but the Boss responded nonchalantly.

“You came to the organization to fulfill your goals, and I failed to help you achieve them. It’s only natural you’d find your own way.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Yes, the Boss is always merciful to those who have served her.

No matter the path they take or their thoughts, she won’t criticize them.

I had no issue with the Boss’s attitude.

“But one thing…”

If the conversation had ended there, I would’ve let it slide.

“Since we’ve met, I’d like to discuss an important matter. Is that alright?”

“An important matter?”

Seolhwa looked puzzled.

I too felt a tension at the sudden topic.

Though it didn’t seem like the Boss intended to collaborate with Seolhwa, discussing an important matter out of the blue…

“Yes, it’s crucial to my current life. Bread, you should listen carefully too.”

The Boss maintained a serious tone.

It was something I couldn’t ignore.

“A serious mission, then.”

“Yes, it could affect how others view me.”

With that, the Boss stood up from the sofa and began walking towards her room.

What was she going to bring?

Whatever it was, I needed to brace myself. Even if Seolhwa’s involvement was unsettling, I had to accept the Boss’s orders.

“This is it.”

As I steadied my nerves, the Boss returned with a piece of paper.

“This is…?”

Seolhwa’s eyes widened as she read it.

What the Boss brought was unexpected.

“…A school observation?”

Yes, a school observation.

An event where parents visit the school to watch their children learn.

Wait, hold on.

“Indeed, it’s a school observation.”

The Boss crossed her arms in front of me and declared proudly.

“Seolhwa, let me explain my current situation. I’m enrolled in a school for elementary education as part of my infiltration into society. The school is Maris Academy, on the outskirts of Shells Town.”

Oh, right. That’s true.

I had momentarily forgotten amidst my manager duties, but the Boss had been attending school diligently.

I heard from Nella that she had adapted well…

“About two months have passed since I enrolled. I feel considerable anxiety about this upcoming event. This observation includes a consultation with my teacher. They encourage both parents to attend for proper information gathering.”

“Both parents? That means…”

“Boss, hold on a second.”

Seolhwa seemed to realize something.

I too understood what the Boss was getting at and felt a surge of bewilderment.

Damn, I never imagined I’d directly defy the Boss.

“Does this mean you want me to attend the observation with her?”

But if the Boss’s order involved someone else, it was a different story.

So, you need both parents for the observation, but there’s only a father, so you want Seolhwa to play the mother?

Me?

With her?

“Not ‘her,’ but Seolhwa.”

“Yeah, Seolhwa or Lee Yunseol, whatever.”

My body flinched.

Clearly, she didn’t like hearing her real name, but I couldn’t care less about her feelings.

“Did I ask too much of you?”

“No, if it’s the Boss’s order, I’ll do it…”

In my position, I had to follow the Boss’s commands.

Even if she was my former superior whom I no longer respected, if she showed respect for the Boss, I’d go along with it.

Though she pretends to be cold but worries about cute things, and secretly looks at pet pictures on her phone, and sleeps hugging a rabbit doll…

“Were you just thinking something very rude?”

“No, just facts.”

“…”

What?

I wasn’t wrong.

“Boss, unfortunately, I have no memory of this person.”

Seolhwa, still displeased, turned to the Boss and shared her thoughts.

“And you didn’t delve deeply into the personal relationships of the executives back then.”

“Yes, I mostly stayed in my chamber then. So, only Bread knows about your relationship.”

The Boss looked at me.

As if asking me to explain my relationship with Seolhwa.

But what was there to explain?

“We had no special relationship. Like I said, we were just colleagues. She rose to an executive position, and I remained a grunt.”

“Is that really all?”

“What more do you need?”

“Your behavior isn’t how one treats a superior.”

“She’s not my superior now.”

“Still…”

“Do we need more reasons? Even a praised CEO looks like an old man in a wig on the street. In our situation, do we need to use old relationships to act superior?”

Did she find no counterargument?

Seolhwa trembled, then exhaled deeply and glared at me.

“Mr. Bread, I have no memory of you. So I’m trying to be cautious in evaluating you… But please don’t provoke me too much. My patience has limits.”

“Oh, really?”

A laugh escaped me.

She tried to sound threatening, but it didn’t work on me.

“Of course, a villain executive would be touchy about being seen sleeping with a rabbit doll.”

-Crack.

Seolhwa’s eyebrows furrowed intensely.

“Mr. Bread, refrain from such disrespectful comments in front of the Boss. And I no longer sleep with rabbit dolls.”

She admitted it by saying “no longer.”

But can someone’s nature change that much?

“If not a rabbit doll, then a teddy bear.”

“How did you…!”

Wow, I just took a wild guess, and it was right.

Seeing her attack Kana with a knife made me think she had changed, but I guess not.

She hasn’t changed a bit in three years, at least not inside.

End of Chapter