I'm Not Your Dad, I'm a Villain - Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Foul Friend (4)

Gray Anatomy.

He is the most cunning among the executives I know. Despite stemming from a deep-seated misanthropy, he always pretends to be cheerful, hiding his cruel nature.

Because of that, it’s hard to know what he’s truly thinking, but according to him, his outward behavior also comes from a certain degree of honesty.

His playful targets are usually those he finds amusing to toy with.

“Wow, looks like you two have been through a lot while I was away~”

But to think he would even make Boss his target.

“Of course~! Boss has emotions too, so it’s natural for her to have someone she cares about! Don’t worry, Boss. I, Anatomy, will cheer for your heart from the sidelines…”

“Anatomy.”

“Sorry, I realize I was out of line.”

Contrary to my expectations, Anatomy immediately slammed his head to the floor when his name was called.

Given their relationship, it wasn’t the wrong move… but that damned guy. Why even start fooling around if you were just going to submit like that?

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of reprimanding you.”

Boss spoke to the groveling Anatomy.

Her voice carried a bit of her usual kindness.

Despite the trouble, she seemed to realize there was no malice, and thus no need for outright hostility.

“In fact, I’m rather relieved. It’s a good thing for Bread if you show him kindness based on your past association.”

“Of course~ How could I harm my soul friend~?”

Who’s your soul friend after trying to kill me just now?

He was the one who unilaterally suggested friendship, and I had no choice but to comply because I was a grunt.

Moreover, he shared his perverse hobbies under the guise of friendship….

Damn it, calling us friends was like dropping a tactical nuke on my face.

“But before we redefine our relationship, there’s something I want to ask you, as fate has brought us together.”

Ignoring his nature, Boss posed a question.

“What would that be?”

Understanding the seriousness, Anatomy dropped his groveling.

Boss straightforwardly stated her matter.

“…Hell Scout.”

A name I was also familiar with.

“I’ve heard that you were a shareholder of a company by that name. Is that true?”

“…Why do you ask?”

“I also suffered because of that company’s actions.”

Boss dug deeper into my arms as she spoke.

The weight of her words made my wounds ache, but what concerned me more was what she said.

Suffered… yes, after that day, I was hospitalized for over two weeks and couldn’t return to Boss’s side.

Although the root cause was Seolhwa, she had gone there initially to investigate that drug.

“Haha, well…”

More risks could arise if he’s still linked to that company, and his role as a teacher might be a cover-up.

“Seolhwa also mentioned it. Why does everyone I meet bring that up?”

His unexpected answer mentioned a familiar name.

Seolhwa. She was the Ouroboros executive who initially investigated that drug.

“You met Seolhwa?”

“Yes, I approached her first.”

“Why did you contact her…”

“Shh.”

Anatomy put a finger to his lips, silencing Boss and me.

His gaze was fixed on the infirmary door.

The shadow beyond the opaque glass indicated another staff member still lingering after school hours.

“This isn’t the place for this conversation. Let’s move.”

“What…”

“If you want to hear more about Seolhwa or Hell Scout, play along with my terms.”

With that, Anatomy rose and approached Boss.

“Well, since we’re reunited, it might be a good opportunity to make a proposal to Boss.”

Closing the distance, he whispered to Boss.

“Boss, would you like to attend a gathering?”

“…A gathering?”

“A sort of reunion. I was thinking of organizing a drinking party with the other executives, including myself.”

“!?”

I instinctively held my breath.

What did he just say?

Reassembling the executives of Ouroboros?

“I’ve gone through a lot of trouble~ Ever since the organization collapsed, everyone’s been hiding from heroes, concealing their identities, and disguising themselves… It took a lot of time and money to track them down and erase traces. If it weren’t for Shadow’s help, it would’ve taken even longer~”

He spoke nonchalantly, but I couldn’t afford to ignore it.

The executives of Ouroboros were infamous in Pangea’s history.

Even though Beast Buster’s death was confirmed during the Great War, the Hero Association still pursues the remaining five relentlessly.

“…What do you plan to do by gathering them?”

“What else? Just to catch up over drinks.”

“Bullshit.”

Those monsters wouldn’t gather just for casual drinks.

This guy might be planning something even bigger than the Hero Contest.

A colossal event that could spill over and affect us too.

“Haha, our friend seems quite suspicious~”

Feeling my wariness, Anatomy playfully patted my shoulder.

The weight from his touch made my wounds ache, emphasizing our differences.

“But didn’t you say there’s no need to follow the hierarchy since the organization collapsed? It’s a bit much to quibble over a reunion after drawing such a line, isn’t it?”

An irrefutable argument.

Even if I was a grunt, with the organization gone, I had no need to listen to the executives, but conversely, I had no right to meddle in their affairs either.

“…A reunion of former executives.”

Conversely, Boss is very compassionate to those who serve her.

As she had shown kindness to Seolhwa, she wouldn’t refuse a gathering of her past confidants, including Anatomy.

“Indeed, I’ve been curious about the whereabouts of the other executives… If it’s an opportunity to meet them by chance, it would be courteous to attend, considering old friendships.”

“Haha, I thought you’d say that~ I’m sure everyone will be pleased.”

Anatomy replied with a satisfied smile.

Though the conversation wasn’t long, the decision came quickly.

As if no more words were needed… Yes, there was already a deep-seated trust between them.

But why? Just watching this scene makes my chest feel heavy.

What is this painful feeling welling up from within?

“When is it?”

“In a week.”

The conversation was short, and the decision was quick.

Just from watching their exchange, I could immediately understand the source of my chest’s burden.

Yes, the executives guarded Boss’s side for nearly ten years.

Compared to them, who had been with her for less than three years, I was nowhere near their level of rapport.

And both Seolhwa and Anatomy remained loyal.

If any of the other executives confirmed Boss’s presence, conflicts over her safety might arise.

A grunt standing against an executive… that wouldn’t work.

Even now, I was overpowered by Anatomy.

Moreover, I had served Boss because I had no place to rely on, and she desired it.

Having the chance to escape this bond but still insisting on it would be like taking on more than I could handle.

“A week, huh…”

Yes, I should prepare myself mentally.

Whatever choice Boss makes, I will follow her will.

Even if she doesn’t choose me, I’ve been used to her indifference.

So no matter whom she chooses afterward, if it gives me a chance to stand higher than now, that will be enough…

“Then there’s plenty of time to buy new clothes.”

As I was half-resigned and readying my mind, I heard a rustling sound below.

Snapping back to reality, I looked down to see the girl nestled in my arms, quietly clutching my clothes.

Boss, not caring about my inner turmoil.

“Boss? What…”

“It’s unfortunate that the clothes I picked out got ruined, but we can’t attend the gathering in such attire. I know your financial situation isn’t great, but since this whole mess was caused by Anatomy, he should bear the responsibility.”

“Wait, just a moment…”

“Of course, buying clothes should be postponed until you’ve recovered. For now, focus on resting until then…”

“Hold on, Boss!”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice at the pondering Boss.

A grunt shouting at Boss…

I knew it was extremely rude, but I was too shocked to care.

“Are you… planning to take me to the executives’ gathering?”

Taking me, a former grunt, to an executives’ gathering?

“Is there a reason not to?”

Boss tilted her head, wide-eyed.

Her clear eyes showed no awareness of what she was implying.

No, she even seemed hopeful.

“You’ve taken care of me wholeheartedly for the past three years. Now that I have a chance to thank you by showing you to my former subordinates, how could I not take you?”

Upon hearing about the executives’ gathering, Boss immediately considered showing me to them as her priority.

Contrary to Anatomy’s clear distinction between grunt and executive…

“Anatomy, is there any reason Bread shouldn’t come to the gathering?”

“Oh, of course not~”

“What!?”

Contrary to my thoughts, Anatomy readily agreed.

Surprised, I couldn’t help but express my shock, and Anatomy approached me with a sly smile.

“Of course, it wouldn’t be proper for a friend to come alone, but since Boss owes you, inviting you as a guest isn’t a bad idea.”

“Hey, Anatomy, you…”

“Haha, why the sour face?”

Anatomy grinned and put his arm around my shoulder.

“Even if I lost my memory due to Boss’s ability, I’ve found a wonderful friend. How could I miss the chance to show you off to my old colleagues?”

His arm felt like a tentacle, unsettling but close, as he whispered softly.

Sticking close to prevent Boss from seeing his face.

“So, I look forward to seeing your impressive self at this reunion. My soul friend~”

A sly grin spread across his face.

At that moment, I realized.

This bastard.

His real target for teasing was not Boss, but me all along.

*****

Ouroboros is undoubtedly the strongest and worst organization.

Yet, while there may be no dispute about that, not everyone within the organization can claim to be the strongest.

Regardless of any noble cause or mission, those who face harsh realities are met with profound despair and wretched ends.

To endure such adversity, they indulged in physical pleasures like drugs or sought mental satisfaction through power plays…

Those who remained in the end were either physically or mentally broken, and looking at them, I always reminded myself of one truth.

The battlefield is an exceptionally merciless place for the weak.

Only the strong can pursue anything there.

-Phwooo~

Yes, that’s where I’m headed now.

To Pangea’s largest cruise ship, the Titanic.

Today, I, in my weakest state, will attend a gathering of those formerly known as the strongest.

“Oh my, your daughter is so cute~”

Of course.

As Boss’s guardian, that is.

End of Chapter