I'm Not Your Dad, I'm a Villain - Chapter 61

Chapter 61

A Familiar Face (1)

Autumn.

Unlike spring, when life sprouts, autumn marks the gradual decline of life, a season for reflecting on loneliness and preparing to wrap up the year.

“Alright, everyone~ Did you all follow along without missing anyone?”

At this time of year, Maris Academy, where the Boss attends, had organized a field trip to the mountain region between District C and District D.

Primarily a campsite, it also encourages activities that promote children’s autonomy and independence.

It’s an ideal place for taking children on trips, as the entire process is safe and straightforward.

“As mentioned before, we’ll spend the next three days here at the campsite, setting up camp, cooking meals, enjoying campfires, and appreciating the scenery. We’ve prepared as many activities as possible for you to enjoy. Are you all excited?”

“Yes~!”

“But if you have any trouble or find something difficult, call an adult right away. Especially today, we even have a hero here to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!”

Naturally, the one guiding the children was Faust Panzer, the first-year health teacher at Maris Academy.

He was the one conducting the activities here, and I had come along because I received the recruitment flyer he had distributed.

In simple terms, I was hired as a temporary errand boy to help with the camp.

“Now, let me introduce the superhero who will be helping you all today. Please give them a big round of applause!”

Though my role today was just to assist, wasn’t this show a bit too much for someone who isn’t even an official hero?

“…Bread Bag?”

“Bread Bag Man.”

In the middle of the campsite clearing, the children, who had been squatting and listening to their teacher’s speech, began to stare at me blankly.

Yes, my appearance summed up matched their description.

Even though I wasn’t an official hero, I had to wear a suit in this mountain region. How should I take this?

“Hey, why is the mood so dull? Oh! Could it be you don’t know who this person is?”

Of course, they wouldn’t know.

I’m not an official hero, and I’m wearing a bread bag over my head. How would the kids recognize me?

“Then there’s no choice. I have to show you all how amazing this person is. Please introduce yourself!”

“……”

“Goodness, why are you being like this? Are you not feeling well? Ouch!”

I pulled him by the shoulder and turned him away from the children, whispering quietly in his ear.

“Hey, do I really have to do this ridiculous show after coming all the way here?”

“Heh, after coming all this way and preparing everything, you plan to quit? Don’t disappoint the kids.”

“Disappoint? That’s not the point…”

“Oh~ Come on. Even if you’re a temp, should you be acting like this on your first day? You need the money for your daughter’s formula, don’t you?”

Formula, my ass.

Why does it feel so ridiculous when a guy with so much money dangles it in front of me?

“And they call you a primary school teacher…”

“Just do it. It’s not like getting familiar with my students will harm you. First impressions are important.”

Right, I didn’t come here just for the money.

Sighing deeply, I adjusted my tie and began reciting the prepared lines in front of the children.

“Always working tirelessly, dreaming of a permanent position, here I am! Representing all breadwinners, my name is Superhero Salaryman!”

“Dun dun~”

The accompaniment from beside me followed quickly.

Not drums, but his own voice.

With my outdated outfit of a bread bag and a suit, it was a pitiful scene.

“Pfft!”

Yes, an ideal setup for ridicule.

“Hahaha! Salaryman!”

“Mister! Show us a magic trick!”

“Can I try wearing the bread bag too!?”

Kids started chattering as they watched me stand frozen.

Among them, I saw a few familiar faces.

Like Nella, whom James had entrusted to me.

And Boss, who was staring at me quietly next to Nella.

“You’re that mister, right?”

“Yeah, he’s going to stay with us this time, unlike the last picnic.”

Unlike the embarrassed Nella, Boss smiled brightly at me.

Despite the situation, she seemed satisfied with me just being there.

Well, if it makes Boss happy, I guess that’s enough.

“See, I told you the kids would like it.”

But regardless, I couldn’t forgive this guy.

Damn, it’s always the money that gets you.

***

Of course, I didn’t come to this camp just for the paycheck.

Though the pay for short-term chores was good, the more important reason was to get away from District B using this camping trip as an excuse.

‘The attack was announced for three days from now, but I have to consider the possibility of it happening sooner.’

After Pandemonia’s grand declaration of war, Faust visited my home under the pretext of a house call and bluntly explained his analysis to me and the Boss.

‘You mean they lied about the attack time?’

‘Not exactly. Their group is filled with uncontrollable people. If someone causes trouble, the rest will inevitably follow. As such incidents increase, it will directly or indirectly affect District C, District B, and even nearby Shells Town.’

It was a reasonable assumption.

The more heinous villains find it difficult to suppress their destructive urges, and the aftermath will likely paralyze District B and its surroundings for some time.

The casualties and property damage will exceed analysts’ predictions.

Even with a warning about the attack, residents of District B, which has seen significant investment, are unlikely to leave easily.

‘I happen to be in charge of this field trip from the school. Boss can naturally distance herself from the incident by attending the school event. This friend, who has no clear job, can stay by her side and avoid being idle. Isn’t this a perfect opportunity?’

‘…Leave out the part about being idle.’

‘If you don’t like it, get a permanent job soon. Can’t you hear the Boss worrying about your future?’

Say that with some money, you rich bastard.

Since we weren’t in a contractual relationship, openly giving money would arouse suspicion from the tax office.

Given our societal positions, it was best to follow his suggestion to avoid danger while earning a living.

Yeah, he’s genuinely loyal to the Boss. He wouldn’t have any ulterior motives.

‘Bread, are you really okay with this?’

As I was about to accept the proposal, Boss cautiously asked me.

Was she feeling uneasy about me working under him?

‘Yes, it’s fine. I’m used to odd jobs, even if I don’t like working under him…’

‘I meant, are you okay with not going to Seolhwa?’

‘……’

‘…Are you really okay?’

She asked again, her eyes piercing through my silence.

Though my answer was delayed, it was no different from what I’d said before.

‘I’m okay. I’ve long since let go of any attachments to her.’

I no longer cared about her affairs.

She had left, and all future responsibilities now lay with her.

So it’s fine.

I just need to focus on my own work.

***

“Hey, you can’t stop working.”

As I was brooding, Gray Anatomy approached me.

Sensing his presence, I swung the axe at the log placed at the base.

Thud!

With one swing, the log split in half.

Preparing to split it again, Anatomy examined me with a stony expression.

“You keep stopping your chopping. Can you gather enough firewood for the barbecue tonight? You seem preoccupied with something…”

“…It’s nothing. Shouldn’t you be watching the kids set up their tents?”

“The kids are smart enough to manage without me. Splitting firewood alone is tough, so let me help.”

Help, my ass.

This guy just wanted to slack off and tease me.

“…Please put another log on.”

Though he was my employer and offered assistance, I couldn’t refuse.

Removing the axe from the base, he smirked and placed another log on it.

-Thud! Thud!

When Anatomy placed a log, I swung the axe to split it, turning the halves into suitable firewood.

Though repetitive, it wasn’t entirely boring.

Swinging the axe was quite exhausting, but watching the wood split was surprisingly satisfying.

Unlike splitting people.

“It’s truly a beautiful day.”

Unlike me, Anatomy was lost in admiration, gazing around.

His distant look seemed to savor the autumn moment.

“Birds chirping, flowers blooming… On such a peaceful day, I’d rather film beautiful mating animals in the forest than watch kids.”

Indeed.

I was just thinking you should burn in hell.

With the campfire planned for the evening, maybe I should offer him as a sacrifice to rebuild the organization?

“Mr. Panzer.”

I called him quietly, pretending respect for a fellow professional.

“Yes, speak, Slave Man… Oops, I mean Contract Man? Was it Temp Man?”

Despite my courtesy, he showed no respect.

Damn, he couldn’t even remember the nickname he gave me.

“Since we’re face-to-face, may I ask you something?”

“Ask anything. What could we possibly have to hide?”

-Thud!

Another log split.

With a blank expression, he placed another log.

“So, what did you want to ask?”

“It’s nothing significant. I’m just curious why you became a teacher.”

“What a strange question. Asking a teacher why they became a teacher.”

“I thought there might be a reason.”

Yeah, this guy was a severe misanthrope.

Naturally, he wouldn’t want to be in human society, yet he hadn’t gone as far as Seolhwa to ruin everything for revenge.

He would try to maximize potential if there was any, but wouldn’t even attempt if none existed—a pragmatic guy.

Why did he disguise himself as a teacher caring for children?

“I didn’t initially plan to be a teacher.”

With Seolhwa’s case in mind, there was no harm in being cautious.

His unexpected answer surprised me.

I expected a clear reason, but he implied he didn’t choose this path intentionally.

“After getting fired from my previous job, I wanted to pursue my long-time dream of becoming a veterinarian. But I failed the psychological evaluation…”

“I understand.”

“These days, veterinarians lack affection! They chase money, but true doctors should care for their patients. Yet, they didn’t recognize my boundless love in the evaluation…”

“I get it, so please stop.”

Of course, this guy.

Suppressing the urge to split his head with the axe, I continued chopping wood while he adjusted his glasses with a huffy expression.

“Why are you so prickly when I answered your question? Don’t you respect your employer? Haven’t you worked before?”

“…Kids are watching, so keep your manners.”

“Haha! To hell with manners. I’m your employer, and you do as I say! All you can say to me is a little ‘NO’ and a ton of ‘YES.’ Got it, you slave!?”

Ignoring the fact that he dropped formal speech and triggered my wrath, it didn’t seem strange.

He always joked around but remained serious about things he cared about.

But do I need to entertain him?

“By the way, do you know? They say autumn is the season of quadriplegia.”

“What nonsense? It’s harvest season.”

“It’s quadriplegia.”

The axe slipped from my hand, flying towards his head.

Autumn was the season when life waned, loneliness was reflected upon, and the year’s end was prepared.

It was autumn.

End of Chapter