I'm Not Your Dad, I'm a Villain - Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Conviction (2)

Love… Love, you say.

That’s ridiculous.

Even if it’s something my lord says, I can’t bring myself to believe it wholeheartedly.

“…Of course, there may be differences.”

Then she spoke.

She said my thoughts weren’t entirely wrong.

“No matter how much I try to understand you, there is a fundamental difference. The emotion I define as love might be perceived differently from your perspective.”

Yes, there are differences in emotions felt by transcendent beings and humans.

Even if it seems like we’re connected, the gap between us is much deeper and darker than I imagined. I know this better than anyone from watching her closely.

“But there’s one thing I can say for certain.”

Yet she spoke.

“You, even as a mere mortal, have achieved something beyond my foresight.”

To a mere human like me.

To someone who wallows in self-pity over his weakness and is frustrated by his inability to achieve anything… She saw something special in me.

“For someone who could foresee the future, the miracle that occurred that day was something I never expected.”

Back when I wasn’t as weak as I am now.

Yet even in a desperate last stand, during a moment when she had resigned herself to death, a seemingly insignificant human appeared.

She called the coincidental result of my struggles a ‘miracle.’

“…Do you think it’s wrong for me to want to see that miracle again?”

In a darkness where even an inch ahead is unknown.

That faint light felt even more intense.

“Do you think it’s wrong for me to want to fulfill your wish so I can see that miracle again?”

Even if it means consuming my own existence.

That belief that it will lead to the path of achieving what I desire.

“…I…”

I felt her feelings were overwhelmingly generous.

Even if I ultimately saved her, what I did at that time was merely flailing.

“If I can save, I want to save.”

Still, if that’s her genuine feeling.

If her kindness is sincere, then responding to it is not wrong.

If that’s what she desires, and if it aligns with my own wishes… then indulging in that generosity could be considered a reward for my efforts.

“Then…”

“Still, I’m sorry.”

But it must not be now…

Suppressing my impulse with that thought, I ultimately chose to reject the hand she extended.

“…Bread.”

“I understand your feelings for me, Boss.”

Yes, I evaluated her based on my own standards.

Even though she sincerely cares and considers me special, I kept a barrier between us based on the difference between a lord and a vassal.

Though I understand, I couldn’t indulge her, as my ideals are too grand.

“Even so, this isn’t right. You shouldn’t use your power for this. You shouldn’t…”

“…Bread.”

“You shouldn’t exist just for me.”

Angol Moa.

The Goddess of Calamity descended to this world for the destruction of humanity. Yet, unaware of the clear boundary, she sought to understand humans.

Even if she claims to be as insignificant as humans in the universe, to humans like me, she is a distant existence.

“If you truly care for me, what you should focus on isn’t me. If there’s a time to use your power, it should be for the world I live in, not just for me.”

Such power from her shouldn’t be wielded for an individual.

For the whole, not just one.

What I expect from her should be neither more nor less.

The day her existence becomes a ‘light’ illuminating everyone’s path…

“So please don’t say things like that again.”

Firmly believing that such a day will come, I must overcome the current temptation.

“…Are you really okay with that?”

Even if the world isn’t fair, and I can’t grasp the power to achieve my ideals despite my longing.

“Bread, as far as I know, you’ve watched over her for over ten years.”

Quietly observing the path she walked, even when I could have stopped her.

Even if it meant awaiting a fate destined to end in tragedy from the start.

“Throughout that time, understanding her feelings, yet unable to stop her… isn’t that what’s causing you such torment?”

Until the day of promise comes, I must declare myself the pillar (father) that supports her, never becoming someone who expects anything from her.

“If you lose her, you might collapse soon.”

But even so, there’s one thing.

“Conviction…”

Borrowing her goodwill towards me, can I at least ask one thing?

“I need conviction.”

“Conviction, you say? What for?”

“That what I’m about to do isn’t meaningless.”

To achieve something with this frail body.

I painfully realize how foolish and arrogant it is to have such confidence from my life so far.

“Please tell me if what I’m doing has any meaning…”

So, I don’t expect much.

I just hope to hear the conviction I lack from the one who genuinely cares for me.

“…”

To my excessive question, she no longer urged me to use my power.

She simply spoke.

Just as I wanted, seriously addressing the consequences of my future actions.

“Is that answer sufficient?”

In the end, her response wasn’t something from omnipotence.

Yet, realizing that, I felt peace wash over me as if nothing had happened.

“…Yes.”

I realized that all I needed was a single answer from the one I trust.

-Mr. Bread.

Hearing that, Boss and I turned our gaze to one place.

A black shadow slowly moving from the window. Feeling its familiarity, the upper body of a boy solidified and spoke to me.

-I found out where Seolhwa is.

As if proving that I wasn’t wrong.

Directly mentioning the information I longed for.

***

A whole day.

It was enough time for necessary maneuvers, even if not for complete concealment.

Of course, merely speaking wouldn’t be enough to gain trust, but if a plausible lie accompanies most of the truth… people will believe it easily.

In fact, encountering Seolhwa by chance and subduing her was true.

The only distortion was her body disappearing without a trace. Her death would follow once my task was complete, so there was no concern.

Even if forensic evidence was demanded, sending the butcher’s mask and the crescent blade symbolic of her would suffice. They would investigate the remnants and back my claims.

Then, at an official gathering, I would present the hero I sponsored to the public, using that as a foundation to regain my lost glory and prestige…

The plan in my mind was slowly becoming reality through the limited authority I had as an executive.

Though there were many hurdles, I had tipped off the other executives as well, so it would work out.

They followed justice, but they weren’t entirely clean themselves.

Save for one.

-Seolhwa was captured by Unbreakable Vanguard, correct?

Ceras Esenberg.

A junior executive elected after the great war three years ago, and a former S-rank hero.

Her stature as a hero once approached that of Justice and Jack Horse, and with them no longer present, she was arguably the greatest hero.

“Yes, he is one of the heroes I’ve sponsored.”

Why she contacted me suddenly…

Probably curious about my announcement of Seolhwa’s death, but McCoy felt no particular tension about her.

Despite being a former S-rank hero, heroism is far removed from politics.

Her election as an executive was to ease the association’s image using her fame, not for political or authoritative capabilities.

In fact, her exercising such abilities would be troublesome for other executives.

In their efforts to undermine her power, she couldn’t harm him.

-Yes, I checked, and a few months ago, he was promoted to A-rank. Despite not having significant activities, he received extra points from an executive’s recommendation…

“He was lucky. I merely provided opportunities for young talents. I never imagined he’d achieve such remarkable results.”

So, there was no need to be flustered by this call.

In his underground lab, McCoy massaged his throbbing head while sifting through his documents.

-It’s a bit sudden. Despite being promoted to A-rank, he hasn’t engaged in noticeable promotional activities, merely focusing on training in a remote area.

“He’s a shy fellow. Though he hasn’t been in the limelight, his potential is on par with S-ranks. I believe his latest feat against the villain demonstrates that.”

-Yes, the evidence supports that. The samples sent match Seolhwa’s blood and hair…

Ceras’ voice, though understanding, still sounded dissatisfied.

Her reaction was inevitable.

She, like Heavenly Demon, participated in the great war and wouldn’t have expected such an infamous villain to be subdued so easily.

This call was likely driven by her discomfort at an unknown hero subduing a villain beyond her reach.

-But I heard he was severely injured suppressing villains in the District D riot two days ago.

Though she investigated thoroughly, it’s information that would remain public knowledge.

“His gift grows stronger in heated battles. The stronger the opponent, the greater his power, making him an expert in turnarounds.”

-Turnarounds, you say?

“Yes, though he needs recovery now and can’t meet immediately, you’ll soon understand my recommendation when we officially meet.”

Even if she doubted, without certainty, she wouldn’t investigate further.

By then, he would have accomplished his task.

Feeling reassured by her reaction, McCoy wiped his forehead’s cold sweat with a smile.

-Understood, for now.

“Yes, I’ll provide a detailed report soon.”

-Okay then…

Just as the call seemed to end uneventfully.

As he was about to hang up.

-McCoy.

Ceras called his name again.

“Do you have more to say?”

-I heard you are recuperating at a resort…

“Ah, yes. I am getting old after all.”

That’s how it was known outside.

Now known as a nominal executive, he was seen as a decadent authority, but that perception would be overturned later, so he let it be.

-Handling such a significant matter while recuperating, you must be having a hard time.

“…Haha, it’s nothing. I just sit here and take calls, organizing documents.”

-Yes, of course.

Her voice, again reluctant but understanding.

Followed by rustling papers and ‘Mars, please organize these materials’ heard from the receiver.

Then the call ended without further pleasantries.

It seemed she was coordinating with her secretary…

-Thud!

Before he could think deeper, his smartphone slipped from his hand, crashing to the floor.

The screen shattered on impact.

But McCoy couldn’t immediately pick it up.

The headache felt from the beginning of the call was intensifying.

“What is this…”

Just a headache from aging and fatigue…

No, it wasn’t that. He knew better from past experiences.

‘Bring them immediately!!!’

At least, previous headaches didn’t come with such hallucinations.

‘That child is our only success! Do you know how much we invested to create it!? Bring them immediately… Bring them!!!’

“…What is this? What on earth…”

Success, they say.

His project had failed and collapsed.

Why was he recalling such words uttered by himself?