When I Finished Playing the Terminally-Ill Villainous Omega C19

Chapter 19

Startled, every muscle in my body went rigid.

I braced my weight on my elbows and hands to keep from collapsing fully onto him. My throat burned with embarrassment, and when I looked down, Locke was smiling as though thoroughly amused.

“Since we’ve already kissed, for a moment I thought you’d pushed me down to do something more.”

Could he please stop talking about that kiss?

I had worked so hard to erase it from my mind—why drag it back out now? My face heated instantly. Trying to hide it, I scrunched my brows on purpose.

“Don’t say ridiculous things. I’m not that shameless.”

“Then explain why you pushed me.”

“That’s…”

My head was a mess. Even if I tried to think clearly, what could possibly be helpful in this dark, damp basement? At best a bug…

My wandering eyes froze—and then lit up.

“Why do you think? I thought a bug would crawl into your collar. You didn’t see it, but a spider was descending from the ceiling behind you.”

“And?”

Locke stared, urging me to continue.

“You know how poisonous spiders sometimes get into the mansion. I pushed you so you wouldn’t get bitten. Besides, spiders are gross—they’ve got hair and big round bellies and… ugh.”

“You were playing with my ear. And staring at my face like you were about to whisper some incantation.”

“Playing with…? Absolutely not. I just protected your head from hitting the floor.”

“Your hand never even touched my head.”

“That’s because my hands are small?”

“And what were you muttering while looking at me?”

“I muttered nothing. You must’ve mistaken the lamp’s shadow near my lips.”

I lied through my teeth without even pausing for breath.

Thankfully, Locke did not press further.

I quickly stood up and grabbed his wrist, tugging. His firm muscle filled my grip.

“We don’t have time for this. We need to leave before my brother gets here. I have to hide you and take care of a few things—so hurry.”

Pulling Locke with me, I made for the stairs. On the way, I checked my heart count—one had been added. Only then did my chest loosen with relief.

Truly, one hurdle after another.

But before we could ascend the stairs, another knight—fresh from the shift change—blocked our way.

Did I have to start all over again? The cut on my palm still throbbed.

“It would be nice if they explained the prior situation when changing shifts.”

I sighed. The knight fidgeted awkwardly, looking quite inexperienced. Probably new. For a moment I hoped he might be easier to reason with…

“Please understand my position, young master Cedric.”

Still rigid.

“Understand my position too.”

“My apologies.”

“Why do all of you knights carry that phrase around? As if you aren’t the least bit sorry.”

My mouth was dry with urgency, and Locke murmured quietly behind me,

“You’re supposed to hide me, but you seem to be in trouble.”

I pouted and whispered back,

“I know. I’m in huge trouble.”

“Oh dear.”

It truly had been an unforgiving day. If I ever became head of the household, maybe I’d finally have some actual power. Right now it felt like invisible shackles bound my hands and feet.

How am I supposed to get out of this?

Being the youngest son of House Hestian granted me the title but none of the authority. Even if I tried to forcibly lead Locke out, knights—responsible for their families’ livelihoods—would only see me as a spoiled young master throwing a tantrum.

And I couldn’t ruin their lives for the sake of saving mine.

As I agonized, Locke quietly stepped back.

“It seems taking me out for now will be difficult.”

That mouth of his—

I nearly snapped, Can’t you just stay quiet for one second?

But I held back. I still wasn’t completely free of my fear of him.

“That doesn’t mean there’s no way to protect you. I have Plans B, C, and D. So trust me, okay?”

“Oh? How reassuring.”

I didn’t want him regretting that he had chosen to stand with the weakest person in the family, so I spoke confidently to him first.

Then I turned back to the knight.

“All right. I get where you’re coming from. You’re only following orders from above—nothing to blame you for. Fine, I won’t insist any further.”

Stay calm. You can do this.

“To think the young master would even consider the heart of a lowly knight… Your grace is immeasurable.”

He bowed. I nodded and replied as evenly as I could,

“I’ll send him back underground. But I’m going with him.”

“…Pardon?”

Still bowing, the knight lifted only his head to blink at me, looking as though he’d misheard.

“You won’t release Locke because of my brother’s orders, and I don’t want to leave an innocent servant alone in such a place. So there’s only one solution. Until my parents return and the truth is revealed, I’ll stay underground and guard him myself.”

“That is absurd!”

He practically shouted. I flinched at the volume, but showing weakness now would only shake Locke’s trust in me.

I held my expression steady.

“Young master Cedric has no reason to protect a low-rank servant. And to confine yourself in the underground prison for his sake—! This destroys noble dignity!”

“Noble dignity is upheld by caring for one’s people and guiding those beneath. If that’s the case, doesn’t your refusal to follow my words undermine my authority as a noble?”

“I am only loyal to House Hestian.”

“And I am also a member of House Hestian. I decide where I go—not you.”

I prepared to walk past him, but Locke suddenly stepped in front of me.

“Returning there is not appropriate, young master.”

“And you being in prison is not appropriate either.”

I looked up at him, thinking, You too? Really?

“If you were in good health, I would gladly accept such sentiment. But you are unwell. The air is foul there, and it is not suitable for you.”

Locke’s gaze dropped to my wounded hand. I curled my fingers to hide it.

“You also need treatment.”

“It can wait.”

“Were you lying to me?”

I blinked up at him, shocked.

“I didn’t lie!”

“You said you’d treat me well. But you aren’t listening to anything I’ve said.”

“That’s because I’m worried about YOU.”

“If you worry that much, I’ll lock myself inside the cell until you return. So please—go treat your hand first.”

I hesitated. I didn’t know what the right decision was—but if we dragged this argument out, I wouldn’t be able to do anything else.

Finally, I let my shoulders sag and nodded.

“Then promise me. I’ll be back before my brother returns. Lock the door tightly and stay inside.”

“As you wish.”

Locke turned back of his own accord.

I watched him descend toward the underground again before forcing myself to walk away. My feet felt unbearably heavy.

I prayed Locke would remain unharmed until I returned with a trap that left the real culprit no room to escape.

❖ ❖ ❖

The stone pavement overflowed with merchants’ stalls. The clamor of voices negotiating prices mingled with melodies from street musicians.

Clatter—clatter—

Amid the noise, the pounding of hooves tore through the street.

A horse, kicking up clouds of dust, neighed sharply as it stopped before the blacksmith’s forge.

Clang! Clang!

The heat was intense; the old blacksmith had thrown open the tent flaps and was hammering iron. He lifted his eyes, unimpressed.

“Well, isn’t this a sight. Said you’d never come back again, yet here you are. Winds must’ve changed fast.”

“Master, please—!”

The apprentice beside him looked sick with anxiety.

“Let him speak.”

A tall man glared coolly at the old smith. He looked every bit a nobleman.

As soon as he dismounted, his hand went straight to his waist.

Sensing danger, the apprentice—not for the first time dealing with his stubborn master’s temperament—rushed toward the noble.

“W-welcome, young master! It has been a while si—hiiik!”

A blade flashed up to his throat.

The apprentice froze, legs trembling. Even the slightest move would let the sword kiss his skin.

“Even if you are a noble of the count’s household, you cannot harm innocent citizens in broad daylight!”

“Innocent?”

The blond noble scoffed, sweeping back his hair.

“Strange word coming from those who cheat their customers and sell overpriced weapons to line their pockets.”