When I Finished Playing the Terminally-Ill Villainous Omega C8

Chapter 8

Had I spent the entire day thinking about him to the point I had begun seeing hallucinations?

Only when I saw Locke bow his head lightly to Mother, Cassian, and Ciel in turn did I realize this was real.

I quietly dabbed the corner of my mouth with my napkin. Then, intending to acknowledge him, I curved my lips into a mild, elegant smile.

However, just as I hoped, he did not spare even a single glance in my direction. Locke turned away as though his presence there had already concluded, and the dining hall doors, which had briefly opened, closed once more behind him.

…Excuse me?

Why did he not greet me?

Surely I could not have been so small that I was hidden behind Aiden? I was not a ghost only invisible to his eyes—so how could he not look at me even once? Caught so off-guard I had not yet dropped my smile, my lips trembled.

Clang.

My fingers lost strength from disbelief, and my knife slipped, falling to the floor with a sharp clatter.

I snapped back at the unexpected noise, quickly offering an apology as I instinctively bent down—only to freeze. Cassian’s hand gripped my shoulder, squeezing hard as he glared down at me.

“Have you forgotten dining etiquette simply because you ate in bed for a while?”

A noble must never bow one’s head at a table. To be stared down from above was considered a grave humiliation among aristocrats.

My thoughts had been entirely consumed by Locke; etiquette slipped my mind. Straightening my back, I bit my lower lip lightly.

“Anna, go to the kitchen and tell Locke to bring a fresh set of cutlery.”

A maid who had been about to pick up the knife paused at Cassian’s orders. It was lunchtime—no servant ought to have duties now except those serving here.

Calling him even when he’s not present?

Before Anna could leave, I quickly interjected,

“Wait, Anna. Must you summon someone who is not even here, brother?”

“Your attendant should be by your side. He is your dedicated servant.”

“I gave him free time. I personally told him he may rest unless it is time for my medicine. To rescind it would tarnish my dignity.”

“He should obey Mother’s commands, not yours. Since when did you become the master of the Hestian estate?”

Avoiding missions required distance from Locke; thus I had allowed him personal time. It contradicted Mother’s orders, so I had avoided bringing it up—but now Cassian had forced me to admit it in front of her. Was this petty revenge because he failed to meet Éclat that day? Not only foul-tempered, but spitefully narrow-minded too.

Mother quietly dabbed her lips, her tone icy.

“A guest is still dining. Lowering your voice at the table is unacceptable.”

Cassian—who would torment someone further if anyone else had rebuked him—immediately straightened, bowed, and fell silent. But not before clicking his chin at his servant with a cold glare.

Anna flinched and hurried away. With Mother’s warning issued, this time I could not stop her.

Soon after, Locke entered the dining hall with a new set of cutlery. Though he was my attendant, Cassian could order him easily, because my position in the household sat at the very bottom.

I was going to die, anyway.

Bitter, isn’t it.

“I’ll replace your cutlery.”

Locke approached and began clearing my utensils. The veins on the back of his left hand and forearm bulged as he gripped the knife. Watching the strength beneath his pale skin, I suddenly found it difficult to breathe.

I could not tear my gaze away. What if, without warning, he exposed his true nature and plunged the blade into my throat?

I swallowed hard. Locke’s gaze flickered toward my tensed fingers.

I clenched my hands so I would not tremble.

At that moment, the edge of his hand brushed the back of mine. I jolted. Our eyes met. Golden irises, sharp and unwavering.

My heart leapt painfully, but Locke remained unperturbed.

Physical contact without permission was grounds for punishment—yet he showed no fear. Before, he’d trembled even when our sleeves brushed.

Something was strange.

I quickly checked Mother’s face—fortunately, she had not seen, busy sipping wine.

Good.

I forced my breathing to steady, though my heart refused to calm.

“Will you also be competing in the tournament, Aiden?”

Mother’s gentle inquiry shifted the atmosphere. They resumed discussing the imperial hunting competition.

Meanwhile Locke knelt to retrieve the knife from beneath the tablecloth. As he leaned forward, his shoulder brushed my shin.

I flinched. Locke, too, paused briefly—aware.

I discreetly moved my leg aside and checked Cassian. He was absorbed in glancing at Aiden and Mother.

How many people must I watch just to eat a meal?

This would ruin my stomach. I should have feigned illness.

Grumbling internally, I reached for my fork when something caught my eye—Cassian’s lip curled imperceptibly.

Suspicious.

I decided to seize control of the table’s attention once Ciel and Mother finished speaking. If I kept Mother focused on me, Cassian wouldn’t dare pull anything—and Locke could leave safely.

But apparently anticipating my intent, Cassian abruptly pressed his foot onto Locke’s back as Locke attempted to rise. Locke’s hand tightened around the knife, veins stark.

“Brother!”

Had he gone mad?

I shouted, and all eyes turned to me. Mother’s brow knit slightly. Realizing she was watching, Cassian casually lifted his foot and feigned innocence.

Coward. Serpent.

Mother valued hierarchy, but she was not cruel to servants. If she knew Cassian had just stepped on Locke, she would scold him sharply. But then Cassian would certainly retaliate later.

I had not survived this far just to be outwitted by a muscle-headed heir. I was on my second life.

Feigning distress, I fumbled at my waist.

“Huh? I’m sure I had it here… Where did I put it?”

Cassian’s lips twitched.

“Not like you, Cedric—raising your voice at table.”

Mother sighed softly. “Be more composed.”

I lowered my gaze pitifully.

“I wished to show everyone something, but left it in my room. My apologies, Mother.”

“Is it the gift you received from Aiden?” Ciel asked mildly.

Perfect timing. I nodded quickly.

“Yes, Sister. The dagger with a magic stone—it’s so beautiful. I grew excited thinking to show everyone… I acted rashly.”

Aiden chuckled. “Now I feel proud. I’m glad you liked it so much.”

Mother’s expression softened.

“A magic stone? Such a rare gift. I should like to see how lovely this dagger is.”

I waved behind me, signaling Locke to leave.

“Locke, please tell Marie to bring the dagger from my bedside drawer. You have something else to do this morning, don’t you?”

A flimsy excuse, but Locke was clever. After all, he had orchestrated a coup in three short years and taken the throne.

He bowed silently and left.

My expression stiffened as I watched him retreat—his left hand gripping the knife like a blade poised over the Hestian family’s neck.

Yes. For this house to survive, Cassian must be dealt with first.