ICTV - Chapter 81

ICTV - Chapter 81

I changed The Villain

There are a lot of people around Edgar, but among them, not a single one receives special treatment. His kindness once made some people think they were special to him, but that illusion did not last long.

Because if you spend a little time with him, you will get to know him right away. That he loves everyone equally.

Actually, it goes further.

“The reason people feel comfortable with me is because I don’t really mean anything to them.”

It also makes them realize that no matter how warm Edgar is, he is ultimately just a 'stranger'. So Edgar didn't have anyone particularly close to him, but that didn't make him sad. Because in the end, this was what he wanted.

Edgar spoke calmly as if he was talking to someone else.

“So please don’t want to be like me. I have to help others. So I can happily accept this kind of life, but you can't. Isn't that right?"

Violet's eyes were shocked at Edgar's calm advice as if he were talking to someone else.

“How could you really…”

Edgar raised the corners of his mouth slightly.

“Young Lady. The more concerns you have, the less able you are to tell important people like family or friends. It is clear that they also thought the Lady was too important to them, so they couldn’t tell you.”

"..."

“You can’t help but feel sad, but at least don’t feel guilty. It’s definitely not because the Lady is not trustworthy that they didn’t tell you their concerns.”

Violet only looked down at her palm.

“Do you really think so?”

“Of course, I think so.”

Violet didn't say anything for a while. Edgar checked the time. He can go back now. Edgar got up from his chair.

“It was fun. Next time I get a chance...”

“...There is.”

Violet blurted out.

“Among the characters in the novel I am currently writing, there is one who is as kind and friendly as you.”

"Is it so?"

“But now that I’m in this state, I don’t know how to deal with that person.”

Violet stood up and followed Edgar.

“If we meet sometime in the future, could you give me some advice?”

“Are you saying you want to show me your work?”

"Yes."

Violet nodded.

“I still wanted to hear a fellow noble’s review before handing it over to a publisher.”

This time too, Edgar willingly nodded his head.

"Sure. If the Young lady wants it.”

Violet and Edgar decided on an appointment time and meeting place.

Seeing her daughter looking much more relieved, Violetta bowed her head and promised to send him a precious gift.

Edgar left the mansion to be seen off by Violetta. The rain was pouring down heavily. Edgar stretched out his hand. Raindrops fell on his palms.

“It’s raining as expected.”

He knew it would be like this. The servant gave him an umbrella, but the rain was so strong that he couldn't help but get his clothes wet. This was expected, but he's in a particularly bad mood today.

“Is it because of the weather?”

Edgar looked at the road, which had become a mess of mud and leaves.

***

After that, Violet visited Edgar often. The purpose was to observe Edgar's personality and behavior up close.

Violet asked Edgar several times if he felt burdened, but he shook his head.

“I’m used to people’s gaze.”

"..."

“When I was young, I was nervous and scared.”

Edgar smiled brightly as he and his employees packed the snacks they had prepared to distribute to the people.

“Not now. I’m always trying to do the right thing for the people who watch over me.”

“You shine so brightly when you say that, it makes me feel like trash.”

“Okay. Then I’ll try to shine less in front of you.”

Violet asked suddenly while taking notes with a quill.

“Edgar, if there were people like you in the world, what do you think you’d do?”

"Hmm?"

"Oh sorry. No, I’m sorry.”

Violet hurriedly spoke politely again.

“After meeting several times, I think Edgar has become more comfortable with me. I’m truly sorry if I felt rude.”

Violet heard in the past that he liked approaching people first, and that was true. Edgar smiled warmly.

“It’s okay, you can speak informally.”

"... Really?"

"Sure. You want it. Isn't that right?"

"..."

As always, it's not what he wants. Violet rested her chin and stared at Edgar, who was packaging the last snack.

“Then let me ask you again. What would you do if only people like you existed in the world?”

It's done. Edgar carried the basket full of sweets under the table.

“It would be a really boring and unpleasant world to live in.”

“You said you want to create a better world. Isn’t it normal to think it would be nice if there were at least one more person like you in the world?”

“Don’t you remember what I said last time?”

“No, I remember…”

Violet sighs as the ground disappears.

“That would be plain.”

He rested.

“You need someone like that right now. I heard you want someone nice enough to work with you.”

“Yes, I did complain about that for a moment because there is such a shortage of manpower these days.”

Edgar gathered up the messy ribbons and put them in the trash can.

“I hope there won’t be more people like me.”

Edgar doesn't want people to even think about wanting to be like him. Edgar turned his head and looked at Violet.

Right now, Violet thought about wanting to be someone like him, even if just for a moment.

“I’m so glad you threw that idea away now.”

“...Do you hate that that much?”

"Of course. I do this because I really enjoy helping others, but other people can't do that. Should you become a person like me, even brainwashing misfortune into happiness? I don’t think so.”

Edgar spoke with sincerity.

“I really want people to change in a way that makes them happy.”

“Are you saying that because you can’t do that?”

The hands that were busy moving stopped. Edgar looked back at Violet. He tried to answer right away, but his voice wouldn't come out.

Why? Edgar could barely speak after a few seconds.

“...Don’t you think I’m happy right now?

“No, you look happy.”

After hesitating for a moment after saying those words, Violet added an afterthought.

“It’s a little creepy.”

After saying those words, Edgar momentarily stiffened. However, he quickly changed the mood by clapping his hands together.

“To say it’s creepy is a bit harsh. Anyway, let’s end today’s conversation here!”

"...I know. It’s already so late.”

Violet nodded as she took her notebook.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

“Okay, get some rest.”

"You too."

"Of course."

Edgar stood at the window. Violet was seen leaving in a carriage. Why couldn't he answer earlier?

But Edgar didn't even have time to wonder about that. As if he had been waiting, a servant came and announced that a guest had arrived.

Edgar took the warm tea himself and headed to the living room. Soon, the sound of sobbing echoed through the living room. Edgar spoke to the woman sitting across from him.

“Break up with him.”

“But other than that, he’s a really good guy.”

“That’s what’s causing you pain right now.”

“Still, still... That person truly..."

“Do you say such harsh words and hurt someone you truly love?”

“That can’t be right!”

“Look, you already know the answer. I’ve told you this many times, but you already know the answer. So now you just have to take one step. Just one step.”

Edgar never once turned away anyone who came to him. He never thought about sending them back. He knew how much they thought about it before coming to him.

So, no matter how many times they kept coming, he listened to their story and discussed things with them.

But today.

“But I still want to believe. That person loves me.”

Edgar doesn't want to talk about it. He just wants to be alone.

Edgar knew better than anyone else that he was not omnipotent. Even though he felt tired sometimes, he accepted it as a natural phenomenon. But the problem is.

‘Sometimes’ has become ‘often.’

The number of times he feels tired has increased significantly these days. The speed of recovery also slowed. Why? 

There's no way he's tired already. Edgar was truly puzzled. It wasn't too hard and he had some personal time. He also got enough sleep. He also exercised a little. He must be tired already.

“Edgar! Please help me! Do you know what happened to me yesterday?!”

Bang. 

Another noise interrupted Edgar's thoughts. A man with a tearful face and a servant with a troubled face were standing side by side in the room.

“I’m sorry, Master. I told you several times to wait.”

“I told you to come see me whenever I need to discuss something!”

Something really urgent must have happened. But now he's already talking to someone else. Edgar responded skillfully.

"Yes. Let’s find a solution together. I have some delicious snacks, so please eat some of them, just a little bit.”

“I need to find a solution right now. I’m doing it!”

The man cried out and suddenly hit the table with his fist. With a clang, the glass shattered as it hit the floor. Edgar couldn't move.

“I want you to solve my problem right away! That's what you do! Ah ah!!”

Other servants came rushing in and barely managed to drag the man away. Edgar lightly twisted his fingers. Now it's starting to move. Normally, he would have suppressed that person as soon as he raised his arm.

That's it. Because it was the strength he developed for that purpose.

Edgar raised his palm. His fingers were shaking. The moment Edgar was about to massage his fingers, the woman frozen and trembling like an aspen caught his eye.

Oops, there’s something else to forget. How can someone who has been here before...! 

Edgar hurriedly asked the woman.

"Are you okay?"

The woman was still trembling like an aspen tree and spoke in a voice the size of a mosquito.

“...You said it was safe.”

"Sorry. I was careless... … ”

The woman suddenly raised her head from her lowered position. And she shouted in a voice filled with betrayal.

“You told me to just relax here because this mansion is safe!!”

“...I’m really sorry. Next time, we will strengthen security even more.”

The woman didn't even pretend to listen and took her belongings.

“I don’t think there is a safe place where I can talk openly.”

The will and trust created after three or four conversations were broken. Everything went back to square one.

Edgar, left alone, looked at the broken glass again. Building a tower is very difficult and time-consuming. But it only takes a moment for it to fall apart.

Edgar brought his still trembling fingers towards the piece of glass. Red blood dripping with sharp pain

Edgar looked at the blood blankly. Just then, bright sunlight came through the window.

Edgar muttered, taking in the sunlight.

“...Harmonia. You always have deep meaning in what you do.”

Is she putting him through this ordeal just to teach him that he has reached his limit?

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