I'm a villain within the hero's party-Chapter 28: Lord Connor Claye

From the moment Jin Claye stepped into the grand noble mansion of Lord Connor Claye, the atmosphere grew tense. The maids, who had been busy with their chores, quickly scattered, avoiding any chance of crossing paths with him. Everyone in the estate knew Jin’s reputation—he was a known troublemaker, a delinquent who had stirred up chaos in a neighboring territory.

Jin wandered through the hallway with no clear direction, his hands in his pockets, his eyes scanning the walls as if he didn’t care where he was going. His footsteps echoed against the polished floors, and the maids he passed lowered their gazes, not daring to meet his eyes.

One maid, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of tea, tried to move aside quickly. But in her nervousness, she stumbled. The tray tilted, and the hot tea flew through the air. Jin reacted fast, dodging just in time. The tea splashed onto the floor, and the ceramic cup shattered into pieces at his feet.

The maid gasped and immediately dropped to her knees, bowing so low her forehead nearly touched the ground. "I’m so sorry, young master!" she cried, her voice trembling with fear.

From the side, another maid whispered under her breath, "You are doomed."

Everyone froze, holding their breath. The hallway fell silent. All eyes were on Jin, waiting for his reaction. They expected shouting, maybe even a beating. After all, that’s what always happened when someone crossed him.

Jin looked down at the broken cup and the spilled tea, then turned to the maid still kneeling on the floor. His voice was calm, almost gentle.

"I’m sorry—I wasn’t looking," he said. "Could you just please clean the mess?"

The hallway fell into stunned silence.

Every maid within earshot froze in place, eyes wide with disbelief. Did Jin Claye just... apologize? And for something that wasn’t even his fault?

The maid on the floor slowly lifted her head, her expression filled with confusion. She blinked, unsure if she had heard him correctly. But when she saw no anger in his face—only a quiet seriousness, she scrambled to her feet and rushed off to get cleaning materials.

Whispers spread among the maids like wildfire.

"Did he really say sorry?"

"He didn’t even yell..."

"It’s the first time..."

Jin stood there for a moment, brushing a few drops of tea off his velvet doublet. Then, without another word, he continued walking down the hallway toward his father’s study, leaving behind a trail of stunned silence and a shift in how the maids and gardener saw him.

Jin walked straight down the long corridor. The polished wooden floor creaked softly beneath his boots as he approached the door of Lord Connor Claye’s office.

He paused for a moment, then raised his hand and knocked twice.

"It’s me, Father," he said, his voice firm but respectful.

From within, a deep and calm voice responded, "You may come."

Jin pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The office was grand yet austere, lined with tall bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes. A large window behind the desk, cluttered with thick stacks of paperwork, allowed the afternoon light to pour in, casting long shadows across the room.

Lord Connor Claye stood behind his desk, not facing Jin. His hands were clasped behind his back as he stared out the window, watching the golden light stretch across the estate grounds.

Without turning around, he spoke in a calm, measured tone, "You seem to be in a pretty good mood, Jin. How did it go?"

Jin stood still; his voice steady but with quiet frustration as he said, "Father, I was rejected by Lady Helen Stanton. They also plan to cut all future trade and support to our estate."

A heavy silence followed.

Lord Connor let out a long, weary sigh. He still didn’t turn to face his son. As a man, he understood the sting of rejection—especially from someone you admired. But this wasn’t just about feelings. It was a political blow.

His thoughts raced behind his calm expression.

"The marriage proposal rejection... It’s not just personal. The Lord of the Stanton family is making a move—aligning himself with Southern Duke Ashby II. That madman. An expansionist with no regard for balance or tradition. The Stanton’s know the power Ashby holds. They’re choosing strength over loyalty. And with Helen’s rejection, our standing will fall. Our name will lose weight in court."

Finally, Lord Connor turned slightly, his eyes still distant as he spoke, "The Lord of Stanton was once a close friend of mine. This rejection... it wounds more than pride. It wounds my nobility. He must think I’m a joke now."

Jin didn’t respond. He simply stood there, his expression unreadable, eyes fixed on the floor.

Lord Connor studied him in silence, his thoughts turning inward once more.

Jin failed to secure the marriage proposal with the Stanton family. That was our last chance to strengthen our position through alliance. Now... my last hope for this family’s glory rests with his brother.

Breaking the silence, Lord Connor shifted the topic, his voice calm but pointed.

"Did you visit your brother?"

Jin thought to himself, "My brother... I wish I could see you soon—just to crush that cocky face of yours."

At that, Jin’s expression softened. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he said, "I’m planning to visit his barony. But not now."

Lord Connor’s expression brightened slightly as he nodded.

"Good," he said. "Just focus on your studies—and you can leave your ten thousand gold coins with me."

Jin’s smile faded. His voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it.

"It’s my earning, Father. I have the right to spend my gold coins the way I want to."

A flicker of frustration crossed Lord Connor’s face. His jaw tightened, but he quickly masked it with a composed expression. Still, his thoughts betrayed his calm exterior.

He thought, "This useless child... That prize money—ten thousand gold coins—from ranking first in the academy’s trial. He didn’t even mention any plans to develop his own barony. And now he wants to spend it however he pleases? Gambling again, no doubt. That addiction of his will ruin him."

Lord Connor gave a slight nod, his voice flat.

"Spend it as you see fit."

Jin bowed politely, though his expression remained unreadable.

"Then, if you’ll excuse me, Father," he said, stepping backward with practiced grace before turning and walking out of the office. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

The door closed behind him with a soft click.

As he walked down the corridor, the tension in his shoulders eased.

His thoughts, however, were sharp and clear. "I won’t risk my earnings on this estate. Not while it’s drowning in financial troubles, internal struggles and surrounded by corrupt vassals. That steward of his would probably throw a feast if he saw me hand over a single coin. But I’m not giving them anything."