“Ugh, damn these privileged elites—why does it feel so good to be one?”

As Muen cursed the decadent corruption of the noble class in his heart, # Nоvеlight # he gracefully savored his dinner using the original Muen’s muscle memory and refined table manners.

The meal? Just steak. Paired with some vintage red wine from a year he couldn’t even guess.

But—

It was incredible.

Muen swore on his past life that he had never tasted steak this good.

Juicy, rich, perfectly seared—it melted in his mouth like a dream.

Even that one time he splurged on a “premium cut” at a fancy Western restaurant in his old life? That overpriced slab wouldn’t even be worthy of wiping the plate of what he was eating now.

Oh my god, how is this so good?

Why am I suddenly reluctant to give up this identity?

“Is something wrong? You seem especially cheerful today, dear Muen.”

Across the table, an elegant, noblewoman dabbed her lips with a pristine napkin and asked gently.

“Of course he’s happy—he must be excited for his coming-of-age banquet tomorrow,” said the man beside her with a laugh. He sat at the head of the table, his lion-like beard and commanding presence giving off an aura of innate authority.

“After all, that’s one of the most important events of Muen’s life.”

“...Yes, Father, Mother. I’m truly looking forward to it,” Muen responded with a perfect sunny smile—even as his inner alarm bells went off.

These two were Muen Campbell’s biological parents.

Duke Lorne Campbell, one of the Four Dukes of the Leopold Empire, and his wife, Lady Noias Campbell, once the daughter of a marquess.

The Campbell family had noble blood and power, but their lineage was traditionally passed down through a single heir. Muen was their one and only child.

Naturally, that meant he was spoiled rotten.

You could even say that the original Muen’s miserable fate was partly the result of their overindulgent love.

Which was exactly why Muen had to be cautious. He couldn’t afford to tip them off.

He still needed their unconditional affection to plead on his behalf later. Because if the king didn’t officially absolve him, the day he lost his noble title, someone might literally hack him to death in the street.

But as it turned out, he was worrying too much. The original Muen’s memories, combined with the body’s ingrained habits, made it almost impossible to slip up.

“My son will be the star of tomorrow’s banquet, no doubt,” Lady Noias said, clasping her hands in anticipation. In her eyes, her precious Muen was perfection itself.

“Haha, let’s not get carried away—he does have a fiancée,” the Duke said teasingly, tipsy from the wine. “If Princess Celicia sees him charming other noble ladies, she might get jealous.”

“Hmph! I don’t like that Celicia girl. She’s too cold and distant. How is she worthy of our little Muen?”

“Oh come now—if even Princess Celicia isn’t worthy, then who is? Though I do agree on one point—Muen, feel free to bring home a few more young ladies. The Campbell line needs heirs! As for His Majesty, leave him to me. With your talent, I’m sure it’ll be a breeze! Hahahaha...”

“...”

Even Muen, thick-skinned as he was, couldn’t help but sweat at the over-the-top praise from his “new” parents.

Yep. Love that’s too heavy blinds people. It makes them see only what they want to see.

Princess Celicia—who was she, really? The third princess of the empire. The “Child of Divine Grace.” Known to the public as the “Ice Witch.” One of the top contenders for the most beautiful woman in Ireland.

In the original novel, Celicia was a fan favorite thanks to her perfect looks, frosty demeanor, and the secret warmth she hid underneath. She was also Muen’s favorite character.

Someone like him? Totally out of her league.

“If it’s not meant to be, then don’t force it.”

“I’ll let the story unfold the way it was meant to.”

“Celicia will meet the protagonist, fall in love, and find true happiness.”

“Even if I’m just a lowly, yellow-haired villain... I’ll survive!”

With that, Muen renewed his resolve.

****

After dinner, Muen said goodbye to the Duke and Duchess and stepped out for some air.

Only to immediately bump into a maid coming around the corner.

“A-ah! I’m so sorry, Young Master Muen—it was my fault—”

She’d spilled tea on his luxurious clothes, staining them with a vivid splash of red. The maid’s face turned pale. She scrambled to pull out a handkerchief, trying to blot the mark, but only made it worse.

Then she dropped to her knees.

“Please forgive me, Young Master! I—I didn’t mean to! I swear it won’t happen again! Please don’t hit me, or strip me naked and throw me into the street—!”

“...”

Muen stared at the trembling girl, speechless.

Is that really how people see me? Am I that cruel and tyrannical?

...Okay, yeah. The original Muen would’ve done something like that.

“It’s just a small thing. No need to worry.” He bent down and helped the maid to her feet.

“I won’t punish you.”

“Eh...?”

The maid stood frozen, completely bewildered. Clearly, she couldn’t believe that this Muen Campbell was being kind.

Muen gave her a small, gentle smile. His handsome, refined expression made her blink in surprise.

Of course he was being kind. He wasn’t the old Muen anymore.

And besides, he was about to become a commoner. Muen figured it was best to stop making enemies.

Especially now that he knew someone might eventually flay him alive.

What if it was a wronged servant like this? Someone who hated him, got close, then struck?

“Are you okay though?” Muen asked, eyeing her closely.

Something seemed... off.

Even though she looked frightened, her cheeks were noticeably flushed.

“Don’t tell me... you’re running a fever?”

Muen suddenly placed his hand on the maid’s forehead.

The movement was so abrupt, she didn’t even react. She just stood there frozen like a stone.

“Thought so...”

Her skin was burning up.

The maids of the Duke’s estate were always rigorously trained—making such a clumsy mistake had to be because she was sick.

Muen looked at the stunned girl and spoke sternly:

“You’re this sick—why aren’t you resting?”

“B-because... tomorrow is your coming-of-age banquet, Young Master... and we’re short-staffed in the manor...”

“That’s no excuse for working while ill!”

He scolded her seriously. But instead of fear, the maid’s eyes widened in surprise. The panic on her face faded, replaced with a dazed, almost dreamy expression—like she couldn’t believe this was really happening.

“Anne.”

“Yes?”

“Have someone arrange for her to rest. Wait—what’s your name?”

“I... I’m Noelle.”

“Alright. Make sure Noelle gets some proper rest.”

“Yes, sir.”

Anne bowed respectfully and acknowledged the order.

“But, Young Master,” she added, “Noelle wasn’t exaggerating. We truly are understaffed for tomorrow’s banquet. Every maid has her role. If she steps away, the workload on the others will increase significantly.”

“Then hire more people. This estate is massive—don’t tell me the Campbell household can’t afford it?”

“...Understood. I’ll relay your order to the head maid right away.”

Anne turned to leave. The head maid was in charge of coordinating the entire event, and since the banquet was tomorrow, the staffing change needed to be communicated as soon as possible.

“Oh, right—Anne.”

“Yes, Young Master?” 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

“...Never mind. It’s nothing. You can go.”

“...Understood.”

She looked at him curiously for a moment, but then quickly composed herself.

“As you wish. I’ll take my leave.”

Phew.

As he watched Anne disappear down the corridor, Muen quietly exhaled.

He’d been just about to ask her to purchase the crucial item for tonight’s scheme—the drug.

After all, in the original novel, Anne was the one who took care of it.

But on second thought... forget it.

It wasn’t mentioned outright in the book, but as an accomplice in the plot to drug the princess, Anne likely would’ve been blamed. Maybe even executed.

But this time—it was a downfall that belonged to him alone.

No need to drag anyone else into it.

“Sigh...”

Muen gave a bitter laugh at the thought.

“To think... me, a guy who never even killed a chicken growing up, is about to do something as vile as drugging an innocent girl.”

“But hey—at least it’s a doomed plan from the start.”