Life Of A Nobody - as a Villain

Darren Heartwell had a very busy day today. At the morning he had to go and visit various Elite families and contact several guild offices to send a rescue team inside Eisjer domain to help fish out the miners safely.

After that he personally went to calm the families rioting outside his estate _ promising them that his son is also trapped inside, and he's doing everything he can to bring everyone back alive. Once that was done he heard the news that Baron Misha Winston wanted to meet him.

Truth be told, he hated the guy. This man was the one who introduced him with the idea of setting up the Gale market for gambling, and he's also the one who profited the most out of normal public's suffering. By joining hands with various elite families, guilds, and rich people while being their lackey, _he just filled his pockets and turned a blind eye to all that those people did.

And if tricking him once wasn't enough, this man whom Darren Heartwell considered a friend, left him all alone after his son became a cripple, ignoring all pleas for help or finding him a cure.

And now when Leon was a world renowned genius surpassing even the likes of Valtor, Moksh, and even Rio, this guy was back with his smiling face again, shamelessly initiating the talks about marriage and engagement that he himself had annulled years ago.

But alas, now was the time when Heartwell's needed their support the most, _ with Lisa now gone for a secret mission, not sure of her safe return. And Leon provoking powerful enemies left and right everyday, having one more ally to help share the burden is exactly what he lacks.

Plus this man's daughter is a genius who's calm, cold, and controlled, someone who can be a nice influence on his otherwise stubborn son.

'Why am I so unlucky in the family department…' The heroic Baron couldn't help but sigh as the topic once again got diverted to his comatose wife, who showed no sign of recovery for years now.

His wife, daughter, and now son _ all were fighting on the verge of life and death, and he could do nothing except just sit at home. Could a man be any more helpless?

But just when he was dealing with his guests, another news interrupted their talks.

"Master, Rio Blake is in the city, and he requested to meet you?" The butler reported.

His sudden interruption caused everyone present to shoot glares, but only until the moment they heard his point.

"If the heir from Blake's is coming then what are you doing here, go and prepare for his welcome. Don't mess up a single thing, or.." A man sitting beside everyone ordered and left the hall without asking any permission from their patriarch.

Darren watched his big brother leave, and couldn't help but frown, _ the relationship between them had already stretched far too thin.

"Do we know why he's here? Or did he say what he wants to talk about?" He asked, changing the topic.

"It was his shadow who informed us, master. And she didn't say anything." The butler replied, "But as for his purpose, I think it's related to what's happening at the Eisjer domain.

Our sources said after coming here he had a talk with Finn Raven, who's supervising this incident from their side, and according to the reports, Raven's are now clearing the areas around the dungeon, getting everyone out."

"Are they planning on sending their elite team in?" Misha Winston, who was silent all this time, asked subtly.

The butler looked at him, and after seeing his master's eyes wondering about the same question, he replied, "We don't know for sure? But that seems to be the most plausible option."

"You should go and greet him, we will finish our talks and join you there." Darren answered and turned his face to Misha, whose fat head and hanging chin with no neck in sight, had already gears running at rolling speed trying to see if he can get any benefits from this new situation.

Darren shook his head, and ignored the man, turning his attention to Katherine who from beginning to end spoke no more than three words. 'Greetings, yes, and okay.'

"So Katherine, you've heard everything, what do you think?" Darren asked, talking about the engagement, "You've known Leon since childhood, and you're both in the same class too now, _ is there anything you want to say?"

Katherine, who was lost in thoughts wondering about why Rio came here at this time, looked at him and then shook her head.

"I'll agree to whatever decision my father makes." She responded before going silent again, her words more precious than the gold.

"...." Darren didn't feel bad about her cold response, as her personality had been known throughout the circle for years, so he just turned to talk with her father again.

"I have no complaints about her, and am fully willing to ignore our past and talk about this proposal now. Once Leon is back, we can host a little banquet and announce their pairing."

"As for any grand celebrations or engagements, we can wait till they finish their studies or have more time on their hands after these holidays." Darren kept speaking, his mind already planning the future parties and weddings, "Maybe when the first exams are over and they get a few months rest, or something. It'll also give us enough time to sort everything and make suited preparations..."

"What's the hurry about that?" Misha suddenly spoke, interrupting his speech, "They're both children now, and marriage is a lifetime commitment in our higher circle. So it's best we let our children get to know each other first and see if they're perfect for each other."

"..." Darren looked at him in surprise, wondering how fast this guy changed his words, when two days ago he was the one shamelessly talking about his deteriorating health and how his final wish was seeing his daughter's marriage before dying, and all that.

Misha saw his shock, but chose to ignore it, as he continued his words, "Engagements and everything can put certain pressure on our children. We don't want to ruin their future happiness in a haste. So how about we just hold onto any announcements and just wait."

"But that's not…"

"Come on Darren, even king Maximus and Duke Agnus gave their children time to connect, I think we can do the same too." Misha spoke clearly, after seeing that this dumb fucker refused to listen, "Let these kids know each other as they spend more time togethet."

"..." It took a few seconds for Darren to understand what was happening, or why Misha changed his words so suddenly, and as he did, he couldn't help but see him in a new light.

This man's ambition knew no bounds, how dare he covet something the royal family had their eyes on for years.

He had heard rumors about Rio being close to Katherine too, but everyone knew his relationship with the princess, so no one cared. But seeing Misha change his colors so soon after hearing Rio came here at this time,.... Even he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

'Was it really just a coincidence? Or is there something…' Darren thought with a black face looking at Katherine, but before his brain could get any clarity, the door to the halls opened and a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Baron Heartwell, it's been a while."

#####

Author note - Katherine's dad, Misha Winston is a proper profiteer through and through.

With Leon's talent rising and his fame increasing every other day, he thought of connecting this marriage to secure his future. But after seeing Rio here this time, he shoved Leon as backup and shifted his focus on an even higher branch.

As for him being wrong, well, knowing the foolish personalities of Heartwell's, he didn't care that he couldn't fool them again later if he failed.

He'll just have to act shameless and propose marriage once more like he did earlier today , he's 1000% sure he can fool this father-son duo easily again.

As for offending royal family, taht doesn't exist. Their princess can be the duchess, the legal wife, the first one _ he just wanted to tie Katherine to Rio and make a bigger connection.

After all, between the wife of a future baron and the concubine of a future Duke _ the difference in power is clear as day.