I was Reincarnated as the Youngest Child of a Villainous Noble Family Who Controls the Kingdom from Behind the Scenes
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"Rubyton-senpai! Is it true that you're dropping out?!"

Galeo, a second-year member of the student council executive committee, burst into Rubyton's classroom, shouting.

Rubyton had been an object of admiration for Galeo since the latter first entered the school.

And now, Rubyton was sitting silently at his desk in the classroom.

"Galeo, huh? It's nothing serious. I just want to focus on my family's business back home."

"But you said you'd graduate properly and make your parents proud!"

"Yeah, I did... but I feel like I've learned what I needed to."

Rubyton's indecisive attitude frustrated Galeo, who slammed his hand on the desk.

Yet, Rubyton's gaze remained fixed on a single spot on the desk.

"When I first entered the school, I challenged you. And when you defeated me, you said, 'If you've got so much energy, join the student council.'"

"Yeah, I remember that."

"You were the one who saved me, a commoner who was constantly looked down on and frustrated! I wanted to celebrate your graduation!"

"...I'm sorry."

Galeo grabbed Rubyton by the collar.

This bold action caused a stir among the other classmates.

"Hey, second-year! What do you think you're doing?!"

"Aren't you supposed to be on Rubyton's side? If you're not happy, then get angry properly! What's with this half-hearted attitude?!"

"I'm disappointed too about Rubyton leaving. But we have to respect his decision."

"Don't mess with me!"

Most of the students in the classroom were Rubyton supporters.

Back when Rubyton's faction was active, there were many hot-blooded students who would surround Galeo if he got too close.

But now, they barely even held Galeo's arm, lacking any real spirit.

"Rubyton-senpai. You lost to Muto, a fellow second-year, right? I get that losing to a junior is frustrating, but you're not the type to give up over something like that, are you?"

"Galeo, I might as well tell you this now... that guy isn't human."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I wouldn't drop out just because I lost to a junior. But... I'm scared."

Galeo noticed that Rubyton's hands were trembling.

"I'm scared of being in the same school as that guy. He's not human. I feel like... I'll be devoured someday."

"R-Rubyton-senpai... what happened to you?"

"Just stay away from him. Luckily, Muto's faction isn't as extreme as Shemna's... yet."

"Damn it!"

Galeo ended up punching Rubyton, sending him flying.

The moment he did it, Galeo regretted it, but Rubyton didn't even try to get up.

"R-Rubyton-senpai! I'm sorry!"

"It's fine. I knew you'd do something like this."

"Rubyton-senpai..."

Galeo felt tears welling up in his eyes.

The senior he admired had become weak and fearful.

It wasn't just pity for his senior—it was more a burning anger at the evil that had driven him to this state.

Before he knew it, Galeo was on his knees, bowing deeply.

"Rubyton-senpai, please at least wait before dropping out. I'm begging you..."

"Hey, Galeo. Stop it."

"Please let me have this selfish request! Let me celebrate your graduation! Please!"

"Galeo..."

Rubyton couldn't bring himself to say anything to Galeo, who remained prostrated on the floor.

He began to question himself—was it right to run away after making a junior go this far?

In that sense, Galeo's visit wasn't in vain.

* * *

"Alright, the Muto Troupe's rehearsal is reaching its climax! One! Two!"

After school, Muto was training his faction members in the old theater.

By nature, Muto was only interested in fun things. Expanding his faction's influence didn't matter to him.

His main goal was to polish his performances, dance, sing, and have fun.

He had come to Alfis's place to use the training grounds for his troupe's practice.

"Looking pretty good... huh?"

In the darkness of the night, someone approached Muto and his group.

The figure was already clad in rock armor and claws, ready for battle.

"Huh? Uh, who's that again?"

"Galeo, second-year student council executive. You're Muto, right?"

"Galeo? Second-year? Not in my class, right?"

"I don't know you either. I didn't think there was someone like you in my year."

Muto made a funny face, teasing Galeo.

But Galeo wasn't the type to get angry over something like this anymore.

"So, what do you want? You here to join the Muto Troupe?"

"The opposite. I'm here to crush this damn troupe."

"Why?"

"You trampled on Rubyton-senpai's dignity. Now it's my turn to crush you."

Muto thought for a moment, then clapped his hands.

"Oh, that weak senior? Was that his name?"

"You...!"

"Uh, what faction was he from again? I forget boring people pretty easily. Sorry, sorry~!"

"Then I'll make you remember!"

Galeo charged, and the Muto faction members moved to intercept.

Galeo's rock claws slashed through two of the students, and a third was sent flying by a tackle.

Two more tried to stop him but failed.

"Guh! H-He's too strong! Muto! We can't stop him!"

"Ahhh, really? Hey, Summon Master group, take care of it."

The remaining students who stood in Galeo's way prepared themselves.

Galeo charged in without hesitation, but—

"Guh!"

He was stopped by a concentrated barrage from three students.

One trapped Galeo in spider silk, another punched him with a giant arm, and the third commanded a swarm of bees.

"W-What the hell is this...? Damn it!"

"They've made contracts with some pretty strong demons. They're my elites, you could say. Even stronger than that Togari guy."

"These things won't hold me... Guh!"

Galeo was punched by the giant arm, spitting blood and left severely injured.

The one who approached him was Briotto, the student with the giant arm.

"Guh... hah..."

"Senior Galeo, you should choose your words carefully from now on. You don't want to die yet, right?"

"...Shut up."

"Huh?"

"I said shut up! I'd rather die than bow to you bastards who sold your souls to demons!"

Briotto landed a second blow on Galeo.

"Hah... ah..."

"Hey, isn't one more hit gonna kill him? His rock armor's all broken too. Muto, what should we do?"

Muto brought a twig close to Galeo's face, which was still trapped in spider silk.

He stuck it into Galeo's nose, making him sneeze.

"Hey, did you know humans can still sneeze even in this state?"

"Ahah! A new discovery!"

"See, life's no fun if you don't enjoy it. People who get caught up in pointless justice and only see things as good or evil are just prey tangled in the threads of life."

Galeo heard Muto and his group's laughter as his consciousness faded.

He had never been humiliated like this before, and tears naturally flowed from his eyes.

Rubyton was right—he should have stayed out of it.

It would have been better to stay quiet than to nearly die for the sake of justice.

Just as he was starting to think that—

"Is this the theater? It's pretty rundown."

A lone boy's voice called out to the jubilant Muto and his group.

Beside him stood a small girl with fully formed wings.