Chapter 9: 10. training start and bait set (2)

A short ride to the lower city had Leko’s queasiness even worse. He hid a grimace, stepped off the carriage, and entered the library.

“Hey old man, you doing okay?”

There was no need to be formal. The man was of lower standing. It was proper to still be formal, but Leko didn’t want to.

“Young Master, welcome back. This old man is doing quite fine.” The old man gestured to the spot where Leko had sat before. “I had your seat reserved for you.”

Grinning at the man, Leko made his way to the comfy seat. He sunk into it with joy and let out a soft, happy groan. He closed his eyes and listened to the whispered murmurs of the few people that occupied the place. The turning pages. The cracking fire, and the light sound of music, instrumental with no vocals. To Leko, it sounded like a little slice of heaven.

Hearing a soft thump, he opened his eyes and blinked at the smiling face of the old man. He glanced down at the book and tea the man placed on the table.

“Young Master, I kept your story for you so no one would take it. I hope this pleases you?”

Leko almost beamed. Man, being the son of the Duke was awesome. He coughed and nodded at the old man.

“I don’t know your name, old man?”

“Ah, this old man is Ari.”

“Old man Ari.” Leko tasted the name and nodded in satisfaction.

Grabbing the book, he settled down for an hour of relaxing. He took long leisure sips of his tea as he read, only stopping to wipe his sweaty palms on a handkerchief.

“Young master,” Kurio said in greeting as he took his position next to the seat that Leko lounged in. Leko nodded at his butler, who frowned as he glanced over Leko's body. Kurio stepped forward and held out another handkerchief. He indicated to Leko’s face.

“May I?”

Nodding his consent, Kurio tipped Leko’s face up and dabbed at the building sweat.

“Is this going to be a regular problem, young master?” Kurio sounded curious, but his voice seemed a bit strained. Leko wondered if the man had lost someone to poisoning.

“Hmm, for a short while.” Leko shrugged. It wasn’t much of a problem as long as he didn’t come in contact with other nobles and stayed inside Baira. “My body is trying to get rid of it and it’s not used to it so I’ll be sweating a lot for a while as my body adapts. I’ll be sick as well at some point. If it bothers you so much, then bring me water. It helps clear out toxins. There’s nothing else you can do short of giving me the cure, but that would make this training useless.”

Kurio sighed, letting go of Leko’s face. Leko observed the indifferent expression that the man had. Contradicting the troubled look in his eyes. Leko turned back to his book and hummed.

“Did you manage what I asked?”

“I did not.”

A frown slipped onto Leko’s face for a bare second before he hid his disappointment.

“This type of thing is better suited for my sister. I gave her the job instead.”

He turned to Kurio in surprise, “oh?”

Kurio nodded with a small, proud smile.

“My sister is best at gathering and using information. For tasks like this. I would suggest Young master call on my sister instead of me.”
It was new information. Nothing said that Faier was good at gathering information.. Leko thought back to the novel and mentally scanned over the story. There were moments when Faier had information that she gave to Calen’s party that seemed like it came out of nowhere. It wasn’t something Leko had noticed much.

“I’m certain she can do as you needed Young Master.”

Leko nodded at Kurio and started reading again. He was only interrupted when Kurio brought him water. A sigh slipped past his lips as he drank it. He’d have preferred tea, but the concerned gaze that watched him made him feel guilty. The butler was too soft.

Once the lazy hour was up, Leko thanked the old man and left to the northeast side of the city. He glanced around until he found the building he needed.

Walking into the ballroom and seeing Friar made Leko excited. Sure, he needed to get strong, but he wanted to dance. This was going to be the only lesson he’d actually be enjoying.

“Mother, I’m excited to get started,” He spoke the truth to the woman whose face brightened at his words.

“My baby!” Friar squealed and squashed Leko against herself. She pulled back and dragged him to the center. Friar turned to face him and hummed as she eyed his body. Leko tried not to fidget. It wasn’t his fault, he’s only been here for three days, and he couldn’t work miracles. Friar nodded, satisfied.

You are reading story Throwaway Villain at novel35.com

“Much better.”

Leko glanced down at his clothes, which were now different from before. He raised an eyebrow and shifted. It was pretty baggy and made him feel like a male gypsy. His chest was almost completely open. Of course, as a man, this didn’t matter, but four days ago he had been a she.

“Alright, we'll start with some basics. Come here.”

He followed Friar as she taught him to dance. A few minutes in he realized that the style of dancing was not the type he’d set out to learn at the start. One look at the shining eyes of the blond-haired woman had Leko shutting his mouth. This style was better suited for his training, so he’d learn it instead.

A small puff of air struggled to escape from Leko’s lips. The sound of the door opening had Leko tugging at the loose fabric by his chest without thought. Leko leaned his head back and watched Kurio bring in food.

“Did Tor make it?” Leko asked.

He glanced at Friar for a second with a light frown. Before sighing in relief when Kurio shook his head. The two previous doses of poison were still screwing with his body. He’d struggle to get through the day if he had to ingest more.

“Will you be fine, young master?” Kurio’s concerned voice had Leko looking at him in curiosity.

“I’ll live,” Leko reassured him. Kurio bowed and stepped back.

“Where will you be going after lunch?” Friar asked.

Swallowing the bite he took from the sandwich in his hands, Leko answered.

“I have weaponry in the east garden.”

“Your father, he isolated it for you, didn’t he?”

He nodded while taking another bite. They did not use the east garden much, which is why the Duke gave that one to him for use. Friar's lips were painted in a sad smile lips. Leko held himself back from asking. It was likely not his concern.

Once the quick lunch his mother insisted on having with him was over, Leko left for the Duke’s office.

“Leko,” The Duke greeted him. Leko bowed.

“Father, you wanted to speak with me?”

“Have you eaten?”

“Mother insisted I ate with her.”

“Yes, I don’t eat lunch. I need to thank her later.”

The Duke didn’t eat lunch? Then why invite him for lunch? Leko sat down in front of the Duke’s desk. He ate lunch with Leko the other day. Leko let the matter slide from his thoughts. It wasn't like it was a problem.

“I’m rather busy, so I’ll be quick. I don’t want you traveling for the first while, after six months?”

Leko shook his head. “Too long. I have a few things I want to do and I’m a quick learner. Allow me to leave after three.”

“I can’t allow you to leave if I don’t think you’re capable. A compromise then. After three months, I’ll test you if you pass. You may leave if you fail. You stay for another three months.”

Leko stayed silent. He couldn’t risk it. There were things he wanted to do before the plot started and six months was too long. He’d miss the opportunity. Should he try again to convince the Duke? Leko locked eyes with the man and held back a frown. No, the Duke won’t budge. Leko will have to work around it then. He’ll come up with some type of plan.

“Alright.”

“Thank you. As for your traveling companions. I expect a list of who you want with you. If it's a good group, I’ll let it go. If not, I’ll add a few more myself." Leko bowed his head in acceptance.

“You will, of course, receive a fund to use while traveling.”

He left the Duke’s office with a small frown twitching at his lips. Leko wiped the look from his face, setting the matter to the back of his mind. He’d work on it later.

You can find story with these keywords: Throwaway Villain, Read Throwaway Villain, Throwaway Villain novel, Throwaway Villain book, Throwaway Villain story, Throwaway Villain full, Throwaway Villain Latest Chapter