The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix's Novels Also Desires Happiness Chapter 4: Doing Good Brings Good Fortune, Right?

“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 mory and refined table manners.

The al? Just steak. Paired with so 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 lted in his mouth like a dream.

Even that one ti 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 sothing 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 ant 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, soone might literally hack him to death in the street.

But as it turned out, he was worrying too much. The original Muen’s mories, 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 co now—if even Princess Celicia isn’t worthy, then who is? Though I do agree on one point—Muen, feel free to bring ho a few more young ladies. The Campbell line needs heirs! As for His Majesty, leave him to . 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 deanor, and the secret warmth she hid underneath. She was also Muen’s favorite character.

Soone like him? Totally out of her league.

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

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

“Celicia will et 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 so air.

Only to imdiately 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 , Young Master! I—I didn’t an to! I swear it won’t happen again! Please don’t hit , or strip naked and throw into the street—!”

“...”

Muen stared at the trembling girl, speechless.

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

...Okay, yeah. The original Muen would’ve done sothing 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 handso, 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 beco a commoner. Muen figured it was best to stop making enemies.

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

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

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

Sothing seed... off.

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

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

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

The movent 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 soone arrange for her to rest. Wait—what’s your na?”

“I... I’m Noelle.”

“Alright. Make sure Noelle gets so 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 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?”

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

“...Understood.”

She looked at him curiously for a mont, 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 sche—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 ntioned outright in the book, but as an accomplice in the plot to drug the princess, Anne likely would’ve been blad. Maybe even executed.

But this ti—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... , a guy who never even killed a chicken growing up, is about to do sothing as vile as drugging an innocent girl.”

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