BERTRANMIGRATED TO BE A VILLAIN IN THE NOVEL
CHAPTER 7. BROTHER, A YANDADRE

The novel has three male leads. 

The true and final male lead is Crown Prince Oscar Stoneshire, a cold tsundere who can only be thawed by a warm-hearted saint with his love. 

The second was the High Priest Nathaniel Seaton, forever stuck in the friendship zone. No matter how kind, gentle, and considerate she was, the female lead could only see her as a friend and brother. 

The third is Mage Damian Avington, an obsessive playboy and yandere. The female lead is the only one that really interests her, and she will do anything to have it, even to the point of kidnapping her, before eventually dying in an attempt to commit double suicide. 

I plan to arrange an engagement with the prince, following the novel, because that would be the fastest way to become a queen. Pastors that I can send to my knights to find after they are done with the female lead, and turn them to my side. However, I cannot cure my brother's madness. 

It's not unusual in history, actually. Many of the greatest magicians were insane, due to the effect of the excess mana on their minds. All I can do is find something else to make my brother obsessed. 

I guess it would be better if it was me. 

In the novel, Damian is never close to Valentina and they progressively drift away as she leaves home to attend the academy. He thought she was childish and immature, and then hated her for trying to harm the female lead. 

When you look at it that way, there really is no better way to ensure his loyalty. 

Damian is ten years old now, and will be eleven years old in November. It was August, and Father had agreed to start attending the academy this September, after many of his requests.

My relationship with him is good enough for now, but I can sense that he will soon start to lose interest, after nine years of squabbling. 

So, I took this opportunity to visit him in his laboratory, which was on top of a winding tower above the spiral staircase. It was painful to walk, but I managed to do it. 

I knocked on the door, and got no answer, I went in. 

Damian leaned over his desk checking out some old scrolls. When she heard me, she looked up, and instantly a smile adorned her face. 

It may be easier than I expected. 

“Val! What are you doing here?”

"chef made some tarts, so I thought I'd bring you some."

I offered him the basket I had brought. His eyes sparkled as we sat together on the small sofa and ate. The novel mentions that it is her favorite treat. 

We chatted a little, and he started telling me about his work in magic. I'm used to the long monologue of my old father, but it's a lot more fun because Damian doesn't treat me like a newborn who doesn't even know the most basic things. I even understand some of what he's talking about. 

The warmth crept on me and I wondered why the real Valentina was so estranged from Damian. If she knew how valuable she was, she would probably be closer to him. Most likely, he did not try to get along with anyone he thought was useless or did not adore him blindly. 

As we finished the cake, the conversation changed. 

“Yes, my sweet Val. I will learn and become the greatest wizard in our kingdom.”

“You will definitely... But you'll send a letter, won't you?”

"Every day, if you want, but only if you reply."

“Of course I'll do it.”

I grinned, after getting what I wanted. To make things safer, I decided to visit her in her lab at least once a week until she left. Anyway, I've enjoyed this. 

Suddenly, an idea came to my mind. 

"Brother, is there anyone you like?"

He looked surprised, like most eleven-year-olds. 

"No, not yet. Did you?"

“Hm, maybe.”

To be honest, I didn't feel the slightest hint at the crown prince, because I had never even met him. However, it's not too bad to start preparing to like the person I'm about to marry. 

A strange gaze, almost completely enraged, flashed across his face for a moment before his expression softened. Ah, I've triggered his yandere side. 

"Who is this?"

"I didn't tell you."

He frowned, then sighed. That madness must have not spread far. 

“It's okay, I guess. But you can't marry someone I don't like, okay?”

“Only if you do not like people I do not like. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

I was very happy with myself when I left, but something else soon weighed on my heart. Even if Damian did not fall in love with the female lead or try to commit double suicide, his excess mana and madness would eventually kill him. And since he is my brother and I care about him, I need to find a way to save him. 

Well, if I can change my fate from a criminal to the fiancee of the crown prince and the future queen, I can definitely find a cure. After all, I had nearly ten years before the novel began. And when that happens, I will be sure of the victory.