Reincarnated as the Villain’s Father

Yeah, that's me. A bearer of a divine technique. Sitting by the window, gazing out at the view. Don't worry, I'm not pleasuring myself this time. I'm simply savoring the ethereal beauty of nature.

Towering mountains, endless forests, and winding rivers framed the lands surrounding my country.

You know how sometimes, when you stare at a massive mountain, you suddenly feel how small and insignificant you really are? Strangely enough, I didn't feel that way at all. As I looked upon those peaks, I didn't feel small. I simply admired nature for what it was. Both its savage beauty and its quiet cruelty.

But as I admired this magnificent scenery, a peculiar thought crossed my mind: why, despite being a Count, was I not enjoying the pleasures of the flesh with a few lovely ladies?

What, is a man supposed to only have spiritual reflections while gazing at nature's grandeur? Nonsense. I believe sex is spiritual too. Hell, ancient people thought rain was the sky's seed and the earth its womb and we still dare to say that sex isn't sacred?

Anyway, back to the matter at hand. Me, Count Leonardo. I had no wife, no mistresses. Perhaps it's too early to think about it, but in the future… I will build a harem. A grand, exotic collection of women. After all, this is a fantasy world, so why limit myself?

An elf is a must. A demoness, too. And to be honest, I've always found orc women strangely attractive. If I succeed in my plans, I'll become someone who commands both fear and respect. A man of power unmatched by any other. Even now, I was stronger than most counts. There was no reason why I couldn't live the life I desired… surrounded by my harem.

By the way, divine techniques differed from ordinary ones in one fundamental way: they contained a passive ability. When you absorb a technique, it grants you three skills, but these abilities unlock gradually over time. Passive skills, however, activate the moment the technique is absorbed.

My passive skill… allowed me to see into people's hearts. Their hidden intentions, secret desires, and forbidden cravings. Countless thoughts and emotions laid bare before my eyes. With this, assembling my ideal harem would be child's play… not to mention the other advantages it offered.

"Hehehe…"

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this new technique of mine was among the highest tiers of power.

At present, two technique seeds rested within me, and I still had one more technique-granting artifact left. But that particular technique belonged to the Hero's mother in the novel… my one true love. I'd soon have to set out to find her.

There would be many more technique-granting artifacts in my future, no doubt. And besides, trying to cultivate two techniques simultaneously. Especially when neither had fully bloomed, would only slow my progress. For now, I'd keep that artifact safe.

Patience was key. Power in this world wasn't something acquired overnight. It was built. Through calculated moves, relentless discipline, and, when necessary, ruthless decisions. And I would do exactly that.

Not just as a Count… but as the Lord of the future.

I stood up. My gaze lingered on the distant mountain ranges, but my mind had already wandered far beyond them. I wasn't just staring at geography anymore. I was sketching the outlines of my destiny. Which kingdoms would fall? Which dynasties would kneel before me? Which women would warm my bed at night? Everything had to be planned… like pieces on a chessboard.

I adjusted my clothes and stepped out of my room. My body still ached from the intense ordeal of absorbing my second technique the previous night. I wondered how Rebecca and Annabel were faring. I had given Annabel a technique-granting bracelet; it must have been painful to absorb, but Rebecca's was likely even more brutal.

As I walked through the corridors of my mansion, I asked the servants where the two women were. Annabel was in her chambers while Rebecca was training. It was probably best to let Annabel rest for now. So I headed toward Rebecca.

I made my way to the southern training grounds, which overlooked the manor's garden. The flooring was reinforced with special stones designed to withstand magical explosions, sword strikes, and even the aftershocks of powerful techniques. Building this facility hadn't been cheap for original Leonardo, but I would never allow my women to train in some shabby corner of the estate anyway.

Rebecca was there.

Her silver hair clung to her neck with sweat. Her breathing was heavy, but she wasn't on her knees. That was what I admired most about her… resilience. She embraced pain as part of a sacred path toward power.

Her eyes met mine, glimmering faintly despite her exhaustion. She was tired, but still defiant.

"Leo," she said. The only person in this estate who called me that. Understandably so, since she was my elder sister.

Though she'd reverted to her usual cold and stern demeanor, I could still see traces of the affection we'd shared during our time in the dungeon.

"What does it feel like," I asked, "to be one of the rare sorceresses in the world who possesses three techniques?"

Rebecca placed her hands on her hips, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Before replying, she dipped her head slightly, letting out a brief, amused breath.

"It hurt," she admitted, plainly. "But it was the right kind of pain. The kind that transforms you. That propels you forward."

I nodded. Rebecca had always been blunt. While most people flaunted their powers and exaggerated their might, she cared only about progress. neither falsely modest nor arrogantly proud. Just… focused.

"What's the name of your latest technique?"

Rebecca had chosen the technique-granting artifact we found in the dungeon. A twisted, blackened object resembling a deformed heart. 

After absorbing a technique, the soul gains an inherent understanding of it. That's why I could wield my powers with ease after reincarnating into Leonardo's body.

Her gaze drifted, searching inward. Then she raised her head and locked eyes with me.

"Heart of Night," she said.

"Heart of the Night, huh?" I muttered, as if trying to hear the echo of darkness within her eyes.

The name suited her. There was a silent menace to it. A quiet yet ever-present promise of destruction. Just hearing it made one instinctively touch their own chest, checking if their heart still beat within.

"It sounds like it was meant for you," I said simply. A faint, nearly imperceptible smile touched her lips. She wouldn't admit it, but my approval always warmed something childlike inside her.

I strolled closer, my eyes roaming over her form. Her thin training suit clung to her curves. Her beauty was sharp enough to drive any man crazy but I focussed on keeping my mind calm

"Did the first skill unlock?" I asked, observing her out of the corner of my eye.

"Not yet," she replied. "But… sometimes I feel it. Something inside me stirring… something that wants to tear me apart. I don't fight it."

"Good," I said with a nod. "Don't fight it. It's yours now. Don't control it… dance with it. Let your heart sync with it. Memorize its rhythm. The rest will follow naturally."

My words made something shift in her expression. The hardened warrior standing before me now had a flicker of a new fire in her eyes. Whenever I spoke directly to her instincts, this always happened.

"And you?" she asked, "Have you absorbed your new technique?"

I looked away from her, tilting my head back to take in a long, steadying breath. A deep breath… still carrying traces of lingering pain, but also a profound satisfaction.

"'Absorbed' doesn't quite capture it. It was excruciating. Like drowning in infinity. But yes, I succeeded. If you must know its name… it's called Dark Judgment."

Rebecca's eyes lost a hint of their usual composure.

"Dark Judgment…" she echoed softly. "Just the name… it's cold. Cold… but absolute."

A brief silence settled between us, the air heavy. Not just with sweat and heat, but with something more ominous. Rebecca's posture stiffened, instinctively stepping back. This technique had altered more than just my strength. It had changed my presence.

"There's something about it…" I said quietly, staring at the ground. "When I absorbed it… it felt like a court had convened within my mind. A tribunal forged from shadows, unseen beings… They didn't judge me. They judged my memories."

Rebecca listened intently, her expression unreadable.

"This technique doesn't just grant abilities. it also came with a passive skill. With it, I can see people's true desires, hidden intentions… even secret cravings they themselves are unaware of. Until now… I've only tested it on you, Rebecca."

Her shoulders tensed slightly, silver hair falling across her face, but her eyes remained fixed on mine.

"And… what did you see?" she asked, her voice steady but with a faint tremor betraying her unease.

I showed no expression -neither smile nor scorn- only the cool detachment of one who speaks the undeniable truth.

"I saw your pain," I said. "The layers of fear you've buried… and hidden within the dark corners of your mind, a longing… a forbidden desire even you tried to suppress."

Rebecca didn't look away, though I noticed her throat move as she swallowed. Quietly, nervously.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice a mixture of defiance and dread.

I took a step closer, my voice dropping into a low, commanding murmur.

"What I saw… was your desire for me."