How an Omega Villain Survive chapter 17

“Is he coming to see us off?”

“Probably not.”

“Then is he coming along with us?”

“Probably.”

Henry’s forehead twitched in irritation at William’s playful response.

Edwin coming along?

Didn’t they agree that it would only be William and himself departing?

Before Henry could say anything, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his frustration, while William made a provoking comment.

“A surprise gift.”

Surprised, yes, but this was no gift.

Henry’s plans of being away from Edwin for months were shattered, so forget about gifts.

He rubbed his forehead and shook his head.

“I feel like I’m seeing a skeleton in a gift box.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

William’s unexpected reply prompted Henry to smile out of courtesy and respond,

“I mentioned that things needed to change from now on.”

One of those changes was distancing himself from that man.

Anyway, it seemed that having a prince around wasn’t much help.

As the horse drew close, the rider’s face was unmistakably Edwin.

Henry sighed deeply, looking at Edwin with open dismay.

Edwin, as usual, maintained his indifferent expression.

Knowing that Henry was not pleased, Edwin did not acknowledge him and instead paid his respects to William.

“You’re late.”

“It’s alright since we haven’t departed yet. But is that all you prepared?”

William gestured towards the horse Edwin had arrived on.

While Henry had no expectations for a carriage, he had at least expected an escort.

Edwin’s minimal setup was in stark contrast to Henry’s carriage, which was accompanied by three escorts, a coachman, and several servants.

Edwin lightly glanced at Henry’s carriage.

“I left behind everything unnecessary.”

Henry’s lips curled in annoyance at Edwin’s explanation.

If that were the case, how would one explain the six escorts and two servants accompanying the prince?

Sensing Henry’s gaze, William defended his situation.

“For a Crown Prince, this is minimal.”

William neatly drew the line.

“Right, you’re royalty, aren’t you?”

Henry showed his displeasure towards William as if seeking revenge.

“There was no mention of anyone else accompanying us. At the very least, we should have been informed about the companions.”

“Was there? I’m telling you now. Sir Edwin is joining us. Consider him part of my party.”

William replied as if it were no big deal.

Henry could only gape at his simple explanation.

From that brazen expression, it seemed Edwin’s involvement had been decided long ago.

But to think he had kept silent until departure.

Henry closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm the boiling anger inside him.

Even closing his eyes was futile as he could still sense Edwin’s pheromones.

When Henry slowly opened his eyes again, he saw Edwin’s toes pointing in his direction.

Though his forehead felt hot, he made no effort to meet Edwin’s gaze.

There was no benefit to getting swept up by Edwin here.

For now, it was best to stay as far from Edwin as possible, and if possible, to make it clear that he had moved past his previous feelings.

‘If only I could ignore those pheromones.’

Although he wasn’t as shocked as before, his heart still raced whenever he sensed Edwin’s pheromones.

The pounding was like falling from a great height, and Henry worried that he might be caught feeling Edwin’s pheromones.

How could he ignore those pheromones? While Henry pondered this, William approached him.

“Before we leave, take a look at this.”

William suddenly handed Henry a piece of paper as if placing it in his hands.

Henry received the paper with a disgruntled look.

It was a map detailing the travel route.

At first, it was unfamiliar, but soon he recalled the information he had previously learned and began comparing the details.

‘We’re going this way?’

Henry looked at William as he saw a route different from what he knew.

“We’ll follow this path. If you have any questions, ask my escort.”

“But the route looks quite rugged…”

“That’s just how it looks; it’s not actually that bad.”

“Isn’t there an easier route?”

“I chose the safest route I could find.”

William’s emphasis on safety was almost absurd, ignoring Henry’s complaints about comfort.

The route described in the novel would surely have been more comfortable and safer.

Still, it felt awkward to mention that he knew the route in advance.

Edwin’s interference was understandable since he was involved in the original story, but this altered route was hard to explain.

The journey was turning out to be far more unpredictable than he had anticipated, leaving Henry feeling frustrated.

‘Will I be able to make it through?’

While Henry scanned the group with a serious expression, Sir Teher suddenly blocked his path.

“What’s the matter?”

“Someone is approaching.”

As an uninvited individual rapidly closed the distance, Sir Teher and William’s escorts formed a tight perimeter around them.

Edwin, who had been relatively alone, drew his sword.

Although he wasn’t specifically there to protect anyone, he was closer to Henry than William.

As a result, Henry, Sir Teher, and Edwin were lined up in a straight line.

If anyone intended to harm Henry, they would first have to overcome Edwin and Sir Teher.

‘It must be a coincidence.’

Edwin hadn’t moved from his spot.

Nevertheless, feeling somewhat reassured by the protection, Henry leaned slightly to the side.

As he felt no hostile intent from the approaching person, Sir Teher moved aside slightly to allow Henry a better view.

Perhaps Sir Teher had noticed who the person was before Henry did.

“Oh?”

It was a familiar face.

Whenever the pulled-down hood shifted, red hair briefly appeared.

Henry walked slowly toward the figure, Hook.

Before he had taken a few steps, Hook, who had noticed the presence, bent over and exhaled roughly.

“…You’re here? I was just cursing you out for not showing up.”

“I had a constant itch in my ears, and it turns out it was all because of you.”

“Who failed to keep their promise?”

Henry crossed his arms and sneered.

He had bet that he believed in Hook, but it was Hook who had blindsided him.

Despite Henry’s disdainful glances, Hook remained unaffected and slowly regulated his breathing.

He then straightened up and cooled his sweat with the refreshing breeze.

“It’s not too late… Huh, I’m relieved.”

“How shameless. What would have happened if I hadn’t come?”

“Well, we’ve met now, haven’t we?”

Henry grumbled about Hook’s unexpected appearance, but Hook merely smiled with a friendly demeanor.

Hook then stood up straight and wiped the sweat from his chin.

“Well, considering that, it’s not really late.”

Henry looked at Sir Teher with a meaningful gaze.

It seemed this bet was likely his win.

Upon receiving Henry’s look, Sir Teher pulled out a pocket from his coat.

Henry took the pocket from Sir Teher and then abruptly extended his hand towards Hook.

“What about the items I mentioned?”

“I will give them to you.”

“Have you found everything?”

“Um…”

Hook showed a slightly embarrassed expression but then answered honestly.

“Actually, there is still one item I haven’t obtained yet, but I expect to receive it soon. So, may I accompany you until then?”

“And how would you know where I’m going?”

“Whichever path you take, we will eventually reach Yinbei Village. Since I might face unforeseen circumstances alone, please keep an eye on me.”

That was true.

The path to Yinbei Village only changed from plains to mountains.

Henry pondered how Hook’s joining would affect him.

Someone as perceptive as Hook would handle things well before any discomfort showed, which wasn’t bad, but it might put a burden on Sir Teher.

However, despite these concerns, Henry accepted Hook’s company.

The reason was Edwin and Crown Prince William.

When Hook appeared, Edwin’s pheromones shifted wildly.

Because of that, Henry held his breath for a moment, waiting for the pheromones to subside.

Even in the ballroom, Edwin had clearly shown his dislike for Hook.

Henry then observed Crown Prince William’s expression.

Unlike Edwin, who had already indicated his displeasure with Hook through his pheromones, William’s reaction was unexpected.

He seemed curious and somewhat uncomfortable at the appearance of someone who deviated from his expectations.

It seemed William had made his own plans, and their disruption wasn’t pleasant.

Examining the moods of the two men, Henry looked at Hook standing before him.

Hook, who smoothly handled others’ sharp gazes, shook the sweat from his hair and gave Henry a slight nod.

“Very well, let it be so.”

“Thank you.”

The resolve Henry had earlier to not leave Hook alone had completely vanished.

After all, Hook had shown up, and it had surprisingly shifted his frustration from Edwin’s appearance.

When Henry agreed to have Hook accompany them, Crown Prince William stepped forward.

He cast a somewhat disapproving glance at Henry, who had made a decision without introducing him properly.

“Who is this person?”

Henry responded with a smile on his face.

“Your Highness, you’re meeting him for the first time. This is Hook.”

In response to Henry’s introduction, Hook gave a light bow towards Crown Prince William.

He also greeted Edwin, who was turning his back, with a generous attitude, indicating that Hook was no ordinary character.

William’s wary reply followed.

“It seems like the person just mentioned joining us… but I haven’t heard anything about it.”

With William’s subtle refusal to have Hook join them, Henry clapped his hands as if he had forgotten.

Then, with a completely innocent look, genuinely free of any ulterior motives, he gazed at Crown Prince William.

“Oh, that’s right. I’ll mention it now. Since Hook will be accompanying us, please consider him as someone part of my party.”

Upon hearing Henry’s words, one of William’s eyelids twitched uncontrollably.

He had lost his chance to dismiss Hook and couldn’t respond.

As William remained silent, Henry subtly brushed off Sir Teher’s shoulder, hiding his smile.

‘Ah, this is so satisfying.’

So this is what it means to give back what you receive.