The Villain's Guide to Seducing the Second Lead
It's the villain's face
3:14 AM. A messy apartment in Seoul.
The only light in the room comes from a glowing smartphone screen and a half-empty bag of cheap potato chips.
Luka (mc)
(Reading out loud) "And so, as the Crown Prince kissed the Saintess under the moonlight, the Grand Duke Desmond Vane turned away, his heart shattered into a thousand pieces... alone in the cold North forever."
Luka (mc)
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! 😭
Luka (mc)
Author, come outside. I just want to talk. 🤜💥
Luka (mc)
Why is the Second Male Lead always the one who suffers? Desmond literally saved the Kingdom and all he got was a 'Thanks for the help, bro' and a broken heart.
Luka (mc)
And don't even get me started on the villain, Lucas von Astora.
Luka (mc)
Our name's so alike! But he’s a total snake. He tried to frame Desmond and got his head chopped off in Chapter 150.
Luka (mc)
What a waste of a top-tier character design. 🙄
Luka checks the time on his phone. His heart stops.
Luka (mc)
My Culinary Arts Final Exam starts at 8:00 AM.
Luka (mc)
If I fail this, I’m never getting my pastry license.
Luka (mc)
Okay, Luka. Put the phone down. Close your eyes. Visualize the croissants. Do NOT think about the Duke’s tragic eyes...
⏳ 4 Hours Later: The Examination Hall
The sound of ticking clocks and scratching pens fills the room.
Luka is staring at a bowl of flour, his vision blurring. His head feels like it’s filled with lead.
Luka (mc)
(Thinking): I can do this... Flour... Water... Yeast...
Luka (mc)
(Thinking): Why does the batter look like Desmond’s black hair? Why is the strawberry jam the color of his cloak?
Luka (mc)
(Thinking): Oh no. My chest feels tight. Is this... a heart attack? Or just extreme sleep deprivation
Luka collapses onto the prep table, his face landing right in the middle of a pile of sugar.
🌑 Unknown Location: The Dungeon of the North
Luka wakes up to the smell of damp stone and rusted iron. His body feels heavy, and there is a cold metal weight around his wrists.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Muffled) Ugh... did I fail the exam? Did the teacher lock me in the basement?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Wait... why is my voice so deep
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
And why am I wearing silk pajamas in a dungeon?
Luka looks down. He isn't wearing his chef's apron. He's wearing an expensive, blood-stained velvet tunic. His hands are pale and uncalloused.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
No way. No way, no way, no way.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Looking at a puddle of water) That’s not my face. That’s... the villain’s face.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
I'm Lucas von Astora.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
...Which means...
The heavy iron door at the end of the hall shrieks open. Heavy, armored footsteps echo against the stone walls.
A man enters. He is towering, broad-shouldered, and draped in a fur-lined black cloak. A jagged scar runs across his left cheek, making him look like a god of war.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Internal Screaming) IT'S HIM. IT'S THE GRUMPY SECOND LEAD. Luka 😵💫: DESMOND VANE IS REAL AND HE IS TEN TIMES HOTTER IN PERSON. 😍
Desmond stops in front of the cell. He looks down at Luka with eyes colder than a winter storm.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
So. You’re finally awake, you rat.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Accidentally) Oh wow. Your voice is like dark chocolate.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
...What?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
I mean! Uh... Your Grace! Lord Duke! Monster of the North! How’s it going?
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Drawing a dagger) Do you think this is a joke, Lucas? You were caught in my private study with a vial of poison and a letter to the Crown Prince.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
Tell me why I shouldn't cut your tongue out right now.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Thinking) Wait. This is the part where the original Lucas cries and begs for mercy, making Desmond hate him even more
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Thinking) But I’m a pastry chef. I know how to handle "sour" ingredients. Lucas (Luka) 🥐: Honestly, Your Grace? You should definitely kill me.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Pauses, confused) What?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
I’ve been a total jerk. Framing you? Boring. Spying for Prince Julian? That guy has the personality of unbaked dough.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
But before you execute me... could you maybe bring me a snack? I haven't eaten since 3 AM in a different universe and I'm getting low blood sugar.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
...Are you insane? Or is this another one of your tricks?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Smiling brightly) Neither! I'm just hungry. And seriously, that scar? It makes you look incredibly cool. 10/10.
Desmond Vane, the man who has never been flustered in his entire life, actually takes a step back.
The "Monster Duke" is officially confused by the "Villain's" sudden sunshine.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
Keep him locked up. And... bring him some bread.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(To himself, walking away) ...Dark chocolate? What is wrong with that man?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Yelling after him) CAN I HAVE BUTTER WITH THAT? AND MAYBE SOME TEA? THANKS, DESMOND! YOU’RE THE BEST!
Author
Stay tuned for moreee🌚
The Way to a Duke’s Heart is Through His Stomach
6 Hours later. The Dungeon of the North.
A clatter of metal echoes as a tray is slid through the bars of Lucas's cell.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Finally! My breakfast— wait
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Pokes a hard, grey object on the tray)
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Is this bread or a weapon? I could literally knock a man unconscious with this. 🪨
kaelen charlo (chief knight)
(From the shadows) It’s the standard ration for traitors, Count Astora. Eat it and be silent.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Sir Kaelen! Is that you? The legendary "Shield of the North"?
kaelen charlo (chief knight)
...How do you know my name?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Thinking) Oops. I forgot I’m not supposed to know everyone’s biography yet.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Lucky guess! Anyway, Kaelen, buddy... as a professional pastry chef— I mean, as a connoisseur of fine dining— I cannot let this insult to wheat exist in my presence.
kaelen charlo (chief knight)
It’s just bread.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
It’s a tragedy! Look, if you’re going to execute me anyway, at least let my last meal be something that doesn't require a dental appointment.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Take me to the kitchen.
kaelen charlo (chief knight)
You want me to take a high-priority prisoner... to a room full of knives?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
I promise not to stab anyone! I just want to bake. If I try to run, you can just... I don't know, sit on me. You're huge.
kaelen charlo (chief knight)
(Coughs) The Duke gave orders to keep you comfortable, but this is—
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Using the Puppy Eyes Skill) Please? I'll make you the best thing you've ever tasted. Better than the Saintess’s prayers. 🥺
🥣 Location: The Castle Kitchens
The kitchen staff stops mid-prep as a chained Lucas von Astora is led in by a very confused-looking Sir Kaelen.
Head maid Martha
What is this filth doing in my kitchen?!
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Hi Martha! Love the apron. Don't mind me, just a quick Isekai intervention.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Grabs flour, honey, butter, and salt)
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Internal Monologue) Okay, Luka. You died for these skills. Time to show this medieval world what 21st-century technique looks like.
Lucas begins to move with expert precision. He kneads the dough until it’s silky, handles the fire like a master, and creates a honey-glazed butter roll that smells like heaven itself.
The aroma begins to drift out of the kitchen, up the stone stairs, and straight into the Grand Duke’s office.
🐺 Location: Desmond’s Study
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Stops writing his war report)
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Sniffs the air)
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
Why does the air smell like... caramelized sunlight? 🍯
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Standing up) If Julian has sent another assassin with scented smoke, I’ll kill them myself
The entire kitchen staff is crowded around Lucas, who is cooling a tray of golden, fluffy rolls
Head maid Martha
(Wiping a tear) I’ve been a cook for forty years... I didn't know bread could be this soft.
kaelen charlo (chief knight)
(Mouth full) Mfph... this is... amazing.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Right? It’s all about the hydration and the—
The kitchen doors SLAM open. Duke Desmond stands there, looking absolutely terrifying. His hand is on the hilt of his sword
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
What. Is happening. Here. 😡
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Oh, hey Grumpy! Perfect timing.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Walks right up to the Duke—completely ignoring the personal space bubble—and holds up a warm roll)
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Say 'Ahhh'.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
...Excuse me?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
It’s a Honey-Butter Cloud Roll. I made it for you. You looked like you were having a really stressful kind of day.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Looking at the bread, then at Lucas’s beaming face)
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
You are a prisoner. You are supposed to be plotting my downfall. Not... feeding me.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
I’ve decided plotting is too much work. Feeding people is much more fun. Come on, one bite. If it’s poisoned, Kaelen is already a goner because he ate three.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Freezes with a roll halfway to his mouth) ...Wait, what?
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Takes a slow, cautious bite)
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(His eyes widen. The 'Grumpy' wall in his brain takes a massive hit.)
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
...It’s... acceptable.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
'Acceptable'? Your ears are literally turning red. You love it!
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Turning away quickly) Kaelen. Take him back to the dungeon
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
...But move him to the tower cell. The one with the fireplace
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
And... bring the rest of those to my study.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Winking at the Duke’s back) See you at dinner, Desmond! I’ll make chocolate lava cake if you let me have a bathtub! 🛁
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Muffled, from the hallway) LOCK THE DOOR, KAELEN
The "Parole" Agreement
3 Days after the Honey-Butter Roll incident. The Tower Cell.
Lucas is sitting on the floor, using a piece of charcoal to draw a diagram of a 'Stand Mixer' on the stone wall.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Sighing) I miss electricity. I miss non-scratch pans. I miss people not trying to execute me every Tuesday.
The door unlocks. Desmond enters, but he isn't wearing his armor. He looks exhausted, his hair messy, holding a stack of official-looking documents.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
The Emperor has called for a Grand Ball to celebrate the Saintess’s birthday.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Happy Birthday to her. Can I have a cupcake now?
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Ignoring him) Every high-ranking noble is required to attend. Including the head of the Astora family... and his younger brother.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
...Wait. You mean me?
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
Prince Julian has specifically requested your presence. He wants to "publicly forgive" you for your crimes to show off his mercy.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Snorts) "Mercy"? That’s a trap. The moment I step foot in that palace without you, he’ll have me "disappeared" into a much worse dungeon than this one.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Pauses, surprised) You’re smarter than you look.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
I’ve read this book— I mean, I have good intuition! He wants me back so he can use me as a spy again. Or kill me to keep me quiet.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
I cannot let that happen. If you return to his side, you’ll be forced to plot against the North again.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
So... keep me here?
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
I can’t. If I refuse an Imperial summons for a prisoner I haven't officially charged, it looks like I’m planning a rebellion.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Smirks) Then there’s only one option, isn't there, Big Guy?
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Rubbing his temples) No. Absolutely not.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Come on! Make me your Official Aide. Or better yet, tell everyone I’ve "repented" and you’ve taken me under your personal wing to monitor my behavior.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
To do that, I would have to bring you to the Ball as part of my entourage. You would be under my protection 24/7.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Exactly! I get to stay alive, and you get to have the best pastries in the Empire. It’s a win-win. Plus, I can help you navigate the Prince's BS. I know how he thinks
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
...And if you try to run? Or if you slip a letter to the Prince while I’m not looking?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Steps closer, looking Desmond straight in the eyes) Desmond. Look at me. Does this look like the face of a man who wants to go back to being a miserable spy for a toxic Prince?
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
I like it here. I like the cold. I like the kitchen. And... I like making you ears turn red.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Glaring, but his grip on the papers loosens) ...You are the most infuriating person I have ever met.
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
Fine. You will be my 'Personal Attendant' for the duration of the trip. But you will wear a Mana-Suppression Bracelet. It tracks your location. If you go more than 50 feet away from me, it’ll shock you.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(Grinning) So basically... we’re soulmates tied together by a magic string? How romantic! ⛓️❤️
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
It is a tracking device, Lucas!
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
Whatever helps you sleep at night, Grumpy. Now, get me out of these rags. If I’m going to be your 'Plus One,' I need to look expensive
✂️ The Makeover (1 Day Before the Ball)
Desmond’s private tailors are in a state of shock. Lucas is standing on a stool, demanding "more glitter" and "slimmer fits."
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
No, no, no! This cloak is too heavy. I want to look like a 'Villain who has seen the Light,' not a bear
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
(Watching from the doorway) Just give him what he wants so he stops talking.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
And Desmond! You’re wearing the black velvet with the silver embroidery. We have to match
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
We are NOT matching.
Luka/Lucas van Astora ( Mc)
(To the tailor) He’s wearing the silver embroidery. Put a matching silver pin on my cravat
Duke Desmond Vane (ml)
...Why am I doing this?
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