Bodybuilding was a staple of the “villain reincarnation” genre.

After all, self-improvement was essential to breaking all those doom flags.

The phrase “Muscles are justice!” might be a meme, but it wasn’t entirely wrong.

In a fantasy world, you’d train your body, building a foundation for mastering swordsmanship or magic.

The reincarnated villain protagonist would display their talent, impressing those around them and causing their reputation to skyrocket—that was the standard progression.

However, that was in a fantasy world.

This was a modern rom-com setting.

There were no swords or magic, not even a dragon conveniently placed for the protagonist to defeat early on to boost their reputation.

Speaking of which, wasn’t it a bit sad that dragons in fantasy worlds were often relegated to early-game punching bags? Dragons were cool.

Ah, I digressed.

And… I was the hated villain.

So, the way I would train my body…

……………

…………………

…………………………

“I’ve decided to start training my body. And as part of that—I’ll start mopping the floors of this mansion!”

The next morning, I declared this to Kyoko as she brought me breakfast.

After careful consideration and a good night’s sleep, I felt much better, and my plan had come together.

Simply working out felt insufficient.

The original Reito had likely caused trouble with his sexual harassment and unpleasant attitude.

It felt wrong to jump straight into physical training without addressing that first.

Not only would I refrain from causing further trouble, but I wanted to make amends for the trouble he’d already caused!

Train my body.

Be useful to everyone.

With that in mind… I’d settled on cleaning.

I’d seen a news report in my past life about delinquents picking up trash, which had garnered a positive response, so I decided to take inspiration from that.

And when I thought about what I could do within the mansion… I decided on mopping.

“…Mopping?”

Kyoko slowly repeated the word.

“Yes, mopping. It’s a surprisingly good full-body workout. Plus, it keeps the mansion clean, so it’s killing two birds with one stone.”

It would also lighten the maids’ workload, so it was a win-win!

Despite my enthusiastic explanation, Kyoko frowned.

“Young Master mopping… Are you serious?”

“I am.”

“…What brought this on? Did you hit your head? Oh, right, you did.”

I thought Kyoko was supposed to be cool and composed… but maybe she had a hidden talent for comedic timing?

But if she kept making sharp remarks, I wouldn’t be able to do anything.

I had to push through and just do it!

“Anyway, I’ve made up my mind. I just wanted to let you know, Kyoko. And please inform the other maids as well. Alright?”

“As you wish.”

After finishing breakfast, I grabbed a mop and headed out into the hallway.

“Alright, let’s do this!”

I got down on all fours with a burst of energy.

Just reading that makes me sound like a creep.

I started mopping from one end of the hallway to the other.

I scrubbed vigorously, determined to make it spotless.

It had been a while since I’d last mopped a floor.

I used to do it until middle school, but in high school, our homeroom teacher had provided us with a Swiffer, making cleaning a breeze.

Come to think of it, my past life wasn’t so bad.

Laughing with my friends over silly things, stopping by fast food places and arcades after school, relaxing at home and watching TV with my family…

But I couldn't go back.

I had to live in this world now.

Even if I was a reincarnated villain, this was my life.

I wanted to enjoy it.

So, I had to break those doom flags with all my might!

Lost in thought, I completed one lap of the hallway.

“Let’s keep going!”

I rolled up my sleeves, renewing my resolve.

But after five laps… I started to feel tired.

“This… is surprisingly hard…”

I could feel the strain gradually building in my arms, back, and legs.

I stood up and took a break. My body felt warm.

“Oh my, Young Master is actually mopping…”

“He really is. This… isn’t a dream, is it? Hey, pinch my cheek.”

“Pinch your own… Ow! Hey!”

I suddenly sensed someone behind me.

I glanced back and saw three maids peeking out from behind a corner.

Then… they realized I was looking at them.

They quickly ducked back, as if startled.

Kyoko must have informed the other maids.

It was only natural that they’d be curious if the young master, who usually harassed them, suddenly started mopping the floors.

I continued mopping, still feeling their gazes on me.

By the time I finished the first floor hallway, sweat was beading on my forehead.

I lifted the hem of my long-sleeved T-shirt to wipe my face.

“Kyaa!”

“Young Master’s bare skin!”

The maids I’d seen earlier cried out, so I turned to look at them.

They quickly covered their eyes with their hands or turned away completely.

Their actions meant they were trying to avoid looking at me…

Uh oh.

Was my favorability dropping?!

Why? I was just mopping the floor…

Was it really that hard to earn their forgiveness, even with something like this?

“—Young Master, you’ve only just woken up yesterday. You mustn’t overexert yourself.”

A voice spoke from behind me.

It was Kyoko… and she was holding a towel.

“And Young Master, please use a towel to wipe your sweat.”

“Ah, right. Thank you, Kyoko.”

“You’re welcome.”

I took the towel from her and wiped the sweat from my face. Sweat that was now mostly cold.

“You’re right… Wiping my face with my shirt would just make it dirty and create more work…”

“? While that’s true, it’s more about…”

“Yeah, sorry! I’ll be careful next time!”

I’d almost fallen into negative thinking, but… I couldn't give up now!

I was someone who saw things through to the end!

Even if my favorability dropped because I was the villain, I wouldn't give up!

I would raise their favorability, no matter what!!

I wrapped the towel around my neck and resumed mopping.

“I was going to tell him that it’s not appropriate for men to show their skin…”

Reito, of course, didn’t hear Kyoko’s important mutter.