I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 111

Episode 111

17. Goal

She knows it’s an absurd goal.

A revolution.

If it were easy, the class system would have already disappeared, and the kings would have been replaced by the hands of the people many times over.

But it’s not entirely impossible.

Haven’t they already changed the prince by staging protests?

When Min-joo still felt she had unfinished business, a sense of urgency swept through her entire body.

‘But still, I’m a foreigner.’

At the same time, she wondered if it was acceptable for an outsider to meddle in the country’s history.

Isn’t it too much?

Min-joo was entangled in capturing a killer who would have a significant impact on the medical community, in dethroning the prince, and in attempting to change the perception of the people.

She doesn’t like getting involved, she just wants to live a quiet and peaceful life.

Min-joo looked at Neriant.

The moment she looked into the longing eyes of the passionate child, Min-joo realized she didn’t have the same fervor to get involved in this world.

‘What I want to do is….’

Self-satisfaction. Regaining the self-esteem and sense of purpose left behind in the process of losing the dream she’s been chasing and replacing it with another dream.

She wants to find that again.

To prove that she is a useful human being, not a failure.

It’s selfish and self-centered.

Min-joo looked down at herself with a clear gaze and bowed her head in disappointment.

To seek a sense of purpose in another land rather than reality.

Could one be so foolish?

Turning away from reality, it was neither compromise nor anything less or more.

Min-joo closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath.

‘My place to prove myself is in South Korea. Not here.’

She had to prove herself to her family, friends, school, and soon-to-be workplace.

Not in this world.

Min-joo clenched her skirt to choose the words of rejection to Neriant.

The hem of the skirt crumpled and wrinkled along her grip, becoming disheveled.

“Sister.”

Neriant’s firm yet gentle voice was heard.

When Min-joo raised her head to face her directly, Neriant smiled bitterly and held Min-joo’s hand.

Her small hand didn’t know how to let go of the cloth and gripped the skirt even tighter.

“What are you thinking?”

“…No, um… a revolution, it doesn’t seem like something I should be involved in.”

She didn’t properly explain why. Neriant looked at Min-joo’s profile.

Surely she had deeply contemplated something, yet she still couldn’t find a way to articulate it.

“Why? Why do you think that?”

“…I don’t know how long it will last, seems like something that’ll be recorded in history… It’s just not something I feel I should be part of.”

Min-joo stumbled through her thoughts.

Even that was vague, and Neriant hoped she would clarify it.

“Why is that?”

“I… No, why are you asking me this?”

“Because I’m curious. I want to know what you were thinking, what emotions you felt, and why you made that decision. I’m curious about everything from one to ten.”

She hadn’t asked before. She had endured her curiosity because she didn’t want Min-joo to hate her.

But seeing Min-joo, who used to answer every question she asked before, she understood. Asking would lead to answers.

Rather than guessing and misunderstanding alone, it’s better to just ask.

Neriant pressed her body tightly against Min-joo’s shoulder and hugged her.

It was softer than a man’s, but their solid bodies touched.

“Tell me. Why don’t you want to get involved?”

“I’m afraid we’ll get hurt.”

“You know I’m simple. If you show me some affection, I’ll be fine soon.”

Min-joo fumbled with Neriant’s forearm as she spoke.

Then, as if she had made up her mind, she took a deep breath and continued.

“I’m going home. You’ll stay here… So, I’m an outsider. It might be arrogant of someone from another world to influence this place.”

Min-joo remembered when Neriant had stubbornly clung to staying here. That’s why she couldn’t easily say it.

Even after saying it, she couldn’t look at Neriant, so she turned her head away, but Neriant pulled Min-joo’s waist closer.

“Why would that be arrogant?”

Min-joo looked at Neriant. It was a reaction she hadn’t expected.

Grabbing her again, or being sad, or getting angry.

She had imagined various reactions, but she hadn’t imagined this one.

Neriant expressed it cheerfully and smiled.

“If it’s the right thing to do, then helping is the right thing. Even if it’s arrogant, if it ends well, isn’t it okay? We’ll think about later things later!”

It was really simple, passionate, and lovely.

‘Right thing to do.’

Having good intentions, good purposes, and achieving good results is the most desirable and difficult thing to do.

Could a revolution be a stepping stone to a better world beyond the desires of Min-joo and Neriant?

Is she really wishing for their happiness?

“Besides, you’ve already done a lot here. Isn’t it too late to step back now?”

That’s also true. She’s already intervened in many things and caused a lot of trouble.

Is wanting a revolution just her selfish desire? Is she dreaming too big?

Thump, thump, thump. The sound of her heart beating loudly echoed in her ears.

The majestic sound that rang through her ears sent shivers down her spine.

Even if she tried to deny it, her heart was swayed. Is this what it means to follow her heart’s desires?

What she wants is.

“Would it be okay to start a revolution?”

Her usefulness that she can prove.

To do that, she needs to be sure that what she’s doing is right.

“You can also listen to the opinions of your acquaintances. The Duke, the former prince, there are plenty of people. They’re all people from here.”

Even if it’s just personal desire, it wouldn’t be wrong if it’s for the right cause.

Simply put, it’s a straightforward matter. The backbone of the revolution is the people here, and Min-joo only needs to help.

So, whether it will succeed or whether they will be condemned as rebels and lose their lives, she doesn’t know.

She hopes another Fortis won’t stray onto the path blocked by the walls of social status. She hoped that when someone was threatened on the streets, their first thought would be to help, rather than seizing the opportunity to loot.

The world wanted to acknowledge that slaves were born as free people, not as livestock. She hoped that the places divided by class would become clean everywhere, and everyone would have a comfortable place to rest.

So, in the end, she rationalized that this ambition was for them.

“All right, let’s do it.”

May the people know that they are the backbone of the country, and may they become the country.

For that to happen.

“Let’s start a revolution.”

Starting with a very small step, but hoping it will lead to a huge change later on.

Min-joo smiled quietly.

* * *

A cheap letter made of low-quality paper was found. It was Maybin who found and brought the letter.

Permette, who had spent the night in the basement, slowly opened his sleepy eyes as he received the letter.

The messy attire and half-combed hair added to his tired appearance.

To confirm the contents of the paper, he unfolded the folded part and found short writing in black ink.

[Make it your own seat.]

He couldn’t understand what it meant.

Permette thought it was either misdelivered or a letter left behind by a madman.

Already tired, he felt annoyed to receive such a useless letter.

“Where did you find this?”

“It was lying in front of the main gate. The gatekeeper said he didn’t see anyone passing by.”

“Did you know the shift time?”

If the gatekeeper was on duty, he might not have seen it. But to know that, consistent observation was required.

It didn’t seem like a letter to be taken lightly.

Moreover, the handwriting was elegant and tidy, like that of a noble.

Permette folded the letter and handed it to Maybin.

“Check the penmanship. Verify the source of the paper and ink. If another letter comes, bring it to me immediately. Strengthen the security.”

“Yes, understood.”

As Maybin left the basement, there was a very faint sound of the iron door closing.

Permette gripped the hammer and swung it into the air, splattering blood.

‘’Make it your own seat.’ What on earth?’

He was already seated in the position of the head of the Rolfreme family.

Was there another position for him to create?

The only thing that came to mind was Min-joo’s side.

‘I had a date appointment. Should I plan my schedule?’

And he has to confess. He likes her, and because of her, he feels like he’s becoming a better person.

He hopes she doesn’t turn him down, and he feels complete only when he’s with her.

He knows he’ll be rejected.

Min-joo has already expressed her refusal several times. Whenever he tried to cross the line, she firmly pushed him away.

It was a problem anyone could understand unless they were stupid.

But he can’t do it anymore. He doesn’t want to hide these feelings that everyone already knows.

When will Min-joo go back? If not now, when can he convey his feelings?

‘Let’s book tickets for a play. It’s not too much pressure. I’m looking forward to it.’

He swung the hammer. He heard something breaking.

* * *

It’s been a few days. Ceteran hasn’t shown his face and has blocked all contact.

Living through repetitive cycles, Vehen didn’t care much, but at the same time, he thought he should solve this as if it were his last cycle.

‘Were human relationships always this complicated?’

He couldn’t remember.

There was also a part of him that thought it would be okay to just leave things as they were.

He will eventually find Vehen, Ceteran will.

Unable to compete with the nobles, he will eventually seek out Vehen, who is the most comfortable and knows him best.

If someone who has been controlled by the Empress for a lifetime suddenly becomes alone, can they handle their own affairs and live proactively?

Absolutely not. They will hope for someone to guide them and show them the way forward.

Ceteran was that kind of person. A scarecrow who couldn’t do anything without instructions.

‘So, if I leave him alone, he’ll figure it out on his own, but…’

It bothered him. He immediately blocked contact as if he had realized something, and didn’t show his face.

He must think Vehen has betrayed him. That he must be associated with Tedric and turned his back.

Being labeled as a traitor doesn’t matter. Vehen lived that kind of life from the start.

Vehen was the Empress’ dog, the Prince’s dog, a mad dog that would bite, tear, and mangle anything.

‘If malice deepens, they will try to harm me, and Min-joo may get entangled. Since we don’t know when Min-joo will return, it’s better to dispel misunderstandings.’

The Emperor fell ill, and the Empress died.

Tedric, who was the real power, was deposed, and Terisha, who was behind him, left the palace together.

So the only noble left in the palace is Ceteran, and he has all the power. An authority that rivals the Emperor’s.

Of course, Duke DeVirté may not easily crumble, but if Ceteran tries to consolidate his power, it will be difficult.

‘If we deviate even slightly, he will be hostile. We need to be careful.’

Ceteran was vulnerable to Neriant. It was the same in every repeated life.

Neriant seems fragile and gentle, but she’s determined and smart.

He doesn’t know how Neriant, who has someone else inside her now, will be, but if he asks for her help, he might be able to meet Ceteran.

Until Min-joo returns, ensuring safety is the best Vehen can do.

After writing a letter, he raised his voice and called a maid.

A stern face that resembled an unfeeling yet ferocious beast stood with its back to the light, tilting its head arrogantly.

“Deliver this letter to Lady Velirian. Be especially careful.”

To ensure that Min-joo doesn’t have to worry anymore, and doesn’t suffer any more.

The letter must be delivered properly.

Vehen watched as the maid left. A graceful letter lay on the desk.

Elegant handwriting, the scent of flowers delicately spread, mixed with a hint of resentment.

It was a letter from Marquess Trimidri.

After the incident with the abdication of the Crown Prince, his words to the nobles seemed to have made a big impression as he received a response.

The letter contained a lengthy invitation to meet.

‘There’s much to discuss? That our intentions align. Empty words that only bring derision.’

Vehen knew Marquess Trimidri. The leader of the reformists, aimed to uproot lazy nobles and promote the empire’s development.

Someone who supports the slave rights movement while manipulating and using that group.

Though moving with good intentions, she turns a blind eye to the atrocities and unethical acts that occur in the process.

And she has never once reached out to Vehen for cooperation.

‘Unpredictable.’

Truly, now it’s unpredictable.

Quite unpleasantly so.