I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 118

Episode 118

They didn’t have a long conversation.

Ceteran had a lot to do as the crown prince, and Neriant said she would prepare for enlistment and left.

Ceteran stared at the door Neriant had opened for a long time.

Sitting still, just blankly.

‘I can’t believe it.’

‘There’s so much to do, can I just sit here like this?’

Come to think of it, there were more than a few strange things.

Neriant was quiet, affectionate, and liked indoor activities.

She often showed her presence in social circles.

But this time, she suddenly hid, and ominous rumors circulated.

Rumors that Neriant had become strange.

The dusty embroidery tools, drawing tools, the Count who used to live with his daughter suddenly pushed for marriage, and Neriant applied for enlistment without any context.

Like someone else.

‘It doesn’t matter. I’ve come to love the current Neriant.’

Whether her personality split or someone possessed her, it didn’t matter.

The problem was whether Neriant knew about the real Park Min-joo.

Things became strange after she became Vehen’s maid. Vehen, Permette, Neriant, even Tedric.

Tedric’s abdication was because of the newspapers.

It was a newspaper published by a newspaper where Permette was frank, and Vehen also took Ceteran’s side during a noble conference.

If you only look at this fact, they were no different from usual.

The problem here was Vehen’s actions and Tedric’s attitude.

Tedric is not someone who easily gives up his throne.

Vehen is not someone who would destroy evidence without explaining himself.

It was an unreasonable guess that Vehen sided with Tedric.

They had no connection, and Vehen disliked Tedric.

‘Tedric said he broke up with Lady Velirian because of a woman with black hair and black eyes. He brought that woman into the bedroom.’

Black eyes and black hair.

And Vehen who confronted Tedric the next day.

‘Park Min-joo.’

Tedric was involved with Park Min-joo.

If Min-joo is used as a connection, the reason Vehen helped Tedric is also explained.

Vehen likes Min-joo. He treats her especially.

Ceteran jumped up from his seat as if he had been hit in the back of the head with shock.

“Min-joo used prophecies to manipulate my brother and Vehen……”

And Permette and Neriant are involved.

Ceteran muttered quietly, his lips trembling.

He was ignoring Min-joo.

She was just a helpless commoner who couldn’t do anything, even though she had already received help.

Ceteran urgently summoned the mercenaries Nelsie had left behind.

Min-joo needs to be investigated.

Whether she was involved in the abdication incident of the crown prince, and if so, what she has been scheming since then.

* * *

With a snap, he grabbed the doorknob and turned it, making an eerie clanking sound.

The interior was filled with acrid dust, and as he stepped, the worn floorboards creaked.

For a place where a Marquess was waiting, it was remarkably old and shabby.

Min-joo had proposed a revolution a few days ago. In the meantime, Neriant prepared for enlistment and announced her marriage.

Tedric rejected the proposal to invest in preparing for a new business, and Permette was busy mingling among the commoners.

Ceteran couldn’t meet. He didn’t make himself available, and Vehen didn’t insist persuasively either.

‘It’s Ceteran who’s in danger if he loses the duke’s support, not me.’

One of the few duke families in the empire. Among them, the leading family was the DeVirté family, which had produced a queen.

Nelsie gave them a lot of authority so that she could easily use the family.

Even if she doesn’t have affection for the DeVirté family, she has to use their power. It was a choice that completely excluded emotions.

What’s already given can’t be easily taken back.

Even if Ceteran planned to endanger Vehen, it would only lead to schemes or assassination.

If the authority of the duke is taken away, other nobles will be afraid that theirs will be taken away too.

When Vehen opened the second door and stepped in, the candle flickered due to the wind.

He looked around the dark room.

All the windows were covered to prevent any light from coming in, and only a few candles lit the room.

It was a damp, musty room. The old building didn’t seal properly, letting in chilly drafts.

In the middle of the shabby room, Marquess Trimidri was sitting, smiling.

Vehen smiled back at her.

“Marquess Trimidri. It’s our first meeting since the conference.”

Marquess Trimidri bowed respectfully.

“Duke DeVirté. I’ve been waiting. I hope your journey wasn’t too congested.”

“It was very smooth and peaceful.”

She was asking about who he brought and whether there was any surveillance.

Vehen sat down on an old chair and tilted his head.

“It seems your journey wasn’t as smooth, Marquess.”

Behind Marquess Trimidri, someone stood guard.

A familiar face, but he couldn’t remember exactly where he had seen the person.

It seemed to be a man, or perhaps a woman, but their attire was not of high status, it seemed rather shabby.

Marquess Trimidri chuckled.

She looked noble yet vulgar at the same time.

“Should I introduce you?”

Vehen tilted his head and raised an eyebrow.

“I’m interested if it’s not a guard.”

Then Marquess Trimidri gestured for someone to come closer. The person hesitated before approaching.

Due to the dim light, they weren’t visible, but as they came closer, their facial features became distinct.

“Please introduce yourself. This is the Duke DeVirté.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Andy.”

Grammar like that of nobility, subtly courteous etiquette.

Vehen frowned.

“Where have we met before?”

As Vehen whispered lowly, Marquess Trimidri chuckled and took Andy’s wrist, pressing a cheek against his hand.

The languid demeanor of Marquess Trimidri and the tense, stiff posture of Andy seemed incongruous.

“It’s okay to speak, Andy. Please explain where you’re from and what you’ve been doing.”

Andy hesitated, then averted his gaze from the piercing green eyes that were staring straight at him.

Marquess Trimidri’s presence was imposing enough to take one’s breath away, and the atmosphere exuded by the man standing in front of him was as fierce as a wild beast, instilling fear.

Andy spoke cautiously, each word trembling in his quivering voice.

“I… I am a steward working in the duke’s estate. I’ve met you a few times before. I also manage the network of former slaves. I’m involved in the human rights movement…”

As Vehen furrowed his brow, Andy took a deep breath.

He was afraid he had crossed a line; if the duke decided, as a noble, he could dispose of him quietly.

“A network? Was there such a thing?”

Contrary to his concern, Vehen seemed more interested in something else.

As Andy attempted to explain, Marquess Trimidri released Andy’s hand and pushed him aside.

“Allow me to explain, Duke.”

“No, that’s fine. I’d like to hear the rest from Andy.”

His heart was pounding so loudly it felt like it might spill out of his mouth. The calm, emotionless green eyes sent shivers down his spine.

Marquess Trimidri raised an eyebrow, then smiled as if nothing had happened.

“Very well, then. Andy, please continue.”

Marquess Trimidri seemed agitated.

Andy glanced around, then began explaining urgently.

“Sometimes, among the slaves, there are those who occasionally gain their freedom. Some of them integrate into society and exchange contacts to help and protect each other. I was among that group at a former place, and thanks to Duke’s support, I’m also involved in the movement.”

After finishing his words, Andy looked around cautiously.

Vehen, now silent, was tapping his fingers and seemed to be contemplating something. His demeanor was so intimidating that Andy felt like fainting.

After his thoughts settled, Vehen directed his question precisely at Andy.

“Are all those working in my estate involved in this?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

As Andy hesitated and faltered, Marquess Trimidri pushed him aside again.

Andy quietly stepped back and stood in the corner.

Marquess Trimidri sighed with annoyance and turned to face Vehen.

Vehen thought she resembled Nelsie in her forties.

“I remember what you mentioned during the conference very vividly. I’d like to have a proper discussion about it.”

“It doesn’t seem to be as memorable to me.”

Despite being aware, Marquess Trimidri straightened her posture gracefully as she sat down.

“In that case, I could go over it again. You certainly suggested that we put His Highness Ceteran on the throne and share power with our own hands.”

“Why do you insist on this point? Do you want to accuse me of treason?”

In the face of Vehen’s stern demeanor, Marquess Trimidri offered a gentle smile and tilted her head.

“Reconciliation with His Highness isn’t that easy, is it? Duke, if I assist you, would you be willing to share power later?”

Extending a hand of collaboration.

But why would Marquess Trimidri? Wasn’t she already allied with Ceteran?

Vehen furrowed his brow and tapped his fingers.

“I want to know the reason. Marquess, you already have His Highness’ trust. I don’t understand why you would propose this to me.”

“You repaired a neglected building, brought in slaves, and granted them freedom. Your words resonated with me. I thought our intentions aligned.”

“What intentions?”

Marquess Trimidri answered with an ecstatic smile.

“Reformation. While individual humans may seem insignificant and humble, when they gather, they achieve countless advancements. I’m curious about the result. And the beginning of that grand advancement would be equality.”

Vehen momentarily closed his mouth, not fully grasping what was being said.

So, reforming to be curious about the progress humans can achieve, not caring about each individual, but providing equal opportunities for everyone to learn and laying the groundwork for advancement?

Is she insane?

That was Vehen’s impression.

“Is the marquess suggesting that she’s granting equality out of curiosity about the progress humans can achieve? What does the marquess mean by equality?”

“The right for everyone to learn, the right to receive fair compensation. I have no intention of abolishing the class system. Why would I disdain the benefits of that system, which I enjoy the most? Although our goals may differ, it seems like the Duke’s and my paths intersect. Could I be mistaken?”

It’s almost curious whether the notion of enjoying the benefits of the class system while desiring equality is a sane statement.

There’s hardly a term farther from equality than the class system.

Vehen, who enjoyed many benefits and rights from his high position, was aware of this.

“Equality and the class system cannot coexist.”

“Duke, humans are a somewhat pathetic species that cannot live alone. Everyone is equally insignificant. The class system is a kind of regulation. It was created by this pathetic species gathering to protect themselves. Even if you abolish the class system, classes will always exist. Humans are imperfect. They are an inferior species that needs to confirm their superiority over others to feel at ease. Now imagine how much progress such a species can achieve. Isn’t it exciting?”

Vehen found Marquess Trimidri’s slightly offbeat remarks strangely unsettling.

It felt like conversing with Permette.

At least Permette seemed disinterested in humans, while Marquess Trimidri appeared to be highly interested, eager to observe.

It was an uncomfortable feeling, as if she were not human, but rather a deity observing the human race.

Marquess Trimidri’s behavior had been encountered several times before. Despite being somewhat violent, it ultimately led to positive outcomes.

Although their goals differed, their processes were similar.

Individual ideologies didn’t matter much. Vehen prioritized the results.

‘Would joining forces with the marquess bring more gains or more risks?’

Vehen pondered, tapping his fingers.

‘It could aid in restoring relations with Ceteran and garner support from the reformists in the revolution.’

The risk was potential complications if their opinions clashed.

Considering the pros and cons, utilizing Marquess Trimidri seemed like a reasonable choice.

“Regardless of the goal, there’s something I haven’t mentioned.”

“Please, go ahead, Duke.”

“I provided funding to the reformists.”

Marquess Trimidri’s expression subtly changed.

“I support reform.”

Vehen smiled. It was a meaningful yet enigmatic smile, leaving his intentions unclear.