I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 122

Episode 122

Marquess Trimidri spoke in a small, soft voice as if soothing a child.

“If the majesty of the Emperor is lacking, it’s enough to show it. Even if the nobles oppose, the coronation ceremony can be enforced. I will set a date for the preparations.”

It would have been nice if Vehen were here.

Ceteran keenly felt his absence and furrowed his brow.

The space left by a long-time friend who could be trusted with anything felt immense.

Ceteran nodded helplessly.

What else could he do?

If left as it is, the conservative nobles would try to reinstate Tedric to the throne through trickery, and without a proper support base, Ceteran would surely lose his position.

Nelsie’s faction began to dissolve upon hearing of Nelsie’s death.

Those gathered were not for Ceteran, but for Nelsie, who would become the Empress.

So naturally, Ceteran was abandoned after Nelsie disappeared from the world.

Marquess Trimidri raised the corners of her mouth as if she had read Ceteran’s mind.

“If the topic of this murder case comes up in the Council meeting tomorrow, speak firmly without hesitation. Say you’ll handle it.”

“…Alright, understood.”

Avoiding eye contact, Ceteran bowed his head. His tightly clenched fist was trembling.

Marquess Trimidri smiled satisfactorily and embraced Ceteran’s shoulders.

They were the broad shoulders of a well-built man, yet they felt immature, and Ceteran, with his head hung low and his spirit subdued, seemed obedient like a well-behaved child.

Marquess Trimidri spoke forcefully while facing Ceteran.

“Your Highness, please listen to my advice. You must trust me. Not Duke DeVirté, not Lady Velirian, but me.”

The sight of an Imperial Prince being manipulated in his grasp.

The sight of him occupying the seat left by the Empress.

Ceteran seemed about to retort but immediately closed his mouth and nodded.

Marquess Trimidri swept a palm from his shoulder to his forearm.

“I will do anything for Your Highness’ sake.”

The documents were crushed under Marquess Trimidri’s heel.

* * *

As promised, Permette came the next morning.

What was so urgent that he had to knock on the door at ten in the morning, grab her coat, grab her money, and leave the house?

A carriage was waiting in front of the house, and Permette was standing in front of it, waiting for Min-joo.

Whether she came out in consideration of their appointment or not, her appearance in cheap shirts and robes was forgettable.

Was he enjoying himself while matching colors? Permette’s shoes were the same brown as Min-joo’s.

Permette gently took Min-joo’s hand and led her.

“Have you had breakfast?”

“I did. We have some time before lunch. And you, Permette?”

Permette smiled happily.

“I’m the same. Since we have some time, would you like to go see a play… perhaps?”

It was unimaginable to think of Permette, who sat quietly in the theater watching a play.

Permette had a slightly raw and rough feeling to her, so the image of him quietly enjoying cultural activities didn’t quite come to mind.

As Min-joo hesitated to continue speaking, Permette naturally escorted her and seated her in the carriage.

Brown shoes, now much dirtier, touched the ground.

The theater they arrived at was grand and immense compared to Min-joo’s usual theaters.

It was a theater catering to nobles, the middle class, and commoners.

The theater seemed quite popular, as it was filled with people.

“It’s a masterpiece that’s been famous for a long time.”

Permette bought the tickets and gently held Min-joo’s hand as they entered.

Min-joo, feeling uneasy about his natural display of affection, was about to pull away, but in a room filled with nobles, she quietly let him hold her hand.

The play seemed like a classic masterpiece.

Depicting the era before the disappearance of sorcerers, the play portrayed sorcerers as villains, and slaves naturally perished by their hands, used as human shields.

The Syrite Empire had waged war for a long time and emerged victorious.

The play’s theme instilled a sense of awe for the nation that had won in difficult wars.

In short, it was patriotic, that’s what it was.

Throughout the play, Min-joo couldn’t shake the feeling that it was a story outdated for its time.

So after the play, while having dinner with Permette, she expressed her skeptical views.

“Well, it feels imperialistic. The quality of the play is high, but the story isn’t that great if you ask me.”

Swallowing a piece of meat, Permette tilted his head.

The restaurant was quite cheap. It was a restaurant full of commoners, where nobles didn’t come.

It was the kind of place Permette would have chosen, as he blended in easily with the commoners, and Min-joo would have felt uncomfortable if the restaurant had been more expensive.

“This country is no different from being the master of the world after winning many wars. Besides, isn’t the story based on reality? What’s the problem with presenting what happened in a different light to the world?”

“The adaptation should align with the flow of the world. Should it be provocative to attract people’s attention, or should it sacrifice the majority’s enjoyment and focus on the perspective of the weak? Of course, it would be best to consider both.”

“As long as it earns money, isn’t that enough?”

She had forgotten. Permette always had a slightly skewed perspective.

Especially when it came to others’ standards, his often differed greatly.

Min-joo rolled up her sleeves bluntly and stuffed her face with food.

“But I was surprised that Peril likes the theater. I thought he’d find it frustrating and boring and wouldn’t want to watch.”

Even if forced to sit, he’d jump up and rush out the door. That’s the Permette Min-joo knew.

“That’s right.”

Min-joo looked at Permette, who nodded naturally, feeling disappointed.

“So why did you suggest watching it? Was it fun at least?”

“It wasn’t fun.”

“Then why did you suggest watching it?”

Permette emptied his plate and took a sip of water.

The slightly run-down restaurant and Permette, dressed in a suit adorned with jewels, felt disjointed.

“Don’t you like it, Min-joo?”

There was nothing to say. It felt like he had prepared the schedule for Min-joo.

Permette wasn’t someone who took the time to care for others or show concern.

He was indifferent to relationships, and there was not even a trace of attachment.

That he watched a play that was neither fun nor interesting with Min-joo was undoubtedly an expression of affection.

“You were preparing for the theater, so I thought it would be nice to show you a popular play. Even if we put on several plays, it’s good to know what kind people like.”

Permette added belatedly.

It was an excuse for helping with the theater work. Everywhere they looked, it was a date course.

Min-joo chuckled awkwardly and nodded.

Yes, since he had added not to notice, let’s pretend not to know.

“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind. But how is Fortis doing?”

As soon as Fortis was mentioned, Permette’s face crumpled as if he had heard something unbearable.

Min-joo widened her eyes in surprise at his reaction.

Why was he acting like that? After repeatedly probing, Permette finally answered with a look of dejection.

“I shouldn’t say this, but she seems crazy.”

If such words came out of Permette’s mouth, it seemed like Fortis must have been quite mad.

Acknowledgment of being called crazy by a trash personality. That’s not easy to take.

“Why?”

“She doesn’t even sleep. The basement is so deep, but laughter leaks out between the iron doors every night. And she wants the basement disinfected. A maid went to get treatment for a hand injury and nearly lost her organs. And after all that, you know what she said?”

Permette rolled his eyes and ranted with a disgusted face. He seemed to have been tormented quite a bit.

“She wanted to see if she could live without a single organ. That maid was a member of my guild. If the operation interferes with the mission… “

Min-joo acknowledged her efforts and quietly raised her thumb. Permette chuckled bitterly.

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore. She’s not in her right mind.”

“Then why are you mentioning it now, after giving her so much work?”

“There wasn’t anyone as well-versed in rumors as Fortis.”

Even if Permette knew Fortis was a mad doctor, he would have given her work.

Of course, it was the first time Min-joo had seen Permette grimace and express disgust like this.

Fortis wasn’t an ordinary person either.

“A few days ago, she asked for someone who could handle medicinal herbs, saying she needed medicine for treatment.”

“Medicinal herbs?”

No one came to mind. Min-joo shrugged after taking a sip of water.

“Should we ask the people at the Hiltate Theater? You never know, maybe there’s a pharmacist?”

“Well, since the Hitan people are knowledgeable about medicinal herbs, it wouldn’t hurt to check.”

“I’ll ask later then. Still, everyone seems kind to me.”

Permette swallowed a chuckle as Min-joo pounded her fist against her chest with pride.

His demeanor seemed mocking, and Min-joo frowned as she asked sternly.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. But still, if someone saved your life, wouldn’t it be ungrateful not to be kind?”

“You’re being harsh.”

Permette shrugged nonchalantly and rose from his seat.

Min-joo also stood up and stood in front of Permette.

Before Permette could settle the bill, Min-joo rushed to pay first, but Permette swiftly lifted her.

After dropping her out the door, Permette quickly finished paying.

“Treating people like luggage…!”

Feeling degraded as a human, infuriated Min-joo glared at Permette, trembling with anger.

Permette casually wrapped his arm around Min-joo’s shoulder.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

“…Yes, it was delicious.”

“Then it’s settled.”

“Why are you like this? Why should Peril be the only one spending money? I have money too!”

As Min-joo grumbled and tried to take out her wallet, Permette chuckled as if to say, ‘Of course not.’

It seemed like a sacred sight where a god was mocking a mere mortal.

So, his face looked divine and magnificent.

“Please don’t refuse. I would appreciate it if you accept.”

His calm and firm voice was soothing.

Permette wrapped his arm around Min-joo’s shoulder and leaned in closer.

‘Close.’

Min-joo swallowed dryly as she faced Permette’s face filling her vision.

It didn’t take long for Min-joo to realize that Permette’s physique was larger than she had thought.

His sturdy arms resting on her shoulders, his wide shoulders, and his ash-colored hair shimmering in the light were beautiful.

Min-joo unconsciously reached out and touched Permette’s cheek.

The skin that her palm touched was soft and smooth.

Permette alternately looked at Min-joo’s hand and face, then lowered his head and closed his eyes.

It was permission. Permission to explore and admire freely.

Min-joo brushed her fingers against his cheek, then reached higher and touched his tousled hair.

It was fluffy and firmer than she had expected.

‘Like a puppy.’

No, maybe a cat would suit Permette better.

As her small and slender hand ruffled his hair, the man slowly blinked and opened his eyes.

Their eyes met.

“Woof.”

Permette narrowed his eyes playfully and chuckled.

He felt incredibly youthful and mischievous, like a twenty-year-old boy.