I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 132

Episode 132

He knew Min-joo was thin and delicate.

She was fragile enough to be in danger, yet at the same time delicate, elegant, and charming.

If he had known she would be this beautiful, if he had known she would suit it, he would have brought the ugliest dress.

The line from her neck to her shoulder was a soft curve, and the skirt that hung long and cinched under her chest was precarious.

If he could, he would shake and beg to change herself right now.

“…Pretty. Really, prettier than I imagined.”

Surely, they would be shocked and astonished.

So, the only sentence he could utter was that.

Vehen stood cautiously in front of Min-joo.

The desire to kiss her deeply on her collarbone was not strange.

His chest fluttered, and his body undulated as if it had become water. If possible, he wanted to spit out his heart.

Min-joo, who was quietly looking at Vehen, pulled Vehen’s arm.

“Do we look good together?”

Min-joo, with her arm linked with Vehen’s, smiled leisurely as she looked around at the staff.

A few neatly swept strands of dark brown hair fell onto her forehead.

Vehen looked up at the staff. Then the staff, who had been standing blankly, began to applaud and praise.

“Yes, really! You’re truly a heavenly pair, and your appearance is magnificent~”

It was praise forced out, no matter where you looked. Min-joo smiled quietly as she looked up at Vehen.

“Shall we go now? You’ve been waiting for a long time, right?”

They really looked like lovers.

It felt like they were showing off that they were lovers.

She is his lover. His match.

Suddenly, a sense of reality hit him.

Vehen wanted to spit out his heart again.

The carriage arrived at the magnificent Palace.

The largest hall of the Palace was empty, and the open party was extravagant and beautiful.

Even though it was midwinter, many people gathered, and the air was warm, and the candles lit up like jewels.

The party seen from the perspective of servants and the party seen from the perspective of participants were different. Everywhere you looked was a spectacle.

“…Beautiful, really.”

Count Velirian’s party was also very beautiful, but there was no comparison to the Palace.

As Min-joo looked around restlessly, Vehen whispered, placing Min-joo’s hand on his forearm.

“You were so eager to see the party, now you’re getting a little fed up?”

“Yes, very much so, but where’s Peril, and is Neriant coming?”

Vehen and Min-joo were showing their determination not to engage in conversation with others by standing in the corner.

Thanks to that, many people wanted to approach Vehen, wanting to ask about the situation, but they couldn’t easily approach.

Vehen tilted his head slightly and looked directly at Min-joo.

“Rolfreme doesn’t come to social circles. Even if he does, unless there’s a significant purpose. Lady Velirian… might already be here, or not.”

Does that mean Neriant has arrived?

As Min-joo looked at Vehen with shining eyes, Vehen stubbornly avoided eye contact.

“We’ll stay here. We won’t dance or mingle with the crowd, so resign yourself.”

It was consideration for Min-joo, who didn’t know much about noble society. Min-joo felt very embarrassed about receiving his help.

So she observed the behavior of other nobles.

She focused on their gestures, speech, and expressions. She felt like she could somewhat mimic them.

“But, isn’t Neriant a soldier?”

As Min-joo began to think she could follow along to some extent, she asked.

“Well, she might not be. She could have been guarding the procession of the coronation ceremony. Nevertheless, she’ll come, there’s talk of announcing the engagement today.”

“Wow, an engagement.”

“Yes, an engagement.”

The girl who had been following around calling Min-joo ‘sister’ was already engaged. It was surprising.

Vehen continued to speak while still maintaining eye contact.

“The envoys from the defeated countries deliberately arrived late. It’s a criticism of the politics the Marquis has been conducting so far. It also means they’ll decide whether to obey Ceteran’s attitude.”

“…What?”

Could they just be arriving late by chance? Did there need to be such an interpretation?

Seeing Min-joo’s incomprehensible reaction, Vehen pulled Min-joo’s hand closer.,

“It’s expressing dissatisfaction. Since they almost didn’t come, they’re showing respect by still attending.”

His sharp jaw twitched towards the space. Min-joo turned her gaze in that direction.

She saw the envoys standing with emotionless faces. However, no one paid them any attention.

The nobles had already understood their intentions and were thoroughly ignoring them.

It didn’t matter if they harbored dissatisfaction. After all, they were beneath them.

“…The Crown Prince should do well. If he doesn’t want to start another war.”

Min-joo said in a lowered voice. Vehen nodded.

“Anyway, if the revolution succeeds, you won’t need to worry about what he’ll do. Our response will be important.”

The question was whether the nobles who had gained shared power would still keep the defeated countries underfoot or accept an equal position.

So, it was still a distant conversation.

Min-joo and Vehen spent a long time chatting.

The conservative nobles supporting Tedric did not attend. There were quite a few of them.

It was a statement of not recognizing Ceteran and also a statement of intent to reinstate Tedric to the throne.

Ceteran, now the Crown Prince, arrived much later.

“He looks handsome. I guess royal food agrees with him.”

“What are you saying?”

As Min-joo murmured, Vehen responded with disgust.

As expected, Ceteran looked radiant and magnificent as if he had put effort into his appearance.

His long flowing red cloak was authoritative, and his pure white attire seemed to confirm his distinguished aristocratic lineage.

Yet, he still had a stern impression as a bonus.

Throughout the party, it seemed like Ceteran was conscious of Vehen but tried hard not to meet his gaze. It was all palpable. 

It was an effort for Vehen and Min-joo to pretend they didn’t notice his persistent glances.

“I’ve been standing for a while, and my legs hurt.”

“Let’s go to the lounge.”

“You mean the restroom? There’s everything here.”

“What are you talking about?”

The lounge referred to all the rooms on the right corridor on the second floor. It was understandable given the large number of attendees, but it was indeed crowded. They entered one of the empty rooms.

The lounge had everything from linen to combs and water, all the essentials for grooming. The lounge, facing the hall, had a small terrace that connected to the party venue. The sounds of the party could be heard through the terrace.

Vehen handed Min-joo a prepared drink as they sat by each other in the lounge.

“As you can see, there’s not much to the party. It’s just to show off friendships.”

“It’s understandable why Vehen, with no friends, wouldn’t come.”

“Whatever.”

“Vehen too.”

After sipping the water, the discomfort in Min-joo’s stomach eased. Being amidst people made her feel a bit suffocated.

After the meaningless small talk, silence descended. The sound of Vehen’s breathing, the rustle of the fabric, even the sound of swallowing saliva, everything was audible.

Through the glass, music, and chatter could be heard. Sounds of nobles conversing from nearby rooms and corridors could also be heard.

“It’s a shame there are so many who didn’t grace us with their presence…”

Ceteran’s voice echoed from the hall.

To confirm the situation, Min-joo and Vehen went out onto the terrace and looked down at the hall on the first floor.

Ceteran was announcing the engagement with Neriant at the hall. Neriant was in military uniform, not a dress. It seemed like she hadn’t had time to change due to rushing to the event.

“Count Velirian would be flabbergasted if he saw this.”

Vehen muttered quietly.

Not only did the daughter with a golden future enlist, but she also appeared in military uniform at the engagement announcement. 

“Still, it’s impressive, isn’t it? People don’t seem to mind.”

“It’s inappropriate. There will be gossip once the party’s over. The fact that the future Crown Princess appeared in military attire at the party.”

Min-joo and Vehen leaned against the terrace, continuing their conversation.

The engagement announcement received everyone’s blessings and congratulations. Min-joo thought there would be a formal engagement ceremony, but it was just a simple announcement.

Neriant disappeared to change clothes, and shortly after, Ceteran also vanished.

After Min-joo checked the time, she poked Vehen’s side.

“I want a snack.”

“You must be the first one to ask the Duke for snacks.”

“You’re going to get them for me.”

Playfully poking Vehen’s arm and shoulder, Min-joo made him shiver, and he left the lounge.

Alone now, Min-joo stepped out onto the terrace and sat on the lounge’s sofa.

‘Soon. Just thirty more minutes.’

Restless. This time, Min-joo had taken matters into her own hands.

She felt scared and tense. If Vehen hadn’t brought her, she would have been merely watching from afar.

Min-joo tapped her fingers and fidgeted. Ten minutes had passed, and Vehen still hadn’t returned. 

It shouldn’t take this long. The hall was spacious, but Vehen wasn’t a slow walker, nor was he someone who hesitated over what snacks to choose. 

Sensing something was amiss, Min-joo stepped out of the lounge.

She heard familiar voices not far from the lounge and approached the door, eavesdropping on the conversation seeping through.

“So, it wasn’t betrayal, then?”

“No, it wasn’t. Although reporting to His Highness was omitted, it was unavoidable for security reasons.”

“Do you think that makes sense? DeVirté, are we really friends?”

It was Ceteran and Vehen. They had been seeking an opportunity to meet, and now they finally had it. Min-joo strained her ears to listen to their conversation, which was growing increasingly heated.

“Your Highness, we should consider matters related to the throne without personal emotions, shouldn’t we?”

“When I lost my mother and was struggling, you only visited me once or twice. I would have been fine even if I hadn’t inherited the throne. I was okay with getting married and living my life. It was my mother, you, and the nobles who desired the throne, not me.”

Ceteran blamed Vehen for not acting as a friend should have.

“Your Highness, after your ascension, I was busy too. I regret any hurt feelings, but haven’t you been similar? I haven’t forgotten what you said when my parents died, that you envied me.”

Min-joo thought they were having a good conversation, but it turned into an argument. Should she intervene, or should she stay quiet since it was their matter?

Min-joo swallowed dryly and leaned against the door. 

“DeVirté, you know as well. How difficult it was for me between my parents. I know I was reckless. But you handled it well. I needed a dependable friend.”

“You’ll soon become as indifferent as I am. You don’t need my help. Oh, it’s surprising you didn’t have a dependable friend and kept Marquess Trimidri by your side.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your Highness, you should become the Holy Prince. However, you’re just threatening conservative nobles and being manipulated by Marquess Trimidri, aren’t you?”

It was bewildering. Min-joo didn’t know how dire Ceteran’s situation was or how vulnerable he felt. 

But Ceteran wasn’t entirely pitiful either. She hoped Vehen wouldn’t get hurt from this conversation, even if he inwardly felt troubled.

Ceteran shouted abruptly. Even without leaning closer to the door, his voice was loud enough to be heard.

“And you! Aren’t you related to the recent series of murders and the perpetrator’s death!”

What’s he talking about? 

Min-joo’s eyes widened as she looked at the door.