I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 136

Episode 136

The Emperor’s condition is not good. Anyone in the palace would know.

It’s a state where it wouldn’t be strange for him to pass away at any moment.

If the Emperor passes away, Ceteran will immediately ascend the throne and seize control of the world.

However, if Nelsie denies the death and presents herself to the public again, returning to the palace, Nelsie will take over Ceteran’s place.

Nelsie considered it most important for Ceteran to become Emperor, and if he does become Emperor?

Marquess Trimidri will surely interfere if it’s not in the direction she desires.

‘I never planned on keeping her alive for long anyway.’

Nelsie’s survival depends on Marquess Trimidri. Only Marquess Trimidri knows that Nelsie is still alive, and only Marquess Trimidri knows where she is.

Although there was a thought of disposing of her once Ceteran became Emperor and her use was over, dealing with the aftermath alone seemed overwhelming.

‘Soon. It must be dealt with soon.’

Marquess Trimidri raised her head, envisioning the end of those who lost their lives because of Nelsie.

* * *

She doesn’t understand. Neriant really couldn’t understand the instructions given by the military, nor Ceteran who approved them.

Under the pretext of securing public safety, they crowded the streets and forcefully searched people.

Even when others complained about the strange situation, the response was lukewarm.

‘It’s what’s ordered from above. What can you do?’

They knew about the military, but they also knew not to dare voice a different opinion.

It’s odd. Everywhere you look, people are being stopped on their way home and subjected to violence.

They also violently suppressed the protest that occurred this time.

When they organized a protest demanding compensation for victims who lost their lives due to police violence, the military arrived and suppressed them.

It was a scene of violence. Neriant swung her truncheon into the air, realizing how wrong the situation was.

So, Neriant sought out Ceteran. Her status as a fiancée proved useful.

“You look every bit the soldier.”

Ceteran chuckled softly. It was a grim smile on his stern face, but Neriant wasn’t afraid of such a face.

“It’s tyranny. There’s an abundance of people already branding His Highness as a tyrant.”

Frowning, Neriant brushed her hair roughly aside as she spoke.

The military uniform suited Neriant well, and her short-cropped hair was beautiful.

As if born to be a hero.

Ceteran knew Neriant and Min-joo were close. So, he should have been wary, but he couldn’t.

How could he betray someone he loved?

Ceteran’s complexion darkened.

“I don’t want to talk politics with Lady Velirian. I’ll handle it myself, so please tell me what happened today.”

So, he decided to spare conversation as much as possible. He thought if they didn’t talk politics, it would be better.

Neriant stiffened her face as if incredulous and sealed her lips shut.

With her gaze piercing like thorns, Ceteran struggled to avert his eyes and fiddled with his teacup.

“Now that the coronation is over, it’s a good time to prepare for the wedding. Lady Velirian is busy, I understand, but please assist to ensure the preparations go smoothly.”

“Are you telling me to wear a wedding ring with the same hand that’s been striking down the people? Your Highness, can’t you see people are dying right now? And you’re talking about a wedding.”

“Well, what do you suggest I do, then?”

Ceteran slammed the teacup down roughly. It was unclear whether his reddened face was due to shame or anger.

His distorted expression seemed tortured.

He trembled as if unable to grasp something.

“Speak up. What more could I have done?”

“At least you wouldn’t have resorted to using the military to enforce violence.”

It sounded like an appeal. It seemed as though Ceteran was pleading to be spared, unsure of what to do.

Neriant frowned and dabbed at her dry face.

Gloved hands brushed against sun-tanned skin.

“I chose you because of your sense of justice. Remember when you came to the mansion to stop the former Crown Prince?”

With determination, in that dignified manner, Neriant remembered.

“I saw you favorably back then. Except for the disagreement during the council, you seemed like a good person. But now, what is this?”

Fingers hooked onto the chin, the slender jaw moved to spit out criticism.

“Let’s postpone the wedding. If you leave now for wedding preparations, it will fuel discontent among your colleagues.”

Neriant rose from her seat and withdrew.

Ceteran attempted to reach out to her but soon lowered his hand and bowed his head.

Everyone seemed to be wrong. Whether striving to practice justice or yielding to reality to secure benefits.

No matter what choice was made, it was criticized as wrong by those around, and now, nothing seemed clear anymore.

There was a sharp knock on the door.

As Neriant opened it, Marquess Trimidri entered.

Neriant frowned at her and left the parlor, and Marquess Trimidri quietly sat beside Ceteran, licking her lips.

“You’re not usually like this. The military makes people rough, doesn’t it?”

“Why are you here, Marquess?”

Ceteran leaned his face on his palm, sounding exhausted.

His subdued voice felt powerless.

Marquess Trimidri pushed aside the tea that was Neriant’s portion and chuckled.

“It seems like you have concerns, Your Highness.”

“It’s not something to discuss with the LMarquess. I asked why you’re here.”

Marquess Trimidri, dressed in formal attire, crossed her legs and toyed with her slicked-back hair with her fingers.

She seemed to be at the pinnacle of power as if she had become an emperor herself.

“A lot of conservatives have disappeared, making meetings smoother. Your Highness must have noticed. So, it might be time to start discussing the abolition of the slave system. What do you think, Your Highness?”

“I haven’t sorted out the external situation yet.”

“That’s exactly my point. Let’s do it now.”

Seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos, to change the law.

Attendance at meetings is poor, not just among conservative nobles but also among reformist nobles who refuse to participate.

When the commoners see only nobles, it causes an uproar.

So, the suggestion was to change the law while the opposing nobles weren’t attending.

“Are you suggesting I use fear again?”

Ceteran’s face turned pale.

Marquess Trimidri, seemingly indifferent, adjusted her jacket. Her fingers tapping and brushing off dust from the cloth were graceful.

“Yes. Your Highness, if not now, then when? I don’t understand why you would shy away from the easiest solution. Has my proposal ever threatened you?”

Ceteran stared out the window as if entranced. From afar, the city of Paital seemed peaceful.

“Your Highness, please trust me. I am yours. Haven’t I said I’ll do anything for you?”

Slithering like a snake, entwining tightly so there’s no escape.

The snake’s tongue licks the flesh, its scales chillingly pressing against the chest.

And what will happen? Will it coil around his head, or will its venomous fangs pierce his neck?

Still, the snake, at least, doesn’t blame him.

He almost wished to be devoured by the snake.

* * *

It was on the way back from checking on Hiltate with Vehen.

Those who had been disgruntled by the events at the coronation party often gathered on the third floor of Hiltate to discuss their plans, and Hin was adapting well in the meantime.

That’s when Andy said.

‘The Marquess mentioned that she could soon abolish the slave system. She plans to seat a majority of reformist nobles using the confusion and pass the bill. And we can’t just stand by anymore. When people are angry, we have to fight together.’

With those words, they produced guns sold by Permette.

Despite the persuasion against responding to violence with violence, their response was rejection.

‘We will fight. Whether it’s to create a country without an emperor or to create an equal world, we have to fight. We’ve suffered too much to just sit idly by and talk.’

They were adamant, no matter how much persuasion or alternative solutions were offered.

So Min-joo confessed to Vehen that she was planning a constitutional monarchy.

Vehen was extremely pleased.

Their goal had only changed; the process remained the same.

With a sigh, Min-joo leaned her head against the carriage. With each jolt of the carriage, her head shook aimlessly.

“Are you dizzy?”

“Stop teasing me again.”

Vehen wrapped Min-joo’s head with his arm around her shoulders.

Now accustomed to such intimacy, Min-joo casually rested her head on his shoulder.

“No matter how much we say not to use violence, nothing changes.”

Although her demeanor was calm, her voice was slightly strained.

Vehen looked at Min-joo like that for a while, then gently rested his head on top of hers.

“Since you’ve made up your mind, what else can we do? You’ve done your best.”

“Yeah… I thought it would change violently when it was first hit from the palace side, but I didn’t expect it to change so easily.”

Just a little, it was bittersweet. Revolution was being prepared as desired, but it didn’t feel refreshing.

Min-joo felt powerless knowing there was nothing more she could do.

So she just went home. Should she be satisfied with spending time with Vehen?

As she opened the door and entered the house, surprisingly, Robert came down the stairs in a hurry.

“You’re here! I’ve been waiting!”

“…Robert?”

Robert grabbed Min-joo’s wrist and dragged her, feeling excited.

“Call me a genius, you uncultured commoner!”

“What are you saying…”

Vehen also looked puzzled by Robert’s strange behavior, furrowing his eyebrows.

Undeterred, Robert pulled Min-joo’s hand tighter.

As Min-joo blinked rapidly at the suddenly short distance, Robert leaned in closer and smirked.

As if exhilarated but also dangerous, Min-joo wondered if she should really… No, it couldn’t be.

“Could it be?”

“That’s right!”

“Really?!”

Excitedly, Min-joo’s eyes sparkled as she jumped up and down. Robert followed Min-joo’s lead.

Only Vehen, who didn’t understand the situation, stood there with a displeased look.

“I can go home?!”

“Yeah!”

Only then did Vehen widen his eyes and look at Min-joo.

“What?”

In a low voice, Min-joo turned her head to face Vehen.

He wanted to congratulate her, but the words didn’t come out easily.

Vehen, in a complex mood, couldn’t bring himself to smile and just looked at Min-joo.

Seeing his face, Min-joo suddenly realized.

“Vehen…”

As Min-joo murmured, Vehen turned his head to her with a smile.

His awkwardly raised lips and the back of his head looked bittersweet.

“Congratulations. You can finally go back.”

“….”

Min-joo couldn’t say anything.

It was farewell.

As the word ‘farewell’ began to circle in her mind, her heart clenched.

“Be happy. That’s what you wanted, right?”

“….And what about you, Vehen?”

“Me?”

Min-joo grabbed Vehen’s collar. Vehen turned to look at Min-joo.

His green eyes met with hers and felt as fresh and moist as a field after a shower.

“Are you okay? Is everything okay?”

It was a question full of concern. Vehen knew the answer to the question.

It was a question that didn’t have any other choice from the start.

“Of course. Congratulations. I’m as happy as if it were my own.”

Vehen smiled. It was a bittersweet smile, both sweet and bitter.