I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 18

Episode 18

It’s unbelievable even when he thinks about it himself. 

The fact that he fell in love at first sight and couldn’t take his eyes off the poorly postured Neriant leaning heavily on the side.

After going through brainwashing dozens of times, saying, ‘I am the third prince, I am the one who will become the emperor,’ he was finally able to control his expression and speak.

“I heard that there’s a confidential meeting between the Crown Prince and you.”

Count Velirian was convinced of the reason why Ceteran had visited.

“If it’s my brother, I believe he will be a good husband. However, there is a worrying aspect, so I came to visit suddenly.”

Turning around and speaking doesn’t suit his temperament, but if he brings up the main topic hastily, he can dispel Count Velirian’s distrust.

Ceteran glanced at the cute Neriant, who was twitching her ears, before continuing.

“Count, have you heard that recently the issue of slave treatment has come up?”

“Yes, I have heard. Everyone is getting heated about that story.”

“Do you also know that the starting point is the gambling den?”

“Yes, I’m aware. There are rumors about the gambling den as well.”

Ceteran tapped the edge of the teacup with his finger and then smiled faintly.

“It’s far from the succession to the throne, but as a prince, I cannot ignore it. So, I plan to apprehend a member of the gambling den and bring them to trial. I am also collecting evidence.”

“You are doing a good thing. But, what does it have to do with the Crown Prince?”

Count Velirian questioned the flow of Ceteran’s conversation and realized it himself.

“So, the Crown Prince is behind this.”

Seeing his rigid face, Ceteran softly smiled. To others, it might seem like a stern laugh.

“I will not overlook this. If we are fellow beings, I don’t think it’s right for the aristocracy to trample on and exploit the weak. I will make sure they receive punishment and let everyone know that it was a wrongful act.”

“…So, what you’re suggesting is…”

“Strictly speaking, I’m not suggesting; I’m offering an opportunity.”

One of Neriant’s eyebrows twitched at the words that were beyond arrogance.

“If my brother is brought to trial and punished, it will undoubtedly affect the Count as well. There may be attempts to discredit him, claiming he formed inappropriate ties.”

Due to the torrent of words, Neriant’s throat felt dry. After sipping his tea, Ceteran met Neriant’s uncomfortable gaze before continuing.

“I cannot guarantee that Count Velirian’s influence won’t reach Lady Velirian. Count, you cherish your daughter, don’t you? Though she is of noble birth, I don’t see her as a blameless victim to be married off to a criminal who committed a wrongdoing.”

“Are you suggesting withdrawing the proposal for the marriage alliance?”

“Yes. I don’t want Count Velirian, who has firmly maintained neutrality until now, to be subject to gossip. I assume the Count feels the same way.”

Count Velirian fidgeted nervously, trembling his legs. The marriage negotiations hadn’t progressed much. They hadn’t even discussed the dowry yet. So, if it could be severed now, it was the opportune moment.

Ceteran set down his teacup, clasped his fingers, and rested them on his knee. Even in these small gestures, confidence emanated.

“However, if it doesn’t materialize, there will be repercussions for the Count. Hence, I am presenting an opportunity and a proposal.”

Neriant clenched her fist upon hearing that she might not have to go through with the marriage. She wanted to dance around the reception room in joy, but she refrained, fearing a lifetime of confinement.

“What if we proceed with the marriage negotiations?”

Her clenched fist almost flew towards Ceteran’s jaw, which was grinning fiercely. Count Velirian’s reaction wasn’t much different. He stared wide-eyed and dumbfounded, unable to process what was happening.

Ceteran, leaning against the backrest, gently shook the crossed leg. His demeanor was relaxed, indicating that he was willing to wait as long as necessary until the predetermined answer was spoken.

“…Did I hear correctly?”

“Invalidating the marriage proposal with my brother and proceeding directly with me doesn’t look good, so I’ll give it some time. Regardless, I can imagine how Count Velirian’s actions will appear to the nobility.”

To abandon Tedric and go to Ceteran is equivalent to expressing support for the Third Prince. What started as a simple arrangement to get rid of his daughter has escalated beyond comprehension.

Count Velirian couldn’t easily answer.

“Think carefully, Count. I am doing what is right, and my brother has committed wrongdoing. It’s not just a matter of politics.”

“Every decision made by those involved in politics is related to politics.”

“Then make the right political decision.”

Count Velirian’s face tightened seriously. He couldn’t criticize Tedric. He himself had bought and used slaves, considering them as beasts.

The times are changing, and he knows that what is happening now is just the beginning of a larger historical narrative.

But anyone would resist losing a convenient tool that was easy to wield.

“It’s not the Stone Age.”

The tone was nonchalant yet sharp. Neriant, who had been observing, leaned on the backrest, resting her chin on her palm, and interjected brusquely.

The gazes of Count Velirian and Ceteran focused on her.

“I never had any intention of getting married in the first place. You guys are making a big fuss over nothing.”

Neriant openly twisted the corners of her mouth in a mocking smile.

“Father, if marriage is so great, you do it. I won’t. And, Your Highness, I understand that what you’re trying to do is the right thing, but do it properly instead of making a show of it.”

“You’re going too far.”

“What did I say wrong? Just admit it honestly. And why are you beating around the bush with your words? Just get to the point, only the point.”

Neriant, who poured out the main points sharply, stood up from her seat. Despite Count Velirian’s attempts to persuade her to sit down again, Neriant shrugged her shoulders contemptuously and laughed.

“If you want a marriage so badly, Father, you do it. I won’t. And, Your Highness, I understand that what you’re trying to do is the right thing, but do it properly instead of making a show of it.”

“Enough, Neriant!”

“Please don’t be upset. It’s not an entirely wrong statement.”

Neriant glanced at Ceteran and stood beside the sofa, crossing her legs.

“We’ve already prepared with Duke DeVirté and are readying legislation for them. I will win.”

Duke DeVirté.

Neriant shuddered. It was a noticeably big movement, but the two, unaware of it, continued their conversation.

“I know there’s no significant connection between you and them. Also, even if you inform them, it won’t change the outcome.”

Ceteran narrowed his red eyes, and smiled coldly, which he perceived as a gentle and mild smile on his own. However, it was a harsh laugh that could make onlookers shiver and startle passing children.

After persuading Count Velirian to think a little more and coaxing him, Ceteran received a positive response.

Although Neriant strongly protested against the marriage, nothing changed.

As Ceteran finished the conversation and walked toward the corridor to leave, Neriant, who had left earlier, was waiting, leaning against the wall, unable to suppress her anger.

“Your Highness, I have something to discuss.”

“If it’s about the marriage proposal, it’s already over.”

“Well, it’s related to that, but it’s a different matter.”

Only then did Ceteran turn around to face Neriant, tilting his head.

Ceteran was in a state of extreme tension, trying to suppress his nervousness and trembling emotions.

Despite her fragile appearance, there was no reason for his heart not to race for a woman with a strong personality and muscles.

“You mentioned that Duke DeVirté prepared it with you, right?”

He felt a bit annoyed by the talk of another man. It was both frustrating and disappointing. Ceteran stiffened his face with a blunt expression.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Please arrange a meeting. There’s something I must discuss with him.”

“…May I ask why?”

Ceteran, whose guts were churning, couldn’t fathom the collapsed emotions of Neriant.

Pinching her fist several times to avoid making excuses that anyone wouldn’t find strange, the awkwardly smiling Neriant straightened her posture.

“It’s about the slave issue.”

As the words ended, Neriant awkwardly laughed.

* * *

“Is it okay if I follow you?”

“Why? Is it bothersome?”

As they entered a narrow alley in the city, the sunlight was blocked by buildings, making it dimly lit. 

The air felt strangely humid and unpleasant, and the glances of passing people were sharp with suspicion. People in shabby attire cast fierce looks as they retreated from Min-joo and Permette, who appeared affluent.

Feeling those stares, Min-joo occasionally matched her steps with Permette, who was draped in a fragrant robe.

Though intimidating, having Permette, with a dirty personality but skilled with a gun, next to her made Min-joo feel safe. If they were attacked, Permette would surely save Min-joo.

“I don’t mean to bother you.”

“Then it’s settled. You mentioned news about a sorcerer. It’s my job; who else would go?”

Permette couldn’t come up with a counterargument. Min-joo was right. However, the alley was dangerous, and Min-joo was an amateur who couldn’t properly handle a gun.

Min-joo forced Permette to come along, changing her clothes and insisting on the door, thanks to overhearing the report to Vehen. Still, he sighed, not knowing what would happen.

He had intended to confirm and inform Min-joo only after verifying whether the person was indeed a sorcerer.

Permette glanced at Min-joo’s shoes. Seeing her wearing the shoes she had gifted, a warmth spread inside Permette’s chest.

Worrying if he had developed an illness, Permette tapped his chest with a fist.

“Is it a gorilla in your dream?”

“No. It’s a fisherman.”

“Suddenly?”

“I’m going to catch a mermaid and eat it whole.”

“Are you scared, hearing about mermaids?”

“Then, shall I carry you on my back?”

“Ugh, fine.”

Min-joo, disgusted, shook her head and walked ahead of Permette. It was inexplicable why teasing was so amusing. Suppressing his laughter, Permette stuck close to Min-joo.

Min-joo waved her hand, signaling Permette to stay away.

After a few more minutes of bickering, they arrived at their destination. It was a secluded corner where no one seemed to pass by.

The building, seemingly ready to shake at a slight touch, was sporadically covered in spiderwebs, and the sound of mice could be heard from corners.

Min-joo subtly stood behind Permette.

“What’s the matter?”

“Gentleman first.”

“I’m not a gentleman.”

“Start today. Go in first.”

“If you demand like that, I don’t feel like complying.”

Initially, he intended to go in first, but being asked to do so created unnecessary resistance. Permette playfully grinned, raising an eyebrow.

He couldn’t help but wonder how she would react.

Min-joo rolled her eyes intently, looked at Permette, thought about it, and then politely gestured to the door with both hands.

“Please come in.”

“…Really, what’s going on?”

“It’s the utmost courtesy in our neighborhood.”

“Heh…!”

It was so absurd and amusing that words failed him.

Permette let out an unexpected laugh and shook his head. It was both funny and ironic that, despite always knowing that his predictions would go awry, he dared to make them.

Permette grabbed Min-joo’s wrist and pulled her behind.

“Since we don’t know the situation inside, stay close.”

“Can’t I wait outside?”

“Is outside safe?”

It was a kind of pride, a stubborn insistence.

Waiting outside would have been sufficient, but he just… wanted her to be there. If one had to find an excuse, it could be said that he was doing it for protection, as people from the lower class might target Min-joo in her affluent attire.

For protective purposes.

Terrified by Permette’s words, Min-joo promptly stuck close behind him.

For some reason, there was an impulse to pet her round, black head that reached up to her neck, much like one would want to pet a puppy. Perhaps it was because her speech was somewhat dog-like. Who knows.

Permette readily acknowledged it.

Thud! Permette kicked the door with his foot. With a loud noise, the door creaked open and shook.

As they easily passed through the open door and entered the building, an extremely dark and eerie atmosphere engulfed them.

As Permette furrowed his brow to assess the interior, a sign of movement was felt behind the door.

From then on, Permette moved systematically and swiftly.

He pulled out the revolver from his holster, aimed it decisively, and pulled the trigger without hesitation.

The sound of the door being kicked was much smaller than the loud bang that followed. 

Min-joo, who had been looking over Permette’s shoulder, was frozen in surprise and couldn’t move.

Bang. Without confirming who it was, Permette shot at an unknown person.