I Don't Want To Do a Romantic Comedy With a Villain! - Chapter 59
Episode 59
The stage was modest, and there were no notable lighting or effects.
The audience did not show proper etiquette while watching, either.
If a stage of this caliber were performed in modern times, the seats would be empty, and withdrawal from the schedule would be necessary within a day. However, the script was outstanding. The development was impeccable, and every line of dialogue seemed carefully crafted.
The play, a love story between a slave and an aristocrat, portrays a profound tale of passionate love. The narrative unfolded tragically, unable to overcome the societal hierarchy.
Although the themes were somewhat familiar, they added to the enjoyment. In the final scene where the female protagonist mourns in despair, the audience’s cries mix with her sobs.
A story that can make the audience laugh and cry is a good story.
Min-joo, with swollen eyes, walked away, leaning on Vehen’s bicep, sniffling. Vehen covered Min-joo’s nose with a handkerchief and chuckled.
“I told you you wouldn’t be disappointed.”
“You didn’t say it was going to be such a sad story.”
“A love story transcends eras, my friend.”
“That’s a good quote.”
“It’s what you said.”
Min-joo wiped her nose with Vehen’s handkerchief and put it in his pocket, shocking him.
Whether he liked it or not, Min-joo spoke her mind.
“It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t have said such wonderful words. I must have picked them up somewhere.”
“Maybe you did.”
Vehen, casually agreeing with Min-joo’s attempt at humility, changed direction and headed towards the dressing room.
Min-joo followed Vehen through the waves into the actors’ waiting room. Upon opening the door, she saw actors removing makeup and changing clothes, creating a lively atmosphere filled with the scents of sweat and dust.
“Duke DeVirté!”
“You came to see us! We’re so delighted to finally meet our sponsor!”
“How was the play? If we knew you were coming, we would have put in even more effort!”
Actors, producers, and the scriptwriter greeted Vehen with enthusiasm. Despite not being a well-known face, they recognized him by the ring and the carriage of Duke DeVirtéDeVirté parked in front of the theater.
To grasp what they were saying, Min-joo quickly turned her head. Vehen, pulling Min-joo’s arm closer, smiled amiably. His seemingly genuine and sociable smile was so surprising that it swept away the information she had been processing in her mind.
“I enjoyed it. My acquaintance was deeply moved, needing several handkerchiefs.”
Emphasizing his acquaintance, Vehen pulled Min-joo’s arm and presented her to the people. Min-joo, unable to discern Vehen’s intentions, awkwardly smiled, quickly glancing around.
“Yes, it was really enjoyable. Everyone performed exceptionally well, and the script was impressive.”
“It’s thanks to the Duke. I wrote the script, but it was rejected everywhere and was almost discarded.”
The scriptwriter smiled modestly, giving Vehen a meaningful look filled with admiration and respect. Min-joo deduced that Vehen was like a savior to him.
From Min-joo’s speculation, it seemed that the script was completed, but due to its theme of the love story between a slave and an aristocrat, it wasn’t approved for performance anywhere. Consequently, it received no investment and was on the verge of being buried without seeing the light.
The news of the play, supporting slave rights, might have reached noble supporters, leading to discussions about sponsorship, eventually reaching Vehen.
Vehen affectionately wrapped his arm around Min-joo’s shoulders and smiled.
“I’m glad the investment story reached me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have sponsored such a wonderful story. Looking forward to the next performance.”
Min-joo realized her speculation was correct, and Vehen continued to smile sociably as he left the dressing room.
Exiting the building and on their way to an expensive restaurant for lunch, Min-joo pondered why Vehen sponsored them. No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t understand.
Did he anonymously support the issue of slave liberation and plan to reveal it later as a philanthropic act? Or was it based on past experiences, expecting better results with such support?
Suddenly, a clapping sound was heard. Startled, Min-joo straightened her posture, and Vehen was looking at her, clapping his hands.
“So, what do you want to eat?”
“Oh, I, I don’t mind anything…”
“I knew it and already ordered.”
“Why did you even ask, you human.”
The restaurant was divided into private rooms, where individuals could enjoy a leisurely and quiet meal. Even the chairs were made of precious wood, and the tableware was crafted from pottery and silver.
Min-joo, dazedly looking around the room, asked.
“But why did you sponsor them?”
“It’s about improving awareness. If the tragic love story of a slave and an aristocrat lingers in people’s minds, they might feel the need for compassion and better treatment of slaves. On your way home, you might recall the play when you see a slave. Besides, the theater happened to be mine.”
Vehen took a sip from his glass, his actions deliberate and composed, without a hint of agitation.
Though there was an undeniable piece of information slipped in at the end, Min-joo, considering Vehen’s wealth, chose to overlook it.
“And if the play becomes successful, derivative works are bound to emerge. What earns money tends to be imitated by people. As you said, a theme like love sells well regardless of the era or background. Once this play becomes ingrained in the public’s mind, stories exploiting the caste system will pour in.”
“Why did you reveal yourself as Vehen and show it to me?”
Min-joo shook the glass in her hand slowly from side to side.
Vehen raised the corners of his mouth, giving off an arrogant smile.
“In case things go wrong, it becomes a trace to turn back, and what I showed you is… well.”
Vehen moistened his lips with water again. He never ate inside the house, but outside, he appeared less resistant.
Leaning back, Min-joo crossed her legs. Vehen continued.
“If they go out of control, it’s to make sure they don’t turn their arrows on you. At least you have shown a close connection with me, someone who has an interest in slave rights and supports them.”
“So, you’re saying you took precautions for my safety.”
“Yeah, since you’re going to be away from me now. Be careful; nothing bad will happen. If the emancipation of slaves goes awry, others, including me, will protect you. You don’t need to worry about the protection of the nobility.”
Could she ever meet someone who cared for her so blindly and took such precautions for her safety again?
Min-joo felt a tingling sensation in her chest and clenched her fist.
But he’s just a character in the scenario. Once she goes back home, she won’t be able to meet him again.
Vehen playfully raised the corners of his mouth and touched his chin.
The Vehen, who seemed mature and authoritative, felt like an ordinary twenty-five-year-old young man.
“Like you said, I only give orders to Rolfreme, and I don’t do anything other than manage the territory. But I’ve done things like this too.”
“Do you know how naive you are, Vehen? Why keep it bottled up like that?”
“Try to love even a country like this.”
“It’s impossible.”
“Absurd. Can’t you try to love the world while attempting to change it? The world is strange, don’t you think?”
He laughed without waiting for an answer. Vehen gave Min-joo a mischievous look, then softened it with a gentle laugh and lowered his head.
The meal was lavish, featuring rare ingredients, fantastic sauces, and expert cooking that left Min-joo astonished. After finishing a slice of cake for dessert, they stepped outside, and it had gotten quite cold. The rain had fallen overnight, and the temperature had dropped significantly.
Even though the sun hadn’t set, the Syrite Empire, where clear skies were a rarity, tended to have lower temperatures. Despite wearing long sleeves, Min-joo shivered in the penetrating cold.
Vehen took off his outerwear and draped it over Min-joo’s shoulders.
The coat was a bit heavy but incredibly warm. It must be worth the expensive price.
“Oh, how considerate.”
“I just gave it because you looked like you were about to freeze to death.”
“Acting like it’s nothing while taking care of me so much. Mischievous.”
“…What?”
When Min-joo playfully jabbed Vehen’s side with her elbow, he jumped back in surprise. She held onto the coat firmly draped over her shoulders and glanced around the street.
The area seemed to be frequented by wealthy individuals, judging by the vibrant colors of people’s clothing. The street was well-maintained, with no unpleasant odors, and pleasant scents and food aromas wafted from various buildings.
A little further down, the area where commoners and the poor lived would be visible. The stark contrast between the environments was fascinating.
Vehen took Min-joo’s hand and placed it on his arm.
Since the confession, physical contact and words had flowed without hesitation. How had this person endured it?
Vehen led Min-joo forward. She didn’t know where they were headed, but Vehen walked confidently as if he had a predetermined destination.
“Match the coat on one condition. I want to do at least that.”
“I’ll take care of it myself.”
“Winters here are quite cold. You won’t withstand it with a cheap coat.”
“…Why do you keep doing this?”
As Min-joo mumbled with a turned head, Vehen replied confidently.
“I just gave it because you looked like you were about to freeze to death.”
Could she ever meet someone who cared for her safety so blindly and took such precautions again?
Min-joo felt a tingling sensation in her chest and clenched her fist.
Vehen playfully raised the corners of his mouth and touched his chin. Then, he continued to lead Min-joo.
“A coat made from the wool of sheep that lived happily in vast fields without fences. It’s warm, soft, and gentle.”
“How do you know if the sheep were happy?”
“So, you don’t like it?”
With a dewy face, Vehen looked enchanting. His dewy face had a beautiful innocence that resonated deeply.
Min-joo, lost for words, stared at Vehen’s face. Sensing her gaze, Vehen, with a slightly arrogant smile, turned his head as if asking when he had ever shown such an innocent face.
“Accept it when I give it. I want to do it, and it’s not even that expensive for me.”
“…I’ll just take the coat.”
Only then did Vehen smile satisfactorily. His face looked so warm that it felt like the scent of yellow leaves, drenched in sunlight, was emanating from it.
Min-joo, feeling apologetic and awkward, grabbed and released Vehen’s sleeve.
* * *
The wind, carried through the slightly open window by the radiant blond hair, fluttered like silk in the air.
Neriant, perched on the windowsill, looked out as if her soul had escaped, resembling a girl trapped in a tower. She seemed like a bird with broken wings yearning for freedom.
Chete, placing Neriant’s discarded shoe neatly in front of the window rail, awkwardly initiated a conversation.
“Lady… do you miss the outside that much?”
Since disappearing without a word, Neriant had been prohibited from going out. Although Chete was Neriant’s maid, the employer who hired her was Count Velirian, so she had to obey his orders. Her task was to monitor Neriant and prevent any impulsive actions. However, Chete couldn’t help but feel sorry for Neriant.
It hadn’t been long since Chete was assigned to handle Neriant, maybe not even half a year. The Neriant she had seen was cheerful and aggressive. A person who could never be satisfied with being confined.
It took quite a while for Neriant to respond to Chete’s question. Gazing at the autumn leaves wet with dew, she spoke.
“There’s a lot I miss… I don’t even want to get married.”
“Are you talking about marrying the Crown Prince?”
The trade between Ceteran and Count Velirian proceeded secretly, and the fact that Neriant would break off the engagement with Tedric and marry Ceteran was unknown even to the maids, let alone other nobles.
Neriant shrugged her shoulders, her muscles defined and prominent. Chete found such a sight pitiful. To exercise so much out of boredom and acquire such splendid muscles…
“Don’t worry too much, Lady. Rumor has it that the Crown Prince brought an unknown woman into his bedroom either yesterday or the day before. Count Velirian got angry, saying he would break off the engagement.”
“What?”
Neriant’s blue eyes widened in astonishment.