For the Young Villain’s Happy Ending - Chapter 130

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 130

Kevenriak’s eyes questioned why Vivian had reacted as though startled by something.

“Ah, well—”

But she could never speak of sensing Raphael’s presence nearby. The oath bound her lips, leaving them empty of words.
Kevenriak observed her peculiar behavior—it resembled the expression he’d witnessed at Asperada Duke’s Castle days ago.

“Why? Is my mother searching for me even within the Imperial Palace?”

The Emperor spoke with indifference. Ignorant of shadows, he regarded Raphael as merely a phantom wandering in search of him—nothing more.
His mother’s specter stirred no emotion within Kevenriak.
In his childhood, he had occasionally wondered about the mother who birthed a monster. Yet no one had ever told the young Fourth Prince that Raphael loved him, or that she wished to protect him.

“The Empress Consort was concerned for you, Your Highness.”

Thus, even if Vivian were to relay the phantom’s words now, no filial bond could blossom between mother and son—a connection he did not know.
He harbored no memories, no emotions toward his own mother.

“No. Nothing at all.”

Vivian shook her head toward the Emperor, who appeared unmoved even as she mentioned his mother.
She had merely heard a faint scratching sound. Raphael’s spirit was not present—perhaps I was mistaken.

Not long after, the Emperor departed to rescue his companion, who was surrounded by his disciples.

***

Two days had passed since Tiernan Fargan commanded the Rebel Forces to assemble.

“Your Highness.”

Within the Command Tent of the Rebel Camp.
After the tactical meeting concluded, Tiernan Fargan, now alone, listened to the Officer who had sought him out.

“There is someone requesting an audience. If you grant permission, I shall bring them here.”

The Officer’s face brightened. Had a powerful force arrived?
If so, that was welcome news.
Given the circumstances, dozens of people sought to meet Tiernan Fargan each day. Tiernan Fargan simply nodded to the Officer without further questions.

“Bring them in.”

Once permission was granted, the Officer left the Command Tent and promptly returned with someone. They must have been waiting nearby. Tiernan Fargan turned at the sound of footsteps, but found himself unable to look away from his visitor.

“…Vivian.”

Confusion flickered in his green eyes as his pupils trembled. Why was Vivian, who was supposed to be in a safe place, here on this battlefield?

“Hello, Your Highness.”

Whether or not Vivian understood Tiernan Fargan’s concern, she greeted him with a bright smile.
The Officer, relieved to finally be able to speak, opened his mouth.

“Someone spoke to me, and I realized it was Lady Vivian. I’m not sure how you discovered this place… Ah, you must have much to discuss. I shall take my leave.”

The Officer knew that Tiernan Fargan regarded her specially—enough to concern himself with her whereabouts and well-being. He tactfully withdrew to give them privacy for their reunion.
Only Vivian and Tiernan Fargan remained in the Command Tent. Tiernan Fargan asked, his expression bewildered.

“…How did you find this place?”
“I have a reliable information network.”

Vivian spoke to him as she normally would, then suddenly covered her mouth in surprise.

“Oh, I shouldn’t speak so casually…should I?”
“No, it’s fine. Speak however you’re comfortable.”

Tiernan Fargan hastily raised his hand, concerned that Vivian might feel uncomfortable, then let it fall awkwardly.

“Vivian, do you understand where this is?”
“The Rebel Camp.”
“War will break out soon. It’s dangerous for you to be here. You must leave.”
“Where to?”

For a moment, Vivian’s voice seemed to grow quieter. Her eyes met Tiernan Fargan’s, and she still wore that smile. Had he imagined it?

“I heard you were in a safe place. Did you meet with the Mages? The Academy students were looking for you.”
“Oh, Rose and the others?”
“…Are they people you knew?”
“No, I just got close to them today.”

Vivian spoke cheerfully, having already exchanged names with the other Disciples in the meantime.
Meanwhile, Tiernan Fargan’s mind was in turmoil. Countless questions surfaced and circled within his mouth, yet none escaped his lips.

Where was this safe place? Was she doing well? Did she still have two personalities? Was she the personality carrying the spark I witnessed, or was she the Vivian I met in childhood? And….

“Is the place where you’re staying now safe?”
“Yes, I’m staying with very trustworthy people.”

Yet I could not guarantee my own survival even tomorrow. If Vivian had found a safe place to entrust herself to—Tiernan Fargan. I must not be greedy for her.

“Tiernan, actually, I came here today because I had something to tell you.”

Still, at her words that she had something to say to me, my heart raced. Vivian had always been that kind of existence. Lingering attachments made me turn back again and again, and just when I resolved to abandon those attachments, she would reach out and hold me once more.

“Do you remember me? I think I remember you.”

If the spark had transferred to Vivian as she climbed the mountain, then before the campfire where she recognized me, the excitement of childhood bloomed anew.
Perhaps, from the moment I snuck into Asperada Duke’s Castle to meet her after she awakened, this feeling was always inevitable.

“What… did you want to say?”

Tiernan Fargan asked. I tried to feign indifference lest my lingering attachment be exposed, but awkwardness seeped into the end of my words.

“Let’s stop the rebellion.”
“….”

But the words that came from Vivian’s mouth made Tiernan Fargan doubt his own ears. Stop the rebellion after assembling an entire army? It was no different from demanding surrender to the Emperor.
I did not wish to think of Vivian as an enemy, but every implication of those words awakened her position to me.
Vivian Asperada. The sole princess of an enemy nation.

“Is that why you came looking for me? To say that?”
“Yes.”
“Vivian, did the Emperor send you? To use your connection with me and persuade me?”
“No.”
“Then why would you say such a thing….”

Vivian’s composed demeanor only deepened his confusion. He couldn’t fathom her reasons for speaking this way.
Tiernan Fargan shook his head, trying to understand her.

“No matter what reason you give, I cannot abandon the rebellion.”
“So my words alone won’t convince you? Then would you listen if Tiernan Fargan spoke directly?”
“Directly? That means someone ordered you to say this to me—”

Tiernan Fargan fell silent mid-sentence. Soldiers guarded the entrance to the Command Tent, and no outsider could enter without his permission.
Yet somehow, a figure slipped through and entered the tent alone, unimpeded by anyone.

“….”

A hood pulled low, a long robe that descended to the ankles, pale skin glimpsed between the folds.

“Live the life you wish to live.”

Fourteen years. Whenever I saw such a robe during all these years, one person came to mind. There were times I mistook someone in a similar robe for that person.
Yet all those mistakes paled in comparison now. I had never felt such absolute certainty before.
A woman’s voice flowed from beneath the hood.

“Nox Din.”

The name written on the identification card that person had given me. Years ago, I learned it had a location-tracking function and discarded it, but for some reason, I could never discard the name.

“You are free now, Tiernan Fargan.”

Those words from the woman had surely planted a small ember I hadn’t even noticed. That ember occasionally caught fire when it met kindling, burning fiercely. I realized the identity of the ember rising in my chest.
Longing. What you planted was the yearning for my own life that eight-year-old me had lost.

“Have you found the life you wish to live?”

The woman grasped the hood she wore deep and pulled it down with her hand.

“…!!”
“I don’t think that would constitute a rebellion.”

The woman I had pursued for fourteen years finally revealed her true identity before me. Tiernan Fargan felt goosebumps rise along my spine. The witch I had seen in the blazing inferno of the Imperial Palace. Raina Hart. She was the one who had purchased me from the Slave Trader.
More than that—wasn’t she the Grand Mage who was supposed to be dead? Had that hollow demise been a lie?

“Since I didn’t come here to fight, it would be better if you put your sword away.”

At Raina’s words, Tiernan Fargan realized I had already drawn my blade without noticing. I felt sweat seeping into my palms.
The moment I saw her face, my body faithfully followed my emotions. Vengeance and hostility. My mind knew she had lifted Tunchar into the Dimensional Space, but my feelings had not yet subsided.

“…So they weren’t Academy students.”

Tiernan Fargan looked between Vivian Asperada and Raina Hart in turn, then slowly lowered the sword I had reflexively drawn. A piece of the puzzle fell into place.
The Master’s keepsake that made the highest-ranking Dark Mage disappear, Vivian’s safe haven.
Raina Hart’s disciples had confirmed Vivian beside their Master and declared her safe.

“…You who pretended to be dead—what business do you have with me?”

She alone had lifted Tunchar into the sky. If Raina Hart so desired, the Rebel Forces might vanish without a trace.
Raina spoke to him, who was now tense.

“Nothing major. I came to make a threat.”
“A threat…?”
“End the rebellion and establish a peace treaty. Then I’ll return Tunterra’s lands to you.”
“…Return the lands?”
“Yes. All the territories the Betuzhenia Empire took. His Majesty the Emperor has approved it.”

Not just some of Tunterra’s lands, but all of them returned. It was such an extraordinary condition that it seemed like mockery.
But….

“It’s a good opportunity to reclaim Tunterra’s former lands without major bloodshed.”
“…I cannot accept.”
“Why not?”
“There will be strong opposition within the army. The loss of the Tunterra Empire and what they suffered at the hands of Betuzhenia’s people runs deep. Vengeance has reached its peak. Eight out of ten would prefer to continue the war—.”
“Tiernan Fargan.”

Raina called out to him.

“There’s no need to ask for consent.”
“…?”
“I told you. This is blackmail.”

The Grand Mage flashed a wicked smile I’d never seen before and spoke to him.

“If you want Tunchar returned safely, then take only your own lands and get out.”

***

“You were absolutely villainous!”

Shortly after, Raina Hart and Vivian Asperada left the Rebel Camp.
Vivian raised her thumb toward Raina Hart.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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