For the Young Villain’s Happy Ending - Chapter 157

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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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Side Story Episode 10

Maverick, who arrived last to the conference and found himself seated in the back row, swept his gaze across the chamber.
Quiet, isn’t it.
These nobles were always so fearful. It wasn’t unusual for His Majesty to remain silent like this.
‘Looks like the Empress rejected him for a date.’
The tedium threatened to draw a yawn from him. As Maverick raised his hand to cover his mouth, he noticed a white object clinging to his sleeve and muttered under his breath.
“Oh dear, a gray hair.”
Upon closer inspection, it was merely a thread.
A relief. Maverick’s hair was a deep brown.
“Marquis, is something the matter?”
“No, I thought I’d found a gray hair, but it was just a thread. Gray hairs stand out so much against dark hair—I nearly looked old there.”
The air turned glacial.
Maverick, who had been conversing in hushed tones, turned his head to locate the source of that chill.
The black-haired Emperor was staring directly at him. Was our handsome Majesty glaring at me? It certainly seemed that way. But why?
“Ha ha.”
Regardless of the reason, he had the distinct feeling he should head straight home today.

***

The Captain of Imperial First Knights, Person, was somewhat bewildered.
The Emperor, blessed with striking features from birth, had never shown interest in his own appearance since childhood.
Yet today he had checked the mirror several times, turning his face this way and that as if admiring his own beauty, only to set it down with a dissatisfied expression.
‘What on earth…?’
It was behavior he couldn’t begin to understand. For someone with a rough face like his own, dissatisfaction might be warranted. But shouldn’t the Emperor’s appearance inspire admiration?
“That’s exactly what they say about those who have plenty.”
Person’s gaze shifted to the dark-haired blonde man standing in the corridor before the door. It was Ren, a disciple of Raina Hart, and he was the most audacious among all her disciples.
He had been about to knock on the office door with business for the Emperor when he spotted him setting down the mirror through the open doorway.
“Ren, mind your words and conduct.”
“Yes, sir. We’re in the Imperial Palace, after all. Captain Person. But is His Majesty busy?”
“Come in.”
Kevenriak, having overheard their exchange, spoke. Ren grinned and passed Person to enter the office.
“Wow, you’re looking handsome today too, Your Majesty? Our teacher says she chose a good husband~.”
“….”
“Oh, that look in your eyes—. I get it. Stop talking nonsense and state your business.”
When Raina Hart ascended to the position of Empress, a new guard unit was established. Composed of her disciples, it bore the title of guard unit, but they performed duties and errands beyond the Empress’s protection.
The protection aspect was omitted because Raina Hart had firmly stated it was unnecessary, but for formality’s sake they still needed to keep track of her location—.
Ren cleared his throat awkwardly. Even if he wanted to become an incompetent mouse and hide in a mousehole, he still had to report. After all, he was the one who lost at rock-paper-scissors.
“The Empress has been missing since after lunch. I came to report and ask if you happen to know where she might be? You’re fast.”
Before Ren could even finish speaking, the Emperor vanished through instantaneous teleportation.
Kevenriak and Raina Hart had inscribed a spell on their wedding rings that displayed the coordinates of the other’s ring. He had teleported to those coordinates.
Not long after, Kevenriak returned to the office. With the Alchemist Dinsper prostrate at his feet.
“Y-Your Majesty the Empress…! That is, suddenly…!”
Dinsper, who had been teleported while in the middle of bowing to the Emperor, kept his eyes squeezed shut as he spoke. Then he cautiously opened them and, bewildered by the marble floor that had replaced the wooden one, slowly raised his head.
The Emperor was gone, and a middle-aged knight and a blonde youth loomed over him, their shadows falling heavily.
“Y-Your Majesty?”
“His Majesty went elsewhere to find the Empress.”
The youth answered. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be either a minor noble or a commoner working in the palace.
Dinsper glanced around the room. There was no one besides the two of them. Ah, so I’m the highest ranking person here right now?
Though he’d been getting pushed around by the Empress and Maverick Marquis lately, he was still the foremost figure in the alchemical world. It meant he was someone who originally had no reason to kneel before anyone.
Dinsper brushed himself off and stood, regarding the two with an arrogant gaze. The knight looked rather intimidating, so he addressed the more approachable youth.
“You young fool, standing there gawking when an elder has arrived. Go fetch some tea.”
“Oh, sir, about that.”
“Hmm?”
“His Majesty the Emperor just gave me an order before leaving, so I have work to do, you see? We made some mistakes today and all~.”
Ren smiled wickedly. Mana gathered in his palm, forming the shape of a rope that bound Dinsper tightly. The more the alchemist struggled to break free, the tighter the mana rope constricted around his body.
“Let’s have a deep conversation about why the Empress’s ring turned up in your laboratory, shall we? Oh, do you prefer lightning, or a tiger’s front paw?”
“Y-You brat—!!”
“Well, I have plenty of other options too.”
Ren placed a hand on Dinsper’s shoulder and teleported away. Person, observing the now-silent office, adjusted his sword.
Today was peaceful as well.

***

Kevenriak searched everywhere Raina Hart might go.
The Study, the Villa, House of Asperada, Daisy Detective Agency, ….
She was nowhere to be found. Finally, he stopped his teleportation at Lord’s Castle in Hibei as his last destination.
No other locations came to mind.
“….”
He retrieved a glass marble from his Subspace pocket—a magical item that turned crimson if Raina Hart’s safety was ever threatened. Confirming it remained transparent, he placed it back into his pocket.
Hibei, which he visited after so long, was peaceful as always.
The Butler, Head Chef, and two maids and servants each—six servants still maintained the castle. Thanks to them, the castle always greeted those who returned home in pristine condition.
Kevenriak sat atop the wide steps before the castle gates. It was where he had waited for Raina Hart to return from outings when he was younger.
Kevenriak held Raina Hart’s ring—which he had taken from Dinsper’s laboratory—in his hand, taking in the Garden within his view. It had seemed enormous when he was a child, but now it appeared nothing more than a small courtyard.
The Butler brought a blanket and tea. The winter air was biting cold.
Time passed. His breath mingled with the sky as sunset descended. Kevenriak gazed quietly at the heavens before lowering his gaze. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he observed the light gleaming in the empty air.
“Keri?”
“Welcome back.”
At the sight of her husband sitting calmly before the gates offering a greeting, Raina Hart approached him in surprise.
“Why are you here?”
“I knew you would come if I waited here.”
“Goodness. Your cheeks are cold. How long have you been sitting here?”
“Not long.”
Raina Hart cupped Kevenriak’s cheeks with both hands, her expression troubled. She unfolded the blanket that lay neatly beside him and draped it across his shoulders, whereupon Kevenriak smiled faintly.
“Magic and blankets are mere decoration? Stay warm.”
“Cold air is good for the skin, they say.”
“…What?”
Raina Hart blinked, then let out a soft laugh. She then settled beside Kevenriak. Immediately, warmth enveloped her, and half of the blanket he had spread covered her shoulders.
“So cold air is good for the skin, is it?”
“I dislike it when you’re cold.”
It was pure selfishness. Raina Hart rested her head against Kevenriak’s arm. Kevenriak asked.
“Were you out?”
“Yes, I thought I’d be back quickly so I left my communication device behind, but it’s out of stock….”
In that instant, she realized her mistake and searched for words to change the subject, but just then Kevenriak slipped the ring onto her finger.
“Where had it been? I was looking for it.”
“Where do you think it had been, Raina?”
There was a needle hidden within his laughter. Someone would surely be caught. And there was no guarantee that someone wouldn’t be her.
Raina Hart confessed honestly.
“I commissioned Dinsper to develop a potion that temporarily ages one’s appearance. I removed the ring to test it, but I forgot to retrieve it. I’m sorry, Keri.”
“Why would you need such a potion…?”
Kevenriak’s voice trembled slightly. Could it be that I’ve grown old and Raina Hart has—
“Mm….”
Raina Hart kicked her feet, which peeked out from beneath the blanket. She felt a bit embarrassed now that she was about to speak.
“Because I need to maintain a mother’s dignity…?”
“….”
“I found out yesterday. Whether it’s because of the Dragon’s blood or not, I felt a different magical power than mine. Right here.”
Raina Hart placed Kevenriak’s hand on her lower abdomen. Though there was no visible sign yet, she could feel it even now.
The child she and he had seen growing in a dream from months ago.
“Actually, I bought baby shoes today. I was planning to show them to Keri and tell him then. My mouth was itching to say it, so I just blurted it out. I’ll show you later. They’re incredibly cute….”
While choosing the shoes, she had imagined Kevenriak’s reaction all day long, but strangely, he remained silent. Raina Hart turned her head to the side.
Kevenriak held his head slightly bowed, his lips pressed firmly together. Raina Hart gently moved her hand to wipe his face. The tears flowing from his blue eyes showed no sign of stopping.
“Why are you crying.”
“….”
Even as Raina Hart spoke those words, she too was crying.
Their clasped hands were warm. That alone was enough to convey their emotions to each other. From Kevenriak’s lips came occasional whispers of gratitude in a low voice. Snowflakes began to fall from the sky, one by one.
It was the first snow of the year.

“You had such a dream?”
Later, when Raina Hart heard about the dream from Kevenriak, she burst into laughter. Perhaps such a world might exist somewhere.
“But Keri, why would you grow old?”
She drew his hand from his cheek toward herself and whispered tenderly.
“Our baby is going to have such a wonderful father.”
“…I’ll do my best.”
Determination kindled in Kevenriak’s blue eyes.
Whatever word had ignited his resolve—
‘I’m happy.’
Raina Hart slowly closed her eyes. The corners of her lips curved upward as they met in a kiss.

【 End of Side Story 】

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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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