For the Young Villain’s Happy Ending - Chapter 70

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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 70

Kevenriak laughed. Just like that day.
Like that final memory when he confessed his affection for me.
So in that moment, longing consumed me. Hope swelled within my chest.
Ah, did you recognize me? Could we see each other again and reminisce about those bygone days?
We’ve only exchanged brief greetings through letters on paper. Yet my desires burst forth uncontrollably, like a dam breaking.

“Your… Majesty?”

If you recognized me, what would I say?
Should I tell you that my time is limited, that we can never be master and disciple again?
Should I tell you that this body is not mine, that I am using Vivian’s body like an uninvited intruder?
That I came to the Imperial Palace out of concern for you.
That I wanted to see you again.

“Master.”

The word of reverence flowed from Kevenriak’s lips.
I couldn’t believe it. The surroundings fell silent. Not knowing where to look, I gazed at your beautiful hands.
You approached me, and your hands grasped me, pulling me into an embrace.

‘Keri.’

You were—

“Master must have sent the lady.”

Kevenriak’s voice, drenched in happiness, spoke those words.
A tear rolled down Vivian’s cheek.
I see. Our voices still don’t reach each other’s hearts.
Raina Hart placed her hand on Kevenriak’s back.
Our warmth touched, yet our hearts seemed not to.

“So Your Majesty has taken me as your disciple, it seems.”

They say the dead Archmage sent Vivian Asperada to me.
Vivian Asperada affirmed as if those words were true.
Speaking such nonsense so tenderly felt like a dream.

‘But I like the warmth I feel in your embrace.’

I wanted to melt into this false warmth.
Perhaps I should simply live pretending to be mad like this.

‘Come to your senses.’

But I knew I couldn’t do that.
I have the responsibility to pull you out of that abyss rather than descend into madness with you.

“Your Majesty, did you place a vow upon me?”
“I did.”

Kevenriak Heteroven affirmed.

“I have something to tell you about that person. Would you release the vow?”

Kevenriak Heteroven lowered his head.
Raina Hart gazed at him.

“Why?”

Doubt bloomed across the Emperor’s sculptural face.
His expression showed he didn’t understand why she would make such a request.

“What would Vivian Asperada need to say about her master?”
“…?”

Kevenriak Heteroven brought his forehead gently against Vivian Asperada’s forehead.
His blue eyes met her hazel eyes directly, and he smiled, moving the corners of his eyes and lips.

“Vivian Asperada was sent by her master to kill me, after all.”

Raina Hart’s eyes widened in disbelief.
When did I ever send Vivian to kill you?
When did I ever try to kill you?

‘Unbelievable.’

Frustrated, I tried to voice the thoughts churning in my mind.
But because of that cursed oath, my mouth only opened and closed repeatedly, unable to speak.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying, Lady Vivian Asperada.”

Meanwhile, Kevenriak laughed without a care in the world.
You enjoy me killing you?
Is that why you’re laughing?

“You’re not in your right mind. Seriously.”

Ah, only these inner thoughts spilled out so clearly.
Raina squeezed her eyes shut at her own slip of the tongue.

“….”

Silence fell as the Emperor lifted his forehead from mine and stepped back.
He seemed about to accuse me of lèse-majesté.
But instead, Kevenriak took my hand and walked toward the door.
What came from the Emperor’s lips was not a rebuke, but a tender voice.

“Have you eaten dinner? If not, how about some meat stew.”

As I was led along by his hand, I understood.
Ah, so this was your trap.
Taking Vivian as a disciple, trying to ensnare her with your beauty.
You were telling me to kill you.

‘Not a chance.’

This was a confrontation between Kevenriak and myself.
Either I would keep him alive, or he would bend me to his will.
Of course, regardless of the method, the victor would be me.
Raina Hart shifted the direction of the hand he held.
She interlaced her fingers with the Emperor’s and gripped firmly.

“Meat stew sounds wonderful.”

Raina Hart smiled toward the Emperor as she spoke.
They appeared like affectionate lovers. Whatever schemes lay beneath their words.

Some time later.
Separate from the resolve made in the chamber, the evening meal with meat stew proved remarkably delicious.
Kevenriak, seated across from her at the same table, also appeared satisfied with the meal.
The Dining Hall contained only Kevenriak and Raina Hart, with no attendants present.
They entered only when the call bell was pressed to serve, then withdrew outside once more.

“Was it delicious?”

The Emperor rested his chin on his hand and smiled.
Now an artificial expression, knowing his true intentions. Perhaps a hint of genuine kindness mixed in from the written exchange.
What was certain was that despite knowing the smile concealed schemes, he was handsome enough to make one lose focus momentarily.
Over two years, my disciple had certainly become a man.

“It was delicious. Thank you for the meal.”
“I’m glad.”

The tone suggested he was quite pleased that Vivian Asperada had eaten well.
Raina Hart could discern the reason for his good mood from his next words.

“By the way, my lady.”
“Yes?”
“Now that you’ve eaten, shouldn’t we move about?”

From those beautiful lips came an ominous question, followed by an even more ominous statement.

“Shall we have a lesson?”
“….”

It was phrased as a question, but I had no choice other than to accept his offer to teach me.
After taking thirty minutes of respite under the guise of digestion.
The Emperor’s Private Training Ground, reached via Kevenriak’s teleportation.
By the time Raina Hart had executed twenty-seven overhead strikes with the wooden sword, consciousness slipped away—and I awoke the next morning in my own bed.
During the time I was unconscious, my body had received seventh-circle healing magic and felt remarkably refreshed.
Greeting that early dawn, Raina Hart paused in thought.
Had I perhaps worried needlessly yesterday?

“…With Vivian’s body, no matter what I do, I don’t think I’ll be able to kill Keri.”

Raina Hart shrugged at the assured victory and rose from her bed.
It was the fourth day of life in the Imperial Palace. Today promised to be just as eventful.

***

In the morning, Person, upon entering the Emperor’s Chamber, could scarcely believe his eyes.
It had always been a dark room.
When servants visited to clean or attend to matters, drawing back a couple of curtains was the brightest the chamber ever became.

“Your Majesty, I….”

The ceiling lights blazed brilliantly throughout the chamber.
And standing before his desk, the Emperor held something in his hand and read it intently.
It was a sight he had not witnessed in two years. Unable to trust his own eyes, foolish tears welled in the middle-aged knight’s gaze.

“Person.”

The Emperor turned his gaze toward the knight standing motionless and spoke.
His expression remained unchanged, yet his voice rang clear.
The knight’s heart trembled.

“Yes.”
“Good morning.”
“Yes…! Indeed it is.”

Person’s voice grew louder than usual as his emotions surged.
It was the image of the Fourth Prince that existed in his memories, standing beside Raina Hart.
Could it be? Had His Majesty regained his senses? How suddenly?
As Person searched for the cause, one thing different from the past came to mind.
Vivian Asperada.

‘Could it be because she came to the Imperial Palace…?’

Even yesterday’s evening meal—the two of them had not shared it together, had they?
It appeared that way. Thanks to Vivian Asperada, the Emperor was regaining his former self.
But Person’s swelling hope burst like a balloon pricked by a needle at the Emperor’s next words, scattering into the void.

“My teacher sent word this morning to inquire after me.”
“…You mean Raina Hart, Your Majesty…?”

How could Raina Hart have sent word?
Whether or not Kevenriak understood the Knight’s heart, he smiled brilliantly. He appeared to be in excellent spirits.

“My teacher’s ghost came to visit.”
“…”
“We exchanged written words together.”

Person’s gaze fell upon the paper in the Emperor’s hand.
Someone had approached His Majesty while pretending to be Raina Hart’s ghost.
The eyes of the Commander of the Imperial First Knights sharpened.

“…Your Majesty, might I inquire what you discussed?”
“Are you curious as well?”
“I am curious.”

Person was the only one who could be called Kevenriak’s close associate.
Because the Emperor acknowledged that he belonged to Raina Hart, he was able to remain by his side.
To Kevenriak, Person was someone with whom he could share memories of Raina. The Emperor handed over the papers he had been holding.

“Look. It’s my teacher’s handwriting.”

Person read the paper he had received from Kevenriak.

“Did you sleep well?”
“Master, I didn’t expect you to visit this morning.”
“Thanks to His Majesty, I slept soundly. I woke up early.”
“….”

It was ordinary conversation, yet Person’s heart grew troubled.
The dialogue in the text was unmistakably between the Emperor and Raina Hart, whom I knew, but….
Person turned the page to the next one.
Since the story mentioned evening, it appeared to be yesterday’s written exchange.

“You made a vow with Vivian Asperada?”

Then Person’s gaze caught on a single sentence and could not look away.

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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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