I Just Wanted Revenge, But Everyone Loves Me - Chapter 19
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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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Episode 19
Chirr, chirr.
A night when the field crickets sang in full chorus.
Watching the pocket watch Sis had given me, I steadied my breathing to the tick-tick-tick of the second hand.
Just this morning, my heart had been racing with anticipation.
But now, as the hour of the operation drew near, I couldn’t have been more tense.
‘No, I can do this.’
Whether the plan was truly foolproof, I honestly couldn’t say, but I’d done everything I could manage so far.
The preparations were finished. Now came the main event.
“Little one.”
“Y-yes?”
I spun my head around in fright, and the Duke let out a long sigh.
“Don’t be nervous. Just stay still.”
“Y-yes…”
But it was easier said than done.
I was so tense my hands and feet wouldn’t stop trembling.
I couldn’t help it.
‘This is my first prison escape.’
Of course, blowing up a building had also been a first for me—but let’s set aside such trivial matters for now.
‘I absolutely cannot get in anyone’s way.’
It was always important, but today it was paramount.
A prison escape chance came only once.
If this plan failed, we could be executed on the spot for the crime of escape before we ever proved my innocence.
The same held true for my sister, the Duke, and Sis.
‘I can’t put everyone in danger because of me.’
I shook my head firmly.
Getting in the way also included sustaining an injury. If I got hurt and became a liability, it would be catastrophic.
‘Bancadium and Sis are adults, after all.’
Their bodies were far larger than mine, so they’d have more resilience against injury—but I didn’t.
Who could I trust less than my own body?
I’d only started eating properly since arriving at the Prison, so there was no way I’d gained real strength in just a few months.
So this time, I had to move exactly as the Duke commanded.
“Little one.”
“Yes?”
Before I could even answer, a small object passed through the bars.
It fell before me in a shimmer of golden light.
‘That’s… a whistle?’
The whistle, smaller than my own fingers, came strung with cord for wearing around the neck.
As I grasped it carefully, the Duke spoke.
“If anything goes wrong, blow it.”
“Anything goes wrong?”
“I’m talking about contingencies. We’ll move together, but—”
Variables arise when you least expect them.
“There’s no harm in being prepared in advance.”
He was right about that.
There was never harm in being cautious.
Especially not in something as crucial as this.
…Click!
I spun around in alarm at the sudden sound.
A Guard entered with heavy footfalls and unlocked the cell.
“Come out. The Director wants to see you.”
“What?”
“The Director is calling for you.”
The Director—Sis?
‘Why is that person calling for me?’
Reflexively, I looked toward the Duke. Our eyes met, and his gaze narrowed.
At that moment, the Guard spoke again.
“Time is short, so he asked me to move quickly. Come along at once.”
“…Yes.”
I nodded and rose unsteadily to my feet.
Had someone else summoned me, it would’ve been different—but this Guard was the same one who’d always opened the cell and assisted when the Duke and I visited Sis before.
“I’ll come with you.”
The Duke rose as well.
But the Guard bowed apologetically.
“The Director said to bring only the child first.”
“Only the child?”
“Yes. As you are aware, sir…”
The Guard glanced at me before continuing.
“It’s highly likely that spies are moving discreetly even now. Because of what Veronica handled in advance, those agents are beginning to surface one by one.”
The Guard continued, adding that moving together would risk drawing their attention.
“So while normally we should move as one, the Director suggested we separate for just this moment. If we’re careless, we could be discovered before we escape.”
“…”
The Duke’s eyebrow twitched slightly as he listened. He seemed to be deliberating.
But knowing the Guard served Sis, the Duke couldn’t outright refuse.
“I’ll… see you shortly.”
Time was running too short to dwell on suspicion.
In a situation where we needed to move according to plan, such pointless delay had to be avoided.
Since going to the Director’s Office didn’t break the plan itself, I told him I’d see him later.
‘If anything goes wrong,’
I had the whistle the Duke gave me.
I patted my chest where the whistle was hidden and moved forward.
‘…Um.’
‘…’
‘Is this really the right way?’
Ignorant of what awaited me outside.
* * *
Meanwhile, Veronica—also holding a pocket watch—tied her radiant blonde hair high in a single knot.
She normally loved her beautiful hair, but when she needed to move forcefully like today, it was more of a hindrance.
Veronica slipped outside through a Guard sent by Sis, moving with utmost stealth.
Sneaking out was an art she’d long since mastered.
Each time she came this way, she’d discreetly dispel the Sleep Magic to avoid alerting anyone nearby.
That was the only way to remain undetected.
Sounds could be a problem.
Given the Prison Cell layout, if she wasn’t careful, the prisoners could see each other, so this precaution was essential every time she moved.
Well, this tedious business would be over soon enough.
‘Once I get out…’
I’ll play with Mun-ji to my heart’s content.
Not this bland prison gruel, but warm, tender meat—I’d feed him until he was plump and satisfied.
Even if he’s only four, at that size he shouldn’t stay so small. I’d make sure he ate only delicious things so he could grow bigger and healthier.
‘Right.’
To do that, I had to escape safely.
“Hey.”
The Guard ahead came to a halt.
After leaving the Prison Cell, he’d been taking a circuitous route toward the Building Rear, and now she surveyed the dark surroundings.
Her blue eyes shifted color in an instant.
That was when it happened.
“…Hack!”
The Guard dropped to the ground without warning.
Veronica, allowing him no time even to scream, adjusted the short dagger in her grip.
She turned slowly and smiled.
It seemed that a simple escape
“would be faster if we just kill everyone on the way out.”
* * *
“…”
“…”
Something felt off.
Following the Guard, I furrowed my brow.
‘I’ve been to the Director’s Office more than once.’
‘Even if we’re taking a detour to avoid being seen…’
‘This direction is completely wrong.’
Could this really be called the way?
I began to slow my pace deliberately.
Soon the Guard turned back to look at me.
“Why are you dragging your feet? I said time is short.”
“…Um.”
I eyed the Guard suspiciously as he moved into the pitch darkness ahead.
“Are you sure this is the right way?”
I knew time was short too.
But something felt wrong.
And my instincts,
“You’re quick for such a small thing, aren’t you?”
were usually right on the mark.
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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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