I Will Become the Villain’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 50
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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50
Something felt strange about it.
I should have been suspicious from the moment Kail, who had never asked me to go somewhere first in his life, sent such a letter.
Milly confessed that she had deliberately written letters to both sides just two days before graduation, right before the ceremony, fearing that if she arranged the schedule in advance, her scheme would be exposed.
“I’m sorry, Miss. I’m sorry.”
I let out a long sigh toward Milly, who kept bowing and apologizing.
“Why did you do such a thing?”
“I thought it would be nice if you could experience a sweet romance at least once, Miss… Since you’re the benefactor who brought Luke and me together…”
Then Milly told me a story she had heard from another family’s maid at a previous tea party.
Apparently, having a secret romance before one’s debutante ball is the current trend or something.
However, since it would be disastrous if rumors spread publicly, it’s customary for maids to cover for them.
The rebellious antics of teenagers are the same whether in the modern world or this world.
Milly said that Luke had also fallen for her scheme and cooperated, pleading for leniency for her accomplice.
“I understand. I’m angry, but… I understand what your intentions were. But why did it have to be Kail of all people?”
“Prince Kaileus… you… well…”
Milly mumbled and trailed off.
“What?”
“…He’s handsome!”
…I was so dumbfounded that I burst out laughing.
I may be a sucker for looks, but is she one too?
I wondered if Kail was really that much.
As he’s grown, his handsome DNA has gradually manifested, making him quite good-looking compared to before…
“…And he’s the male peer closest to your age, Miss.”
Milly, who had been hesitating, added another reason.
That was an undeniable fact.
Kail is indeed the only guy around me worth pairing me with.
“You know we’re completely 100 percent pure friends. That would absolutely never happen.”
“Yes… I’m sorry. I was wrong…”
Milly started tearing up and hung her head low.
“We will now commence the 247th graduation ceremony of Randerstd Royal Military Academy!”
The announcer’s voice echoed toward the audience, and the majestic national anthem resounded.
Phew. She seems to be reflecting enough, so I’ll let it slide this time.
Forging letters is problematic, but her intentions weren’t malicious.
Milly and I, who had moved to a secluded corner, returned to Kail.
I briefly explained the whole situation to Kail.
I just covered up the part about Milly trying to pair us up with a slightly different reason.
Milly bowed deeply and begged for forgiveness.
Though Kail held his forehead and groaned, since there was no point crying over spilled milk, he eventually forgave Milly.
“Since we’re already here, let’s watch the graduation ceremony properly, tour the school, and extort some delicious food from my brother.”
When I whispered to Kail, he nodded reluctantly.
Befitting the honor of the Royal Military Academy, the graduation ceremony proceeded grandly in a solemn atmosphere.
After listening to the long speeches by the principal and chairman, the congratulatory address by the Third Prince as a patron, and even the farewell speech by the student representative, when I was about to twist from boredom.
“Next, we will have the graduation representative’s response speech. Graduation representative, Simon Brante.”
My brother, perfectly dressed in his sharply pressed uniform, took the stage amid applause and cheers.
Soon, standing upright in the center of the stage, my brother began reciting his response speech in a dignified posture.
‘He memorized the entire speech? How thorough.’
The occasional squealing voices of female audience members completely stopped after about 10 minutes.
‘Too long!’
It’s as lengthy as an acceptance speech by a celebrity winning the grand prize at a year-end awards ceremony.
Don’t you realize how boring it’s gotten, you fool!
When he was practicing his speech in front of me, I should have told him: first, keep it short; second, keep it short; third, keep it short! Absolutely keep it short!
As I was dwelling on this minor regret, my brother finally ended his response speech before everyone turned to stone.
At least he avoided the disgrace of being dragged off stage.
After the diploma presentation and school anthem, the closing ceremony was finally declared.
I watched from afar as my brother chatted, surrounded by classmates and seniors and juniors.
Perhaps because he was the valedictorian who earned the graduation representative title, instructors, teachers, and even the Third Prince all stopped to talk to my brother as they passed by.
Only after a long while did my brother spot us and come running over.
“You guys really came?”
“I didn’t really want to come, but congratulations on graduating.”
I delivered my crooked congratulations while shoving a bouquet into my brother’s hands.
He was already holding about three bouquets and just crammed mine in between them.
“Thanks, Rieze.”
My brother, seeing Kail, patted his shoulder and smirked.
“Kaileus, you rascal. I’m impressed that you came all this way to congratulate this big brother. You’re a loyal guy after all. Thanks.”
“…Yeah.”
“Right, it won’t hurt to get on the good side of me, the graduation representative and your senior. Especially if you’re going to be my junior soon.”
Kail’s jaw muscles bulged. He seemed to have many curses he wanted to utter but was holding back since it was my brother’s day.
We both urgently need financial therapy.
“Give us money so we can tour the school and eat something delicious.”
I held out my hand, demanding spending money from my brother.
Though my brother grumbled about something, he seemed to be in a good mood and readily handed over a generous amount.
“Kids, meet me here around 3:30!”
After shouting that, my brother was sucked into the crowd. Why is that guy such a social butterfly?
Feeling drained just watching the scene, I shuddered and walked outside the square.
I gestured to Kail, who was standing still.
“Kail! Let’s eat first. I’m hungry.”
***
After filling our stomachs and replenishing our sugar levels with snacks, I began exploring the school properly with Kail.
Going straight inside from the square where the graduation ceremony was held, the magnificent military academy buildings greeted us.
As befitting a royal academy, there were many auspicious and antique castles, gardens, and splendid buildings reminiscent of temples.
The grounds were so vast that it took an hour to walk around once.
‘It’s fun, like touring a historic prestigious European university or theme park.’
Unlike the early part when I felt little excitement, my interest gradually grew.
At a four-way directional sign, I pointed at the training grounds and looked at Kail.
“There are training grounds over there. Let’s go.”
As I took the lead, I could hear Kail’s footsteps following a couple of steps behind.
After passing a long downhill slope, we reached the training area that occupied the largest space in the entire school.
The training area was subdivided by purpose into shooting ranges, drill grounds, gymnasiums, running tracks, fitness centers, and so on.
It was truly an extensive training facility, proving that this school was indeed a military academy.
While we couldn’t enter the indoor areas due to restrictions on outsiders, we could freely tour the parade grounds and outdoor training facilities.
When the sound of some students sparring and clashing swords rang out, Kail’s eyes finally lit up.
“Now you’re getting interested?”
I elbowed Kail, who was intently studying the cadets’ movements.
“Not really…”
Though he said that, his eyes were moving busily.
I watched from a step behind, letting Kail take his time exploring the parade grounds.
Watching that black head move around the parade grounds, I thought this was truly his calling.
Although Kail’s motivation for learning swordsmanship and martial arts was sparked by his competitive spirit toward Darius, seeing him like this, it seemed he genuinely loved swordsmanship and martial arts.
‘Blood doesn’t lie.’
In the end, you’ll walk the path of martial arts. Like your father, and like your brother.
I suddenly felt wistful realizing how much Kail had grown.
‘There was a time when I tried hard to help him discover a different path.’
About 3 years ago, not long after I first met Kail, I had packed board games and toys until my trunk was bursting and visited him.
If Kail lost interest in this field, he wouldn’t be able to kill Darius even without fixing his personality.
However, that plan failed miserably.
I made him try various things through nearly 200 different competitions, but nothing could change Kail’s goal.
Strategic games like chess became Kail’s minor hobby, but it wasn’t enough to turn his life around.
Following the path behind the Training Grounds, the Dormitory Building with its towering spires displayed overwhelming grandeur.
‘So this is where Darius lived.’
As I looked up at the Dormitory Building with mixed feelings, I was reminded that this place would soon become home for Kail too.
And that we wouldn’t be able to meet often for a while.
With a desolate heart, I turned to look at Kail.
“Kail, you’ll be living here for 4 years now.”
“3 years. I’m definitely going to graduate early.”
Kail declared with flashing eyes.
It was an expression of his competitive psychology—since Darius had graduated early, he absolutely had to graduate early too.
“Well, sure. Whether it’s 3 years or 4 years. We’ll hardly be able to meet during that time.”
“….”
“You’re my only close friend, so what am I going to do? I’ll be lonely.”
I suddenly felt sad, like my best friend was transferring to a distant school.
When I suddenly brought up something sentimental, bewilderment appeared in Kail’s eyes.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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