Pretending to Be Human Is Exhausting Again Today - Chapter 79

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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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Pretending to Be Human: Episode 079

The expressions of those who obeyed my commands were far from pleased. Some exhaled sighs as if reluctantly playing along, while others cautiously followed my lead, gauging the situation to escape it.

Yet none of them—save Cadet Jo-han and his group—dared raise a hand in defiance.

They understood who held the authority in this place.

‘They’ll probably convince themselves I’ve been bitten by a mad dog.’

Once this was over, they would undoubtedly return home and regale their parents with tales of what the Princess had done and said.

Of course, it mattered little to me.

Had this been a banquet attended by families of such considerable influence from the start, I would never have set foot in it.

“It seems Cadet Jo-han has no intention of obeying my commands.”

“There’s no reason for me to obey. Even if the Princess has command authority, my liege is Prince Franz!”

‘So that’s why he’s being so bold.’

Yet a faint flicker of anxiety glimmered in his eyes. He probably harbored no certainty that Franz would protect him.

“More importantly, why is the Princess involving herself in this matter? This is a private affair between House of Medici and the Berg Family. The Princess has no right to interfere!”

I knew that argument was coming.

I pretended to deliberate for a moment before approaching Jo-han.

“And what makes you trust the Princess with this? As if she even has arbitration authority…!”

“I do. I have that authority.”

I seized his collar and yanked him forward in one swift motion. Drawing close enough that he could feel my breath, I spoke in a low voice.

“For ruining my debutante ball, I can block your family’s presentation to society. The Imperial Family can do that. Didn’t you know?”

“…!”

Perhaps because Cadet Jo-han had played the role of street gang leader at the Capital Military Academy, he seemed utterly oblivious to his own position. I lifted the corners of my lips and stared directly into his frozen eyes.

“Because a long-awaited banquet was ruined, I’m in a terrible mood right now. I’m tempted to punish all of you for ignoring my orders.”

“If, if you do something like that, Prince Franz will….”

“Would he lift a finger for some insignificant cadet from the Capital Military Academy? I’ve known Franz far longer than you have, yet I’ve never seen him show mercy to his inferiors.”

Even though I spoke in my usual tone rather than as a commander to avoid deliberately frightening him, his face grew even more tense.

“The mercy being shown right now is from me. I could punish you as things stand, yet I’m choosing to hear you out anyway.”

‘I sound like a villain saying this.’

But that was precisely the image I wanted to cultivate. Only then would the unjust dealings to come have any persuasive power.

I released my grip on his collar and patted his chest twice. Then I spoke loudly enough for others to hear.

“So for now, keep quiet and follow my orders. None of you want this to be your last banquet as cadets, do you?”

“….”

No one objected. I smiled with satisfaction, then looked toward Cadet Cocomo, who had been hiding in the crowd.

“Well then, since the proxy Cadet Jo-han’s account seems inconsistent, I’ll hear directly from the victim. Cadet Cocomo, step forward.”

“…Forward.”

Apparently anticipating her turn, Cadet Cocomo walked out slowly, her expression as if she were chewing sand.

Still, the fact that she didn’t forget to acknowledge the command showed she had more presence of mind than the others.

“Cocomo…!”

Cadet Jo-han tried to rush forward as if to protect Cocomo, but this time his quick-witted companions blocked him. They seemed to instinctively understand that any further disruption would bring consequences upon themselves as well.

Cadet Cocomo, glancing nervously to assess the situation, spoke in a trembling voice.

“Your Highness, I didn’t….”

“Just answer the question. You must realize this situation is far beyond being glossed over by pretending ignorance.”

“….”

She must have sensed it too. The moment I appeared, this childish farce would not unfold in any direction she desired.

I whispered softly to her pallid face.

“So choose carefully which ship you need to board to survive.”

“…?”

“You’re a clever child, after all.”

Without waiting for an answer, I stepped back and asked her loudly.

“First, I’ll ask about the fact that Cadet Atlas harassed Cadet Cocomo. Was it truly Cadet Atlas who harassed Cadet Cocomo? Or.”

I deliberately emphasized the rest of my words.

“Was it merely an unfortunate accident stemming from Cadet Jo-han’s unwanted advances?”

“…?”

She widened her eyes, failing to grasp my meaning. It seemed Cadet Cocomo’s perceptiveness was nowhere near Cadet Atlas’s level.

“Cadet Jo-han claimed that Prince Franz demanded the engagement be broken… but would the Imperial Family truly meddle in such private matters? It must be Cadet Jo-han’s own delusion, born from his inferiority complex toward Cadet Atlas.”

“Wha…!”

Jo-han, flustered, tried to say something. But I spoke faster, my gaze fixed on Cadet Cocomo.

“Moreover, Cadet Jo-han appears to be quite popular. So many people admire him, after all. And perhaps because of this, someone has grown jealous of those he shows interest in.”

I paused for a moment.

“Naturally, Cadet Atlas is not the only one harboring such jealousy.”

“…!”

Cadet Cocomo’s face suddenly came alive, as though she had finally grasped what choice had been presented to her.

“Those who become the target of jealousy are truly pitiable. Through no fault of their own, they suffer harassment simply because someone unwanted has taken an interest in them. Isn’t that so?”

“Y-yes, that’s right!”

Cadet Cocomo nodded vigorously.

“Exactly as Your Highness the Princess said! All the harassment began only after Count Johan declared his affection for me!”

“C-Cadet Cocomo?”

“Until now, I thought Cadet Atlas was the one tormenting me, but perhaps that wasn’t the case! Maybe the other cadets falsely accused her out of jealousy!”

At that, ominous murmurs began to ripple through the cadets watching the spectacle unfold.

“What is she even saying?”

“Who did what to whom…?”

Regardless, Cadet Cocomo, having resolved to board Princess Deina’s ship, did not stop.

“And I never urged Count Johan to break off the engagement! That was entirely his own decision, and in this matter, I am nothing but a victim!”

“That’s absurd.”

Johan’s face turned ashen. His expression was that of someone who had never dreamed he would be abandoned by the woman he loved.

This was exactly the sight I wanted to see. The downfall of a fool never ceased to be entertaining.

“Then, Cadet Cocomo, you have no intention of marrying Cadet Johan? If you truly loved him, as a member of the Imperial Family, I could bless you eternally.”

The implication was clear—marry him, and we shall see what happens.

This time, Cadet Cocomo shook her head with unmistakable clarity.

“No! I do not love Count Johan!”

“But… our relationship… love…”

Cadet Jo-han retreated backward, while the other cadets belatedly grasped the situation.

It was far too delightful a scene to capture in a single frame.

I organized my thoughts to confirm Cadet Cocomo’s resolve.

“In other words, everything that happened was because of Cadet Jo-han’s unrequited love, and Cadet Cocomo is simply an unfortunate victim of the other cadets’ jealousy?”

“Yes, that’s right!”

“Then the culprit isn’t Cadet Atlas.”

“That is… probably so!”

I turned my head to look at Cadet Atlas.

“What is your opinion, Cadet Atlas?”

Unlike Cadet Cocomo, Atlas grasped my meaning immediately.

“I have never tormented Cocomo. However, I cannot deny the possibility that she may have misunderstood me by coincidence. At the same time…”

She glanced at Jo-han, who stood bewildered, as she spoke.

“I agree with the assessment that Count Johan is the root cause of all this.”

“You, you…!”

Suddenly abandoned by both women, Jo-han’s face twisted with anger and dismay.

‘As expected, Cocomo is calculating. She won’t let go of this lifeline.’

Unlike Jo-han, Cocomo had likely finished her calculations swiftly.

It would be safer to stand with Atlas, who had my assured support, than with Jo-han, who relied on Prince Franz’s uncertain backing.

Politically speaking, it was a sound choice. Regardless of my reputation, making an enemy of the Imperial Family would be foolish.

‘Had I punished Jo-han directly, he would have only harbored resentment, not regret. He would believe himself in the right, convinced he suffered an unjust punishment because of the Princess.’

That is not a fitting conclusion. I prefer villains who crumble beneath the weight of their own powerlessness far more than those who merely regret their actions born of absurd forces.

Perhaps my emotions had betrayed themselves, for Ruslara—who had maintained her silence until now—leaned close and whispered softly into my ear.

“Your Highness, you’re smiling too much.”

“Oh, my.”

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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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