The Villain Who Will Kill Me Is Too Handsome, It's Troublesome - Chapter 10

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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 10.
Count Soltis and the Emperor both opposed it. The Emperor’s objection came as no surprise, but she hadn’t expected her father to side with him.
Artiela looked at the remaining man with disappointment in her eyes.
“I think Father is right too.”
Bleo parried his sister’s piercing gaze with a playful wink.
“A handsome man’s reputation must be protected, after all.”
“I’d appreciate it if you kept your mouth shut.”
Why had he followed them here in the first place?
When Ushiel turned to regard Bleo with a look that could kill, he settled obediently into his seat. He made no effort to hide the smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
“Why do you both object?”
Ushiel asked the Emperor and the Count on Artiela’s behalf.
Honestly, she wondered if this was even worth objecting to. Artiela’s proposal seemed like the simplest solution available at the moment.
“The commander of the Holy Knight Order is a busy man, is he not? He must guard the Saint, uphold justice—burdening such a person with the stewardship of imperial nobility as well would be overextending him.”
“I didn’t know Your Majesty took such concern for Edelion’s knights.”
Ushiel’s tone carried a subtle barb.
Peter smiled with his usual shrewd charm.
“Artiela is a woman who has contributed to the Empire’s peace, so it’s hardly strange that I take an interest in her wellbeing.”
He rose from his seat and patted Pursael on the shoulder, wearing the mask of a benevolent lord.
“If all the Duke needs is training in Aura, I’ll entrust him to Pursael. House of Rupel is known throughout the Empire as a distinguished family, and I owe a debt to the late Duke. It’s only natural that I, as Emperor, take him under my wing.”
Long-winded. People always talk more when they’re hiding something. Artiela suppressed the urge to scratch her ear openly and took a deep breath.
“Is that all?”
“No, not all. Before the Duke becomes accustomed to Aura, there may be further accidents. Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if he learned in a isolated, secure place? The Imperial Knights have excellent instructors, and the Imperial Palace is safe.”
Artiela watched Peter’s anxious face with interest.
The Duke of Rupel was timid by nature and of illegitimate birth, so his political foundation was weak. He had no close allies among the central nobility. There was no reason to check him in the first place.
Then why? Why was the Emperor so desperate to keep Kirien away?
“I saw it with my own two eyes.”
If he were base enough to slander someone with such an obvious lie, her father and brother wouldn’t have made him their lord.
‘Who did the Emperor actually see?’
She’d reviewed the materials Peter had given Ushiel at the first opportunity. The Emperor’s account had been detailed and consistent.
But no matter how many times she considered it, there was no possibility it had been the Duke. Either Peter had been mistaken, Kirien had a hidden twin brother, or else……
‘That would be the worst case.’
The thought of that final possibility sent a chill down her spine. But she shook her head at once.
In that case, Bardo couldn’t have been ignorant of it. Since God sent him down to this land, he had never made a wrong judgment, not once.
It would be impossible unless Kirien possessed some special ability to deceive the Holy Sword’s Eye.
Just then, Peter’s gaze met Artiela’s. A fold of resentment—or was it displeasure?—crossed the bridge of his nose. He forced his angelic smile back into place and shifted his attention to Kirien.
“Isn’t that right, Rupel?”
“I……”
There it was.
Whatever else she didn’t know, she understood what the Emperor wanted.
‘The complete isolation of the Duke of Rupel.’
There was logic to it, but she couldn’t allow it. The Duke, whose gift was digging tunnels, would wither away if left alone.
What he needed now wasn’t isolation—it was encouragement. A seed buried alone in the earth must be watered and given sunlight to germinate and bloom.
Without hesitation, Artiela held up Bardo in front of Kirien, blocking him.
“You need not answer, Your Grace. My apologies.”
She drew a single sheet of parchment from her bosom and unfolded it.
Never thought this would actually be used.
‘Long live the saintly genius!’
Peter read the contents of the document in a dry voice.
“Probationary Holy Knight induction……a contract?”
“Yes, the Duke has already joined the Holy Knight Order. Though not formally, of course. It’s a two-week trial experience.”
Peter’s face twisted.
“There’s such a thing as a Holy Knight trial?”
Of course there wasn’t.
They couldn’t put the Duke in the Holy Knight Order’s dormitory without justification, so they’d created this temporary arrangement on the spot. Ushiel had devised the entire plan while keeping up the scolding.
Artiela lifted her chin without a shred of shame.
“It’s an experiential learning program requested by the Duke of Rupel himself, at a donation of 100,000 Gold per night.”
“……”
“Since the Holy Knight Order’s dormitory was damaged because of me, I will contribute an additional 1,000,000 Gold.”
The Duke, possessing nothing but money and beauty, spoke in a humble, self-deprecating tone.
A magnificent benefactor who had achieved first place in the spring donation rankings in a single stroke—or rather, a worshiper—spoke with such modesty that he deserved the most courteous, precious, and gentle treatment.
Not in the Imperial Palace, but here in Edelion.
“For your information, this contract is guaranteed by the Sacred Tree and uses the Saint’s Holy Power as the oath’s seal.”
Artiela smiled brightly.
“From today, you cannot leave Edelion for a fortnight.”
Confined—or rather, bound—to the Temple.
Artiela pointed out the terms with a serene expression, then set the document down on the table with a decisive tap.
Peter, reading with a grim face, turned a cold glare toward Ushiel.
“The Saint approved this? Ha. Truly, your selfishness knows no bounds.”
“Your Majesty, I’m not sure what misunderstanding you’ve taken, but—”
“So God’s will matters more to you than your brother’s life?”
“Your Majesty? Our Saint cares for Artiela so much. How could you say such a thing—”
Bleo stammered, flustered.
Artiela regarded the Emperor with contempt. So this was how petty he could be—using family to get what he wanted?
She’d even tried to keep his innocence hidden.
“Wasn’t it you who said I might be the source of evil, Your Majesty?”
Then Kirien stepped forward quietly. His gaze, still trembling, fixed with difficulty on the Emperor’s feet.
“So you were listening.”
“My ears weren’t broken.”
Hadn’t the Emperor made a point of discussing it right under his nose?
“And yesterday, when the Commander of the Holy Knight Order visited my home, it was because Your Majesty requested a Holy Trial. My innocence has been proven, but if word spreads, my honor will crumble.”
If he used this against the Emperor in factional strife, Peter could not simply brush it aside. He chose his words carefully to counter Kirien’s assault.
But Kirien’s gaze had turned toward Artiela.
“I also heard from the Saint. That you dreamed of me killing Artiela.”
Count Soltis staggered in shock. Bleo, bewildered, steadied his father.
Peter turned to face Kirien with a composed expression.
“Yes, so staying in the Temple can hardly be forbidden, can it? You might harm the benefactor trying to help you.”
“No. That’s precisely why I will remain here.”
It was the strongest his voice had sounded all evening. For the first time, his eyes held light.
“If I am the source of evil, then I must be ready to offer my neck to the owner of the Holy Sword who has shown me grace at any moment.”
He knelt on one knee. His hand drew Artiela’s down. His lips met the back of her hand.
Those full lips he’d wanted to press against—
‘Soft and smooth.’
Just like her soul—
“Wait, stop!”
Artiela’s face flushed crimson.
Count Soltis, barely upright with Bleo’s support, grew dizzy again and stumbled. Bleo continued to steady his father, unable to tear his eyes away.
Peter trembled, his fists clenching.
“I will entrust myself wholly to my savior.”
His low, measured voice rang clear as if emerging from a cavern. His eyes fixed on Artiela were blind with devotion.
Artiela glanced at Ushiel.
‘Is this right?’
When Ushiel’s eyes met her sister’s, she nodded. Her expression was deeply satisfied.
“Artiela, from now on, never let yourself be parted from House of Rupel.”
“What? Why?”
“You can’t leave him unsettled. Don’t leave him lonely. Stay away from jealousy, envy, greed, obsession—all those negative feelings. That’s what will save both him and you.”
She’d figured it out the moment Ushiel started grilling her about falling for the Duke.
‘She was teasing me all along.’

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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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