The Villain Who Will Kill Me Is Too Handsome, It's Troublesome - Chapter 65

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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 65.
“Kirien? What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”
At Artiela’s question, Kirien startled and lifted his head.
“It’s nothing.”
But it clearly was something.
When Artiela tilted her head and stepped closer, Kirien hastily moved ahead.
“Did the wounds I treated earlier not heal properly?”
She’d already blown gently on the small cuts to heal them, holding both his hands and pouring in what little Sacred Power she possessed without reservation.
“Do you have any remaining injuries? Let me use Holy Breath on them.”
“There are none. And I believe that’s the right way.”
“Hmm, that’s suspicious.”
“It isn’t, I assure you.”
“But it clearly is.”
“It truly isn’t.”
His neck had turned crimson. It was so endearing. Anyone who saw that and didn’t tease him deserved pity.
“By the way, if we go furniture shopping in a moment, won’t people mistake us for newlyweds?”
A direct hit. The blush that had colored his neck spread all the way to his ears.
But he pretended not to hear, walking ahead until he stood before a certain workshop.
“That is…”
A locked jewelry box.
Artiela pulled out both the box and its key.
Even with commissioned work, craftsmen always embedded their own distinctive touches into their creations.
Like the jewelry box here—the way small gemstones were arranged and joined, the finishing technique.
“I don’t think this was made by the person inside.”
The craftsman seemed too young—about their age. It was hard to imagine someone so youthful creating such a piece.
“However, since the style is similar, perhaps he learned from the original maker, or is the maker’s son?”
They decided to enter and ask.
“Welcome!”
The young proprietor greeted them warmly.
“Do you need any items for the Temple?”
He also appeared to be a devout believer—his eyes gleamed with faith when he saw the Blue Cloak. Many of the displayed works were temple-related.
Bardo replicas in particular.
Among those who believed in the divine, Bardo signified protection, and they sold well. They were also prettier than actual Holy Swords, with more sparkle.
Perhaps for that reason, Kirien noticed one first.
“Beautiful work. But did you make this jewelry box as well?”
Kirien wore Knight’s Armor, so despite knowing the man was a commoner, he showed him respect. The naturality of it made Artiela watch him with quiet approval.
That a noble would lower himself to stay at her side—it was both gratifying and something she felt guilty about.
“No, that was made by my father.”
Just as they’d suspected.
Artiela and Kirien exchanged glances.
“Would it be possible to meet him?”
“Pardon? Why would you need to?”
The proprietor looked quite taken aback.
To help him understand, Artiela produced the jewelry box.
“I’d like to confirm who made this. You see, I’ve lost the key…”
The proprietor examined the box she offered. The method of setting the gemstones, their arrangement—they were indeed similar to what was typically done in this workshop.
Moreover, a signature was engraved on the bottom.
“Yes, that’s my father’s signature. This was made here in our workshop.”
“Then, do you happen to have a spare key?”
Artiela spoke with hopeful eyes.
Judging from how the Imperial Palace had been concerned about the Source of Evil, there had to be some important clue inside—even if it wasn’t the Goddess’s Tear.
“No. When we craft these, we usually make only one spare key, and that’s always sold together with the jewelry box.”
It made sense—if extra keys remained, they could be misused.
“Then, is there no way to open it? It seems the maker would be able to open it.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t inherit that technique from my father.”
“And your father himself?”
“Well, he’s bedridden with illness and sometimes loses his memory.”
In that case, he might find it difficult to remember the technique.
As Artiela’s expression grew downcast, the proprietor fidgeted anxiously.
He’d recognized her identity from the Bardo at her side—and to a devout believer, the thought of being unable to help the hero of Edelion was a profound sorrow.
“There are moments when he regains consciousness. Would it be all right to contact you then?”
“Of course. You can reach the Holy Knight Order in Edelion at any time.”
“What an honor, Commander!”
Watching the shopkeeper’s childlike delight, I found it hard to simply leave. If there was a chance he might need our help, buying nothing would be a reflection on my character.
Artiela looked for something within a price range that wouldn’t strain the ducal finances.
Fortunately, there were ornaments made from stone and metal rods rather than gems—designs that children would surely adore.
“Isn’t this pretty?”
I asked Kirien.
“It would look lovely hung in a window.”
“Wouldn’t it?”
“Should we buy two?”
“That’s a wonderful idea.”
If we only gave one to Daisy, it wouldn’t be fair to her sister. Giving both a matching gift seemed far better. Since they were made of stone, they weren’t expensive—I could cover it from my stipend.
If Bleo weren’t currently apprenticing at the Imperial Palace, I could have simply asked him for spending money.
But with so much work already laid at his feet, it wouldn’t befit the master of a Holy Sword to squeeze coin from him as well. I’d make do with what I had.
While the shopkeeper wrapped our purchase, Artiela examined other decorations.
“The ones with gems are expensive, as expected.”
“Do any of those appeal to you?”
“No. Daisy’s still young—if she owned something that costly, it might draw unwanted attention from unsavory sorts.”
Kirien’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Ah, so that’s….”
“If the sisters each have the same thing, they’ll feel connected even when they’re apart, won’t they?”
I answered with obvious satisfaction.
Kirien deflated a little, but when I tilted my head curiously at his gloomy expression, he smiled awkwardly.
“Here you are.”
“Thank you!”
The moment I reached for my purse to pay, Kirien stepped in front of me.
“My father taught me that a suitor should always settle such expenses.”
At the word ‘suitor,’ the shopkeeper’s eyes went wide.
But he quickly clapped his hands together.
“What a perfect match, you two!”
Oh no—this rumor will spread across the entire empire.
* * *
After finishing our business at the furnishings shop, both my hands hung heavy with purchases.
“I’ve heard countless lectures about how clergy should be free of material desire….”
“Ati didn’t buy much for herself, though, did she?”
Kirien also carried substantial weight in both arms.
“No wonder the children adore you.”
A dagger, gauntlets for the hands, knee guards, and more.
Equipment for the knights, loads of it.
Still, Kirien’s mood seemed to have lifted. Was it the magic of shopping?
Since he’d become a duke, choosing items directly from the workshop was probably a novel experience—surely enjoyable for him. Back when he lived as a commoner, he’d never had the means.
‘Mindful spending does put life back into a person.’
The ducal house had endless wealth, so on days when he seemed dispirited like this, I should perhaps bring him out more often to let him experience the simple joy of spending.
“What about you?”
“That’s hardly a question worth asking.”
As we walked along together, chatting intimately, eyes turned toward us from every corner. An unusual number of priests seemed to be out at the workshop district today.
This was a problem.
I’d been warned not to invite gossip.
Artiela quickened her pace, but Kirien stayed close behind, keeping up easily.
I shouldn’t have taught him that trick.
But wait—the person at the main gate….
“Sir Pursell?”
The Emperor’s bodyguard, no less.
I hadn’t seen him at the Imperial Palace during the day. What was he doing here? He’d been clinging to his horse’s side, vigilant, but the moment he spotted Artiela and Kirien, he practically threw himself from the saddle.
“Lady Artiela.”
“What’s happened? Has another crisis struck the palace already?”
“No, it’s not that….”
Pursell’s eyes were exhausted, heavy with a deep, stubborn anguish.
“Earlier today, when His Majesty’s bedchamber balcony was opened for air, he stirred and regained consciousness for a moment.”
“Really?”
“Back then, you told me you’d figured out where the Source of Evil is hiding now.”
Should I even trust this?

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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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