Since When Were You The Villain?

Chapter 102.

While Sophia diligently investigates the affairs of the Fraus family, the last day of the founding festival arrived.

Ian Fraus checked his condition early in the morning for the last time. However, in a corner of the training ground, a familiar shadow revealed itself.

“Sophia?”

Sophia had been hesitating, waiting for his practice to end.

Ian lowered his sword and turned to her.

‘Is she here to cheer for me…?’

She didn’t need to come all the way. It would be enough to come to the arena later. But her sincerity…

“What’s wrong, Sophia?”

He chuckled and lowered his sword. Then Sophia approached him timidly.

“Ian, I heard you’re going to have a match with His Excellency today.”

“So?”

As soon as they met, Ian’s expression stiffened at the word ‘His Excellency.’

“Well, I hope you won’t push too hard against His Excellency in today’s match.”

“…What?”

“Are you asking me to manipulate the outcome of the match?”

“What? No! I’m not asking you to deliberately lose.”

Surprised, Sophia widened her eyes and shook her head.

“As you know, there was a lot going on at the military police. His Excellency is both mentally and physically tired.”

“So?”

“So, I’m just asking you to go easy on him a bit…”

“…I’m disappointed, Sophia.”

It was the first time he expressed disappointment. While there had been times when he got angry, he had never spoken of disappointment.

“Even if it’s your request, I can’t comply with that.”

“But…”

“Are you that worried about that bastard?”

Ian’s face twisted.

‘Of course! It hasn’t even been a week since Killian’s thigh got cut open!’

He is not in a normal condition, and he hasn’t even properly treated his injuries with a doctor. Just the day before, the wounds opened up again in the palace, almost causing a big problem.

‘How can he fight a monster like you with that body of his?’

But Sophia’s outcry was like a flag silently fluttering in the wind.

“I feel sorry for your fiancé. How weak must he have looked for you to make such a request to me?”

Ian’s contempt made Sophia feel like a child caught red-handed.

Something that couldn’t be honestly shared with anyone. That’s why, knowing it was impolite and excessive, she put on a poker face and came to see Ian.

But for Killian, hearing these words from Ian is nothing. At least it is better for Sophia to become an ugly person than to put Killian in danger if he is discovered to be the Black Moon.

“Don’t worry, Sophia. I will beat that bastard handsomely.”

There was a smirk on Ian’s lips.

“Ian…!”

“Trust me, Sophia.”

With a crisp sound, he sheathed his sword and turned away, leaving her with a determined stride.

It seemed like her words had lit a fire within him.

***

The white arch pillars of the massive circular arena were adorned with vibrant clusters of flowers.

On the outside, it seemed like a lively festival atmosphere, but armed military police and Ructainer knights, patrolled around the stadium.

Ian had left early in the morning as a Ruchtainer, and the Count and Countess had gone ahead without accompanying Sophia.

Looking up at the towering circular arena, Sophia made her way towards the entrance.

Four soldiers stood strictly guarding the entrance.

After cross-referencing the list with the invitation and Sophia’s information, they nodded and raised the previously obstructing spears, allowing her passage.

Sophia was guided to the designated seat assigned by the Ruchtainer side. Next to her, Count and Countess Fraus were already seated.

As a courtesy, Sophia slightly lowered her head to greet them. However, Rubisella pretended not to see her, and Count Fraus gave her a brief glance, raising his hand in acknowledgment.

Once Sophia took her seat, Count Fraus looked at her again.

“Ahem.”

The Count cleared his throat and then spoke.

“So, the Empress talked about you?”

He already knew about her being recognized by the Empress recently.

Sophia suspected if he was plotting something strange with the Empress.

“Talking about me? Why?”

“She praised you. It seems like you made a good impression.”

“I’m relieved.”

“…Make sure to keep it that way.”

Count Fraus commanded while stroking his beard.

His words triggered an unnecessary rebellion within Sophia.

To be commanded like this when there was no previous interest…
However, since Count Fraus’s unspoken words were already meant to present himself well to the Empress, Sophia decided to set aside any unnecessary rebellious feelings.

Count Fraus turned his gaze, seemingly indicating that he had nothing more to say. Sophia also didn’t want to engage in conversation with him, so she turned her eyes away.

On one side of the arena, there was a crimson seat with golden flagpoles.

Reserved for the imperial family, it was still unoccupied.

With three chairs arranged, it seemed that the Emperor, Empress, and perhaps Mikhail were expected to attend.

Sophia glanced around the stands.

Estelle was seated in one section, having received an invitation from someone.

‘Her vibrant pink hair is quite conspicuous wherever she goes.’

As Sophia stared at her, Estelle also noticed her and waved with a bright smile.

Sophia returned the gesture with a smile.

When it was time for the matches to begin, only about half of the stadium’s seats were filled.

The soldiers closed the entrance to the stadium without hesitation, as if they had no intention of accepting other personnel.

Inside the arena, Sophia could see the military police officers, Killian, and the knights of Ruchtainer, along with Ian.

Soon after, the Emperor, Empress, and Mikhail ascended the central stairs.

The audience stood in unison to welcome the imperial family.

The Emperor held a staff and was adorned with a splendid lion’s head, but he didn’t seem very uncomfortable with it.

Despite reports of poor health, the Emperor’s complexion appeared quite satisfactory.

Although he had an illness, it seemed that daily life was manageable, except for occasional instances of severe discomfort.

‘The Emperor is indeed in his prime,’ Sophia thought, likely influenced by being the original novel’s male lead’s father.

Emperor Orhel, with his blond hair and clear green eyes, exuded a noble and dignified air, like a majestic lion with golden manes.

“The empire has lost a truly great assest.” He declared this in his eulogy, following the trumpet sound that marked the beginning of the event.

The speech mentioned condolences for Liam, including Fideut and Percel who sacrificed themselves under the Black Moon.

The atmosphere in the arena became solemn, and everyone observed a moment of silence and prayer.

Following this, the orchestra played a majestic piece. Although the main event was the match between Killian and Ian, the festivities included ceremonial performances by Ruchtainer knights and the flashy combat skills of the military.

The ceremony continued with rituals and martial arts displays, reigniting the passionate atmosphere after the solemnity of the eulogies and prayers.

However, as the match approached, Sophia became increasingly anxious and restless. ‘Is Killian really participating? Is it true…?’.
Even moments before the start of the match, there was no announcement about a replacement for Killian.

Sophia anxiously bit her lip, recalling Ian’s declaration as if it were a threat.

The tense atmosphere was reignited by the cheers of the crowd, following the fervour of the preceding events.

* * *

Killian changed into appropriate attire for the match as it approached.

“Your Excellency, please make sure to win!”

Members of the military police who were assisting with his preparations looked at him with anticipation.

Killian silently nodded, tightening the black leather harness and firmly securing the shoulder armor. Holding the sword, he took a deep breath.

‘…Sophia.’

He remembered Sophia in the audience.

Among the countless people, she stood out at a glance.

She had come to watch after all. He had hoped she wouldn’t come.

But now that she was here, he couldn’t retreat.

He slowly walked towards the arena.

“The Commander of the military police, the Black Guardian Sword of the Empire! Killian Viprons Rivelon!”

With a thunderous introduction, he emerged into the light at the end of the long tunnel.

People applauded, welcoming him with cheers.

Killian, after acknowledging the imperial family, instinctively turned his gaze towards where Sophia was.

Sophia watched him, clasping her hands in front of her chest.

Though she was far away, her gaze shook his heart. However, he quickly lowered his head and averted his eyes, tightly biting his lips.

“Now, in opposition, the Rose of Ruchtainer, the Crimson Guardian Sword of the Empire! Ian Fraus!”

Following the host’s introduction, Ian revealed himself on the opposite side.

The expression ‘Rose’ used to introduce him didn’t seem to please him, as he glared at the host with an irritated look.

However, that sharp gaze soon turned towards Killian.

‘… Somehow he seems even sharper than usual.’

Around Ian, there seemed to be a fiery red aura burning like a flame.

Just being near him felt like being pricked by thorns.

“I have no intention of going easy on you.”

Before the game started, Ian threatened Killian.

“If you declare that and end up losing, the shame will be twice as great.”
(T/L: Killian, be like: I’m a savage.)

TRANSLATOR:

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