Since When Were You The Villain?

Chapter 106.

 

“I’m sure that you know very well that today, many knights and military police officers did their best in patrols and inspections.”

 

While the atmosphere momentarily became tense and loosened during today’s match, Ian is aware of the recent grim mood in the empire. 

 

He, who dedicated himself to training as if obsessed with preparing for the match, can feel it too. 

 

Many nobles are trembling with anxiety, suspecting who might be the murderer.

 

They worry that they might be the next target of the Black Moon. 

 

Even some nobles who received invitations to the match preferred to stay at home. 

 

The audience at the stadium came not because they were not afraid of the Black Moon, but rather because they thought it would be safer with many people and guarded by knights. 

 

Especially after what happened to Fiduet, their homes no longer seem safe.

 

“However, as you know, the military police have not been able to achieve much success. No, they seem to be fanning the flames of public dissatisfaction.”

 

Beatrice lowered her head with a worried expression.

 

“Moreover, today, the captain of the military police, Killian, lost to you. You can easily anticipate what people will say about it, can’t you?”

 

It is the last day of the Founding Festival, and soon the blockade of the capital will be lifted. If they extend the blockade any further, the dissatisfaction of the nobles in the regions will become uncontrollable.

 

“So what do you want, Your Majesty?”

 

 

Ian, who has lost all patience, asked the queen straightforwardly.

 

Beatrice looked at him with a worried expression and said, “As you know, the empire is currently facing an unprecedented danger.”

 

Ian realised that Beatrice was talking about the Black Moon.

 

“Today, even the military police, the ones who should have been the most vigilant, lost. People can easily guess what they will say about it. They’ve lost faith in the military police, and I can’t entrust the Black Moon case solely to them anymore. So, I hope someone else can take charge of the Black Moon case…”

 

Beatrice sipped her wine with her eyes fixed on Ian.

 

“Do you mean… catch the black moon?”

 

“Yes. As you know, the military police have become helpless victims of the murderer. We need someone with the skills of Sir Ian, a real expert, at this crucial moment.”

 

Beatrice held Ian’s hand tightly with both hands.

 

The queen’s attitude was very burdensome, but regardless of that, he was interested in the Black Moon.

 

As curious as he was about Killian’s skills, he was just as curious about the Black Moon.

 

A secretive murderer who manipulates the fate of the empire. Ian wanted to confirm directly who that crazy person was and whether such a skilled person could exist in the empire without any recognition.

 

“But there would be severe opposition from the military police if I, a Ruchtainer knight, came forward.”

 

The corners of the Empress’s mouth softened at Ian’s words.

 

“It’s still a secret, but we’re discussing a major reorganisation of the military police with His Majesty the Emperor.”

 

“Reorganisation of the military police…?”

 

The history of the military police was relatively short.

 

It was a newly established group that had been formed less than 20 years since the current emperor’s ascension.

 

Despite having many privileges, they couldn’t leverage their power effectively, mainly due to their shallow roots. 

 

It was only after Killian became the captain of the military police that their role and name began to stabilise.

 

For a few years, the image of the military police was quite positive. 

 

Still, now they were considering restructuring just because they couldn’t quickly resolve a single Black Moon incident?

 

If the Black Moon was genuinely exceptional, capturing him in a month or two would be impossible. How many murderers are still at large, and just because of one incident, they want to overturn the well-established military police?

 

“The Black Moon case is not an ordinary murder case. If someone commits murder even in the palace, shouldn’t it be a national emergency?”

 

“So, this restructuring…”

 

“First, Killian will take responsibility for everything and step down.”

 

Beatrice said this while gazing at the red wine.

 

Ian’s pupils shook at the unexpected statement.

 

Certainly, Killian had caused several troubles this time. 

 

However, stepping down was not the solution. 

 

He had raised the military police, a group that hadn’t even existed for twenty years, to a position comparable to the “Ruchtainer.”

 

To oust him from the imperial family just because of this incident?

 

“Someone needs to take responsibility for everything. And Killian is the highest-ranking official of the military police.”

 

This was the way society worked.

 

Beatrice mentioned that they would drastically reduce the size of the military police and take away various authorities they had held before.

 

‘Does that mean it will ultimately become a mere law enforcement unit”…?’

 

The news that the military police, once shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ruchtainer, would suddenly collapse made Ian feel strange.

 

While he never liked the military police, the thought of them ending up like this was something he had never considered.

 

“Don’t worry too much. I plan to give Killian other responsibilities as much as I value him.”

 

Beatrice said, looking at Ian’s stiff expression.

 

After all, Killian was a person who wouldn’t be significantly affected by not doing military police work. 

 

He had substantial income coming from the Grand Duke’s position. Moreover, he had a good background, so he could enjoy life by engaging in social circles with the available money.

 

“If Killian wishes, I’m considering asking him to take care of the marshland hunting.”

 

Beatrice added, “The weather has warmed up, so the monsters will start moving. Around this time, the Ruchtainer usually dispatches knights to prevent monster damage occurring in various regions.”

 

“I heard that monster damages are expected to be significant this year. It would be great to have a reliable force like Killian to help.”

 

The queen smiled brightly.

 

Certainly, demonic beast hunting was a welcomed task among knights. However, being a beast hunter was a much lower position compared to being the captain of the military police.

 

Moreover, clashing with monsters was something disconnected from social and political circles.

 

‘To assign Killian to handle monster hunting entirely means…’

 

“That’s right. As you know, the military police have lost trust, and we can’t rely on them alone for Black Moon incidents. So, I’m considering having someone else take charge of the Black Moon incidents.”

 

Beatrice held Ian’s hands with both of hers.

 

“So, what is expected from Killian is to focus on family life, especially considering his upcoming marriage.”

 

Beatrice casually added, causing Ian’s brow to furrow.

 

If Ian were told that he should focus on monster hunting or family life, he would probably overturn the table right away.

 

‘No, there’s no need for me to think about that bastard’s situation.’

 

His inner darkness, darker than his black hair, would be undetectable to anyone.

 

‘Could he possibly know that the royal bastard intends to clean up the military police again today…?’

 

Did that royal bastard purposely hand it over to Ian to make it easier for the palace to reorganise the military police? 

 

He was a human who could never be understood by ordinary people’s thoughts.(T/L: Over here, Ian is thinking about Killian.)

 

At that moment, when Ian was trying to constantly assess Killian’s moves, Beatrice got to the point.

 

“So, I hope Ian will also take on the role of leading the remaining military police.”

 

“I joined the military police…?”

 

“Of course, the military police will not welcome you. Because you are a Ruchtainer.”

 

“…”

 

“Perhaps we could give you a nominal title like ‘advisor’ or ‘honorary member.’ And I plan to temporarily assign the position of military police commander to Nicholas, who was the temporary deputy commander.”

 

Beatrice’s blue eyes sparkled.

 

Everything was going according to her plan.

 

Beatrice decided to use Nicholas, who had obtained important information about the illegitimate child, a little more.

 

And Killian, feeling uneasy, decided to step back from the military police, using responsibility as an excuse.

 

Moreover, since Ian happened to have given in to Killian today, public opinion would also be favourable to her.

 

‘If Killian chases the Black Moon and learns about Howard’s death, it will be troublesome.’

 

Beatrice couldn’t allow Killian to approach the secrets of the past.

 

Above all…

 

‘…it still seems suspicious.’

 

There is no evidence, yet the suspicion that Killian might be the Black Moon doesn’t dissipate.

 

While not entirely credible, Beatrice had a knack for intuition.

 

A skilled assassin with exceptional abilities, well-acquainted with nobility and the imperial family, investigates past events.

 

Considering all this, Killian was at the intersection.

 

However, as long as Killian held the position of the military police’s captain, it was difficult to make him the subject of investigation. Directing the investigation was precisely what that meant.

 

But if an uncouth, young, and handsome knight were to take charge, he might be able to point the sword at Killian.

 

“Working for the safety and peace of the empire is a mission no different from being a Ruchtainer, Sir Ian.” 

 

Beatrice’s long, slender fingers subtly toyed with the transparent wine glass as she spoke.

 

And, with a serious expression, she looked at the thoughtful young man.

 

“The empire is in crisis; we need you.”

 

* * *

 

Sophia anxiously waited for Killian’s treatment to end.

 

When it felt like she had waited for half a day, the doctor came out, wiping blood-stained hands on a towel.

 

Sophia stood up as soon as she saw the doctor. The military police did the same.

“You need to calm down.” (T/L: Doctor)

 

The doctor nodded as if granting permission to enter, along with a piece of advice.

 

Sophia rushed in.

 

“Killian!”

 

“Sophia…”

 

Killian’s face showed a bitter and awkward expression, as if he didn’t want her to come.

 

Sophia rushed in, but stopped as soon as she saw his face.

 

She didn’t say a word, but Killian understood. How much she wanted to pour out her words.

 

‘…she probably sensed that I deliberately got injured.’

 

It might be fortunate. If she knew why he got hurt, she wouldn’t worry, at least…

 

“Do you know how worried I was…?”

 

‘No, she is worried.’

 

Sophia’s chin trembled.

 

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TRANSLATOR:

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