Since When Were You The Villain?

Chapter 111

Meanwhile, Mikhail left the Grand Duke’s residence and headed back to the palace.

‘What is Killian hiding…?’

He had been thinking about Killian all the way until he arrived at the palace.

He wasn’t someone who enjoyed uncovering and digging into other people’s secrets. He usually didn’t care much about rumours.

But for some reason, it felt essential to know Killian’s secret. If he couldn’t figure it out, he felt uneasy, fearing that something significant might happen someday.

“Greetings to Your Highness.”

At that moment, a beautiful voice stopped him in his tracks. When he looked up, a dazzling beauty caught his eye.

A woman with radiant pink hair that shimmered in the sunlight.

“Lady Estelle? What brings you here?”

Surprised to encounter an unexpected person in the palace, Mihail asked.

“Oh, I have something to tell Her Majesty, the Empress.”

Estelle’s gaze pointed towards the Internus Palace.

The reason she came into the imperial palace today was to convey her refusal to join Orhel.

‘I’m truly sorry.’

‘I apologise, Your Majesty. I’m sure you viewed me favourably and made that offer…’

‘No, you have nothing to be sorry for. I’m sure you’ll achieve great things even in Ruchtainer.’

While an ordinary lady might find it challenging to express her refusal to the Empress, Estelle was the kind of person who, once determined, would find a way to make it happen. Perhaps she inherited this stubbornness from her father.

On the other hand, Mikhail returned to the palace from the Grand Duke’s residence.

“It seems Your Highness has been out overseeing some matters.”

“Yes, I had a brief discussion with Duke Rivelon, so that’s why.”

Estelle looked at Mikhail with a serious expression and spoke.

“By any chance… is it about the tournament?”

“The tournament?”

“Regarding the match between Ian and Duke Rivelon… is there no issue with the outcome?”

Estelle asked cautiously. She was worried that her question might affect Killian and Ian’s honour and reputation.

Even though she phrased it quite carefully, Mikhail understood what Estelle was trying to say.

It was about the manipulation of Killian’s victory.

‘…Did she find out about Killian’s movements?’

As far as Mikhail knew, there were hardly any people who could catch Killian’s movements. Even if he asked around, everyone seemed to believe that Ian was genuinely skilled.

“Your Highness, did you notice it too? There was something odd about his movements.”

To Estelle’s question, Mikhail nodded.

“I also thought so, but everyone around insisted it wasn’t the case.”

Estelle had asked a few people around, but they dismissed her, saying she was just a fervent fan of Killian.

Even skilled knights from Ruchtainer thought the same way.

“Unless you are well-versed in swordsmanship, it might have been challenging to recognise him. Depending on the viewing angle, it could have appeared differently.”

“In fact, I wanted to ask Your Highness about it. Why did he act like that? Do you know?”

“No. But…”

After a moment of contemplation, Mikhail spoke.

“There might not be a need to discuss this matter elsewhere.”

“Even though it was an unfair match?”

“I believe Killian had reasons for his actions. And unless you know much about the sword, it might have been challenging to recognise him. It could have appeared differently from different angles.”

“I don’t know much about Your Highness. But what is certain is that the match was a deception against the people.”

“However, sometimes well-intentioned lies are necessary.”

“Do you think it was a well-intentioned lie?”

“At least, I don’t think Killian did it for unjust reasons. Especially if it led to results unfavourable to himself.”

Mikhail’s response was firm.

Estelle was surprised by the deep trust she felt in his voice.
“It seems your highness is really close to Duke Rivelon.”

“We’re like brothers. At least… that’s how he treats me.”

Mikhail added ambiguously.

Originally, he would have confidently said they were like brothers. However, after meeting Killian today, he couldn’t be sure.

Whether Killian truly regarded him as a brother.

Whether he was becoming the kind of brother Killian could trust.

“But more importantly, lady Estelle.”

Mikhail dismissed the deepening concerns and shifted his attention to Estelle.

“You seem to have a keen eye to discern Killian’s movements. You must have skills to match.”

“Me? No, I’m far from that.”

Estelle modestly waved her hand.

“I heard that Her Majesty the Empress suggested that the lady join Orhel.”

“Ah yes… I just rejected it and am on my way out.”

“You rejected joining the Orhel?”

“Yes… Is it going to seem like I’m against Her Majesty and the Imperial Family?”

Estelle, who was worrying belatedly after rejecting the offer, asked.

“No, it wouldn’t. It’s your future, and you can’t casually decide in the Imperial Family. I was just surprised because not many rejected joining the Orhel.”

“I have dreamed of joining Ruchtainer for a long time, so I thought keeping the promise with myself was the right thing to do. Of course, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get into Ruchtainer or not.”

Estelle smiled confidently.

In Mikhail’s eyes, Estelle seemed younger than her thoughts.

Estelle Neore was a much more assertive and unique lady than he had initially thought.

Well, maybe that was the case from the beginning.

Usually, ladies, especially young ones, found it challenging to refuse the Empress’s recommendation. Estelle was different.

Most candidates aspiring to become knights would apply to multiple knight orders simultaneously. Even if they applied to one place, they usually designated several backup choices since the outcome was uncertain.

And Orhel? Though its external reputation was not as high as that of Ruchtainer, it was considered one of the top Imperial knight orders.

Moreover, it was an excellent place to build connections with the Imperial Family, guarding them.

Therefore, candidates aspiring to join Ruchtainer often applied to Orhel as well.

‘However, Estelle was different.’

Moreover, when joining Ruchtainer was not certain, rejecting a favourable offer was not an easy task.

“You have a strong will.”

No, maybe she had the confidence that she could get into Ruchtainer.

If she could see through Killian’s movements, she probably had the skills to match.

“I heard many stories about strong will since I was young.”

“I hope you don’t take it as a bad thing… It was a compliment. Usually, if Orhel is suggested, people think it’s excellent enough and compromise. If people around you suggest an easier path, don’t you tend to be swayed?”

Mikhail added, perhaps to avoid any misunderstanding.

He genuinely thought Estelle looked impressive.

Then, Estelle awkwardly smiled and lowered her head.

“I’ve had my share of conflicts, to be honest. But Sophia supported my dream of joining Ruchtainer. His Excellency also advised me that Ruchtainer would suit me better.”

“Sophia and Killian?”

“Yes, Sophia firmly believes that I will definitely get in.”

Feeling more confident because she thought it was natural for her to pass, Estelle said.

“Sophia considers Sir Ian as a younger brother, so maybe Ruchtainer seemed more accessible. But I felt motivated and decided to try… Even if we end up in different places, I can’t help it. It’s the path I chose.”

Estelle added.

Mikhail looked at Estelle with quite curious eyes.

Sophia, Killian, and now even Sophia recommended Ruchtainer. Estelle must be quite a skilled individual.

“Killian… I mean, Duke Rivelon also acknowledges your skills enough to recommend you. I’m curious about your abilities too.”

“Oh, well, compared to Your Highness or His Excellency, my skills are far inferior.”

Estelle clapped her hands.

She seemed more spirited, feeling stronger because of the suggestion that came from the Crown Prince.

“If you ever have the chance, it would be great to spar with swords.”

Mikhail suggested, and Estelle’s eyes widened.

Even the fact that the Crown Prince, whom she admired, proposed such a thing made her heart beat faster.

“I’d love to show you my skills when there’s a chance!”

***

With Killian’s dismissal, Ian received the materials related to the “Black Moon Incident,” which the military police had been overseeing, as per the Empress’s instructions.

He hesitated to immediately unfold the documents.

Do I have the right to examine this?

The victory in the match was fake.

Killian’s dismissal was unjust.

If Killian had defeated him in the match, these documents would never have been laid out before him.

So, he had no legitimate authority to view these materials.

“Damn it.”

Ian glared at the documents as if they were a heinous crime.

“Captain, about the match…”

“Should we let this match pass as it is?”

“What are you talking about!”

The day after the match concluded, when he went to inquire about the nullification of the match, Zenon gave him a completely unexpected answer.

“It wasn’t a fair match!”

“But, as you know, it was a tournament with the Emperor’s name involved. If there’s a match-fixing issue, it could escalate into a bigger problem.”

Zenon was worried about the numerous problems that would follow if he brought this issue to the surface.

 

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TRANSLATOR:

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