Since When Were You The Villain?

Chapter 57.

 

Nicholas recalled the article that had appeared in Lady Chanelia’s weekly magazine. He couldn’t remember the specific details, but it mentioned that Sophia had experienced difficult times at the Fraus household.

Instead of denying it, Killian raised an eyebrow and remained silent.

“Still, Your Grace, allowing a woman into your home….”

“Being engaged comes with responsibilities, doesn’t it?”

“If Sophia Fraus were to hear you say that, she would probably feel quite disheartened.”

“… Do you think so?”

Killian touched his lips, recalling the events of the day.

‘Do you really not remember? You hadn’t even finished a glass of wine.

‘I, I really don’t remember.’

Sophia stumbled over her words in response to his question.

Had she realized that her ears were turning red from her evasive behaviour?

Rolling her emerald eyes while pretending not to know, it was endearing how she tried to escape the situation.

Taking another step closer, Killian looked at her lips, and she quickly averted her gaze, her whole face turning crimson, not just her ears.

Killian found this sight so cute that he almost laughed.

But he held it back. If he laughed now, she might misunderstand and think he was mocking her.

And it was only now, after belatedly arriving at the military police headquarters, that he was finally letting out that laughter.

‘Pretending not to know is probably for the best.’

Saying it out loud would have been too embarrassing, after all.

However, somehow it was alright.

The fact that she at least remembered what he had said was a good sign.

In the midst of this, he suddenly realized that he was smiling while thinking about Sophia.

Like a crazy person.

‘… There is no end at all.’

Thoughts of Sophia settled into every empty space left in his daily routine.

In the conference room, on the streets, at the training grounds, and in the office.

From morning to lunch, from late afternoon to evening, Sophia fearlessly took control of Killian’s day.

This illness worsens day by day without any sign of improvement.

How did he end up like this?

Killian reflected on his own feelings.

Translator: HaileyFranchette. Read on moonlight novels only

‘Could it be that I’m using Sophia as an escape from the hardship?’

After losing Fiduet and Percel, he didn’t show it outwardly, but internally, he was in great pain. Losing those dear to him right in front of his eyes, yet he couldn’t shed a tear.

All he could do was bury his emotions deep within, ask them again and again, and when it became unbearable, enter his own space, quietly vent his emotions, and come out.

Perhaps that’s why he might be more easily shaken by Sophia.

Because he wanted something to lean on. Because he wanted to momentarily forget the agony and tension, even if just for a short while.

Not knowing anything about himself, Sophia was the only person Killian didn’t doubt.

The incident on the terrace was kept secret, which made her trustworthy.

Just that alone made Kilian feel a sense of relief in Sophia’s presence.

Perhaps he had always hoped for a ‘non-suspectable existence.’

He couldn’t trust people like the Grand Duchy servants, including Garfield, were also sent by the imperial family.

With these thoughts in mind, Killian berated himself.

‘Even though I know it’s more dangerous to be careless like this…’

Maybe it’s fine for now.

But what if the imperial family threatens Sophia? Could things remain the same?

Wouldn’t it be different after knowing all this?

His beliefs and feelings towards Sophia are nothing but a mirage.

But there’s nothing he can do about it.

Emotions have already taken root, and the relationship has already begun.

Once again, he found himself deeply immersed in the thoughts of Sophia.

‘Come to think of it…’

‘Oh my, Killian. Have you never properly treated your fiancée to a decent meal?’

Yesterday, Mikhail’s words echoed in his mind.

Until Mikhail pointed it out, he hadn’t realized that he had never shared a meal alone with Sophia.

Perhaps due to the frequent meetings in a short period, he had mistaken that they had dined alone together at least once.

Still, she’s a guest and his precious fiancée. It’s regrettable that he hasn’t had such moments with her, despite bringing her to his home.

He reflected on his own negligence.

‘Isn’t there a schedule for this evening?’

Bothered by Mikhail’s remark, he recalled his remaining appointments.

Although he was quite busy, he felt that he could find time if he really wanted to.

If not, he could even go inside and have dinner, then come back out.

On the other hand.

‘Why is His Excellency acting like that?’

While having a conversation with Killian, Nicholas stood there dumbfounded.

Killian, who was in the middle of a conversation with him, suddenly seemed lost in thought.

He burst into silent laughter by himself, and then his expression suddenly turned serious. He narrowed his forehead as if he hadn’t laughed before and put his hand on his forehead as if he had a frustrating problem.

“Sigh….”

After exhaling deeply, his face was soon shadowed by a melancholic expression.

‘Is he really bothered by the rumour of cohabitation with Lady Sophia?’

Nicholas waited for Killian to speak, not wanting to disturb him in his contemplation.

Killian, who had been wearing a gloomy expression as if he had lost the world, suddenly nodded to himself with a satisfied look.

In a matter of seconds, his extreme emotional fluctuation left Nicholas with a puzzled expression.

‘Why on earth is he acting like this?’

Nicholas wasn’t sure anymore whether Killian was worried about the cohabitation rumour with Sophia or not.

‘Well… it’s understandable, I suppose.’

Nicholas scratched his head, lost in thought.

Recently, the military police have been busy dealing with the Black Moon incident, preparations for the upcoming National Tournament, and the upcoming friendly match with Ruchtainer.

Even though they had promised to keep the meeting brief today, a good three hours had swiftly passed by.

With Killian overseeing the case, both mentally and physically, it would be tough to hold on without losing one’s composure.

By the way, it’s quite remarkable that Killian Viprons Rivelon can also go to such extremes like this.

Nicholas thought to himself that it’s fortunate to have someone as humane as the Commander of the military police; someone capable of moments like these.

* * *

Translator: HaileyFranchette. Read on moonlight novels only

Killian headed to the Grand Manor a bit earlier than usual, ensuring he wouldn’t be late for dinner.

There were still tasks to be completed at the military police, but it wouldn’t be too late to handle them after having dinner and returning.

If necessary, he could even work through the night.

When he arrived in front of the Grand Duke’s residence on Nox, he found a gate that was missing one piece.

Garfield and the servants had moved the broken door aside and were measuring its dimensions, likely to arrange for repairs.

They hadn’t expected Killian to return so soon, and their surprised expressions couldn’t hide the fact.

Garfield hurriedly stepped out from where the door had been.

“Your Excellency, have you come…?”

Why have you come so early!?

Garfield’s eyes said it all.

He knew that the military police were busy, and considering Killian had postponed work yesterday due to dinner with Mickhail, he had expected him to return late today.

Furthermore, they had planned to temporarily fix the door before his return.

As Killian dismounted his horse, he surveyed the scene of disarray at the entrance of the Grand Manor.

One side of the gate was twisted and completely detached, and the fallen door had disrupted the tidy arrangement of the lawn and bushes.

It looked oddly familiar.

“What happened, Garfield?”

“Earlier today, Sir Ian of the Fraus family came by.”

Garfield’s response didn’t go beyond Killian’s expectations.

There was only one brat with a dirty temper who would do such a thing.

Yet, despite that, a sense of unease gripped him.

“They forced their way in recklessly, and we couldn’t stop them in time. I apologize, my lord.”

Garfield and the servants bowed deeply.

Killian didn’t blame them.

“So… where’s Sophia?”

Above all, that was the most crucial question. If Ian Fraus had come here, it had to be for Sophia.

“Well, you see…”

Garfield hesitated in his response.

At that, Killian turned his head as if to indicate there was no need for an answer, and he silently entered the mansion.

He didn’t leave his coat to Garfield as usual, nor did he ask the stable master to take care of Nox.

His shoes made a louder sound than usual.

And his determined footsteps abruptly stopped in front of Sophia’s room.

He clenched his fists by his sides. (T/L: My heart hurts.)

As he got closer to her room, the intensifying unease was right before his eyes.

He had to call out her name, ‘Sophia.’

He should ask for permission to enter her room; that’s what he should do. At least that’s what it would have been until this morning.

However, his lips wouldn’t cooperate.

He knew that calling her name at her door would be a foolish move.

He bit his lip inwardly.

And he ended up doing something foolish.

Knock. Knock.

Translator: HaileyFranchette. Read on moonlight novels only

He knocked on the door slowly, the sound of his knuckles hitting the thick wood resonating with clarity.

He waited for a response from inside, hoping to hear her voice saying, “Come in!”

But just like mocking him, there was only an indifferent silence in the empty room.

He closed his eyes for a moment.

Then, with a weary hand, he turned the doorknob and pushed the wooden door open without any resistance.

Killian stepped slowly inside.

The scent of Sophia lingered in the room, and traces of her presence were scattered around, evidence of her unfinished business.

He looked around the room, sensing no signs of anyone else.

Untidied clothes, a pen on the desk, books she had brought from the study, curtains half drawn by the window.

The melted wax on the candlestick, a testimony to the time she had spent here, had solidified into a hardened state, no longer flowing.

(T/L: I feel bad for Killian.)

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TRANSLATOR:

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