I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain-Chapter 139

Theo stared intently at the fountain, which hadn't changed a bit since then. That day was both the first and the last. The fountain, which he had seen countless times as casually as eating a meal, appeared different today. Theo glanced at the spot where Luke had been standing, then quickly turned his head to the side.

Luke's face, looking sulky as if to ask why he hadn't answered when asked, was now directly facing him. Thinking back, it seemed like he had never failed to notice Luke from the moment their paths first crossed. From their days as cadets at the military academy, to his first enlistment, to his rise in rank until he became the general, he had always followed one person’s figure with his eyes.

Why hadn’t he realized back then that the feeling was love?

"What is it? Why are you saying nothing?"

"Luke, there's something I've been curious about."

"What is it?"

"Do you remember the day of the military academy's entrance ceremony?"

Luke nodded casually, as if it wasn't a big deal.

"On the last day of the ceremony, you came here to the fountain, right?"

Luke’s expression briefly became subtle, as if he were rummaging through his memory, then he let out a low, "Ah," as if it had suddenly come back to him.

"Yeah, how do you know that?"

"I was watching you {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} back then."

Luke’s face, filled with surprise, was one Theo hadn’t expected.

"You threw a coin here and made a wish."

Theo pointed to a spot at the fountain. It was already filled with coins thrown by numerous people. Luke scratched his head and mumbled, "Did I?" But it was clear from his expression and voice that he had remembered the event.

"What did you wish for?"

Suddenly, Theo became curious as he recalled that day. Luke had been making a wish with a quite earnest expression. It wasn't just a simple act of wishing for the sake of it; it seemed like he truly wanted something.

"Umm... well..."

Luke awkwardly avoided Theo’s gaze. He had no idea that Theo had seen him, and it was surprising that he still remembered that long-past event. What he had wished for was still vividly in his memory.

He had wished that this story would reach its conclusion safely, that Theo would sit in the position of supreme commander without any unexpected variables, and that he could be freed from this villainous role quickly.

Luke glanced at Theo, his eyes unknowingly recalling the conversation they had earlier with Lia.

"What do you think I wished for? Probably something like, 'Please let me graduate top of the class.'"

Theo chuckled softly. "That's a very you wish," he muttered, and Luke felt a sense of relief.

"By the way, were you secretly watching others wish? Watching them as they made wishes?"

Luke nudged Theo’s side with his elbow in a playful manner.

"No. It wasn’t just that time."

"Huh?"

"It’s been like that since then."

As Theo spoke, a refreshing wind suddenly swept in from somewhere. Then, the people around the fountain let out surprised voices. The wind had caused the fountain’s water to scatter. Everyone stepped away from the fountain to avoid the wind and water, but the two of them stood their ground.

"I’ve been watching you since then."

"......"

"Luke."

Each word Theo spoke seemed to pass slowly, as though it had been halted. He could feel the tiny movements of the water droplets being blown by the wind, as though he could sense every one of them.

"I really like you."

His heart beats. At a pleasant pace and rhythm. Luke felt as if he were standing at the top of the world, simply from the calm voice uttering a brief sentence.

He had lived without truly understanding loneliness or isolation. So he never had much attachment to being connected with anyone. But that was only because he had never known. He had never genuinely connected with anyone, so he had been able to think that way.

"I—"

Theo grabbed Luke's hand.

"I can do anything for you. If only you stay by my side."

"......"

What words could express this feeling? Simply saying he was happy or felt good didn’t seem enough. It felt overwhelming, more than that, and it just kept building up.

"......Luke?"

Something hot trickled down his cheek. Theo, surprised to discover this, widened his eyes. Luke, too, was taken aback. Hastily, he wiped his cheek, only to find that it wasn’t water splashed from the fountain but the tears flowing from his own eyes.

"What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Theo, unable to believe he was seeing Luke cry, started to become restless.

"It’s because of you."

Luke wiped his tears and chided Theo. The experience of crying due to emotional turmoil was truly a first for him.

"I’m sorry. Don’t cry."

Theo, flustered by just a single tear, acted as though he were facing a huge threat. His arms swayed in the air awkwardly, as if he wanted to hug Luke but couldn’t.

"Since it’s because of you, you have to take responsibility for me for the rest of my life."

Luke tapped Theo’s chest lightly with his fist.

"I’ve been the one who’s only looked at you all along. I’ll take proper responsibility."

This responsibility was now different from the one before. Until now, he had been weighed down by the duty of getting Theo into the position of supreme commander, but now, he just wanted everything of Theo, even the uncertain future that lay ahead.

"I promise."

Then, Luke realized. This was what people called love. This overwhelming sensation, that could not be put into words or described, was truly the essence of affection.

***

"Then, does that mean you'll be leaving the capital for a while, Luke?"

"Yeah."

Theo had already informed Gwen that Luke would be leaving the mansion for an important mission. Since secrecy was required both within and outside the military, he couldn’t explain the nature of the mission or where he would be going. But Gwen, quick-witted as always, didn’t press him for details.

"The mansion will be quiet again."

"Quiet?"

"Ah, the children really like you, Lord Luke."

The children Gwen referred to were the servants of the Duke’s household. Come to think of it, Theo had seen Luke engage in trivial conversations with the servants a few times.

"I’m also worried about Monette. She really looks up to you, Lord Luke..."

Theo nodded. When the Duchess left the mansion, Monette had been lonely, crying pitifully day and night for a while. Since she was as attached to Luke as she was to the Duchess, it was highly likely that she would be the same this time.

"But above all, I’m most concerned about the young master’s worries. That’s what worries me the most."

As expected, Gwen had already noticed the shadow that had fallen over Theo’s face since he had mentioned Luke’s mission.

"Are you really that worried?"

Visit frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓ for the b𝘦st novel reading experience.

Theo paused for a moment in thought. He didn’t doubt Luke’s abilities. In fact, Luke was the only one truly suited for the job in terms of ability. But what Theo was worried about wasn’t that.

"It’s just... I can’t get used to it. The thought of being separated from Luke again."

When Luke had retired from the military, all Theo had felt in the barracks without him was nothing but emptiness. It was a hollow space, completely vacant.

"This time, he’ll finish his task and come back, so don’t worry too much."

Gwen’s words were true. Luke’s departure was similar to that time, but the one clear difference was that Luke had promised to return. To be with Theo again. That one difference meant a great deal to Theo.

"Yeah. Thanks for saying that."

After talking with Gwen a little longer, Theo headed for his bedroom. When he opened the door and entered, he found an unexpected guest.

"Luke."

Luke was leaning against the window in Theo's bedroom, looking outside.

"You’re here? Did you talk to Gwen for a long time?"

"A little. But what’s the matter with my bedroom?"

Theo casually walked over to Luke’s side, gently wrapping his arms around his waist and kissing him lightly on the forehead.

"Why are you in my bedroom? You came to sleep, right?"

"Hmm?"

Theo couldn’t help but feel an inexplicable sense of unease as he saw Luke smiling so brightly. Maybe it was because he knew Luke’s unpredictable nature.

"I want to sleep with you."

Luke didn’t hesitate to say it, causing Theo’s earlobes to instantly turn red. Perhaps noticing it, Luke pointed at him and chuckled.

"Hmm."

Theo quickly opened the window. After feeling the night breeze entering through the crack, the sudden heat that had risen in him seemed to cool down a little.

"Don’t want to?"

Luke leaned closer, his face almost touching Theo’s. Theo’s vision was suddenly blurred by Luke’s silver hair swaying in the breeze. In some ways, it looked mischievous, and in others, it seemed innocent and pure. But to Theo, it was just unbearably difficult.

He had been holding back his desires with great effort recently, and he wasn’t sure if he could peacefully sleep without being overwhelmed.

"You slept with me last time, too."

"That was just by chance..."

"So, you don’t want to? Should I leave?"

Luke pointed to the door with his finger. With a deep sigh, Theo grabbed Luke’s hand tightly.

"I wouldn’t say no."