I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain-Chapter 115

"Warping would get us there instantly."

Luke pouted in protest, clearly displeased. He had waited all this time for Theo to finish his work, only for Theo to suggest they walk back to the estate.

And so, now, the two of them were walking side by side toward the duke’s residence.

"You know as well as I do that warp magic consumes a significant amount of mana."

Luke shot him a skeptical look. Sure, warp spells did require a lot of mana. But for someone like Theo, who had magic reserves overflowing like a vast lake, using a single warp was the equivalent of scooping out a single cup of water.

"Then I’ll do it."

"No."

Theo’s face immediately darkened. The moment Luke reached out, Theo firmly grabbed his right hand, stopping him.

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"Using mana? Absolutely not. You don’t know what could happen."

In truth, Luke hadn’t been serious about casting a spell. Theo was right—his hand was still in recovery, and he needed to minimize magic use as much as possible. It had just been a joke, but he hadn’t expected Theo to react so harshly.

"It was just a joke."

But Theo’s sharp gaze remained locked onto him, clearly unconvinced.

"I mean it. I won’t use magic. If you don’t believe me, why don’t you just hold my hand the entire way?"

"I will."

"...Huh? What?"

Theo clasped Luke’s bandaged right hand with a firm yet gentle grip. Luke had thrown out the suggestion casually, expecting Theo to scoff at it. But instead, Theo had taken it completely seriously.

"Hey, that was a joke too."

"I can’t trust you, so this is the better option."

Despite Luke’s protest, Theo showed no sign of letting go. Luke glanced down at their joined hands. Under the soft moonlight, the sight felt oddly surreal.

Clearing his throat, Luke averted his gaze. If he really wanted to pull away, he could. He was more than strong enough. And knowing Theo, he would let go if Luke simply asked.

But... he didn’t want to.

Strangely, he couldn’t think of a reason to let go.

"Luke."

"Hm?"

"How’s life at headquarters? You doing okay?"

It was late, and the streets were mostly empty. Theo’s low, steady voice blended seamlessly with the tranquil night air.

"I guess. Nothing too bad. The soldiers have been acting strangely formal..."

Luke trailed off mid-sentence, suddenly recalling what Paul had told him earlier. The directive Theo had personally issued to the entire headquarters.

His face grew warm again.

"Luke?"

Theo’s voice was gentle, cautious.

"I heard from Paul. About the order you gave regarding me."

"Ah, that."

"Did you really have to do that? Everyone knows we weren’t exactly on good terms before."

Luke grumbled, though he wasn’t actually upset. In reality, he just didn’t know how to say thank you. So instead, his mouth spouted its usual complaints.

"I couldn’t stand seeing anyone badmouth or disregard you when you’re here helping with this case."

Luke gave a small cough, pretending to clear his throat. He... liked that answer more than he expected.

"But, Luke," Theo continued, "you said weren’t on good terms. Past tense. Didn’t expect you to phrase it that way."

Caught off guard, Luke opened his mouth, then shut it again.

The stillness of the night only made everything more palpable—Theo’s voice, his faint smile, the warmth of his hand.

"...Well, it’s not wrong, is it?"

Luke mumbled, looking anywhere but at Theo.

Beside him, Theo murmured under his breath, almost too quietly to hear.

"...Adorable."

"What?"

"Nothing."

Luke narrowed his eyes suspiciously but let it go.

"So how much longer do we have to walk? You aren’t seriously planning on walking all the way to the estate, are you? Just use warp already."

Luke shook their clasped hands, lightly pleading.

Theo, however, simply gestured ahead at an old tree in the distance.

"When we reach that tree, I’ll warp us."

Luke groaned.

"Luke, I’ve been meaning to ask you something."

"Hm?"

Theo hesitated for a brief moment before speaking.

"The supply embezzlement case... back before you retired."

At first, Theo spoke as if it was a casual inquiry, but his sharp eyes were carefully monitoring Luke’s reaction.

And even though Luke’s face remained impassive, Theo felt the subtle twitch in his grip.

"Why bring that up?"

"Is there something about that case I don’t know?"

Rather than beating around the bush, Theo chose to be direct. It was the best way to avoid unnecessary suspicion. And it was also the best way to create an atmosphere where Luke might be willing to be honest.

"There’s ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) nothing."

Luke’s response was firm, unwavering.

But it was too unwavering.

Which only made Theo’s unease grow.

"Why ask about that now? That case is in the past—I was punished for it."

"I’ve been reviewing old case files lately. It just came to mind, so I thought I’d ask."

Luke sighed heavily. Theo, realizing he wouldn’t get more out of him for now, smoothly shifted the conversation elsewhere.

By then, they had reached the tree Theo had pointed to. Feeling Luke’s expectant gaze, Theo finally activated the warp spell.

Soft light shimmered around them as Theo fixed his eyes on Luke.

"Let’s begin today’s meeting."

Theo sat at the head of the long rectangular table, scanning the room. Seated around him were Luke, Leo, Paul, and the gathered members of the 7th Unit.

"I’ll start," Leo said, raising his hand. Theo nodded in approval.

"I’ve been looking into the current state of the Welharun Empire, but getting information hasn’t been easy. Apparently, Welharun has become increasingly closed off, restricting its citizens from leaving the empire. The reverse is also true—they aren’t allowing outsiders in easily either."

Leo had initially approached merchants who traded across the continent, but they all gave the same response—Welharun had cut off cross-border movement, and no permits were being issued.

Now, it made sense why Leo had been running around for so long.

Ultimately, Leo had to rely on his family’s connections, leading him to a noble who had once lived in Welharun but later defected to the Heinern Empire and attained the rank of baron.

"According to that baron, the shift happened when the previous emperor—who was widely respected—fell ill. When the first prince took over as regent, the entire atmosphere of the country changed."

The baron, who still maintained private correspondence with friends in Welharun, had firsthand insight into the situation.

"What changed, exactly?"

"Several things. Their laws became ridiculously strict, movement in and out of the empire was tightly regulated, and—most notably—the government started imposing significantly higher taxes."

"A reign of fear, then?"

Luke asked, and Leo nodded.

"Some citizens believe that’s exactly what’s happening. But the biggest concern is how the increased tax revenue is being used."

Leo’s expression darkened slightly.

"Most of it... seems to be going toward military expansion."

Silence fell over the meeting room.

Strengthening military power wasn’t inherently suspicious. Any empire needed a strong army.

But everyone in this room knew what Welharun had tried to pull before.

If they were growing their forces, then it was clear where the blade would eventually point.

"I see," Theo finally said. "Leo, keep gathering intelligence. Let us know if anything changes."

"Understood."

"Also, Luke and I found something at the national library."

Theo then explained the two historical events that seemed linked to Nox.

The first was the suppression of a rebellion in the Felter Kingdom five years ago.

The second was the complete annihilation of a small village in Bitté, ten years ago.

"Ten years ago..."

Paul muttered under his breath.

"Paul? What is it?"

Leo turned toward him, and the others followed.

Paul hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh, uh... it’s nothing, really. Just that... hearing ‘ten years ago’ suddenly reminded me of something."