I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain-Chapter 150

Servants bustled through the banquet hall within Welharun’s imperial palace. The interior, adorned with luxurious decorations and a dazzling array of food, sparkled with splendor. Today was the day of the banquet to welcome the diplomatic delegation.

This banquet was one of the nation's key events, focused entirely on honoring and receiving those who had arrived as representatives from a foreign state. A delegation was the face of a country, people who stood in for the emperor himself. So naturally, the host nation spared no effort in preparing such a reception.

“Do we really have to wear these uncomfortable clothes?”

Luke looked down at his outfit with clear displeasure. Welharun had gifted each member of the delegation formal attire to wear for today’s event. It was said to be made from special fabric brought in directly from the Welharun Empire—and whether it was cultural or not, it was undeniably flashy.

“There’s nothing we can do. It’s just that kind of occasion.”

Paul focused on calming Luke, who had shown distaste from the moment he put the clothes on. But in truth, neither Paul nor any of the other members of the special unit could take their eyes off him.

A flamboyant man wearing flamboyant clothing—it created the illusion that he radiated light. Paul couldn’t help but think that Luke might be the most striking person at the banquet tonight.

Once everyone was ready and they entered the hall, beautiful music filled the air. Musicians stationed on one side of the room played their instruments with practiced hands, and a massive number of palace servants lined up at even intervals bowed in unison to the delegation.

Even Luke, who had attended his fair share of imperial banquets, had to admit he was impressed. When he was still a soldier, he’d been invited to a few social banquets held by nobles, having to show his face now and then while playing the role of the ambition-blinded villain.

Those banquet halls had once seemed extravagant—but compared to today’s display, they were nothing.

Not long after the banquet began, Prince Heath descended the stairs slowly, making his entrance. The Foreign Minister, at the head of the delegation, bowed deeply in greeting.

Following behind Heath were Dante and, beside him, Kyrin. Luke stared at Kyrin as he approached. Their eyes met, but after a few seconds, Kyrin turned his head, naturally severing the connection.

“How is it? I wanted to make it even grander, but I hope it’s to your liking.”

Heath smiled as he addressed the Foreign Minister.

“How could it possibly be grander than this? We are overwhelmed by Your Highness’s consideration for Heinearn.”

Heath made a small gesture in the air, and the gentle music shifted into a more lively tune.

“Then please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”

At first, the delegation members had looked stiff with nerves, but their expressions began to loosen. Where there was food and music, joy was sure to follow.

Luke stuck close behind the Foreign Minister, playing the role of ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) an attentive aide. Since other ministers working within the Welharun palace were also present at this banquet, the delegation leader was kept busy, moving from one conversation to another.

Prince Heath introduced his officials to the Foreign Minister and chatted with them, with Luke remaining close behind—just as Kyrin did behind his brother.

The two exchanged glances from time to time, but unlike that day in the gazebo, no words were shared between them.

About an hour into the banquet, Luke glanced at the Foreign Minister. Then, with a pained expression, he suddenly clutched his stomach and let out a groan.

“Luke, are you...?”

The Foreign Minister noticed the signal and stepped in to support him.

“Is your stomach acting up again?”

“I... I think so.”

“What’s the matter?”

Even Heath, who had been speaking nearby, came over with a look of concern.

“Ah, Your Highness. My apologies. This aide of mine seems to have a nervous stomach...”

“Oh dear. I tried to make the atmosphere relaxed, but I must have caused more pressure. Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m terribly sorry. This is my first time serving as part of a diplomatic delegation, and I must’ve been more tense than I realized...”

Luke clutched his abdomen, emphasizing how much pain he was in. The cold sweat running down his forehead completed the act.

“This won’t do. You should rest in your room.”

“Huh? But...”

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“Surely another aide can take over. Your Highness, would that be acceptable?”

“Of course. I’ll have someone escort him. Go on now.”

Heath called over a nearby servant and explained the situation. Luke, supported by the servant, slowly exited the banquet hall—with Kyrin’s gaze following him the entire time.

“I’ll escort you to the annex.”

Once they were far enough from the banquet, Luke wiped the sweat from his brow. Even he had to admit—it had been a brilliant performance. Who knew the Foreign Minister would be such a good accomplice? He’d thrown a fit when Luke had asked him for help, swearing he’d never stoop so low—only to deliver a flawless performance when it counted.

Luke released his grip on his stomach and glanced at the servant supporting him.

“I’m really sorry to trouble you.”

“Oh? Not at all. Taking care of the delegation is our duty.”

“I can make it the rest of the way on my own.”

When Luke declined politely, the servant insisted a few more times but relented when Luke said he didn’t want to be a burden. Watching the servant’s back disappear, Luke turned and slipped behind a pillar, pretending to head toward the annex.

He waited in place for several minutes.

“Captain!”

Finally, Paul appeared in the distance.

“You weren’t spotted, were you?”

“No. Nobody pays attention to a regular unit member like me. Levi’s covering for me by posing as the Foreign Minister’s aide.”

“And what I asked for?”

Paul nodded and held out a set of servant’s clothing—standard attire for Welharun palace attendants. Luke took the outfit and quickly changed into it.

“No trouble getting it?”

Earlier, while servants were distracted preparing for the banquet, Luke had instructed Paul and Jade to retrieve a set of servant clothes from their quarters.

“There were a few close calls, but I put them to sleep right away.”

Paul specialized in sleep magic capable of knocking out living creatures. A wave of his hand released a soft pink mist; anyone who inhaled it would fall asleep. In the military, it was a valuable tool, capable even of neutralizing powerful beasts depending on how it was used.

Paul could adjust the duration and target of his spells depending on how he cast them.

“You head back to the banquet. I’ll be acting alone from here.”

“Yes, sir. But... are you sure you’ll be alright?”

Paul hesitated, clearly worried. But Luke simply smiled and clapped a hand on his subordinate’s shoulder.

“I told you, didn’t I? I’m gambling here. And if we’re gonna do it, might as well go all in.”

Leaving behind a command for Paul to return, Luke turned and vanished like the wind. Paul clenched his fists as he stared at the space where Luke had stood. This situation should’ve had him on edge—but whenever he looked at Luke, an odd sense of trust welled up in him. As if this man could pull off anything.

After parting ways with Paul, Luke slipped into the palace proper. The banquet was being held in a corner of the first floor, and Luke made his way up the central staircase. Just as Jade had said, most of the servants had been pulled into the event—hardly anyone was around.

Not that the place was empty, of course. But Luke was a mage. He was far more sensitive to human presence than ordinary people. If someone was nearby, he would pause and hide accordingly.

To prepare for possible encounters, he’d put on a servant’s uniform. Fortunately, he made it to his destination without incident.

...

Luke stood before the topmost floor of the imperial palace. Just like the first time he’d come here, his right hand tingled. There was definitely something up there. Back then, he’d been stopped by Dante—but tonight, Dante would be assisting Heath at the banquet.

Luke took a deep breath and glanced behind him.

Then, without hesitation, he ascended the stairs.

One step. Two steps. Three.

He was about a third of the way up when it happened.

...

A sharp sound sliced through the air. A cold, gleaming blade flew from behind, targeting his neck with pinpoint precision.

“Stop.”

A voice as cold as steel brushed against his ear, and Luke slowly came to a halt.

***

Morning sunlight streamed through the window, waking Theo. Still half-asleep, he reached out unconsciously to the spot beside him. But there was nothing to touch—nothing there.

Only then did he stop and sit up, rubbing his face dryly.

Lately, this had become a habit each morning. Reaching for an empty space. Specifically, reaching for where Luke should’ve been.

They’d slept in the same bed every night before the delegation’s departure—and as expected, the absence hit hard. He didn’t sleep well anymore.

His eyes drifted to the nightstand near the bed. There lay a single bloom of soft lavender. Though wilted now, its vibrant color remained.

It was a Swendy flower—one Theo had received during his meeting with Luke in Kylum.

...

He gently touched the petals.

“...Missing you already. That’s a problem.”