I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain-Chapter 116

"Heinern was actively attempting territorial expansion around that time, wasn't it?"

At those words, everyone slowly nodded, as if recalling the facts. About a decade ago, Emperor Roelard officially declared his intent to expand the empire’s territory for the sake of its development. From then on, the empire gradually absorbed small neighboring nations one after another, increasing its size.

Of course, war was not the only means. The empire communicated with each small nation, striving to incorporate them into its territory with minimal bloodshed, ensuring the annexation process remained as peaceful as possible.

As a result, Heinern had flourished even more.

"That's right."

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Luke nodded. Back then, Luke, Theo, and Leo had just graduated from the military academy and were still fresh recruits being put through the wringer.

"I just suddenly remembered, so I brought it up. Sorry for interrupting the meeting."

Paul smiled awkwardly, as if realizing his comment was unrelated. However, for some reason, Luke couldn't shake off a lingering discomfort about that time.

The meeting continued for about another hour. However, due to a lack ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) of information, there was no real progress.

If they had something—anything—they could use as evidence, they might have been able to infer something. But relying solely on written records made things difficult. The emperor's decree prevented them from acting openly, making the situation even more frustrating.

"Luke."

As the meeting concluded, Theo approached Luke.

"Have lunch with Leo today."

"What about you?"

"I'm going to the palace to retrieve documents from the ministers. I don't know when I'll be back, so don't wait for me and eat first."

"When did I ever say I was going to wait?"

Luke snorted at Theo’s words, as if it was only natural for him to wait. Truthfully, he had vaguely intended to do so, but there was no need to admit it out loud.

"My mistake for assuming. See you later."

Theo instinctively raised his hand to ruffle Luke's hair but hesitated, seeming to remember the other unit members were still around. He pulled back, awkwardly lingering for a moment before adding,

"Just don't stick too close to Leo."

"Go handle your own business properly. If those old men start nagging again, make sure to give it back to them."

"I'll do my best."

With a faint smile, Theo left the office.

As soon as Theo disappeared, Leo approached Luke with a grin tugging at his lips.

"Luke, shall we go eat?"

"Sure. But you..."

"Hm?"

"Why do you keep grinning so much these days?"

Luke gave him a sidelong glance, throwing out the remark. He had noticed it ever since they returned to headquarters—Leo always seemed to be looking at him with that strange, knowing smile. At first, he had dismissed it, assuming it was just Leo's naturally cheerful personality. But by now, it was starting to feel a little suspicious.

"Well... because life is enjoyable?"

Luke's face twisted in disbelief. Out of all the soldiers, Leo was probably the only one who would ever say such a thing.

During the entire meal, Luke lectured Leo nonstop, insisting that a soldier needed to carry a certain level of gravitas.

By the afternoon, Luke had a packed schedule. Dylan, finding a rare moment of free time, cautiously asked if Luke could help him train. Luke took the time to accompany him to the training grounds.

After working through drills together, Luke returned to the meeting room, where Theo had just arrived with a stack of documents.

Theo’s face was covered in exhaustion, and the undone button on his collar was enough proof that the ministers had given him a hard time.

Luke felt a surge of irritation.

Who did they think was keeping the empire safe so they could continue their comfortable lives? The least they could do was show some respect, yet instead, they harassed Theo at every turn. It was starting to get on his nerves.

In the past, Luke had been annoyed by such injustice, but it had never made his blood boil like this. He used to view Theo’s constant struggles as just another trial for the protagonist—something he could observe with detachment.

But why couldn't he think that way anymore?

Theo, noticing Luke’s discontented gaze, simply smiled faintly and muttered that he had at least managed to push back a little this time.

Later in the afternoon, Theo handled investigation unit duties before heading to the commander’s office. Meanwhile, Luke divided up the documents Theo had retrieved, passing them among the remaining team members for review.

"There’s a noticeable decline in the goods being sent through diplomatic envoys."

Luke muttered under his breath. Coincidentally, this lined up perfectly with what Leo had mentioned before—around the time the First Prince had begun acting as regent.

When nations sent envoys, they traditionally offered tangible gifts as a sign of gratitude and sincerity toward their allied nations. Since the goal was to strengthen diplomatic relations, the value and quantity of these gifts were always significant. However, what Welharun had been sending recently fell far short of their previous standards.

The most recent tribute from them? A special blend of tea leaves unique to Welharun.

That was pitifully insufficient for an allied nation’s offering.

"So, they’re pouring their taxes into the military, huh..."

Leo’s words suddenly resurfaced in Luke’s mind. Diplomatic gifts were typically funded by state taxes, and if Welharun was diverting those funds into their military, then the decline in tribute made perfect sense.

Taking it a step further—perhaps Welharun was no longer prioritizing its alliance with Heinern. That wasn't just speculation anymore; it was a reasonable suspicion.

"...Those bastards."

Luke muttered under his breath.

His voice was so chilling that Paul and the others instinctively flinched.

"I’m stepping out for some air."

"Take your time. No rush."

Paul, sensing Luke’s irritation, spoke in a pleading tone, practically begging him to cool off.

Stepping outside, Luke ruffled his hair in frustration.

Was it really okay to be wasting time like this?

Even if the emperor had his reasons for demanding secrecy, even if Luke could begrudgingly understand them, the fact remained that Welharun was likely scheming to invade the empire at this very moment.

Luke tilted his head back, staring at the darkening sky.

This was the land where he now lived. No matter that his life had begun here through possession—he would continue living in this world.

And he would never allow it to be tainted with unjust bloodshed.

He would never stand by and watch people lose their loved ones, drowning in grief and suffering.

"Haah."

Lost in thought, he wandered toward the back garden of the main building—only to run into the last person he wanted to see.

"Hmph."

Myle let out a deliberate cough, glancing at Luke.

Luke didn't bother reacting. His mind was too preoccupied, and there was no reason to acknowledge someone he had no interest in getting along with.

"How's the investigation unit doing?"

It was rare for Myle to speak first.

"Confidential. Can't say anything."

Myle’s brow twitched. Luke hadn't meant to provoke him—it was simply the truth. But apparently, Myle took it personally.

"Must be nice, having the commander looking out for you."

Myle scoffed, looking around before spitting out his next words.

"A civilian like you, swaggering around the military headquarters like you own the place..."

"Are you stupid? I was officially reinstated by the army. There’s no reason I can’t be here. Myle, try looking at the situation logically instead of letting your emotions get in the way."

Luke sighed deeply, as if he were giving sincere advice. Myle's expression twisted.

"And it's not because the commander is favoring me. I just happen to be competent."

"Cut the crap. Just tell me—why did you really come back to the military?"

Myle stepped in close, practically shoving his face into Luke’s.

Luke simply looked at him with an unreadable expression.

"You deaf? Even the lowest-ranked soldiers know I came back for this investigation."

"...If you're trying to screw me over, you better think twice."

Screw him over?

Luke was momentarily confused before realization dawned on him.

"Oh... You mean that incident?"

Luke smirked, and Myle took a step back.

Myle was terrified that Luke might expose the truth about the supply theft case.

Luke chuckled.

"Relax. I have no intention of bringing it up."

With that, Luke turned away, heading back toward the main building.

Myle stomped his foot in frustration, then disappeared into the shadows of the garden.

And a little while later—

From behind the outer wall, Theo cautiously stepped out.

His gaze was cold as he stared at the spot where Luke and Myle had just been.