I Will Fulfill the Role of the Villain-Chapter 114

Theo momentarily lifted his gaze, as if weighing Luke’s words. The sun was gradually setting, casting a deep orange hue across the sky. As traces of the sunset touched Luke’s face, Theo studied him once more before breaking into a faint smile.

"Are you hesitating to go back to the estate alone?"

"...What?"

"Don't worry. No one cares about that. I don’t know when I’ll be finished, so you should go ahead without me."

Luke let out a dry laugh, running a hand through his hair. His neatly arranged silver strands shimmered under the golden twilight. Theo, momentarily entranced by the sight, failed to notice the subtle furrow forming between Luke’s brows.

"That’s not what I meant."

"Hm?"

"...Forget it. It's not like you drowned your common sense in that soup earlier or anything."

With an irritated motion, Luke slammed both windows shut and turned around. Seeing his worsening mood, Theo’s expression turned serious. His mind was running at full capacity.

He hadn't said anything particularly offensive. In fact, he had shown concern for Luke’s rising temperature and even reassured him that he didn’t need to wait.

"...Ah."

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Then, Theo let out a low hum of realization.

Luke wasn’t the type to easily say he would wait for someone. Nor was he the kind to delay going home just because he was uncomfortable around the people in the duke’s residence.

Which meant there was only one real reason why Luke was acting this way.

"Luke."

Theo urgently reopened the window and leaned forward. Fortunately, Luke was still there, sitting at his desk.

"Are you really waiting for me?"

Luke shot him a sharp glare before looking away. He was clearly pissed. Theo quickly began contemplating how to make amends.

"...If you don’t want to, just go."

But then, Luke muttered in a barely audible voice.

"I don’t hate it. How could I?"

"...Then go do your damn work already."

Luke still wouldn’t look at him, but his voice had softened ever so slightly. Theo was relieved that he had caught on before things got worse.

"I’ll finish as soon as I can. If I think I’ll be late, I’ll contact you through the communication crystal, so wait for me."

Luke simply waved his hand dismissively.

Theo glanced at him one last time before gripping the window handle.

"Don’t leave the window open too much. You’ll catch a cold."

After carefully closing the window, Theo turned and headed back toward the commander’s office.

The headquarters, a sight he had long since grown used to, looked different today. The sunlight reflecting off the structures made everything seem almost dazzling. It was as if the evening glow itself was alive, casting a warmth over the entire space.

"Commander, good evening!"

As he walked, Philip and Milo passed by and saluted him.

"It’s been a while since I’ve seen you two. Heading back to the dorms?"

"Yes, sir."

Philip and Milo, both former members of the 1st Unit under Theo’s leadership, openly showed their fondness for him.

"Good. But don’t just stay holed up inside once you get there—go out for some fresh air. The weather’s nice, and the view is beautiful today."

"...Excuse me?"

Without waiting for an answer, Theo simply nodded and walked past them.

"What did he just say? Did you understand that?"

Philip turned to Milo, who looked just as confused.

"I have no idea. The weather and scenery look the same as usual, so I don’t get what’s so beautiful about it."

Milo muttered something about how Theo had been so overworked lately that maybe it was affecting his mental state. With that, the two continued on their way.

"Shion, you can take these documents now. I’ve finished reviewing all of them. Also, I’ve gone through the reports on this month’s monster subjugations at headquarters."

"A-All of them?"

Shion blinked in disbelief.

Theo gave a small nod as Shion gathered the papers. He had always known that Theo’s abilities were beyond the average human’s, but lately, the commander felt like some kind of being from another world.

His workload had doubled due to balancing both the investigation unit and his regular duties. Naturally, the mental burden should have been immense.

And yet, instead of looking worn down, Theo seemed more alive than ever. His gaze burned with an intensity that looked like it could set fire to the very papers he was reading.

"Forgive me if I’m speaking out of turn, but..."

Shion hesitated before continuing.

"You seem much more at ease now than when you first took command."

Theo had been tense and uncertain when he first stepped into his role. He had been so sharp-edged that rumors had even spread about how terrifyingly irritable he had become.

But now, despite his increased workload, he exuded stability—like a deeply rooted tree, unshaken by any storm.

"I agree."

Shion had expected Theo to respond with his usual deadpan ‘Is that so?’ Instead, to his surprise, Theo smiled and nodded.

Shion hadn't realized he had noticed. But given how closely he had observed Theo as his aide, his judgment was reliable.

Theo knew the reason for his newfound sense of ease.

It was because there was someone waiting for him in this very headquarters.

Just recalling Luke—who had shouted at him to hurry up and come back—made Theo almost burst into laughter.

But since he was still in front of a subordinate, he quickly schooled his expression.

"By the way, sir, about the matter you instructed me to look into—the supply embezzlement case you asked to reinvestigate..."

Theo’s expression subtly shifted.

It had been when he overheard Milo and Seth talking. Even while spitting their usual venom at Luke, they had brought up the supply embezzlement case. And for some reason, Milo had seemed nervous.

After reprimanding them, Theo had given two orders.

The first was to ensure that Luke was formally treated as a captain-level officer within the headquarters. It was meant to put a stop to all the gossip and dismissive attitudes toward him.

The second was a secret investigation into the supply embezzlement case. Unlike the first order, this one had been entrusted solely to Shion.

The case had already been closed, with Luke receiving his official punishment. If it °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° became known that the commander was personally reopening a resolved case, it could raise unnecessary suspicion.

That’s why Theo had asked Shion to keep the reinvestigation confidential. Just a careful check for any inconsistencies or irregularities.

Of course, Theo could have asked Luke directly about it.

But considering it was a case where Luke had already been punished, Theo doubted he would be willing to talk about it.

"I conducted my own reinvestigation, but I didn’t find anything unusual. The official reports match what we already know."

"...I see."

Theo fell into thought.

If nothing was wrong, then why had Milo brought it up? No matter how much Milo resented Luke, his tone back then wasn’t just spiteful—it was nervous.

"Oh, I don’t know if this is relevant, but..."

"Go on."

"The soldier who was used by former Captain Luke during the embezzlement case—Fail—apparently had some financial difficulties at the time."

Theo straightened his posture. That was new information, even to him.

"He lived alone with his mother, but her chronic illness had worsened back then. Their financial situation wasn’t great, and they likely couldn’t afford proper treatment. I heard this from one of Fail’s former squadmates in the Special Unit."

At the time, all focus had been on Luke’s deliberate crime and the fact that he had manipulated a subordinate into helping him. Fail’s personal circumstances had barely been considered.

After all, he had been labeled the victim.

Theo tapped his fingers against the wooden desk, deep in thought.

That information alone wouldn’t overturn the case.

But... had Luke really not known about Fail’s financial struggles?

And if he had known—how had he viewed Fail’s situation?

Theo’s rhythmic tapping against the desk echoed through the quiet office.