Becoming the Terminally-Ill Villain Who Torments His Disciples - Chapter 22.1
The day of the celebration banquet was fast approaching.
It was today.
The day Eli would publicly spew nonsense in front of everyone.
Cielo had done everything possible to stop Eli’s nonsense, but all efforts had been in vain.
The Duke of Esteban wouldn’t agree to meet, and Ryan was firmly against Cielo going to Eli. He warned what might happen if they were alone together.
“…In the end, there’s only one way.”
Letting out a long sigh, Cielo made his way to the ballroom upon hearing that the celebration was about to begin.
The very celebration he had hoped would never start began, and elegant music flowed through the hall.
Wearing a visibly troubled expression, Cielo dry-washed his face and sighed.
Not long after, the music stopped and the emperor and crown prince entered together.
“The long war has finally come to an end. Today’s event will serve as both a memorial for those who perished on the battlefield, and a celebration of the glorious future we wish for the Empire of Asta!”
At the emperor’s words, Cielo scoffed inwardly.
A banquet held as both a memorial and a celebration? He didn’t know much about politics, but he did know a little about human emotions.
Many had died in this war.
In fact, more knights died in the later stages of the war due to the crown prince’s interference than in the early battles with the duchy.
Yet instead of properly mourning those comrades and families, the emperor was throwing a party.
“What a way to live a long life.”
For being cursed by many.
“Now then!”
As the loud voice rang out, those who had turned away briefly turned their attention back to the emperor.
“To add to the joy of our victorious return, I would like to bring even greater joy to the nation. I intend to name a betrothed for Crown Prince Eli, who rendered great service in this war!”
That bastard.
Cielo swore internally, genuinely disgusted.
It was already absurd enough to combine mourning and celebration, but to credit Eli—who caused more deaths than victories—as the hero of the war was a whole new level of outrageous.
If there was any consolation, it was that the emperor hadn’t outright declared, “Cielo and Eli will be wed.”
“Your Majesty, there is an Omega I wish for.”
“Someone you favor? Very well, speak their name.”
The two carried on their awkward exchange like they were reading from a script prepared before the banquet.
“I wish to marry Cielo Esteban.”
At those words, every gaze turned sharply toward Cielo.
Some faces were shocked, others disgusted.
People assumed Cielo was part of this script crafted by the emperor and crown prince.
“Esteban, come forth.”
The emperor called to him.
Cielo, who had been standing quietly in the corner to avoid attention, let out a brief sigh and pushed himself away from the wall.
“Master…”
Glancing briefly at Oscar, Cielo whispered,
“I’m sorry. I’m going to… sell you out a little.”
“…Huh? Sell me out?”
Before Oscar could ask more, Cielo boldly walked to the platform.
As Cielo approached without resistance, the emperor smiled broadly.
Duke Esteban had said, “If Cielo refuses, handle it as an imperial decree,” but it seemed such force wouldn’t be needed.
“Yes, Esteban. Your healing skills have greatly benefited the royal family. As the crown prince wishes, I would welcome you into the imperial family. What do you say?”
To ask for his thoughts, when they clearly had no intention of honoring them, was sickening.
But suppressing all his disgust, Cielo calmly responded:
“As a humble healer who wishes for the glory of the Empire of Asta, I am deeply honored by the proposal from Your Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Ho, it is good to know you feel the same, Esteban. Then we should set the wedding date as soon as possible.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Since I will soon be a member of the royal family, I shall resign entirely from my duties at the infirmary.”
“…W-what? Resign from the infirmary?”
“Yes. Once I’m part of the royal household, why would I need to work?”
It was an arrogant and insolent remark.
But it was also something only Cielo could say.
He was the empire’s most exceptional healer.
His touch was capable of bringing people back from death’s door.
His words held heavy weight as one who could control life and death, making it a difficult issue even for the emperor to dismiss easily.
“So… you’re saying that if you marry the crown prince, you will completely withdraw from the front lines?”
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