A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 34

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 34
“Ohhhhh!”
The Emperor clapped with delight, and at that very moment, the high branches of the Tailyze Tree where Elysek touched blazed with brilliant light. Without a whisper of wind, the tree swayed its branches as if dancing, moving them this way and that.
“The Tailyze Tree must be in an exceptionally good mood!”
The vain tree was absolutely delighted, and the Emperor quickly brought his hand to the Tailyze Tree. Then he smiled at me and spoke.
“Let us offer our gratitude after the prayer is complete.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“It may take some time, so if you grow bored, feel free to chat amongst yourselves.”
“Then I shall continue explaining the remaining aspects of buoyancy to Your Majesty’s Imperial Guards. They may have questions.”
“…Is there still more to explain?”
“Yes. Should Your Majesty be curious, I can elaborate further after the prayer is….”
“No matter. It seems my Imperial Guards are so consumed with curiosity they might lose their minds, so please continue without interruption.”
“Understood.”
The Imperial Guards looked at the Emperor with expressions of betrayal. But the Emperor didn’t even glance back, turning his face toward the tree once more before closing his eyes.
In that instant, we all held our breath. We were enveloped in an illusion where the Tailyze Tree and the Emperor seemed to become one. The Emperor stood firm as if he had transformed into the tree itself, offering his prayer. All the while, the high branches danced with a soft, rustling light, as if deeply satisfied.
And though the wonder lasted only briefly, after a few minutes had passed, we all became listless. It was no accident that the Emperor had suggested we chat. I turned to look at the Imperial Guards and smiled wryly.
“…Well, where was I in the explanation?”
It felt like I was lecturing for the first time in ages, and I was thoroughly enjoying it.
“Theoretically, you could simply ignite a flame. But we used Portstone out of concern that the tree might catch fire.”
As I eagerly explained to the Imperial Guards, who seemed to have left their souls behind, time passed remarkably quickly.
“All of this scientific language is expressed through equations, which is why everyone says mathematics is the language of the universe….”
And before it seemed like much time had passed at all, the Emperor opened his eyes. At that gesture signaling the end of his prayer, the Imperial Guards immediately responded.
“Your Majesty! We were worried you were praying for far too long.”
“A great deal of time has truly passed, Your Majesty.”
“You have prayed for such a long time, Your Majesty. The First Emperor surely will recognize your sincerity.”
The Emperor smiled gently and patted the shoulders of his guards. His expression suggested he understood something.
“Yes. I prayed earnestly that Edgar would return soon, and if there are circumstances preventing his return, that those circumstances would be resolved well.”
I gazed quietly at the Emperor’s gaunt face. It was the face of one who had not abandoned hope for his child—a face both desperate and sorrowful.
“Princess, I am truly grateful.”
The Emperor looked at me and forced a smile.
“You may wonder why I cling so desperately to something without substance, but this is how irrational a parent’s heart can be.”
Though the tree seemed far too delighted for there to be no substance to it… but regardless.
“If only I could touch those plump cheeks just once more….”
The Emperor spoke in a calm voice, yet one tinged with unmistakable sorrow.
“It would be difficult for a young princess of merely twenty-two to understand.”
I gazed quietly at the Emperor’s face.
What was this “difficult to understand” thing he spoke of?
Everyone says the Crown Prince is dead, yet clinging to that smallest of hopes that he might not be. Believing there must be some reason, and knowing full well the pain that would linger for so long, yet still swallowing the painkillers nonetheless.
“…I understand, Your Majesty. Truly, I do.”
It was the same emotion I harbored toward my mother. The desire to believe in her simply because she appeared in my frequent nightmares saying “it’s unfair.” Though it was without substance, I could understand that miserable, inescapable hope that could never be abandoned.
“Your words alone are enough to move me.”
The Emperor spoke gently. Seeing his lonely expression, I impulsively asked.
“But Your Highness the Crown Prince… might there be circumstances preventing his return?”
The Emperor fell silent for a moment. Then he took a deep breath and spoke.
“…There might be.”
The Emperor’s voice was filled with sorrow. I quietly closed my mouth and averted my gaze.
After a brief silence, the Emperor asked slowly.
“Princess, they say House of Taylies receives the love of the gods. Do you know why?”
“Yes.”
I answered respectfully.
“The Taylies Imperial bloodline is immune to poison.”
“That’s right.”
The Emperor nodded slowly.
But after that, he said nothing more. It was a rather sudden question. Silence fell again.
Without another word, we left the Tailyze Tree and exited the garden. The Emperor would return to his palace, and I would enter the Ducal Residence. It was time for us to part ways.
“Then, Your Majesty….”
Just as I was about to bow respectfully and bid the Emperor farewell.
“Princess, I must formally apologize.”
The Emperor spoke quietly.
“Earlier, I said you lacked the abilities of Prelai… but you possess an ability more special than anyone.”
His blue eyes gazed at me with a gentle smile.
“Truly, Duke Prelai was right to trust and send you. If I’ve hurt your feelings, I’m truly sorry.”
“Not at all.”
I answered immediately.
“It’s true that I couldn’t summon a familiar. Though it took quite long, I’ve accepted that fact. Your Majesty spoke no falsehood, so my feelings weren’t hurt. And….”
Looking at the Emperor’s gentle face, I hesitated before continuing.
“Actually, I’ve acquired a familiar too, Your Majesty.”
“…What?”
“I haven’t summoned it yet, but I have acquired one. It wasn’t the form I desired, but my earnest wish has been fulfilled nonetheless.”
The Emperor looked confused. I clasped my hands respectfully and continued.
“The Crown Prince will surely answer Your Majesty’s earnest desire as well. Even if it’s not the form you hoped for.”
“….”
At my words, the Emperor smiled. It was the first genuine smile I’d seen from him today, one that seemed truly joyful.
“You know how to offer comfort.”
“I’ve experienced dark emotions quite extensively. Since my birth was difficult, I’m the perfect example of overcoming adversity.”
At my words, the Emperor laughed freely. Then his eyes brightened as he spoke.
“I hope I could see your familiar next time. Though it will take time.”
I understood what “time” meant in the Emperor’s words. Today, he had endured through the strength of painkillers and stimulants. For quite a long time ahead, the Emperor would be confined to his bed. So our meetings could only be uncertain.
The Emperor gazed at me and spoke wistfully.
“I’ve seen many noble ladies, but you’re the first I’ve wished to take as a daughter-in-law. If Edgar were here, I would have made a place for you by force.”
“Ah… well, that is….”
“Why, is it troublesome? Isn’t it to our Edgar’s taste? If we just trim away the excess, he’d be quite presentable. Besides, that’s just baby fat.”
“….”
Baby fat that doesn’t disappear by sixteen is usually just called fat, isn’t it?
“People who know how to wield a sword all said that once I shed the weight, I’d immediately become a Sword Master.”
“….”
In any case, the young Crown Prince in my memories was indeed somewhat plump. I remember everyone whispering behind his back that he’d grow into an adorable, gentle teddy bear of a man.
But what truly didn’t suit my taste was the Crown Prince’s expression itself. That perpetually generous and benevolent smile, that distinctive sunshine-like happy face. The magnanimity unique to one who stood at the highest position and possessed everything.
Was it when I was fifteen? On the day of a piano recital, I struck Melissa instead of the piano in front of everyone. At that moment, everyone including Lord Rodrigo rushed to Melissa, but the Crown Prince alone ran to me and cried out, “Princess, what’s wrong!”
Faced with that pure concern and innocent curiosity mixed together, I felt an extreme sense of shame, so I fled with the words, “No, never mind.” Darkness instinctively avoids sunlight. Therefore, I had never once entertained the thought of becoming Crown Princess.
“I apologize, Your Majesty. I currently have a lover.”
“What’s the matter with that? Don’t worry about it. A lover can simply be disposed of.”
Huh? Wait a moment. Did I just hear something deeply unsettling?

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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