A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 35

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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 35
“I don’t know who your suitor is, but don’t rush into marriage, Princess. A better match might appear, wouldn’t you say?”
“…Pardon?”
As I asked for clarification, the Emperor chuckled and continued.
“Your middle name is ‘Eli,’ isn’t it? I understand your father gave you the name of the world’s most precious gemstone.”
I blinked in surprise. I had never heard the origin of my middle name before.
“If Edgar returns, it will be thanks to the Elysek we offered today, and so he would make a very good match for you.”
That logic made no sense whatsoever.
But such was the power of authority—one cannot contradict the illogical words of the powerful. Having been both a professor and a graduate student, I understood this truth all too well.
After finishing his words, the Emperor handed me a golden envelope.
“This is my small token of gratitude.”
“Thank you.”
I accepted the envelope promptly. I was curious about what lay inside, but it would be improper to open it immediately. As if reading my thoughts, the Emperor smiled kindly and spoke.
“It would be foolish to offer material wealth as repayment to the Princess of House Prelai. This is an Imperial Audience Permit.”
“An Imperial Audience Permit…?”
“The Imperial Palace currently restricts entry to outsiders, does it not? But with this, you may visit me whenever you wish.”
Even I could not say, “But Your Majesty, you are always bedridden.” Of course, the Emperor had calculated even that far, adding quietly.
“If I am unable to receive guests, the Empress will receive you in my stead.”
Thus I obtained the right to meet the Empress whenever I wished, despite her seclusion. In any case, it was something money could not buy, so it was worth keeping.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor smiled playfully and took his leave.
“Then, Princess, I shall see you again with your summoned creature.”
And with that, he turned and disappeared deeper into the palace. I watched his retreating figure for a long time.
I felt a twinge of guilt toward the Emperor. I thought he would have been delighted if I had mentioned meeting someone presumed to be the Crown Prince six years ago. That voice had sounded obsessed with revenge… But I could not share unconfirmed information. Besides, this was within the palace walls. One could never know where prying eyes and ears might be.
After the Emperor’s figure completely vanished, I too departed the palace. As I did, I fell into deep thought.
Was the reason the Crown Prince could not return ultimately because the final mastermind had not yet been revealed?
‘Even if he returned and killed everyone who attended that picnic, Hiten would still remain.’
Hiten had not attended that picnic.
‘Psychologically cornering the culprits this way would be more dramatic.’
But no matter how I thought about it, wouldn’t it be more efficient for him to return as the Crown Prince and conduct the investigation with that authority?
‘Still… there must be a reason he cannot reveal himself openly. Something I haven’t grasped.’
And in any case, it meant the Emperor knew that reason.
‘In any case, if the Crown Prince is grinding his teeth to deal with Hiten, I must help him unconditionally.’
Reaffirming the truth that the enemy of my enemy is my ally, I clenched my fists tightly.
‘Since he’s already announced his return, if I want to accelerate things even slightly, I’ll have to pave the way myself.’
The original story ended just as the Crown Prince’s revenge was beginning, but hadn’t events already accelerated like this?
‘But things are moving so fast, it feels so satisfying. I love the pace.’
Hiten had not yet extended his decisive hand toward House Prelai.
As the saying goes, one must row when the tide comes in. I resolved to handle matters for the Crown Prince as quickly as possible. I immediately issued an order to the Spy Maid waiting in the carriage.
“Spy Maid.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m going out tomorrow morning. Remember that—I have someone I need to meet.”
“Yes! Then tonight I should select a dress….”
“No.”
I lowered my voice and issued a command to the Spy Maid.
“Prepare a headscarf and a maid’s uniform that suit me. I need to move without drawing attention.”
The Spy Maid’s expression grew dizzy at this cryptic order.
“Your escort….”
I examined the Spy Maid from head to toe. Solid muscles and a sturdy frame… capable of carrying luggage… She seemed somewhat suspicious, but one person like her should suffice.
“Will you alone be enough? It’s not particularly dangerous.”
“Yes!”
The Spy Maid answered excitedly, as if she’d been recognized.
“I was originally talent coveted by all the Knight Orders and assassination guilds. So please trust me with this!”
* * *
“Hehehehe, everyone found the return comfortable, didn’t they?”
After parting with Kiana, the Emperor smiled and glanced around at his guards.
“Thanks to her, we didn’t have to endure that dreadful lecture when leaving the garden.”
The Imperial Guards sighed softly and nodded.
“Then… Your Majesty also….”
“Ugh, listening to that terrible talk about formulas makes selling one’s child seem pitiful by comparison.”
The Imperial Guards exchanged glances and laughed awkwardly.
“In any case, Ed’s partner is quite a desirable child. Since Ed was also good at science and mathematics, wouldn’t it be fine for him to listen to her?”
The Emperor chuckled and muttered.
“Our Ed is so innocent and kindhearted… he probably couldn’t be cunning like a fox.”
“….”
The Imperial Guards swallowed their unspoken words. If that person who brutalized his former teacher was truly the Crown Prince, he had already strayed far from innocence and kindness, hadn’t he?
* * *
That night, Hiten stood alone before the Tailyze Tree.
He had heard that the Emperor had brought Lady Kiana to the Tailyze Tree to offer prayers.
Hiten didn’t believe in such superstitions. Yet the feeling of displeasure was undeniable. He flicked a twelve-pelot Elysek upward. The Elysek settled at an appropriate height, glowed, and was absorbed.
Hiten placed his hand on the tree and prayed quietly.
“May that Crown Prince be dead, and if he lives, may he never return.”
In any case, the Tailyze Tree, having absorbed the Elysek, happily rustled its branches. And at that same moment, something fell with a soft tap onto Hiten’s head.
“…A note?”
Hiten’s heart pounded.
There was an ancient oracle passed down through the House of Taylies.
In the notes that Taylies receives, there lies a path.
Many interpretations existed regarding the word “note,” but the descendants of Taylies had always been sensitive to note-like things. Among the many interpretations was one that said, “The divine conveys its will through notes.” And the Tailyze Tree was the most sacred thing in this Imperial Palace.
Hiten unfolded the note as if entranced, unable to stop himself.
It was a memo that Kiana had hastily scribbled in the carriage earlier, the paper she’d used when fixing the Elysek. Of course, no one knew this fact. Hiten stared at the Tailyze Tree in disbelief, then snorted and tore the note to shreds.
“Damn it, just because I fed it something more expensive and higher quality, you’re going to ignore mine? This wretched tree—the moment I become Emperor, I’ll have it chopped down!”
With that, he kicked the base of the Tailyze Tree and stormed back to his palace, huffing indignantly.

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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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