A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 37

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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 37
An hour later.
“Where is Sinden’s final sacred relic?”
“Well… it’s… in a really remote place… I hid it… and I have to keep the secret…”
“I see.”
“But… why are you asking that?”
“The missing Crown Prince disappeared for me.”
Kiana responded expressionlessly before producing a new bottle of liquor.
“No, no, not anymore…”
“Well then, let’s toast to the High Priest’s deteriorating brain cells finally starting to show their age! And to the liver cells suffering from overwork from meeting the wrong owner—cheers!”
She filled the glasses generously and clinked them together once more. Mayer let out a deep sigh.
“I should… drink this…”
And so another hour passed.
Kiana steadied her swaying body and asked.
“Where is Sinden’s final sacred object?”
“Well… where is it…”
With completely unfocused eyes, Mayer sprawled out his answer. And as he spoke of an unexpected location, he blinked slowly.
“Ah… I shouldn’t be saying this…”
Mayer sighed deeply, then glanced at Kiana, whose face had flushed red. Kiana, too, seemed unable to focus clearly as she gently tapped her own cheek for a moment.
Sezare, quietly concealing his presence, sighed inwardly. From how much alcohol the two of them had consumed, even he, who had merely been standing still, felt as though he were becoming intoxicated.
Mayer, too, appeared genuinely drunk as he slowly closed his eyes.
Time passed quietly.
“Then I should go…”
It was when Kiana slowly began to rise.
“You know, Princess of Prelai?”
Mayer spoke with completely clear pronunciation, not even looking at her. At this sudden shift in atmosphere, Sezare’s brow furrowed. He was clearly a completely drunk old man, yet his voice sounded strangely distant.
“Divine power has certain secrets.”
“…All power has secrets. Why bring it up now…”
Kiana waved her hand dismissively as if uninterested, but Mayer’s words continued leisurely.
“Since I’ve enjoyed drinking so pleasantly after a long time, I shall reveal that secret to you.”
“Wow, I really don’t want to hear this. Is this how everyone felt when I talked about mathematics…”
“First… reversing time with divine power is not something an ordinary priestess can do.”
Kiana’s pupils, which had been wandering aimlessly, suddenly became clear.
“Second is… ah. I’m tired. Let’s talk about it next time.”
“Next time? What do you mean… this is ridiculous.”
It was when Kiana’s expression hardened and her eyes widened. Mayer yawned and waved his hand.
“All things follow the will of the divine. Farewell.”
Kiana shrugged once and waved her hand without sincerity. Mayer’s murmur continued.
“And to the unseen guest as well, farewell.”
Sezare, who had been concealing his presence, flinched. And Mayer completely lost consciousness.
* * *
The Spy Maid’s name was Alice. Though Kiana still hadn’t asked her name.
Alice stood guard outside the entrance of the shabby tent, her expression tense.
After some time, Kiana emerged from the shabby tent with stiff, deliberate steps. But the moment she stepped outside, the tension drained from her body and she staggered sharply. Alice quickly steadied her.
“I’m fine.”
But Kiana looked anything but fine.
“Even at the Academy, I’ve never drunk this much.”
Alice found herself nodding involuntarily. And no wonder—the two of them had drunk an enormous amount. At first, she’d wondered if she could drink in Kiana’s place instead. But watching from the sidelines, she realized this was a capacity no one else could substitute for.
“But Miss…”
Alice spoke quietly, her expression troubled.
“Inside there, I kept feeling like someone was watching us.”
“What? I didn’t see anyone.”
“I didn’t sense any clear presence either, but the feeling was…”
“That’s just baseless talk.”
Kiana dismissed her halfheartedly, but Alice remained serious.
Alice took pride in her naturally superior physical abilities. Even without much exercise, her muscles were well-defined, her movements were swift, and she quickly picked up on others’ presence. Kiana had praised her for ages, saying she “carried luggage remarkably well.” There was definitely a vague sense of being watched inside the shop, but her frustration stemmed from her inability to provide evidence.
Meyer’s Shop was located on a narrow alley where carriages couldn’t enter.
“Are you alright, miss?”
Alice, who had chosen to use “miss” instead of “Princess” just in case, asked with concern.
“Are you really sure you’re alright? Can you manage getting into the carriage alone? Would you like me to carry you?”
“I’m fine. Really, I don’t need any help…”
Just as Alice was about to help the unsteady Kiana out of the alley, the entrance suddenly erupted into commotion.
“Scarves, scarves, scarves! Only ten shillings for five minutes!”
“Five minutes! Starting right now, exactly five minutes!”
The alley was already crowded due to the festival. Alice, who had been supporting Kiana, was instantly swept up in the surge of people.
“Miss!”
It happened too quickly. Under normal circumstances, Alice would have been able to steady Kiana well, but the situation was far from ideal. She was carrying a large bundle of luggage in one hand, and Kiana’s body felt as limp as paper.
“Wait, please! Everyone, move aside!”
Alice shouted loudly, but no one paid attention to two women dressed as maids.
“Huh?”
Unable to support herself, Kiana was separated from Alice in an instant.
“Miss!”
Alice flailed desperately, searching for Kiana who had been swept away by the crowd. Just as she was about to abandon her luggage and plunge back into the throng—
“Wait.”
A very low voice came from beside her.
“The young lady will be safe.”
Alice stopped in her tracks—the overly grave tone of voice clashed oddly with the slight lisp in his speech.
“Don’t worry.”
Alice stared at the source of the voice. She recognized him. He was the burly associate who had been following Sezare last time.
“The Duke recognized the Princess and is following her now. If you go wait by the carriage, the Duke will bring her shortly.”
Of course, I hadn’t realized the person spoke with such a lisp. Even as Alice reacted with surprise, she tilted her head with a slightly bewildered expression and asked.
“What brings you here?”
“I was passing through on the Duke’s business and happened to…”
“Wait, why did that damned scarf discount event suddenly start!”
Alice burst with frustration. Meanwhile, people were happily purchasing scarves with delighted expressions on their faces.
“Goodness, this quality at this price is practically theft.”
“You’re selling these for 10 shillings? How do you even make a profit?”
“Let’s hurry and tell everyone else about this!”
Hearing the customers’ conversation, Alice’s face fell. It was obvious the shop would become even more crowded than it already was. Alice sighed heavily and stamped her foot.
“I really hope something terrible happens to that scarf merchant!”
Watching her, Ranaq cleared his throat.
“Ahem, ahem!”
The truth was, it had been Sezare who suddenly ordered the scarf discount event.

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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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