A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 77

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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 77
Still, thanks to Sezare’s help, I was able to create a magical artifact far faster than I’d expected.
What truly amazed me was how he seemed to sense the exact moments when I was deep in thought or absorbed in research, and would assist with whatever I needed. It was as if he’d been watching over me for ages—everything fell into place so naturally.
“In any case, thank you for letting me make this magical artifact first, Sezare.”
I lay on the simple cot, clutching the completed artifact to my chest with a slight smile.
“With this, I’ll quickly resolve one tangled family matter, and then I’ll take on the Marquis’ commission.”
“Yes.”
Sezare nodded, his gaunt face focused as he organized the experimental tools.
“You don’t need to rush that much. Work on it when you’re comfortable. It’s fine to rest more.”
“No, I love research.”
“Still, rest sufficiently first, then begin your research. I haven’t said anything until now since you called it a family matter, but people always need rest.”
It was nagging again. Rest first and take it slowly—was that something a client should be saying? Yet I didn’t bristle at his nagging, oddly because I sensed affection in those words.
“The Academy people seem to love it when I research like this.”
“That just means they don’t care for you!”
Until now, I’d thought of Sezare as similar to the Academy—someone I worked with for compensation and results. So when he volunteered to be my assistant, I agreed.
But spending time with him and hearing his nagging, I began to understand what Grandfather meant by “caring.”
‘I thought he was just some hopeless reckless fool…’
I’d noticed Sezare had taken a liking to me at the banquet. But back then, I wasn’t sure if it was genuine affection. I was a princess of Prelai. As someone with good prospects, I couldn’t help but harbor doubts.
‘And at the banquet… even though we’d only met a few times, he looked at me with such desperate eyes. That made me uncomfortable.’
He wasn’t someone I’d naturally trusted from the start. He himself kept admitting he was a bad person. Yet lately, I found myself drawn to him. Spending time together in the Research Lab, I could feel he genuinely cared for me.
He stayed by my side, always checking my condition, and whenever I pushed myself even slightly, he’d be more alarmed than I was, telling me to rest. It was the complete opposite of those Academy people who demanded research results from me. There was something strangely genuine about it.
‘I know from experience… even family can’t provide this level of care…’
Whenever I’d mutter “Why go this far…,” Sezare would simply smile and say something cryptic.
“It was my future dream, so I’m happy now. It feels like a dream I’ve longed for has finally come true.”
What kind of masochistic future dream did young Sezare develop…?
“If you don’t mind, you can just keep me by your side.”
In any case, that wasn’t all. His handsome face was certainly attractive, but more than anything, he was always there for me. Like someone who’d watched over me for ages, as if all of this was genuine and sincere.
“And.”
As I was lost in strange feelings, quietly observing Sezare, he cleared away my snack bowl and spoke softly.
“If you wanted to leave the Ducal Residence, you don’t need to do research—you can rest at the Marquis’ Mansion anytime.”
“…What?”
“Ever since Melissa returned, hasn’t being at the Ducal Residence been weighing on your mind?”
Ah.
The fact that Melissa had returned had naturally spread throughout the Capital. I’d heard that so many young nobles had been visiting Prelai Ducal Residence to see her lately. They all praised her, saying “It’s remarkable that you did such difficult volunteer work” and “Truly, the kind Melissa.”
I’d left the Spy Maid at the Ducal Residence, and for good reason—I’d actually had her spy.
“Lord Rodrigo visited today and met with Melissa. Everyone said the House of Purbis people absolutely shouldn’t be let in, but Melissa warmly welcomed the guest, saying she couldn’t turn away visitors.”
The Spy Maid was genuinely excellent at spying.
“And the two of them had tea time in the Drawing Room. Melissa said the volunteer work was very meaningful, but she had no choice but to return because she missed her family and her summoned beast.”
The Spy Maid monitored Melissa’s every move and reported to me. She even provided detailed conversation contents I hadn’t asked for.
“That’s hilarious, really. When did she come back whining about how hard it was, and now suddenly talking about family? But how did you hear that conversation? They wouldn’t have let you into the Drawing Room.”
“I heard her while hanging from a tree.”
“…You, you hung from a tree?”
“Yes. It’s sufficient.”
The Spy Maid proudly displayed muscles far more developed than when I first met her. And I suddenly realized anew that physical stamina was the most important thing for espionage work.
In any case, since news of Melissa’s return had spread throughout the Capital, Sezare would naturally know about it too.
“Of course, I’m making this suggestion because your comfort is my top priority, but still….”
As I blinked, Sezare continued speaking.
“I truly hope you can hold your head high at the Prelai Ducal Residence.”
For a moment, my heart truly raced. It was something no one had ever said to me until now. If he had suddenly said that while passing by, I would have thought, ‘How presumptuous, what does this fool who knows nothing think he’s talking about?’
But he said he was creating a magical artifact due to ‘family circumstances,’ and he quietly and diligently assisted me to the best of his ability. I thought he was just eager to finish making his own magical artifact quickly, but now I realized that wasn’t it. He knew I had a plan and helped me while respecting it as much as possible.
“Rather, the Prelai Family should be proud of producing a genius in magical engineering.”
Perhaps it was because sincerity was evident in Sezare’s low voice.
“Hmm….”
I found myself revealing my most intimate thoughts without realizing it.
“I acknowledge that I’m a genius in magical engineering, but my intentions themselves were impure… so it’s not something to be proud of.”
“Pardon?”
“Melissa actually went on volunteer work. I’ve never created a magical artifact with good intentions.”
Sezare’s expression grew serious. I shrugged and spoke bitterly.
“Honestly, the first magical artifact I made alone was created to torment Melissa, and when I went to the Academy, I researched because I wanted to become a Professor.”
I murmured while fidgeting with the magical artifact I was holding without realizing it.
“After that too, I’ve been using magical artifacts for my own safety. In any case, that’s different from Melissa, who has helped the world even a little.”
Regardless of my intentions, that was something only I knew, and besides, Melissa had even gone on volunteer work that others avoided.
…But why am I telling Sezare all this? I’ve never confided these things to anyone before. It seemed to be because Sezare was taking care of me so attentively.
“Anyway!”
I felt embarrassed and stood up abruptly before Sezare could say anything.
“I’ll head out a bit early today. As I mentioned, I have family matters to resolve.”
Sezare gazed at me intently. Then he smiled softly and whispered low.
“It’s alright even if you can’t resolve it.”
It was too absurd to object to, and besides, he was smiling with such a distant expression. Sometimes when he looked at me, he had the expression of someone viewing a precious magical artifact, and each time, my heart strangely melted.
“With your remarkable abilities, you’re already someone’s salvation. Without even knowing it yourself.”
At those tender words, I shyly shared my thoughts.
“What’s the meaning of being acknowledged without my knowledge? Such things should be known by everyone in the world.”
“….”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you for your hard work.”
I left Sezare’s house clutching the completed magical artifact close to my chest. By my calculations, there was still some time before Piyak would arrive, but lately she’s been coming faster than expected, so I needed to finish things with Melissa quickly. Absolutely before Piyak arrives.
‘Just wait and see, Piyak.’
As dusk fell, I thought this while heading toward the Prelai Ducal Residence.
‘I won’t give you any emotional distress, even if I do give you work.’
Tonight, I intended to settle things with Melissa.
‘Melissa, I’m going to expose everything you’re hiding.’

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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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