A Strange But Effective Villainess Life - Chapter 93

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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 93
“What do you think, Captain of the Guard?”
Loyte blinked for a moment. He seemed to be processing the situation a bit slowly. Then suddenly, he startled and responded.
“Ah, I see!”
A belated joy finally flickered across his eyes.
“Princess, would it be possible to request cooperation with the Imperial Guards? I would like to officially implement this magical device in the Guard!”
I nodded somewhat dazedly in that instant. Loyte smiled broadly and looked between me and Sezare alternately with an expression of admiration as he spoke.
“Princess, thank you for inventing such a magical device that benefits society!”
Benefits society? I had never thought of it that way. As I stood there blankly, Loyte looked at me and offered a plaque.
“I look forward to your continued support, Princess.”
“Um… yes.”
I accepted the plaque calmly, but my feelings were quite peculiar. Even before my regression, I had never been recognized by the Empire for magical device development.
Of course, I had received recognition at the Academy, but it was merely academic acknowledgment within a small scholarly circle. After that, the Academy managed the patents for my magical devices as a proxy, so I didn’t know well where or how they were being used. Moreover, since ordinary people had no use for magical devices, I had heard that usually only wealthy nobles or royalty purchased them for trivial entertainment and purposes.
“It will truly be able to prevent many crimes.”
I suddenly looked around at my surroundings. Many people were nodding with expressions of genuine satisfaction.
“Right, that’s true. If word spreads that such a thing exists, it could even prevent petty theft.”
“I’m not sure, but wouldn’t undercover investigations become much easier?”
Hmm… wasn’t everyone here viewing me as a spoiled noble lady? So even though I had earned the notoriety of having stolen Piyak from Melissa, I thought it was all the same.
In that moment, a loud round of applause erupted—clap, clap, clap.
“…?”
Despite the quiet atmosphere, the one clapping loudly was none other than Sezare.
“To the Princess who has greatly benefited the Empire.”
He declared elegantly. It was completely at odds with what Judith had called him earlier—a “low-quality ruffian.” The way he commanded the atmosphere with his gestures and posture was so dignified that everyone gazed at Sezare as if enchanted.
‘Wait, this…’
Something suddenly came to mind.
“I acknowledge that I’m a genius in magical engineering, but since my intentions themselves were impure… it’s not something to be proud of.”
“Pardon?”
“Melissa actually went on volunteer work. I’ve never created a magical device with good intentions.”
I had said such things to Sezare before. After unintentionally pouring out my true feelings, I had felt quite embarrassed for quite some time.
“Honestly, the first magical device I made on my own was created to torment Melissa, and when I went to the Academy, I researched because I wanted to become a professor. Even after that, I’ve been using magical devices for my own safety. In any case, it’s quite different from Melissa, who has helped the world even a little.”
Could it be that Sezare remembered those words I said…?
Sezare chuckled and continued speaking.
“The Empire has once again received a favor from the Prelai Family.”
I stared at him blankly.
“Rather, the Prelai Family should be proud of having produced such a genius in magical engineering.”
Sezare was clearly an adopted son of a provincial noble and of commoner origin, something everyone knew. Perhaps because of that, he was a truly handsome man yet somehow lacked recognition.
Nevertheless, the way he made such an elegant declaration from that position, his voice and bearing so beautiful, that everyone present couldn’t even think to judge this situation.
“To, to, to that!”
And a few guards who had been watching carefully began to applaud enthusiastically. Simultaneously, applause poured forth from the gathered crowd.
“Ah… well, thank you. I suppose I have accomplished something remarkable.”
I felt my ears warm slightly as I offered a light greeting.
Lord Rodrigo’s imprisonment had been incredibly satisfying, but this… the feeling was different. It felt good in a different way.
Truth be told, I hadn’t particularly cared about my poor reputation, but I didn’t enjoy it either. Who likes being insulted by others? Yet if I could elevate the Prelai name like this and be recognized as having contributed to a better society…
When I glanced at Sezare, he mouthed the words “I do engage in politics” with a subtle smile, as if only I could see.
Politics…? Ah.
“Princess, it seems you lack great talent in politics.”
“Of course. If I had talent in politics, wouldn’t I have been known as a villainess in the Capital’s social circles?”
I had said something like that back then. In that moment, I wanted to ask Sezare, “Is this your way of comforting me?” If so, this was an answer I hadn’t even thought of myself.
Strangely, my heart tingled. He remembered every word I said and solved it in a way I couldn’t manage myself. And yet he stepped back into the shadows.
At the same time, I realized that Sezare was quite skilled at politics.
‘Wait. If this is what politics is…’
My mind raced. Using the atmosphere, redirecting attention in the direction I wanted…
I was twitching my lips when a brilliant idea suddenly came to me. As I smiled and responded to the crowd’s cheers, I immediately turned my gaze toward Loyte.
“Then how about Captain Loyte returns to duty as well?”
“…Pardon?”
“From what I’ve seen of your investigation work, it seems too early for you to retire and shut yourself away at home.”
“Ahem, hmm!”
Loyte showed no sign of displeasure. Of course not. He had been performing perfectly well until Nix pushed him out. He must be delighted to taste attention and power again after so long.
“Besides, the Knight Commander position remains vacant. It’s not like the Second Captain of the Guard moved up. So instead of just attending events like this temporarily, wouldn’t it be better to return to work full-time?”
And I didn’t miss the opportunity to continue.
“Since you’ve already investigated with this invisible ink, and you’re experienced in incorporating magical artifact investigation methods, you’d be perfect for the role.”
The justification I had created was excellent. Loyte chuckled and spoke with a somewhat bashful tone.
“Well, since everyone is saying so… I suppose I could return to work until Nix recovers.”
‘Everyone’ was really just me, but the atmosphere around us was so favorable that it felt oddly pleasant.
Loyte smiled and looked toward Dolores.
“Your Majesty, would that be acceptable?”
After all, Imperial Family approval was necessary to establish legitimacy.
Of course, Dolores couldn’t refuse in this atmosphere. Loyte had been so passionate while questioning people earlier. Moreover, with her own maid now detained, refusing here would invite criticism and make the Imperial Family appear to obstruct public welfare.
In the end, Dolores had only one thing she could say.
“…Ahem, very well then.”
Nice.
So the Imperial Guards had managed to escape Hiten’s grasp to some degree. This was what I’d been aiming for.
“First, support from high nobility. Second, military authority. Without those, returning would just create the same situation as before.”
According to Sezare’s words, helping the Crown Prince meant first ensuring the Imperial Guards escaped Hiten’s control as quickly and firmly as possible.
Sigh… that ungrateful bastard… and here I am helping him to the very end… sigh… But he did show me fireworks! And when I was being dragged to the execution ground, who knows what might have happened…
Truth be told, my tender heart had already softened. After all, with a greater enemy right before us, it was enough that the enemy was suffering.
And Sezare quietly observed me, smiling inwardly.

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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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