Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 57

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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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“I never received baptism.”
Evan had clearly stated he hadn’t been baptized.
At the time, I thought Duke Icard was being rather indifferent about it.
“Truth is… I’ve wanted to possess a sacred relic for quite some time.”
I couldn’t fathom why an ordinary person would desire something as useless as a sacred relic.
Sven continued speaking, explaining to me that there was little room for black magic to be abused.
“For one thing, even commoners are receiving baptism these days… and sacred relics are something the Priests guard like their very lives. It’s difficult to meet even a single condition.”
He seemed to have forgotten the contradictions in his own words, speaking hastily due to time constraints.
He had tried to tempt me with the bait that the dead could be revived, only to follow up with ‘actually, that’s not really easy at all.’ But regardless, that wasn’t what mattered to me.
“…Sven.”
I asked, feeling slightly bewildered.
“That… so the black magic that revives people… is it common knowledge?”
“It couldn’t be.”
Sven shook his head.
“I know because I’ve researched it for so long. Most people have no idea. Black magic itself is considered taboo anyway.”
I took a moment to breathe deeply.
“In the first place, the fact that black magic can revive the dead is only passed down orally in Carobantes.”
“I visited Carobantes briefly during my childhood too.”
Duke Icard had certainly said such things at the Temple. So there was a possibility he had known of the existence of black magic that could revive the dead since childhood.
“Both Evan and I will eventually find happiness. Through other fundamental solutions.”
On the night of Ludba’s incident, Duke Icard had definitely said that.
“…If all my plans come to fruition, everything that went wrong will return to its proper place. So I cannot stop.”
Return to its proper place. So that was the fundamental solution.
All the puzzle pieces were falling into place.
“If I do better, I can undo everything.”
Ah, so Duke Icard truly intended to reverse everything.
“…If I could go back to the beginning, I would want to be a truly good father to Evan.”
I quickly pieced together the truth.
After Matilda passed away, Duke Icard had recalled the black magic he’d heard about in Carobantes during his childhood. He’d become obsessed with researching it, leaving him no time to care for Evan.
Duke Icard was naturally not a Black Mage himself. He needed to control the Nobility and the Royal Court to execute black magic. That was why he was working to seize both.
Particularly with the Royal Family, there had been extremely rare instances of approving black magic that summoned demons.
It was only natural that black magic, which disrupted the world’s order, would not be approved under ordinary circumstances.
One could not even attempt to ask unless they became someone of significant influence through a genuine marriage alliance.
“No one knows this fact. You must keep the secret too.”
The fact that Evan hadn’t been baptized was unknown to everyone. Moreover, the Duke had obtained the sacred relic with utmost secrecy.
Marcel and I had also remained completely silent about the sacred relic. So it was certain that even Sven had no idea Duke Icard had any interest in black magic.
“We still don’t know much about the boundless world of black magic. But one thing is certain.”
Sven continued speaking, unaware of what I was thinking.
“The moment our organizational power joins hands with a powerful Black Mage, we will become the true masters of the world.”
‘Oh…’
It was the typical dialogue of a mastermind who would ultimately fail after overreaching to control the world.
“Laria, you could become our magnificent master.”
“Why not find another Black Mage instead of someone like me who has no interest in such things?”
“Black Mages who can make demons respond are rare. Most of them just live quietly making reagents and such.”
“Hmm… I suppose.”
“Actually, it doesn’t matter if you don’t become the master of the world. I think I’d be happy just living in a world where black magic exists.”
Sven spoke with his hands clasped together, very reverently.
I understood Sven’s true nature.
In my past life’s world, there were people who enthusiastically pursued military weapons and warfare, and they were called military enthusiasts.
From what I could see, Sven was made of very similar material to those people. In other words, Sven was undoubtedly a black magic fanatic.
“…I’ll think about it.”
I spoke flatly.
I never expected such an uncomfortable topic as black magic to come up.
“Either way, it seems I need to learn something about black magic too.”
Besides, the fact that this demon named Neo had responded to me felt oddly unsettling. No matter how despicably I’d lived, I didn’t think I was demon-like, yet a demon spoke to me…
I wondered if that might be why my body ached when I received the blessing.
‘Black magic…’
I couldn’t completely pretend to be ignorant.
First, it was related to the secrets of House of Icard. Second, I still needed the Bestian Dark Information Guild. Third… above all, it could be related to my own body.
‘But what if I was really born with the qualities of the strongest Black Mage?’
Did I possess the body of a Black Mage even though I couldn’t possess the villainess? Did Laria in the original story die without knowing her talent?
Then would I really conquer the world? Is becoming a powerful dark horse my true destiny, neither the mastermind, nor the heroine, nor the hero?
“It’s quite sudden… but I understand what you’re saying.”
I staggered to my feet. I had learned too many things all at once.
“Meow.”
As I stood up, Neo clung to me and looked at me with pitiful eyes.
“Oh my.”
Serena tilted her head and spoke.
“It seems Neo wants to be with you, Laria…”
“Meow, meow, meow.”
Neo nodded, and Sven’s expression became that of an abandoned butler.
“I’m sorry.”
Even if it was a demon’s incarnation, the fact that it looked cute was undeniable, so I petted Neo and spoke.
“I’m too busy taking care of myself right now. Come back when I’ve become lonely and can attach my heart to someone.”
“Meow, meow, meow.”
Neo seemed to understand and sadly turned its body back toward Sven.
“We’ve wasted a lot of time. Evan might come looking. I should go for now.”
“Of course…”
Sven quickly picked up Neo and spoke.
“Of course, you’re free to refuse. After all, Laria, you were my mother’s savior.”
He seemed to be referring to how I had helped his mother avoid the fire that had threatened the building where she was staying.
“Even if you told me no, I would naturally do my best with any task you gave me. But I’m telling you this because I truly wish to work alongside you.”
Yet Sven’s sincere words failed to reach my heart.
“Yes… I understand.”
They were trying to resurrect the dead. So this was what Duke Icard wanted to accomplish. If Matilda truly returned to life, would everything really fall back into place?
‘In the original story, doesn’t he fail?’
I hadn’t done anything wrong, yet something deep within me had become unsettled.
‘Why exactly? What is the reason?’
I couldn’t understand myself either.

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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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