Don’t Look for the Resurrected Villainess - Chapter 117

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 117

 

I moved my fingertips along the round handle shape of the teacup. Feeling the smooth texture of the porcelain, I continued speaking calmly.

 

“How could it be just Father? In truth, isn’t everyone watching the relationship between Your Highness and me?”

 

The nobles of the Empire, one way or another, see me as the Duke of Roam’s daughter.

 

It might be because Roam actively emphasizes their relationship with me, but it was also because of my entire life dealing with them as Roam’s daughter.

 

But I am not Roam.

 

I didn’t want to see Roam transform into a prestigious family that produced a Reviver. And the Emperor must surely think the same.

 

“His Majesty has been deeply troubled. About the relationship between you and Roam.”

 

“Will he revise Roam’s genealogy for my sake?”

 

“If His Majesty gains confidence that you will become a member of the Imperial House, he would do so.”

 

“I hope he gains such confidence at this banquet.”

 

If I enter holding Heinrih’s hand once more at the splendid banquet being held for me, wouldn’t the Emperor finally gain that confidence?

 

And when he receives the imperial command to erase my name from the genealogy, what expression will Father make?

 

“I’m not the Crown Prince yet. If His Majesty is determined, it’s difficult to prevent everything.”

 

“As I said, Roam thinks of me as a member of Roam.”

 

I can’t imagine Father’s expression, but I can be certain of his reaction. He’ll surely sneer. Mother too, of course.

 

Prisian Sister would be flustered but would quickly regain her composure.

 

Father would visit the Emperor and calmly list out what sacrifices Roam has made for the Imperial House.

 

He might even bring up the past, saying they cut me off despite the scandal for the sake of the fickle Maxel.

 

Naturally, that would displease the Emperor, but…

 

“What belongs to Roam belongs to Roam. It’s a teaching that family members engrave into their very bones. Roam will want to ‘secure’ me. Once a position is prepared, they’ll be confident they can somehow win me over.”

 

“Even while bearing His Majesty’s wrath?”

 

“With Maxel in danger now, Roam has extended their hand to Your Highness.”

 

Fidgeting with the teacup handle, I lowered my gaze.

 

“Roam was able to be close to the Imperial House because they always held the hand of the next emperor.”

 

The sky reflected dimly on the calm tea surface.

 

“Later, when I’m gone, they’ll suspect each other. Because they believe each other has such capability. So use it. Between the conflict of the Duke of Roam and the Emperor, Your Highness will be able to have forces purely for yourself.”

 

Even at my words to reject the Emperor, Heinrih didn’t react strongly. He must have had it in mind as well.

 

After all, he was someone who had been secretly watching for opportunities to depose the Crown Prince chosen by the Emperor, so it was natural.

 

The current Emperor’s power was completely useless to Heinrih. Even more so now that he had confirmed the Emperor was someone who could replace successors at any time depending on the situation.

 

“To avoid being manipulated, one must become the one who chooses, not the one who is chosen.”

 

“I know.”

 

Heinrih’s voice saying that was bitter. After being lost in thought for a moment, he suddenly looked up at me. A faint worry showed in his eyes.

 

“If Roam happens to ‘secure’ you, would you be able to escape from there?”

 

“Oh my, what a meaningless hypothetical.”

 

Taking a sip of the cold tea, I sneered at Heinrih.

 

“No one will be able to ‘secure’ me.”

 

“But…”

 

“Since I’ve been behaving obediently, everyone seems to have forgotten what’s confined in my palace. How unfortunate.”

 

Clicking my tongue openly, I leaned back against the chair. Just then, Minte, who had been sitting at my feet, made a purring sound and pressed closer to me.

 

“Now that my business is done, would I hesitate to break down the palace walls and leave?”

 

I’m only staying quietly because I’m worried they might mobilize troops to subjugate my Dura’han, and preferably to help Heinrih in ruining the Emperor and Roam.

 

Heinrih, who glanced at Bak behind the bars, smiled calmly. Then he spoke in a serious voice.

 

“You may destroy Maxel’s palace, but please preserve other assets moderately. I’ll need to inherit them soon.”

 

…I wasn’t really thinking of destroying anything, but now that he says that, I feel like I should destroy Maxel’s palace.

 

Seeing him seriously consider my half-joking words, I became serious as well.

 

I can’t rely on the Wyvern every time. How should I destroy it this time?

 

“Your Highness will clear the guards, right?”

 

“I’ll provide everything necessary.”

 

The conversation that followed was entirely about ‘how to destroy Maxel’s palace.’

 

By the time tea time ended, Heinrih’s face had become thoroughly refreshed. It was thanks to destroying Maxel’s palace dozens of times with words alone, even turning it to powder.

 

“Unfortunately, I must go now. I’ve become quite busy thanks to you.”

 

“That’s delightful news. Take care.”

 

After confirming Heinrih walking away with light steps, I was finishing the remaining tea in my cup when Jeon, who had only been watching throughout our conversation, quietly spoke up.

 

“I have something I’m curious about.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Did that prince confess to Lady Anelli or something?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“…You answer so nonchalantly.”

 

“It’s not the first or second time I’ve heard it.”

 

Whenever I had doubts, Heinrih emphasized his feelings. If I were to count, he had confessed to me several times.

 

Jeon made a confused expression at my calm reaction. Then he hesitantly began to speak.

 

“I suppose you rejected the confession.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“What… didn’t you like about him? Because he’s human, because all humans are untrustworthy. Well, reasons other than that.”

 

For some reason, Jeon’s face asking the question was quite serious and earnest. Looking at him blankly, I slowly reconsidered the question.

 

The reason I rejected Heinrih’s confession…

 

“He’s Maxel’s brother.”

 

Naturally, this is the biggest reason. Why would I get involved with someone from the detestable Imperial House when I have nothing to gain?

 

“Moreover, a brother who looks quite similar.”

 

“…Failed on origin and appearance.”

 

Jeon’s face pondering my answer had no trace of playfulness. He even nodded to himself.

 

Staring at him, I turned my gaze toward the direction Heinrih had disappeared.

 

“Still, I want to respect his courage. It couldn’t have been easy.”

 

“That’s true.”

 

Jeon readily agreed.

 

“Come to think of it, he’s quite an impressive prince. With that much courage, he’s fully qualified to sit on the throne. At least he’s better than that slimy trash.”

 

I agree that Heinrih is better than Maxel, but…

 

“Was confessing such a tremendous thing that it warrants discussing qualifications for the throne?”

 

“Of course. Not to just anyone, but…”

 

Trailing off his words ambiguously, Jeon looked at me intently then quietly averted his gaze. What’s this? I’m feeling a bit annoyed right now.

 

Sensing my sharp look, Jeon quickly picked up the teacup in front of him. Taking a sip of the barely touched, completely cold tea, he smiled awkwardly.

 

“The tea tastes excellent.”

 

“You said you couldn’t tell the difference from plain water.”

 

“I think I understand a bit now.”

 

Looking at Jeon with displeasure, I closed my mouth in annoyance.

 

Let’s drop it, just drop it.

 

* * *

 

The banquet, which had already been canceled and revived twice, had become enormous in scale by the third time. It was even more so with not only the Empire’s nobles attending, but also guests from the Temple and Magic Tower.

 

Of course, the Temple guests, regardless of the banquet, were enthusiastically engaged in missionary activities like fish in water, and Jeon, who appeared as a guest from the Magic Tower, was staying only by my side under the excuse of a mage’s curiosity…

 

The Emperor, who had recently suffered nothing but blows to his pride, seemed to be gritting his teeth for this occasion.

 

From what I heard, he seemed intent on grandly presenting the Reviver to all the nobles this time.

 

Already acting as if the Reviver had become a member of the Imperial family, Roam would probably find it quite irritating.

 

‘Rather, the Temple doesn’t seem to be resisting much?’

 

I expected them to make a fuss about why the Reviver was being hosted in the Imperial Palace, but instead they seemed delighted, saying that even the Imperial House had knelt under God’s blessing, making divine authority stronger than ever.

 

‘Seeing how enthusiastically they’re conducting missionary activities, they’ve definitely decided to make a proper fortune this time.’

 

Perhaps I should demand my share of the Temple’s profits after all.

 

Wondering whether to casually bring this up with Samuel, I rested my chin on my hand. Today too, I was out in the backyard.

 

How long had I been killing time eating sweets that didn’t suit my taste? Finally, the animal I’d been waiting for appeared.

 

The crow that had been circling in the sky descended in a gentle curve and landed on the table.

 

[I’m back with a report!]

 

The crow had been busy lately, bringing me updates on Lilia’s activities.

 

[She went out again in the middle of the night!]

 

“Did she meet that man again?”

 

[Yes!]

 

“It seems she hasn’t heard the rumors about herself yet.”

 

Lilia had been meeting with her subordinates much more frequently lately. Seeing how often she met with Casey in particular, I wondered if she was secretly plotting to assassinate me.

 

I was curious what kind of reaction she would show if she knew how such behavior appeared to the Emperor or Roam.

 

“Well, thank you.”

 

The crow with an earring in its beak flapped its wings. I had given it quite a lot of jewels, so its nest must be completely full by now, but the crow’s greed was truly endless.

 

‘Jigore and Tristan would be much more capable. When will I be able to summon these guys?’

 

Actually, I had considered summoning the Dura’han outside the Imperial Palace where there was no barrier and bringing them in.

 

However, I ultimately gave up, worried that having multiple Dura’han summoned might somehow expose me to someone from the Imperial House.

 

And having the Dura’han hidden in the separate space dimension gave me something to rely on, which was somewhat reassuring.

 

‘At least I’m not in immediate danger. I have Minte and Bak too.’

 

As I habitually fidgeted with my bracelet and gazed in the direction the crow had flown, I noticed palace servants hovering around the backyard entrance.

 

Their eyes were filled with the sentiment ‘We have something to tell you, so please come this way.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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