Don’t Look for the Resurrected Villainess - Chapter 95

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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 95

 

At that moment, Heinrih’s voice stiffened slightly. For him, there would only be memories of arguing with Jeon, so it was natural that he wouldn’t welcome this.

 

―…So, what news do you want to convey?

 

“It’s nothing major. He’s someone who worries about everything, so I thought I should let him know that I’m safe and unharmed. Could you pass that along?”

 

In the past, I would have thought Jeon had given up on me after I disappeared and set off on a journey with Nesi. But now I don’t think he would do that.

 

Jeon might still be searching for traces of me at that monastery.

 

Or he might be trying to figure out the destination of the Warp Gate that activated from the carpet. He’s a man who worries about everything.

 

So if there was a way to contact him, I should at least give him some word.

 

―…You seem quite concerned about him.

 

“I received help from him in various ways while I was outside.”

 

―Didn’t you say you merely hired him?

 

“Of course I did. But he provided more diverse help than I expected.”

 

―He was paid wages, so he simply did his job accordingly.

 

His blunt reply carried undisguised jealousy. Though Heinrih had occasionally revealed his feelings for me, feeling his emotions like this was quite strange.

 

“Well….”

 

I moved my lips but ultimately couldn’t finish my words.

 

What if Heinrih had become Crown Prince instead of Maxel from the beginning?

 

What if I had become engaged to him instead? Would things have been different? Wouldn’t Heinrih have been swayed by Lilia like Maxel was?

 

Even if the thread of fate that Lilia follows was guiding her to become Crown Princess, could Heinrih have resisted?

 

‘Pointless speculation.’

 

I smiled bitterly and shook my head. What use was there in dwelling on the past? I was busy enough focusing on the reality before me.

 

Having shaken off useless thoughts, I spoke up.

 

“If it’s difficult to pass along the message….”

 

―When contact comes, I’ll relay your words.

 

Despite his clearly displeased expression, he didn’t refuse, which showed that Heinrih did like me.

 

Then he would accept my proposal too, wouldn’t he?

 

I moistened my lips with my tongue and carefully began to speak.

 

“And Lord Heinrih, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with.”

 

First, I needed to find the key. Since I didn’t know what it looked like or where it was, wandering around aimlessly by myself would be useless.

 

Moreover, I didn’t have the authority to freely search through the Imperial Palace.

 

But if I had a collaborator, it would be much easier.

 

It would be even better if that collaborator was someone who resided in the Imperial Palace.

 

―Tell me anything.

 

“Before that, I’m also thinking of providing appropriate compensation.”

 

―I don’t expect such things from you.

 

“Once you hear it, you won’t be able to refuse.”

 

Because Heinrih hadn’t given up on the throne, and if that was the case, my help would be extremely useful to him.

 

Could there be a more certain transaction than this?

 

I looked down at the communication stone and smiled slightly. Since I was going to leave anyway, what couldn’t I do?

 

* * *

 

After using the gratitude banquet as an excuse to tie me down, the Emperor openly revealed his ambition to keep me here.

 

Moving my quarters from a relatively simple guest room to a modest pavilion was proof of that.

 

Though it was relatively small compared to other palaces, giving me an entire palace for myself was quite an extraordinary choice.

 

Naturally, palace servants were assigned in droves to attend to me.

 

Even though I emphasized it was only temporary, those assigned walked around with their shoulders squared as if they had gained tremendous backing.

 

I couldn’t say I didn’t understand why they acted so triumphantly.

 

Though I had attached several conditions, I had ultimately moved quarters according to the Emperor’s recommendation.

 

Life in the pavilion was extremely comfortable.

 

Since all living expenses were covered by the Imperial House’s ‘sincerity’ in treating an honored guest, I could enjoy a wealthy and abundant lifestyle for the first time in a while.

 

News that a Reviver had appeared in the Imperial Palace and occupied an entire palace spread instantly.

 

Everyone seemed to think I was trying to establish myself in the Imperial Palace.

 

The gifts sent to express gratitude to the Reviver who had saved the Empire subtly included letters requesting meetings and invitations.

 

I refused all visitors under the excuse that I had used too much strength subduing Dura’han.

 

However, since I didn’t refuse mail, I was fully exposed to a bombardment-like gift offensive.

 

I accepted all their gifts. Since I didn’t refuse them, the competition among senders became even fiercer. The most intense among them was undoubtedly Roam.

 

Even so, I really didn’t expect them to send a gift like this. This was a gift that caught me off guard.

 

I crossed my arms and tilted my head back as far as it would go.

 

‘It wouldn’t have been easy to create something like this in just a few days.’

 

This was the backyard attached to the pavilion where I was staying. And right now before my eyes was a prison holding Bak, and it was indescribably splendid.

 

It was a prison that Roam had hastily made and sent.

 

“Such a luxurious prison. It’s practically like a giant birdcage.”

 

They said barrier magic to weaken monsters was imbued in the golden vines, leaves, and flower decorations covering the dense golden bars.

 

The knights who had transported this prison repeatedly emphasized Roam’s sincerity to me before returning.

 

They said my father and mother couldn’t sleep because they were so worried about me living with a living Dura’han by my side, and so on.

 

“Isn’t it ridiculous? When did they put me on the execution platform, and now they’re sending things like this to win my favor.”

 

As I crossed my arms and clicked my tongue while muttering, Bak inside the cage turned toward me.

 

[Captain, I like it.]

 

“You like it?”

 

[It’s very spacious and comfortable. Even if I ride a horse, my head won’t hit anything! The floor is also flat with something laid over it, so my back won’t ache. Plus it’s excellent aesthetically!]

 

That’s a prison, what are you doing adapting to it already?

 

Bak bounced around excitedly. His admiring appearance looked genuinely moved to anyone watching.

 

[As expected, everyone bows their heads to Captain properly. Thanks to Captain, I’ve obtained such a satisfying prison – this is Captain’s grace! I believed from the beginning that everyone would recognize Captain’s majesty!]

 

You shouldn’t be happy about getting a good prison, you should want to get out of it.

 

There were too many things to point out that I sighed.

 

Pressing my throbbing forehead at Bak’s utterly carefree words, I spoke calmly.

 

“Right, now that you’ve got a good sleeping place, you just need to remember the key.”

 

[Ah, that’s….]

 

While holed up in the palace, I had long conversations with Bak.

 

He said that after guarding the key and falling asleep in the Black Tower, he woke up to find the key missing and caused a rampage.

 

Yet he couldn’t remember the form of the key he had been guarding at all.

 

“Still don’t know?”

 

[Well, you see, Captain entrusted me with many keys, so I’m a bit confused.]

 

Bak struggled and kept bowing repeatedly.

 

No, past Captain… Why on earth did you entrust multiple keys to one knight?

 

[But Captain should be able to recognize the key! Captain can distinguish between powers!]

 

I paused at Bak’s confident words.

 

Something I kept feeling during our conversations was that unlike other knights, Bak’s memories were quite well preserved. The fact that he clearly distinguished between Death and Birth was evidence of this.

 

He also clearly remembered that the past captain was Death’s agent.

 

“Other knights couldn’t remember, but you have quite a lot of memories.”

 

[I was chosen as the knight to guard the key! I slept for a shorter time than the other guys. But have you met other knights? Where are those guys?]

 

I unconsciously fingered my bracelet. The bracelet’s gem was still sparkling.

 

I could summon them right now, but if I activated the magic tool, that magical power would be detected by the Magic Department too.

 

“I can’t let you meet them right away. But you’ll be able to see them as soon as we leave this place.”

 

[I wonder if those guys served Captain well.]

 

“They’re performing excellently beyond measure.”

 

[That’s a relief. But what about… Minte?]

 

“Minte?”

 

[Yes! Does he ever talk about me? Like missing me, or thinking of me, or longing for me….]

 

Ah, he must be one of the Twelve Knights.

 

“I haven’t met him yet. Including you, I’ve gathered six knights in total. And I have no memories at all, so there’s no point in talking about the past. I don’t even know who Minte is.”

 

[Ah… I see…]

 

Bak couldn’t hide his obvious disappointment. I tilted my head curiously and casually asked.

 

“Was Minte your lover?”

 

[What? L-l-l-lover?]

 

“Ah, not a lover but unrequited love.”

 

When I corrected the word in a matter-of-fact tone, Bak crossed both arms in an X shape in front of his chest and jumped back.

 

[Gasp! H-how did you know?]

 

“I can tell from your reaction.”

 

[As expected of Captain! What incredible insight!]

 

No, anyone could tell at a glance.

 

I guarantee that knight named Minte must have noticed Bak’s unrequited love long ago.

 

I’d bet this golden cage that he knew but pretended not to.

 

“Do you have any idea where Minte might be?”

 

[If it’s Minte… I can guess where he might be. He’s probably nearby.]

 

“Then we can go look for Minte after leaving the Imperial Palace.”

 

The Goddess of the Night probably wants me to go to Beladia Castle, but I’d like to meet the remaining Dura’han first.

 

[Ah, I’ll lead the way!]

 

Excited Bak answered loudly and struck his chest with his fist.

 

I let out a chuckle watching Bak like that, when he suddenly stopped his actions.

 

[Someone is approaching, Captain.]

 

The light attitude from before disappeared, and Bak’s voice changed to one full of wariness as he stared toward the backyard entrance. I also shifted my gaze following him.

 

I could see someone lightly holding up their fluttering dress as they approached with light steps.

 

When they reached a distance where I could distinguish their face with the naked eye, Bak muttered ominously.

 

[Puppet of the Cunning God…!]

 

“Bak, stay quiet.”

 

At my command, Bak moved away from the bars a little.

 

After confirming Bak with a sidelong glance, I cast an indifferent gaze forward. The person who had hesitated upon discovering Bak finally stood before me.

 

“Big sister.”

 

A gentle voice, a bright smile.

 

It was Lilia.

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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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