I Became the Youngest Sister-in-law of the Ruined Reverse Harem’s Male Leads - Chapter 166

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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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#.166

It was an opportunity to uproot The Sect and wipe out the black mages in one fell swoop.

When reports about The Sect’s specific location came in at dawn, Leopold, Francois, and Alicia all gathered for a meeting.

“We must handle this as far from the Empire’s territorial waters as possible. We cannot allow problems for fishermen and ships.”

“However, Knight Captain, even if we drive the ships at maximum speed, we cannot prevent combat from occurring near the southwestern Occlean Island.”

“Occlean Island is the Empire’s largest island. With a population of 700,000 residing there alone, we must lure those bastards elsewhere.”

“How exactly do you propose we lure them? They’re desperate for Lazas’s resurrection. Since they don’t fear sacrificing their lives, ordinary methods won’t work.”

The Acolyte dispatched from the temple shook his head with a skeptical attitude.

Then Alicia, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward.

“If the ships moved at three times their usual speed, where do you think the battle would take place?”

“At that speed, it would occur outside territorial waters.”

“How long would it take to arrive?”

“Assuming departure in the afternoon, half a day would suffice.”

Leopold tapped a section of the map with his fingertip.

“Here, this would be the location.”

“Then let’s do that. I’ll help drive the ships three times faster.”

“The ships… you mean?”

“You haven’t forgotten my ability, have you?”

When Alicia spread her hand, a storm blew from her palm.

The Acolyte reflexively shrank back from the cold emanating from above her palm.

“Won’t that be difficult?”

“For whom? For me?”

Alicia smiled wryly as if hearing a ridiculous joke.

“Before coming to the Empire, I drove ships for three days and nights to catch drug smugglers. Would driving a few warships for half a day be difficult for someone like me?”

Though it was an uncharacteristically arrogant tone for Alicia, knowing she was among the top talents in Trowance gave them solid confidence.

Leopold completed his calculations in a very brief moment and nodded.

“Let’s depart at 2 o’clock. Considering travel time to the port, gathering by 1 o’clock should suffice.”

“Everyone dress warmly. It’ll be quite cold.”

The meeting ended more simply than expected.

While Alicia left to give a brief briefing to the Trowance security officials, someone came looking for Francois.

“I’m August Brutel from Security Division 2.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Do you know Miss Emilia Berchio? I understand you’re in a romantic relationship with her.”

When Emilia was mentioned, Francois’s face immediately turned grim.

“Did something happen to Emilia?”

“We received a report of her being kidnapped by an assailant at Alphroren Middle School. The reporter was Chris Ruman, and that student’s whereabouts are also currently unknown.”

Francois trembled like an aspen leaf. He gasped for breath and momentarily swayed.

If Leopold beside him hadn’t caught him, he would have collapsed miserably to the floor.

“Based on reports that he chased after the kidnappers at the time, there’s a high possibility the two are currently together.”

“Chris Ruman, you said…”

Think. I need to think.

After slapping his cheek hard, his mind finally cleared.

Chris Ruman. A former friend of Lilliana’s and a mage.

He was also a student taught by Gabriella, a former Magic Tower colleague.

Minor students learning magic often cause trouble due to their youthful recklessness.

“Tracking magic.”

“Pardon?”

“Minor mages have tracking magic cast on them to catch and punish them when they cause trouble and flee.”

Francois recited an incantation without detailed explanation.

The golden letters embroidered in the air soon became chains of various colors and disappeared.

However, to Francois, who was a mage, the chains were still clearly visible.

‘Chris Ruman’s chain is…’

When Lilliana was young, the chain on Chris Ruman who had just awakened and been subjected to tracking magic.

‘It was pink.’

Magic formulas appeared around Francois as he found Chris’s chain.

Then his body floated in the air, and as if freed from gravity’s influence, his hair also fluttered as if floating.

“Sorry. I need to go to Emilia.”

Though the expedition was imminent, it was no longer important to him.

Emilia’s safety. That was the only wish he desired at this moment.

Francois mobilized all his magic to fly swiftly through the air.

* * *

There was some time left before the expedition.

After inspecting her weapons, Alicia spotted Marius who had come out to encourage the knights.

Upon seeing Alicia, he too showed some color in his haggard state.

“Lunch?”

“I ate.”

“Is that all for armor? How about wearing something sturdier that covers your whole body?”

Unlike others, Alicia’s protective gear barely covered her upper body.

If an attack came, there was great potential for serious injury unless she dodged.

“Wearing more would make my body sluggish and actually more dangerous.”

“Don’t get hurt and return safely.”

“Don’t worry.”

A sword hung at Alicia’s waist.

Marius stared at the sword and suddenly imagined Alicia running across the battlefield.

The queen of the battlefield who cornered opponents with storms and terrifying power.

In the previous life, Leopold had reported that if she hadn’t died saving a young soldier, they wouldn’t have been able to win the war.

“Your safety is the top priority.”

Marius loved her.

Whether they started over or not, if Alicia was hurt, he would rather be hurt himself, and if misfortune befell her, he too would become unhappy.

“And thank you for letting me see Edgar. I had a good meeting with him yesterday.”

“He resembles you a lot.”

“Looking closely, he resembles you a lot too. The way he talks is like Lilliana in childhood.”

When the Emperor faced his former wife, everyone hurriedly cleared the area, leaving only the two of them nearby.

Therefore, they could speak a bit more comfortably and honestly.

“I’ve been thinking, and just as you weren’t happy in the Empire, neither was I. There’s so much to endure for what one enjoys.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“While living with you, I affirmed what I had for the first time. Though it was a position I protected by killing my brothers, thanks to that, I could give the children only the best things in the world and become your husband.”

“…”

“I learned the warmth that family gives, and watching you, I learned how to be a protector. Each day was truly happy.”

Like mist that would disappear instantly when touched by sunlight, Alicia clenched her fists tightly.

If she forgave Marius, everyone would be comfortable.

Setting aside practical problems, she could love the man before her freely again and be happy together.

Unaware of her complex feelings, Marius asked carefully.

“Wasn’t it hard giving birth to the child alone?”

“It was hard. The morning sickness was severe and my body was heavy.”

“I’m sorry. I have nothing to say except apologies. Thank you for not giving up on Edgar despite the hardship. Since he’s a child you protected alone, it’s right for you to raise him. So I’ll respect your decision.”

Alicia was half in tears and, overwhelmed with emotion, unconsciously confessed thoughts she had mulled over for a long time.

“Because he’s our child.”

“Our?”

“No matter what you did or how I think of you, I wanted to give birth to a child conceived out of love with someone I love.”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she glared at Marius.

She had to admit it. The reason her stomach churned and she felt tormented every time they met wasn’t because she hated him, but because she still loved him.

If Marius hadn’t repented for his wrongdoings, all the remaining embers in her heart would have been extinguished.

However, he regretted it desperately and seemed to be suffering enough.

It was almost time for departure, so the outside began to grow noisy.

“And he’s even more lovable because he resembles the person I love.”

Marius couldn’t fully comprehend what he had just heard, so he mulled over it again and again.

The more he did, the more stunned he became, and a stiff sensation spread throughout his body.

“Edith. Those words—”

“I should go. We’ll talk when I come back.”

Marius couldn’t come to his senses for a while even after Edith had passed by.

When he belatedly chased after her, his feet got tangled and he stumbled, unable to take more than a few steps.

Nevertheless, his gaze remained fixed on her straight retreating figure.

Just before opening the door and leaving, Edith turned her head and asked.

“How much did you think of me during this time?”

“Every day. Every moment.”

“That’s a relief. It’s the same as me.”

A faint sound of laughter that Edith let out could be heard from the corridor.

* * *

When all three nephews are boys, your energy gets drained 10 times faster.

Just as I was about to escape under the excuse of going to the bathroom, exhausted, the maid sisters came looking for me to deliver news.

“Chris came?”

It’s almost dinner time, but he came suddenly without any notice?

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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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