That’s How I Became a Villainess - Chapter 46

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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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Episode 46

Nagi had been born sensitive and delicate, but under Josephine’s influence, he had endured a lonely and terrible childhood that twisted him into a deeply unstable man.
His affection was absolute, yet strange—warped in some fundamental way.
Worst of all was how it had grown in a direction that wounded himself.
The very fact that he would assign the Shadow Knight to Mileana and Bridget as a permanent guard, staking his own lifespan on it, proved as much.
“Fine, let’s say that’s true. So you’re apologizing to me now? Admitting you were dragged here against your will and became a mistress? That you did it to protect Bridget’s reputation and keep me as a friend? Stop, Bridget. I’m merely the king’s servant. You don’t need to mind me.”
That was the sort of thing Penelope would do.
Bridget shook her head firmly.
“I intend to atone going forward. You saved me, and then you saved me again. I too will devote this life to saving you.”
“Bridget.”
Mileana shook her head slowly.
“You don’t have much time left. Wagering your life on his is like building a house on sand. Don’t sacrifice the rest of your days to such youthful recklessness. Think of your time here as merely a brief interlude.”
“It may indeed be as brief as you say.”
Though I pray it won’t be.
“But in whatever time remains, I will make him a king who is loved. So that history itself cannot pursue him to the grave and torment him there.”
It was an ambition far too grand for a woman who had entered as a mistress.
Mileana let out a bitter laugh.
But she lost her smile at Bridget’s next words.
“So that seeing the many people who love him, he can stop cursing himself. So that when his eyes close, he can do so satisfied that his life was good.”
Mileana swallowed hard. She straightened her posture.
Could it be done?
Could this woman truly accomplish such a thing?
Could she stop Julian from cursing himself?
If only it were possible……
Mileana found it difficult to maintain her cynical stance.
If there was any way to soothe the tears of a son dying from an incurable disease, no mother could resist such words.
“……Do you have a plan?”
Bridget fixed Mileana with an unwavering gaze that had not faltered once throughout their entire conversation.
“The first step will be to bring down the central pillar of the opposing forces.”

* * *

Back in the Kitchen, Mileana fell into deep thought as she began to cook.
She had indeed disliked that Bridget had become Julian’s mistress.
She could guess well enough that Bridget had never truly had a choice.
Who could defy Julian?
And yet, she should not have gone along so meekly.
Mileana hated the very institution that corrupted sacred marriage bonds.
Why was it legal for a married person to keep a mistress or lover on the side?
And why, of all people, did her dear friend have to become someone’s mistress?
Such circumstances filled her with revulsion.
That was why she had spoken to Bridget sharply and found their interactions awkward.
But after hearing Bridget’s words, her thoughts shifted slightly.
‘If it helps the king.’
If Bridget could save Julian, what did her own principles matter?
Mileana was a woman of principle. But there were times when those principles cracked.
Almost always when Julian was involved.
Julian was a sore spot deep enough to make one abandon principles and conviction alike.
She could not bear his suffering.
How could she help but hold to her heart this wretched creature, seemingly abandoned even by God—this son she had chosen to embrace? It had always torn at her.
So this time too, Mileana decided to turn a blind eye.
‘If it helps the king, I don’t care if she’s a mistress or anything else. I’ll stand by her side.’
No one had ever spoken to Bridget the way she had.
“So that he can stop cursing himself.”
She herself had never dared to vow that she would pull Julian from his misery.
The truth was, she had never even mustered the courage to try.
Julian was so unstable, so unpredictable, that Mileana hardly dared reach out to him.
All she could do was fret, terrified that one careless touch might cause her to lose him altogether.
But then Bridget said she would save him.
Her steady gaze was brimming with trust in Julian.
Watching Bridget’s certainty, Mileana felt the urge to cling to her once more.
She had saved Eric before.
Mileana dared to hope that Bridget might work the same magic on her other son.
Hope surged within her.
‘Though it may come to nothing,’ she thought.
Whether Bridget would prove to be hope or merely a cruel tease—time would tell.
There was no need to judge before anything had even begun.
“You seem in good spirits today, madam.”
The Head Chef tilted his head and lingered uncertainly.
Mileana quickly smoothed her expression and spoke sternly to him.
“Did I not tell you not to come near while I’m cooking?”
Mileana grew sharp and vigilant in the kitchen, terrified that someone might slip poison into Julian’s food.
This was true even of the Head Chef she herself had brought—someone she could trust.
“Don’t be hurt about it.”
“Of course not, madam. I know well how careful you are. But I smelled something burning, and I couldn’t help myself…….”
“……Oh, no.”
Mileana remembered the pot she’d forgotten while lost in thought, and in a panic, she yanked off the lid with her gloved hands.
She let out a heavy sigh, her face fallen.
“……Thank you. I owe you for this. I’ll see that you’re rewarded…….”
“Ah, never mind that. I’ve had my moments too. It’s nothing. Just leave it in the wash basin—I’ll handle it later.”
The Head Chef hurried out, sparing Mileana further embarrassment.
As Mileana gazed glumly at the pot, a sudden laugh bubbled up from her throat.
The Head Chef was right. Even though she’d charred the food beyond recognition, her good mood didn’t falter—if anything, her laughter only grew.
“I’ll make another batch.”
She found herself humming.
Then, unexpectedly, she recalled Bridget’s sorrowful expression.
‘I should look into Bridget’s past more carefully.’
Perhaps it could be a way to repay her kindness.

* * *

A day after Bridget’s departure, a royal carriage arrived at the Winston Mansion.
Isaac and Penelope trembled with fear, hiding themselves under the bed and inside the wardrobe of their respective rooms.
Penelope was afraid she might be executed for her crimes, while Isaac feared he too would be punished because of her.
But it was not a Royal Guard who emerged from the carriage—it was Count Nicholas, the King’s Secretary.
The two of them did not realize that the royal court would never use such a luxurious carriage to transport a criminal.
“Baron! Come out and hear the King’s message!”
Furious that Isaac was nowhere to be seen, Count Nicholas bellowed so loudly that his voice echoed through the entire mansion.
The butler rushed off and coaxed Isaac out, practically dragging him along.
“I—I’ve done nothing wrong——!”
Isaac was pulled out clinging to Cedric, his face drained of all color as he bowed deeply to Count Nicholas.
In fact, Count Nicholas had no knowledge of what had happened at the Winston Mansion yesterday.
Thanks to Cedric’s stern warning to all the servants—that if they didn’t keep quiet they might end up slaughtered like those at the Kensington Count’s Mansion—word had not spread, surprisingly.
And Julian was not kind enough to explain things thoroughly and direct people around.
Bewildered by Isaac’s behavior, Count Nicholas clicked his tongue.
‘Is he mad?’
In any case, he had his duty to perform.
“His Majesty wishes to discuss a matter concerning the Baroness of Winston in the near future and has summoned the Baron to the Royal Palace. Prepare yourself for an audience.”
“I—I beg your pardon?”
What was this about?
The King wished to consult with him? An audience at the Palace?
Isaac stared up at Count Nicholas in a daze.

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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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