The Baby Raising A Devil - Chapter 189

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

Chapter 189

Cecilia and I left the party venue together. She was moved by my actions, but only briefly. She looked back at the party venue with an anxious gaze.

“Will it be alright?”

“What do you mean?”

When I asked with an indifferent expression, worry filled Cecilia’s face.

“Today’s incident will cause trouble. Especially when such unspeakable rumors are already circulating…”

“The rumor that I’m Cecilia and Father’s illegitimate child? Don’t worry. I’m deliberately fanning those rumors on purpose.”

“Fanning them?”

I nodded.

“Actually, rumors are very powerful. If left alone, they’ll grow and multiply until after Cecilia ascends to Imperial Consort, the nobles will swarm like bees demanding proof of my birth. With the Empire’s technology, there’s no way to definitively prove birth origins, so Cecilia will eventually be branded as an illegitimate Imperial Consort.”

“Then why are you fanning the rumors?”

“So I need to make an example beforehand to ensure such talk never comes up again.”

I raised an eyebrow as I continued.

“Fortunately, there are people who can serve as examples.”

“Examples, you mean…”

“Like those Foolish Siblings who got splashed with water by me.”

“…Surely not.”

I covered my mouth with both fists and giggled.

“Since they were humiliated in front of so many people, those Woodpeckers won’t be able to stay quiet. Seeing how Lady Dubbled is protecting me so excessively, they’ll surely spread rumors that I’m definitely Cecilia and the Duke’s illegitimate child!”

“Those poor siblings will suffer terribly without even knowing it’s a trap.”

I opened my eyes wide and denied it with a “What!”

“If they reflect and change their hearts to live quietly, that won’t happen. So this isn’t a trap, it’s an opportunity!”

Cecilia chuckled and nodded. Though her expression showed she didn’t believe it at all.

‘Go spread the rumors.’

So that Dubbled can step forward.

I intended to thoroughly destroy them so no one could ever bring up the illegitimate child story.

‘Only then can I safely make Cecilia the Imperial Consort.’

Elevating her to Imperial Consort was a kind of repayment.

Helping Cecilia, who stayed with Mother in her final moments and didn’t spare her life to protect her, achieve her dreams.

Of course, it was also for my own desires.

“There’s only one way for someone who isn’t one of the 21 High Priests to enter the Sacred Lake. Attending the royal wedding.”

“The royal wedding…”

“Yes, for royal weddings, the Imperial Consort’s family is invited to the Temple. Since Lady Cecilia has registered her name in the Dubbled Family Registry, if she becomes Imperial Consort, His Excellency and the Young Lady can enter the Sacred Lake.”

Recalling the ceremonial officer’s words, I gripped my skirt hem tightly.

Based on current developments, the interpretation would take at least several months. And judging from my previous life, I could guess the content of the revelation.

‘Announcing Mina’s existence.’

But the timing of the revelation is too early.

The revelation about Mina’s descent was originally supposed to come when I was seventeen.

So this must mean the revelation came early because I changed something.

‘That doesn’t matter.’

Change itself was welcome. Without change, there could be no improvement.

‘The problem is the timing.’

When Mina, the true Child of God Neriad, descends, I will lose my status as the 【Child of Fate】.

The title of Child of Fate had been a shackle binding my life until now, but I couldn’t deny it had also been a shield.

The reason the Marche Ducal House and the Pope don’t lay hands on Dubbled is because I am the Child of Fate.

‘When Mina comes, everything will change.’

Both the Marche Ducal House and the shrine will become complete enemies.

So I need to find out from the revelation when Mina will descend, and lay the foundation for Dubbled’s independence before she arrives.

I glared at the massive religious painting hanging in the corridor.

‘I won’t let anything be taken from me anymore.’

─I swore.

* * *

Cecilia and I had a private conversation in the private chamber the Imperial Palace had provided for the candidates.

“The first test was conducted before you arrived, Young Lady.”

“What was the test content?”

“We had a group Q&A session with the Empress Dowager. But…”

“Since the examiner was the Empress Dowager, I probably didn’t get a good score. She must have heavily favored Lady Amboise.”

Cecilia sighed as if troubled.

“Lady Javelin tried her best, but it wasn’t enough.”

“Well, that’s fine. I can earn points in the remaining tests. Even if the Empress Dowager is the overall supervisor, she can’t abuse her authority in the next tests too. She’s not completely oblivious to what others think.”

“Yes.”

“It would be nice if I could find out the test content…”

The moment I muttered this, the door opened and my aunt entered.

“Winning over Grand Lady Deglid’s heart.”

“Aunt!”

I jumped up, and my aunt smiled and lightly pinched my cheek.

“You seem to have fully recovered?”

“Yes. Thank you for holding my place.”

“You took on what should have been my responsibility, so this much is nothing. Are you sure you don’t need more rest?”

“I’m healthy! But Grand Lady Deglid…”

When I blinked, my aunt sat down and answered.

“She’s the Former Emperor’s sister. The Emperor’s aunt, and the Empress Dowager’s sister-in-law. She lost in the power struggle with the Former Emperor and lived as a forgotten old woman, but behind the scenes, she’s a major player who moves the shrewd great noble factions.”

“Was bringing in the Grand Lady Empress Yvonne’s doing?”

“Right. She would have wanted to ruin the selection somehow. She probably thought that if Grand Lady Deglid stepped forward, she could break off the selection. She’s someone even the Empress Dowager and Emperor can’t easily handle.”

I nodded while letting out a “Hmm.”

“But she’s the most impartial judge.”

“Right. The Grand Lady hasn’t sided with the Emperor, the Empress, or even Empress Yvonne, so if you get a good score on this test, no one will be able to doubt Cecilia’s abilities.”

Good.

I met Cecilia’s gaze and said,

“Let’s get first place on this test!”

“Do you think I can win the Grand Lady’s favor?”

“Of course!”

And I called my reliable allies through the communication stone.

[Yes, Miss.]

[Please tell us!]

[What should we do?]

My three maids, that is.

“Documents about Grand Lady Deglid. Find out what her weaknesses are. And also check how much of my personal funds I have.”

[Why do you need your personal funds?]

When Yuni asked in a puzzled voice, I answered cheerfully.

“I need to offer a bribe~!”

[Aha!]

[How clever you are.]

[To realize at such a young age that bundles of money are sharper than swords, truly our Miss~!]

The maids chattered with voices full of admiration, so I cleared my throat and shrugged my shoulders.

Aunt and Cecilia looked at me with incredulous expressions.

But the next day.

I clicked my tongue as I looked at the notice posted on the board.

[Lady Constance and her sponsor Count Ovir have defiled the sacred selection grounds with improper solicitation…(omitted)…are expelled by imperial decree.]

Improper solicitation would definitely mean bribery.

‘How can money not work.’

Tainted by the world’s corruption, I crossed my arms with an astounded expression.

“Bribes won’t work.”

At Cecilia’s words as we looked at the notice board together, I frowned.

“This is trouble. I don’t get along with honest people.”

“How about producing results honestly and uprightly this time?”

“When the world is corrupt, what’s left if you’re honest and upright alone?”

When I asked with an innocent expression, Cecilia chuckled.

“We’ll have to think of another method… Hmm, what would be good.”

“There’s a meeting arranged with the Grand Lady this afternoon, so let’s wait and see. You might think of a good plan when you see her in person.”

I answered “Yes” and turned to walk with Cecilia.

“But where did you say we would be doing the introductions? Since I’m still a child, I’d prefer somewhere I can speak comfortably. A drinking party would be difficult─”

“Oh my, Young Lady!”

Just as I was chattering away, a familiar voice came from across the way. It was Lady Amboise, the candidate the Empress Dowager was backing.

“Hello, Lady Amboise.”

“Yes. Have you been well?”

“Of course.”

“That’s a relief. I was worried you might be troubled by what happened at the party venue last time.”

She was referring to how people were gossiping about me for humiliating the Luxury-loving Siblings.

I knew all about it, but I waved both hands as if I didn’t.

“If you’re talking about Lady Amboise calling me a half-breed, I’ve erased it from my memory, so don’t worry!”

You were humiliated by that incident too, weren’t you.

Lady Amboise’s face turned red and blue with embarrassment.

“That wasn’t what I was talking about, but well… Thank you for forgetting it.”

“Yes.”

“I hope we can erase such trivial memories and get along warmly. You don’t know how worried I was when I heard you were ill. Everyone sent their regards in their hearts, fearing they might disturb your recovery.”

Oh my.

Those words were a roundabout way of saying ‘Even when you were sick, people didn’t send you a single letter, right? It’s proof that even though you’re the Young Lady of Dubbled, you’re being ostracized in noble society.’

I drooped my eyebrows and answered.

“Thank you for caring so much. I’ve heard from friends my age about Lady Amboise’s excellent character, so I’ve always admired you.”

Don’t you also have poor relationships in High Society? You don’t have a single sister to help with your cultivation. The children my age get disgusted when they see you.

The people around who understood the meaning covered their rising lip corners with handkerchiefs.

Lady Amboise laughed awkwardly like a stone, “Ha, haha.”

“Is that so. They’re grateful people.”

Then she nodded her head halfheartedly and walked past me.

When I shrugged my shoulders, Cecilia asked with an amazed expression.

“You’re very good at Social Verbal Sparring.”

“I endured that kind of mockery hundreds, thousands of times in my first life. And in my third life, I received Verbal Combat Training from Emeline.”

When I lifted my head with a snap, Cecilia burst into laughter.

“I heard from Tree that Emeline is an amazing child.”

“It was Hell Training…”

“What? You lost and came back?! You fool!”

“It’s not that, it didn’t seem like mockery…”

“How can you win against anyone being so gentle? Leblaine, to win Verbal Combat, you need to change your mindset first. Now, repeat after me.”

“How…?”

“Today I have chewed and swallowed a razor blade. I will slice you to pieces with the blade on the tip of my tongue.”

“Today I have chewed and swallowed a razor… I don’t want to chew and swallow it…”

“Hurry up and repeat it! Children like us are seen as inferior forever once we lose!”

Recalling the bitter memory, I rubbed the goosebumps that had risen on my forearm.

Cecilia and I moved to the Rest Room. After about an hour or two, an Attendant summoned the Candidates to the Imperial Hunting Grounds for a meeting with the Grand Lady.

I walked to the Hunting Grounds holding hands with Cecilia, tilting my head in confusion.

‘Why the Hunting Grounds?’

It seemed the Grand Lady was quite an unusual person.

When we reached the Hunting Grounds, among the Young Ladies who had arrived a step before us, I could see a tall Old Man with graying hair.

“You have taken precious steps to meet me. How delightful. I am Deglid Luerg.”

Meeting Grand Lady Deglid for the first time, I froze solid.

“Miss?”

Cecilia looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“I’ve seen this person before… Cecilia, I know the Grand Lady.”

Very well, in fact.

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