The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 10

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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 10
“You certainly know how to tell an entertaining story, young lady. I wonder if information’s been leaking from somewhere?”
The Emperor tapped his chin thoughtfully.
His casual tone, so deceptively light and neighborly, might have fooled anyone—but Rozerin knew it for the trap it was.
“That’s not the case, Your Majesty. I simply awakened a Supernatural Ability recently, that’s all.”
“Ah, I see. So you’ve become an Abyss. That’s wonderful news indeed.”
“Yes. And for the record, you’re the first person I’m telling.”
The Emperor’s smile never wavered.
Hearty laughter, a light touch, an easy manner, the sort of warm regard that could make one forget entirely they stood before the sovereign—it was all perfectly calculated.
Rozerin had long ago learned that every facet of his demeanor was a carefully set snare, and the chill it gave her had taken hours to fade.
Then again, it was hardly unusual for a collector who taxidermied rare creatures and would stop at nothing to acquire precious gems to possess such traits.
She glanced at the ornaments dangling in profusion from his hands and ears, then set down the cup she’d been holding.
“An honor, I’d call it. House of Bellion and the young lord will feel quite left out.”
He smiled pleasantly, his tone light and teasing.
“So what ability do you possess that you can solve a problem I myself cannot?”
“With respect, Your Majesty, you’re not unable to solve it.”
“Hmm?”
His eyes widened slightly as he tilted his head in mock confusion.
“You simply wish to resolve it as quietly and smoothly as possible.”
“I do? Whatever for?”
“Because of the Purge you’re preparing.”
The Emperor went very still at her words.
His blue eyes blinked slowly before a smile played across his lips.
“Remarkable. I was quite certain I’d kept that information locked away. How troublesome.”
The Emperor murmured softly to himself.
He glanced at Rozerin and gave a light shrug.
“So you’re asking me to grant you a Betrothal Annulment with the Third Prince in exchange for your assistance?”
“Yes. And in the Purge to come, I ask that the direct line of House of Bellion be exempted from the proceedings.”
“Surely you’re not asking me to overlook corruption?”
“Not corruption—merely one fool I ask you to ignore. Of course, the cadet branches may be purged as you see fit.”
Rozerin spoke calmly, and her rather harsh words made the Emperor’s eyes narrow.
“You’re asking me to turn a blind eye to just one fool?”
“Yes. Because there are tasks only a fool can accomplish.”
Rozerin’s words carried unmistakable weight.
The Emperor studied her for a long moment, then let out a soft chuckle.
‘This is the first time anyone’s brought a negotiation to me in quite this manner.’
He wondered if she might possess even greater audacity than the First Prince as he opened his mouth to speak.
“So you’re asking me to solve the Kaluta matter and the disappearance case in exchange for two favors from you?”
“Yes.”
The Emperor rubbed his jaw.
It was hardly a loss.
In truth, a marriage between House of Bellion and the Imperial Family yielded no great synergy.
It merely served to strengthen their bonds somewhat.
Yet apart from that, House of Bellion could never betray the throne.
In that sense, it was merely a marriage for appearances.
Viewed this way, resolving the “Kaluta problem” and the “disappearance case” was a fair return for overlooking one fool—not unfavorable at all.
He’d originally planned to prune them all, but the girl’s nerve in proposing a backroom deal was rather impressive. Perhaps he could make an exception.
He nodded.
“If you resolve the matter to my satisfaction, I’ll do as you ask.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I apologize for taking your time. With your permission, I should depart.”
Her blunt words—dismissing herself now that their business was concluded—drew a burst of laughter from him.
“Go on, then.”
He laughed heartily, waving his hand dismissively.
The Emperor had a certain generosity toward those with whom words could find common ground.
Rozerin bowed and turned to leave when a voice called from behind her.
“By the way, you don’t find my son disagreeable, do you? He has a timid streak, I admit, but his face is quite handsome, I think.”
Rozerin turned back and smiled at the Emperor.
“He’s far too exceptional for someone like me, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm?”
“I would ask that you keep everything that transpired here today in confidence—and discretion regarding my ability as well.”
Rozerin pointed upward with her finger as she spoke.
The Emperor broke into laughter.
“We’ll let today’s matter rest. I’ll have a proper apology sent along with an appropriate gift…….”
“Actually, I’d like to ask you for something instead.”
Rozerin addressed the Emperor.
When she explained what she needed, the Emperor’s expression grew thoughtful, and he nodded.
“Will that suffice?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. I’ll arrange it.”
The Emperor nodded.
“Ah, young lady. I’m willing to overlook this transgression this time…… but I hope there won’t be a second occasion.”
“I’ll do my best.”
The Emperor chuckled at her vague response.
‘She never quite says she won’t do it again, does she.’
The Emperor rubbed his chin and opened his mouth.
“Young lady, I do hope you’ll attend the next banquet.”
It should be entertaining.
Rozerin, who had little difficulty inferring the Emperor’s unspoken words, smiled faintly.
“It would be my honor to accept your invitation.”
The moment she stepped through the door, a shadow blocking her path made Rozerin’s eyes widen.
“……Third Prince.”
“Did your conversation with Father go well?”
Arma, whose eyes darted about nervously, asked carefully as he lowered his posture.
“Yes, it went smoothly. Were you waiting for me?”
“Father mentioned he was looking for me too……. But more importantly, I’ve treated it properly.”
He spoke carefully.
“Now…… would it be alright if I drew closer?”
At Arma’s words, standing a few paces away, Rozerin’s brow furrowed slightly.
‘Isn’t he already close enough?’
As Rozerin tilted her head with a puzzled expression, he stepped forward two paces and lowered his gaze.
Arma bowed deeply, turning his head to show his cheek, which flushed slightly as he spoke.
“Aren’t you embarrassed now……?”
“……Ah.”
Only then did Rozerin recall what words she’d used to drive him away.
“Yes, you’ve done a fine job treating it.”
Gauze was affixed to his cheek, and he’d changed into a fresh uniform—his white coat looked quite presentable.
Though she nodded and spoke, the cheek showed no sign of withdrawing. Rozerin regarded Arma with bewilderment.
“……Don’t you need to confirm it by touch?”
‘Is that necessary?’
Rozerin’s expression grew uncertain, then she brushed Arma’s gauze once, perfunctorily, and bit her hand.
Only then did Arma straighten, satisfied, and step back one pace.
“And from now on, you don’t need to block my way. I was deliberately trying to take that hit earlier.”
At Rozerin’s words, Arma’s eyes widened considerably.
His expression twisted as though he might cry, and he pressed his lips tightly together.
With that resentful look, Arma slowly opened his mouth.
“……Why?”
“Because the accusation of Lèse-Majesty isn’t wrong. It could also be called Attempted Regicide.”
“But Rozerin—you were only……!”
Rozerin laughed and shrugged.
“But even if I found myself in a difficult situation, Your Highness the Third Prince wouldn’t be able to do anything about it, would you?”
At those words, Arma went rigid.
“That’s the point.”
She spoke matter-of-factly.
Arma is the Third Prince.
A man content with the present, wanting only to keep things as they are—to live out his days in peace.
He harbors no ambition for power, no aspiration to become someone great, and no anger at injustice.
“I simply wish for Your Highness the Third Prince to be happy.”
Arma bit his lip hard.
Rozerin saw it but pretended not to notice.
She didn’t want to say it.
She didn’t want to leave lingering regrets, nor did she wish to draw his attention.
‘…People’s hearts are truly unfathomable, even when you think you understand them.’
Yet seeing that familiar face, the thought slipped out unbidden.
In Rozerin’s estimation, Arma would find his greatest happiness in marrying a young lady from some respectable house and living as an uxorilocal husband.
By granting him this belated happiness, Rozerin hoped to repay the debt she owed him.
Even if it meant dealing with a person from another world who bore the same face and name as someone already dead.
Rozerin gathered her thoughts and slowly parted her lips to speak.

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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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