The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Villainess’s Favorite - Chapter 163

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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 163

After parting with the garden’s owner.

Lord Claudius and I continued our conversation.

“Why do you think Seraphina gave false testimony about receiving ink from Lady Claudius?”

Ever since being dragged to prison, Seraphina had maintained consistent claims targeting Lady Claudius.

‘Of course, that’s complete nonsense.’

I narrowed my eyes.

“There must be some benefit, or she’s in a situation where she has no choice but to lie…”

Honestly, no ordinary benefit could offset the charge of attempting to poison Her Majesty the Empress.

So perhaps someone has leverage over her?

Leverage from whom?

“And we need to find out who she actually got the ink from.”

“First of all, Lady Lopez definitely didn’t obtain that ink herself. That’s impossible.”

Lord Claudius stated firmly.

“The ink’s ingredients are extremely rare minerals. Lady Lopez lacks the financial means to acquire such minerals, and it’s not something you can access with money alone.”

That means, in other words.

“As expected… there’s a real culprit behind this, isn’t there?”

“It would be reasonable to think so. Also.”

Lord Claudius slightly furrowed his brow.

“Recently, I heard that High Priest Evans has been visiting Lady Lopez regularly.”

“…High Priest Evans?”

“Yes. But the High Priest Evans I know never involves himself in matters that don’t benefit him.”

Lord Claudius continued cynically.

“Lady Lopez is currently suspected of attempting to poison Her Majesty the Empress.”

“You mean…”

“Yes, there’s absolutely no benefit in associating closely with her.”

Lord Claudius nodded and trailed off suspiciously.

“Yet High Priest Evans hasn’t abandoned Lady Lopez, which means…”

“There might be a reason he can’t abandon her?”

“At least, that’s what I think.”

Hmm.

After being lost in thought for a moment, I looked straight up at Lord Claudius.

“I’ll go meet with Seraphina.”

“Will you be alright?”

“Of course. I’ve known Seraphina since we were children.”

I shrugged and gave a bitter smile.

“Well, it was more of a master-servant relationship than friendship… but I’ve seen her face for a long time.”

“…Larit.”

“From Seraphina’s perspective, I’d be more comfortable to talk to.”

When I spoke so firmly, Lord Claudius didn’t try to dissuade me further.

“Then I’ll look for that employee who recommended roses to Evangeline.”

“Yes. I’ll share anything I find out.”

At my response, Lord Claudius looked apologetic.

“…Somehow, I feel like I’m only indebted to you, Larit.”

“Not at all. I’m doing this because I want to.”

I shook my head and concluded firmly.

“Evangeline is my precious friend.”

* * *

Dietrich alternately looked at the Mercenary Guild and the two documents obtained from Delis Garden.

<Paul Wood>

A farmer who grows grapes in Viscount Evans’ Domain.

Has lived his entire life only in Viscount Evans’ Domain, with no record of moving to other regions.

<Warren Torres>

A merchant who runs a general store in Viscount Evans’ Domain.

Purchases goods in small quantities for resale, with delivery handled exclusively by Tomen Merchant Guild.

‘The names are different, but…’

Dietrich’s eyes narrowed as he looked down at the documents.

‘Both are villagers from Viscount Evans’ Domain.’

Viscount Evans’ Domain was quite large among the territories within the Empire.

Most merchant guilds pass through Viscount Evans’ Domain.

That means.

In Warren’s case, he could operate his general store.

Just with goods received from merchant guilds, without needing to go to other regions.

The same was true for Paul.

According to the investigation, he was an extremely ordinary farmer.

Born and raised in Viscount Evans’ Domain, married with two children.

While a single person might leave, someone who had established a family had no reason to leave the territory without good cause.

‘If the person who stole those identities… is really acting under orders from Viscount Evans Family.’

Dietrich organized his thoughts carefully.

This was a major incident involving poisoning the Empress and framing Lady Claudius for it.

Naturally, they would have entrusted the task to a trusted subordinate.

If it’s someone they trust that much, rather than using them once and sending them elsewhere.

‘They’d likely keep using them as their hands and feet, monitoring how the situation develops.’

In that case.

‘Jedo.’

As the saying goes, it’s darkest under the lamp.

There’s a possibility they’re hidden surprisingly close by.

‘How dare they… not content with my parents, now Evangeline too.’

His clenched jaw tightened with force.

Clear hostility rippled through his blue eyes.

It didn’t matter who it was.

Dietrich had no intention of forgiving those who pointed blades at his family.

* * *

Seraphina sat in the prison with a haggard face.

‘…The pills.’

She only moved her eyes to look down at the glass bottle clutched in her hand.

Only exactly two weeks’ worth of pills remained.

‘What should I do?’

Seraphina felt her mouth go completely dry.

At first, taking one pill a day had completely eliminated the symptoms.

But lately, that wasn’t the case anymore.

Now she was taking one pill morning and evening, two pills a day.

…Because she couldn’t endure it otherwise.

‘I thought it was strange that he gave me plenty of medicine…’

Her eyes, once a fresh green like new leaves, now drooped like withered plants.

Once, as a test, she had tried to endure without taking the pills.

As a consequence, Seraphina had to suffer through difficulty breathing.

The fear that she might really die crushed Seraphina.

…After that, Seraphina couldn’t even think of rebelling against Isaac again.

‘If High Priest Evans doesn’t properly provide medicine in the future…’

Seraphina, who had been having ominous thoughts, hurriedly shook her head.

‘No, he’ll give it to me.’

That ink.

Seraphina gritted her teeth.

If she testified that Isaac gave her ink and told her to write regular letters to the Empress with it.

It was a foregone conclusion that Isaac would also be arrested.

‘So, that bastard wouldn’t take such a risk either.’

Seraphina tried to comfort herself with that thought.

Because Isaac was someone who had a lot to lose.

So…

‘I’m scared.’

Seraphina, who had been trying to think positively, gritted her teeth and curled up into a ball.

The feeling of having your life controlled by someone else.

…It was truly terrible.

But then.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

The sound of conversation could be heard from afar.

‘Who is it?’

Seraphina, who had quickly raised her head, reflexively hid the medicine bottle she was holding under her skirt.

The clicking sound of shoe heels.

The sound of boot heels that the prison guards wore.

The distance was getting closer.

Seraphina tensed her body.

“I can’t give you much time.”

The voice of a prison guard who regularly patrolled the prison, and,

“I understand. Thank you.”

A calm woman’s voice.

‘Wait, this voice is?’

Seraphina’s eyes widened slightly.

And the person who appeared was…

“…Larite?”

Seraphina muttered in a completely hoarse voice.

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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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