The Male Lead Is Targeting Me, Not My Younger Sister - Chapter 12

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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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The Male Lead Targets Me, Not My Sister — Episode 12
Of course the Dowager Empress had her reasons for living in such modest circumstances at the Divine Temple, known to no one.
Claretta, the Dowager Empress, was the Late Emperor’s second wife and the birth mother of the current emperor.
‘An uncommon figure among all the empresses, bearing a tragic tale.’
The full story was thus.
Born a commoner, Claretta had caught the Late Emperor’s eye with her beauty, and by imperial decree was inducted into a noble house to become empress in proper form.
But perhaps inevitably, that very ascension marked the true beginning of her suffering.
‘Because the Late Emperor was a despicable lecher.’
Claretta, having overcome fierce opposition to seize the throne, enjoyed the emperor’s great favor and bore him a son.
Yet affection has an expiration date — mere years at best.
When the emperor’s feelings for her withered, he cast her aside and swiftly installed another woman as his new empress.
‘No one objected, given her humble origins.’
Expelled from the Imperial Palace, Claretta returned to her homeland and lived out her days in quiet obscurity.
She thought it all finished.
But change came after the Late Emperor’s death.
When the Late Emperor passed, everyone expected the crown prince, the first son, to inherit the throne.
Yet victory in the succession dispute fell to none other than Wilhelm, the fourth son and Claretta’s own child.
Defying all expectations, the newly crowned Wilhelm ‘tidied up’ his surroundings and summoned his birth mother back to the Imperial Palace.
Thus Claretta was to return to the Capital as Dowager Empress, walking the flowered path her son had laid for her—or so it seemed.
When everything stood prepared before her, Claretta harbored no lingering attachment to the imperial house.
‘She’d considered that remaining as Dowager Empress would become a political liability for her son.’
So she had petitioned the current emperor to remain here at the Divine Temple, using her devotion to faith as pretext.
It was known only to the highest echelons of the temple; Claretta had no wish for commotion, and few knew the truth.
‘Of course, I know because of the original work.’
To be precise, I conducted some background investigation based on the original story’s information. Even used the Information Guild.
Thank you, male leads. I’ll make excellent use of that intelligence!
“In any case, thank you so much. I seem to have incurred quite the debt to you, young lady.”
“Oh, it’s nothing, really.”
If you wish to repay me, an invitation will suffice.
Lydia smiled, masking her true thoughts.
Despite all her efforts, Lydia couldn’t openly reveal that she knew the Dowager Empress’s identity.
The fact that the Dowager Empress lived here as if she didn’t exist was classified information of the highest order.
Thus, Lydia’s original plan had been as follows.
1. Encounter the Dowager Empress at the Divine Temple by apparent chance.
2. Hover around her, playing the devoted granddaughter, and win her trust.
3. Once close enough for genuine conversation, subtly appeal to her—expressing a longing to attend the Debutante Ball, eager to give my sister’s debut at the finest venue!
‘Though she keeps herself removed from worldly affairs, the Dowager Empress still has those connections.’
The emperor himself periodically sends people to check on her welfare, after all.
“But I feel terrible about this…. Is there truly nothing I can do for you?”
The Dowager Empress spoke, taking Lydia’s hand.
Hearing the words she’d been waiting for, Lydia concealed her smile.
However.
“Oh, no. I didn’t do this expecting anything in return.”
Lydia declined politely.
‘One step forward for the mission requires one step back now.’
“Still, you seem like a noble lady… if that woman causes you trouble later, I’ll be wracked with guilt.”
“That won’t happen. And even if it did, I’ll bear whatever comes.”
Lydia smiled brightly.
“If you insist, perhaps greet me whenever we meet from now on. I expect to visit the temple daily for some time.”
“…The temple?”
The Dowager Empress’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
‘People who visit the temple daily either have a purpose like the Duchess, are genuinely devout, or carry an urgent prayer.’
And the last was precisely what Lydia would choose.
Lydia crafted a sorrowful expression and spoke.
“Yes… I have a wish I pray will reach the heavens.”
“Ah…”
The Dowager Empress’s face filled with sympathy.
“I see. So that’s why…”
Whatever she was thinking, Lydia’s performance clearly had struck home.
Lydia drove home her point with a melancholic smile.
“Well then, I should be off. I need to say my prayers before the Divine Temple closes. I’m leaving now, but I do hope we might meet again tomorrow.”
“Of course. I mustn’t keep you longer—the hour grows late. Go well. I’ll be here tomorrow as well.”
The Dowager Empress hesitated a moment longer before speaking once more.
“Later on……if you don’t mind, do share your troubles with me. I’d like to help, if I can.”
Perfect.
Lydia clenched her fist hard inside her chest.
And she bowed like a tragic heroine—dignified even in sorrow.
“Then, farewell. I’ll come again tomorrow!”
* * *
That night.
Claretta, who had been kneeling by the window receiving the pale moonlight as she prayed, felt a presence and turned around.
“You’ve come.”
It was well past midnight, and the Divine Temple’s doors were firmly closed.
The secret visitor who entered the Dowager Empress’s chambers bowed respectfully.
“My apologies. I’m afraid I’m rather late.”
In the darkness, Ludwig’s expressionless face was half-illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window.
His features, carved with exquisite precision, were beautiful and seemed almost holy.
“There’s no need to apologize. You mustn’t strain yourself. You must have had a difficult time getting here—rest a moment. Please, sit comfortably.”
Claretta walked toward the table and gestured to the seat across from her.
They sat facing each other.
Watching Ludwig lift his teacup with practiced grace, Claretta recalled the events of the afternoon.
“How can three months pass without meeting? Is it true the Grand Duke only visits the Divine Temple at dawn or in the dead of night?!”
The remark she’d overheard from some noblewoman passing by earlier happened, by coincidence, to touch upon the truth.
Ludwig came to this place only at times when few people were about, to avoid the eyes of certain others—most especially ‘that one.’
After rumors began spreading that he frequented the Divine Temple, he became even more cautious. Such precautions made these secret meetings difficult to arrange. Even this meeting had taken a full month to accomplish.
Claretta spoke first.
“How is it? Has there been any progress these past months?”
Though she asked first, truthfully she harbored little hope.
‘Likely the same answer as always.’
The search had now been underway for three years.
When she and Ludwig first formed their alliance, she had believed everything would work out.
But after a month passed, then a year, with no substantial results to show, her hope had gradually withered.
This time would be no different. Such was her skeptical thought.
“Yes. I found him.”
“……What did you say?”
In the darkness, Ludwig’s eyes gleamed with a keen light.
“There remains only a final verification stage, but I am certain. I have seen his face with my own eyes.”
His low voice spoke as if pronouncing a decree.
“I have found Prince Joachim.”
Claretta covered her mouth with her hand without thinking.
“Good heavens…….”
Joachim.
The abandoned bastard of the current Emperor Wilhelm.
To Claretta, he was her own flesh and blood—her grandson. Though she had never properly seen his face…….
“Is the child well? He hasn’t been hurt?”
“He is unharmed. You need not worry.”
Claretta exhaled a shaky breath, mingled with tears of relief.
“Thank heavens. Thank heavens…….”
Ludwig allowed the elderly woman before him a moment to weep.
“The Lord has not yet abandoned us.”
After some time had passed, Claretta wiped her tears with her handkerchief. Ludwig nodded slowly.
“Once the verification is complete, I plan to send someone to look after the child. There may be traps involved, so it seems best to observe cautiously for now.”
“I shall leave that matter to you. I am always grateful—truly.”
Was this not a miracle, then what could it be?
Claretta held her hands together and closed her eyes, offering a prayer to the Lord.
“……I beseech You, look kindly upon us mortal beings.”
Meanwhile, Ludwig let his gaze drift slowly around the room. Just before entering this chamber, he had recalled a report he’d received from the priest stationed at Claretta’s side.
When Claretta finally finished her prayer, Ludwig spoke.
“However…… I understand you met with Miss Frestin today.”
Claretta looked puzzled.

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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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