The Puppet Villainess’s Splendid Rebellion - Chapter 55

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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 55

 

“Of course it would have reached him.”

 

Carlos answered calmly.

 

No matter how much the Cardinal had sided with me, there was no way the news of the Eastern Temple granting registration permission wouldn’t have been delivered.

 

‘Perhaps this time Cardinal Leonard’s excommunication might come faster than before my regression.’

 

Though it’s not something I need to concern myself with.

 

“Can you predict how he’ll react?”

 

This time Carlos slowly turned his head. His red eyes looked at me. They were sharp, but not as sinister or cold as before.

 

“Since their attempt to stop us in the village failed. They’ll try to interfere in some other way.”

 

Having dispatched numerous knights only to fail at both the ambush and the village’s public opinion war, they would surely devise another plan. The Emperor wasn’t someone who gave up so easily.

 

I knew his persistence better than anyone.

 

Carlos added in a calm tone.

 

“If the guardian disappears, the ward loses their qualification.”

 

“…Ah.”

 

Why does this man always speak so nonchalantly about threats to his own life?

 

I couldn’t help but sigh.

 

“We should prepare for an attack.”

 

Saying that, I looked out the window.

 

Dense forest stretched endlessly. The trees were thick and the path narrow. Perfect terrain for an ambush. It wouldn’t be strange if assassins were hiding there.

 

“We should worry about whether this carriage can safely reach the Ducal Palace.”

 

A moment of silence passed.

 

Carlos stared at me intently, then chuckled softly.

 

“What are you worried about?”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

“The carriage will reach the Ducal Palace.”

 

His voice was resolute. It contained unwavering conviction.

 

“…It’s not that I don’t trust you.”

 

Well, it is Carlos after all.

 

However…

 

I examined Carlos’s face.

 

His complexion hadn’t fully returned yet. He was paler than usual. His lips also lacked color. It was natural after spending several days in the Eastern region’s dense magical energy. He would need time to fully recover.

 

“Please don’t overexert yourself.”

 

Carlos narrowed his eyes. He seemed about to say something but stopped. Instead, he turned his gaze back to the window.

 

“…Not only do you have a stupid expression, but now you’re nagging too. Did you receive some useless education at the Imperial Palace without my knowledge?”

 

“Even when I speak, you always…”

 

I was grumbling when I pressed my lips tightly shut.

 

‘I thought so, what looked like him smiling earlier was all my imagination.’

 

Instead of continuing this wasteful conversation with him, I looked down at the documents again.

 

I couldn’t help but smile again.

 

Now that the guardian registration was complete, the procedures would be officially finalized within a week. Once the temple’s sealed certification documents were delivered to the Duke’s Mansion, I would be able to officially begin activities as a ward of House of Carter, Duke.

 

I would have an official status beyond being the Empire’s princess.

 

‘There’s a lot to do.’

 

Simply distributing new high-performance purification stones isn’t the complete solution.

 

‘I need a way to expand House of Carter, Duke’s position.’

 

A way for Carlos and Demian to stand firm even after I disappear in five years.

 

First, I needed forces to oppose the Imperial Family. I had to build cooperative relationships with other noble houses and create opportunities to renew our image among the common people.

 

‘Judging from the reactions we experienced in that village, it looks like we have a long way to go.’

 

At the same time, I needed to hasten Demian’s awakening and take care of Carlos’s health…

 

The remaining time was five years.

 

‘…Let’s do it step by step, thoroughly.’

 

I mustn’t be impatient. First, returning safely comes first.

 

“Duke.”

 

“What now.”

 

“I’m really going to work hard.”

 

Carlos’s eyebrow twitched at my sudden declaration.

 

“Pointless words.”

 

“That’s not true…”

 

“If you’re going to talk nonsense, just sleep.”

 

He reached out and covered my eyes.

 

“With that frail face from not sleeping properly.”

 

…Come to think of it, I did toss and turn last night because I couldn’t stop thinking. I had forgotten about it myself, but it seems Carlos’s eyes caught everything.

 

“That’s not it…”

 

Despite his mumbled response, drowsiness rushed over him as if Carlos’s words were some kind of spell.

 

‘I’m sleepy.’

 

Strength drained from my body.

 

I was tired.

 

* * *

 

Carlos was looking out the window.

 

They had completely left the Eastern Region and were heading west. As the magical energy thinned, his body felt much better. The suffocating pressure that had weighed on his chest was gradually lifting.

 

His gaze turned to the opposite side.

 

Lorea was sleeping with her head lowered. Her small frame swayed slightly with the carriage’s movements. Her silver hair glinted in the moonlight.

 

‘When was she chattering away so frantically, and now she sleeps so well.’

 

Carlos gazed at Lorea’s innocent face for a long while.

 

That child had constantly looked after him. Endlessly.

 

She kept asking things like whether he wanted some water, or if he’d like the window opened a bit, never seeming to tire of her questions.

 

‘…Since when has the princess been so meddlesome.’

 

He felt a strange emotion.

 

She was a princess. Blood relative of that Imperial Family that had trampled and isolated him.

 

The Imperial Family had taken everything from Carlos. His family’s glory, his standing in the Empire, even his wife and only daughter. That resentment would not be easily forgotten.

 

‘But why…’

 

The carriage swayed.

 

Lorea’s small body tilted as she leaned to the side.

 

Without realizing it, Carlos reached out and caught her shoulder, supporting her so she wouldn’t fall.

 

It was the next moment that he realized what he had done.

 

Bewilderment washed over Carlos’s face.

 

‘…What am I doing.’

 

Just as he was about to withdraw his hand.

 

“Mmm…”

 

Lorea made a soft sound and rubbed her cheek against Carlos’s palm. The warmth of her white, soft cheek transmitted through his skin.

 

“…”

 

The carriage continued to sway.

 

Carlos’s eyes narrowed.

 

‘How troublesome.’

 

If he removed his hand now, her head would tilt again. If she bumped into the window and woke up, it would become bothersome.

 

Yes, that was why.

 

Carlos ended up staying in that awkward position, supporting Lorea’s cheek for quite some time.

 

Lorea had a peaceful face. She was small, gentle, quiet, and looked innocent. So much so that it was hard to believe she was a demon of that filthy and vile Imperial Family.

 

Her small frame. Slender arms and legs. The childishness remaining in her sleeping face. Slightly parted lips. The sound of her even breathing.

 

‘…She’s just a child.’

 

Carlos looked down at Lorea.

 

She was a strange child.

 

She was the Imperial Family’s blade, yet she had turned her back on them.

 

She seemed to want to use him, yet also seemed to genuinely worry about him.

 

What on earth was she thinking. What did she want.

 

He couldn’t understand it at all.

 

Time was needed. He would understand if he watched.

 

That’s when it happened.

 

Clatter.

 

The carriage suddenly came to a stop.

 

Carlos’s eyes sharpened.

 

They were in the middle of a forest path. He could sense suspicious presences around them. They were trained individuals. Not ordinary bandits.

 

One, two, three…

 

Fifteen.

 

No, more than twenty.

 

‘…What was bound to come has come.’

 

Carlos slowly removed his hand from Lorea’s shoulder. He took off his coat and covered Lorea with it.

 

Lorea rubbed her eyes and woke up.

 

“Mm… Duke…?”

 

“Don’t come out and stay here.”

 

“…What?”

 

Carlos opened the carriage door.

 

Cold wind blew in.

 

Between the trees, figures in black clothing were revealing themselves. There were no Imperial insignia. Of course not. They wouldn’t leave traces for something like this. They were all wearing masks. Swords were held in their hands.

 

Carlos stepped down from the carriage.

 

Red magical power rose from his fingertips. It was a vivid red light. The air felt like it was heating up.

 

Carlos’s eyes gleamed coldly.

 

“Come at me.”

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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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