The Villainess is a Millionaire Solver - Chapter 156

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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 156

Since I never thought we would meet like this in such a place, an awkward atmosphere flowed between us for a moment.

I was the first to speak.

“I thought Father was testing me again. Even after becoming the heir, it wasn’t the end, so I got nervous and deliberately exaggerated my answer even more.”

“I see.”

Duke Carnel replied indifferently.

“Sitting here and thinking it over, I roughly guessed as much. After being so strict and harsh since childhood, it would be awkward to suddenly act friendly now. Anyway, aren’t we just in a business relationship?”

“That’s right.”

I answered that way, but my feelings were strange.

“I’m looking forward to this Imperial Tournament.”

“Yes. It will be a very splendid festival.”

The conversation we had while looking at the moon in the study came to mind for no reason.

Why am I feeling so restless? Am I getting autumn blues?

Come to think of it, it is perfect weather for catching a cold…

“I understand. Anyway, let’s go in before the sun sets.”

“Let’s do that.”

Duke Carnel got up from the bench and glanced at the men in black clothes who were hovering around the area.

“By the way, what about those people who have been lurking around and looking after me since earlier?”

“Ah. That gentleman over there sent them.”

When I pointed to Ruellian, the Duke was surprised.

“His Highness?”

Ruellian finally approached and said.

“The believers said they spotted you here, Duke.”

“Still, to be so kind and considerate…”

“Kind? It’s only natural. When the Imperial Family has no troubles like now, they call us loyal subjects, but if they’re even slightly displeased, who knows when they’ll start keeping us in check. We ducal houses need to stick together.”

“Right. Right.”

Duke Carnel nodded and agreed.

He has a point.

But is it just my imagination that it sounds like he’s brainwashing the Duke?

When I looked at Ruellian with slight suspicion, he gestured confidently with a face that said ‘What? Did I say something wrong?’

“Princess, shall we talk for a moment?”

As I approached cautiously while being on guard, he lowered his voice and asked.

“Thanks to you, President, 【Justice Daily】 will take the best spot in this article competition, right?”

“Of course. I’d say it’s the best of the best spots.”

“I see.”

He took out a notebook to check and said.

“You’re maintaining good trust with the Empress too, right? You know well what role the Holy Maidens play? And if you catch the mastermind who manipulated Sion this time, you’ll entrust me with guidance again at the New Year banquet held in winter?”

Huh?

I was answering “Yes, yes” almost automatically, but got flustered by the sudden question that came out of nowhere.

“Why did the conversation jump to that?”

“From your reaction, it seems you don’t have other plans. Since you’re so busy, I thought it would be good to make a reservation in advance. After I find my parents’ murderer and get my revenge, I’ll lose one job and have more free time. Then I’ll consider it reserved.”

Ruellian spoke quickly without giving me a chance to respond, then greeted Duke Carnel to go home safely and left immediately.

His steps looked very light.

‘What? I feel like I got played?’

But no way. Tomorrow, no, who knows what might happen the next moment, so what winter schedule?

Even though I clearly drew the line, it seems he’s trying to poke once more and see my reaction, but it won’t go as he wants, will it?

I stared at his retreating figure and then turned away with a huff.

“Father, let’s go.”

“Ah, yes.”

Duke Carnel, who had been standing alone lost in thought, came to his senses at my words and moved.

Receiving glances from people in the distance, we left the park and walked down the street.

As we crossed through countless flickering shadows under the festival lantern lights on our way back, I suddenly looked behind me.

I felt like someone was watching me from among all those people’s shadows.

Someone unfamiliar, yet not entirely unfamiliar.

“Why?”

Duke Carnel looked back and asked.

“It’s nothing.”

I started walking again. With my shoulders stiff from tension.

‘Let me stay alert and deal with whatever that guy is trying to gain by playing the fake thief.’

I resolved myself like that.

After returning home, I gathered my advisors and checked the next day’s event several times.

When the inspection was finished, I contacted the meticulous and knowledgeable Serene to supplement that day’s itinerary.

And on the way back from Serenity Salon…

“It’s a marionette performance!”

Following my advisors who were watching with wide eyes, I looked at the puppet procession and a good idea came to mind.

I went to the Empress and made a suggestion.

“During the Imperial Tournament events, there’s a parade of giant puppets. Those giants carry weapons and sometimes appear with huge animals. I think we could hide real weapons inside them. The things Your Majesty said you would prepare.”

“Ah! That’s a good idea. I’ll order them to start working on it right away.”

The Empress welcomed my suggestion gladly.

‘Great.’

While preparing steadily behind the scenes like this.

Finally, the last day of the Imperial Tournament arrived, when the 【Imperial Knight Tournament】 would be held.

The venue was the Imperial Palace Theater where the opening ceremony had been held.

The circular stage had been transformed into a circular arena for today.

When I arrived at the venue with Windfairer, which I had been keeping well for this day, the atmosphere was very heated.

The matches were said to be tournament-style. After preliminaries, the main event would start from the round of 16.

Whether intentional or not, if you cause your opponent’s death, you’re immediately disqualified.

“It’s an incredible success.”

Entering with Duke Carnel, the elders, and advisors, I carefully examined the scene.

Giant and huge animal puppets stood here and there throughout the circular arena.

The Imperial Palace’s elite forces – the Imperial Knights, Empress Guard, and Holy Knights – were mixed together, managing the audience while pretending to be event staff.

Between them, I could see Holy Maidens walking around with baskets.

‘And…’

I looked alternately at the sky and ground.

Though not visible to the eye, a total of 15 magic circles were positioned around this area surrounding the arena.

Mages would be secretly hidden among the audience, managing them.

‘Everything is ready. Once they set foot in here, it would be impossible to steal the sword and escape.’

In the press section, Melissa Gremory, Editor-in-Chief of our 【Justice Daily】, had already taken her seat early with journalists.

Benjamin was also sitting there with a name tag around his neck.

“Do well with the coverage. Benjamin, if there’s any situation where you need to represent our guild’s position, step forward quickly.”

“Yes, President.”

“Yes, Master.”

After giving them instructions and turning around, I came face to face with a Holy Maiden.

“Please receive a blessing.”

“Thank you.”

As I received the amulet made from sacred wood and glanced at her, I saw a red pattern on her forehead.

“Ah, that by any chance…”

“That’s right.”

The Empress’s voice came from behind the Holy Maiden.

Our group was surprised and bowed our heads.

“I greet Your Majesty the Empress.”

“Aristina!”

Violet, who had been following her mother, ran over with joy.

Her two hands waving toward me were covered with white paint.

The Empress was startled to see her daughter and scolded her.

“I told you not to play around with that paint since it’s precious, didn’t I?”

“I wasn’t playing around. I was painting it on people. It’s really amazing, Mother. It’s white opal-colored, but when it touches the bodies of various young ladies, it turns red.”

Violet bragged excitedly.

The Empress wasn’t in a position to pay attention to that right now.

After quietly telling her daughter to be quiet, she stared directly at me.

I quickly said.

“Father, then I’ll go to our seats with Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Alright.”

Duke Carnel glanced at me, then added, “Do well.”

Then he went to the Rosen Duchy’s seats with the Elders and the Duke’s advisors.

“Everyone placed bets again, right?”

“Of course! Your Grace…”

Such noisy conversation could be heard before fading away.

After everyone disappeared, I secretly asked the Empress.

“Everything’s fine, right?”

“Yes.”

The Empress answered that way first, then slightly furrowed her brow.

“Everything is prepared according to plan. But I don’t know why I keep feeling so anxious. I’m someone who has weathered my share of storms, but strangely I keep getting scared. I have this feeling that Aldensis and Zicren will be in danger…”

She lowered her already quiet voice even more.

“Though they’re not my biological children, I still met them when they were young and raised them with the intention of becoming their mother. Those children, while extraordinary in personality and ideology befitting Transcendents, never once failed to show me proper respect. What if something happens to them?”

“Don’t think such thoughts.”

I took the Empress’s hand and said.

“Things have been going so strangely that I can’t help but worry too, but isn’t this exactly the situation that person is aiming for? Us trembling in fear. So Your Majesty, let’s pull ourselves together. That’s the only way to increase our chances of overcoming this crisis.”

“Ah…”

The Empress sighed.

“What would it have been like without the Princess? When I think about having to get through this alone, everything looks dark. Going through this, I now understand. The Princess is truly an amazing person. If we can just get through this incident well…”

What? Are you going to give me some reward?

At this crucial moment in our conversation, the Butler pushed through the crowd and approached us. His face was very serious.

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”

“Yes. Did you discover some irregularity?”

“Yes.”

The Butler looked around, then whispered secretly.

“As Your Majesty said, a very strange challenger has appeared.”

Has what was bound to come finally arrived?

I tensely watched the Butler.

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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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