The Villainess is a Millionaire Solver - Chapter 34

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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 34

“But aren’t we going to the Holy Order now? The outside is that way.”

When I asked that, the Duke looked at me intently.

“Aristina, you’ve always climbed over walls to enter the Order, so you probably don’t know the proper way…”

He had a talent for making me shut my mouth with just one sentence.

“…”

“Remember this. When the Duke’s family visits the Order, we don’t go empty-handed. Your attire can’t just be a regular noble lady’s dress either. You must dress devoutly.”

Ah, I really didn’t know that. Just like the Duke said, I always climbed over walls to get in.

“I understand.”

I turned around and went upstairs.

A short while later, a carriage was prepared in the front yard of the ducal mansion.

At the front and back of the carriage, the Order’s sun flags and the Rosen duchy’s rose flags were crossed and planted, meaning the Duke’s family was visiting the Order to worship God.

The white horses pulling the carriage wore sacred golden ornaments on their foreheads. And ceremonial maids wearing veils, signifying they were devout servants of God, rode in front and back.

It was truly a magnificent sight.

“Duke, we’ve loaded all the offerings.”

“Good.”

The Duke, dressed in dark-colored formal attire, nodded. I too wore a worship dress made of thick, dark-colored fabric.

My golden hair was neatly arranged and placed inside a mesh decoration, and I wore a hat with a veil on my head. Finally, I also held a scripture.

“Let’s go, Aristina.”

“Yes. But the carriage I’ll be riding in is…”

When I looked around, the Duke said coldly.

“There’s only one worship carriage. Whether you like it or not, we have no choice but to ride together.”

Oh my, I see. Well, Aristina and he had never gone to worship together before.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep my mouth shut and sit quietly.”

I sat down and opened the scripture.

Actually, it wasn’t a scripture. I had gotten the big picture from looking at the thief materials the Chief of Imperial Security was examining…

To make a more thorough plan, I was gathering materials and analyzing them in detail.

‘I need to know everything about the thief.’

I glared at the materials as if I would devour them.

…The thief ‘Black Phantom’ always appears wearing a black mist-like cloak. With the build of a sturdy adult male, judging from his agile movements, the theory that he’s a young man is most likely.

However, no one has ever seen even a strand of his hair, and it’s completely unknown what kind of weapon he uses…

While I was reading intently, I felt a gaze from across me.

‘…?’

When I looked up, Duke Carnel wasn’t looking out the window but was staring at me.

“That’s not a scripture, is it? It’s materials about a man, right?”

Gasp, he’s like a ghost.

“It’s more like materials about a beast…”

I trailed off and stuffed the book into my bag.

Soon we arrived at the very place where that beast was using as his hideout.

As we headed toward the main road leading to the headquarters rather than the civilian area, Holy Knights blocked our way.

“Stop. What is your business?”

Duke Carnel got out of the carriage first. I got out too.

He bowed toward the main temple, so I followed suit.

“I’ve come to worship with my daughter after a long time. But before that, I have something to discuss with His Holiness.”

The ceremonial maids took down one of the boxes stacked behind the carriage and handed it to the Holy Knights.

“This is an offering the Duke’s family is donating for the welfare of the Order of Knights.”

They were trained to regard wealth like stones anyway.

But at least entering politely while offering gifts would feel much better than secretly climbing over walls to infiltrate.

“May blessings be upon the Duke’s family’s faithfulness.”

Passed.

“This is an offering the Duke’s family is donating for the priests’ charitable activities.”

The next checkpoint was also passed.

Since not much time had passed since I turned this place upside down last time, Duke Carnel scattered donations generously, preventing the Holy Knights and priests’ gazes from turning toward me.

“There seem to be more people than usual today? It’s good that we prepared plenty.”

Thanks to the generous Duke, we smoothly passed through all the checkpoints.

Thus we were finally able to arrive at the center of the Holy Order.

Duke Carnel got out of the carriage and stood holding a reliquary, gazing at the building before us for a moment.

The main temple.

According to history, even when dynasties changed, only this place remained standing. For nearly a thousand years.

As if proving those years intact, the main temple’s sanctuary standing tall was majesty itself.

Sharp spear-like spires reaching toward the sky. Circular stained glass windows so huge that people looked like ants. Sacred statues with gleaming eyes standing by each pillar.

As if telling humans to feel their insignificance before God, everything boasted overwhelming grandeur.

“Please come in.”

Following the priests’ guidance inside, a white-haired High Priest with a face full of wrinkles greeted us.

“Duke Carnel, Princess Aristina.”

“High Priest.”

I politely bowed to the High Priest following the Duke.

Though I had once disrespectfully called him bald in my childhood, I pretended to have no such memory and put on a poker face.

Duke Carnel spoke solemnly.

“Today I haven’t come to the Order to seek blessings or divine the future through revelations, but because I have something urgent to discuss with His Holiness. Could you convey that message?”

“Hmm. Understood. Please wait a moment.”

The High Priest went inside.

Then after a short while.

“His Holiness is coming out.”

Along with the jingling sound of incense burner bells, the priests’ voices could be heard. And the door opened.

I unconsciously tensed my eyes.

‘This is the first time meeting face to face since learning the secret, right?’

Also, this was the first time since I had tricked him with the pouch containing fake fragments at the Guild Leaders’ Assembly last time.

It was natural that he would be angry after seeing the contents.

Since he was such a cunning character, he might have had a bad feeling about it.

-Could this damn princess have noticed my identity and be testing me now?

He might have had such thoughts.

Actually, at that time I was in a state of knowing nothing and just played tricks to get rid of him.

‘Anyway, I absolutely must not give the impression that I know his identity, or that I seem even slightly smart…’

I equipped my face with a bright expression anew and bowed my head.

The sound of footsteps could be heard.

“Duke, Princess. What brings you here?”

“We greet Your Holiness.”

“We greet Your Holiness.”

Following Duke Carnel’s greeting, I raised my head.

Jet-black hair like a descendant of darkness. Intense violet eyes.

With sharp eyes that seemed to contain killing intent, scattering an intimidating presence as he walked over.

Where exactly was the religious person in him? He was the very image of a beast with a ‘do not approach’ sign.

「He has no idea that he’s currently facing a life-threatening crisis. But if you disarm the trap before his eyes and save his life?」

The World Tree’s words came to mind, causing cognitive dissonance.

‘You want weak little me to save that beast?’

If I made a mistake, I’d be bitten to death.

Since the beast doesn’t know I’m trying to save him, I need to very carefully throw bait and lure him so he doesn’t bare his teeth or run away. While watching his reactions carefully.

“It’s good to see you.”

As I greeted Ruellian who sat down in front of me, I examined him closely from every angle.

Come to think of it, today he was dressed more simply than his usual official robes.

A white formal suit-like ceremonial outfit, perhaps. The high collar with gleaming golden embroidery made his already striking hair and eyes stand out even more.

Overall, he looked more like a nobleman with a bad personality than the head of the Order.

‘He must have come from working in his study or something.’

Maybe his nighttime activities were so busy that his work had piled up. Duke Carnel seemed to have similar thoughts, as he spoke first.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you when you must be quite busy.”

“Not at all.”

Ruellian shook his head.

“I heard you made another large donation. VIP visits are always welcome. It’s hardly a disturbance.”

He glanced at me and asked.

“But what brings you here? With the Princess accompanying you, and coming through the front gate so openly. I was actually hoping to meet with the Princess anyway, so this works out well. Princess, would you spare me a moment for a conversation?”

I flinched inwardly. As expected. Just when I thought things had quieted down a bit, he’s reaching out again.

Duke Carnel frowned slightly and asked.

“Has my daughter committed some other impious act?”

“It’s not that…”

Ruellian shook his head.

“During the Sacred Tribunal, didn’t the Princess reveal that she had become the director of the Rare Plant Academy and announced she was researching amaranthia flowers? The Princess has excellent drive, so I thought there might be results by now. How about it, Princess?”

“…”

I was momentarily speechless. To bring that up now. I had completely forgotten about it since that day.

‘Does he absolutely have to catch me to be satisfied?’

I had acted completely clueless to avoid it, but he really did have a persistent side. Once caught in his surveillance net, it seemed he would never just let you go.

“Why no answer? Don’t tell me the research claim was a lie…”

“No! Of course not!”

I said quickly.

“How could I dare lie before such a holy person? I’ve been steadily conducting research and have gathered quite a few results. Since Your Eminence must be busy, I’ll just compile a report and send it to the Order.”

“I’d prefer to hear it in person if possible?”

His violet eyes swept over me. Under that persistent gaze that seemed to dissect me thoroughly, cold sweat was about to break out.

Fortunately, I hadn’t come unprepared and had a means of escape.

“I’d like that too, but…”

I glanced to the side.

“For now, my father, who made a large donation to the Holy Order today, says he has a very urgent request.”

Successfully deflected. Ruellian had no choice but to temporarily halt his offensive against me.

“What is it, Duke?”

“Ah, actually it’s because of this.”

Duke Carnel opened the golden reliquary we had brought.

As the lid depicting two angels clasping hands in prayer lifted up, the Ice Crown resting on dark blue velvet was revealed.

A flash of interest crossed Ruellian’s eyes.

“Isn’t that Saint Agneta’s Ice Crown?”

“You know of it?”

“I remember seeing a picture of it in the Complete Catalog of Sacred Relics. It was only recorded as ‘privately owned’…”

“Even though it’s a sacred relic, it lost its power with the Saint’s death. It wouldn’t be under the Order’s special management. However, it needs purification once every 33 years, and this year happens to be that year…”

The Duke continued speaking then paused. His gaze fixed on Ruellian’s collar.

‘Why?’

I followed his gaze and discovered something.

It was the same color as the collar’s pattern so I hadn’t noticed before, but now I could see a metal insignia that looked like an O and X crossed together.

The Duke asked.

“I see you’re wearing the silence insignia. Are you about to enter prayer?”

“Yes, Duke. This year the Day of Atonement overlaps with the festival, so we’re starting a bit early. The prayer period begins tomorrow and lasts for two weeks.”

Ah. So he’s calling it a prayer period while secretly planning to go out and do some other activities?

Duke Carnel, completely unaware of His Eminence’s double life, was completely fooled by those words.

“Ah, I see. So that’s why everyone was bustling about? I came at a bad time.”

He looked at the crown with a troubled expression.

“What should we do? Actually, this sacred relic is…”

“Father!”

Right on cue, I quickly gave him a meaningful look and whispered to the Duke.

“There’s a gag order!”

“…?”

The Duke looked at me with a puzzled expression. His eyes seemed to ask ‘From His Eminence too?’

Nod.

When I signaled that it was so, the Duke immediately turned his head.

“I was momentarily confused.”

“Yes, Duke.”

Ruellian answered nonchalantly.

From his attitude alone, he seemed completely unconcerned, but that couldn’t be true.

I could definitely feel his curious gaze directed at me, though he was hiding it.

‘That’s right.’

I had just acted as if I was clumsily stopping Duke Carnel’s mouth while subtly leaking information.

He wasn’t a fool, so he would have figured it out immediately.

Who could issue a gag order telling our father and daughter to keep quiet?

Only the Imperial Family.

In other words, it would be obvious that I was secretly plotting something with this sacred relic according to the Imperial Family’s will.

I spoke calmly.

“The relic purification just needs to be done sometime this year, so it wouldn’t matter if it’s delayed a bit. Let’s not trouble such a busy person any further and leave. It doesn’t have to be a sacred relic anyway.”

Ruellian looked at me.

Then he suddenly said.

“There’s no need for that.”

…He took the bait.

A heavy bite began tugging on the fishing line.

Come on, all of this will ultimately benefit you.

‘If you don’t want to die at the hands of those two Transcendent Ones, you’d better quietly owe me your life.’

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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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