The Villainess is a Millionaire Solver - Chapter 88

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 88

Divine power so strong that sparks crackled in Ruellian’s hands was rising.

When he brought that hand to the stained glass, traces of the magic Sion had just used were drawn out along his fingers.

It was a mystical sight, but that wasn’t what surprised me.

“….”

Ruellian’s expression was far from ordinary. His eyes had darkened as if they had sunk into an abyss, his face lost in deep thought.

I had only seen such a serious expression once before.

When he discovered the fake crime notice I had attached to the Ice Crown of Saint Agneta.

When he thought the person he was tracking had sent the notice and asked, “Is it that person?”

This face was definitely….

The expression of someone who had finally discovered the shadow they had been relentlessly pursuing their entire life.

‘Strange. Sure, it was evil and frightening, but the black mist-form attack magic wasn’t so unusual as to be that surprising, was it?’

The moment I thought that.

Ruellian crushed and destroyed the magical afterimage he had just drawn out with his fingers.

The outer shell cracked and broke away, and blood-red letters poured out from within. They writhed as if they were alive.

I was horrified.

‘Disgusting!’

The appearance of the blood-red letters soon disappeared.

“As expected.”

Ruellian muttered.

“Sion Michael. Carnel Rosen’s nephew who left for the Northern Territories two years ago. Your cousin….”

Then his gaze turned toward me.

“Has that friend ever learned magic?”

“That’s the first I’ve heard of it. If he had learned magic, he definitely would have shown off somehow. Maybe he learned it after going north?”

“He’s too skilled at handling magic for that. Two years would never be enough to reach that level.”

“Then maybe he learned it in secret.”

I looked at him and asked.

“But why are you so interested in Sion? It must be related to the person you’re earnestly pursuing, right?”

“….”

“Everyone who knows, knows. That you’re searching for the enemy who killed your parents.”

Ruellian looked at me. His violet eyes narrowed slightly.

“It’s not exactly a secret, but I didn’t know the Princess was so interested in me.”

“Very interested.”

“Instead of saying things you don’t mean, be careful of your cousin. He’s ruthless enough to immediately suspect and kill a crow for returning late….”

He hesitated a bit before adding.

“And the magic your cousin just used is very similar to the traces of magic that remained on my parents’ corpses. I’m not lying. I saw it directly at the scene.”

My goodness.

So it was true that his parents suffered such a fate.

I had vaguely known, but hearing him say it himself was shocking.

Though his tone seemed to simply convey facts matter-of-factly, I could faintly sense the hatred and anger pressed down within it.

I muttered.

“Really, really….”

“Really dangerous. Now you understand, right?”

“…It must have been really hard. Losing your parents before your eyes. I thought what you said when we met in the forest was a lie. I’m sorry.”

“….”

A moment of silence passed.

Ruellian looked at me with his eyes somewhat widened.

He probably didn’t expect me to focus more on his parents’ story.

But of course. Whenever I hear stories about someone being murdered, my heart becomes too weak.

And parents, no less. Ruellian had inherited the Duke’s family long ago, so what must their feelings have been leaving behind a young child.

I’m really weak when it comes to such stories.

“Their souls should be at peace.”

Truly hoping for that, I placed both hands on my chest and showed respect in the manner of this place.

“….”

Ruellian was still looking at me with his eyes slightly widened.

No, even if it’s someone you met for the first time today, offering a simple prayer for someone who lost their parents is basic human decency.

Just how low did he think my character was that he finds even expressing such basic courtesy surprising?

Since he was looking at me so strangely, should I make some excuse?

“Even if I treat living people roughly, I don’t think I should do that to those who have passed away. I’m also quite afraid of ghosts.”

“I see.”

Ruellian shrugged his shoulders lightly.

“Anyway, thank you. It’s the first time I’ve heard such words.”

“The first time? Really?”

“In any case, that’s not what’s important right now.”

He immediately changed the subject.

“First, shouldn’t you think about dealing with your cousin? The mastermind has been revealed, but you don’t seem very surprised?”

“Ah.”

I raised my head.

“Actually, I’ve known about it for a while. That guy is a hypocrite. He only thinks about pushing me out and taking over our family. But….”

As I spoke, something did bother me a bit.

“It is a bit strange though. Coming to the capital secretly without telling father would definitely be a big problem. This isn’t like Sion?”

“Maybe he didn’t come secretly. And maybe not alone either.”

Ruellian said.

“The inn on that street usually rents out the entire third floor as a special suite. They rent out a whole floor. If he came alone secretly, there’d be no reason to book such a conspicuous luxury accommodation. There’s likely a party, and among them there might be dignitaries or elderly people.”

It was still just speculation, but hearing his words gave me a thought.

“Could it be old tiger Helmut and the elders who helped father rise to the position of family head? Since Sion wouldn’t leave his post arbitrarily, maybe they all came back together?”

“That’s quite possible. News from the north is always delayed.”

“Good. I’ll need to be careful. I was planning to anyway.”

“Right.”

Ruellian looked at me and suddenly said.

“I tried so hard to find even a small clue about that strange magic, but unexpectedly I discovered it thanks to making a deal with the Princess.”

“Well….”

I tossed my hair gracefully.

“I’m someone with pretty good luck. Everyone around me suddenly makes money, their worries disappear, their health improves, they sleep well…. You could call me a luck fairy.”

When I subtly attempted some brainwashing, he gave a bitter smile.

“I don’t know if you’re really a luck fairy. But maybe we’ll have more opportunities to exchange information. If that’s alright with you.”

“Hmm….”

I crossed my arms leisurely and replied.

“Who would refuse a chance to deal with the Master Guild?”

I pretended to be indifferent and proud, but actually the corners of my mouth kept trying to rise.

Just moments ago I thought today’s deal might be the last. But to be able to enjoy more of these honey-like benefits without anyone knowing.

The information network here was truly cheat-level.

Although its owner Ruellian was a person within his own solid fortress walls, making it hard to know his true thoughts….

As long as there was something for him to gain from me, he seemed prepared to do anything for my safety.

Like at that ball. Enough to willingly step forward, crossing the line he had firmly set in his heart.

Though the scales were in perfect balance, our deal didn’t seem to be over yet.

Good.

Taking advantage of the momentum, I immediately attempted a new deal.

“Sion has several methods he likes to use to torment me. Especially, whenever he goes somewhere, he always brings back very cute gifts for his dear sister….”

“Like dolls with hidden poison arrows?”

“It’s not that blatant. Anyway, could you lend me something so I can expose Sion’s schemes? There must be some tool that priests use to detect evil forces. If you lend it to me, I’ll make sure to donate a lot to the Order.”

“You can’t take back those words later.”

Ruellian opened a small drawer next to the desk. Inside were several rings.

He took out one thin silver ring and placed it on the desk.

“After wearing this ring, if you bring your hand close to your eyes, you’ll be able to identify objects with evil power.”

“Good. This is exactly what I wanted.”

I brightened up and took it.

Sacred characters were densely engraved inside the ring, but from the outside, it just looked like an ordinary silver ring.

If I wore it together with my fancy rings, it wouldn’t even be noticeable.

‘Whatever schemes he’s plotting, I’ll definitely find out this time.’

I felt much more at ease. Leaning back comfortably in my chair, I asked something I’d been curious about for a while.

“How’s the curse going?”

“Ah.”

Ruellian shrugged his shoulders again.

“Since I’ve figured out what it is, I think I can solve it somehow. It looks like I’ll need to frequent the Imperial Palace for various matters for a while too.”

“Got it. I’ll pretend not to know you if we meet.”

Saying that, I picked up my teacup again. Ruellian looked at me and said,

“It must be cold by now.”

“No. It’s fine though?”

The tea still had warmth left in it. Seeing me sip it, he also picked up his teacup.

A peaceful atmosphere settled for a brief moment.

This isn’t so bad either.

While leisurely drinking tea given by the head of the Holy Order, I fell into thought.

‘Sion Michael…’

While he lived as if he’d cut ties with the main family, he was secretly keeping track of everything happening here through Eunice.

But since I’d cut off all his hands and feet, he couldn’t just stay still like this.

If he really came to the capital with the elders, that fact would soon be revealed too. In other words, there’s only one conclusion.

‘He’ll show himself before Duke Carnel soon.’

My hand gripped the teacup tightly.

It wouldn’t be good for the two of them to meet while leaving me out.

It seemed I’d need to stick close to the Duke’s side for a while.

* * *

Duke Carnel’s study.

The servants who brought the herbal medicine were just about to enter.

Then.

Someone suddenly appeared from behind them. The existence that still made the Duke’s household employees jump in surprise.

It was their Young Lady, with brilliant golden hair and raised red eyes.

“Give it here.”

I gestured toward them with my hand. The servants couldn’t say anything and offered me the tray.

I held the tray with one hand and knocked on the door gently.

Knock knock.

The study door opened. I could see Duke Carnel sitting at his desk comparing documents.

“Father, I brought your herbal medicine.”

At my words, he raised his head sharply. Then he frowned slightly.

“What brings you here?”

“Don’t be suspicious. No additional substances accidentally got in.”

I deliberately took out a silver rod for detecting poison that I’d prepared and stirred the bowl to show him.

“Who said anything about poison? Really, the things you think of.”

The Duke glanced at me sideways while drinking the herbal medicine.

“You seem to be earning enough money on your own. You haven’t had time to cause any trouble yet either…”

“I just wanted to see Father’s face.”

I sighed.

“Going through this incident, I had this sentiment. Indeed, there’s no one to trust in this world. In the end, only blood relatives remain…”

“Nonsense. There are plenty of blood relatives in this world who are worse than strangers.”

“Shall we go for a walk once you’re finished?”

I didn’t give up and dragged Duke Carnel out.

“The weather is nice and cool. It reminds me of when I toddled around this garden as a child.”

“Where are you trying to whitewash the past? You never once walked around. You either ran or rolled.”

The Duke spoke coldly. But even so, he followed along well wherever I wanted to go.

I guess walking with me isn’t that unpleasant?

I said to the maids,

“Girls, bring a parasol!”

“Yes, Young Lady!”

“What parasol? We’ll be going in soon.”

Even while saying that, Duke Carnel ended up walking a full circle around the garden.

“Excellent work, Young Lady!”

The Head Butler exclaimed in admiration and gave me a thumbs up.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————