The Villainess is on a Quest - Chapter 66

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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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Episode 66
“Your Grace. Is it truly the right decision to assault the Chester Estate?”
Their headquarters had already grown sparse, as many had departed to raid the Chester Estate.
Only the leadership remained, prepared for any contingency.
And among them, one figure posed the question to Alex Rodman.
An attack on the Chester Estate would surely invite censure from many quarters.
There was concern that Retaria, already facing poor public opinion due to the Plaza incident, would draw even greater resentment because of this.
“Moreover, the Chester Estate is famous for its formidable security, is it not? We have no way of knowing how many of our members will fall there.”
But Rodman waved away such concerns with a scoff.
“Spineless wretches. And yet you dare call yourselves Retaria? Nothing is gained without shedding blood!”
To seize something, one must accept the cost. That was his creed. And he harbored no regrets, even if Retaria lost many at the Chester Estate.
There was no shortage of those eager to join their ranks. The deaths of these pawns could serve as a noble sacrifice—a stepping stone to far greater conquests.
“Above all, if we bring the Lady Sonelopi back under our wing, opportunity will smile upon us.”
They possessed intellect, after all. Philip placed his faith in their promise to crown him emperor, but every member of Retaria knew full well his incompetence.
The only thing worth considering was his Bloodline—yet even that was sufficient in Sonelopi’s hands.
Moreover, her youth meant that with proper guidance, she would surely become a magnificent ruler.
“And above all, their heads have grown far too large.”
Sonelopi was not the only prize. If they could also eliminate either Aine or Wilhelm, the price they themselves would pay would be rendered insignificant.
With such calculations settled, there was no reason to hesitate.
“Capturing any one of the three would pay for itself. So there is no need to worry overmuch.”
Upon hearing Alex’s words, a considerable portion of the group broke into laughter, eager to see his prediction come to pass.
Yet among them, a few recognized themselves for what they truly were—mere tools, expendable at any moment—and their expressions darkened slightly.
Of course, as always, the arrogant and haughty gave no thought whatsoever to the opinions of so insignificant a minority.
* * *
“Aine? Have I perhaps done something to displease you?”
“No. Kleid. That’s not it.”
Upon seeing the system’s warning, Aine’s complexion went deathly pale.
Kleid, witnessing this, grew flustered even as he searched her face for clues.
But Aine shook her head to signal his misunderstanding, her gaze fixed instead upon the system window hanging in the empty air before her.
‘Retaria? Here?’
It was unbelievable. How could she possibly believe it?
‘Have they truly lost all sense of restraint entirely?’
Perhaps that was indeed the case. If any shred of restraint had ever existed, such things should never have occurred in the first place.
She bit her lip as her eyes swept across every corner of the estate. Fortunately, their position on the Terrace made observation simple.
“Kleid. I need you to listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”
Having sensed that something grave was unfolding, Kleid offered no words, merely nodding in acknowledgment.
Aine felt gratitude toward him even as she spoke with urgency.
“Right now, unknown intruders are infiltrating various points throughout the Chester Estate.”
“…I beg your pardon?”
“I just saw a group scaling the outer wall.”
Kleid’s eyes widened as he scanned their surroundings. And there, in his sight, appeared the unfamiliar figures she had spoken of.
In that moment, his brow furrowed and he let slip a bitter laugh.
“Madness. Utter madness. Do they not know where they are?”
On the day Aine had nearly suffered grave misfortune, every defensive measure had been reinforced to ensure such an incident would never occur again.
The standing guard force had been expanded from fifty men to two hundred.
“A group audacious enough to attempt such a thing could only be one organization, surely?”
Aine’s suggestion troubled Kleid—he wanted to reject it—yet clearly no other group possessed the sheer recklessness to stage such an assault.
“Yes. It bears all the marks of Retaria.”
“I’m going to the children. They may well be the true target.”
Aine made to leave for the children’s chambers, but Kleid caught her hand.
“Be careful. It’s unlikely they’re only after Sonelopi. You yourself may be a target as well.”
Though every moment was precious, Kleid’s concern for Aine could not be stifled.
Would she, drawn to danger like a moth to flame, emerge unharmed?
Aine stepped toward him and pressed her lips to his. Kleid stared at her in stunned silence for a moment, but her smile never wavered.
“Don’t worry. I have no intention of dying here.”
As Aine vanished before him, Kleid found himself chuckling softly.
“That’s right. You’ve always been like that. A woman who survives even when death comes calling.”
Kleid, now alone, began to move as well.
The suspicious force drew ever closer. It was time to welcome them with a reception unlike any they had ever experienced.
* * *
“Children! Where are you!”
Aine rushed straight to the children’s room and began searching for Wilhelm and Sonelopi first.
Knowing that these intruders had targeted the Chester Estate because of the children, she realized she had to move them to safety at once.
When she reached the room and found no one, Aine’s anxiety spiked. She feared she had arrived too late.
“Mother! We’re in here!”
Fortunately, the children had sensed something amiss and were hiding inside the wardrobe.
Wilhelm’s relieved face and Sonelopi’s ashen, rigid expression came into view.
Aine rushed to them both and pulled them into her arms.
‘There’s still time.’
She quickly took both their hands.
“Your Highness, please give me to them instead.”
“Sonelopi? What are you saying?”
“I know it’s me they’re after.”
Sonelopi stood motionless, rooted in place.
Her eyes brimmed with tears as she spoke in a trembling voice.
“I don’t want people to suffer because of me. Especially not you, Your Highness, or you, Wilhelm.”
Aine bit her lip. What trials had this small child endured to become so wise beyond her years?
Though she could not know everything Sonelopi had experienced, Aine gathered herself and spoke with conviction.
“I will never abandon you. And we are not the ones suffering here.”
Comforting Sonelopi, Aine spoke as if planting certainty in her heart.
“The ones who committed wrongs are them. We did nothing to deserve this, so you must not carry guilt.”
“Mother’s right! Sonelopi! We’ll protect you no matter what!”
Wilhelm stretched out his small arms and held Sonelopi tight. Tears streaming down her face, Sonelopi did not push him away but accepted the embrace, nodding slowly.
Seeing the children, Aine moved quickly, silently praying. Please, let nothing happen to these precious ones.
‘Leixi, I don’t mind what becomes of me, but help these children keep their bright future.’
There was no need to wonder where to hide.
“Lady Aine! We’ve been so worried!”
“Madam, please follow us!”
The butler Hamlet and Mane appeared, guiding them all to a safe place.
“Hamlet, what is Kleid doing now?”
“He’s rallying soldiers to eliminate the intruders. And he’s already alerted those outside, so reinforcements should arrive soon, including the guard regiment.”
Upon hearing of Kleid’s actions, Aine feared something might happen to him.
If he were wounded fighting for them, she felt she could never look him in the face again.
“Children, I need to go find Kleid.”
Aine turned her gaze to Mane.
“Please watch over them for me. I’m asking you.”
With those words, Aine set out to find Kleid, praying he remained unharmed.

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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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