The Villainess is on a Quest - Chapter 71

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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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Chapter 71
“I didn’t do it expecting a reward.”
Aine found it puzzling. At first, she’d thought Kleid was joking.
It was only natural—she’d never done anything worthy of a commendation.
Yet Kleid continued to regard her with proud eyes.
“How would you feel if I told you that many nobles in the empire have been moved by your devoted conduct?”
“I don’t understand. Isn’t that simply what one should do?”
She recalled how Leixi, too, had visited the families of the fallen during the war, offering comfort in person.
Though as queen she needn’t have done so, she never once stopped such visits.
She’d said she hoped her consolation might bring even a measure of peace to those who felt regretful and grateful.
Aine had found Leixi’s actions perfectly natural and had followed her example.
“It is not natural. Royal family members rarely engage in such conduct.”
“I’m beginning to worry I’ve done something thoughtless. That I’ve caused you difficulty because of it….”
Kleid hastily kissed her to silence her words. Aine made no move to push him away.
Time seemed to drift. When he withdrew, a faint wistfulness lingered on her lips, yet he smiled with such happiness as he spoke.
“Difficulty? On the contrary, I am grateful. You comforted the soldiers and their families in my stead. They were entirely deserving of such care.”
Kleid’s sorrowful expression gave way to a brilliant smile as he looked at her.
“Those you consoled have all found peace in their hearts, I’m told. Letters continue to arrive at the estate—grateful and wanting to repay you for the hand you offered and the tears shed in your embrace.”
Even now, people were leaving fruits, eggs, flowers, and meat—whatever they could offer—at the estate entrance before departing.
At first, Aine hadn’t understood what it meant, but once Kleid explained the situation, she could only laugh weakly.
“I wish none of this had needed to happen.”
“Aine.”
“I wish no more people had to die beside us.”
“That sentiment is just. We have witnessed terrible things.”
Kleid nodded in agreement. Over five years, they had witnessed horrors beyond counting.
Though years still stretched ahead of them, longer than those lived, Aine no longer wished to see such sights.
“I will stand beside you and help in every way I can to see your wishes fulfilled.”
“I trust you, Kleid. So I will gladly follow your counsel.”
Odin announced that he would present the medal exactly one week hence.
During that week, Kleid and Aine could have remained at the Chesher Estate, but upon hearing that Wilhelm was eager to see them, they made their way to the Andre Marquis Estate.
“It may not be as grand or beautiful as the Chesher Estate, but I assure you there will be no lack of comfort.”
“Not at all. We are grateful you would receive us, Emilia.”
“That’s right. And you’ve been caring for our children as well.”
“Let’s not stand on ceremony between us. We are family. When family faces hardship, it is only natural to offer aid.”
“Your words are wise. The Prince and Princess may cross this threshold whenever they wish.”
Andre and Emilia welcomed the two warmly and led them to the drawing room.
“The children played spiritedly and have already retired for the night. Shall we converse among ourselves?”
Emilia told Aine about the Cross Medal she would receive.
“In the Imperial Medal Rank, the Cross Rank stands third. It is bestowed when one has demonstrated great virtue or accomplished extraordinary service to the empire.”
Aine still felt uncertain whether she truly deserved such a distinction.
But seeing Kleid’s joy—as though he himself had received the medal—she decided simply to be happy.
“Your name fills conversations everywhere in the empire. Of late, people have been sending me endless requests, now that they know I am close to you, begging for the chance to meet.”
“I worry I might be troubling you, Emilia.”
“Think nothing of it. Rather, I welcome how eagerly people seek to meet you. It is proof that no one any longer discriminates against you for being from the Orion Kingdom.”
Aine nodded as she watched Emilia smile with genuine warmth.
Kleid, meanwhile, observed the Marquis and his wife. Andre was a man of few words, preferring to listen rather than speak.
Emilia, knowing this well, never pressed him to talk.
Kleid set down his teacup and spoke.
“In fact, I was thinking of holding a reception soon. In return for his majesty’s kindness.”
“But given what happened at the Chesher Estate, that won’t be possible for some time.”
“Precisely. So I wanted to ask if we might borrow your estate for such an occasion. What do you say?”
Given what had been received from Odin, the occasion of becoming a princess, and now the medal itself, a reception was only fitting.
The Chesher Estate could not host one for some time. Even if repairs were completed early, there was no guarantee people would feel safe there.
A reception held here at the Andre Marquis Estate, where Emilia—one of the great elders of the royal house—resided, would certainly draw a crowd.
“That’s a splendid idea. How could we refuse? It’s such an honor to host a royal reception.”
“Indeed. It would be an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bonds of the royal family. Especially in times like these.”
Aine wanted to say there was no need, but Kleid was right.
In the Orion Kingdom itself, it was customary to hold a reception upon receiving the sovereign’s favor, to share that joy with those around you.
“Simply tell us the details. We will provide all the necessary funds.”
At the Marquis’s words, Kleid tried to demur, saying there was no need for him to go to such expense.
Wilhelm had already been so generous in lending them the estate that Andre and Kleid had meant to insist on covering the expenses themselves.
“Madam, if I may have a moment of your time.”
But this reply was cut short by the appearance of the Marquis’s maidservant at the entrance.
With everyone’s attention drawn to the estate’s servant, Emilia felt a brief tightness cross her brow—the peaceful moment had been interrupted.
Yet she reasoned that the woman would not appear so abruptly without cause, and so Emilia excused herself to the two men and turned to the maidservant with a question.
“What brings you here?”
“Prince Philip has arrived outside the estate and wishes to see you.”
“Prince Philip?”
At those words, displeasure flickered across Emilia’s face. To arrive unannounced at such a late hour, without the courtesy of prior notice, was a breach of propriety.
Especially since Philip was a nephew she had never much cared for.
Beyond his insufferable arrogance, he had made remarks suggesting she ought now to show deference simply because she had married and become a Marquis’s wife—a disrespect she could not abide.
So disinclined was she toward the boy that Emilia longed to send him away at once.
“Please, do not trouble yourself on our account. Show him in.”
Whatever Odin’s opinion of him, Philip remained a prince of the Empire. To turn away one who had come calling would itself be a lapse in courtesy.
Sensing Emilia’s internal struggle, Wilhelm and Andre graciously assured her it was no burden, and that she ought to receive him.
Emilia thanked them for their consideration—particularly meaningful given how much displeasure they themselves might justifiably feel—and nodded to the maidservant.
‘Whatever could he possibly want to say that brings him all the way here?’
An unfamiliar dread settled over Emilia as she watched the maidservant depart, and she exhaled slowly at the prospect of Philip’s visit.
The heavy tread of footsteps announced his arrival; the door swung open, and Philip made his purpose known at once.
“Aunt, I beg you—please help me! That woman has absolutely no right whatsoever to receive a medal!”

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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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