The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 109

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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 109

It was surprising.

Amelie felt one side of her mind brighten. She was surprised at herself for not having thought of it before.

‘Until now, Duke of Evron has acted thoroughly only as Duke of Evron.’

However, Cedric was practically a direct member of the imperial family.

According to the principle of primogeniture, the original first in line of succession was Cedric’s deceased mother. And next, naturally, was Cedric.

People rarely kept that fact in mind. People thought of Cedric as Duke of Evron and a military hero, not as a person of power or politician.

Rather, when Cedric was young, there were those who tried to use him to oppose the Emperor.

Especially right after all the Emperor’s legitimate sons died, there were many who had the ambition to make him the next emperor.

However, Cedric steadfastly maintained his position as Duke of Evron and as a military figure.

It may have been his nature, but Amelie thought it was also a survival strategy.

Cedric tried not to come to the capital unless the Emperor summoned him. That wouldn’t have stemmed solely from deep affection for the Evron Duchy.

He went to the battlefield following the Emperor’s orders even though he knew they were unjust.

Amelie, who had risked her life on the battlefield, thought that was also why Cedric threw himself directly into battle.

Those who have something they love cannot so easily throw away their lives.

If Cedric loved Evron, he shouldn’t have thrown himself away for the western regions.

But while he had confronted the Emperor for the Western Army, he never showed any sign of cherishing his own life.

It was a completely different method from Duke Loigar, but it was effective.

Even that suspicious Emperor came to regard Cedric as a born soldier.

He worried that he had earned resentment for executing Cedric’s parents. He also worried that the Evron Duchy might turn its blade and aim that formidable military power at the Imperial Court.

However, he didn’t think Cedric was after power.

So when Cedric became engaged to Artizea, he thought that finally Cedric had let go of his resentment and found personal happiness, and was relieved.

He thought even getting involved in the succession struggle was unintentional. He believed it happened because his wife happened to be Lawrence’s sister.

Even thinking a step further, it could be nothing more than for the sake of the next generation of Evron. Everyone believed that.

But Cedric didn’t show signs of avoiding politics as before. From Baron Itz’s time, or more precisely.

‘From when he became engaged to the Duchess.’

When the protests occurred, his leading the situation, handing over the bribery ledger to the Emperor, handling the human hunting problem – everyone thought it was all due to anger.

But removing the emotional elements and thinking purely in terms of facts, those were clearly political acts.

Amelie was certain his mind had already changed by then.

And Cedric’s status no longer remained at the level of a frontier power holder or military figure.

The nobles regarded him as a kingmaker, and salons and coffeehouses were paying attention to his movements. Writers and philosophers also showed interest.

Interest in the Evron Duchy was higher than ever.

Public opinion was never light. If combined with the temple, it became a force even the Emperor couldn’t ignore.

With just one or two impressive incidents, Cedric’s position could change dramatically once again.

There was even a sense of satisfaction, as if small pieces were coming together to form one complete work.

Amelie had been feeling something off about Artizea’s actions until now. Finally, it all fell into place.

‘If Duke of Evron doesn’t intend to bury himself in the duchy, there’s no choice beyond that.’

Amelie’s time as a knight of the west was only about two years. She had lived more than ten times that long as a political soldier.

She loved power and had enjoyed it sufficiently. And having no intention of giving up power, she had attached herself to Lawrence.

However, she wasn’t so corrupt as to think the Empire didn’t matter as long as it was for her own power and pleasure.

Not only Amelie, but a considerable number of the ‘them’ that Artizea mentioned were like that. ‘They’ were practically the pillars that had supported the Empire.

If Cedric were placed on the emperor’s throne, there would be no disruption of the country through power struggles and political upheavals.

Because he doesn’t weigh human lives against his own desires.

There wasn’t yet material to judge his capacity as a politician. However, at least there would be no executions of capable subjects for that very reason, or giving up on advice for fear of displeasing the emperor.

The military would certainly fulfill its proper function. The west and south would be protected.

Amelie realized anew that the western problem had been hanging like a debt in one corner of her heart all this time.

Artizea’s choice of her as the first target for recruitment was absolutely right.

Amelie disliked the current situation where the military only functioned to protect the Emperor’s power.

Having started in an isolated hell, she was sick of using supply lines as a means of power.

Amelie finished her thoughts and raised her head. Artizea was wearing a gentle smile.

“…”

Did Cedric have such intentions?

Amelie didn’t bother asking Artizea that. If there was a possibility, he would have to be pushed up to the throne even if he didn’t want it.

“Is there a possibility?”

That was what mattered.

Artizea said with a smile.

“Lord Harper will have to create that possibility.”

And now Amelie was here to do just that.

Bellon, a treasury official, said.

“I also know that the Duchess of Evron is wise beyond her years and receives the Empress’s favor. However, this is none other than Riagan. It’s a place His Majesty the Emperor pays special attention to.”

Having the ability to control a ducal house with dominance over the southern region as he pleased, there was no reason to let it slip from his hands. Even without considering the monopoly rights to Southern Sea salt.

An uneasy silence hung in the conference room for a moment.

Lawrence opened his mouth.

“Then what is Lord Bellon’s proposal?”

“Rather, it would be better for Lord Lawrence to become engaged to the current Duke of Riagan’s daughter. By connecting with House Riagan that way, now you’d have a close relationship with His Majesty the Emperor’s loyal subject, and in the future after Her Majesty the Empress passes away, it would mean marrying into southern high nobility.”

“Continue.”

“We must also consider that the Imperial Court can maintain overwhelming influence over House Riagan to the end. If Her Majesty the Empress decides the next Duke of Riagan, that wouldn’t be possible.”

The corner of Lawrence’s mouth twisted slightly.

Amelie watched this quietly.

“Lord Bellon’s words have merit. If we think about what happens after ascending to the emperor’s throne, certainly.”

“Do you have other opinions?”

“No. However, didn’t everyone agree that receiving Her Majesty the Empress’s recognition is the most legitimate and fastest means? I was just thinking whether it would truly be wise to create opposition with Her Majesty the Empress.”

And Lawrence added one more thing.

“Lord Bellon’s nephew married into southern nobility, didn’t he?”

Bellon’s complexion worsened. Then the corner of Lawrence’s mouth moved slightly again.

Amelie was reminded anew of Artizea’s words. That Lawrence would feel superior after intentionally gathering sycophants.

After that conversation ended, Amelie carefully timed her words to speak as if after careful consideration.

“How about thinking in the opposite direction instead?”

“Opposite?”

“Right now, the most important thing for Lord Lawrence is Her Majesty the Empress’s recognition. That means Her Majesty the Empress is more important than His Majesty the Emperor. His Majesty the Emperor already regards Lord Lawrence as the son to whom he’ll leave everything anyway.”

This wasn’t entirely wrong, but it was somewhat distorted.

“So if you have Her Majesty the Empress’s recognition, you become the only legitimate descendant of the Imperial Court. Then wouldn’t it be right to prioritize Her Majesty the Empress even if it causes some short-term displeasure?”

“Then is Lord Harper’s opinion to ask Her Majesty the Empress about Lord Lawrence’s marriage?”

“That’s also reluctant in its own way. This is about deciding the future empress. If Her Majesty the Empress becomes the Empress Dowager and her successor becomes empress, it would mean sharing too much enormous power with House Riagan.”

“Hmm.”

“Directly receiving His Majesty the Emperor’s wrath itself carries great risk. Above all, you must not unilaterally inform His Majesty the Emperor after deciding on the marriage matter.”

“Then are you saying I should discuss that matter with Mother and Father?”

“Let’s set aside the marriage matter for now. Thinking about post-accession issues, it’s equally problematic whether the Duke of Riagan is the current duke’s daughter or Her Majesty the Empress’s adopted daughter. What the Duchess of Evron said about marriage was originally just the Duchess of Evron’s personal opinion anyway. Wouldn’t it be fine to just use it as reference?”

Amelie said.

“Her Majesty the Empress’s desire to reclaim House Riagan probably isn’t really about the family and title. She probably doesn’t have any particular successor she wants to pass it to either.”

“Then what are you suggesting we do?”

“How about appeasing the resentment of the late Duke and Duchess of Riagan?”

Amelie spoke slowly while maintaining eye contact with Lawrence.

“That’s impossible!”

Lord Bellon immediately shouted. Amelie said calmly.

“Lord Bellon, I merely said that Her Majesty the Empress is dissatisfied with the current Duke of Riagan.”

“But, but…”

“So you’re saying just to console her.”

Amelie said.

“Eighteen years have passed. Duke Riagan has become complacent. He’s excited, hoping the time will soon come to make his own descendants the legitimate heirs. Isn’t this outrageous? There’s a need to give him a wake-up call at least once.”

She spoke as if presenting a policy argument before the Emperor. The manner of her speech pleased Lawrence as much as the content itself.

“So you’re saying we should appease the Empress’s heart by bringing down the current Duke Riagan who doesn’t know his place, while actually strengthening the Imperial Court’s influence over the ducal house to avoid His Majesty’s wrath.”

“That’s correct.”

“The idea is excellent, but would it actually be possible?”

“Isn’t it worth investigating? In the meantime, it would be good to find out if there are any branch family daughters from House of Liagan who could establish direct connections with the Empress, as Lord Lawrence initially suggested.”

“Someone well-versed in Southern Region affairs would be ideal. Either way, we’ll need to learn detailed information about House of Liagan’s situation.”

Lawrence’s gaze fell on Bellon before moving to others. Those from the south or with relatives in that region began actively discussing.

Amelie said nothing more. With this, she had fulfilled her role for today.

Someone sent by Lawrence would go south and make contact with House of Liagan. That itself was what mattered.

After the meeting ended, several people remained. Since many had gathered for once, they planned to drink and have light conversations to strengthen their bonds.

Amelie rose early.

If she was going to switch horses, she needed to increase the odds. There were several people she needed to have individual conversations with. But today wasn’t the day.

And Amelie only realized when she was leaving the manor entrance that Gayan had been following her.

Amelie stopped and turned around.

“Don’t forget that you owe me a debt, Lord Harper.”

Gayan said.

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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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