The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 182

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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 182

Cedric did not believe the words that the Emperor was unwell.

It was not the first time the Emperor had refused an audience in such a manner. Sometimes he would make people sit in the waiting room and wait for hours.

Sometimes it was to humiliate them, and sometimes it was to show many people how insignificant the other person was.

So he thought this time would be the same.

But when he had an audience two days later, the Emperor’s appearance certainly looked haggard.

Cedric looked at that sight with unfamiliarity.

Thinking of his previous life, the Emperor should have lived healthily for nearly ten more years.

The cause of death was a sudden seizure. It was not strange since he had suffered from heart disease for a long time.

However, until he collapsed like that, he had taken good care of his health. He was always lively and full of confidence.

But what about now? His complexion was dim, and perhaps due to the atmosphere, his skin also looked shriveled. He seemed to have aged several years in just one month.

“How was the Southern Subjugation Army?”

The Emperor asked first.

Cedric bowed his head politely and answered.

“There was some unrest after Count Gayan left the camp, but discipline was well-maintained so there were no desertions or such incidents. I had them train in anticipation of a prolonged encampment. General Boyden is a person trusted by the soldiers, so there was no unrest at all even after the handover.”

“Did rumors about the southern situation spread in the military camp?”

“It could not be completely hidden. However, rather than being curious about the detailed circumstances, the prevailing atmosphere was one of anger at the fact that the Kingdom of Eimel had invaded.”

He had deliberately encouraged such an atmosphere.

Whatever the reason, he could not let the soldiers’ morale drop.

He learned belatedly that there had been the same kind of maneuvering in the capital.

The Emperor spoke slowly.

“I see. Do you think Count Boyden will be able to handle it well?”

“General Boyden is prudent, so he will be able to meet Your Majesty’s expectations.”

“Actually, there were divided opinions among the ministers as well. Although Count Boyden is from the Southern Sea region, he has never served in the navy, and he is not particularly versatile in military strategy either.”

“Since I am not familiar with the southern situation and geography, I cannot offer any clever strategies for victory, but I know how not to be defeated in any situation. Securing ample supplies, not neglecting intelligence, not recklessly extending the front lines, and maintaining the soldiers’ morale.”

Cedric spoke calmly.

“General Boyden is someone who understands those principles well. I believe it was an excellent personnel choice.”

The Emperor tapped the armrest with his fingers.

“Your position is not simply that of a military officer, but you have continuously handled military affairs. Why do you not think of winning but only think of not losing?”

“Because not losing is the most important thing.”

Cedric answered.

“What Your Majesty desires is to protect the south from becoming more chaotic until negotiations are finished, is it not?”

“Hmm.”

“When we put forward the suppression of pirates as our justification, we could have requested support from the Southern Sea kingdoms. But if it’s a war with the Kingdom of Eimel, we must worry that they might instead form alliances and oppose the Empire.”

If it became a war, the front lines would be created within the Empire’s territory. Whether they won or lost, there would be damage. In that case, minimizing that damage was the most important task.

That said, it would also be foolish to devote all their strength to conquering the Kingdom of Eimel. The Kingdom of Eimel did not have resources valuable enough to warrant that.

“Prince Cardriole appears to be a warrior, but I understand he is actually a bold strategist. Regardless of Uncle Loigar’s or the King of Eimel’s intentions, there is sufficient possibility that he will scheme to divide the Empire.”

There would be quite a few kingdoms that would agree with that. There were also considerable forces within that would respond favorably.

The Emperor looked at Cedric with wrinkled eyes.

“You are thinking too far ahead.”

“There are risk factors. The south is the region that was subjugated latest.”

Due to convenient transportation, cultural homogeneity spread quickly, but the sense of unity as part of the Empire was not that strong.

If the south were to fragment now, the entire area near the Southern Sea would be swept up in the flames of war.

Although the Empire’s rule was said to be a mess, it was better than such a state. At least there was no war.

Cedric suddenly thought of Lawrence’s reign that was now gone.

The first to perish was not the north but the south. This was because the south did not have a firm ruling power like the Evron Duchy.

Now, at least the pirates moved in hiding. There were also rules from the mysterious pirate king.

Severe punishments suppressed the occurrence of pirates. Large cities and villages located relatively inland could escape from threats.

Merchant groups sought safety by moving along routes secured by the navy.

However, by that time, states, merchant groups, and pirates were no longer distinguishable from each other. It reached the point where trade and plunder were also indistinguishable.

Protection for civilians also completely disappeared. When trade was neutralized, the economy also plummeted.

Such things would not happen immediately now while Emperor Gregor was still strong.

However, as long as he remembered that time, Cedric could not help but worry.

“Showing strong military force is not only to threaten the Kingdom of Eimel but also to make the entire southern region aware of the Empire’s presence, I thought that was why you decided on it. General Boyden is also an appropriate person for that. Not only does he have talent for defense, but he will not rashly meddle in politics or such things.”

The Emperor nodded. He too had made the decision out of concern for the division of the south. Even if the probability was slim, he had to be fully prepared.

However, he did not know that Cedric, who had not even attended the meetings, was thinking about that point.

“You are deep. I thought you would be disappointed or worried about my supporting Loigar.”

“I understand that you entrusted it to him because you thought he was suitable.”

It was a matter that required coordinating and negotiating various interests in the south. Moreover, the House of Riagan was involved.

He had to meet directly with the King of Eimel, going beyond Prince Cardriole. So sufficient authority appropriate for that was needed.

“There have been various incidents.”

“They are past events. And even if they were not, it is state affairs. If uncle is suitable, how could my personal feelings be important?”

Even while saying that, Cedric clenched and unclenched his fist once. It was to calm his mind.

The Emperor looked at Cedric with complicated feelings.

He could not help but think, if only Lawrence had been even half as good as this.

‘That worthless fool.’

Anger welled up again in his heart.

An unclear sense of defeat and frustration writhed and spread from the bottom of his heart.

It seemed like the dead Leofriq would be laughing in his grave.

The Emperor let out a small sigh and changed his mind. Then he asked.

“Does your wife think the same?”

“She promised me not to think about anything until she gives birth and finishes her postpartum care.”

“Heh, hehe.”

The Emperor let out a hollow laugh.

“You’re living under tight control.”

“I was the one who made her promise that…”

“Just because you told her to, would Tia listen to you?”

“I cannot help what she thinks about, but she is not someone who would take a promise with me lightly. She also knows well that this is a time when she must take care of her body.”

“If that’s what you think, then so be it.”

The Emperor already knew about the inheritance lawsuit of the Marquess Camellia’s house.

Ian Camellia’s backing was cleverly concealed. However, to the Emperor’s eyes, the fact that Artizea was behind it was clearly visible.

He did not even feel the need to look for evidence.

It was presumed to be retaliation for the attempted assassination using Archbishop Akim.

He had harbored suspicions about whether Cedric might have been involved in such matters, but it seemed he was unaware of it.

If so, that was good. Judging by Cedric’s character, he would not harbor resentment for long.

The Emperor spoke again with a hollow smile.

“Cherish your wife.”

Cedric looked at him with puzzlement at the unexpected advice.

“Even though you are upright, you are not foolish, so you must know that your temperament does not suit this capital life very well?”

“…Yes.”

“You must also know by now that staying holed up in the military is not the answer if you want to protect your wife and child.”

“I am fully aware of it.”

Cedric spoke in a cracked voice.

“Tia is a clever child.”

The Emperor said.

“Her body is weak, and she certainly has timid aspects. But that child has decisiveness and boldness. She will complement the parts you lack.”

“Yes.”

The Emperor nodded at Cedric’s answer.

Then he opened his mouth and closed it again.

Cedric could not guess what he had been trying to say.

The Emperor ultimately did not speak and waved his hand dismissively.

“You may withdraw now. I am tired and must lie down again.”

“I am deeply honored.”

It was when Cedric was about to withdraw.

“…Do you still have the resolve from when you used to call me great-uncle?”

The Emperor asked.

Instead of giving an affirmative answer, Cedric turned around and bowed respectfully once toward the Emperor.

The Emperor gestured again for him to withdraw. Cedric withdrew from that place.

The Emperor tapped the armrest again. And he sank deeply into his chair.

He had asked Countess Unise what she thought about Cedric ascending to the throne.

Cedric was not definitively decided in the Emperor’s mind.

However, he had very few remaining options.

He had to keep Duke Loigar in check anyway. Nurturing Cedric was not a bad choice.

If it were only Cedric alone, he would have hesitated. Even if he tried to nurture him, there was no knowing if it would work properly, and even if his power grew, he would become an uncontrollable troublemaker.

But beside him was Artizea. Artizea understood things well. She was also good at pinpointing exactly what pleased the Emperor’s heart.

Even among his longtime retainers, there was no one this quick-witted and satisfying.

Most importantly, Cedric would not mistreat the blood relative of his beloved wife.

If it were Artizea herself, she would cut ties depending on the situation. But Cedric was someone who would fulfill his duty even if he disliked the other party.

‘Just a little help should be enough.’

The power of the Evron Duchy was not the kind that Duke Loigar could encroach upon. With just a little help from him, their influence would grow quickly.

However, since their foundation was in the north, they could be controlled.

In case of emergency, it would also be easy to make Duke Loigar and Cedric clash. This was because there was already animosity between the two.

The Emperor also had evidence found at Archbishop Akim’s residence. While it wasn’t solid proof of conspiracy to murder, it was sufficient to ignite Evron’s anger once more.

‘That should come first.’

The success or failure of life can only be known when death approaches.

And though he was old, he was not yet at an age to contemplate death.

When Cedric came out of the study, the Chamberlain was waiting. He stood alone, personally holding a golden tray with medicine and honey water.

Cedric nodded to him and tried to pass by.

Then the Chamberlain whispered in a low voice.

“There is movement at Lord Lawrence’s estate. The one feeding information is Viscount Bellon.”

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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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