The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 201

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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 201

The wet nurse returned from behind the curtain, holding Leticia in her arms.

“I’ll handle the burping.”

Marcus extended his hands. The wet nurse declined.

“It’s alright, Lord Marcus. I’ll do it. The Young Lady has already gotten quite heavy…”

“That’s exactly why I should do it. You’re also a new mother. Feeding two babies isn’t easy work, is it?”

“I’m not doing everything alone though.”

“Go check on Ken. Don’t think about overexerting yourself. Get some sleep when you have time.”

The wet nurse smiled. She had given birth ten days before Artizea.

Ansgard had prepared her young son’s room next to Leticia’s room.

Fortunately, she had plenty of breast milk, so there was no problem raising both children alone.

If it became insufficient, her son Ken would find another wet nurse. Finding a new wet nurse for Leticia wouldn’t be easy, considering security, status, and health requirements.

“It’s not that difficult. The Young Lady is gentle, and Ken has several people taking care of him.”

“It comforts me that you say that. Still, go ahead since it’s fine. There are many people here to care for the Young Lady, and I…”

Marcus said while gently patting the baby’s back.

“How many days will I have to hold and serve her like this?”

The wet nurse smiled sympathetically at the old man’s words.

Leticia flicked her tongue a few times and then spit up a little. Marcus quickly patted Leticia’s back more and wiped her mouth.

The wet nurse hesitated briefly, wondering if she should feed her again. Marcus said.

“It’s just a little bit. If she’s hungry, I’ll call you, so don’t worry and go.”

“Yes.”

She bowed her head and withdrew.

Leticia burped. Marcus wiped Leticia’s face again and approached the window while holding her.

As she squirmed, the long sleeves made of thin fabric hit Marcus’s cheek. Even that was adorable, making Marcus smile contentedly.

He thought there would be nothing more to do. Managing the Rosan Marquess estate’s assets or disciplining collateral relatives had already been passed to his children.

There was no need to attend to his mistress personally, and managing the Duke’s residence was Ansgard’s job.

If he wanted, Artizea had even said he could retire to a comfortable villa and rest.

Still, he remained by Artizea’s side. He wanted to see the Rosan Marquess family come back to life.

Although it would be overshadowed by the title of Duke of Evron, Leticia was also the future Marquess of Rosan.

For Marcus, it had been truly a long time since he held a baby who would become the family’s master.

Who would have known such joy would come in his later years?

He was sincerely grateful to Margaret, who had recommended him as a caretaker.

Generally, a nanny would be a maid brought from the mother’s family. It wasn’t a job for him, being a man and a former butler.

However, Margaret had recommended him.

Margaret was included in the retainer group that headed to the capital to coincide with Leticia’s birth.

Agate Javert at Evron Mansion seemed quite concerned about sending Margaret to the capital.

It wasn’t that he thought Margaret would harbor revenge and do something harmful.

But one doesn’t tie shoelaces in a field or adjust a hat under an apple tree.

Newborn babies were fragile and could easily die for unknown reasons. There was no reason to risk an unfortunate incident that might reopen a barely sealed problem.

Mel Jordin, who was overseeing the Evron Duchy under the title of the Prince’s Consort’s head maid, also advised against Margaret going.

But Hailey sent repeated earnest requests to her mother.

She didn’t think she particularly needed her mother’s advice on most matters.

However, regarding Leticia’s caretaker issue, she desperately needed advice. More precisely, it was closer to seeking reasons why she herself was unsuitable.

Sedric also expressed to Artizea his desire to allow it.

Though not a nanny, Margaret was one of those who had cared for him in his childhood. He wanted to show her the baby.

Artizea readily nodded. And she spoke to Margaret, who came to pay her respects with a cautious expression.

“I well know what Mel and Agate Javert were concerned about. If anything unfortunate were to happen, this time Evron and Jordin would truly have an unbridgeable river between them.”

“Yes…”

“But that cannot be, can it? You and your husband were like family to Lord Sedric. Someday… when we can let various matters flow away with water, please love Leticia dearly.”

Margaret could only bow her head deeply and say she would do so.

Artizea had already made Mel the head maid with responsibility and kept Hailey close by.

Someday, the rift would truly heal like water flowing away, and trust would build again.

And the two discussed Leticia’s caretaker.

“Hailey is not suitable as a child-rearing supervisor.”

“Do you also think Hailey wouldn’t do well?”

“If I may be so bold, Her Highness seems to be thinking only about the Young Lady’s education. Hailey is somewhat clever and might be able to understand Her Highness’s heart and contribute to the Young Lady’s education, but…”

Margaret spoke carefully.

“A caretaker needs to embrace with love more than teach.”

“Is that so…”

“Since the Young Lady was born with so many blessings and expectations, I know Her Highness is being more cautious and worried. Who would know better than our couple how unrestrained affection can ruin a child?”

“…”

“However, raising strictly isn’t the answer. What makes a child’s body and mind strong is love.”

At Margaret’s words, Artizea thought silently for a moment, then asked.

“I understand your point. Then who would be good?”

“How about Marcus?”

“Marcus?”

Artizea was quite surprised. She had naturally been thinking of one of the ducal family’s retainers.

Margaret nodded.

“Though his status is somewhat lower, he has served the Rosan Marquess family for generations and has merit.”

“Hmm…”

“Isn’t it true that from Her Highness’s family, only a few young maids and Marcus are the ones you brought and trust to keep close by? The maids are all young, and even if you brought a collateral lady now, it would be difficult to trust her.”

“That’s true.”

“All the retainers of the Evron ducal family would serve the Young Lady with utmost loyalty. But if you ask whether Her Highness can keep them right by your side and entrust everything to them, I hesitate.”

There was no one who would harm the precious baby they had been waiting for. Since there was only one princess, there was no need to worry about succession disputes or factional splits within the ducal family.

But sufficient trust hadn’t been built between Artizea and the ducal family’s retainers.

“There’s a reason for bringing a caretaker from one’s family.”

“Even though there’s a position called male caretaker, it’s rare for a man to raise such a young child, isn’t it?”

“The wet nurse will handle bathing and nursing, and when she grows up to be a young lady, there will be many maids to care for her surroundings. Marcus is already old, so it would look fine to others too.”

Margaret spoke calmly. She had pondered this problem since Hailey sent the letter asking for help and reached this conclusion.

“And even if Her Highness wants to give Hailey responsibility, this would be better. If the caretaker’s status is higher than the tutor’s, cooperation won’t work well.”

“That’s also true.”

Still, Artizea hesitated.

If she were to take on the role of teaching imperial studies to someone else’s child, she was confident she could do it well.

But when it came to her own child, even knowing Margaret’s words were reasonable, she couldn’t decide easily.

Margaret spoke with a gentle expression.

“Didn’t His Highness also grow up wonderfully even though Ansgard raised him instead of a nanny?”

Artizea nodded at those words.

Artizea honestly told Marcus about that conversation process.

Marcus was sincerely grateful to Margaret.

Until now, he had felt distant from the people of the Evron ducal family.

It was partly because Artizea was using the Rosan Marquess family’s assets too much for Evron.

Just as she had little interest in herself, she had little interest in the Rosan Marquess family. It was merely one of the powers she could use, ultimately nourishment for Evron.

Marcus couldn’t know how Evron’s retainers were accepting this. He always felt they lacked sufficient gratitude toward Artizea.

But showing such trust melted his heart.

Heir upbringing was one of the most important matters in a family. Artizea had already said she would entrust that authority to Evron.

Yet Margaret had even persuaded the mistress, saying it was originally the family’s role to help.

“Our little master. Please grow up healthy.”

Marcus whispered softly in Leticia’s ear.

Knock knock.

A very careful knocking sound could be heard.

“You may enter.”

Marcus answered. Leticia made grunting sounds and whined.

Hailey slightly opened the door. Behind her, Hazel and Mielle had faces full of excitement.

“Is Her Highness not here? She said she would be here.”

“An honored guest came to visit, so she went for a walk with that person for a moment.”

“An honored guest?”

Hailey asked back. Marcus only smiled and didn’t answer. The person was too honored for him to speak of.

“She said to wait here when Lady Hailey brings the guests. If it’s uncomfortable, you may go to the drawing room.”

“May we stay here?”

Behind Hailey, who had decided to go to the drawing room, Mielle asked in a bright voice. Marcus offered them seats.

Hailey let out a sigh.

Marcus said they went for a walk, but the place where Artizea was located was the pavilion in the garden.

The Empress removed her veil that covered up to her chin. Artizea tried to kneel. The Empress gestured for her not to do so.

“Your postpartum recovery isn’t even finished yet.”

“I am honored.”

“Sit comfortably. Why would I go through the trouble of avoiding others’ eyes and come here personally?”

Artizea didn’t decline and got up to sit on the sofa.

“How is your body?”

“Thanks to your concern, I am well. I am also taking the medicinal herbs you sent.”

“Is the princess also healthy?”

“Yes. Thank you for even providing nourishing things for the wet nurse.”

“Taking care of one’s body after childbirth is most important. Though for such matters, I’ve brought a difficult story.”

Artizea looked at the Empress.

She had personally made the journey to this place. It couldn’t be a light matter.

“I am ready to listen.”

“Gregor came to see me yesterday and asked what I thought about adopting Cedric as his son.”

The Empress 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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