The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 202

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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 202

Sedric is the Emperor’s nephew.

He had the qualifications to become an adopted son. That alone would establish his succession rights as first priority.

It was not uncommon for a family head who could not bear children to adopt his younger brother’s eldest son as heir. It was a way to skip a generation without going through the brother.

By doing so, they could achieve family stability by establishing the heir’s position early.

Since it meant passing everything of the family to one’s own child, even the birth parents were usually pleased. Becoming an adopted son did not negate the relationship with one’s birth parents.

Wives or husbands also usually preferred this over adopting their spouse’s illegitimate child.

It wasn’t just because of emotional issues regarding mistresses and illegitimate children.

In many cases, political marriages included complex contracts regarding property and interests. Inheriting to a brother instead of a child complicated matters.

Because it would involve the brother’s spouse’s family as well.

Usually this was decided in childhood.

That way the family head could provide the heir education they wanted. They could also influence marriage arrangements.

But it wasn’t impossible at Sedric’s current age either.

If he became an adopted son, he would become the only prince. He would immediately be regarded as good as the crown prince.

Artizea raised her eyes to look at the Empress. Though her expression was suppressed, complex emotions stirred in her blue eyes.

The Empress said.

“You know better than anyone that Gregor didn’t mean it with good intentions.”

“Yes.”

It wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Later, after bringing down Duke Loigar completely and leaving only Sedric among the imperial family, this would definitely be a topic that would come up then.

When that time came, the Emperor would have to think not about power and checks, but about where his name would be placed in the imperial genealogy.

Emperor Gregor had a complex about legitimacy. He wouldn’t be able to stand the subsequent lineage continuing from Princess Floella, Sedric’s mother, rather than himself.

So she thought he would try to protect his pride by using such means.

However, that was something that would happen only after the general situation was decided. By then, it would be possible to refuse from an equal position or pressure the Emperor.

But not now.

When making plans, she never thought such talk would come up at this point.

‘The Leticia matter is really complicated.’

Artizea felt a migraine like a large needle stabbing her right eyeball and pressed her forehead.

The Empress lifted her teacup and took a sip.

“Gregor doesn’t have a concrete plan yet. Laying groundwork is like a habit for him.”

“Yes, I understand. Since it’s become a situation where His Majesty won’t lose anything either way, he’s probably just testing the waters first.”

Artizea felt her throat burning. However, she didn’t feel like drinking water.

All the justifications were prepared.

“It is natural for parents to gain honor through their children.”

The Emperor had said this at Leticia’s naming ceremony.

To make the collateral imperial family member blessed by God into a future emperor, he would make that child’s father a prince to naturally continue the lineage.

In the process, Sedric would handle Evron’s resentment. It would also be convenient for raising him to check Duke Loigar.

At the same time, it could clearly show that Sedric was merely a stepping stone for passing the crown to Leticia.

If he obeyed, they would use him until he was useful.

If he didn’t obey, they could exclude him anytime and directly appoint Leticia as crown princess.

‘After raising her as a prince’s daughter to an appropriate age, if they just assassinate Lord Sedric and me, naturally only Leticia would remain in the Imperial Palace.’

Eliminating Sedric by framing him for treason wasn’t very efficient.

In the previous Duke couple’s case, they could control them with Sedric as a hostage. But this time, taking the Young Lady herself was the purpose. It was obvious that Evron would resist fiercely.

And an even bigger problem was that Leticia would likely harbor resentment. If her birth parents were traitors, it would be an obstacle to making Leticia crown princess. The story would definitely reach Leticia’s ears someday.

So they couldn’t attack in that way. On the surface, they had to pretend to favor and support them completely.

“He might not go that far. Gregor is old now too. I hear he laments not having children to share responsibilities with.”

The Empress said leisurely.

“People have natural dispositions. Between Loigar and Sedric, Sedric would be relatively more reassuring.”

“I heard he said the same to Countess Unise. But we can’t rely on that alone.”

Artizea said in a subdued voice.

“If His Majesty wants Leticia as his successor, isn’t there another method?”

It was also possible to make Leticia the adopted daughter of the deceased eldest princess to give her inheritance rights. Artizea actually considered this possibility highly likely.

Of course, even in this case, to eliminate the birth parents’ influence, Sedric and Artizea would have to be killed.

Considering this possibility, the Empress couldn’t be called an ally either.

She would want her dead child to be posthumously honored as emperor, at least in the imperial genealogy.

Understanding what Artizea was saying, the Empress put down her teacup.

“It’s a possibility.”

“Your Majesty the Empress…”

“I haven’t given Gregor an answer yet. It’s not something that can be decided immediately.”

“Yes…”

“I haven’t even received the interim settlement yet.”

“Yes.”

Artizea nodded.

The interim settlement referred to House of Liagan. The promise to the Emperor still had plenty of time left.

“After receiving that, I’ll think about what to answer.”

“You won’t be disappointed.”

Artizea answered in a subdued voice.

“So cute!”

An exclamation was heard as soon as the baby’s room door opened.

Artizea’s eyes widened.

Hazel and Mielle were looking into the cradle and letting out cheers of delight.

Leticia squirmed and opened her mouth. Despite being warned several times not to touch carelessly, the two young ladies seemed to keep reaching out their hands.

Marcus, who was standing at the head of the cradle, was watching the scene with satisfaction.

Then, noticing Artizea’s arrival, he bowed his head.

Hailey, who was sitting at a distance drinking tea and resting, also stood up.

Only then did Hazel and Mielle notice Artizea’s arrival.

“Your Highness, you’re back?”

“The Young Lady smiled at me.”

Mielle said with flushed cheeks.

Artizea hesitated, not knowing what to answer. Saying that she wasn’t old enough to recognize people and smile seemed inappropriate as a mother.

Marcus chuckled and answered.

“No matter how young, she knows everyone who cherishes her.”

It was a pleasant answer regardless of baby development stages.

Artizea finally smiled. Mielle looked back into the cradle.

“The Young Lady really smiles a lot. She must be in a good mood.”

Mielle glanced at Marcus and carefully extended her finger to Leticia. Leticia grasped that finger tightly.

“So soft…”

Mielle murmured in a delighted voice.

Hailey shook her head. Though she wouldn’t say it aloud, she had never once thought human babies were cute.

Even her nephew wasn’t cute, so there was no way her lord’s baby would be cute. She could treasure and serve devotedly, but she couldn’t find it adorable.

Since her heart didn’t feel cuteness, she couldn’t even pretend to feel that way.

“Has the guest left?”

“Yes. Let’s talk about that later.”

Hazel quickly arranged the cushions of the armchair to prepare Artizea’s seat.

This was because Artizea hadn’t brought her personal maid. Among the current maids, she was in the lowest position.

Mielle was an exception. Artizea probably hadn’t brought the frail Mielle to work either.

“Thank you.”

Artizea sat in the armchair. Her body hadn’t fully recovered yet, and she was more tired after having a complicated conversation.

Hazel spoke respectfully.

“Please lower your words. We are already Her Highness’s maids.”

She had decided to accept, and had conveyed her intention to do so.

So from the moment they set foot in this house, they were already maids.

Artizea smiled.

“Yes.”

She was accustomed to forming new relationships with people she already knew.

And since Hazel had good adaptability, she would quickly find her new place.

“I had rooms prepared for you two… Hailey, did you show them around?”

“No. Greeting Her Highness comes first.”

Even after confirming that Artizea wasn’t there, there hadn’t been time to show them around. Mielle had stuck close to Leticia’s cradle and wouldn’t leave.

Artizea nodded.

“I see. Then please show them around later. If you’re busy, you can leave it to the head maid.”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to entrust Hazel with some of the simpler tasks you do. Like organizing newspapers.”

As she said this, Artizea turned her head. Hailey answered.

“Yes. I plan to start the handover with newspapers, letters, and some maid management duties first.”

“I’ll do it well without mistakes.”

Hazel said with an excited voice.

“You don’t know how delighted Mother was.”

The Belmond family was neither a vassal of the Evron Duchy nor traditional nobility. Yet she had become a maid to the Prince’s Consort.

For a nouveau riche family, it was no exaggeration to say their family’s status had risen a level.

Artizea spoke gently.

“I trust you won’t disappoint.”

“Yes.”

“Mielle, help Hazel.”

“Yes.”

Mielle answered. She didn’t ask what tasks would be assigned to her. She knew well that she couldn’t be entrusted with responsible duties.

She would probably end up doing things like brewing tea or bringing books to Artizea’s side.

“And um… there’s something I’d like to request.”

“What is it?”

“When I have free time, I’d like to come see the Young Lady often.”

Mielle said, fidgeting.

She had fallen in love with Leticia at first sight. She had never seen such a lovely baby.

Artizea smiled.

“Please do. Come anytime, even by yourself, and play with Leticia.”

“Thank you.”

Mielle said with a flushed face. Artizea thought she was more grateful.

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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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