The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 259

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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 259

The celebration banquet continued for seven days. The festival was also held for seven days accordingly.

Cedric was frugal, and Artizea was a pragmatist. However, they were not ignorant of the importance of ceremony.

This one time had to solidify the Crown Prince’s position. They had to show that the people’s will was pointing to Cedric.

If they made a mistake, it could lead to conflict with the Emperor.

While the Emperor couldn’t arbitrarily depose him, he could continuously wear down his power.

Of course, the ultimate goal would be deposition.

‘There are other means, but… I must be cautious. I don’t want to leave any doubts about Lord Cedric’s reign if possible.’

Artizea demanded that the temple release the enormous wealth it had accumulated so far.

She was different from Lisia.

There were many priests who believed that the Saint’s actions should be inclined toward faith and service.

However, by nature, such people found it difficult to confront the political factions within the temple that formed organizations.

There was also the advantage that Father Colton was the first to know that Artizea was the Saint.

Archbishop Akim’s affair also turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Thanks to eliminating him and completely cleaning up his faction, the temple organization was now completely under Artizea’s control.

Even the Archbishop couldn’t make any demands of Artizea because of the debt the temple had incurred at that time.

Artizea dismissed all requests to show miracles, citing health reasons.

Flowers and bread were endlessly distributed at the festival. Silver coins were also given to street musicians and jesters.

At the temple, one could eat meat and drink tea with sugar at any time. Thanks to this, the procession of people blessing the Crown Prince couple and offering flowers to the Saint never ceased.

Just as the temple released money by purchasing supplies, the Imperial Palace directly distributed money.

Grace was bestowed not only on the capital but everywhere administrative power could reach.

Even low-ranking officials received reward money. Considerable daily wages were given to workers doing minor tasks.

Unprecedented amounts of support were given to almshouses and orphanages. There was also a large-scale amnesty.

With the Imperial Palace acting this way, the nobles couldn’t remain idle either.

Especially those who had been hostile to Cedric did even more.

At first, they piled enormous gifts in front of the Prince’s Palace as if trying to show proof of their loyalty.

When those were rejected, they then made donations and performed charity with unprecedentedly large amounts.

The Emperor also subtly conveyed advice to high-ranking nobles.

“If you convey good intentions to your hometown, wouldn’t both your family’s reputation and my joy be doubled?”

Thanks to this, the festive atmosphere spread throughout the entire Empire.

Of course, there were shadows cast as well.

“The cleanup won’t be easy.”

Treasury official Bellon lamented.

While it might have a positive impact in the long term, he couldn’t be confident about controlling the supplies and money released into the capital in the short term.

Needless to say, the police were on edge.

“Pay special attention to ensure no problems arise during the festival. It could be interpreted as an ominous sign.”

The Emperor called him separately to give this order. The Chief of Police nodded with a stern face.

There was a confusing aspect to the Emperor’s attitude.

He seemed to appear more delighted than anyone else.

While he had a solemn attitude during the investiture ceremony, he expressed his joy generously at the banquet held afterward.

“I was worried for so long about having no heir, but it seems God has looked down favorably and given me an excellent son.”

When the Emperor said such words, quite a few people must have thought of Lawrence.

But who would dare to say such a thing?

Those like Hazel and Mielle, who didn’t know the Emperor well in his younger days, were also surprised.

“I didn’t know His Majesty would be so pleased. Honestly, I was a bit flustered.”

The Empress even smiled faintly upon hearing Mielle’s innocent words.

“If you could see through Gregor’s true feelings, you wouldn’t be just a maid to the Crown Princess.”

“His Majesty has lived for quite a long time without hiding his inner thoughts. There probably aren’t many people who remember what kind of person he truly is.”

Artizea said. The Empress glanced at the needlework she was ruining and said,

“Rather, it seems you recognized him precisely because of that.”

“Because I was desperate to understand.”

Artizea answered calmly.

To be loved, to resemble him, because she thought it would be helpful, and for various other reasons.

The Emperor probably had such a time too.

He became the victor and became strong. So she thought he would have forgotten.

But it seemed he hadn’t forgotten yet.

Now he yields. Because he doesn’t want to bear the stigma of being a tyrant by opposing the people’s will that rejoices in the Saint’s investiture as Crown Princess.

Displaying exaggerated joy is because of that.

If he had shown displeasure instead, it would have been much better. That would be sending a signal to relieve his uncomfortable feelings.

Then Artizea would have relieved those feelings even if she had to grovel like a dog rather than being a smooth talker.

But the Emperor didn’t do that.

It meant she had been recognized as an enemy.

The Empress said,

“Gregor asked me how far my intentions have been achieved.”

“Because Your Majesty the Empress is the person His Majesty the Emperor fears most.”

“…I wonder.”

The Empress fell silent for a moment.

Why did the Emperor spare her life? The Empress sometimes asked herself this question.

If Artizea’s words were correct, there was no reason to spare her. It was also hard to see it as concern about powerful in-laws.

There was no need to make Milaire the Empress. He could have brought any beautiful lady from a powerless family and placed her in the Empress’s Palace.

It was probably courtesy toward someone who was once a colleague. Perhaps it was compassion for the mother of dead children.

Or perhaps he was savoring the feeling of victory while looking at the closed Empress’s Palace.

It was probably all three.

The Empress recalled what the Emperor had said about old age and emptiness.

‘If he’s having such thoughts because of old age, he should use his heart kindly even now.’

Then, given Cedric’s personality, he wouldn’t be able to act harshly.

The idea that one could live comfortably in their remaining years with respect if they stayed quiet didn’t apply only to Duke Loigar.

‘But who could he place above his own head? He couldn’t tolerate even those who sat alongside him and eliminated them all.’

The Empress had such thoughts while blankly staring at Artizea, then said,

“You’d better stop sewing. Such precious fabric can’t even be used as a rag.”

Artizea’s face turned red.

“If Her Highness the Crown Princess were good at sewing too, there would be no place for other ladies to stand, Your Majesty the Empress.”

Countess Marta laughed.

* * *

The first incident occurred before the afterglow of that festival had even faded from the streets.

A messenger from the west ran like a whirlwind through the streets where candle wax hadn’t been completely cleared and entered the Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace, which had finally fallen asleep after ending the banquets and festivals, immediately awakened.

Military personnel were summoned first. Administrative officials then rushed to the conference room.

The Emperor placed the documents the messenger had brought on the conference room table.

“It seems a plague is spreading in the west. From what has been roughly confirmed, it broke out simultaneously in seventeen villages.”

“The officials are handling it well. It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s usual vigilance.”

Prime Minister Lin said.

“They say it’s a plague never seen before, so can you speak so comfortably?”

The Emperor said coldly.

“If God protects the Empire, would such a thing happen?”

His gaze slowly made a round of those present and finally reached Cedric.

“And what’s this story about Western Army deserters burning down villages in terror?”

“The deserter problem in the Western Army has existed for a long time. We attempted to reorganize, but we couldn’t completely resolve it. I deeply apologize.”

Cedric bowed his head.

The Emperor clicked his tongue.

“I didn’t expect you to solve all those problems at once. But what is this? Deserters are using gunpowder.”

He said coldly.

“It’s unavoidable that they carry around a few spears and swords. But how does the Western Army manage critical weapons like gunpowder that mere deserters can access them?”

The Emperor scolded.

Grayson, the Western Army’s liaison officer, flinched. He wanted to object.

Gunpowder was used by civilians too.

In the Western Regions, it wasn’t commonly used due to few mines. However, it could be easily obtained through merchant caravans from the Eastern Region or Central.

How could they be certain it had flowed out from the Western Army?

And what about the warlords?

Among those warlords, some had received the title of count from the Emperor and were practically officially recognized.

Grayson didn’t think deserters would boldly burn down villages.

It was definitely the work of warlords. They were the type who would burn and dispose of anything if plague broke out near their territory.

But the Emperor seemed determined to blame the Western Army for this.

“Moreover, it’s been nearly half a month since this incident occurred, so why was it reported so late?”

The Emperor said sharply.

“I find the Western Army and Western Region managers suspicious. Didn’t they have some ulterior motive in hiding this instead of reporting directly to the Imperial Palace?”

“The Western Regions cover vast territory. Even if messengers rode the fastest horses as soon as they grasped the situation, it would have taken time.”

Cedric answered calmly.

“Of course, if there were problems with gunpowder management, it should naturally be dealt with strictly under military law. How about sending an inspector?”

“….”

The Emperor stared at him quietly.

His expression was unreadable. However, Cedric didn’t particularly try to read the mood.

This was government business. He didn’t bother thinking about conspiracies and schemes.

He had learned this news one step ahead through Artizea. She had shown him Lisia’s letter after the investiture ceremony ended.

The two had discussed the forces that Lawrence might have recruited in the Western Regions.

But even without that, he would have answered the same way.

The work that needed to be done was the same anyway. Excluding what happened to Lisia, the news had come quickly enough.

The Emperor took a step back.

“Right. We should send an inspector. That aside, what about the plague?”

“Organized support seems necessary. The Temple appears to have found a way to deal with it, so we should seek their cooperation as well.”

Prime Minister Lin said. The Emperor narrowed his eyes and spoke.

“That matter should be entrusted to the Crown Princess.”

“Your Majesty, that is.”

Cedric unconsciously raised his voice.

“Don’t worry. Would I tell the Crown Princess to jump directly among the patients?”

“Your Majesty….”

“However, if the Holy Lady goes to care for them personally, it would be great comfort to the Western Region subjects stricken with fear.”

It was a very calm voice.

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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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