The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 49

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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 49

7.

Before the wedding, Artizea summoned the collateral relatives of the House of Rosan.

“Nothing will change from how things have been.”

That was the first thing Artizea said.

All direct descendants of the House of Rosan had died.

Despite doubts about her bloodline, Artizea had no choice but to inherit as the only legitimate daughter.

At that time, quite a few people opposed what Milaire had done.

However, there was no one with enough legitimacy for Marcus to trust and serve as master. There was no one capable either.

Years passed without them being able to approach the wealth or power of the House of Rosan even slightly.

Some tried to curry favor with Milaire, but most were unsuccessful.

When they lost the prestige of the marquess house, a considerable number lost their family businesses and went bankrupt.

A few completely severed ties with the House of Rosan and sought their own way to survive. Among them, some achieved considerable financial success.

However, none returned to the social circles where Milaire was present.

Many expected something to change now that Artizea had become independent from Milaire and become Marquess Rosan.

“Even though she inherited the title, it’s because of marriage. She’s just a young girl who’s only 18 years old. She’ll need a guardian.”

“To capture the heart of Prince Evron, bloodline truly doesn’t lie… No, I mean that as a compliment.”

“I heard she fought with Milaire and separated from her, so wouldn’t she need relatives to look after her even more? Especially if she wants to do well as the Duchess of Evron.”

Such whispers spread among the collateral relatives who had gathered in the capital after a long time.

Among them, some had tried to approach Artizea first.

Until now, Artizea had ignored them all. She already knew there wasn’t a single useful person among them.

But she thought it would be good to make things clear once and for all to avoid future troubles.

So she called them to the capital under the pretext of wedding invitations. And gathered them all in one place.

Artizea appeared with Marcus and sat in the seat of honor.

And without even greeting them, she spoke directly to the point.

“Anyone who has objections to my inheritance rights to the House of Rosan, speak now.”

More than a few people were displeased with Artizea’s arrogant attitude.

‘That young girl.’

‘The previous marquess only acknowledged her as Lord Michael’s daughter to cover up the scandal, but isn’t she actually a bastard whose father is unknown?’

But none of them could object.

No one knew who Artizea’s biological father was.

But there was no doubt that he was one of Michael’s sons or grandsons.

Artizea’s face and the previous marquess’s attitude in hastily covering up the scandal proved this.

And with the Emperor’s recognition, her inheritance rights became solid.

Now, powerless collateral relatives could not dare to question those inheritance rights.

Artizea glanced around the assembly once.

These people could only submit, both in the past and in the future.

“The House of Rosan will not merge with the House of Evron. The Prince and I will marry as individuals, not as a union between houses.”

That was something they had agreed upon in preparation for divorce.

“Also, I have no intention of promoting incompetent people to high positions just because they’re closely related by blood. So as I said, nothing will change.”

Artizea spoke expressionlessly.

“I know the main family has been too indifferent until now. I will fulfill my duties from now on. I’ll provide pensions to households struggling financially, and I’ll provide guardianship for homes with only elderly and children.”

Artizea continued.

“Marcus will handle all matters as my representative, so contact him if you need anything.”

“May I ask one thing? What happens to inheritance if Young Marquess passes away? Will all children born become children of the House of Evron?”

One middle-aged man asked loudly.

It was rude. And it was also a fearless act.

Bringing up inheritance matters to a family head who had just inherited the title at only 18 years old was insubordination.

Moreover, talking about future children to a young girl was also inappropriate.

But Artizea neither wavered nor blushed.

“The eldest son will be the heir to the House of Evron, and the second son will be the heir to the House of Rosan.”

That’s how it was written in the marriage contract. Of course, there would be no children.

Artizea spoke dryly as if reciting from the contract.

The man who had tried to humiliate Artizea by treating her as a young girl instead turned red himself at her calm response. Marcus glared at him.

“Well, it seems we’ve covered everything. Stay comfortably until the wedding and then leave. I’m busy and won’t have time to exchange individual greetings.”

Artizea stood up from her seat.

Even though Artizea said she had no time for individual greetings, several people hurriedly followed behind her.

“Young Marquess, Young Marquess, ah.”

Marcus, who was about to follow Artizea, blocked their path.

“Move aside. I have something to discuss with the Young Marquess. A butler who abandoned his master and fled…”

“That’s what I should be saying to you.”

Marcus said coldly.

“I haven’t forgotten yet. What you people here said when I tried to report the poisoner.”

He spoke with blazing eyes.

“If you groveled pathetically back then, continue doing so until the end. Unlike before, this time it won’t be a flaw at all if you grovel. This time, the one you’re groveling to isn’t your master’s poisoner, but your master.”

There wasn’t a single person of integrity here.

Not only had none remained, but even if there had been any, they wouldn’t have come here looking for benefits while forgetting the past.

Therefore, Marcus bared his teeth at them without hesitation like an old dog.

* * *

The wedding took place not at the Evron Ducal Residence, but at one of the mansions owned by the House of Rosan in the capital.

The main reason was that the organization of the Evron Ducal Residence was still not complete.

The garden still looked somewhere between a pasture and a garden, and it was chaotic with knights coming and going. Interior repairs were also unfinished.

Rather than hastily organizing it to make it a wedding venue, it was better to use an empty mansion.

The House of Rosan’s villa was not a residence for daily living. But it was used for entertainment about once a season.

Still, it was better than the Evron Ducal Residence, which had accumulated years without ever changing its interior.

Of course, even if the ducal residence had been beautiful, Artizea wouldn’t have brought many people into the mansion.

The problem wasn’t the interior but that the internal repairs weren’t finished.

Bringing people in now would be like advertising that they were building secret passages, vaults, and other new facilities.

It was the end of summer.

Boys specially hired to stop the cicada noise ran around the garden with water buckets. Since they couldn’t chase them all away, they tried to at least silence them by wetting their wings.

All doors of the mansion were opened to welcome guests.

Candles were placed everywhere for the evening reception, and glasses filled with golden liquor were distributed to all guests.

Even the archbishop who came to officiate the ceremony shared kind words with a flushed face.

“…”

The only closed place was the bride’s toilette room.

Inside was equally splendid. Emily had decorated it with white lace and pale pink silk.

Thanks to pink roses decorated everywhere, it was filled with a lovely fragrance.

“Oh my, goodness. How wonderful.”

Countess Unise made a fuss as she entered.

“Prince truly cherishes Young Marquess. No, now she’s Marquess and will be Princess.”

“Not yet.”

“You’ll inherit the title as soon as you marry. Really, weddings should be done like this.”

“I heard Countess Unise’s wedding was also quite grand and splendid.”

“My husband was just being mindful of His Majesty.”

Artizea shook her head lightly.

She thought these roses were wasteful. There was no particular reason to save money, but there was no reason to decorate either.

The bride’s toilette room is a place only open to close friends.

However, Artizea had no particular relatives or friends worth inviting. Only one or two guests with political purposes were expected to visit.

So perhaps the servants had prepared decorations befitting the illusion of a love marriage. Especially someone like Sophie.

Artizea never imagined that Cedric had personally selected and sent the flowers.

Countess Unise asked.

“I heard you’re going to the North for your honeymoon?”

“Yes. Lord Cedric must guard the duchy during winter. It would take too much time to go to other regions and then return to the North.”

“Still, it’s your honeymoon… It’s such a shame to spend it in the desolate North. Prince Evron is being too much. Honeymoons don’t come twice.”

“Lord Cedric hasn’t been able to return to his territory for three years already. Going somewhere else is something we can do anytime if we want.”

Artizea smiled a superficial smile.

“Well, with such a wonderful husband, what does the North matter? Even buried in snow, it would be hot.”

Countess Unise smiled suggestively.

Artizea understood what she was trying to say. However, she pretended not to know.

“Travel is better in spring and summer. There will be opportunities whenever.”

Now is the most opportune time to greet the vassals of the ducal house. She also needs to survey the northern situation.

Artizea only knew the duchy through documents. The devastated land and graves were all she had seen of the Evron Duchy with her own eyes.

That alone was not sufficient.

It is a place Cedric holds dear.

To properly protect it, she needed to feel it with her own body and confirm it with her own eyes.

“Well. The Marchioness is no ordinary person. You must have more important matters than enjoying your honeymoon.”

Countess Unise said with a grin.

Knock knock.

Someone knocked on the door.

Countess Unise laughed dramatically.

“Surely it’s not the anxious groom already coming to find you?”

Before opening the door, an announcement was heard from outside first.

“Her Majesty the Empress has arrived.”

Countess Unise jumped up in shock.

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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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