The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 53

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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 53

The wedding was over.

It had been a splendid and magnificent wedding, befitting the status of the House of Evron.

The Empress held the bride’s hand, and the Emperor held the groom’s hand. That alone made it an incomparably honorable wedding.

About half of the guests probably had other ulterior motives. However, no one harbored unpleasant feelings about this marriage. Everyone congratulated them with bright faces.

The reception was grand. All the guests danced, ate, and drank. The knights cheered loudly, and a separate feast was held for the servants.

Ansgard generously provided wine and food to the almshouse in the name of the House of Evron and the House of Rosan.

Everything proceeded smoothly without a single mishap.

The Empress left before the reception began. When she left, she said this:

“I’ll be watching.”

Artizea wasn’t particularly worried. She was confident she could keep her promise.

The Emperor also left his seat shortly after the Empress rose. It was after he had danced one song with Artizea, following Cedric’s turn at the reception.

After offering his congratulations, he said this:

“I suppose I can’t carelessly call you Tia anymore.”

“How could someone like the Duchess of Evron dare assert her name before Your Majesty’s glory? Since the Duke is Your Majesty’s nephew, I would be deeply honored if you would regard me as a niece.”

Then the Emperor smiled broadly.

“Yes. Let’s do that. That would also be an honor for you.”

“I am deeply honored.”

“Tia, I knew you were clever, but I had no idea you were this bold.”

“I never intended to deceive Your Majesty in the slightest. Please believe me.”

“No, I’m not disappointed. I’ve simply realized anew that even at my age, my ability to judge people isn’t perfect.”

“I am deeply honored.”

“Cedric is straightforward. While that nature is an advantage, there are aspects that don’t suit this worldly capital. He’s a good man, so take good care of him so he won’t come to harm.”

“Yes.”

“And… don’t hate her too much. Milaire is a pitiful woman.”

The Emperor said this and left the reception hall.

He seemed to already know that Milaire had come to the wedding venue only to be driven away by Lawrence.

The Emperor wasn’t the only one who noticed this fact.

Countess Camellia from Duke Loigar’s faction also approached with a subtle attitude and said:

“Men are simple, after all. They’ll probably think that Your Highness inviting the Empress instead of the Marchioness Rosan to the wedding was because of Lord Lawrence. The fact that Lord Lawrence got a chance to meet the Empress, and that the Empress took Your Highness as her lady-in-waiting, means they’ll think there’s possibility for those siblings too.”

“…”

“But there’s no way the Empress would accept Lord Lawrence. Men often mistakenly think that once a woman has a child, she’ll love that child’s father for life.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I mean that anyone who knows how important a role the Marchioness Rosan was playing would understand the real meaning of what Your Highness did this time.”

“Well. The fact that I’ve fallen out with my mother isn’t exactly something to be proud of.”

“By the way, I’m glad the gift I gave seems to have been helpful. I heard you received the Saint Olga statue as a wedding gift? Please show it to me when you return from your honeymoon. Duchess Loigar has never seen it either and is very curious.”

Duchess Loigar was also Countess Camellia’s younger sister, though with a significant age gap.

“Today was such an occasion that you two only exchanged brief greetings, but I’ll properly arrange a meeting next time. Congratulations on your marriage. Have a wonderful honeymoon.”

Countess Camellia greeted her with a bright smile.

After that, she exchanged greetings and received congratulations from countless people.

She danced a total of five songs with Cedric. Then she had to dance with Lawrence and Duke Loigar as well.

By the time she left the reception hall, she was completely exhausted.

Artizea and Cedric left while the reception was still in full swing.

They quickly changed clothes and boarded a ship. It was to go to the port city that could be called the gateway to the capital.

There was one mansion belonging to the House of Evron at the port.

To reach the Evron Duchy, it was much more convenient and faster to travel by sea route rather than by land. So they had prepared an intermediate lodging.

They planned to spend one night there and then board a ship heading to the duchy.

By the time they arrived at the mansion, the sun had already set.

Cedric was kidnapped by a group of knights celebrating the marriage for a second round.

Artizea, exhausted, first headed to the room she was shown to.

The maids prepared bath water and clothes to change into. Meanwhile, Artizea reviewed the wedding.

There were no problems. All the intended purposes had been achieved.

‘Now I just need to confirm the results.’

Alice peeked through the door and called out.

“Miss.”

“Yes?”

“Oh wait, that’s not right. You’re Madam now, aren’t you? Ah, this is so wonderful. Now Madam is no longer Madam, but Miss is Madam.”

Artizea smiled.

“Is the bath water ready?”

“Oh, yes. But also, Lord Freil has come.”

“Show him in.”

“Yes.”

This was why she had been waiting without being able to take off her uncomfortable clothes.

Freil entered. Upon seeing Artizea, he hesitated.

“Um, should I greet you again? Your Highness? Marquess?”

“Address me however you’re comfortable.”

“Then, Your Highness…”

Freil bowed his head respectfully in a light greeting. Then he reported.

“The Marchioness Rosan returned home directly from the wedding venue. I confirmed this personally, so you don’t need to worry about being noticed by others. After returning home, she went to her room and drank, I’m told.”

“I see.”

Without Bill there, she would have had no one at home to confide in.

“His Majesty the Emperor also went directly from the wedding venue to the Rosan Estate. I’m on my way back after confirming that as well.”

“What about my brother?”

“Lord Lawrence returned to the Andeman Baroness’ residence where he’s currently staying.”

Artizea sighed.

Being rejected by Lawrence was tantamount to being denied by life itself for Milaire. It must have been an extreme shock.

It would be good to go check on her after the wedding ended.

Though she was the one who orchestrated this, she didn’t feel particularly good about it.

Regardless of such feelings, it was a good thing that happened. Lawrence shouldn’t have met with the Emperor and strengthened their family bond in front of a crying Milaire.

This incident had received the Emperor’s tacit approval.

The Emperor understood the workings of power and enjoyed indulging in it.

However, he also had to show the appearance of a loving son at the same time.

Lawrence was no longer at an age to act cute on his parents’ knees. To the Emperor, he was both a son and a subject.

The age when anything he did was adorable had long passed. Simply showing ambition for power would only make him the same as countless other subjects.

So the right thing for Lawrence to do here was to flatter the Empress in public, and then immediately rush to Milaire once that was over.

He should show his love for Milaire in front of the Emperor and comfort her with all his might.

Then the Emperor would consider Lawrence’s conduct proper and be pleased.

Just like how the Emperor, though he sat calmly with the Empress now, had gotten up early to go to Milaire.

Lawrence’s thoughts didn’t reach that far.

‘Well, he doesn’t know mother’s role. Brother doesn’t know much about His Majesty the Emperor either.’

She envied him for living so beloved that this was acceptable. And she also thought he was foolish.

“Should I continue watching?”

“For brother Lawrence’s side, just let me know if you hear any news. There’s no need to deliberately monitor him.”

“Yes.”

“Rather, watch mother. Alice told you about the informants at the Rosan Estate, right?”

“Yes.”

“Observe the flow of the developing situation carefully and record it. There’s no need to scheme ahead of time. Just let things develop naturally until I return.”

“Understood.”

“Just don’t forget to control Lai.”

“I remember it well.”

Freil scratched his head.

“But aren’t you working me too hard just because I said I’d help?”

“I have to make use of available talent.”

Artizea smiled. Freil let out a deep sigh.

“Anyway, please take good care of His Highness. This is the first time he’s not following along, so I’m worried something might happen.”

“Lord Sedric knows much more about what happens in the North than I do. I’m completely ignorant when it comes to strategy and tactics.”

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“Don’t worry too much anyway. I’ll be right by his side to assist him.”

Freil made an awkward face.

“Well, that… It’s a bit odd for Your Highness to say you’ll be assisting.”

“I’m just talking about the reality of things. So is that the end of our discussion?”

“Yes.”

“We won’t be able to meet for a while. Take care of your health and work hard.”

Artizea stood up. Freil responded to her with a military salute.

Then he spoke with a respectful attitude.

“Congratulations on your marriage. I’m relieved that Your Highness has become the Duchess of Evron.”

“Because I don’t seem like I’ll ruin the Evron Duchy?”

“And because you seem like you’ll ruin the people I dislike.”

Artizea chuckled. Then she bowed to Freil in return and headed to the bathroom.

And as Artizea came out of the bathroom, she faced a terrifying reality.

“It’s your wedding night.”

Sophie, her cheeks flushed bright red, shyly held out a nightgown.

That pink nightgown was extremely lovely.

It sparkled, but the sheen wasn’t excessive enough to look vulgar. It was thin and flowing enough that body lines and skin tone would show through slightly, but not so much that light-colored undergarments would be obviously visible.

The sleeves were slightly puffed with frills attached. The skirt hem that reached around the knees naturally widened and spread out like a morning glory. If she spun around once, it would flutter and wrap around her legs.

The chest wasn’t cut low. However, if she untied just the one ribbon tied above the chest, the dress would slip down to her feet.

“Sophie, what is this, exactly?”

To Artizea’s incredulous question, Sophie answered.

“It’s a nightgown. This is supposedly the latest fashion for bridal nightwear.”

“Did Emily say that?”

“It really is the latest fashion. And it’s perfect as a real bridal nightgown! Please try it on!”

Artizea felt dizzy.

Of course Sophie didn’t know. Since she believed this was a love marriage, she wouldn’t even think that nothing would happen on the wedding night.

“Bring me different clothes.”

“Should I bring the white one? There’s also a sky blue one.”

Sophie said excitedly in response to Artizea’s words.

“I think the pink is nice, but the sky blue would probably suit you too, my lady. The master will love whatever you wear. You’ll be completely cute and sexy!”

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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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