The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 9

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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 9

Cedric’s complexion changed.

He slammed his cup down with a clang and glared at Artizea.

“Are you telling me to harbor treasonous thoughts?”

“I’m talking about succession, so how is that treason? His Majesty the Emperor has not yet established a crown prince.”

Artizea spoke coldly.

“If Duke Loigar has the right to imperial succession, then so do you, Your Highness. Your mother was Duke Loigar’s elder sister and the Empire’s legitimate imperial princess, and you are the legitimate grandson of the previous emperor, born of a proper marriage.”

Thud.

Cedric struck the table with his fist and shot up from his seat.

“I cannot listen to any more of this.”

“Your Highness.”

He turned his back and walked away.

Alice, who had been watching from far enough away that she couldn’t hear their conversation, ran over in surprise.

“Miss, are you alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just now… he left in anger.”

“I expected as much.”

Artizea leisurely poured more tea and drank it. If he hadn’t shown a rejection, she would have been more disappointed instead.

The position of crown prince was not something that could be discussed carelessly. Nothing put a blade in a monarch’s hand as easily as the word treason.

Even if one had inheritance rights, merely mentioning it could be treated as treason.

Cedric knew this fact better than anyone. His parents had died after being falsely accused of treason.

Moreover, Artizea was Lawrence’s half-sister. It would be strange if he didn’t suspect her.

‘He’ll need time to think too.’

Previously, Cedric had entered politics only after Loigar fell and Lawrence became crown prince.

However, while Loigar was around, his existence had always been outside their field of vision.

The emperor’s bastard son or his legitimate younger brother. Bloodline and favor, or the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate birth.

The conflict was so sharp with just that alone that no one thought of the emperor’s nephew as a successor.

Cedric himself had never displayed ambition like Duke Loigar.

Everyone thought he despised politics and power, wanting only to protect the Evron Duchy.

Even when he began antagonizing Lawrence. They thought it was to survive, not because he was interested in political power.

But had Cedric himself truly never thought about it even once?

Artizea didn’t think so. No, she was certain that wasn’t the case.

She had watched Cedric for nearly twenty years. Artizea had been wary of him even before he distinguished himself.

She couldn’t say she understood or empathized with him. But she knew him better than anyone else.

Cedric must have thought about wanting to change the world.

He was a person with convictions. When someone had to accomplish something, he was the type to stand at the very front and lead the way.

If he was going to start anyway, now would be best.

‘Just making a decision before the tide turns could make for a far better beginning.’

Pushing Cedric’s back wouldn’t be difficult either.

If she hastened even one of the disasters that the power struggle between those two would cause, Cedric would feel responsible.

Until now, he had probably been turning away, vaguely thinking that Lawrence or Loigar would do well.

But once he learned that wasn’t the case, he would have no choice but to rise up.

However, Artizea decided not to do that.

Cedric was the master through and through. An advisor should strive to fulfill their master’s will.

Scheming to manipulate the master’s thoughts and actions was out of the question. She wasn’t even a close aide yet.

The first decision had to be made by Cedric himself.

Time was a precious resource, but the process of his contemplation and decision-making was also important.

And if that process of contemplation concluded that Artizea wasn’t needed, then she would have other things to do accordingly.

“Miss, please eat something. All you’ve had since waking up today was a bit of that salad earlier.”

“Ah. Sorry. I forgot.”

Only then did Artizea pick up a small sandwich and put it in her mouth.

She also offered the plate to Alice, telling her to eat. There was too much for her to finish alone anyway.

“Are you going back now?”

“Let’s wait a little longer.”

“For what? That person left earlier.”

“Well, we’ll see if we wait. There’s nothing interesting to do even if we go back early anyway.”

“That’s true too.”

Alice sighed.

They didn’t need to wait long. Before an hour had passed, one of the knights who had helped repair the carriage came up to the pavilion.

“I am Benjamin Corner of the Western Army.”

The knight greeted with military courtesy and said.

“Duke of Evron has ordered me to escort the daughter of Marquess Rosan to her residence.”

There you have it.

He had shown anger earlier, but sent someone like this, leaving room for reconciliation.

If he had truly considered Artizea’s words impossible and been genuinely angry, he wouldn’t have sent an escort.

Now she could look forward to their next meeting.

“Thank you for your kindness. I will also express my gratitude separately to His Highness.”

Artizea said this politely. Alice hurriedly packed up the lunch box and tea set.

Benjamin carried the heavy tea set box himself.

Artizea put up her parasol and slowly walked the beautiful temple path, following behind the acolyte.

* * *

By the time they returned to the House of Rosan, the sun was setting.

From when the mansion came into distant view, the road was blocked. The Imperial Guard was maintaining a tight perimeter and raised their hands to stop them as the carriage approached.

The coachman, familiar with such situations, calmly brought the carriage to a halt.

Benjamin knocked on the carriage door in confusion. Artizea personally opened the carriage window and looked out.

“What’s the matter?”

“Ah, I’m sorry for startling you. There seems to be an inspection. Let me find out what’s happening…”

Just then, a mounted guard knight approached and asked.

“Isn’t that uniform from the Western Army? What business does a Western Army knight have here?”

“Ah! I am Benjamin Corner of the Western Army 4th Knight Corps! I was escorting the daughter of Marquess Rosan to her residence under orders from Duke of Evron!”

Benjamin answered with extreme tension.

Western Army knights, Central Army knights, and Imperial Guard knights sounded like the same rank, but there were significant practical differences.

Imperial Guard knights in particular not only had access to the Imperial Palace but could meet the emperor at any time and carry weapons in his presence.

The emperor was not foolish. He didn’t weaken his military strength by selecting the knights who protected him based on status or family background.

He personally selected Imperial Guard knights from among the elite knights of the Central Army.

Even commoners could become knights if they distinguished themselves in military service.

Given the Empire’s situation of constant threats from monsters and pirates, the path was always open for those with ability.

The captain of the Imperial Guard held a position no less than that of a count. It was practically the highest position a commoner could achieve.

The Imperial Guard knight asked in surprise.

“Duke of Evron did?”

Artizea recognized that voice and opened the carriage door.

The Imperial Guard knight then approached the carriage.

This middle-aged knight named Henry Kishower was one of the six captains of the Imperial Guard and a person trusted by the emperor. It wouldn’t hurt to maintain friendly relations with him.

“Hello, Sir Kishower.”

“Where are you returning from at such a late hour, Lady Artizea?”

Kishower asked with a stern expression.

He had been the emperor’s close aide since around the time Artizea was born, and often visited the House of Rosan because of Milaire.

That’s why he sometimes acted toward Artizea like a caring uncle.

“I was on my way back from the Temple, but it ended up getting quite late.”

“I see. But what business did you have with the Western Army…?”

“My carriage broke down on the road and I was stranded, so the Duke of Evron helped me. He was surprised that I wasn’t traveling with any escorts, so he told Sir Corner to see me home safely.”

Artizea deliberately blushed.

Kishower was an honest man without duplicity, which earned him the Emperor’s trust.

He was also a neutral figure who remained loyal to the Emperor while maintaining no connections with any noble houses.

His only weakness, one could say, was his frail daughter Mielle.

Mielle was a year younger than Artizea. Because of this, Kishower treated Artizea quite gently as well.

He was the perfect person to ensure that news of today’s meeting between Cedric and her would reach the Emperor’s ears in a natural and favorable manner.

Running into Kishower today hadn’t been planned. But Artizea thought it worked out perfectly.

“Young Lady Artizea has become quite the adult.”

When he said this with a pleased expression, Artizea’s face turned genuinely red, not from acting.

For some reason, even her ears burned hot and wouldn’t cool down.

“Oh my, this isn’t the time for chatting. Please, go inside. I’ll escort you to your residence.”

“Then I’ll take my leave here.”

When Kishower spoke, Benjamin bowed his head respectfully.

“You’ve escorted me this far. If it’s no trouble, please come in for some tea before you go.”

“No, thank you. His Highness the Prince ordered me to see you safely home. With an Imperial Guard knight as escort, nothing could be safer. I’ve fulfilled my duty, so I’ll return now.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Artizea said with a bright smile. She patted Kishower’s shoulder, thanking him for his trouble.

Benjamin, completely frozen, gave Kishower a military salute and disappeared as quickly as if fleeing.

Artizea laughed inwardly. Though he had acted politely and respectfully, encountering the Imperial Guard Captain must have been quite nerve-wracking for a young knight of the Western Army.

Kishower closed the carriage door for her. Artizea spoke through the window.

“Oh, I have some prayer candles I received at the Temple today after praying to the saint’s statue for health. They’ve been blessed, so I’d like to share them with Young Lady Mielle.”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Kishower said this with genuine gratitude.

“I’d love to go on a picnic together sometime when Young Lady Mielle is feeling well.”

“Just hearing that you said such a thing will make Mielle happy.”

“You too, Sir Kishower.”

When Artizea said this with a smile, Kishower covered his face with his palm.

“That child has been finding me bothersome lately…”

She was a 17-year-old girl, so it couldn’t be helped. Whether she liked her father or not, she wouldn’t want to share activities with him.

Artizea chuckled softly.

“I’m sure she doesn’t really mean it. But Sir Kishower being here means His Majesty has arrived, doesn’t it?”

“That’s correct.”

Artizea drew in a sharp breath.

She couldn’t remember every detailed date.

However, she did remember the day of the Emperor’s first visit after her 18th birthday.

Because ‘that incident’ had happened.

It was the day Artizea realized how she could help Lawrence.

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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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