The Villainess Lives Twice - Chapter 93

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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 93

Cedric said.

“But now that we can identify who led this development, the situation has changed somewhat.”

“Because for the first time, someone capable of negotiation has appeared.”

Cedric nodded vigorously at Artizea’s murmur.

“It’s hard to imagine that another person who understands humans to this extent and has the influence to gather as many as 20,000 warriors at such a young age will appear again in the near future.”

If, truly, such a person were to appear, dialogue would become possible. Whether successful or not, it would be meaningful.

“On the other hand, if we kill that person, Karam’s development would greatly regress. When failed experiences accumulate, it becomes difficult to attempt new things again. Given Karam’s characteristic of not easily accumulating history, a single failure would remain just a failure, and it would take a long time before they could learn something new from it.”

Even as Artizea said this, she smiled.

“It seems you’ve already made up your mind though.”

Cedric smiled sheepishly.

“That’s right. I want to talk with that person. The only problem is what you’re trying to do in the homeland. Domestic politics is more urgent and dangerous right now.”

“Don’t think too lightly of me. Of course, if there were a war, it would be like starting poker with three aces in hand, but just because that’s not the case doesn’t mean I can’t solve things.”

Artizea flicked her fingers.

“Besides, you got the order wrong.”

“The order?”

“What I was planning to do cannot take priority over Lord Cedric’s will. What the Emperor has decided for the future of the Empire is national policy—nothing comes before that.”

Previously, Cedric had asked whether a process without results was right.

Artizea had her own answer to that question. A process without results is not right. Means without purpose are also not right. Power without a future is not right.

So Cedric’s purpose comes first. Gaining power is merely a means.

Artizea had lived her entire life with means and ends reversed. She only realized this just before her death.

Now she was a means serving Cedric’s purpose. So she could answer firmly. There was no need for Cedric to postpone what he wanted to do for her sake.

Cedric’s face reddened slightly. Artizea smiled faintly and asked.

“Surely you’re not going to say something like you’re still not resolved, or let’s think about it later?”

“It’s not that.”

The fact that she regarded him as her lord felt strangely new, making his feelings complicated. He was momentarily caught up in wondering if he could handle it.

But it felt even closer than when he had held her in his arms.

And he now knew that feeling was probably not wrong.

“I was trying to assist you, but it seems I’ll be receiving assistance instead. There will be considerable political burden. Can you handle the Grand Cathedral?”

“As I mentioned before, in the homeland, there’s almost nothing that money can’t solve.”

The Grand Cathedral was corrupt. Corrupt enough to forge divine oracles.

In reality, they were simpler opponents than noble families bound by blood, since they could be moved with just power and wealth.

She held several cards worth negotiating with the Grand Cathedral.

This was different from the Karam crops issue. Cultivating Karam crops meant actively accepting Karam’s ways. This would become an attack card that the temple could use to excommunicate the Duke of Evron.

However, having dialogue at Told Gate was a military matter. The Grand Cathedral had little justification to interfere here.

As commander, Cedric held full authority over conflict zones. During wartime, the Duke of Evron’s authority was formidable.

To delay war, for operations, for ceasefire, for prisoner exchange—contacting the opposing army’s general was natural.

Unless they had the authority to order all Evron soldiers to throw away their lives, the Grand Cathedral could not interfere.

Of course, there would be backlash. But problems requiring frontal breakthrough and problems requiring circumvention were different.

Cedric would gladly bear the political burden for that dialogue.

And that would become the foundation for how he would govern the North when he wore the Emperor’s crown in the future.

Instead, I should stir up trouble in the capital, Artizea thought. The more she disrupted domestic politics, the freer Cedric would become.

Cedric nodded.

“I understand. Then I’ll maximize wartime tension while making the dialogue seem like an unavoidable attempt due to crisis. I’ll leave the supply issues to you.”

“Now you’re even thinking of deception.”

Artizea laughed.

Cedric smiled bitterly. Then he extended his arms.

“Ah.”

Artizea was suddenly pulled into his embrace. Cedric gently stroked her hair.

“Don’t overdo it.”

“….”

“It’s okay to fail. Even in the worst case, Evron Duchy will remain. Then we can start again. So please don’t destroy yourself, whether in mind or body.”

“Yes.”

“Good. Since you’re a wise person, I’ll trust that you understand my meaning.”

Cedric lightly tapped Artizea’s head, pressing it against his chest.

Artizea was tense at first. But she didn’t want to escape from Cedric’s embrace.

The serious conversation was over, and her thoughts ceased.

Soon her strength left her in his reliable embrace. Leaning against Cedric’s chest, she could hear his heartbeat thumping in her ears.

Listening to his heartbeat and the crackling sound of burning logs in the fireplace, drowsiness overcame her. Her stomach felt somewhat full as her meal had digested.

“Come to think of it, since you’re here, I should discuss this. About the Jordin family.”

“Dispose of them as you see fit.”

“Is that alright?”

“Even if I hadn’t come, you already had a plan for what to do, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Do as planned. I’ve already entrusted the fortress to you. It would be better for you to handle it rather than me reversing my decision just days after making it.”

“That’s true too.”

Cedric’s hand caressed her ear.

“Are you sleepy?”

“Yes… Will you depart for Told again tomorrow?”

“I should. I can’t be away from my post for long.”

“I see.”

Artizea struggled to stay awake with half-closed eyes.

Given Cedric’s nature of moving from dawn, he would probably leave before she woke up tomorrow.

Then they wouldn’t meet for a while. If luck was really bad, this might be the last time.

Or if luck was really too good, it would also be the last time.

Though she had thought it would be better to let him leave without seeing his face, she found herself regretting it.

Cedric’s hand cupped Artizea’s cheek, patting it gently. Artizea, about to fall asleep, tightened her grip on his collar.

Then Cedric carried her to the bed. As her head was placed on the pillow and she lay down, Artizea slightly awakened from her drowsiness.

Cedric said.

“Don’t want to fall asleep?”

“A little.”

“Then I’ll make sure you sleep soundly until morning.”

Artizea’s face turned bright red.

* * *

The next day, as expected, Cedric was already gone when Artizea opened her eyes.

The key to the door between the two bedrooms was inserted in the keyhole. Artizea quietly touched the key.

When she turned it halfway, the key was unlocked.

Artizea locked it, then unlocked it again. Then she threw the key back into the drawer.

Lisia returned in the afternoon.

She too entered with a face reddened from the cold wind. As soon as she arrived, she first complained to Artizea.

“Please stop His Highness.”

“What happened?”

“We departed together, but he ignored all the guards and went off alone. His Highness’s horse is a famous steed, so when he rides like that, no one can catch up. What if something terrible happened when there might be more Karam troops crossing over and he went alone like that…”

“I see. What about the return journey?”

“We met him halfway.”

“Oh my. The guards must have had to turn back without any rest.”

“Yes. He didn’t need to rush like that and could have come slowly. I understand he wanted to see Your Highness quickly, but if that was the case, he could have stayed a few more days…”

Artizea looked at Lisia awkwardly.

However, Lisia showed no sign of being bothered by the fact that Cedric had come to see her like that. Instead, she smiled brightly and said.

“When His Highness said he was going to the capital so urgently, I wondered if just one letter would be enough. Of course, you two must have talked plenty, but that incident was only a few days ago. And you’re newlyweds too….”

“Uh, mm.”

“A distance you can travel back and forth in a few days is different from one you can’t.”

Artizea said while turning her gaze elsewhere.

“I heard the war situation is stable.”

“Yes. They said it would be sufficiently controllable as long as no more reinforcements come from Karam’s side. That’s fortunate. I think His Highness could stay here a bit longer.”

“There must be things that can only be done with this opportunity. I have them too.”

“Yes.”

Lisia looked at her with a slightly pitying expression.

She didn’t know Cedric’s purpose, nor Artizea’s purpose. But she could sense that Artizea was being chased by something. And that Cedric was trying to catch hold of it.

Both Cedric and her father always told her that she had eyes that could see the truth.

Lisia didn’t believe she had such power. If she did, she would have already understood what shadow was cast over Artizea and been able to lift it.

Artizea said.

“Go and rest. You look tired.”

“You must scold His Highness later. Tell him he shouldn’t go around without his guards.”

“Alright.”

Artizea smiled.

Just then, Sophie came in and said.

“My lady, Mel Jordin, Count, Fiona Jordin, Countess, and Hailey Jordin, Countess have arrived.”

“Show them to the drawing room. Tell them I’ll be out shortly.”

“Yes. I’ll bring tea.”

Sophie bowed politely and left.

Lisia tilted her head.

“Did you call for Sister Mel?”

“Yes. Would you like to meet them together?”

Lisia briefly looked over her own appearance.

Since she hadn’t changed clothes, she was wearing padded pants with a thick sweater and a fur vest. Her hair was also tied tightly so it wouldn’t get in the way. No matter how you looked at it, she didn’t look befitting of a Grand Duchess’s lady-in-waiting.

But it didn’t matter in front of the sisters of House Jordin, who were her cousins.

“If Your Highness wouldn’t be embarrassed by me.”

“Then let’s go together.”

Lisia walked ahead with quick, light steps and opened the door in front of Artizea.

When they entered the drawing room, the three sisters simultaneously knelt down.

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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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