The Villainess Lives Twice

As soon as he spoke, Cadriol regretted it.

Officially, he had never visited the imperial capital. He had never met Cedric or Artizea.

Grand Duke Roygar stood up and looked at him.

Cadriol didn’t bother trying to fix his complexion. It is only when he changes his facial expression that he confirms that his true intentions are revealed.

So he consciously showed more surprise. As if he was doing it to make the conversation enjoyable.

“I heard something went wrong with the heir.”

He hadn’t heard of it, but Cadriol said so calmly.

The news that Artizea was imprisoned in a temple and nearly charged with heresy swept the entire empire. Naturally, the news spread to other countries as well.

But Cadriol didn’t really accept that Artizea had been pregnant. He thought she had lied to escalate the situation.

If so, there was no reason not to say she had miscarried. That way she can tie the temple to a stronger noose, and no lies will be uncovered.

Garnet said softly.

“You have heard the wrong news. Fortunately, both the baby and the Grand Duchess are safe.”

“It was a difficult situation to hear.”

“It was a blessing.”

The Duke and Duchess of Riagan also said.

They only knew that there had been a treason case. Since then, they had been surrounded by Eimmel, so they had not been able to obtain proper information.

Grand Duke Roygar said.

“I was always worried because Cedric didn’t take care of his safety, but isn’t it fortunate? It is true that Evron has an heir, but now that he has a wife and child, he seems to be finding stability.”

“I see.”

The atmosphere soon became lively. The story of marriage and baby was always a topic that everyone could share with a smile.

Even more so if it’s a story about someone else’s family where interests are not entangled. Only Grand Duke Roygar was the only one who could have his mind troubled with the matter at this point. .

Outwardly, it was like that. In fact, however, it was Cadriol’s inside that was most noisy.

What happened? Cedric was the fiance of the saint? Cadriol had no doubts that the two were lovers.

It’s not uncommon for a man to give his all for a woman.

‘Well, I should have known when I saw those upturned eyes.’

Artizea was so calm that he was deceived.

The world has already changed. There’s no way she’ll live a second life the same way as the first.

She was already married. There was nothing strange about anything between a man and a woman, but he couldn’t help but say that he was an ignorant bastard.

He should’ve taken her back on that day, no matter what happened, he should have secured her recruitment first.

Or kill her on the spot.

If she really had an heir, the option of going to seduce her after the situation was settled disappeared.

Cedric does not need the legitimacy granted by a saintess to become Emperor. His marriage has already been established.

If Cedric succeeds, Artizea’s child will become the next Emperor. Even taking a political risk was unreasonable.

It was unlikely that Artizea, hungry for a family’s affection, would give up her child.

‘Conscience-less bastard. That weak bodied woman; I was going to wait three years, though.’

The drink went down like water.

***

After the dinner, there was usually a drinking party.

But today, it was disbanded. Cadriol and Grand Duke Roygar each had their own complicated thoughts.

He came out with Grand Duchess Roygar with his arms crossed, and when he was convinced that the only one left around him was his subordinates, he said.

“See if Prince Cadriol has ever visited the Northern or Central regions.”

“The North, you mean?”

“Isn’t the sea route connected? If you try to go there, it’s not that you won’t be able to visit.”

There is no reason to go all the way to the North with the developed South and East.

But Cadriol must have met Cedric before.

“I will inquire. But the results will not come quickly.”

“Hurry up to investigate.”

The secretary withdrew in haste.

Garnet looked up at her husband with an anxious attitude.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing. If Prince Cadriol knew several people in the Empire, he could negotiate differently.”

If Cadriol had a relationship with Cedric, he could define his relationship with the Duchy of Riagan differently as well.

The Empress hates the Duchy of Riagan, and Artizea is the Empress’ lady-in-waiting.

‘Grand Duchess Evron has a political sense.’

At the time Artizea opened the door to the Empress’ palace, everyone knew her as Miraila’s poor, ugly daughter.

That’s why he didn’t even think to associate her with the Duchy of Riagan in the matter.

But now that he thinks about it, there was nothing strange about Artizea being involved in this.

Garnet wanted to say something more. However, Grand Duke Roygar did not notice her and escorted her to her toilette room.

“Get some rest. No one will bother you until tomorrow.”

“…… I see.”

“The day after tomorrow, I have to show people how lucky I am with you appearing as the prettiest person in the world.”

Garnet only nodded her head.

Grand Duke Roygar kissed her lightly on the lips, and turned around.

The attendants, who followed at a distance, clung back to Grand Duke Roygar.

Grand Duke Roygar called another attendant and spoke quickly.

“Is the northern intelligence network still alive?”

“I have lost contact with it since the Bishop Akim incident.”

“That means you can do it again. See if anything has happened in the stronghold.”

“Since entering the wartime period, there is nothing to note. What shall we focus on? Can I take a general look?”

“Yes. And…… I think I heard that the merchants from Eimmel, who were trying to steal, died in their stronghold.”

Grand Duke Roygar thought for a moment and said:

At the time, it was not a very important story.

Southern merchants are inherently half-thieves. They trade in cities with military power and well-maintained facilities, and when they meet a ship that they can swallow without worrying about the next day in the open sea, they turn into a pirate.

It was not strange if such a person appeared in Evron’s stronghold.

Besides, there was an attack by Karam right after that. Because it was a war, it was almost buried.

But obviously.

‘Even County Jordyn was punished.’

He was told it was because the daughter had leaked information of the stronghold to the Eimmel merchants in the dangerous situation when Karam had been attacking.

He didn’t pay much attention to it, as it could be natural in a place with strict discipline like Evron.

He didn’t even think that it could be used against Cedric. Moreover, whatever information he took, he thought it would be useless to him.

It wouldn’t be a big deal to know what the Count’s youngest daughter’s information was.

But what if it has to do with Cadriol?

He knew it was too much of a leap. But at least it was clear that Cadriol knew something about the North.

‘The war against Karam ended too easily compared to what was said in the first place.’

Even now, there was a confrontation with Karam in the North. Military reports are still coming in.

But there was no guarantee that it had not been tampered with. In the North, Grand Duke Evron holds the same status as a king.

Very few people paid attention to the North.

The Emperor may be different. But, at least until this moment, Grand Duke Roygar had never thought deeply about the North.

“Aside from that, if you have anything unusual, bring it with you. It’s a quiet area, so there won’t be much talk about it.”

“It will take quite a while for people to get to the North.”

“I know. I’m not asking you to finish gathering information before negotiations are complete here.”

Grand Duke Roygar said.

In any case, it was necessary to secure a weapon to use against Grand Duchy Evron.

＊＊＊

Skyla returned after Garnet had bathed and changed into her pajamas.

“I didn’t see you during the dinner. Where have you been?”

“I think I need to organize my luggage for a moment.”

“There is no official schedule for tomorrow, so it was okay to just postpone it.”

“I ate dinner separately. Don’t worry.”

“I was going to introduce you to Prince Cadriol, but it’s a pity. Or not. You went out today without thinking about anything, so it might be better to dress up properly at the banquet and meet.”

Skyla shook her head.

“I have no interest in that prince.”

“He’s a very attractive man, isn’t he?”

“I don’t want to leave the capital. I am not interested in a relationship like playing with fire.”

Rather, Skyla was not interested in men in general. It had been a long time since she had decided that her marriage would be with someone suitable for stabilizing Marquisate Camellia.

But she didn’t seem to be able to convince Garnet of that. Still, it was good to hear that her personal happiness is also important.

“More than that, Aunt.”

Garnet tilted her head. Because Skyla looked at her with a serious face.

“The people in the Kingdom of Iantz want to see Aunt.”

“Iantz?”

Garnet tilted her head again. She did not understand all the meanings contained in Skyla’s words.

If they want to meet, they just need to apply for an audience.

There were only two people in the bedroom, but Skyla lowered her body and knelt next to Garnet’s bed.

Then she lowered her voice and spoke quietly.

“It was from Felona Firm. Does Aunt know about the Felona Firm?”

Garnet nodded her head. The items of the Felona Firm were also frequently used by her.

“She said she came as a representative of the Merchant Association.”

“Why does that person want to see me?”

When Garnet came around this time, she could understand that the word ‘secretly’ was omitted while saying that she wanted to meet her.

“The money that Queen Eimmel’s assassin used to buy the imperial title came from the Kingdom of Iantz.”

“Yes.”

“I think that’s what worries them. Maybe, they’re trying to appeal to Aunt.”

Garnet hesitated.

The pleas for help in alleviating sins were something she often received. Garnet also considered it her job to some extent.

As a noble lady of high rank, it was her natural responsibility to take care of the difficult affairs of her subordinates.

But this is a matter of international relations. Maybe she should get her husband’s permission first?

She also had a fear of meeting foreigners alone.

If she had had her sister at a time like this, she’d tell her what to do.

Skyla said.

“Why don’t you meet first and then decide?”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. Aunt is the one who will soon become the Empress. There will be many such petitions from other countries in the future. If you think it is a difficult matter to judge, then you can discuss it with Uncle.”

Skyla’s words seemed plausible.

It didn’t seem like it would harm her if she was just meeting anyway.

Garnet nodded her head.