The Villainess Lives Twice

Cedric is the Emperor’s nephew.

He deserved to be adopted. That alone establishes his right to succession to the throne as the first person in line.

It was not uncommon for a head of the household who could not have children to adopt his younger sibling’s eldest child as his heir. It is a generational change without going through the younger sibling.

In that way, the stability of the family can be achieved by establishing the position of an heir early.

Usually, the biological parents were also happy because it meant passing on everything in the family to their children. Adoption does not mean that the relationship with the biological parents is denied.

The in-laws usually wanted it rather than adopting their spouse’s illegitimate child.

It wasn’t just the emotional problems with the mistress and illegitimate children.

In many cases, arranged marriages included complex contracts for property and interests. Inheriting to siblings rather than children complicates matters.

It is because the family of the spouse of the younger sibling is also entangled.

It was usually decided in childhood.

Only then can the successor be educated as desired by the head of the household. Marriage could also be influenced.

But Cedric’s age didn’t make it impossible.

If he was adopted, he would become the one and only prince. He would immediately be regarded as the Crown Prince.

Artizea raised her eyes and looked at the Empress. Her expression was suppressed, but in her blue eyes, a complex heart fluttered.

The Empress said.

“You better know that Gregor didn’t mean it in a good way.”

“Yes.”

It wasn’t entirely unexpected.

After all, even Grand Duke Roygar was brought down and only Cedric remained of the imperial family, it was a story that would surely come out at that time.

At that time, the Emperor had to think about where his name would be placed in the imperial genealogy, not power and checks.

Emperor Gregor had a complex about legitimacy. He will not be able to bear the lineage that follows, not from himself, but from Princess Floella, Cedric’s mother.

So he thought he would try to protect his pride by any means.

But that would only happen after the inheritance was already decided. At that point, it would be possible to refuse from an equal position or to pressure the Emperor.

But not now.

At this time of planning, she had no idea that such a story would come out at this point.

‘The Leticia problem is very complicated.’

Artizea felt a migraine as if pricking her right eye with a needle, and touched her forehead.

The Empress took up her teacup and took a sip.

“It’s likely that Gregor doesn’t have any concrete plans, yet. It is a habit for him to lay paving stones.”

“Yes, I know. Whatever it is, it’s a situation that won’t harm His Majesty yet, so he’s going to want to take a stab first.”

Artizea felt her throat burning. But she didn’t feel like drinking the tea.

Either way, it would not harm the Emperor.

All the reasons are ready.

[“It is natural for parents to be honored through the child.”]

At Leticia’s naming ceremony, the Emperor said so.

In order to make the collective imperial family blessed by God, the father is used to naturally inherit the lineage as the Crown Prince.

In the process, Evron’s resentment will be quelled by Cedric. It is also convenient to keep Grand Duke Roygar in check.

At the same time, it was possible to make it clear that Cedric was a stepping stone to handing over the crown to Leticia.

If he obeys, he will be used.

If he does not obey, he can be excluded at any time, and let Leticia be crowned as the Crown Princess directly.

‘After raising the Crown Princess to the right age, if Cedric and I are assassinated, that naturally leaves only Leticia in the Imperial Palace.’

Getting rid of Cedric by accusing him of treason would not be very effective.

In the days of the previous Grand Ducal couple, they could be controlled by a hostage named Cedric. But this time, the goal is to take the Princess. It was obvious that Evron would resist fiercely.

And bigger problem than that, it was likely that Leticia would have a grudge against the Emperor. If her biological parents are high treason criminals, it’s an obstacle to making Leticia his grandchild. Someday, the story will surely enter Leticia’s ears.

So he can’t attack that way. He has to pretend she is outwardly favored and empowered.

“He might not go that far. Gregor is old now. He often laments that he has no children to share the responsibility with.”

The Empress said calmly.

“There is such a thing as being favored. When it comes to Roygar or Cedric, I think Cedric would be more relieved.”

“He said that to Countess Eunice as well. But I can’t just believe that.”

Artizea said in a subdued voice.

“If His Majesty wants Leticia as his heir, isn’t there another way?”

It was also possible to adopt Leticia as the adopted daughter of the deceased imperial princess to give her an inheritance. In fact, Artizea saw the possibility of this side highly.

Of course, even in this case, Cedric and Artizea must be killed to get rid of the influence of her biological parents.

Considering this possibility, the Empress could not be said to be on the same side.

She would want her dead children to be revered as Emperors in the imperial lineage.

Knowing what Artizea was talking about, the Empress put down the teacup.

“There is a possibility.”

“Your Majesty…….”

“I haven’t answered Gregor yet. It’s not something that can be decided right away.”

“Yes…….”

“Because I haven’t even received the interim settlement yet.”

“Yes.”

Artizea nodded her head.

Interim settlement refers to the Duchy of Riagan. Because her promise to the Empress was still long overdue.

“After receiving it, I will think about what to say.”

“You will not be disappointed.”

Artizea answered in a subdued voice.

＊＊＊

“Cute!”

As soon as she opened the door to the nursery, she heard an exclamation.

Artizea widened her eyes.

Hazel and Mielle looked into the cradle and cheered.

Leticia wiggled and opened her mouth. Despite being warned several times not to touch her recklessly, the two girls seemed to keep reaching out.

Marcus, who was standing at the bedside of the cradle, was watching with delight.

Then, he noticed that Artizea had arrived and bowed his head.

Hayley, who had been sitting some distance away, sipping her tea and resting, also stood up.

It was only then that Hazel and Mielle found out that Artizea had arrived.

“Your Grace, you’re here?”

“The Princess looked at me and smiled.”

Mielle said with red cheeks.

Artizea hesitated, not knowing what to say. As a mother, it didn’t seem right to say that she wasn’t old enough to recognize and laugh yet.

Marcus replied with a smile.

“No matter how young she is, she knows everyone who loves her.”

It was a pleasant answer, regardless of the baby’s development or anything like that.

Artizea finally smiled. Mielle looked into the cradle.

“The Princess has a really good smile. She must be in a good mood.”

Mielle glanced at Marcus’ gaze at her and secretly held out her finger to Leticia. Leticia squeezed her finger.

“It’s soft and fluffy…….”

Mielle muttered in a happy voice.

Hayley shook her head. She didn’t mean to say it out of her mouth, but she never thought of a human baby as cute.

Her nephew wasn’t cute either, and her master’s baby couldn’t be cute either. She could cherish and adore her, but the baby couldn’t be cute.

She couldn’t feel the cuteness in her heart, so she couldn’t pretend it was there.

“Has the guest left?”

“Yes. We’ll talk about that later.”

Hazel quickly cushioned the armchair and prepared Artizea’s seat.

It’s because Artizea didn’t bring a maid. She now ranks lowest among the ladies-in-waiting.

Mielle was an outlier. Artizea wasn’t even bringing Mielle, who was weak, to use her.

“Thank you.”

Artizea sat down in the armchair. She hadn’t fully recovered yet, and she was more exhausted after talking about a complicated story.

Hazel said politely.

“Lower your voice down. We are already the ladies-in-waiting of Her Grace.”

She was determined to accept it, and said she would.

So from the moment she set her foot in this house she was already a lady-in-waiting.

Artizea smiled at her.

“Yes.”

She was used to making new relationships with people she knew.

And she will find her new place quickly as Hazel is also adaptable.

“I made a room for two people……. Hayley, did you guide them to it?”

“No. Greeting Your Grace is the first priority.”

Even after she confirmed that Artizea was gone, she didn’t have time to guide them. It was because Mielle was clinging to Leticia’s cradle and did not leave.

Artizea nodded her head.

“I see. Then guide them later. If you are busy, you can leave it to the maid chief.”

“Yes.”

“I want to leave Hazel with the simple things Hayley does. Or sort the newspaper.”

Saying so, Artizea turned her head. Hayley answered.

“Yes. First of all, they are going to take over the newspapers, letters, and the management of the maids.”

“I will do my best without any mistakes.”

Hazel said in an excited voice.

“You don’t know how happy my mother was.”

The Belmond family is not a vassal of Grand Duchy Evron, nor is it a traditional noble. Nevertheless, she became the handmaiden of the Grand Duchess.

As a new noble, it was no exaggeration to say that the rank of her family had risen by one level.

Artizea said softly.

“I’m sure she won’t disappoint.”

“Yes.”

“Mielle helps Hazel.”

“Yes.”

Mielle replied. She didn’t ask what she had to do. She was well aware that she could not take on responsible tasks.

Perhaps, she would go to Artizea’s side, brewing tea, or bring her a book.

“And then……. I have something I want to ask.”

“What is it?”

“When I have free time, I want to visit the Princess often.”

Mielle wriggled and smiled.

She fell in love at first sight with Leticia. She has never seen such a lovely baby.

Artizea smiled.

“Do that. You can come and play with Leticia any time by herself.”

“Thank you.”

Mielle said with a glad look. Artizea thought she, herself, was more grateful.