The Villainess Lives Twice

Chapter 114

Proofreader: somnium

Alice said as she helped her up.

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?”

“I found an informant of the Marquisate of Camellia. The Marchioness’ Lady contacted me through her.”

Artizea did not scold Alice. Instead, she patted her arm lightly and said it was okay, she said.

“Because such informants know each other but pretend they don’t know each other. Do you know whom Marchioness Camellia planted in our house?”

“Yes.”

“So it’s okay.”

Artizea said kindly.

However, it was certainly surprising that Skyla had come to visit her secretly.

Because she thought that if she needed anything, she would be contacted directly by Marchioness Camellia.

Alice hastily brought a thick cloak. She then put the cloak over Artizea’s pajamas. The cloak came down to her ankles.

“I got her waiting in the sunroom.”

“Good job.”

Artizea changed her shoes and followed Alice slowly out of the bedroom.

Normally, a couple of maids should be waiting in the next room in case they are called. But it was cleared now, thanks to Alice clearing it up ahead of time.

Using a byway inside the mansion, Artizea was able to go out without meeting anyone,

If she doesn’t go through the front door and she comes to meet Artizea through Alice, it’s better to keep it a secret first of all, whatever the purpose of the meeting or whatever the outcome.

Skyla was wearing a black cloak that was not much different from Artizea’s.

Even the clothes she wore inside seemed to be simple, and the hem of her skirt did not swell at all. There was no makeup on her face.

“Sorry for the sudden visit, Your Grace Grand Duchess.”

“If I had not been able to meet you, I would have preferred it. However, it cannot be denied that the one who made a promise first would have been a more elegant way without causing trouble to the other person.”

“I’m sorry.”

Skyla apologized in a candid manner. Artizea was a little surprised.

“I am not saying that this sudden arrival was aimed at the time when Your Grace was exhausted, so please forgive me. It’s because it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to see You Grace away from my mother’s eyes.”

“Avoiding the eyes of the Marchioness?”

Artizea asked curiously. Skyla answered.

“Yes, my mother is now at the Grand Duchy Roygar. The meeting was held urgently because of the conversation between Your Grace and His Majesty the Emperor.”

“I see.”

It will be about the Emperor’s requisition order and the work of repatriation.

And she could guess why Skyla had come to her.

Marchioness Camellia is subordinate to the Grand Duchess Roygar.

Even if, in reality, Grand Duchess Roygar had few political views, even if she obeyed the words of Marchioness Camellia.

To put it more deeply, in real practical terms, the real master is her father, Marquis Luden.

That was unbearable for Skyla.

Skyla respected and loved her mother. That is why she disagrees with Marchioness Camellia. What Marchioness Camellia was supposed to do and what she would risk for her children, might not be acceptable with Skyla.

But Artizea did not open her mouth first. Unfortunately, it’s Skyla’s side that is at disadvantage.

Skyla fidgeted with the handkerchief she was holding with her eyes down. It was because of the tension that her hands were constantly sweating.

Artizea looked at the hand. In the end, Skyla said first.

“I would like to accept Your Grace’s offer.”

“I never made any suggestions, Lady Skyla.”

“Your Grace has spoken to mother about the possibility of paving the way for Karam.”

“… … .”

“Are you saying that you had no intention of saying those words before you even asked His Majesty the Emperor for assistance to Evron Grand Duchy?”

“It was because that day I happened to meet Marchioness Camellia. I’m ashamed of my terrified and emotional outburst, Lady Skyla.”

Artizea’s face, who spoke those words, was so calm and bright that she showed no signs of being frightened or emotional.

So Skyla was sure she did it on purpose.

She even doubted that the visit to the temple was not purely the will of Marchioness Camellia’s, but was induced by Artizea.

She, however, could not question it. She had neither the subject nor the ability to do so.

Skyla politely bowed her head.

“I know that Your Grace has shown us another way.”

“Lady Skyla.”

“I don’t think Grand Duke Roygar is the only option.”

Skyla’s way of speaking was still rough. Her expression was not under control at all.

But Artizea was satisfied with her.

Skyla was still young and raised by a capable mother. She has yet to decide on something she wants to do on her own.

She may have had some negotiating experience, but she would have only a little training course with Marchioness Camellia behind her.

Still, she was very good at this. The fact that she had come to meet Artizea in secret proved that she could do her part as Marchioness Camelia’s Heir Apparent.

Artizea said as she smiled at her.

“Grand Duke Roygar is a strong candidate for the next Emperor, and then the Grand Duchess will become Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Yes.”

“And, unlike His Majesty, Emperor Gregor, Grand Duke Roygar loves and cherishes his wife.”

“Yes. But then mother can’t get away from aunt forever. And I learned that it is right to pave several roads.”

“Marquisate Luden will be the father of the Empress, and he will be the next Emperor’s father-in-law. Do you really need her out of the shadows?”

“Of course I didn’t mean to betray my maternal grandfather and aunt. I love my aunt, and I do not want Grand Duke Roygar to fail.”

Skyla said.

“But that doesn’t necessarily mean that Marquisate Camellia is of the same family as Marquisate Luden, nor must they share a destiny with Grand Duchy Roygar.”

Skyla didn’t want to do that.

The rewards for dedication do not always follow.

Marquis Luden thought that by recognizing Marchioness Camelia as his daughter, it had saved her life.

So it was only natural for her to devote herself to Marquisate Luden and Grand Duchess Roygar until she died.

And he thought that Marchioness Camellia is his too.

Marchioness Camellia was the fourth child born from the second wife who is a small commoner.

He had three impeccable heirs before her, and the Marquis was no less ambitious.

Marquis Luden made her the heir through a conspiracy.

Although it was declining, Camellia was a Marquisate. It was a perfect fit for the status of an older sister who takes care of Grand Duchess Roygar, because it was comfortable to wield.

He made the humble blood a Marchioness. Therefore, it is natural for him to take a mortgage for the life of the child born between the two of them. Marquis Luden thought so.

Of course, the position of Marchioness Camellia was different.

[“We both have flaws, but not you, Skyla.”]

Marchioness Camellia used to say so.

[“You are the daughter of a real Marquis, and you will become a Marchioness. So you have to be confident.”]

Having said that, Skyla thinks her mother is too attached to her maternal grandfather.

Skyla didn’t think it was necessary. In the past, anyway, she was the legitimate heir to the Marquisate.

Her mother takes care of Grand Duchess Roygard, as her maternal grandfather requires. She fulfilled her role not only as an older sister, but also as her lady-in-waiting.

Marchioness Camellia was an ally of Grand Duke Roygar, and Marchioness Camellia was also an able adviser.

Wasn’t that enough? She has no reason to obey anymore.

Marchioness Camelia must move for her own good.

Skyla said.

“I’m not sure whom Your Grace has in mind. Even if you join hands with Grand Duke Roygar, you will keep Marquis Luden in check, otherwise… … .”

If there was something her mother couldn’t do, she had to do it. It wasn’t something she couldn’t do as Marchioness Camelia’s Heir Apparent.

“When Grand Duke Roygar is defeated, it will be a way for our family to survive.”

Skyla, like all nobles, did not want a one-sided and complete victory for Grand Duke Roygar.

She also didn’t want to fall with him when he was defeated.

Artizea quietly fell into thought.

The sun had set and the sunroom was already dark. The thrushes cried ‘hoo, hoo, hoo’,

Alice came in quietly and brought a few more candles.

Skyla waited nervously for Artizea’s words.

“I am glad that Lady spoke openly. There’s nothing wrong with having a lot of friends.”

Skyla flinched at the word friend. Artizea smiled.

“There’s nothing strange about it, isn’t it? The Lady is my age.”

“How dare I befriend Evron’s mistress?”

“That’s good enough, Lady Skyla. Lady is Marchioness Camelia’s daughter, but in other words, you are just the Marchioness Heir Apparent. It is not yet known which of lady’s siblings will be preferred by Marquis Luden.”

Skyla flinched.

But she wasn’t angry or anxious about the weakness that Artizea stabbed on. Artizea said that on purpose.

Artizea said in a soft voice.

“I can’t say hastily about Evron’s relationship with Camellia, but if it’s a friend, we can meet and talk openly. From time to time we can ask for a favor from each other.”

“Ah.”

Knowing that the ‘favor’ was key, Skyla exclaimed.

“I have very few friends, so don’t turn me down, Lady.”

“I understand what you mean.”

Skyla bowed her head.

If the name is a friend, she can continue friendship without being allies. Even if the relationship is deep, there is no need for mutual responsibility.

It is advantageous in this respect that they are still young people of the same age. There was no reason not to use it.

And in the process of making friends, naturally, she will check in with Marquis Luden and do what Artizea asks for.

Leaking or digging out information.

“Since you are here, there is something I would like to suggest to Lady.”

“Whatever you say, is there anything I cannot do as a friend?”

“This year, I plan to celebrate the Empress’ birthday. But as the youngest of the ladies-in-waiting, I can’t even ask my seniors for even the slightest favor, so I decided to ask the noble ladies who were not yet responsible for the family.”

“Yes.”

“I think it would be appropriate for Lady Skyla, both in terms of status and abilities.”

Skyla nodded her head.

It was also in line with the will of Grand Duke Roygar, who wanted to examine the heart of the Empress, and it was also a position where she could come in closer and confidently contact with Artizea.

“I will make a formal request to Marquisate Camellia soon. I’m letting you know in advance.”

“Thank you for giving me such an important role, Your Grace.”

Artizea did not correct the name. It was because the word ‘friend’ was a superficial title anyway.