How To Survive As a Villain on the Verge of Death

Another hectic day began. She stopped eating breakfast and started preparing to go to the imperial palace.

 

‘Every day is full of thrills.’

 

While complaining, she put on a new dress. Bayan, who was lounging around on the bed, saw her, got down from the bed, and walked briskly out the door.

 

“He knows you’re changing clothes and he is heading out. Bayan is very gentlemanly.”

 

Nell, who was helping her put on her dress, smiled at Bayan.

 

“Before, he came to my room to hang out, but when I tried to change my clothes, he left. Really clever, right? Maybe he’s a genius cat?”

 

It was only natural that Bayan was not an ordinary cat but a divine beast.

 

“Why did Bayan go to your room?”

 

The person who answered her question was Chloe, who was picking out jewelry next to her.

 

“Nell secretly brings snacks to Bayan.”

 

“Okay?”

 

“I’m just giving Bayan a little bit because he’s hungry.”

 

Nell spoke as if it was unfair, but Chloe countered in a harsh tone.

 

“I don’t think you should feed more than the prescribed amount. If you feed him treats all day, Bayan will become a fat cat.”

 

“Chloe is jealous because Bayan follows me more.”

 

Chloe snorted at her as if she was being amused and laid out his bracelets on the dresser.

 

“Bajan likes me more. He always sleeps on the blanket I made.”

 

“I guess it’s because it’s cold.”

 

Nell retorted, but Chloe ignored her.

 

“When he sleeps, he sleep on a fish pillow I made out of fur. He comes to my room and watches me knit a blanket, and then takes a nap in the yarn basket.”

 

“Basket of yarn…! That would be really cute.”

 

When Nell was told that she was sleeping in a wool basket, she mumbled as if she was possessed and then added in a dejected voice.

 

“But he comes to my room more… He clearly likes me more.”

 

No, Bayan was just using those two as his maids. Since he had nothing to do, he just wandered around out of boredom and slept when he felt sleepy. Even though they said that, they both seemed happy, so she decided to leave it at that. By the way, Bayan has a wonderful life, and it’s comfortable to eat meatloaf, roll around on a soft blanket, and take a nap. It’s something she couldn’t help because she didn’t have the Holy Power and she didn’t know how to do anything.

 

After she finished putting on the dress, Bayan came back into the room as if she had been waiting.

 

[A face full of worry.]

 

“It has to be that way.”

 

Last night, she told Bayan about the new vision. But even after talking to Bayan, there was still no solution. Bayan looked at her face and made a suggestion.

 

[When I go to the imperial palace, I can overhear people’s conversations.]

 

“Really? Can you do that?”

 

[I look like a cat, so no one will look strange if I eavesdrop. Since the blonde didn’t recognize me, no one would recognize my identity.]

 

“That’s right.”

 

If only she could sneak in. If she wanted to hear something important, she had to go to the Emperor’s side, but she didn’t know if that’s possible. It would be difficult for even a rat to hide in the Emperor’s office. Well, even if she couldn’t eavesdrop on secret conversations, it would be nice to at least take a look at the imperial palace. If you learn the geography of the imperial palace, it would be useful later.

 

“Okay, let’s go together.”

 

She picked up Bayan and went out of the dorm. The day was already getting late. They said the celebratory banquet would be held in the evening, so it would be night when it ends. Since today’s celebration was late, it was only a celebration in words, and it was said to be a formal dinner where people gathered together and ate dinner. There were two carriages prepared at the entrance to the accommodation. One was the carriage she usually used, and the other was a carriage with the Grand Duke’s family emblem engraved on it. Terence, dressed in formal attire, was waiting for me next to him.

 

“Princess.”

 

He asked after seeing Bayan in her arms.

 

“Are you taking the cat?”

 

“Yes, I want to give Bayan a tour of the imperial palace.”

 

Terence sensed the intention behind her words and smiled slightly.

 

“I hope the cat comes back after seeing a lot.”

 

The two of them, no, the three of them, including Bayan, got into the same carriage together. 

Nell, who followed as a maid, and the Grand Duke’s servant decided to ride in another carriage. As soon as the carriage departed, Terence asked me first.

 

“Did you have any other predictions?”

 

“Not yet.”

 

From last night until now, she had been thinking about the scenes from the prophecy all day long. Sorel. greenhouse. Her in a wedding dress. In fact, there was another noteworthy part. This was the dagger that stabbed Sorel. In the original work, the dagger that killed Eve was a sword used by knights of the Grand Duchy. A crude dagger with the emblem of the Grand Duchy engraved on the handle. In fact, that dagger was the sword lost by a knight of the Grand Duchy family. Of course, it was not simply lost; it was stolen in advance by an assassin on the Emperor’s side. On the other hand, the sword that stabbed Sorrel was a fancy sword. It was a unique sword with a red gem encrusted on the handle and the blade made of a light pink mineral like soft crystal. Whose sword was that? Common sense would suggest that the owner of the sword was the culprit. But she couldn’t be sure. Like in the original, there was a possibility that someone stole someone else’s sword and stabbed Sorel.

 

“It’s a pink blade.”

 

After hearing her explanation, Terence became lost in thought.

 

“I can think of a few famous daggers with that color, but I’m not sure which one they are just based on the princess’s description.”

 

“Are there multiple swords of that color?”

 

“In the past, it was popular to carry daggers made of unusual minerals. Where the blade is red or black. Or there were many that were blue or green.”

 

In fact, swords made from such unusual minerals were more popular among nobles than ordinary swords. Because those treasured swords were a kind of decoration.

 

“I heard that blades made of pink or gold were especially popular with women.”

 

“Well, the color was pretty.”

 

The blade and shape looked like a sword used by a noblewoman. A noble lady. Surely it’s not the Empress?

 

“Bajan, do you know anything?”

 

[Pink blade. Red gem on the handle.]

 

Bayan smoothed his chin with his small hand.

 

[I have seen that color a few times. But just hearing your explanation, I don’t know if it’s the same as what I saw. I don’t even know if the swords I saw still exist.]

 

“I see.”

 

“What is he saying?”

 

“Similar to Terrence. I don’t understand after hearing the explanation.”

 

While she was on her way to the imperial palace, they discussed the sword, but still had no idea what was going on. She didn’t even know who that sword belonged to. What was clear was that there was no such sword among her belongings.

 

‘Wouldn’t I be able to see something more if I met the Emperor?’

 

For now, she had no choice but to hold on to that vague hope. Or maybe if she touched Sorel a few more times, something would come out.

 

* * *

 

After arriving at the imperial palace, she left Bayan with Nell and headed to the banquet hall. Originally, the accompanying maid had to wait in the nearby waiting room, but she gave Nell free time.

 

“There’s no need to wait today, so I’m taking Bayan to see the imperial palace.”

 

The imperial palace’s banquet hall was slightly larger and grander than the Grand Duke’s banquet hall, but it lacked a sophisticated feel. It seemed to have been decorated in such a splendid and majestic manner to show the emperor’s majesty that it failed to maintain a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. As soon as they entered the banquet hall, Arentine welcomed them.

 

“Has anything happened so far?”

 

“What could be going on? I just spent my time preparing for the wedding.”

 

“Yes, I’m glad you’re okay.”

 

Arentin, who said that, looked tired again today. Had he had a lot of work to do? He probably didn’t sleep well the past few days because he was busy investigating the Count Parmes family. At that time, a deep voice came from next to her.

 

“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived.”

 

The moment the Chamberlain’s voice was heard, the surrounding chatter disappeared instantly. She quickly looked back at the door. A man was coming this way. A middle-aged man with graying blonde hair and blue eyes. The moment he appeared, the nobles gathered around him all stepped aside and bowed.

 

“Your Majesty the Emperor.”

 

This man was the Emperor. Emperor Joseph I was a middle-aged man with a gentle and kind appearance. When he was young, he must have been a good-natured young man like Mikhail. Perhaps because he still retains the beauty of those days, he had a much better appearance than the middle-aged nobles who had bloated bellies and bald heads. However, since he knew everything about the original work, even that friendly appearance and kind smile felt creepy. Next to him was the Empress. The Empress had become quite gaunt while she had not seen her. Looks like she’s been having a bit of a hard time.

 

Vilos, who followed, also had a bad expression. The Emperor entered, but stopped and looked at her. Joy spread across his face.

 

“Oh, Eve. I finally see you again.”

 

“Father!”

 

She smiled brightly, ignoring the Empress’ hat, and held the Emperor’s hand.

 

“I’m so glad you came back safely, father.”

 

Eve always treated the Emperor like this. Just like in an ordinary family, a young daughter was pampered by her father.

 

“Hehe, our Eve is still the same.”

 

The Emperor smiled with utmost kindness. The blue eyes looking at her were full of affection. Anyone would think that they were a loving father and a spoiled daughter. Who would imagine that this is the father who not long ago tried to kill his own daughter?

 

“I heard you’ve been through a lot of hardships. Now that your father is back, you won’t have any more unpleasant incidents.”

 

The most dangerous person was trying to reassure her like that.

 

“I just hope that the wedding ends safely.”

 

“No problem. That’s how it should be.”

 

The Emperor’s eyes turned to Terence standing next to her.

 

“I’m glad that your relationship has improved. You are getting married soon, so now you need to look after each other and get along.”

 

Terence said, looking straight at the Emperor.

 

“Do not worry, your majesty. I will protect the princess.”

 

Although the tone was polite, there was a cold thorn stuck inside. The moment their eyes met in the air, the smile disappeared from the Emperor’s face for a moment. It’s a bloody atmosphere. She held Terence’s arm to lighten the mood and spoke in a charming voice.

 

“Terence, how much he cares for me. Do not worry, father.”

 

“Hehe, of course it should be.”

 

“Your majesty.”

 

The Empress, who was standing behind, called the Emperor. Her cold gaze landed on her and Terence. The Emperor, greeted by her Empress, approached the table.

 

“Hmm. Okay, now let’s all take a seat.”

 

The dinner was no different. It was about getting together and having dinner. The Empress, Vilos, and Sorel sat side by side near the Emperor who sat at the head table, and Arentine, she, and Terence sat opposite each other in that order. The other nobles all seemed to have their places assigned according to their rank. For some reason, the Duchess of Rohan was not there. It appears that the Duke and his wife were not present.

 

She spoke to the Emperor before the first course was served.

 

“It must have been very difficult on the battlefield. You look thinner than before.”

 

She didn’t know because she had never seen him before, but he probably lost weight because he was tired after going to the battlefield. Even if it wasn’t, it was something that could be said out of courtesy.

 

The Emperor smiled easily and waved his hand.

 

“How could it have been difficult for me to only be in the back? Vilos and Sorel suffered more than me.”

 

It’s a shame. She hoped he would have a hard time. Well, there’s no way a person like this would go through hardships. Wasn’t he the type of person who would send his subordinates to the grave and hang out alone in the barracks?

 

The Emperor said, looking at Vilos and Sorel.

 

“Speaking of which, I would like to reward you here. If there’s anything you both want, just tell me.”

 

Vilos spoke as if he had been waiting.

 

“I want to own Melad’s territory.”

 

“If it’s Melad territory…”

 

It was a familiar place, so she remembered it and realized that it was a place that appeared in the original work. It was one of the direct territories directly owned by the Emperor, and it was said to be a wealthy land due to its developed commerce. The Emperor smiled and accepted without a second of hesitation.

 

“Yes, I guess you can take that much.”

 

“Thank you, father.”

 

Vilos glanced at Arentine with a triumphant expression.

 

‘He seems like a bad guy.’

 

She understood why Vilos was asking for territory. After the temple fire, his maternal family, the Count Parmes family, was devastated. Since Vilos’ money line was going to be cut off, he probably wanted to secure another source of funds in advance. And Arentine, who sat next to her, said nothing. He was just looking straight ahead with an indifferent gaze. 

Looking at it this way, she feel sorry for her brother.

 

After Vilos’ request, people’s eyes turned to Sorel.

 

“I am…”

 

Sorel’s silver eyes turned to her for a moment.

 

“My sister’s wedding is just a few days away. I am… I want to be my sister’s bridesmaid.”

 

—————————————————————

Translator Note: