How To Survive As a Villain on the Verge of Death

The identity of the scented candle was quickly discovered. When she remembered that it was a scented candle used in temples, she was able to identify it so easily that her search so far was in vain. As soon as she went to the library, she started looking for a book about religious items, and as soon as she turned the page about the scent of lotus, she saw the scented candle in question.

 

“Oh, this is it!”

 

As expected, the grass that appeared in the forecast was a scented candle used in religious ceremonies. It was also stated that incense containing this scented candle was used only in temples worshiping the gods of heaven. The main building of the temple was a place to worship the main deity, Heavenly God, so this incense was used only there. Because it was a unique herb used only for making incense, the name was simply “ancestral rite.”

 

In fact, it was a nameless herb, but it was kindly explained in the book that it was given that name because it was often used in temples.

 

‘I can’t believe this was the key to the cure.’

 

Suddenly, I remembered the story that Diane’s illness had improved when the Duke and Duchess went to pray at the temple. It was said that the Duke donated a lot of money because he thought the disease would be cured by the power of God.

 

‘Now I see that his condition has improved because he smelled a lot of the scented candles used in the temple.’

 

Without knowing that, she thought it was thanks to God. She could also imagine what happened after that. Perhaps, as winter approaches, Diane goes to the temple less frequently, and things return to their previous state. Since sending money to the temple no longer has any benefit, the Duke and Duchess must have stopped donating to the temple.

 

“I need to get a lot of this grass and give it to the doctor and tell him to do some research.”

 

Simply bringing a lot of scented candles did not cure the disease. In her premonition, Diane filled her bedroom with this plant, but eventually died. If they create a cure using this, they would be able to completely cure it.

 

“I’ll see where I can get it.”

 

“First of all, I’m going to go to the temple tomorrow and see if I can get this scented candle.”

 

According to the description in the book, this incense is made directly at the temple, and people who want to pray at home buy incense, so perfumers make it and sell it. The temple used incense every day, so there must be a stock prepared. She asked Terence, thinking about going to the temple.

 

“Can I take Lot with me? After stopping by the temple, I want to go to the perfumer.”

 

Lot was always bored at home, so she thought it would be a good idea to take him outside.

 

“It’s okay as long as you bring enough escorts.”

 

When she heard Terence’s answer, she became worried. She didn’t want to take a bunch of knights with her when she went out on the street. She would like to take just one or two people out and look around quietly. She wondered if something big would happen since she was going out to the downtown area, but Terence had a strong look in his eyes that said he would never back down. He added clearly, as if he could clearly see what she was thinking.

 

“I’m telling you because you seem to be worried, but even if you go out alone, you’ll need to bring enough escorts.”

 

“If you don’t like it, just call the priest at home and ask him to bring scented candles.”

 

“No. I also want to go to the temple for the first time in a long time.”

 

At this point, she wanted to go out to the streets where there were shops. She wanted to see the shopping street more than the temple. She went there once before to buy Lot’s toys, but that day she only stopped by the toy store and came back right away. In fact, the only places she visited when she came to this world were the imperial palace, temples, and the mansions of nobles. At this time, she also wanted to look outside and find out more about what the places where ordinary people live look like. Of course, there was work to do before that. The next morning, they called Lot over and sat down next to each other.

 

“…sorry.”

 

As soon as Lot saw them, he admitted his mistake without any need for questioning. On the other hand, Bayan, who was sitting at the table, muttered very shamelessly.

 

[I did nothing wrong. I just didn’t say anything because I thought the two of us needed to talk.]

 

Even as he said that, Bayan stayed in Lot’s room until morning. She guessed he was afraid that she would question him. Actually, she didn’t know that even Bayan knew about this. Even though Bayan often plays with Lot, she never expected him to know this and hide it. But since last night, Bayan has disappeared and has not been seen. When Bayan asked her where she had gone, she answered with a happy smile on her face.

 

“They say Bayan is sleeping in Master Lot’s bedroom. He’s been avoiding you, Master, but it looks like you’ve gotten closer to him by hanging out with him, right?”

 

Nell was happy imagining cute cats and cute Lots playing and sleeping together. The moment she heard those words, she knew. Even though Bayan knew this, he didn’t tell her. So, he must be hiding in Lot’s room to avoid her.

 

Little Lot went to bed early as usual. He went in there and he couldn’t bring Bayan. Bayan stayed next to Lot until now, but when Lot called them, they walked out together.

 

“Lot, you can’t play pranks like that.”

 

Terence sighed and reprimanded Lot lightly. Lot clenched his hands and lowered his head listlessly.

 

“But… I thought it would be good if the two of you reconciled…”

 

Terence quietly exchanged glances with her and spoke.

 

“Don’t worry, the two of us are getting along well.”

 

At those words, Lot raised his head slightly.

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes it is. There was a small disagreement, but we have now reconciled.”

 

As she spoke with a smile, Lot looked at the two of them with skeptical eyes. Although she didn’t really believe it, it was a face full of hope that it would be true. Bayan, on the other hand, made an overtly funny expression, but she ignored it. She leaned over to Terence, who was sitting next to her. He held her shoulder with one hand and lightly brushed his lips against her neat face. Terence, who was still looking at Lot, was startled the moment her lips touched his cheek.

 

“Look, okay?”

 

She smiled serenely and turned her head to Lot. She felt extremely shy, embarrassed, and her face was burning, but she desperately tried to suppress it. Terence remained silent, frozen like a stone statue. They seemed very surprised because she made a surprise move without warning. There was nothing they could do to reassure Lot. Besides, they decided to officially date last night. So this was okay… Right?

 

While she was holding back her shame and rationalizing it, Terence came to his senses and spoke stiffly.

 

“Okay. As you can see, we have now reconciled.”

 

It was an awkward scene in any way, but young Lot seemed satisfied with it.

 

“What a relief! Everyone will be happy!”

 

This time, Bayan laughed as if it was ridiculous, but it didn’t matter. Because Lot believes them and was happy.

 

“By everyone, you mean the servants and Diane?”

 

“Ah… Did you know?”

 

Lot was startled when the name Diane came out of Terence’s mouth. It was Diane’s idea, after all. She quickly changed the topic, looking at Terence’s thoughts.

 

“If it’s okay with you Lot, would you like to go to the temple with me today? Maybe I’ll stop by the shopping district too.”

 

“Yes, I like it! I want to go too!”

 

Terence sighed and stood up as if he had no choice.

 

“Then I will go to the imperial palace. Both of you, please be careful.”

 

So the three of them split into two and left the mansion. As promised to Terence, their group was accompanied by servants and about a dozen knights. She wondered if there was a need for so many people to go together, but they were not only going to the temple, but they were also going to the downtown area. Moreover, since she was not alone and Lot was with her, it seemed like there was nothing she could do. Anyway, the carriage carrying them headed to the temple smoothly.

 

Now the road to the temple felt familiar. Actually, it seemed like the only places she was familiar with in this world were temples and the Grand Duke’s mansion.

 

“Princess, can I go look at the garden here?”

 

“Sure, let’s go look around together.”

 

When Lot arrived at the temple, he looked around and was very happy. Young children would find it boring even if they came to a temple. She hadn’t been anywhere else except the mansion, so wherever she went seemed to be good.

 

First, she took Lot and headed to the main building of the temple. Perhaps by coincidence, there was no high priest today as well. Maybe he ran away after hearing that she was coming.

 

“Where are the incense sticks and ritual tools made?”

 

“Please come this way, Your Majesty. I will guide you.”

 

As she walked along the garden path behind the main building, she came across a small building.

 

“Scent of lotus is made here.”

 

The inside was full of various incense burners and small statues. On one shelf, there was a box containing dried grass and tree bark. The middle-aged priest in charge bowed his head deeply to her.

 

“I want to get a plant called ancestral rite, is it here?”

 

“Of course. Your Highness, the grand Duchess.”

 

The priest immediately brought a box containing scented candles.

 

“There are so many here.”

 

The box he brought was full of dried grass blades. When she tilted her head to look into the box, she smelled a familiar grassy smell. The shape and scent were identical to the scented candle seen in the vision. But there was one problem.

 

“…This isn’t everything, right?”

 

The box he brought was small enough to fill with a few books. Of course, even if she took out all the scented candles there, there were only enough to fill a small basket. Surely there were more?

 

“I’m sorry, but this is all I have for now. I don’t use this scented candle very often.”

 

“I heard you use it every day in the main building?”

 

Did it say that in the book?

 

“That’s true, but this scented candle has a strong scent, so only a small amount is added to create a soft scent…”

 

The priest trailed off his words as if he was frightened. It turned out that this scented candle was only used in very small quantities. Even when she smelled it like this, the scent was a bit strong.

 

“Can I get more right now?”

 

But this was no problem. Even though they filled Diane’s bedroom, they couldn’t fix it in the end. Considering that it would be used to research treatments, there should have been much more than this.

 

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. It will take a good two weeks to get something from another temple.”

 

“Please contact me immediately and save me. It’s very important.”

 

The middle-aged priest glanced at the other priest who guided us with a puzzled look in his eyes. She wanted to say no, but it seemed like she couldn’t dare because of her status.

 

“Ah, I understand, princess. I will contact you right away.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

She said as she took up the box the priest brought.

 

“Then can I get all of this?”

 

“Um, everything?”

 

“If necessary, I will spare you a little.”

 

They say that when making incense, only a very small amount is added. Then, wouldn’t it be enough to save just the amount you will use for this week?

 

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help it because it’s a matter of people’s lives. It’s a bit much to call it a price, but I think the temple will provide ample compensation.”

 

Of course, the compensation was a donation. The expressions of the two priests immediately became calm when they heard that they would provide compensation. The young priest who guided her bowed his head deeply.

 

“If His Highness needs it, of course we should help.”

 

After all, if you have money, anything is possible. She took the scented candle and left the temple.

 

“Thank you. When the High Priest returns, please convey my thanks.”

 

She brought everything, but no matter how she looked at it, it wasn’t enough. Since there were very few scented candles obtained here, she would have to go to the perfume store in the shopping district. She wished there were more of them. Even though the temple was the place where that glue was used the most, she didn’t have much expectations about the perfume shop, seeing as this was the only place they had it. The scented candles were picked up by a servant who followed them and had him bring them to the carriage. Instead of going back toward the main building, she walked along the temple garden path with Lot. She was thinking of taking a quick look before going to the downtown area.

 

Lot asked her after entering the garden.

 

“Princess, did you get that grass because of Diane?”

 

“Is it so. Maybe that could help cure Miss Diane’s illness.”

 

“As expected, it was like that. I really hope it works.”

 

Lot said with quite earnest eyes. Of course, young Lot must have seen Diane sick many times. Then, she saw a white tree in the distance.

 

“Ah, there’s a sacred tree over there.”

 

There was a pure white tree on a snow-covered garden. It was a sacred tree at the center of the main shrine. This was the tree from which she picked flowers a while ago. Even though some time had passed, the sacred tree was still the same as before. It stood quietly in a pure white light on a garden still covered with white snow.

 

“There are flowers up there.”

 

Lot said while looking at the tree. At the place Lot pointed to, there were several pure white sacred tree flowers.

 

“I heard your mother liked that flower.”

 

“That’s right.”

 

With that excuse, she forced Terence to give her that flower. It hadn’t been that long, but it already feels like a memory. When she thought about it, that was her first meeting with Terence. What did he say to her then? He probably said something cruel like if she bothered him one more time, he would break her neck or something like that.

 

‘Our relationship has changed a lot during that time.’

 

Looking back, she realized she was really shameless. Because she appeared out of nowhere and forced him to take the flowers. Still, because he accepted the sacred tree’s flowers that day, they were together like this now.

 

“I’ve never seen her mother.”

 

She heard Lot’s quiet voice from next to her.

 

“I haven’t seen my father either. I wonder what kind of people they were.”

 

Suddenly, she remembered the story she heard from Terence last night. She said, comforting Lot.

 

“He was a good person. He was a kind and wise man.”

 

Of course, this was an evaluation of the Grand Duchess. The Grand Duchess in the original work was a wonderful mother who briefly led the Grand Duchess in place of her dead husband and protected her son. On the other hand, nothing good could be said about the dead Grand Duke, so she just omitted it. In fact, there was not much information about the Grand Duke as it did not appear in the original work.

 

Lot laughed brightly after hearing what she said.

 

“I’m glad the princess came to the mansion.”

 

Seeing that smile made her heart feel warm. It was when she was looking at the sacred tree in such a warm atmosphere. Footsteps were heard from the other side.

 

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