How To Survive As a Villain on the Verge of Death

The sudden sound of footsteps naturally drew her attention in that direction. Since this was a temple, anyone could come and go. Could it be possible that something dangerous could happen in a temple that was essentially a public place in broad daylight like this? Still, she got nervous without realizing it when she heard someone approaching. The knight of the Grand Duchy who followed them also turned his gaze in that direction. However, the person who appeared through the garden’s corner gate was a familiar face.

 

“Your Majesty Rain.”

 

“Mikhail?”

 

Mikhail, wearing the knight’s uniform, walked towards me with welcoming eyes.

 

He seemed genuinely happy to meet me.

 

“He stopped by the temple and heard that you were here and came to say hello.”

 

“I see. It’s nice to see you again in a place like this.”

 

As if to prove that he had left the imperial palace, two other imperial knights were following behind him. Now that she thought about it, it was the first time they met since they parted ways in the garden of the mansion. At that time, she very awkwardly chased away Mikhail, who had even prepared a wedding gift. Since she had such a history, she was sorry to leave after receiving only a cold greeting.

 

She asked, glancing at the knights behind him.

 

“What brought you to the temple?”

 

“His Majesty the Emperor asked me to deliver a personal letter to the Minister. But, he had to leave…”

 

That was the reason. It seemed like the high priest ran away when he heard she was coming. While she was thinking that, Lot, who had been quietly observing Mikhail, took a step forward.

 

“Hello.”

 

Mikhail stopped the moment his eyes fell on Lot.

 

“Ah…”

 

It was only a fleeting moment, but she did not miss the feeling of guilt that flashed through Mikhail’s calm eyes. He seemed to have realized belatedly who Lot was.

 

‘Is this the first time you two meet?’

 

But the moment of panic was short-lived. Mikhail bowed his head politely with a friendly smile.

 

“Nice to meet you, Confucius. I am Mikhail Sheldon, vice-captain of the Imperial Knights.”

 

“They are imperial knights.”

 

When Lot heard that they were imperial knights, he looked at Mikhail and his companions with curious eyes. Was being an imperial knight an object of envy for noble boys? Lot said innocently, his eyes shining.

 

“I also want to become an imperial knight. I think it would be cool to work at the imperial palace.”

 

…No, no. How bad was Terence’s relationship with the imperial family? Now, not only Terence but also she had become enemies with the imperial family. Since Lot didn’t know anything about such circumstances, he seemed to have a vague admiration for the Imperial Knights. Perhaps Mikhail had the same thought, and a bitter look appeared in his eyes before disappearing.

 

“I’m honored that you think so.”

 

It wasn’t enough that she met Mikhail, she also told Lot, so if Terence found out, he would be angry again.

 

‘I felt it last time, but it seems like Michael knows that he is a descendant of the Grand Duke.’

 

Did you hear it from your mother? In fact, considering the time when the previous Grand Duke died, it was highly likely that Mikhail often met his biological father. He naturally discovered that he was the son of a Grand Duke. Now that she thought about it, the story she heard yesterday was a bit shocking. Because the relationship between the Grand Duke and Michael and his mother was completely different from the original. This world was similar to the original, but slightly different here and there. Sorel, who seemed like an angel in the original, has a completely different personality. She suddenly wondered why there were parts that were different from the original. Shouldn’t it all be the same or all different? 

Why were some parts the same and others different? If the original work she read was wrong, why are there parts that are the same as the original?

 

‘How does that book contain the contents of this world in the first place?’

 

If you think about it, that was questionable. How did an ordinary romance novel that she happened to read contain a story from this world? Could it be that someone wrote a story about this world and that it came to the world she lived in?

 

‘If you want to write, do you have to write it properly or why are there mistakes in the middle?’

 

The story of Sorel, as well as Mikhail’s parents before his eyes, was completely different. In the original, Mikhail’s mother was threatened by the Grand Duke, a libertine, and had no choice but to have a brief romantic relationship and then abandon him. It turned out that it was an act and that it was an affair in which they both liked each other for a long time. Although it’s still not Mikhail’s fault. At least after hearing the situation, she understood why Terence was so angry at Mikhail. As if that wasn’t enough, Mikhail also had the right to inherit the Grand Duke’s family.

 

‘But as a third party, I can’t get in the middle and make a fuss.’

 

For her, it would be best to avoid mixing words as naturally as possible. But when she heard that he was an emperor, his curiosity arose. She asked Mikhail a question before leaving.

 

“Does His Majesty the Emperor have any business with you? Has something happened at the imperial palace?”

 

“That is…”

 

Mikhail trailed off as if embarrassed, then lowered his voice.

 

“It probably has something to do with Her Majesty the Empress. The investigation is now being concluded.”

 

‘Ah, I see.’

 

Now that she thought about it, she didn’t think she heard anything about the imperial palace from Terence. Even though he was in charge, Terence did not tell him about the Empress’s affairs. The fact that nothing is said means that the matter is being resolved without incident. From Terence’s perspective, a successful resolution meant that the Empress would eventually be dethroned. But before her emperor could dethrone her empress, he had to first divorce her. And the emperor’s divorce process also required the seal of the high priest. She was wondering why he even sent articles while sending a personal letter, and it turned out that was because of that. Well, if it’s something like that, it’s not a good idea to just send an attendant. After hearing the story, she understood what happened. She came after receiving an order from the emperor, but since the high priest was away, he must have been waiting. Then he heard that she was here and came to say hello.

 

“Excuse me, but what happened to Your Highness…”

 

“I came here to get scented candles for a reason.”

 

“Scented candles?”

 

“Yes, I need a lot of scented candles for the main building.”

 

She only told Mikhail that she had gotten some incense sticks and sent them by carriage. She didn’t say why she was getting it or what she was going to use it for.

 

“But what we have here is not enough. I want to get more of that scented candle, so I’m going to the street where the perfumer is.”

 

While saying that, she naturally tried to leave, but Mikhail hesitated for a moment and then spoke.

 

“It may be presumptuous to say this, but there are probably more scented candles used in temples elsewhere than in perfumeries.”

 

“Where is it?”

 

She could only get a little bit here, but she didn’t want to waste her money by going to the perfumer. If there was a place with lots of scented candles, she had to go there. Mikhail glanced at Lot with a slightly embarrassed smile.

 

“This is an herbal medicine shop run by a shaman.”

 

“A Shaman?”

 

An unexpected answer came out.

 

“I heard that witchcraft is a superstition.”

 

“There are people, albeit a small minority, who want to rely on that.”

 

Did this mean that even though it was a superstition, there were people who believed it?

 

“In fact, the medicines sold at such places are often cheaper than those from doctors.”

 

After listening to what Mikhail added, I was able to understand how witchcraft was treated in this world. Most people laughed at it as nonsense and treated it as a trivial superstition even in temples, but there were people who believed it seriously and there were people who bought medicine with magical powers. Suddenly, she remembered the wedding gift Mikhail gave her. Bayan said it was real witchcraft. Even though they said it would have no effect at all.

 

“Mikhail, do you know much about witchcraft?”

 

“No, I don’t know much.”

 

Mikhail lowered his voice a little more with an embarrassed look in his eyes.

 

“When I was working at a temple, if there was a sudden shortage of scented candles, I saw them go to those places and get them in a hurry. Actually, everyone was quiet about it because they thought it would be criticized if other people found out.”

 

“I see.”

 

If you tell the temple people that they urgently needed scented candles and went to the shaman’s shop, everyone would think it’s ridiculous. However, since witchcraft itself was not a taboo and was just regarded as a superstition, it seemed that people used to go and restock their inventory when they were in a hurry.

 

“Where is the shaman’s store?”

 

“The place I know is a bit far from the downtown area.”

 

Mikhail gave her the address of the store.

 

“Thanks for letting me know.”

 

“I’m glad it helped.”

 

She thanked Mikhail and was about to leave with Lot. Before leaving, Lot smiled and greeted Mikhail.

 

“Goodbye.”

 

Mikhail looked at Lot for a moment with a slightly sad look, then silently lowered his head. She looked at him and then turned around. It seemed like Arentine and I were not the only ones suffering because of our strange father. She couldn’t even imagine what it must be like to meet my half-brother like this.

 

‘I hope Mikhail can get along without any problems.’

 

Last time she held Mikhail’s hand to see his future, she saw nothing. She regretted belatedly thatsheI should have held his hand again this time.

 

* * *

 

He got some scented candles and even made a reservation to get more, so he didn’t have anything else to do before. She left the temple and headed to the downtown area. She was thinking of going to the store that Mikhail told her about. Fortunately, the shaman’s shop was located close to the downtown area. Next to a store selling fabric, she saw a sign with unknown characters written on it.

 

‘Is it that place?’

 

When she heard that it was a shaman’s shop, she vaguely imagined a dirty and shady back alley. She thought it was a secret store hidden in a secluded area, but surprisingly, it was a normal-looking store located in an ordinary shopping street. If the place was too strange, she was going to leave Lot in the carriage.

 

“I guess it’s over there.”

 

Lot, who was standing close to the window, pointed to a sign with strange letters on it. Across from the store, there was also a small cafe that sold ice cream. She pointed to the sign with the ice cream on it.

 

“Lot, would you like to go over there and wait for a moment?”

 

“But I also want to see the shaman.”

 

“I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.”

 

Terence would be very angry if he finds out that young Lot was taken to such a suspicious place. He would still be displeased if he found out that he had run into Mikhail.

 

“Go to the downtown area and buy toys. I will buy you a lot.”

 

“Can I go to the pet store and buy some toys for Bayan?”

 

“…sure.”

 

Although she didn’t think Bayan would play with it. Lot heard her promise and headed to the ice cream shop with the knight. She left the knights outside and entered the shaman’s shop. 

As soon as she opened the glass door and walked inside, she was immediately hit by the smell of all kinds of spices mixed together. The inside of the store was full of dried grass and medicine bottles. There were also ornaments made from dried flowers and small crystals placed in gemstones. All the products were neatly placed on shelves and cabinets. For a store that deals in witchcraft and suspicious drugs, it had a very clean and cute atmosphere. 

 

The old woman sitting at the counter stood up, happy to see her. She seems to be the store owner. She looked her outfit up and down.

 

“Let’s see. Let me guess. You are a nobleman. Right?”

 

Nope. Even though she was married to a Grand Duke, her official status was imperial, not noble. However, the owner added confidently, as if she was sure of her guess.

 

“Hmm. It’s a love-related issue. No, it seems like a child problem.”

 

“…”

 

The moment she heard that, she understood why people here believe witchcraft was a superstition. Everything from the fact that she was a noblewoman to the business she came for was wrong. She was worried about whether it would be possible to make a living with this job. So she guessed they handle medicines as well. There was absolutely no profit from witchcraft.

 

“Neither.”

 

She took out a leaf of the scented candle she had brought from the carriage and showed it.

 

“I’m trying to get a lot of these scented candles, but do you happen to have them here?”

 

As soon as the owner looked at the scented candle, he nodded confidently.

 

“Oh, sure. There is a lot of this.”

 

“Okay?”

 

She came to the right place. In fact, there were some similarities between the religious rituals and magic here. The temple values sacred trees, and the magic flowers that Mikhail made before also used flowers from sacred trees. The owner went into the store and came out holding two large bags. The bag containing the scented candle resembled the upper body of an old woman. The owner groaned and set it down next to the counter.

 

“There’s more downstairs. Can I get you some more?”

 

“Yes. Oh, wait a moment.”

 

She called the drivers waiting outside the door and had them bring the bags of herbs and load them into the carriage. Even at a rough estimate, it was about 7 to 8 times the amount obtained from the temple. 

 

‘Wow, I was able to get a lot of things really easily thanks to Mikhail’s tips.’

 

Priests said this was difficult to find.

 

“I guess this is used a lot in witchcraft.”

 

“Sure. This is sacred grass.”

 

Although it was a sacred herb, it seemed to have no use other than incense, but she didn’t bother to ask any more questions.

 

“Thank you, by the way, miss.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

She paid for the scented candle and was about to turn around when the owner suddenly looked at me and said something strange.

 

“Miss, I see bad signs nearby.”

 

“Right.”

 

There was not even 0.0001% trust. In the first place, they didn’t even recognize her as a princess with holy powers, so how could she trust them?

 

‘First of all, you have absolutely no insight in calling me, officially a married woman, a young lady.’

 

But the owner looked at her closely and spoke with a confident voice.

 

“It was quite a while ago, so the traces are faint, but clear. It seems like a very bad energy has passed. It’s a very evil and strong energy.”

 

“Okay, thanks for the advice.”

 

She tried her best to explain it, but they ignored it, so she gave a cursory answer and turned around. She opened the door and was about to leave when a quiet voice followed her from behind.

 

“Please be careful.”

 

The last voice was drowned out by the sound of the door closing and could not be heard properly.

 

“Someone cursed you a long time ago.”

 

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Translator Note: