How To Survive As a Villain on the Verge of Death

What was he going to say to whom? She thought it was a joke, but Arentine’s expression was very serious. Was he really going to call Terence and nag him not to let her take care of the mansion? She urgently waved her hand to stop him.

 

“No, it’s okay. Don’t do that. It’s something I have to do anyway. Even if it’s hard, I have to work hard.”

 

“How long have you been married?” …If things get tough, hire a manager.”

 

Arentine sighed quietly with a confused expression on his face.

 

“It looks like the Grand Duke is too busy to pay close attention.”

 

As expected, she felt like he wanted to meet him in person and nag him. Why was her brother acting like this all of a sudden? He seemed like a polarizing guardian who took care of a child. Then, suddenly, she realized something. In the original, Eve was an idiot who couldn’t even calculate numbers properly. She’s the younger sister who couldn’t calculate things and didn’t have basic common sense. Did he suddenly think that she was too busy managing that large mansion by herself?

 

“Do not worry. I’ve been learning hard so far, so it’s not difficult anymore. I had been free lately, so I came to visit the imperial palace.”

 

Even after saying that, Arentine looked at her pitifully, as if he still was worried.

 

“That’s good, but… Never overdo it. You’re a newlywed, so you need to live comfortably.”

 

“Okay.”

 

But why were they talking about this? The empress was kicked out, and now one of the princesses was also going to be kicked out. Shouldn’t he start by talking about the situation in the imperial palace? She thought the conversation came to this point because she was making excuses for not coming to the palace until now, saying that work at the mansion was difficult.

 

“Now that I think about it, I heard that something happened because of Sorel.”

 

“Yes, the punishment was decided quickly so it wasn’t a big problem.”

 

“She was punished more severely than I expected. Why did His Majesty punish Sorel so severely?”

 

“I think it was because of the Duke of Rohan’s respect. His Majesty has recently been displeased with Sorel because of the deposed Empress. That must have had an impact, too.”

 

Seeing that even Arentin said that, she guessed that was the mainstream opinion regarding this decision. But she was still a bit uneasy about the Emperor’s attitude.

 

“What is Sorel doing?”

 

“Are you here to ask that?”

 

Arentine gave her an expression that said he could clearly see what was inside her. Since Eve hated Sorel so much, she must have thought that she had come to see her in a miserable situation.

 

“I came to meet my brother and find out about her affairs and the situation at the imperial palace.”

 

“Sorel is still trapped in the princess’s palace. I heard she will be moving to her villa soon.”

 

“We can’t meet each other, right?”

 

“I cannot let you in because His Majesty has not allowed anyone to enter or leave her palace.”

 

In that case, Sorel was completely imprisoned.

 

Arentine put down his teacup and changed the subject.

 

“Now that I think about it, I heard that you were a great help in treating Princess Rohan’s illness. Is that true?”

 

“I was lucky. I got a hint from what her maid said.”

 

“Thanks to you, the duke was very friendly to you. He praises you every time we meet.”

 

As Diane’s illness improved, the Duke’s attitude became increasingly kinder. These days, he completely treated her like a benefactor.

 

‘It’s a good thing.’

 

She was only trying to help Diane, but she wasn’t trying to recruit the dukedom. Thanks to this, the Rohan family would help Terence in the future. According to the foreknowledge she had seen so far, it seemed that he would be clearly turning his back on the imperial family and siding with the Grand Duchy.

 

“I heard that the duke’s house will be holding a banquet soon. Are you attending too?”

 

“Of course I have to go. Is brother attending too?”

 

“I got an invitation, so I guess I should go.”

 

Since Diane secretly liked Arentine, she thought it was a good thing. Diane would be happy if she and Arentine attended.

 

At the end of the conversation, she said something that suddenly occurred to her.

 

“Oh right. I want to meet Lord Sheldon, where is he now?”

 

“Mikhail Sheldon? Why are you meeting him?”

 

Arentine gave her a look that said he couldn’t understand. In his opinion, Eve had no contact with Mikhail at all. Since Mikhail was chosen by the emperor, he would not have a close relationship with Arentine.

 

“That person came to the mansion some time ago, and I have something to ask you about it.”

 

Arentine seemed to expect a detailed explanation, but she did not tell him the details. It’s not that she doubted Arentine, but there were so many things she couldn’t explain when inquired about her relationship with Mikhail. Instead of explaining, she only brought out the main point.

 

“Can you sing quietly so that others don’t know?”

 

Arentine realized that she was not going to tell him the inside story and sighed again. But he didn’t refuse her request.

 

“Well, there’s nothing difficult about it.”

 

* * *

 

After leaving the Prince’s Palace, she headed to the garden where she had previously met Mikhail. It was a garden to the west of the first princess’s palace where she stayed. Lavender flower beds spread out in all directions and a white pavilion in the middle. This was where, once, when the Empress tried to give her medicine, she called Mikhail to her aid.

 

She secretly sent a message to Mikhail, mentioning the incident.

 

‘Let’s meet at the place where we first talked about Lana’.

 

It’s not that long ago, so she was sure he would remember it and come back. She looked around the partially snow-covered garden inside the pavilion and asked Bayan next to her.

 

“There was nothing strange about Mikhail when you saw him before, right?”

 

[There was nothing at all. He was an extremely ordinary human being.]

 

“Right.”

 

She was glad that there was nothing suspicious about Mikhail, but it didn’t put her mind at ease. According to the explanation she heard yesterday, it was said that a shaman couldn’t be distinguished from the outside. Even if Mikhail knew how to do witchcraft, she didn’t think he would harm her.

 

[Are you saying that that man is the Grand Duke’s brother? He didn’t look much alike.]

 

“Well, they’re not real brothers.”

 

His biological brother, Lot, also did not look much like Terence. Looking at his current appearance, Lot seemed likely to grow up to be a young man with a softer appearance.

 

At that time, she saw Mikhail in the distance. He found her inside the pavilion and came towards her.

 

“Are you looking for me, Your Highness?”

 

“Thank you for coming.”

 

She thought he was very upset because of Sorel, but he seemed to be in better shape than she expected. But even if he looked fine on the outside, he could be very confused. Even though they hadn’t progressed to the romantic stage yet, Mikhail was quite close to Sorel. So she felt sorry for him, but she couldn’t bring up Sorel first. Even hearing Sorel’s name would hurt him now.

 

“Actually, I wanted to ask you something, so I asked to meet you for a moment.”

 

She took out a pink flower that she had kept in her pocket.

 

“This is it.”

 

“Is there something wrong with this flower?”

 

“I don’t think there’s a problem. May I ask where you learned how to make this?”

 

While asking that question, she carefully looked at each of Mikhail’s facial expressions. She wondered if any slight anxiety or doubt appeared. However, Mikhail was not at all embarrassed and answered with a calm face.

 

“I learned it when I worked at the temple.”

 

“In the temple?”

 

“Yes, when I was young, I worked at the temple cleaning the library and running errands.”

 

Mikhail looked at the flowers in her hand with relaxed and calm eyes, as if reminiscing about his old memories.

 

“One day, while I was organizing an old library in the basement, I found a book about witchcraft, so I read it out of curiosity. I just skimmed through the other information, but I heard that the flower is an object for wishing happiness, so I wrote down how to make it.”

 

“I see.”

 

She wondered if Sorel had taught her this, but no. It didn’t seem like Mikhail was lying. There wasn’t even a fake face on his face. All he had was a bitter and peaceful expression as he recalled memories of his difficult childhood.

 

“I guess there are a lot of libraries like that in the temple.”

 

While saying that, she glanced down at Bayan. Did he know just by looking at his eyes? She asked an unspoken question, and Bayan raised his head and answered.

 

[The main shrine has been repaired and expanded over hundreds of years. I stayed there for a while, but I couldn’t even tour the entire basement.]

 

Bayan, who was sitting at the table, answered shamelessly. Mikhail turned his gaze to Bayan. A friendly smile appeared around his delicate eyes.

 

“The cat is cute.”

 

She understood everything, but to Mikhail’s ears, it probably sounded like a cat meowing.

 

“It looks like he had gained weight since I saw him before. It must be thanks to Her Highness’s good care.”

 

No. It’s because he lounged around all day eating the food the maids bring. Bayan seemed to be offended by the idea that he had gained weight, so he thumped the table with his tail. Mikhail looked at Bayan cutely and then answered her question.

 

“There are three major archives in the temple, and there are also numerous large and small archives underground. Actually, the only place I know of is the North Library. I only worked there.”

 

“I see.”

 

There was a time in the past when she went into the underground library with Mikhail to receive sap from the sacred tree. Even though they went to the library hidden deep underground without any explanation, Mikhail wasn’t surprised at all. While he was working at the temple, he had seen such a library many times, so he was familiar with it.

 

“Is that book you saw still there?”

 

“Well. It was so long ago.”

 

“Do you by any chance remember where it is?”

 

“I roughly remember where it was.”

 

Mikhail squinted his eyes as if trying to recall his memories.

 

“It was one of the libraries in the basement of the North Archives, but I don’t remember exactly where it was.”

 

Well, it must have been many years ago, so he probably didn’t remember it perfectly.

 

“Do you think I can find it if I go again?”

 

Instead of answering, Mikhail met her gaze with deep, watery eyes.

 

“Do you need that book?”

 

“Are you going to keep the secret?”

 

“Of course.”

 

She trusted Mikhail. Because it seemed like he hadn’t told anyone what happened so far.

 

“We need similar books other than that book. As much as possible.”

 

Although the topic of witchcraft was not mentioned, Mikhail showed some understanding in his eyes.

 

“If you need it, I’d love to find it and bring it to you, but I heard that that area was closed off a few years ago and you can’t go in.”

 

After all, it was a closed area.

 

“Still, I have to try to get in somehow. Even if it’s an enemy, please tell me the location.”

 

“Is Your Highness going to go in person?”

 

“Huh. I also wanted to go to the temple archives.”

 

If a young servant went in to clean it and found it, it would mean that there were quite a few books on witchcraft inside. What Mikhail saw must have been an ordinary magic book. Perhaps there was a hidden book with more detailed information. However, Mikhail looked very embarrassed after hearing what she said.

 

“The basement of the North Archives is complicated with corridors on each floor, so you will have a hard time finding your way.”

 

Then it’s a bit difficult. She could talk to the temple and ask them to send someone to guide her. But if she did that, other people may be told that she found a magic book. That would be a problem, especially if it got to the imperial palace… She couldn’t take that risk. While she was pondering, Mikhail carefully made a suggestion.

 

“If you don’t mind, I will guide you.”

 

“Really? Can you do that?”

 

Instead of answering, Mikhail turned to her with a serious look and asked a question.

 

“You definitely need that book this time, right? Just like last time you were looking for scented candles for Princess Diane. Isn’t it?”

 

Mikhail was a great help the last time she went to the temple to find scented candles.

 

“It’s similar.”

 

Last time she was trying to save Diane’s life, and this time she’s trying to save hers.

 

“Then, of course, I think we should help you with anything.”

 

She guessed this meant that if it’s about helping others, he should naturally cooperate. She looked into Mikhail’s kind-looking dark green eyes. This was why she liked Mikhail even when she read the original. Because of such a kind and simple personality. Although Terence might be offended if he found out that she went to the temple with Mikhail. But she couldn’t help it now. She needed to take Mikhail to find the location. It would be okay because it’s only for a moment. She was only going into the basement library and coming out, to do something.

 

“Then let’s set a time in the afternoon and meet secretly at the temple.”

 

If she went to the temple with Mikhail, she would attract people’s attention. It would be better for each of them to go to the temple and meet quietly. She could stay at the imperial palace longer and then go through the downtown area to the temple. With that in mind, she decided on a meeting place and appointment time at the temple.

 

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Translator Note: