The Villainess Lives Twice

Hayley wanted to do more investigation into Bishop Akim’s death.

Artizea said that she was one step late because she woke up late, and that it wasn’t Hayley’s fault and told Hayley to forget it. But Hayley couldn’t be so at ease.

It was, in many ways, an unacceptable ending. Perhaps it was because Bishop Akim had been poisoned.

Hayley has seen many different forms of death. In fact, if she had been an ordinary woman in the capital, she would never have attended as many funerals as she did.

However, it was her first time for assassination.

But she never had a chance to properly investigate.

As Artizea said, at the time the body of Bishop Akim was discovered, the evidence had already been removed.

The kitchen servant went missing, and the servant who normally brought the meal stopped working during that day.

The guards captured the servant, but it was true that he quit his job after receiving a letter from his hometown stating that his mother was in a critical condition.

Bishop Akim’s study and bedroom were closed by the guard. Two days after, Hayley was able to get in, it was already empty and there was nothing left.

The person guilty of treason committed suicide, so the guards would look for relevant evidence.

It was made clear that the results would not be announced.

“How could this be?”

“His Majesty must have something he doesn’t want others to see.”

Artizea sat on the bed and said calmly.

“There is no need to worry about rebellion because it is the job of the Guard. Since the risk does not turn to failure, it can be seen as a great benefit.”

“Yes.”

Hayley replied obediently. But she soon asked again, she couldn’t overcome her curiosity.

“Does His Majesty even think that Grand Duke Roygar was behind Bishop Akim’s death?”

“He won’t be sure. His Majesty is a man of many thoughts.”

Perhaps the Emperor thought that Artizea was trying to get revenge or forge evidence to drive Grand Duke Roygar.

The Emperor didn’t even know the “trick” of Marchioness Camellia.

“There will be doubts. No matter who did it, they will try to track down the evidence and keep it quiet if possible.”

“Yes.”

“That’s why I’m telling you to stop here, Hayley. It is dangerous to know that His Majesty is trying to get his hands on Bishop Akim, but it is even more dangerous if you delve too deeply into this and run into His Majesty’s undercover investigator.”

Hayley took a breath.

“You’re my lady-in-waiting, you’re not yet familiar with the capital, and the name Evron will guarantee your innocence to some extent.”

“Yes.”

“So, it’s okay to know a little bit. It’s strange to face the usage of poison and not react at all, so what you’ve known so far is just right. But no more than this. We cannot mobilize the information network.”

“It’s a shame.”

Hayley said casually.

She didn’t want things to get any bigger than this.

However, she hoped that Grand Duke Roygar would be dragged out and punished.

She hated Grand Duke Roygar. It was good enough to say he was disgusting. Perhaps, it was because she encountered Grand Duke Roygar first among the power players when she came to the capital.

It was also unpleasant that he escaped with an assassination in this way.

Artizea looked at Hayley for a moment, then smiled bitterly at her.

She thought that if it was Hayley, Hayley would get used to capital politics. Hayley seemed to have the adaptability to do so.

However, Hayley, who also appears sarcastic on the outside, has a good basic personality.

Artizea felt it anew and became envious.

Because she, herself, had never been shocked by anything like that.

＊＊＊

After the conclusion was made, the procedure for announcing it to the citizens proceeded in an instant.

Trials for heresy, human trafficking, and attempted murder were held on the same day.

The trial was brief and formal. The trial lasted only 10 minutes.

“We excommunicate Miraila Rosan for attempting to practice the forbidden curse magic through human sacrifice. All the sacraments performed by the temple have ceased to be effective, and from this moment on, Miraila is no man’s daughter, no man’s wife, and does not belong to any house.”

“…….”

“However, no matter how sinful you are, God is pitiful for humans by nature. So if she intends to repent and serve for the rest of her life, she will live in the temple.”

That was the result of the heresy trial.

The Supreme Court ruled as follows:

“The act of buying a human being for a curse and trying to kill it is extremely sinful and difficult to forgive. However, it failed, and considering the fact that she tried to comfort the victim by reflecting on it and donating all of her property, she is sentenced to life imprisonment.”

Now Miraila will be exiled to live out the rest of her life in a monastery on the western border.

It was the result in line with the intention of the temple that if the excommunicated person repents and reflects according to God’s mercy, it will be accounted as the result of exile.

The property, which would have been donated to the temple and used for the rest of Miraila’s comfortable life, would be used to compensate trafficking victims and rescue children sold from their parents. The Rosan mansion was to become an orphanage.

Miraila, emaciated, paid no attention to the verdict.

However, she kept staring at the audience; like looking for someone in it.

So Cedric had to tell her.

“I told Tia not to come. No matter what I do, she will only be tied to you and criticized.”

“…….”

“There is no reason for Tia to suffer more because of your incident.”

“She, she’s my daughter.”

“Yes. When the sacrament of baptism becomes invalid, the surname you received from your parents is lost; when the sacrament of marriage becomes invalid, the surname of your legal husband disappears; even if you do not belong to any family, your children are your children.”

Cedric said quietly.

Miraila had every reason to die. It wasn’t just because of this. Miraila should have already received the death penalty the day she poisoned Marquis Rosan.

Perhaps there were other sins that Cedric was not aware of.

But Cedric decided to overlook it without digging it all up.

“Save your life and live longer. When you die, you can’t do anything. No reconciliation, no resentment, no regrets.”

Cedric said.

“I hope you will regret it.”

She wanted to tell the story Artizea had expected her whole life, but she would have given up knowing that she would never have a chance.

“No matter who you are, no matter what you are, no matter how beautiful you are, no matter how rich you are, no matter how powerful or unloved you may be, I hope you regret not recognizing and abandoning the one person who loved you unconditionally and who was dedicated to you.”

“You, what are you?”

“I am Tia’s husband.”

Cedric’s answer was heavy. And he gestured to take her away.

Miraila was loaded onto the convoy.

She didn’t go crazy, and she didn’t cling and cry. She had already accepted her own fate.

＊＊＊

The Empress put the needle into the frame and spoke in a relaxed tone.

“Exile to the West. Gregor has made a lot of concessions.”

“Because he needed something to do to soothe his wounded pride.”

“I thought there was going to be a riot.”

“I heard that Cedric persuaded them. Life imprisonment is also under Imperial law.”

If one were to look at this case thoroughly, it was a fair punishment. Excluding the attempt on the Empress, the attempt to kill the two orphans has failed.

It wasn’t a small sin, but it wasn’t a crime enough to throw a stone to death like the crowd wanted it to be.

If it were Cedric, he would probably have stopped it even if he hadn’t thought of Artizea.

Cedric’s consideration was not in the judgment itself. The fact that the old sins were not brought out separately and that the judgment was linked to the heresy trial and the place of exile was decided as a temple.

He knew the temple itself. He decided to have a monk there, with whom he was acquainted, so that he could take care of Miraila. He also donated a small amount of money to the extent that she would have no difficulties with food, clothing and shelter.

“He did a difficult job. He cared a lot for you.”

“According to popular belief, it would have been necessary so…… I think.”

“But you wished for him not to?”

Artizea did not readily answer.

Miraila’s sins were her own. It was painful to think that her own bloodline had broken Cedric’s righteous heart.

It was holding his ankles, even though she couldn’t give him wings.

“He saved my mother’s life. I’m grateful for that alone.”

“You won’t be grateful.”

“Then, can I say that it is not a bad outcome?”

Artizea asked that.

“That’s cold.”

“I think my mother is a pitiful person, but that’s no reason why she has to be an exception.”

The Empress looked at her with deep eyes. Her eyes seemed to try to see through Artizea’s heart.

“Well, your target was not strictly Miraila, but Lawrence.”

“Yes.”

“There is no parent who gives up right away just because their child lacks something and is disappointed. I want you to remember that.”

“I know. In the first place, my mother had no one to stop her when she was angry with His Majesty and disappointed with my brother.”

“If you were determined to do that, then it‘s fine.”

The Empress said calmly.

“I thought you might have changed your mind now that you had a child, but I’m glad you didn’t.”

“…… Yes.”

Artizea lowered her eyes to hide her expression.

She didn’t know. Maybe if she wanted to have children and raise them fully, she would have to change the way she lived.

But now she couldn’t stop. The wheel had already begun to roll. If she stops now, it will be on her side that will be crushed.

“Is Your Majesty satisfied with what I have done?”

“Satisfied.”

The Empress said with a slightly thoughtful look.

“It’s fine like that. It was so noisy outside that no one was looking at the Empress’ Palace. Thanks to this, the children are adjusting well, and the guests were welcomed comfortably.”

As she said that, the Empress smiled lightly.

Viscount Pescher’s descendants still resided in the Empress’ Palace. Her old friends and vassals also visited.

If it was before, the Emperor’s surveillance would have come in.

But now he couldn’t. It had not been long since the Miraila cursing incident happened.

If something happened to the Empress’ Palace now, it was just right to say that the Emperor had avenged his mistress on his wife.

“I want this to be over before Gregor looks my way.”

“Yes.”

“Once you step into the mud, you can’t stop for the sake of the child. Although it is said to be dangerous during pregnancy, it is actually much less dangerous than when the baby was young. You don’t have to leave it in the hands of others.”

It seemed to be the story from the Empress’ experiences.

That was then.

The servant knocked on the door and came in.

“His Highness Grand Duke Evron, has come.”

“He seems to have come to pick you up?”

“Yes. I guess so.”

Artizea answered awkwardly.

The Empress smiled once more.

She and Artizea did not share personal concerns or affection. She was also judging that it wouldn’t be good, either.

But it felt good to see a husband who is dedicated to his wife. Even more so because she knew of Cedric’s childhood.

Soon Cedric came in.

“I have come. How are you, Empress?”

“How can I be good when you don’t look at me often?”

“Since when have you become the Moon Goddess?”

Cedric said lightly.

Note:

there’s something about [I am Tia’s husband.] that hits the spot just right.