The Villainess Lives Twice

Natalia said,

“His Highness Bernat said that this ornament would be made for at least twenty years.”

“In the Kingdom of Iantz, once you discover one material, you have the ability to continue to lead new trends using the same material.”

Artizea answered.

“That is the power of the Iantz. You don’t have to thank me. It was just a good thing for each other.”

Then Natalia laughed.

“His Highness Bernat said the same thing. The Grand Duchess probably thought it was in exchange for the promotion of wolf fur.”

“…….”

“Even so, I want to thank you. Even on behalf of the people of my hometown.”

Artizea stroked the teacup without answering.

She felt uncomfortable.

It was not difficult for her to use Natalia.

She was a strong person to the strong and sympathetic to the weak.

Artizea’s past was easy to win over her sympathy. The baby’s presence will be able to buy sympathy.

She was actually going to do that and that was why she had brought Leticia along.

If she’s reluctant in tricks, she’ll be honest with her on the deal.

If Bernat was the opponent, Artizea would have used both without much hesitation.

The political world of the Kingdom of Iantz was as dirty and dark as the Empire, and the upper authorities systematically exercised enormous power.

Bernat walked the tightrope in the midst of it, on behalf of the dull king and practically leading the state affairs.

Artizea liked such a person. In fact, he was easier to deal with than anyone else.

She didn’t have to say much. The contract will be upheld as long as the mutual interests are met.

There was no burden of deceit and betrayal. Because the one who was deceived was simply more foolish.

But Natalia was different.

She didn’t even know that maybe this was the only change in her mindset from before she returned.

She didn’t feel comfortable using such a person. Because she now knows that there are people with whom you can be honest and ask for help.

Artizea lowered her eyes and picked up the teacup.

Natalia glanced at her slightly. To be honest, she had been so tempted by tea biscuits before, and it was embarrassing to eat alone.

But Artizea didn’t even think of lifting a fork.

‘It should be fine. We’re here to eat.’

Natalia raised her fork.

The flower-shaped sugar cookies were so beautiful that it was a pity to split them.

Natalia carefully pulled off one of the green leaves with a fork.

No matter how delicious it was prepared, she couldn’t eat it all. Except in front of her family or close friends, it was common to eat food only as a courtesy.

Moreover, she can’t finish the refreshments by herself when she’s invited to the Prince’s Palace.

She was going to save it.

The sugar cookies were harder than expected and not sweet. It gently brushed the inside of her mouth like a feather and melted away.

Natalia took a sip of the tea to calm her mind. It was happiness itself when the sweet and fragrant taste of sugar cookies left in her mouth blended with the tea.

Natalia’s eyes and lips were dazzled.

She thought that the chefs of the Royal Palace of Iantz had great skills, but the chef of the Prince’s Palace seemed to be more skilled.

Natalia reached out with her hands this time to the lemon madeleine.

Artizea tried to get her words out, but she stopped. It was because a small but certain happiness remained on Natalia’s face.

“Do you like it?”

“Ah, yes.”

Natalia made an embarrassed face.

“The chef is so good.”

“I’m glad you like it. I called for someone to retire from Evron’s stronghold, and he was worried as he wasn’t sure if he could do well when he didn’t know the Capital’s trends. He will greet you later, so please compliment him.”

“I think I should give thanks, not just a compliment.”

As Natalia said so, she cut the madeleine in half. The soft and fluffy madeleine was smooth.

Artizea also lifted her fork. She didn’t really want to eat, but she didn’t want to break the mood because Natalia ate so well.

The teapot was emptied while they were speaking about diplomatic envoys, who had arrived in the Capital, about the ceremony and commerce.

Natalia was a bit sad, but she couldn’t help but put her fork down. It felt very good.

Artizea fiddled with the handle of the teacup. And she eventually decided to be honest with her.

“Actually, I have something to ask of you.”

Natalia tilted her head.

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

Artizea waved her hand.

The employees who were nearby to attend came out like a low tide. The escorts took more than fifteen steps back and widened the distance.

Hayley persuaded the surprised Natalia’s lady-in-waiting to step back. It was possible because Natalia is someone that does not need an escort.

Natalia tilted her head. Artizea said,

“Could you please stay at the Prince’s Palace until the Coronation Ceremony?”

No, this was not an accurate expression either. Artizea thought that the way she spoke was wrong.

“Why did you ask me such a request?”

She couldn’t understand.

It was no easy task to bring people into the Prince’s Palace, and especially foreigners.

After all, she was a princess. If she stays in the Prince’s Palace with Bernat or alone, it will be a political controversy as it is.

Artizea spoke slowly, as if hesitating.

“Because Natalia……, because you are one of the best knights in the Kingdom of Iantz.”

“Where did you hear that?”

Natalia couldn’t hide her embarrassment and asked so.

It is true that she was a knight before her marriage. She also had confidence in her skills.

However, her skills have never been rumored. It was because Bernat recognized her first, and she immediately quit the Knights Order.

So, even if they did a background check, they would at most be able to know only about a woman who went to the Capital from a remote area and joined the Knights Order rather than the general army and became a topic of discussion of officials.

Natalia bit her lips tightly.

She didn’t think much of it, and she thought about making friends.

But if Artizea knew who she was, the problems were different.

Artizea said,

“There was no hole in Crown Prince Bernat’s counter-intelligence. If you think I came across it by chance, it’s almost certain.”

She couldn’t be honest, so Artizea said that it was just a coincidence.

Natalia grabbed the fork.

“Don’t be so wary. If I wanted to attack Prince Bernat, there would be no need to use force at all. There is no need to try to separate Your Highness Natalia.”

“What is the purpose?”

“As I said, I am asking you. I want you to stay in the Prince’s Palace.”

Artizea said in a subdued voice.

“So that’s why I’m asking the purpose.”

“Your Highness Natalia will not be the only one to watch over the baby. Even if that baby is entangled in all sorts of political interests.”

Natalia wrinkled her nose and looked at Artizea.

A complex shadow was cast over Artizea’s face.

Natalia said,

“I know that Evron has many great knights and loyal vassals.”

“Yes. But the limits are clear. The number of Knights of Evron in the Capital was limited by law. So anyone can guess the power.”

Even if it was increased by an expedient method, it could not be inflated in a short time.

Another problem was that the organization was simple and the members were homogeneous.

There were people like Hayley and Freil before, and it was changing rapidly as a generational change took place.

But it was still a long way off.

Artizea did not doubt Evron, but was well aware of its limitations. Now, Evron alone could not defend the entire Imperial Palace.

So, she thought it was too early when the Emperor told her to enter the Prince’s Palace.

“If there is a raider, I will fully consider Evron’s strength. But if I have Your Highness Natalia…….”

“It’s a power that no one thought of.”

Natalia muttered.

Because of that, Bernat also had her skills hidden, married her and put her by his side under the name of wife.

Besides that, Natalia was the Crown Princess of a foreign country. Attacking her could become a diplomatic matter.

Conversely, her defense could be a humane reason to protect the baby.

She was also valid as a witness.

Even if Evron testifies on her behalf, it will be ignored. But Natalia’s words could not be ignored.

Artizea lifted her gaze, then she met Natalia’s eyes. Natalia was looking at her with straight eyes.

Artizea eventually lowered her eyes again.

It was then.

A knight ran in with harsh footsteps. An escort knight caught him on the way, but he did not mind and shouted at Artizea.

“Your Grace! Please go to the audience room now!”

“What’s going on?”

Artizea pulled the hem of her skirt and stood up. The knight said with a reddened face.

“Count Eison has accused Grand Duke Evron of treason and heresy!”

“…… What was the basis?”

“An internal communication with Karam!”

Artizea sighed.

It was a sigh of relief.

Natalia looked at her, half standing up with a frown.

“If you could do me a little favor, would you please stay until I come back?”

“But…….”

“Let me write a letter to His Highness Crown Prince Bernat. I think the Crown Prince will understand everything I mean.”

Artizea’s voice was cold and unfeeling, unlike before.

Natalia nodded her head.

She commanded the escort knights to tighten the guards of the Prince’s Palace.

Hayley jumped out and followed her. Artizea spoke softly to Hayley.

“Did you hear the story? Go to the temple yourself. It’s fine for you to summon all the bishops, and you have to bring the Archbishop as well.”

“Yes.”

Hayley answered and walked away.

Artizea headed to the audience room.