The Villainess Lives Twice

Chapter 118

Proofreader: somnium

Artizea caught Hazel’s gaze.

Hazel was naturally curious. She was also observant. And she hasn’t been able to hide it all yet.

Artizea did not rebuke her even though it was rude. Because that’s why Hazel was a useful person.

Hazel realized that her gaze had been too explicit, and made an expression of embarrassment.

“I wanted to say that it is an honor to be called by such a person.”

“We met once at that time, but it was too short a time to build friendships.”

In response to Artizea’s answer, Hazel said.

“Yes. I thought that it would never be possible to have a conversation like this so close.”

“I don’t invite just anyone. Both Lady Hazel and Lady Mielle are faithful and dignified ladies.”

Artizea replied with a smile.

“Even though your parents aren’t from traditional aristocratic families, in today’s world, blood isn’t that important.”

“Oh my.”

“Lady Mielle is the daughter of Lord Kishore, Lady Hazel’s mother is the heir of the largest newspaper company in the capital, and your father is a famous writer, can’t it be said that they are far superior to those who depended on their ancestors’ honor hundreds of years ago? ”

“There is a contradiction in your words. It’s just that Mielle and I, after all, are daughters of great parents. Doesn’t that mean that what you inherit by blood is important?”

“Having a good education from good parents is not the same as valuing long-distance ancestry.”

Hazel’s face brightened at Artizea’s words.

“Thank you for acknowledging my parents. I am very proud of them.”

“They are parents to be proud of, and in that regard, I have high expectations for Lady Hazel.”

“I am concerned that I will not be able to live up to Your Grace’s expectations.”

Although humble, Hazel could not hide her excitement and looked at Artizea.

“I would like to invite many scholars and writers who can represent the Empire to the celebration of the Empress’ birthday. Also, I want the newspapers to write proper coverage articles rather than gossip based on interest.”

Artizea continued her word.

“I am not familiar with such things, and in fact, the young ladies who decided to help prepare for the banquet this time are very dark in that area.”

“Yes.”

“Because it’s too important to just leave it to the subordinates. I think Lady Hazel can do a great job in this part.”

“Yes, I will do my best!”

Hazel said. In fact, when she was called, she had some guesses about what she was going to do.

And she was a little thrilled.

Hazel was proud of herself for being able. But she has yet to prove it.

Hazel’s dream was not to inherit from her parents in the future, but to create her own newspaper.

Her parents still considered Hazel as a little child. But if she was 18, she was old enough that she could do a part for herself.

Growing her network and seeing how little things spread by buying and selling information, or even spreading small rumors, was all for the future.

She often tried to write articles that could appear in her parents’ newspapers. But she was hardly accepted.

However, Artizea entrusted the task of inviting scholars and writers.

In other words, Artizea was telling her to select the most important intellectuals in the Empire.

The small bond of that day became the biggest opportunity of her life.

In fact, no matter how big a newspaper owner or a reputable journalist Hazel might become in the future, she wouldn’t have a chance to come face to face with a great aristocrat like Grand Duchess Evron.

After gracefully nodding down to Hazel, saying that she had nothing to thank, Artizea asked.

“By the way, Lady Mielle didn’t come with you. Lady Mielle is familiar with the Imperial Palace, so I thought it would be good if she and Lady Hazel would help each other take charge of the work.”

“Yeah, she’s not feeling well these days.”

Hazel said with a darkened face.

“Even so, she asked me to deliver an apology to Your Grace. When she gets better, she will write you a letter.”

“Is it so bad that she can’t even write a letter?”

Artizea was startled and asked. Hazel forced a smile.

“She has been very well for a while. So I guess she played too much. She suddenly lost her energy, so she’s taking a break……. She will get better soon.”

“Oh dear…….”

“Mielle has been like that since she was a child. She was so weak that she got seriously ill once in a while. But she always gets up again.”

“I should visit the hospital sometime. Unless, it’s not convenient for Lady Mielle.”

Hezel smiled at Artizea’s words.

“She will be delighted. Every time she gets sick, she always says that being bored is more painful than being sick.”

“I see.”

“Mielle is weak, but she likes meeting people.”

It was so unfortunate that Artizea offered Hazel a word of consolation instead.

This served one of the purposes of the letter to Hazel and Mielle. Artizea needed to hear this story naturally and connect to the visit to the hospital.

Hazel said she would get better soon, but for Mielle it didn’t happen again.

She didn’t celebrate her 19th birthday. After losing his daughter, Keshore resigned from his office. And the couple left the capital’s mansion together.

Artizea could completely change the situation.

It was the most dramatic and decisive thing she could do as a saintess.

＊＊＊

Lawrence’s visit was a few days later.

“What’s the matter, brother?”

Artizea asked curiously.

She and Lawrence aren’t close enough to visit each other’s houses for no reason.

Lawrence’s face looked slightly uncomfortable. It was even more strange.

Lawrence would be mad if he found out he had been spied on, or if he had found out that Amalie had betrayed him.

Or, he would have been annoyed if Miraila’s affairs had caused them to have something embarrassing to discuss.

He wouldn’t have had a soft and gentle face if he were to ask for Artizea’s help.

But now, Lawrence’s face was not all three.

Other than that, she couldn’t think of any other urgent business.

“Looks like you were about to go out.”

As Lawrence waited and hung around in the parlor, he looked at Artizea and said so. She was wearing a cloak for going out.

“Ah, yes. I have someone to visit. It’s not important. If my brother’s business is important, I should give it priority.”

“My business is not that great either.”

Lawrence had an unfamiliar face that Artizea had never seen before.

“Sit down.”

“I don’t intend to disturb you for long. I will be going back soon.”

Because Lawrence spoke while standing, Artizea didn’t even have to take her cloak off and sit down.

Lawrence said in a quick tone.

“Because you have not yet decided what gift to give to the Empress. I heard that you are preparing clothes, not just the expensive ones.”

“Ah, I was going to contact you even if I hadn’t.”

Artizea said.

“I’m going to make a jewelry crown out of weaving carnation petals. Like a laurel wreath, wait. There must be a design somewhere.”

“No, I don’t even have to look. The shape of carnation petals, isn’t it too childish?”

“I like it to be easy enough that even a child can understand it. In the end, I know that brother will take Her Majesty the Empress as his mother.”

“Aren’t you going to openly buy Her Majesty’s anger?”

“Her Majesty is a political figure.”

Artizea said so.

Until she signed the papers that made Lawrence her adoptee, the Empress had nothing to lose, no matter what she received or what rumors spread.

After all, Lawrence’s rival is not the Emperor’s child, but the Emperor’s brother. The inheritance rights of Grand Duke Roygar have nothing to do with the Empress.

Lawrence nodded his head. Artizea’s words were not very different from the evaluation of Emperor Gregor.

“I’ll let the crown be given as a gift from my brother to the Empress. Give the same to His Majesty the Emperor. The two don’t have to actually use it in person. Rumors of doing so can be spread.”

Lawrence nodded his head. Giving a pair of gifts to his parents seemed pretty good, he thought.

“And it would be nice to dedicate something to the temple to pray for the health of the parents.”

“Because we talked about it last time. Goldbox, engraved with the name of Father and the Empress, will be sealed and dedicated to the temple three days before the birthday celebration.”

“Good job.”

Artizea said so.

“As for the jewelry to be sent as a gift, I will arrange it within a few days and send it to you personally. It has to do with the clothes that the Empress will wear, so I think I will have to work on it until the completion.

“Okay.”

“You didn’t have to come in person to tell a story like that.”

“…….”

Lawrence glanced around the parlor for a moment. There’s no way someone who isn’t there will appear just by looking around.

Artizea tilted her head.

“Why?”

“No.”

Lawrence said in a slightly subdued voice.

“Nothing.”

Lawrence was already regretting it.

Artizea was right when she said that he did not have to come in person.

The Empress’ birthday present business was a task that could be solved by sending a reliable messenger or a simple letter.

If not, it was right for him to make an appointment properly and meet her. Even if there was no business, there must have been a reason to deepen their friendship.

Lawrence realized that the reason he had come was an excuse. He kept making excuses until he got into the carriage to come here.

It was regrettable.

“I shouldn’t have interrupted you for nothing. I’ll just leave.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t need a see-off, so do your job.”

“Yes. Goodbye.”

Artizea struggled to maintain a casual color. It was fortunate that she was enduring the cold voice waiting to come out.

Lawrence didn’t notice it and left Grand Duke Evron’s house at a quick pace. It was useless, it was a useless thought.

He couldn’t understand why the face of the maid whom he had never heard the name of kept coming to his mind.

He was just gripped by a feeling of nervousness, as if he was stabbed somewhere in his spine each time.

Lawrence had just gotten into his carriage.

Lysia, with her tied up blonde hair, came in on a big horse. She stopped her horse when she saw the carriage standing in front of the front door.

“Who is here?”

When Lysia saw the carriage, she asked the deputy butler who was seeing him off.

Lawrence got out of the carriage. As Lysia’s face, sitting on the horse, turned against the sun, she looked dazzling.