The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 19
“The lady seems to know a lot of interesting stories. I wonder if information has been leaking from somewhere?”
The Emperor tapped his chin thoughtfully.
His voice was as casual as a neighbor’s, but Roxelyn knew it was a mask of deception.
“That’s not it. I simply awakened a special ability after a recent incident.”
“…Ah, you’ve become an ‘Abyss’ wielder. That’s really wonderful news.”
“Yes, and you’re the first one I’m telling this to, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor still had a smiling face.
His hearty voice, light tone, sly and comfortable manner of speaking, and even a friendly gaze that almost made one forget they were in the presence of the Emperor. Roxelyn also knew that all of this was a prepared trap, and it took a long time for the chills to subside.
But isn’t it strange for a collector who stuffs and collects rare animals and goes to great lengths to acquire precious gems to be normal?
Glancing at the flashy ornaments hanging from his hands and ears, Roxelyn put down the cup she was holding.
“Well, this is an honor, isn’t it? Duke Bellion and Lord Bellion will be jealous.”
He chuckled and teased with a grin.
“So, what kind of ability do you have that you can solve problems that even I can’t?”
“It’s not exactly that you can’t solve them, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm?”
He looked puzzled, his eyes widening as he tilted his head.
“You want to solve them as quietly and smoothly as possible.”
“Me? Why would I bother with that?”
“Because of the ‘turnover’ you’re currently preparing.”
At Roxelyn’s words, the Emperor paused.
He slowly blinked his blue eyes and then smiled.
“Ah, this is troubling… I thought I had kept that information quite secure.”
The Emperor murmured softly.
He glanced at Roxelyn and shrugged his shoulders lightly.
“So, you’ll help me with this in exchange for my permission to break off your engagement with the Third Prince?”
“Yes. And during the upcoming turnover… I’d like the ‘direct line of the Bellion Dukedom’ to be excluded.”
“Ha, are you asking me to turn a blind eye to corruption?”
“Not corruption, just overlooking one libertine. Of course, you can include the branch family in the purge.”
Roxelyn spoke calmly. The Emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly at her somewhat harsh words.
“Are you truly asking me to overlook just one libertine?”
“Yes. There are some things that only a libertine can do.”
Roxelyn spoke meaningfully.
The Emperor looked at Roxelyn intently and then chuckled softly.
‘This is the first time someone has bargained with me like this.’
He thought she might have more guts than even the First Prince.
“So, in exchange for solving the issue with the Kaluta and disappearance cases, you’re asking me for two favors?”
“Yes.”
The Emperor rubbed his chin.
It wasn’t a great loss for him.
In fact, a marriage between the ducal house and the imperial family didn’t bring significant boons.
It was merely to solidify the relationship.
But even without it, the Bellion ducal house couldn’t betray the imperial family.
It was essentially a marriage for show.
In this context, solving the ‘Kaluta issue’ and the ‘disappearance cases’ was a fair exchange for turning a blind eye to one libertine.
Originally, he planned to purge them all, but considering the merit of proposing this back deal, he might overlook it.
He nodded.
“If the lady resolves the matters satisfactorily, I shall agree.”
“Thank you. I’ve taken much of your time. With your permission, I shall take my leave now.”
Her honest request to leave was met with laughter.
“Go ahead.”
He laughed heartily and waved his hand.
The Emperor was somewhat lenient with those he could communicate with.
As Roxelyn bowed and turned to leave, a voice called out from behind.
“But don’t you like my son? He might be timid, but I think he has a good face.”
Roxelyn looked at the Emperor and smiled.
“He’s too precious for someone like me.”
