The Baddest Villainess Is Back - Chapter 198
The room was engulfed in silence at the words spoken by the young girl.
Devon, Zerti, and even Batar stared at Roxelyn with surprised eyes.
Roxelyn had always been indifferent, rarely speaking at length or expressing her opinions so strongly.
“Have any of you ever sent soldiers to help with the subjugation? Yet you couldn’t even think to assist the duchy…”
“……”
“Instead, you gathered together like thugs in a back alley, scheming to use food as leverage because you’re envious of the duchy’s gains. How are you any different from common street bullies?”
Roxelyn glared at them coldly before turning to Devon and Zerti with a bright smile.
“So, I’ve been thinking, Father, Grandfather.”
“…What?”
“Well, tell us, granddaughter.”
Zerti and Devon, still in shock, nodded blankly as they waited for her to continue.
“Should we just cut ties with these rude bastards?”
“Daughter, where did you learn such language…?”
When the startled Zerti asked, Roxelyn simply looked at Devon, prompting Zerti to glare fiercely at his father.
At the same time, Devon cleared his throat loudly,
“Ahem! Ahem!”
“Fath—”
“Right! Cut them off! If there’s proof, there’s no reason not to! My granddaughter, do whatever you want!”
Devon waved his hand dismissively.
He had no hesitation, especially after Batar had informed him earlier that Kaluta would provide a steady supply of food for free until it was no longer needed, just as Roxelyn had requested.
‘So that’s why she mentioned it earlier…’
It seemed his granddaughter had been preparing to drop this bomb all along.
“And from now on, start charging protection fees.”
“Hm…?”
Screech!
A pure white bird flew through the open window of the banquet hall, letting out a loud cry as it approached Roxelyn.
Roxelyn unfolded the paper attached to the bird’s leg and continued speaking.
“No more free labor.”
She smiled brightly.
The paper contained evidence of secret dealings and collusion between the northern territories, sent by Arma in response to a letter Roxelyn had sent earlier.
It was the final piece to complete Roxelyn’s plan perfectly.
***
The Moonlight Banquet ended in utter chaos.
Many tried to cling to Duke Bellion’s coat, but the evidence provided by Arma was irrefutable, and neither Devon nor Zerti intervened in Roxelyn’s havoc.
Instead, they sat back, drinking wine and snacking as if they were merely spectators.
Of the seventeen territories that traded with the Bellion Duchy, fourteen had their contracts severed that day.
Though they later begged for forgiveness, nothing changed.
Following Roxelyn’s plan, Devon locked the gates of the duchy, allowing only the merchant guilds and Kalutans with whom they had trade deals to enter.
The rest were told to fend for themselves against the monsters.
As this chaotic story reached the imperial capital and spread as breaking news, causing quite the uproar, Roxelyn found herself face to face with Devon at the entrance of the Bellion mansion.
Rubbing his temples at the series of events, Devon was the first to speak.
“Roxelyn.”
“Yes, Grandfather?”
“No matter what, Zerti is still your father. You’re aware of that, aren’t you?”
“Yes, of course.”
Facing Devon Bellion’s serious expression, Roxelyn answered obediently and nodded.
How could she not be aware? Now the entire world knew that Roxelyn Bellion was Zerti Bellion’s daughter.
“Good. I’m glad you understand.”
Roxelyn nodded confidently, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“…In that case, stop putting him to sleep by force from now on.”
Devon said as he glanced at his youngest son, who had once again been forcibly put to sleep and was being carried away on a stretcher by the servants.
‘He’s not some sickly little girl, after all.’
Devon clicked his tongue at Zerti’s pathetic state.
