The Villainess is a Marionette - Chapter 134

Though the Debutante ball was concluded, a hunting contest was conducted right after. The nobles considered it just as a large-scale picnic. Since professional hunters chose only those specific hunting sites, where dangerous beasts were in complete non-existence and weak herbivores were released exclusively. Displaying beautiful picnic outfits, hats and trinkets to show off was more predominant there. Before the hunting competition began, people held small gatherings or dinner parties inviting famous artists. That was what the original and general form of social season looked like until the moment strange things started to burst out in a row. The first issue that engulfed the social world was predictable.

❮Bael Cronos was awarded with the honorary count’s title❯

The theme of the subsequent rumours was Yester Heinrich.

❮The man who opened fire at the banquet died suddenly of a heart attack in prison❯

On this point, opinions were divided. Maybe the Grand Duke decided to shut him up because that man knew something or, perhaps, he could actually die due to a seizure… And soon another rumour flashed across the capital sweeping all the others away.

❮Appearance of a leader that is enlightening the lowest places❯

For the time being, it was the most discussed thread in all salons, coffeehouses and sports venues of the capital. People found out that the person hiding under this alias was Princess Cayena. Aside from such speculation, other rumours were spreading around which claimed that Her Highness was trying to stabilize the lives of the people of the empire by lowering the dwelling prices in the capital. The nobles secretly scoffed at Cayena, scrutinizing her for doing something plebeian. At the same time, Esteemed Madam Kidray also set up a charity organization with the name of the Princess.

Yet public sentiment reacted differently. They wondered what kind of person who tried to protect their lives was. Curiosity about the Princess soon became folk-scaled. Imperial people were enamored with the woman, who in succession accomplished her splendid achievements. Since there were not any so-called «heroes» in the Empire for a while, Cayena took the empty seat instantly.

’How great would it be if a good person like her was our ruler?’ thought people.

They believed: the absence of such a sovereign was the reason why life became increasingly severe. Thus, ever since the emperor had taken to his bed, the situation of the empire was rapidly disrupting. Therefore, it was assumed that there would be nothing more to wish for if only the wise and benevolent Princess would continue the chain of the monarchs.

The gossip did not end there, though. Rumors about Bael, the savior of Her Highness from the bullet incident, had been oddly twisted.

«Did you all hear that? The fallen Madrena kingdom’s descendant dares to desire Her Highness!»

«If she ever marries him… Is it possible that the Princess will leave for abroad?»

The people were outraged by the fact that someone, who did not have any qualification to even dare to look at their idol, was aiming at her. They decided to protect their Princess as they supposed she was destined to marry someone else. The theme was soon shifted to discussion about who would be the following Emperor.

«Isn’t the Grand Duke Heinrich among the successors? If the Princess marries him, she will become the Empress.»

«Oh, so the Grand Duke will be the next Great Emperor!»

Unexpectedly, this case had sent the approval rating of Yester soaring. It was a disaster caused by the Princess’s excessive popularity. As for Cayena herself, the main heroine of the stories, she smiled while quietly learning these trends.

«I’m glad your reputation is growing higher, but I also heard Grand Duke Heinrich’s rating was increased unwittingly.»

«This is going to complicate Marquis Rodrick’s decision on whose side to be on.» Vera spoke ridiculously after she floated a lemon into the cup of black tea. «I’d better take this opportunity to ingratiate myself with Rezef and alienate them from each other.»

«What should I do?»

«Join Kidray’s charity and distribute some of the grains from the old granaries.»

At that moment Julia was marveled.

«It’s a great chance to rebuild the reputation of the family that has been tarnished by the unsavory incidents.»

And then Julia put her head on one side puzzled — she did not understand why there would be a wedge between the Prince and the Marquis.

«If Her Highness’s honor elevates under these circumstances, Heinrich will benefit as well,» explained Vera with a smile. «And it can be seen as if you covet moving into the other forces.»

«Even though Marquis Rodrick knows that, he can’t help but set his foot in,» agreed Susan with a nod.

At the end of their explanations Julia looked impressed.

«I can’t do anything without my unnies… You’ve got to stay close to me.»

«Miss Julia, you can’t call me your unnie here.»

«Ouch…»

Cayena’s eyes opened wide: they seemed to be getting along much better than what she expected, which was fortunate. For today, she was going to make a big announcement to her confidants.

«I’ve called you today to inform you of my plans,» said Cayena after putting down the teacup.

Time to come to the surface as Esteemed Madam Kidray said. It was then.

«I intend to partake in the successor’s fight.»

«…!»

The maids already had a heart of what might happen as they watched Cayena’s actions. And finally she made a firm commitment today. In fact, they were waiting for this moment inwardly. There was no intention of serving anyone other than Cayena, their only master. The ladies got up from their seats and knelt on one knee on the floor.

«Let the brilliant future illuminate Your Highness.»

«Even if I fail, neither Rezef nor Heinrich are ever going to become the Emperor.»

The maids of honor lifted their heads up. If she said so, it meant that she had already considered someone as her heir.

’Whether it’s the next generation or the subsequent one, Ethel will someday succeed to the throne.’

If Cayena decided to do so, the result would exactly be that way. They were convinced because they trusted her.

Yet.

«Your Highness will surely reach the day when Her Highness turns into Her Majesty.»

It was the same with Cayena — she was bound to take the victory.

«This hunting contest will be the key. Make sure you’re all determined.»

«We’ll keep that in mind, Princess.»

Cayena, who had a solemn look on her face earlier, smiled softly.

«In this case you may leave.»

Cayena sighed for a moment as the maids of honor left and called Annie shortly after.

«Did you call me, Your Highness?»

«Could you get me some blood?»

«…Ah?»

There were times when Cayena gave inexplicable instructions. However, this time it was a really strange one.

«Animal blood. Like pig blood.»

«May I dare to inquire for what reason you need it?»

«One person is going to die today, so I thought about making it a little bit dramatic.»

«…?»

Factually, it became even more intricate to understand. Cayena wasn’t the one to give drivel orders, so Annie just bowed her head and stepped out. It wasn’t such an effort to get pig blood secretly.

* * *

Knock-knock!

«Your Highness, it’s Annie.»

Soon she showed up with a leather bottle filled with pig blood.

«Well done.»

The Princess praised Annie for her hard work by giving her gold coins, and Annie went back. Cayena put the leather bottle down on her table. At that moment she parted her lips while enjoying the fragrant lemon tea in the deserted bedroom.

«Bael.»

Then a cheese coloured cat appeared out of thin air a little away.

«How did you know I was here?!»

Bael was genuinely surprised and his tail was standing upright.

«I just called and it turned out that you really were here,» she replied.

«…»

Bael raised his claws and commenced scraping the carpet in anger.

«Since you’re here, help me.»

«What is it?»

«How good is your illusion magic? Is it possible for you to make it realistic?»

«That’s not a big deal.»

Then Cayena looked towards the confidential aisle.

«Jedaiah.»

Pit-a-pat!

Jedaiah with a haggard face sneakily walked out of the tapestry. He was hiding in the secret passage at Cayena’s command. Bael needed to confirm Jedaiah’s looks. Jedaiah glanced sideways at the red cat and the animal’s eyes narrowed.

After that, Cayena rose up, drew the decorative sword and opened the bottle with the blood. Then the fishy smell filled the room. She splashed pig blood generously on her light colored dress, the sword and the white carpet.

«Wh-what the, are you insane?»

«Are you able to make a corpse with the looks of this man?»

«What?»

«Now, here we go?»

Jedaiah snapped back into the secret passage at Cayena’s signal.

«Hey, wait a minute…! What is, what’s this?»

Cayena took a deep breath. In a moment a piercing high-pitched scream rang over the place.

«Kya-ah-!!»