The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Duke Netri may not have personally encountered demons, so he cannot judge, but if this is true, it won’t be difficult to drive out the northern threats and appoint Erina as the overall commander of the knight corps. ‘The imperial power will soon be in Netri’s hands.’ Prince Silcaro, who desires only a peaceful role as the center of power, must be pleased. Erina replied with a sigh, her face reflecting relief, 

“Then please contact me when it’s confirmed. I’ll be at the palace if you need me.”

“Yes, yes. Anything special with Prince Silcaro?”

“He’s a very kind person, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Erina, smiling gently, seemed to be filled with the excitement of just beginning a new love. Duke Netri, somewhat concerned, replied sternly, 

“Don’t be too attached. I’m saying this because I’m worried about you.”

“Yes. Don’t worry, Father. Nothing like that will happen.”

Erina finished the conversation with a polite farewell and left the office. Her face, as she turned away, showed no signs of laughter. Walking briskly through the corridor, Erina mumbled softly to herself, 

“It’s hypocritical to think about selling off the family’s flower if it didn’t bloom properly.”

***

Upon reflection, there were many bothersome points. Sevi and Raygrain insisted that it wasn’t a demon. However, Erina sent the knight corps to the border region as if she had found evidence. Moreover, Duke Nettri even claimed to have evidence in front of Ragrain. ‘Considering Erina’s usual personality, she should have at least pretended to find evidence.’ She usually liked to show off her abilities as if boasting. When she eliminated the rebels and received the knight corps flag upon returning to Netriga, or when she won a match in the training grounds, it was the same. Despite Duke Netri’s claim of finding evidence of demons, it passed too quietly after that.

‘Didn’t they receive news that the knight died?’ They probably got a rough idea of the situation. I thought she came back in the middle, but did she even go as far as the border region? Or… ‘Maybe even the evidence was a lie.’ First, Cyril was excluded from receiving gifts. Erina and Cyril weren’t at that stage yet, and it wouldn’t make sense for Cyril to announce he would give her a gift, receive an introduction pamphlet, and then buy something himself. Scheuer asked Raygrain, who sat in front of the cake without eating anything,

 “Your Grace, aren’t you eating?” 

Pushing the plate forward, he replied while sipping his tea, 

“You.”

“Scheuer won’t feel full just by not watching you eat.”

“There can’t be such a person.” 

Despite his firm answer, Scheuer stared at him unwaveringly. After a brief silence flowed, Raygrain had no choice but to pick up the fork. 

“Your Grace, are you really going to give it to me?”

“Yes.”

“You said you’d give me two for real.”

“That’s right.” 

Scheuer held the case and closed her eyes tightly. With a clatter, the unique cameo in the world saw the light. When she took it out and looked at it, she was suddenly scared. Scheuer asked with a disgusted face, 

“But what if the artisan is in a slump and the quality isn’t as good as this?”

“He’s a craftsman who has continued the craftsmanship for four generations.”

“What if the other two are subtly different from Your Grace…”

How could something made by humans be 100% identical? Originally, if there were three, the worst one should be used after inspection, but the desire to boast was also a human psychology. The announcement of the long-delayed stone plate at the temple was finally scheduled. With the upcoming foundation ceremony, the temple couldn’t wait any longer. Perhaps that’s why Sevi, who had been looking for her for several days, was nowhere to be seen.

While the content was worrisome, a somewhat amicable atmosphere flowed in the north as Silcaro received reprimands. 

Knock, knock, knock. 

A hurried knock echoed from outside. Soon, the familiar voice of Jess reached them. 

“Your Highness, the announcement is about to begin.” 

Originally, his voice wasn’t particularly powerful, but now it felt even more fragile, trembling. Naveed also waited with a tense demeanor. 

The citizens of the empire rarely had the occasion to witness the Announcement Plates during their lives. Considering the discovery of the First Announcement Plate a long time ago, many had likely passed away without ever hearing the announcement. As a result, the square was already overflowing with people who had come to witness the event. Many familiar faces were seated in front of the podium. Notable figures like Lady Anabelle, Betty, and even Erina and Silcaro. 

All the nobles who could attend were present. In a solemn atmosphere, greetings were omitted as they took their seats following the guidance of the priest Shurdo. Soon, when a person who seemed like a high-ranking priest opened the door, Sevi’s voice, annoyed and mixed with irritation, came through the gap. Among the bowing priests, silver hair fluttered as he approached. When he came closer, everyone around him stood up. Shurdo also stood up with him. Soon, Silcaro was the first to offer greetings. 

“We express our gratitude for the protection of the divine Raphel and greet Lord Sevi on behalf of the Court.” 

Sevi, scanning the nobles with a glance, changed his expression as if he had been grumbling about something. He replied with a smile overflowing with approval and benevolence. 

“Now, if anyone among those present believes that Sevi Meltre must announce the contents of the Plate, please lower your hand.”

 Although he always seemed irritated, when he smiled graciously, whispers of admiration were heard from the young ones here and there. Sevi, well aware of his own beauty, used it more actively than anyone else. That’s why he became a Court member. However, everyone forgot that they were so captivated by his face. No one raised their hand. Sevi, as if pleased, raised his hand, swaying his head. 

“Then let’s consider it. That’s it.” 

As he tried to walk away shamelessly, the priests clung to him and stopped him. The physique of the priests praying in the temple was truly knight-like. Koa, who was nearby, pushed him towards the podium and said, 

“You can’t postpone the announcement any longer. It will be a big problem if you do.” 

“Well, there’s someone else who can announce it instead of me. Koa, don’t you trust me?” 

“No. I don’t trust you.”

“Frustrating. This is not the right time for us to announce this!” 

Despite Sevi’s shout, the high-ranking priests paid no attention and forcibly pushed him forward. It was unclear whether this was an announcement or the procession of a criminal. Unable to resist, as he was pushed towards the podium, a loud cheer erupted from the square. Sitting awkwardly on the ground, Silcaro’s eyes met Erina’s gaze nearby.

Since seeing her in the hallway, this was the first formal encounter. I’m not sure if she noticed me at the boutique. I tried to recall if she usually wore such accessories, but from Silcaro and Count Netri to some close knights around her, people who wielded swords, it seemed that no one similar caught my eye. 

She glanced at Silcaro for a moment and then turned her head. When the cheers didn’t subside, Sevi raised her hand. With just that silent gesture, the square fell into silence in an instant. In front of the royal family, nobles, and citizens of the empire, Sevi calmly began to speak, unlike someone enduring something. 

“God Raphel has watched over humanity since the beginning of the Walker Empire…” 

His voice was different from before. The sacred tone, harmonizing with the light that illuminated the podium, perfectly reflected the solemn appearance of the devoted temple.

“Smile Love”