Reincarnated Villainess Does Not Want Revenge - Chapter 98.2
If you’re okay with me, I’d like to heal you as much as I can.
Pushing those thoughts into my heart, I took Risel-sama’s hand.
Since I wasn’t used to horseback riding, I was given a ride by Risel-sama, and we proceeded to the lake at a leisurely pace.
A guard is accompanying us at a slight distance. I noticed a familiar face among them—it was one of the knights I had seen during a previous lunch break.
“Are you not feeling cold, Marie?”
“Yes.”
“Please let me know if you feel even a bit cold. I’d love to hold you close and warm you up if I could.”
I was already in close contact with him, but if he hugged me any tighter, I would literally melt from the embarrassment, so I refrained.
With the weather being pleasant, I inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp air. The comforting aroma of soil and wind, a sensation I hadn’t experienced in a long time, brought back memories of the Edigma territory. Back then, I had the opportunity to touch soil every day.
My mind was much calmer now that I could see the green landscape for the first time in a few days.
I felt sorry for Risel-sama, who brought me here even though he was tired, but now I can only feel grateful.
Having the horse rest near the lake upon our arrival at the lake, I faced the water, took a deep breath, and with uncontrollable joy, I turned back to Risel-sama and smiled.
“Thank you so much for bringing me here! It’s truly wonderful!”
Risel-sama, who had been a little surprised at how excited I was, chuckled softly.
“Whatever gift I give you, you may never be more pleased than you are now. You’re welcome.”
Risel-sama also had a look of relief on his face, as if he had cast off some burden.
We start walking slowly around the lake.
Though not visible, I assume the knights from earlier are probably watching over us from a distance.
“… Soon, the difficult times will come to an end.”
“….?”
Out of the blue, Risel-sama said something like that.
“Part of the reason I really wanted to invite you out today is because I wanted to tell you ahead of time what’s going to happen next….”
“What’s going to happen….?”
A sense of foreboding washes over me.
“Yes… Everything is in place now.”
Risel-sama’s expression carried a mixture of resignation and sorrow.
“My parents and, by extension, the nobles supporting the current king, will be purged, and I will then be crowned by leading the anti-royalist nobles. That’s what’s going to happen.”
Those words, delivered without a hint of hesitation…
It was a warning of rebellion.
“My parents’ tyrannical rule is escalating. Even if they were to be stopped, the current king’s faction has taken root, and it won’t be dissolved that easily. Furthermore, my engagement issue has intensified the conflict between the anti-royalist and the royalist factions. That is the reason why you are here today.”
He was referring to the fact that numerous women were hired as palace maids as part of the Crown Prince’s choice for a fiancée.
“While trying to buy time, I hoped that I could somehow pacify the royalist faction, but it was futile. During that time, I fell in love with you, and you ended up being affected. I’m always too slow in making decisions. All I have is regret.”
“That’s—”
Risel-sama shook his head.
“I’m sure that it was the royalist’s faction who attacked you. The anti-royalist faction accepted you when they learned of your existence. If the monarchy would be disturbed by having a high-ranking woman as queen, you, who belongs to neither faction and won’t be anyone’s pawn, are considered the best option at this point.”
“….”
“I apologize for the unpleasant phrasing. I know it’s upsetting to be talked about as if you’re just a tool.”
“No, that’s okay.”
At Rosemary’s time, she was treated more like a tool. Compared to that, Risel-sama was very kind to me now. I can tell that he sees me as a person and as someone he cares for.
“I now know why my father came to you. It appears individuals from the king’s faction wanted their daughter to be my fiancée, and they had my father’s assurance. My father, enticed by those sweet words, tried to remove you. It’s not something I can forgive.”
“No, Risel-sama. You don’t have to do that.”
I hurriedly tugged at Risel-sama’s sleeve.
“He’s still your father, Risel-sama. Of course, I acknowledge the need for rectification. However, if things continue like this…”
“… Yes. Both my father and mother will likely face punishment.”
Risel-sama said, forlornly.
“Among those who cooperate, there are many who lost family members to my father. Relatives disposed of after losing factional struggles and even those who lost their lives due to my father’s words. Even if he faces judgment, it’s a consequence of his actions.”
Risel-sama’s words filled me with an ominous feeling.
“My father, in his role as the King, and my mother, as the Queen, couldn’t adhere to the right path. It’s only natural that they face repercussions…”
“…. Risel-sama. By any chance, is Duke Reynaldo involved in this matter?”
“… Yes, he’s part of it. He’s both my ally and the mastermind behind the rebellion.”
After hesitating for a while, he gave me the answer.
My ominous premonition was, sadly, correct.
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