Taming The Villainesses novel Chapter 271

(EP-271.1) #3

271 – Reconciliation #3

Reinhardt asked me.

What would remain of me if not the titles of my Queen? There was only one answer.

“The truth.”

“The truth? How unabashedly you speak of it. Amusing.”

“......”

I was quite perceptive.

If I weren’t, I would have already stumbled and fallen somewhere along the way. You could say my intuition was sharp.

From what I could tell, everything that had transpired was undoubtedly part of Reinhardt’s plan and design.

He had his people capture me and used the excuse of a strange illness to stick that swab up my nose.

It was a message—a challenge or perhaps a warning.

Something like, ‘I know who you really are. And I can kill you anytime I want.’

It seemed that Elga, for some reason and through some process, had revealed my identity to Reinhardt.

Perhaps information was leaked during the process of examining the red magic. Elga wasn’t really good at being sneaky, so it wouldn’t be surprising if she was discovered somewhere along the way.

「You have calmly judged the situation!

You have gained experience points through the talent 《Calm Thinking》.

All job experience +5」

It had been a while since Calm Thinking was triggered...

And it served as a sign that my thoughts were correct. Who would have thought that being exposed by Elga would snowball into something so big?

It was my fault for underestimating Elga’s proactive attitude and suspicions.

I hadno one to blame but myself.

At that moment, Reinhardt spoke.

“There is much to be said. But neither of us enjoys long discussions, so let’s keep it brief. Step aside.”

“Step aside, you say?”

“Let go of everything and head to a quiet land in the West. I’ll grant you one of the territories I manage, and you can live a normal life there.”

“......”

There was something tempting about his offer. Despite his reputation as the Iron-Blooded Chancellor, Reinhardt’s demeanor was surprisingly kind and compassionate.

That was likely why, even after discovering my identity, he staged that bizarre capture. If he had wanted to, he could have disposed of me in secret.

Of course, there was also Queen Aira’s wrath. But it seemed that Reinhardt wanted to at least show me some mercy.

“You won’t have to worry about making a living. Depending on how you manage things, you could even live quite comfortably. It would be better for you.”

“That’s quite an assertion.”

“In a fertile and prosperous land, you could have children, cultivate fields with your own hands, and close your eyes in peace, surrounded by your offspring. Such a life suits a half-fairy, no?”

At his explanation, an image of a peaceful life floated through my mind. I saw myself wearing a straw hat under the blazing sun, with my children waving at me.

Returning home, there would be cool drinks waiting, and worry-free wives, warmly welcoming me back....

It was a life that seemed joyful and complete on its own, perhaps even close to the happy ending I longed for.

But deep within me, there was a part that rejected this vision. The ending was appealing, but the process wasn’t to my taste.

“Do you really think I would choose that?”

“Your opinion doesn’t matter. The world doesn’t operate as peacefully as a child’s imagination. In the face of great waves of fate, an individual’s will is like a leaf caught in the tide.” _{freewēbnoveℓ.com}