Living As the Villainess Queen

“It’s a fundamental principle of sorcery. It cannot contain contradictions. This particular sorcery functions as a form of temptation, luring larks. In that regard, Anika is the ideal sorcerer. However, the king’s intentions are contrary to those of the larks. Logically, he wouldn’t be attracted to something that could pose a threat to him.”

“So, the king is unable to utilize this sorcery at all,” Eugene remarked with disappointment. She had hoped that if Anika, possessing the appropriate lineage for the sorcery, could wield it, then why not the king, who shared Anika’s lineage? It would have seemed perfect. Entrusting such a role to a king with transcendental power would have alleviated any concerns. But it was an option that had never been viable from the outset.

“Do you think it’s a viable plan if another Anika, not me, employs this sorcery to breach the castle’s shield?” Eugene pondered aloud.

“At present, it appears to be the best option. However…” Alber’s voice trailed off as she fell into contemplative silence, wearing a cautious expression. It seemed she was on the brink of mentioning something significant, possibly related to one of the sealed forbidden sorceries. There must have been a rationale behind sealing the sorcery controlling larks.

It could be that the sorcery was sealed due to the disappearance of the Death and Resurrection faction, rendering it inaccessible, but that didn’t seem to be the sole reason. Nevertheless, her recollection was hazy, as it had been a long time ago. At the time, she hadn’t paid much heed to the sorcery since it was one she couldn’t even approach.

Suddenly, Alber jerked in surprise, her gaze fixating on empty space. Eugene’s form began to blur, swiftly transitioning into a translucent state. Their last interaction involved Eugene reaching out as if attempting to grasp something, shouting, their eyes locking in a moment of connection.

When Alber opened her eyes again, she retched violently. A wave of heat surged from her stomach, and she vomited uncontrollably, the acrid scent of bitter blood assaulting her senses. It was a side effect of forcibly disrupting the sorcery.

“What have you done?” The voice grated on her ears, especially on this particular day. Alber wiped the blood from her mouth and looked up, her vision still blurred.

“What were you thinking, Alber?” The voice was tinged with irritation. Alber scolded herself for her recklessness. The interval between exiting Rahan’s dream and entering Jin’s dream had been too brief. But she couldn’t continue evading the probing gaze indefinitely.

Alber’s glare hardened as she faced Sang-je. She had already devised contingencies.”If you’re deceiving me, I have to verify it myself!”

“What are you talking abut?”

“Is there any other reason you’re avoiding me? What about Mu’en’s children?”

Sang-je, taken aback by the unexpected words, furrowed his brows. “What are you talking about?”

“So I investigated it myself. Are the children safe?” Alber’s tone was firm.

“How?” Sang-je demanded when Alber remained silent, glaring at him.

“You used magic, didn’t you? Some obscure magic. What have you been hiding?” Sang-je’s voice grew more aggressive.

“…A magic to safeguard my bloodline,” Alber admitted reluctantly.

“Such magic exists? You’ve been deceiving me all this time, haven’t you? Is that how you verified it? Did you confirm they’re all alive?” Sang-je pressed on.

“…Yes,” Alber responded quietly.

“Then I see now that your suspicions were unfounded,” Sang-je declared triumphantly.

Alber remained silent, only turning her head away.

“I can’t linger here now, but when I have the chance, you’ll need to explain what that magic is. And if you meddle with magic again, I’ll hang one of Mu’en’s descendants from Mu’en each time I catch you,” Sang-je threatened.

“You!” Alber protested, her voice rising with bloodshot eyes. 

“Be silent. If you wish to spare your bloodlines,” Sang-je warned before vanishing.

As Sang-je disappeared, Alber’s fury gradually subsided, her expression calming. So you’re quite reliant on the shield spell.

It was the first time he had openly threatened the lives of Mu’en’s descendants. Previously, he had employed a more subtle approach, tiptoeing around the edges while still applying pressure to Alber. He had carefully probed the boundaries, wary of overstepping any limits. But now, there was a sense of recklessness, as if he had nothing left to lose.

Fine. Allow yourself to be smug. It stings more to be betrayed by what you trusted.

The corners of Alber’s lips curved slightly upwards. She took a deep breath, attempting to steady her still-trembling nerves. Her only regret was not bidding Jin a proper farewell, yet she harbored no apprehension about what lay ahead.

Jin, that child will manage everything alone.

A sense of tranquility washed over her. It had been ages since she had felt this serene. She closed her eyes, recalling the technique Jin had taught her. Anticipation bubbled within her at the prospect of encountering new knowledge after so long. There wouldn’t be a dull moment for a while. A soft smile graced her lips.