Chapter 32

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: Chapter 8. Find the True Villain (1)

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The Saintess's powers had fully blossomed.

However, the world remained oblivious.

It was a flaw known only to a few insiders that her abilities weren't particularly impressive, and the public had always been sold on the mere rarity of her existence.

But the key figures all knew.

Edwin had planned to keep Genevieve hidden until the Winter Founding Festival, so he'd steered public attention toward the monster's appearance and Shane's exploits. He'd deliberately downplayed the Saintess's role.

"Why then, of all times?"

Edwin muttered like a sigh, and Genevieve replied.

"I thought I could do it, so I tried, and it worked."

"Why didn't you do it sooner if it was that easy?"

"It didn't work before. I'm not saying I deliberately held back."

Edwin scowled discontentedly. He'd cast aside his dignity, leaning deeply into the sofa as he tapped his chin with his index finger.

"Should I ask what the trigger was...?"

"......"

"The only thing that's changed is the miracle's resurrected one."

"More like the pitiful captor, perhaps?"

Genevieve spoke cautiously, sneaking a glance at Edwin's side.

Checking Shane's mood had become an ingrained habit she couldn't shake.

Shane spoke without a hint of offense.

"Does that make me the cruel hunter?"

"You suit it too well; it's not even funny."

Edwin laughed despite his words.

Genevieve locked eyes with her husband Harrison, standing behind Edwin's shoulder. He smiled softly, and she felt a wave of relief.

Edwin's decision to minimize her contributions was solely because she needed to stay in Delmuse until after the Winter Founding Festival. But she'd agreed for another reason.

'Getting tangled with Duke Blancard again is just exhausting.'

Even though they'd married different people... just one line about heroically fighting side-by-side would ignite scandalous rumors disguised as romance, spreading like wildfire on dry tinder.

She absolutely wanted no part of it.

"Take charge of the investigation team, Shane."

"Does it have to be me?"

"You seem to have forgotten; you're still the [Guardian of the Saintess]. Get your head in the game and do your job. How long are you going to cling to your wife's side?"

"We'll prop up a collateral as proxy and head back to the territory."

"Haha, good one."

"I'm not joking."

"Neither am I, so cut the nonsense."

"We'll play along for now. Edelaine might hate the Blancard estate anyway."

"......"

This guy's such a pain in the ass; can't I just punch him once...?

Edwin tilted his head, pondering seriously.

'He's not the type to take a hit for his fans, and I'd just bruise my precious knuckles.'

Not worth it, so he let it go.

Truth be told, before Edelaine returned, he hadn't even found Shane annoying. His dried-up eyes reflected nothing—like a man merely awaiting death. Such a sight could only evoke pity, and even that wasn't fully granted.

Not only was his pride strong, but Shane still possessed far too much.

The Blancard ducal house, tied by blood to the imperial family, boasted immense wealth and power. Its collaterals and connections, spread across every layer of society like its long history, formed an untouchable foundation of influence.

Even now, the elderly Marquis Caitlin headed the council of elders, but everyone assumed Duke Blancard would naturally succeed him upon retirement. Marquis Caitlin had been planted by the late Duke Blancard anyway.

Born with everything to an unfair degree, he excelled physically and intellectually to boot.

Even his apathy toward others drew countless admirers. Phrases like magnetic charisma that drew people in and captivated crowds followed him everywhere.

And discovering the Saintess had handed him public adoration and fame on a platter.

A more stable and free position than Edwin, born the emperor's son. Emperors could sire more heirs, but Shane was the sole Blancard successor.

Yet none of it held much meaning for Shane.

He'd always been that way.

Arrogantly indifferent to titles or opinions, not even paying them ear service.

Perhaps because everything had come too easily.

Except one thing: anything involving Edelaine.

Edwin harbored ambitions to become emperor and claim the Greenwinter Empire.

Shane, possessing it all, aimed his ambitions solely at Edelaine.

With terrifyingly blind love.

Not just greedy desires to devour, dominate, and clutch her in his grasp—but desperate craving for her affection.

A realm Edwin couldn't comprehend.

'A hunting dog that ignores everyone else turns lapdog for one person—hilarious...'

The woman who'd deceived him his entire life had left him only defeat and misery.

Shane, hollowed out after losing her, had awaited his body's decay—yet Edelaine never once looked back.

But why?

Edwin couldn't fathom what about Edelaine so desperately thirsted Shane.

Sure, she was pretty, clever enough, lively, and refreshingly straightforward—but such women abounded.

And she wasn't just ensnaring Shane.

Knowing Genevieve's struggles with her immaturity as Saintess, curiosity toward Edelaine—her awakening trigger—finally surged in him.

'Bad habits surfacing.'

Edwin chuckled slyly. He only grew interested in those with rivals.

"For the time being, I won't return to the mansion. Anxious? Lend Edelaine a room? She can stay in the palace."

"My room suffices if needed."

"Edelaine might feel uncomfortable. I want to look after my friend's convenience."

"I won't bring her here to begin with. She's a clear target now."

Shane nodded toward Genevieve.

"Can't keep such a dangerous person nearby."

"Indeed, why'd you pull that stunt, Genevieve...?"

Edwin sighed, glancing at her. Genevieve replied.

"Lady Edelaine keeps getting dragged in."

"Huh?"

"If I become the clear target, Your Grace will send her far away—and we can wipe them out in the gap."

"......"

"You sent her back to her family, right, Your Grace?"

Shane smirked, lips twitching.

"Thought about a shelter."

"Then she'd starve. Even hand-feeding, she might not eat."

"True. Doesn't eat well confined."

"And she'd rage."

"We're on good terms lately."

Genevieve held her tongue, unable to fully mask her regret. Shane continued.

"She's been obedient lately, pitying me somewhat. Hate to rile her up."

"Please keep it that way. With people after me, I can't even come for treatments."

"And don't even think of approaching Edelaine."

"Yes, I know. I won't go... "

Edwin sneaked a peek at Harrison's face.

"Genevieve, look at your husband's expression."

He looked utterly baffled by the talk of confinement, shelters, and forced feeding. Genevieve gripped Harrison's hand tightly.

"Harrison, this is about His Grace—not me. I don't have hobbies like locking up loved ones."

"Uh, Jenny, y-you don't need to mind me. I-I didn't hear a thing."

Edwin burst into laughter.

"A model guard knight."

"Thank you."

"Is that a compliment?"

Genevieve glared at the mischievous Edwin.

"Don't bully my husband, Your Highness."

"Terrifying."

Edwin shrugged exaggeratedly. Shane said.

"Hold hands and stroll by the lake daily."

"Great idea. Harrison, let's date."

They'd isolate for safety, yet she doesn't care if her husband risks it. Edwin snorted inwardly, praying for his guard knight's safety.

Thinking he alone truly cared for Harrison.

Gregory stormed in with a fearsome scowl. Patrick followed, quietly shutting the door.

Jeff raised a hand in greeting to his father and brother.

Emma looked up, welcoming her husband and eldest son.

"Another incident?"

His emotionless face and dry tone hid any feelings, but his green eyes—identical to his daughter's—glistened with thick emotion, betraying his turmoil.

Jeff answered.

"An ogre appeared at the conference hall. Shane and the Saintess handled it like old pals."

"Appearance or summoning?"

"Logically, an ogre popping up mid-building means summoning. They're forming an investigation team."

Edelaine tentatively raised her hand.

"Um, Father... why am I here?"

The sharp tension eased at once. Gregory blinked and looked at her.

"Edelaine. Heard you weren't hurt, but seeing you safe myself is reassuring."

He wouldn't ask who or when he'd heard.

Edelaine preferred not probing scary truths.

Some truths were better unknown. If knowing changed nothing, ignorance beat it.

"Yes, but... shouldn't I head to the Blancard mansion?"

"You'll stay here until Duke Blancard returns."

"I didn't hear a thing. Suddenly Jeff oppa shows up to fetch me—"

"Can't leave you alone when anything could happen."

Edelaine got it.

Gently put, her jailer had changed.

"Head to your room and wait a bit."

"I can wait here."

"Hate being apart from me that much?"

"......"

"I love you, Edelaine. You'll miss me."

Under her tender warden's direction.

That night, Edelaine summoned Lucian through Lloyd.