Living As the Villainess Queen-Chapter 431.1
Eugene was preparing to return to the kingdom. When she had ridden Mara to the capital, she had already considered teleportation magic as her means of departure.
She firmly believed that no royal child should ever be born in the capital. If teleportation hadn’t been an option, she would have done whatever it took to convince Mara to return alone rather than coming here herself.
When Flora had stormed in with the lark army, Eugene had regretted not dismantling the magic formula she had left in the desert. However, within half a day, she had changed her mind. Leaving it intact had been the right choice after all. Life never failed to surprise her.
Stopping by the Arse estate to bid farewell, Eugene caught a fleeting glimpse of something in her father’s expression—more than just the sorrow of parting, it was a deeper longing. The sight stirred something in her chest, and on impulse, she extended an invitation.
“If you wish, Father, you could come to the kingdom with me.”
Patrick hesitated. A shadow of conflict crossed his face before he exhaled slowly and shook his head.
“The capital is in turmoil right now,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I need to stay here and protect this place. That way, your mother can remain in the kingdom without any worries.”
Eugene nodded in understanding. “I see.”
Patrick’s gaze softened. “The family—your brothers—must never come before you.”
A bright smile curved her lips. “I know, Father.”
She felt no resentment, only gratitude. His devotion to her mother ran deep, and knowing he would always be here, waiting, reassured her. His unwavering love was the foundation of her mother’s unshakable confidence.
After leaving the Arse estate, she met with the kings. Since they were all preoccupied with organizing their troops for departure, she had to visit them individually.
Upon hearing that she was leaving, the kings offered their well-wishes for a healthy childbirth. Unlike Richard, who maintained perfect decorum and offered only polite pleasantries, the other kings had more to say.
“I heard you’ll be returning using teleportation magic… Is there any way I could learn that?” Akil asked, his keen interest in magic evident.
“We will, of course, share magical knowledge with the other kingdoms,” Eugene replied readily.
Satisfied with her answer, Akil nodded and turned to Kasser. “I recall a discussion about exchanging information on larks last time. We should go over that in more detail later.”
“Yes, that would be wise,” Kasser agreed.
Then, to Eugene’s surprise, Pered brought up an unexpected topic. “The queen asked me to convey her apologies to Lady Anika Jin for her past discourtesy.”
From the way he spoke, it seemed he wasn’t aware of the specifics of the offense, his eyes subtly curious. Eugene feigned ignorance.
“I also misspoke to her once. Please tell her it’s nothing worth holding on to.”
Meanwhile, Nicholas took a moment to express his gratitude once again for aiding his mother’s treatment.
“If the opportunity arises, I would love to invite you both to my kingdom. Given how far apart our lands are, I’m not sure if you’ll be able to visit, though.”
“If you extend an invitation, I’d be happy to go.”
Based on her visions of the future, a scene began where Kasser left footprints in the snow as he visited the Kingdom of Flake. The image had been so striking, it felt as if she had seen it with her own eyes.
The novel was a blend of foresight and pure imagination. Because of that, she couldn’t tell if that scene was something she had glimpsed in the future or simply a figment of her creativity. Perhaps, by visiting herself, she would find out.
“If we harness the power of magic, we can significantly shorten travel time. It may be difficult now, but one day, it will surely be possible.”
“Ah, magic truly is a mysterious force. I look forward to the day you both visit,” Nicholas said.
Riner remained consistent to the end. “Hey, didn’t you say you met another speaking lark besides the one that perished and Mara?”
“Did I?”
“I heard you say it, clear as day. Why are you pretending otherwise now?”
Before the conversation could take an unwanted turn, Eugene stepped in.
“Your Majesty, the Fire King, just so you know—Mara must not be tampered with. Mara itself is the foundation of the spell protecting the capital.”
“I’m aware. I’m not that reckless.”
“Unfortunately, I’m pressed for time today. If the opportunity arises, I’d love to speak again, but I still have many farewells to make before I return.”
With that, Eugene turned away from Riner, and as she departed, she left Kasser with a firm warning.
“Do not, under any circumstances, tell the Fire King about that turtle spirit beast.”
“I wasn’t planning to, but why?”
“Because it helped Aldrit. I can’t stand by and let it become a hunting target.”
That wasn’t the only reason. She had a feeling she would meet that spirit beast again. It wasn’t just a passing encounter—it would become something important.
Chapter 431.1
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