The Villainess Lives Twice

Emotionally, Aubrey's work itself was a trivial matter for Artizea. The long dragging of Count Jordyn was over.

What was left was the New Year's banquet.

Artizea was escorted by Cedric and headed to the Grand Hall.

Even though it was a large banquet hall with high ceilings, it was warmly heated.

Expensive white charcoal furnaces were placed everywhere. There were so many candlesticks placed everywhere that they would brighten up even the darkest of night if lit.

To reflect the light, about a hundred glasses were placed close to each other.

To hide the dark tapestry and create a bright atmosphere, the long hanging purple and white silk fabrics were lined here and there.

It is incomparable to the splendid banquet in the capital, but it was magnificent and luxurious enough.

As the two entered, the attendees stood up and bowed.

Cedric led Artizea to the top of the table and made a light greeting with his servants.

The servants diligently carried the glasses. Bubble wine produced in the East was served in long-necked glasses and distributed to everyone.

Artizea also received a glass. Cedric whispered in a small voice.

“If you can't drink it, you don't have to.”

“It's okay. “

Artizea didn't enjoy alcohol and was weak, but she could drink at least a glass of wine.

Cedric said while standing.

“I'm glad to see this new year with everyone for the first time in 3 years. Thank you for protecting Evron in the meantime. I don't know how many times I’ve been saying the same greeting, but I'm saying it again.”

A little laughter spread like a wave.

“A lot of things will change in the future. But I hope that next year, we can all celebrate the new year together, staying the same as we do now.”

“No! I'm going to marry too!”

One of the knights shouted. But he was beaten and sunk down, as the people asked him what the hell he was talking about.

So this time Cedric laughed.

“Don’t worry, because it’s always welcome to expand your family. Now, then.”

Cedric raised the glass.

“For a life of honor!”

“For the glory of Evron!”

Following Cedric's call, the attendees shouted in unison.

“For the Grand Duchess!”

The guy who wanted to stand out, once again shouted a different cheer by himself, and was beaten and sank again.

Cedric just laughed because it was a yearly event.

Then he turned to Artizea, struck his cup lightly against hers, and he emptied it.

Artizea emptied her glass and sat down.

The hearth under her chair was warm and made her feel comfortable.

Aaron came up first and offered a tribute.

“Congratulations on the new year. I wish there will be better news this year.”

“Thank you. It's all thanks to you. But what about Margaret?”

Aaron being alone, made Cedric puzzledly asked. Aaron sneaked a glance at Artizea.

Artizea said calmly, as she had no intention of blaming Aaron and Margaret.

“Something happened a while ago, so she said she'd be leaving. She can greet us later.”

Cedric nodded his head. Then he realized that Aubrey wasn't there either.

He passed it by, thinking that Artizea had entrusted her to do something and let it go.