The Villain’S Daughter-In-Law Is Inherently Powerful [EN]: Chapter 20

I frantically tried to remember if I had ever read a romance fantasy novel with similar content, but I couldn’t recall any, at least not among the ones I knew.

In other words, there was absolutely nothing I could use as a reference for this bizarre coincidence.

“Evie? What’s wrong?”

A worried voice broke through my thoughts as I stood frozen, as if struck by lightning. I wanted to say I was fine, but just then, my tail tingled.

‘What is it? Ah, more memories are flooding back.’

Inside the darkened bedroom.

Ariadne and Kiraxus were visible, seemingly whispering and plotting.

“Won’t Mother be surprised when she sees the video stone later? She’ll wonder what’s gotten into our daughter.”

“Indeed, Sister.”

“We should also put the dice we have here for now.”

“But… it would be better if you took this, Sister. The dice will be a great help if you sustain serious wounds.”

“Enough, Ryshan. We shouldn’t use unverified items carelessly. They say the dice can amplify [Iculus – magical power] up to ten times if the compatibility is right, but how do we know it won’t cost a life?”

“…There haven’t been any such cases.”

“Besides, we’ve been chasing those dice for so long, and we’ve only found two. Adding the one Raheen gave us makes only three. The Holy Empire is after them too; what if we lose them on the battlefield?”

Ariadne reached out her hand.

There lay sharply cut gemstone dice, emitting a subtle glow even in the darkness – certainly not made of any common mineral.

Kiraxus, who had been firm, nodded as Ariadne affectionately called him ‘Ryshan’ once more, as if he couldn’t refuse her.

“Then where will you hide them?”

“It has to be in a piece of furniture that Mother can find but would never throw away. This vanity table, which Father made as a wedding gift, is the most suitable.”

“Was there a secret compartment here?”

“Yes, I made it. Without Mother’s knowledge.”

“…Sister, sometimes you’re too confident.”

“Is that so? This is our secret, okay? Promise me you won’t reveal it until Mother finds it herself later.”

“If that’s what you wish, I promise.”

“Such a good brother.”

Ariadne grinned mischievously and grabbed the pure gold panther.

*Crack*. The panther’s head twisted in a rather grotesque manner, and the lower part of the vanity table seemed to slide open. Ariadne placed a letter and a video stone there…

“Haa!”

“Little Mistress! Are you alright!”

I gasped and jolted upright, seeing the nanny’s worried face in front of me.

“You just lost consciousness! Oh my! Were you not feeling well? Oh dear, I’ll take you to the medical room right away!”

“No, no, wait.”

My whole body was damp with cold sweat. The tip of my fluffy tail was still tingling.

I staggered, but managed to straighten myself.

‘I’m so out of it.’

After taking a few deep breaths, I noticed my small heart was pounding rapidly.

Lady Inanna, who had been lying on the bed, had also almost sat up. She must have been greatly surprised by my sudden collapse.

‘I want to tell her….’

The video stone that Ariadne hid.

But what do I say when asked how I knew?

After a moment of contemplation, I decided to put on a terrible act.

“Waa, waaa… Why is the sparky thing twinkling?”

“Pardon? Twinkling?”

“I saw it when I fainted just now. Something… was sparkling. Like something was hidden!”

Perhaps I should use this knowledge more strategically. I could negotiate by offering this video stone.

But I didn’t want to become such a calculating person.

“Look here. The panther’s neck is sparky-sparky!”

The cry I heard when I was a tree was still vivid in my ears. The voice of someone wailing while searching for their daughter clung to me and wouldn’t let go.

So, I pointed to the pure gold panther ornament, pretending to be a clueless child.

“Oh my, Little Mistress, what are you talking about? Where is it sparkling?”

“Oh, come on. If you twist this *do-dok* [onomatopoeia for twisting], it feels like it will be there!”

The nanny was puzzled but did as I asked. I repeatedly clenched and unclenched my tiny hands, and then I discovered the lower part of the vanity table, only visible from my height, sliding open.

*Thud! Thud!*

At the same time, the things hidden in the secret space spilled onto the carpet. It was as if gifts were pouring out of a sack.

“W-What is all this? Madam!”