Reincarnated Villainess Does Not Want Revenge

The Reincarnated Villainess Punishes

My desire to not seek revenge was genuine.

Of course, when I recalled Rosemary’s memories, I felt bitter about being deceived and lamented that it wasn’t something worth taking a life for.

It was just that being consumed by lingering resentment couldn’t outweigh the warmth I felt from my family right in front of me.

My rebirth allowed me to have the family Rosemary had wished for.

The feelings of resentment from the past had diminished.

There were moments when I contemplated what actions I would take if I were to punish them.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that it would actually come true.

“King Gray Diresias. The act of embezzling taxes and misgovernment, which has resulted in the neglect of the people, goes against the principles of the royal institution. I will omit the specific regulations that are being violated, but know that this crime is graver than life itself. Under the authority granted by the people of Diresias and the respective nobles, Reynaldo Rose has been permitted to pass judgment.”

As the words were spoken, a knight in the vicinity presented a letter that he had kept in his pocket. The lengthy letter, spanning several pages, vividly detailed the crimes of the king, and at the very bottom, there were numerous signatures listed.

The king, sweating profusely, stared at the document with widened eyes, realizing that he would indeed face punishment.

Although the blood flowing from his shoulder had decreased considerably, he was still breathing heavily from the pain of the near-fatal wound.

“I had contemplated executing you by hanging, just as you did with my sister.”

With a gaze as cold as ice, Reynaldo disdainfully looks at the king.

“However, as for the punishment you will receive this time, it will be entrusted to the baron’s daughter, Marie Edigma. I advise you to listen carefully and express sincere gratitude for her benevolence.”

I was startled when my name was suddenly called, causing my body to tremble involuntarily.

In situations like this, even Rosemary has no prior experience. At most, the only trial she had undergone was when she herself was judged, so being on the judging side was completely new to her.

The sudden responsibility given to me surprised not only the king but also the knights standing nearby. However, I gathered my composure, cleared my throat lightly, and moved forward.

As a result of my earlier crying, my eyes were completely red, and I had lost any hint of dignity.

I managed to compose my expression and fixed my gaze upon the king.

“King Gray Diresias, I will now deliver your punishment. First, you are to abdicate the throne and pass the royal title to Prince Risel, taking full responsibility for the recent events. Additionally, you are to issue a public apology to the people for the series of crimes that you have committed.”

Up until this point, it has been the intended outcome of the rebellion. Reynaldo had desired capital punishment to be added to this, but I intentionally chose not to mention it.

“Furthermore, acknowledge that the accusations against Marquess Rosemary Hubert twenty years ago were false and clear her name from the stain of being a sinner. Provide her with a proper tombstone and let her rest in the lands of the Hubert estate.”

“What….”

As I watched King Gray, who still couldn’t believe in Rosemary, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

Because almost all the other nobles at that time, except him, knew that Rosemary was innocent.

The sight of the king, who has lived his life deceived and unaware of the truth, is truly tragic.

“King Gray, the late Rosemary was always a bothersome presence to you. It was because she had concerns about such an outcome. The country does not solely belong to the king. It belongs to the people, and the king is only entrusted with it.”

“Why are you… Rosemary’s words…”

“King Gray. It’s sad, but the only one who spoke the truth to you was Rosemary.”

As far as Rosemary knew, those around Prince Gray were comprised of individuals who constantly flattered him, seeking to please.

Upon witnessing the recurring sight of people saying flattering words and manipulating the prince, Rosemary remained vigilant. She had repeatedly admonished him with messages similar to what I just said.

However, even such warnings were met with displeasure by Prince Gray, but it was obvious to see that if someone did not save him, his future would be bleak.

If Prince Gray wouldn’t listen to Rosemary’s words, she had hoped to entrust them to Tia, whom he loved. But, in the end, even Tia turned out to be deceiving Prince Gray.

After pouring out the small amount of affection Rosemary had for Prince Gray, I glanced down at him once again with contempt.

“After everything is concluded, you shall be placed under house arrest in the White Tower.”

The White Tower is, so to speak, a prison for members of the royal family who are deemed problematic, designed for their isolation.

It is sometimes designated as a place for recuperation, but it is also a facility used to conceal inconvenient members of the royal family.

And only members of the royal family and a few nobles were aware of that information.

“Why would a baron’s daughter like you know about the White Tower….”

“You shall remain in confinement there for the rest of your life, but if you wish, Prince Risel, I will grant you the privilege of visiting him.”

Prince Risel, upon hearing his name called unexpectedly, wore a slightly pained expression, yet managed to offer a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Miss Marie.”

“Risel! Did you conspire with these people!? Betraying your father like this…”

“No, Prince Risel…”

I tried to retort, but Risel stopped me.

“It’s all right. I didn’t expect things to turn out like this, but I knew it had to be done sooner or later. It’s just that the timing has advanced.”

The prince’s face was very calm as he gazed at his father.

Until now, I don’t know what kind of parent-child relationship Prince Risel and King Gray had.

I only know that he has plenty of thoughts in his own way.

In that case, it would be impolite to interfere.

“Damn it! I haven’t done anything! It’s the chancellor and his cronies who are responsible for everything!”

“Indeed, Father. You really haven’t done anything.”

As Prince Risel approaches, he lowers himself slightly to meet the king’s gaze face to face.

Standing in that manner, they both appear strikingly similar.

Despite possessing the sapphire eyes exclusive to the royal bloodline and a striking resemblance in facial features…

Why did the king suspect that Prince Risel was not his biological son?

“Doing nothing itself is the real crime, Father. If you do nothing, even a puppet can be a king. You were only doing the same work as a puppet.”

“Are you insulting me!?”

“I’m only speaking the truth. There is an infinite amount of knowledge for one to acquire as a king throughout their lifetime. Without learning them, one cannot become a true king.”

“You can leave such matters to the nobles…”

“Why don’t you understand that such thinking led to your downfall… Wake up and open your eyes already!”

I witnessed a side of Prince Risel that I had never seen before—a furious outburst from someone who is usually calm and composed.

It’s hard to tell which one of them is the father in this situation.

“Even children are taught not to do such things as shifting blame onto others, but what have you learned!? As long as you turn a blind eye to the truth that lives are lost and people are impoverished because of your narrow-mindedness, you have no qualifications to be a king!… None, Father…”

“Risel….”

“I regret not expressing myself like this earlier. I also bear the guilt of not speaking up, fearing your disapproval. As your son, I will bear the weight of your sins as well.”

The scolded father looks directly at his child.

Somehow, though.

Perhaps, at last, this parent and child were finally able to look at each other properly.

In the wake of this long revenge, I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of joy in the bond of family that I saw.