The Emperor’s Eyes.
One of the key settings in The Villainess Reverses Time, the Emperor’s Eyes refers to artificially created humans designed by the Emperor to monitor the nobility.
Typically, these individuals serve as butlers or maids within noble households, reporting the activities of their assigned noble to the Emperor.
For nobles deemed to pose a significant threat of treason, the Emperor’s Eyes may even replace family members by eliminating them and taking their place.
Once embedded, these Emperor’s Eyes relay information back to the royal family if they discover any signs of rebellion.
This is the role of the Emperor’s Eyes. Despite being a necessary precaution against betrayal, it’s undeniably a cruel method, which underscores the royal family’s deep concern over potential betrayals.
“Alan, how’s your condition?”
“There are no significant issues.”
Of course, even I, wielding considerable influence as one of Aria Empire’s greatest nobles, have an Emperor’s Eye watching over me. Alan, who has long served as a butler in the Hardenberg household, is that very Eye.
Or rather, he was one.
“You should sit down for this adjustment.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Alan sat down in one of the office’s chairs as instructed. With that, I awakened the mana within me.
A refreshing sensation flooded my body as a peculiar emblem appeared at the back of Alan’s neck.
It looked like an upside-down version of the royal crest, imprinted into his skin.
In the original story, Abel hadn’t noticed this emblem, leading to his betrayal by Alan. The reason I can see it now is simply because my magical prowess exceeds Abel’s.
“…The corruption has worsened, hasn’t it?”
The emblem imprinted on Alan’s neck tries to erode his mind, ensuring compliance with the royal family’s orders—a magical command forcibly embedded into his flesh.
Because of this, most Emperor’s Eyes have no free will and obediently follow the royal family’s commands.
However, I’ve managed to manipulate Alan’s situation, turning him into a double agent instead.
The magical influence of the emblem can be suppressed, and through it, I gain valuable information from the royal family.
In fact, Alan’s emblem serves as one of the primary sources through which I gather intelligence on the royal family, making him a crucial asset to me.
Alan, thrilled at the prospect of breaking free from his decades-long role as a puppet, has sworn absolute loyalty to me.
This mutual benefit truly defines a win-win relationship.
Humming softly, I focused on suppressing the emblem’s effects with mana while absorbing any information it conveyed.
Fragmented words combined into several key phrases: “Imperial Court,” “Movement,” “Truth.”
Crack!
A blue current surged out from the emblem, prompting me to immediately withdraw my magic to avoid detection by the royal family.
“The adjustment is complete. This seems to be the extent of the information we can gain for now.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
“You may go.”
“Yes, my lady. By the way, what are your plans regarding the Royal Auction?”
“I intend to visit it this afternoon. Please let Adelle know.”
“Yes, my lady.”
With that, Alan left the study.
“…The Royal Court is on the move.”
The information the princess had given me proves true. Despite the Royal Court’s usual inactivity, they now seem to be taking action. While they might not yet have any tangible evidence against me, I cannot afford to be complacent, for the Royal Court is both persistent and tenacious.
And their movement likely means the activation of ‘those’ as well…
The Emperor’s Swords.
They are the antagonists in the original story—individuals with even stronger magical imprints who serve as the Emperor’s enforcers, eliminating any potential traitors.
“This is the crucial moment.”
So far, events have followed the original narrative closely, save for the foolish Crown Prince attacking Adelle.
I hope this event unfolds according to my plan.
*
“Adelle! Adelle!”
In front of me, Lily looked at me curiously.
“Why did your face turn red this morning when you were with the Duke?”
“Eeek…”
Facing Lily’s harmless inquiry, I buried my face into the covers.
I couldn’t tell her. Not the part about Abel turning the tables on me when I tried to tease him.
Despite thinking that I’d developed immunity to overly affectionate dialogue after hearing it from the Crown Prince’s perspective, I was mistaken. For some reason, Abel’s words to me felt far more embarrassing when compared to anyone else’s.
I’m not entirely sure why that is, though.
“Could it be… already?”
“No! Absolutely not!”
Startled by Lily’s shocked tone, I denied it with more fervor than I intended. It was only a contractual marriage arrangement, which I couldn’t mention to her. Especially not to Lily, who couldn’t tell a lie and would thus react unpredictably if she knew the truth about our agreement.
Then what is it?”
“It’s just… we slept in the same room.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“No, it’s different. Lily, I mean it literally.”
“Wow, the Duke is really holding back. To have such a beautiful lady like you by his side and not make any move…”
Her comment caused my face to redden again.
Lily simply can’t tell a lie, meaning her words always reveal her true feelings. That was one reason why I saved her from being ostracized among the maids.
But despite her intentions, these heartfelt truths are rather uncomfortable to hear.
“Enough, Lily.”
“But it was the truth!”
“It’s uncomfortable because it’s true…”
“Alright, alright. Are you hungry? I have some snacks from Lady Laura. Do you want some?”
Saying this, Lily presented the pastries beside the bed. She placed a bowl of macarons on the teatable and, with a hot chocolate cup beside it, said cheerfully:
“Let’s eat together!”
“Thanks.”
Feeling like I was being watched by a large retriever, I chuckled and sat in the chair beside the teatable, taking a macaron.
“It’s good.”
“Hehe, thanks! Although, to be honest, the macarons were made with Lady Laura’s help.”
“It’s amazing… probably the best I’ve ever had.”
“Thank you for your kind words…”
Smiling with visible joy, I instinctively patted her head. Lily closed her eyes contentedly.
Indeed, she is one of my few places of solace. Being with Lily brings peace to my mind. She has been instrumental in helping me endure this world since my arrival.
Of course, recently Abel also became someone…
“Of course, it was because I wished to see my adorable fiancée.”
…no, it seems like he’s not, given how he constantly teases me.
In the meantime, Lily, having finished her hot chocolate, lazily leaned back with a bit of the brown liquid on her lips.
“What’s wrong with you being untidy?”
With those words, I wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. Startled, she looked at me and said:
“Thank you. Can you give me the handkerchief? I’ll wash it today!”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“Of course!”
After handing her the handkerchief, Lily carefully folded it and placed it into her pocket.
Knock. Knock.
Turning at the sudden knock on the door,
“Must be Alan…”
“Come in.”
“Excuse me.”
As expected, Alan entered, looking at me briefly before bowing and continuing:
“The Duke requested to clear the afternoon.”
“…Afternoon?”
If it were the afternoon, it would be the time for the history lesson… What might cause him to send such a message?
“He mentioned he’s planning to visit the Royal Auction.”
“Royal Auction?”
“Understood, I’ll make time.”
“Yes, I’ll relay this message. Then, I shall take my leave.”
With that, Alan exited the room.
By the way, the Royal Auction…
If my memory serves me right, it’s an auction only those of the rank of Baron and above can attend, though I learned about its existence from a friend since it’s such a well-known fact.
It’s a peculiar auction where a Baron or higher noble must attend with either their wife or fiancée. Unlike the underground auctions, this one is directly managed by the Royals, thus considered trustworthy.
“Could it be that he intends to go because I, as his fiancée, am around?”
That would indeed make sense, as I’m aware that the Duke of Hardenberg never introduced another woman to the family before.
“What exactly is the Royal Auction?”
“It’s an auction led by the Royal Court.”
“Auction?”
“It’s a place where items are sold to the highest bidder.”
“I see… Can I go?”
“Of course. Even a maid can accompany, so you’re welcome to come.”
“That’s great!”
With that exclamation, Lily grabbed the door handle.
“Then, I’ll go outside!”
“Alright, take care.”
“Yeah!”
With her usual cheerful farewell, she exited the room.
