My Past Life is Riddled With Many Sins - Chapter 13

They arrived at the destination much earlier than planned due to traveling on horseback. There was now ample time to indulge in reading at the library. Although not naturally inclined towards studying, the experience felt refreshingly different after a long time.

The nostalgia of childhood, after all, is not easily ignored.

During her life as Yekarna, there was only one moment when studying seemed enjoyable.

“Alright, Lennon. I’ll teach you what I learned from the master yesterday.”

A neglected illegitimate child of a Marquisate, the boy was brought to the imperial palace without any formal education and treated like a toy.

“We don’t have much time, so you need to concentrate and listen carefully, okay?”

“Why are you bestowing such kindness upon me, Your Highness?”

“I’m curious to see how lovely you’d look with a sparkle in your eyes.”

“What do you mean…”

“You’re a bright child, smarter than any of your brothers.”

Teaching him one thing, he would grasp ten, or a hundred more. Yekarna did not want his prodigious talents to be buried.

“Become the Marquis, Lennon. Seize your father’s title and come to me. Then, I will surely make good use of you.”

As Yekarna commanded, Lennon became the Marquis and was appointed as Chancellor.

Indeed, the very same Chancellor, who was one of the ‘Seven Guardians’ later suspected of being one of the candidates who had assassinated Yekarna.

How surprising it was when the once scrawny and unimpressive child reappeared as a tall, handsome man.

“Your Majesty. It’s your Lennon.”

“You are Lennon? You’ve changed that I don’t even recognize you.”

“I strived to become your taste.”

“My taste?”

“Yes. You like men who have good body, seductive, and as quick-witted as a fox, don’t you?”

He was clever so he was adorable in many ways.

In both past and present lives, the only time studying was enjoyable was when she was teaching him.

‘But to think of a lover behind the ex-husband’s back. That’s quite trashy.’

Realizing what she was doing, Regina snapped out of her thoughts, suddenly aware of her body’s discomfort.

Yekarna was undoubtedly a master of horsemanship, so adept that eating and sleeping on horseback was effortless. This skill naturally remained in Regina. However, her body was not cooperative.

It was her first time on a horse in this body, so she was lacking the necessary muscles and calluses to endure the pain. Her entire body ached terribly and she felt like she was going to die.

It was no wonder, considering she had been carried like luggage on horseback for a week for the first time.

Resigned to another night of discomfort, she felt a sharp, needle-like tension prickling her skin.

Regina’s face that was previously blank as if half-crazed, suddenly tensed up. At the same time, the chilling sound of metal friction, specifically the sound of swords being drawn from their scabbards, filled the air simultaneously.

“Protect the young master!”

Following the earnest shout, the sound of well-forged blades clashing violently started to emanate from all around. She was tied up in a lying position on the horse, Regina couldn’t see exactly what was happening, but she quickly grasped the situation.

It was an ambush.

Whether from political rivals or competitors, it seemed that forces targeting Friedrich had indeed sent assassins, just as the knights had feared.

Regina realized this was her opportunity to escape from him unnoticed, the perfect chance she had been waiting for all week.

Trying to look up as much as she could, she saw the seat in front of her empty. Apparently, the knights had quickly taken their young master to safety, leaving her tied up on the horse.

She didn’t particularly resent their decision. To the unidentified attackers, she was nothing more than a commoner girl tied to a horse, a burden much like an inanimate object. They had no reason to kill her.

In fact, being near Friedrich only increased her danger, so the knights had effectively done her a favor.

“Maybe it’s time to try my escape.”

Regina easily slipped out of the ropes. It was as natural for her as taking off a piece of clothing.

Escaping restraints was a basic skill for her, something she could do whenever she wanted.

After grabbing her own bag, Regina surveyed the surroundings.

Masked assailants and knights were locked in combat. However, it seemed the tide was already turning. Friedrich’s knights were evidently more skilled than the assailants.

They would soon suppress the ambush. She had to leave before that.

After ensuring Friedrich’s safety, Regina turned to leave. Something caught her eye. An assassin, hidden behind a tree.

The assassin pulled out a small bottle and poured its contents onto a dagger. It couldn’t be anything good to the body, so it’s likely poison.

The dagger dripping with poison was clearly intended for a specific target.

Without further thought, Regina pulled out the small dagger concealed at her side.

An aura, blazing like a flame, wrapped around the blade. The old dagger was enveloped in a brilliant golden light and vibrated as it resonated with its owner’s will. The scene, with light pouring out like molten gold, was mesmerizing, yet the wielder’s focus remained fixed on the target.

This was no artisan-crafted weapon made of high-quality metal, just an old piece of iron from home. It wasn’t designed to withstand prolonged mana, so she had to act fast.

‘I’m sorry.’

Bidding farewell to the dagger, which had been with her and became dear to her over time, Regina immediately moved her hand. She quickly turned and left the scene without checking the outcome.

Once the ambush was over, the knights efficiently began the cleanup. It was their responsibility. From collecting the bodies of the assassins to picking up and clearing the weapons scattered on the ground, to ensure no harm came to future passersby.