Otaku Translation: I! Anomaly Cleansing Agent! C171

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Chapter 171: No Palace, Only Husband to Lean On

Is he not coming back today?

Unaware that was currently locked in a desperate drinking battle with the fearsome , sighed wistfully as the streetlights below flickered on, signaling his absence once again.

But just as she rose from the window, preparing to clear away the meal she’d set aside for him, a familiar-sounding footfall echoed up the stairwell.

Has he returned?

Recognizing the unmistakable heaviness of those steps—each one carrying the weight of burdens beyond her understanding—the frail girl’s face softened with hope. Wiping her damp palms on her apron, she hurried toward the door.

However, halfway there, she paused. Though the footsteps bore a striking resemblance to Leon’s, their stride was notably shorter.

It’s not him…

Disappointment washed over Anna as she released the doorknob. But before she could retreat, the footsteps continued directly toward her, followed by a soft, deliberate knock.

"Knock, knock-knock."

Who will it be?

Anna hesitated, then cautiously called out through the door: "Who is it?"

After a brief silence, a calm and reassuring voice responded: "I’m looking for Leon. Leon Lion."

Looking for my brother? And… is that a woman’s voice?

Though the voice was pleasant and carried an air of quiet authority, Anna instinctively bristled. Without thinking, she fibbed: "He’s already asleep. It’s late. Please come back tomorrow."

"..."

Sensing her wariness, the visitor paused thoughtfully before leaning closer to the door. Lowering her tone, she said softly: "You must be Anna. Leon told me about you. And though there’s a pair of men’s shoes placed outside to suggest otherwise, the ones Leon wore today aren’t here. So he hasn’t returned yet, has he? Don’t worry—I’m not a bad person. I truly am here for him."

"..."

Caught in her lie, Anna felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Quickly unlocking the door, she stammered an apology: "I’m sorry... My brother warned me recently to be cautious, as someone dangerous might be targeting our family. So I... um..."

Her words trailed off as she took in the stunning figure before her. The woman exuded confidence, her beauty accentuated by curves that made Anna acutely aware of her own frailty. She couldn’t help but glance at the other woman’s chest, overwhelmed by a mix of awe and envy.

This isn’t fair...

"It’s alright," the woman said gently, clearly sensing Anna’s unease. "Given the late hour, it’s only natural you’d be cautious."

Finally gaining entry, —the displaced princess who now had no palace and only Leon’s silver coin to her name—secretly exhaled in relief. Determined to secure shelter for the night, she swiftly launched into her rehearsed introduction, smiling warmly: "Nice to meet you. My name is Veronica, and as for my identity... I’m your brother’s fiancée."

???

What did she just say?

Stunned like a duck struck by lightning, Anna froze, utterly dumbfounded.

This can’t be true.

He always said he’d never marry—he promised! Even if we’re not blood-related, I’m still his most important sister. He’d definitely tell me first if he were getting married. This has to be a lie. This woman is tricking me... right...?

Hands on her hips, eyes wide with indignation, Anna prepared to confront the impostor when her gaze involuntarily flicked down once more—to the other woman’s chest.

Could it... Could it actually be possible? After all, she does look...

"Anna?"

Interrupting her internal debate, Veronica spoke up after waiting far too long for Anna’s reaction. Improvising quickly, she added: "I know this news comes as a shock, but I assure you, I’m not lying. I really am your future sister-in-law."

"But... but he never mentioned anything to me! And he’s always so busy—when would he even have time...?"

"It was sudden, I admit."

Taking Anna’s sweaty palm in hers, Veronica guided the bewildered girl inside, acting every bit the doting sister-in-law. With feigned sincerity, she explained: "Just this afternoon, in the grand hall of the during the , he proposed to me in front of all the guests. We hit it off immediately, so I accepted. It happened so unexpectedly that we didn’t have time to inform anyone beforehand... By the way, did Leon mention where he was going today?"

"Yes..."

Completely missing how Veronica artfully glossed over details like their "courtship timeline" or why Leon hadn’t introduced her to the family, Anna unwittingly linked the woman’s authenticity to whether Leon had indeed gone to the Lion estate. Recalling his earlier mention of attending an investiture ceremony there, and finding the stories aligned, her doubts crumbled under the logic of “if one part is true, the rest must be too.” Her expression grew conflicted as she murmured:

"So you really are..."

"I really am your future sister-in-law."

Her coal-dusted nose twitched slightly as the enticing aroma of food reached her. Starving since morning, Veronica wasted no time. Guiding Anna to the dining table, she seated her and proceeded to uncover the dishes with practiced ease. Pushing a small plate toward Anna, she asked with apparent concern: "You seem unwell. Did you eat too little tonight? You should have some more."

"Ah..."

Lost in thoughts of Leon’s marriage announcement—and the fact that he hadn’t told her—Anna reflexively replied: "I guess... I didn’t eat much..."

"Then let’s fix that. I’ll join you."

With effortless grace, Veronica claimed a serving for herself, placing a floret of cauliflower onto Anna’s plate while slicing a generous piece of steaming fried fish for herself. Chewing hastily, swallowing almost instantly, and savoring the taste of success, she enthusiastically scooped mashed potatoes onto her spoon and encouraged Anna: "Eat up. Look how thin you are. If Leon comes home and sees you haven’t taken care of yourself, he’ll be heartbroken."

"Ah... okay..."

Under Veronica’s persistent urging, Anna mechanically nibbled on two florets of cauliflower and a few slices of carrot meant for soup. But as she glanced at the three empty plates before her newly minted "sister-in-law," suspicion crept back into her mind. Eyeing the satisfied woman wiping her mouth delicately, Anna wondered:

Is this supposed sister-in-law here to eat us out of house and home?

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