I am not the Villainess

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20 

The emperor was speechless and looked at Tatiana with wide eyes. 

“W-what?”  

He couldn’t believe what he just heard.  

Did she just say she fell out of love? How did that happen in just a short time?  

The last time they met, which was one year ago, Tatiana was still head over heels over Noah. She was even the one who suggested announcing their wedding date on her coming-of-age after Noah will come back from the war. 

How could it be that in just a year, she had a change of heart? Was it because she hasn’t seen Noah for the last two years? Was that it? 

“It is the truth, your majesty. I have also mentioned it to His Highness as well.” Tatiana said. 

Emperor Nigel was even more confused. If she already mentioned it to Noah before coming to him, doesn’t that mean that Noah had already agreed? 

But from what I saw that night, Noah was captivated by her... It’s impossible for Noah to believe and agree to it. Just what is going on? 

“Hold up, Tatiana. This is making me puzzled.” Emperor said and hold up his hand while pinching the bridge of his nose on the other. “Did Noah agree?”  

Tatiana got tongue-tied with that question. She avoided the emperor’s eyes and thought of an excuse, but she had none. 

“N-no, not exactly—But, I believe it’s because he doesn’t want to seem irresponsible,” Tatiana said. She looked at the emperor with determined eyes and continued. 

 “His Highness—he is not to be blamed. I was the one who requested this engagement without acknowledging His Highness’s opinion. I insisted on it and it left him no choice. It’s my fault, but... Now, I wanted to make things right.” she sighed. “Your Majesty, I know I am stepping on a line here, but I really wish to cancel this engagement. It’s not just for me or His Highness, but also the empire. Please, Your Majesty...” 

Emperor Nigel became silent after Tatiana’s desperate pleading. He still disagrees with the idea, but he knew, Tatiana would make a way somehow. He could feel Tatiana’s determination to end their engagement, and it was that determination in her eyes that bemused the emperor.  

From the beginning, the request was already unusual. However, he didn’t expect that Tatiana would push it ‘till the end.  

After much deliberation, the only other reason that the emperor could think of was that Tatiana fell in love with another man. Maybe, during that one year where Tatiana stayed in the South, she met another man that she wishes to marry.  

But if that’s the case, what about Noah?  

The emperor believed that Noah had some feelings for Tatiana and that he just hasn’t realized it yet. However, if their engagement will be broken off, Noah will never realize his feelings. This is a big problem.  

I promised to support my son’s happiness, so this engagement must continue ‘till the end. 

The emperor contemplated it even more. He doesn’t want to make it seem that he doesn’t support Tatiana and upset her, but he also doesn’t want to risk taking away his son’s happiness.  

What should I do? 

It took a while when the emperor thought of an idea.

“Tatiana, I respect your opinion. I, also, wanted what’s best for both of you. However, I cannot allow missing this opportunity of having a lady like you to become my daughter and the next crown princess. So, I would like to propose a deal.” The emperor smiled smugly and even leaned closer to her to directly stare at her eyes. 

“A deal?” 

“Yes, a deal. If you win, I will, without any second thought, cancel your engagement. However, if I win, the engagement will proceed accordingly and you will marry my son, Noah.” 

Tatiana blinked at this sudden proposal. Earlier, she was starting to lose hope. She was sure that His Majesty would disagree with her and continue with the engagement. However, she wasn’t expecting him to propose a deal. 

She might only have a 50% chance of winning, but it is better than nothing. 

“May I ask what is this deal, Your Majesty?”  

Emperor Nigel leaned back on his chair and smirked at Tatiana.  

“It’s simple. In 6 months, Noah will be turning 20. If by that time, your feelings for Noah remain the same, then you win. Otherwise, I win.” 

Tatiana wasn’t able to respond after that.  

We are betting on my feelings? What the heck is that? 

“Why? Do you not like it, Tatiana?” the emperor asked when Tatiana remained silent. 

Tatiana pondered what to answer. She can’t understand. Why would the emperor propose to bet on her feelings? 

The conditions are almost pointless. If it’s her feelings, she can easily manipulate it, or better, she could just lie when the deadline comes.  

If that’s the case, isn’t it more advantageous for her? That’s good news for her. But, why is she hesitating? And why does she feel...scared? 

No, it’s already obvious that I’ll win this bet!  

Tatiana sat up straight and looked at the emperor with confidence.  

“No, I’ll accept your deal, Your Majesty.” 

The emperor, on the other hand, smiled victoriously at her answer. He knew very well that he's disadvantageous in this bet, but it is the best he could do to give Noah a bit more time. 

He knew Noah's just not sure of his feelings for now, but the time will come and he will realize it. That was his main purpose in suggesting the bet, in the first place—to give Noah the time. 

Now, it will be all up to Noah.

This is the best I could do, son...It's your turn now. 

“Good. I’ll be looking forward to it.”  

With that, a deal between His Majesty and Tatiana was made. In 6 months, her future might depend on that. But she’s confident she’ll win. She can’t possibly fall for Noah in 6 months. Besides, the novel will progress accordingly which means Noah will fall for Beatrice. With that fact, Tatiana won't allow herself to have feelings for Noah.

Tatiana sighed deeply once she stepped out of the emperor’s office. 

It’s finally done... 

Now, she doesn’t have to worry about her engagement. In 6 months, their engagement will be broken off, and she’ll finally cut ties with the main leads in that time. 

Tatiana was about to go back to her carriage when she remembered something. She promised Princess Nathalia she’ll visit her. Since she’s already in the palace, might as well fulfill her promise. 

Tatiana turned and changed her direction towards the east palace where the princess stays.  

When she arrived, a maid came to greet her. 

“Good afternoon, my lady. How can I help you?” the maid greeted.

“I’m here to meet the princess. Is she here?”  

The maid slightly bowed her head. 

“Yes, my lady. I’ll inform Her Highness of your visit. Let me guide you to the drawing-room where you can wait.”  

Tatiana nodded and followed the maid to the drawing-room. She sat on the sofa and another maid came to serve her tea. 

A while later, the door opened and a little girl who’s wearing a pink puffy dress entered enthusiastically. 

“Sis Tati!” the girl greeted. Tatiana stood up to greet her. 

“Your Highness, how have you been?” she smiled widely and kneeled so she could be face-to-face with Princess Nathalia. 

“I’m great! I missed you sis Tati!” Princess Nathalia exclaimed and hugged Tatiana. Tatiana chuckled at her bubbliness. 

“I missed you too, Princess.”  

Princess Nathalia let go of the hug. Her blue eyes sparkled as she smiled widely at Tatiana. 

“Let’s go to my room, sissy!”  

She then pulled Tatiana towards the door, and Tatiana chuckled as she allowed herself to be pulled along. 

When they’ve arrived in Princess Nathalia's room, which was decorated in pink and a lot of toys, Princess Nathalia gave her a doll and they started playing together. 

Time passes and they were having a great time playing with her dolls. Tatiana really enjoyed spending time with children, and Princess Nathalia happened to be a bubbly one which made her even happier.  She feels like she's a child again and like she's experiencing a childhood she never had.

A while later, they heard a knock on the door. 

“Princess, His Highness the Crown Prince is here.” A maid said from the other side of the door.  

Tatiana and the princess both stopped playing and turned towards the door. 

“Brother?” the princess said excitedly. She stood up and opened the door. It revealed Noah who looked...worried. And behind him is Aaron who also looked...anxious. 

“Princess, is Tatiana here?” Noah asked and looked around the room. That’s when his and Tatiana’s eyes met. 

Tatiana stood up, confused. 

“Yes, brother! We’re playing dolls, do you want to join?” Princess Nathalia asked unaware of what’s happening. 

“Ah, excuse me.” Aaron chimed in. “Greetings your highness, I’m sorry for interrupting your time.  My name is Lord Aaron of House Cromello. I am Lady Tatiana’s brother. I’m here to talk to Tatiana if that is okay?” He greeted the Princess. His expression was sweet towards the princess, but Tatiana knows he’s hiding his anger. 

“Oh! So, you are brother Aaron! Sissy told me a lot about you!” The princess, who’s still smiling widely, said. “Ah! You can talk to her, she’s in here. Please come in!” 

The two men came in and looked at Tatiana who’s looking back at them confusedly. 

Noah and Aaron were looking around for Tatiana for hours now. When Aaron came back to fetch Tatiana, she had already left. So he went to their carriage, but the coachman said Tatiana never came back. He started getting worried and run around the palace to look for Tatiana.  

She just came back from being sick, she might have fainted somewhere.  

Thinking that Aaron became even more worried.  

While running and asking around the palace, he came across Noah. He then told Noah what happened, and that’s how they both ended up looking for Tatiana together.  

Later on, they met a maid from the east palace, who told them that Tatiana was in the east palace with the princess. 

“Tatiana,” Aaron called with a stern voice. “Where have you been? We have been looking around for you?!” Aaron scolded, trying his best not to raise his voice. 

It was then that Tatiana realized what was going on. She completely forgot to inform Aaron. 

Tatiana looked at Aaron and noticed that he was sweating very badly. She then felt guilty. 

He must have been running around all this time looking for me. 

“Brother... I’m sorry, I forgot to inform you, and I didn’t notice the time.” Tatiana apologized sincerely.  

Aaron sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.  

He can finally sigh in relief. He has been very worried all this time, but thank goodness and nothing happened to her. 

“It’s okay. I’m just happy that nothing happened to you.” 

“Tatiana.” A voice called from behind. They both turned and saw Noah, who’s looking at her with worried eyes. Beside him is Princess Nathalia who’s looking at them confusedly. 

“Your Highness...” 

“Are you okay?” he asked. 

It was then that Tatiana noticed that he was soaking in sweat as well.  

Why is His Highness here? And he’s sweating as well...Could it be that he also looked for me? 

“Yes, Your Highness. I’m sorry for worrying you...” Tatiana said softly and bowed a little. 

She was still confused about what was happening. Is it possible that Noah is worried for her as well? But why? Is it because she is his fiancé? 

Right, that could be it...  

Maybe he felt responsible for Tatiana since they are engaged. It could just be an act of respect towards their relationship and nothing else. 

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Noah said softly. 

Tatiana looked back at him and saw his relieved expression. She didn’t thought Noah could be this worried for his fiancé who he never cared for before. 

“Thank you, your highness...”  

Noah and Tatiana’s exchange of words were a bit awkward. However, for Noah, he felt really grateful seeing that nothing happened to Tatiana.  

He also wasn’t sure why the moment Aaron told him that Tatiana was missing, he felt extremely worried that a lot of scenarios started forming in his head. He felt incredibly scared that time that he wasn’t able to think clearly and only thought of Tatiana’s safety. 

Why was I so worried? Was it because she is my fiancé? Did I just feel responsible for her safety or was it something else? What is happening to me? 

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