I am not the Villainess

Chapter 69

CHAPTER 69

The capital has gradually restored to normal after the executions of Baron Miller, Gresley, and the assassins. Stores began to reopen, and small parties were held here and there.

The people were relieved that the bombing incident had finally been resolved. As a result, everyone, especially the grieving families, expressed their thanks to the Crown Prince.

Although the people questioned His Highness after learning that he had previously concealed the truth about Baron Miller, His Highness redeemed himself by bringing Gresley to the court hearing. Hence, the Aristocratic Faction became anxious once again as the people hailed His Highness.

Meanwhile, Noah was still not satisfied with how the bombing incident ended. He was certain that there was another person involved—the one who specifically ordered to have him dead.

Baron Miller was not the one who ordered to assassinate His Highness during the bombing. He only planted the bomb, but the assassin who held the bow and arrow to shoot Noah was not one of Baron Miller’s people.

Whoever he may be, he really had done a great job at hiding. He deliberately used Baron Miller’s rage to orchestrate a crime. Although he wasn't able to achieve his goal of killing His Highness, he was at least able to get away from it.

Who was it?

There were so many people who wanted the Crown Prince to be dead. The Aristocratic Faction was already one of them. As such, it was difficult to figure out who ordered His Highness' assassination during the bombing.

Noah didn’t have any lead. The assassin sent to kill him remained silent and accepted all of the punishments meted out to him. Even the most severe sanctions failed to get him to speak.

Truly, the loyalty of that assassin was no ordinary. This just gave Noah more reason to be curious about who the true culprit was.

He sighed.

For now, there’s nothing else he can do. The Imperial Court has officially closed this case, thus reopening it would involve going through all of the tedious formalities all over again.

After a few minutes, a knock on the door brought Noah back from his thoughts.

“Come in,” He said and went back to his papers again.

Aaron entered with a serious face. He walked closer to Noah and stood in front of his desk.

“Your highness, I have returned,” Aaron reported.

Before the court trial, Noah sent Aaron out for a mission. Aside from finding Gresley, Aaron also went to the East for an inspection.

Recently, there have been several problems occurring in the East that made Noah worry. The problems were just small crimes like robbery and accidents. However, they were committed one after the other, giving Noah the idea that there was more to it than meets the eye.

“How was it?” Noah asked.

“It was just like what you said, your highness. Just this week, there were already 4 cases of robbery, 15 carriage accidents, and 4 cases of food poisoning at some of the cafes and restaurants. It was indeed very odd.” Aaron answered.

Noah frowned after hearing that.

It was worse than I expected… He thought.

These small crimes can be easily overlooked. The problem, however, was these happened one after another in only one part of the East.

“Did you find any lead?”

Aaron sighed before answering.

“Unfortunately, your highness, we couldn’t find anything. There was no discernible pattern among the crimes committed. We also couldn't identify anything unusual among the perpetrators of those crimes."

“How about their motives?”

Aaron shook his head.

“They were all the usual reasons, your highness. Revenge, greed, jealousy… We really can’t point anything suspicious about it,” He answered.

Noah leaned back against his chair and pondered over it.

Am I wrong? Was there really nothing else going on?

Noah couldn’t help but still feel anxious about it. His instincts tell him they are missing something. However, he doesn’t know what it was.

“Alright.” Noah sighed.

“Continue observing the East. Look for anything suspicious and report to me immediately. Also, tighten the security in the East, and give them more knights if necessary.” He ordered.

“Understood, your highness,” Aaron replied.

Even if there seemed to be nothing else going on, Noah couldn't simply ignore his feeling. But he couldn't do anything impulsive, so they could only observe and wait for the time being.

Anyways, there is a more important thing Noah needs to think of right now.

Tomorrow is the weekend. Which means he has a date with Tatiana.

What do they usually do on a date? How should I prepare for it?

This was Noah's first time asking someone out on a date, so he had no idea what to do. Aside from that, this will be his first date with Tatiana, and he wanted it to be perfect.

What does Tatiana like? He pondered.

Noah looked up and saw Aaron still standing in front of him.

Hmm… He’s Tatiana’s older brother. He must know what Tatiana likes, right?

“Aaron,” Noah called.

“Yes, your highness?”

Noah hesitated for a while.

I didn’t expect this would be so difficult. He sighed.

“Do…do you know…what your sister likes?” Noah asked in a low voice. He cleared his throat and averted his gaze.

Aaron looked at him, confused. His brows were almost touching as he tried to figure out why Noah was asking such a question.

“Uh… What does my sister like?” Aaron asked again to himself. He looked up as he pondered about it more deeply.

Noah looked at him and waited. Then, as if hit by a light bulb, Aaron bursts out,

“Ah! My sister definitely likes anything sparkly. Maybe diamonds? A ruby? Hmm… she also likes colorful dresses… and shoes!” he scratched his head. “I think my sister likes anything expensive, sparkly, and bright.”

He added.

Noah’s brows furrowed.

He considered giving Tatiana jewelry or clothing, but for some reason, he believes she is no longer a materialistic person.

She changed, so she might not like those things anymore. He thought.

“But…your highness, why do you want to know what Tatiana likes?” Aaron asked, carefully.

Noah looked at him again and thought of what to say.

Although it would be unseemly to admit to Tatiana’s brother that they will have a date, Noah also figured that it was normal. After all, Noah and Tatiana are engaged and Aaron is aware of this.

After hesitating for a bit more, Noah decided to be honest.

“I’m going on a date with Tatiana.” He said nonchalantly.

“Ah, I see… you’re going on a date,” Aaron repeated and nodded his head, insensible of what he just said. But, after a few seconds, he realized what he said and looked at Noah with wide eyes. “A date?!” he exclaimed, heedless of sounding rude in front of the Crown Prince of the empire.

Noah glared at him but didn’t say anything.

“W-wait… your highness, a-are you serious? You’re really g-going out on a date? W-with my sister?” Aaron questioned, looking very puzzled.

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