I am not the Villainess

Chapter 31

CHAPTER 31  

Silence filled the room. No one dared to utter another word as Tatiana and Noah tried to read each other’s minds while staring at each other’s eyes.  

Minutes passed and Tatiana finally broke the silence.  

“I don’t know what you are talking about, your highness.” she denied.  

There was no doubt that she has been discovered by the Crown Prince, however, it doesn’t mean she’ll admit to it easily as well.   

Tatiana’s capability to fight is a strength she wishes to keep a secret. There will be a lot of obstacles she has to face in the future, and she wants to have a trump card she could use in case of an unexpected predicament. Aside from the power and wealth, she is starting to build with Alfred Rogers and the connection from the Magic tower with Cali Williams, her strength in fighting will protect her and her loved ones’ lives from their possible horrible ending.  

That said, Tatiana is unsure if whether the Crown Prince knowing about her skills would become a disadvantage to her or not.  

Even if Noah had already discovered her, if there is still a way to deny it, then Tatiana would do so. She still can’t trust Noah. After all, Tatiana was supposed to be a villainess that Noah hates in the novel.  

Noah, on the other hand, had already expected that Tatiana won't easily admit it. At first, he didn’t even plan to come here and visit Tatiana to ask her personally. He didn’t really want Tatiana to be involved with the bombing issue, but curiosity got him.   

He couldn’t forget the scenes in the forest from the night of the bombing. The fighting scene that transpired between Tatiana and the assassins was just so stupendous that he couldn’t get it off his mind.  

Tatiana is someone who is incredibly skilled. She is a talented person who could turn the empire upside down with her skills. Not to mention, she is influential as the daughter of the duke and as the noblest lady of the empire. She is someone that Noah needs and he wanted to acquire her to his side more than anyone else.   

Which is why he figured to come here and talk to her personally. He thought that even if there’s a little chance, maybe Tatiana would become honest and admit it to him. On his way here, he was only holding onto that small hope, but in the end, what he hoped for didn’t happen. Tatiana doesn’t trust him.   

Noah felt disappointed. He is her fiancé and yet she couldn’t trust him. However, he couldn't blame Tatiana since he was hostile towards her before and it’s only recently that he's warmed up to her.  

“I see. Then, I must have been mistaken.” Noah answered.  

Noah decided to cut their conversation there. He could have pushed Tatiana further until she has no choice but to admit it, but he changed his mind and instead acted as though he was wrong and knows nothing.  

Besides, even if Tatiana didn’t admit it. Noah already knows the truth even without confirmation. His goal was to get Tatiana to hold hands with him. He wants Tatiana to be by his side but he will not force her. Instead, he will support and help her from the shadows while also coaxing her carefully. 

Meanwhile, Tatiana expected a longer debate, but it seems that the Crown Prince gave up too easily.  

Is that it?  

Although suspicious, Tatiana decided to let it go. At least, the prince didn’t push for it any longer which means she doesn’t have to think of what reasons to tell.  

“Yes, I think so too.” She agreed. “If that is all, then, thank you for your visit, your highness,” Tatiana added, hinting for the prince to leave.  

Noah was amused by this.   

She wants me to leave quickly, but what can I do when I wanted to stay longer?  

He thought to himself. The past days have been so chaotic and stressful for Noah, but talking to Tatiana like this was like a breath of fresh air that he needs. As such, he finds it hard to leave right away.  

“However, that man Julio is a suspect right now, so I must find him. Will you help me, Lady Tatiana?” Noah replied, intentionally ignoring Tatiana’s hint for him to leave. His actions were considered rude, but he didn’t care if it means he can stay even a minute longer.  

Tatiana’s brows furrowed at His Highness’ actions. They keep turning in circles, and Tatiana couldn’t figure out just what it is that the Crown Prince was planning.  

Noah knew she is a skilled fighter. He knew that she was the ‘Julio’ that they were looking for. Yet, Noah didn’t interrogate her further and he even asked her to look for ‘Julio’.  

He is clearly playing with her, and Tatiana doesn’t like that. She is starting to get annoyed that she wanted to kick the prince out. If only it wouldn’t put her into big trouble, she would have done it earlier.  

“As I’ve said, your highness, I do not know of this man you are talking about. May I remind you that I was also a victim of the bombing incident? I do not have the time to look at every person’s face and name during that time. If you need help, then please ask my father or brother.  They would be very much willing and are more capable to help you, your highness.” Tatiana gritted.  

Noah raised an eyebrow. She may have not noticed it but her annoyance was clearly showing on her face, and Noah thinks it’s amusing.   

Does she hate my presence that much that she couldn’t even hide her emotions?  

If it’s any other person, Noah would have felt offended and would even take it as disobedience and hatred towards the Imperial Family. He would have immediately sent the person to jail or ordered the person to be killed. However, for some reason, Tatiana was different.  

Instead of being offended, Noah wanted to see more of Tatiana’s unfiltered emotions towards him. He wanted to see her annoyed, angry, confused, nervous, or happy. He wanted to know more about her. For Noah, Tatiana is an interesting puzzle he wants to solve.  

“I figured you would want to help me, but I guess I was wrong again,” Noah replied simply. He then stood up and fixed his coat. “Then, I shall go now, my lady. I shall visit you again soon. Thank you for your time.”  

Noah has many things to do in the palace, so whether he liked it or not, he has to go.  

“Please don’t...” Tatiana mumbled to herself, but Noah was still able to hear it with his heightened senses.   

Noah only smiled secretly at this.   

Ah. She sure knows how to make it difficult for me to leave.  

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