Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Forty-Nine: Fiancé You Say!?

His words kept on ringing her ears nonstop. She felt herself looking stupid so she clear her throat and tap his shoulder.

“You better tell that to somebody else. Not me.”

“There’s no somebody else. No one can become like you.” He a little annoyed by her indifferent answer. “Seriously? A girl hearing this from my mouth would instantly melt.” He added.

“No one is asking though.”

“I’m telling you, you’re something.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Silence covered them. Viviene did not care at first but a question suddenly rush inside her head.

“Can I ask a question?”

“What is it?”

“Why is the Hestrova empire so angry at the Valliaña empire?”

“Hah. I thought you are not going to interfere to this matter?” He laughed shortly and look at her. “Why are you asking now?” He added.

Viviene look at his red irises with earnest eyes.

“Because I’m curious.” She answered genuinely.

In his own eyes it seems like her amber irises shine more than gold. Those eyes were clear and pretty.

‘No one looked at me in the eyes like that.’

He muttered inwardly, mesmerized by her eyes.

“Its because the emperor of Valliaña empire took something important to me.” He replied.

“To you?” Her face showed confusion in front of him.

‘Did the emperor take his lover away from him? That’s too bad.’ She mumble to herself.

“Yes. She is very important to me and I need to get her back for the empire of Hestrova.” He added. She stared at him for a while before speaking.

“I see.”

“Aren’t you going to cheer me up? Motivate me?” He asked. She laughed shortly at his remark.

“Hah! Did you forget? I am the daughter of the Sword of the Valliaña empire. Why would I motivate my father’s enemy?”

The corner of his lips lift into a smirk. He admired her boldness and lack of fear towards him.

‘Ignorance sometimes is a bliss.’ He thought.

“How are you? You fainted after the trial.” He suddenly inquired. He examined her physical appearance beside him. She’s thin and pale much worse than before.

“I am fine. I’m taking medicines the doctor prescribed to me.” She answered.

“Are you eating and sleeping well?”

“Yes unfortunately, I didn’t even gain weight. Instead, I’m getting thinner than before.” A worried tone can be sense by her words. She always look herself in the mirror and she can clearly see how she lost weight dramatically.

‘Too much is always bad!’ She blurted in her head.

“You should eat and sleep more. Your wrists are so thin that I can break it easily without using too much force.” He suggested while his eyes displayed concern for her deteriorating health.

“Are you trying to make me a pig?” She remarked.

“Its better than seeing you this skinny.”

“Stop nagging me!” She laughed at him.

“Your coming-of-age ceremony is near. Anything you want from your birthday?”

She thought for a while before answering.

“Nothing.”

He look at her with an absurd expression.

“You are too generous for your own birthday. Its okay to be selfish sometimes you know? Do what you want to do, buy what you want to buy, waste your money for this occasion. Be happy on your birthday.”

She shrug at his remark and watch the view ahead of her. The trees were turning orange and the gentle wind is cold.

‘Winter is coming.’

“I think I should go home.” She said as she stood up removing the dirt on her skirt when he suddenly open his mouth to speak.

“On the date of your birthday come here. I’ll give you a gift.”

“A gift?”

“Yes. Make sure you’re coming here.”

She stare at her for a while before answering with a gentle smile on her face.

“Alright. I’m coming here. Goodbye now.”

“See you soon.”

After bidding goodbye to Ulysses, she return to her room. She remove her cloak and sit on the bed.

‘”… Its okay to be selfish he say.” She mumbled. Actually, she have something she really want to however they cant give it to her. “Going back home is impossible.” She whispered under her breath. She went near the window and saw a familiar man walking towards the mansion. Their eyes met and Sir Valor smiled at her. She smiled as well and wave her hand to him.

‘Is he visiting me again?’ She wondered.

Merriam went outside to meet Sir Valor with a shy smile. However that smile vanish when she saw that Alexander is smiling at Viviene. She frown and in the verge of crying.

“Ms. Merriam?”

She raise her head and saw Alexander looking at her.

“Are you alright?”

She swallowed a sob and sigh as she force a smile on her lips.

“Yes, Sir. Are you visiting Young Lady again?” She asked, hoping he’s not.

“Yes. I came here to know the lady’s condition.” He answered.

“I, I see. I will escort you to the audience room.” She trembled and lead the way inside the mansion. Alexander stare at her for a while before following her.

Viviene was laying on the bed when someone knock the door.

“Who is it?”

“Its Merriam, Milady.”

“Come in.”

Merriam enter the room with a gloomy aura. Viviene look at her with a puzzle look and asked.

“What’s wrong, Merriam? You look down spirited today.”

Merriam look at her and saw her pretty face etched with concerns toward her.

“I am just not feeling well today, Young Lady.” She lied.

“Oh, are you having your menstruation today? If so you can take a rest. I can do things on my own so don’t worry.” She answered with a worried tone in it. Merriam force a smile.

“No, its alright.”

“Are you sure?” She doubted watching her expression.

“Yes, I am” She insisted and laughed picking the hairbrush on Viviene’s table and went behind her to brush her long ginger hair.

‘You’re going to die anyway. Its alright.’ She muttered to herself with her face showing a brooding expression.

After fixing her hair, Viviene went out from her room with Merriam. She really felt that Merriam is not feeling well today.

‘Is she having severe menstrual cramps?’

“Merriam, you can visit the doctor if you want. I’ll just ask the other servant to prepare us tea and snacks.” She suggested.

“I am fine. Really.” She insisted again.

“..Okay.”

She went inside while Merriam went to get some tea and snacks. She smiled at Alexander who stood up and bow slightly at her.

“Good day, Sir. What brings you here?” She asked as she sit on the couch.

“I just want to know if you’re doing fine, Lady Cruel.” He answered.

“I am fine, Sir. Thank you for the concern. How about you?”

“I am as well. I brought a cake from the Heavenly Bakeshop.”

Viviene looked at the box he’s holding. Her eyes sparkled in delight and her smile wider which made Alexander fell in a daze.

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Are you happy?”

Viviene raise her head in confusion.

“Huh?”

“Are you happy, Milady?” He asked again. She glance at the cake then back to him.

‘Was he asking if I like the cake? If it is then..’

“Of course, Sir.”

An unfamiliar luster appeared in his hazel eyes while looking at her. He never thought that the Lady’s genuine smile can be this dazzling. Merriam entered the room and stop from walking towards them. Her eyes went to Alexander who’s in a daze at Viviene’s smiling face.

‘Why are you looking at her like that?’ She wondered painfully. She started walking closer to them and accidentally hear their conversation.

“Would Milady mind if I bring you pastries from Heavenly Bakeshop?”

“Yes. It might affect your work and reputation Sir. Hanging out with a villainess like me isn’t good for someone as great as you.”

“Don’t worry, Milady. I don’t mind to rumors and you’re not that bad to hang out with.”

“Still, I mind. Don’t waste your time on me, Sir.”

Merriam quietly put tea on their teacup.

“Merriam, can you please slice the cake?” Viviene asked.

“… Yes, Milady.”

Their conversation went smoothly. Unfortunately, Alexander needs to go to the palace immediately but Viviene didn’t mind.

‘He is the crown prince’s knight. Of course he will be busy.’ She thought.

She went back to her room but she jump in surprise as she saw the crown prince sitting on the couch leisurely inside her room.

“Y-Your Highness! What brings you here?”

She can still feel her heartbeat raising after seeing the crown prince’s face. He is wearing a black uniform with his red cape and his hair neatly combed to the side. Hs violet eyes met her amber irises.

“Good day, Lady Cruel. You look pretty as ever.” He said with a playful smile.

“Ah. Thank you, Your Highness. Merriam, please prepare a tea and snacks.” She ordered.

“Yes, Milady.”

Merriam left the room. Viviene look at the crown prince and walk to the sofa beside him. She sits on it and force a smile on her lips.

“Your Highness, this is my room.”

“I know. I am not stupid to not know your room, Lady Cruel.”

‘Stop coming in my room jerk! Respect my privacy!’ She blurted inwardly because she cant say it out loud to the prince in front of her.

“Your room smells nice. Its like I’m surrounded with apples.” He complimented. “Do you like apples?” He added.

“Everyone loves apples, Your Highness. You know the saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’.” She answered.

“Hah. Your not answering the question though.”

“Of course not, Your Highness.” She urgently denied.

“You seemed pretty close to my knight Sir Valor, Lady. Do you perhaps fancy him?” He asked directly. She look at him with her eyebrows almost meet in the center.

‘Woah! Hold on! What on earth is this man saying?’ She wonder.

“No. He is just a little friendly lately. Unfortunately, the cake from Heavenly Bakeshop was gone a few minutes ago. I apologize, Your Highness.”

“Cake from Heavenly Bakeshop? Was it good?” He asked.

“Of course! It’s the most popular bakeshop in the capital.” She answered.

“You like eating their pastries and cakes?” He added.

“Well, yes. Who wouldn’t like their cakes and pastries?” She answered.

“You sounded like you’re not sure if you like it or not.” The crown prince stated.

“What? Of course not, Your Highness. I actually like their cakes. Especially chocolate and strawberry cakes.” She mumble the latter. The crown prince’s lips curve to a smile.

“I see. So why is my knight always coming here?” He inquire. Viviene is pretty annoyed by the series of questions but again, she cant reprimand the crown prince of the empire.

‘Remember that he can kill you smoothly in here.’ She reminded herself.

“I don’t know, Your Highness. Perhaps you can ask Your Highness’ knight directly.” She replied in a shrug.

“If you’re not sick right now. Would you still consider marriage, Lady Cruel?” He asked again.

‘Am I in a job interview? Why do I feel like I’m in a hot seat?’ She wonder nevously.

“Marriage, Your Highness?” She repeated.

“Yes.”

She thought for a while and a familiar face displayed in her mind. Gray hair and red irises like flaming rubies. Her lips curve to a smile.

“Maybe.”

"Maybe? You sounded skeptical, Lady Cruel. Why?"

"Because no one can change my reality, Your Highness." She answered immediately.

'This is Viviene's reality and my reality is different. In there, I am alone and perhaps die alone as well.' She mumble inwardly. She look at the crown prince and saw his hardened expression.

'Oh. I think I said something bad to him. Whatever, I dont care.' She added to herself and push the thought away.

"How are you, Your Highness?" She asked.

'Its my turn to interrogate him now.' She pondered at her little revenge.

"I doing fine. Just a little busy." He answered.

"I see. Are you sleeping well these days? I can see dark bags under Your Majesty's eyes."

The prince smiled at her.

"Its alright. Are you worried, Lady Cruel?"

She halt from sipping her tea.

'I failed. My revenge failed.'

"Everyone can be worried about you, Crown Prince. You are the future emperor after all." She answered.

"Are you really giving me bullshits every time I ask questions, Lady Cruel? Am I insignificant to you? Or are you asking me because you just want the position of the empress?" His tone is dreadful sending Viviene shivers down her spine.

'What kind of crap is this?' She blurted angrily in her.

"You're not answering my questions properly, young lady." He added.

"No."

The crown prince's mouth shut tightly.

"I am not worried of you, Your Highness. Not even a little bit and another no, because I am not aftering the position of becoming an empress." She said firmly. She stare thoroughly at his violet eyes.

"Your Highness is worthy so stop asking that you are insignificant. If there's unimportant person here, its me. I apologize if I offended you, Your Highness." She added and slightly bow her head.

The crown prince's eyes dilate while looking at her.

"Raise you head, lady." He commanded.

She slowly raise her head. Her eyes widen when she felt something soft press her lips. She froze and her mind became blank. The crown prince whispered in her ear.

"I am you fiancé now."

"W-What?"

"I already sent papers to the duke about the marriage proposal and he agreed to it."

"What!? Why!?"

"There's nothing to worry, Viviene. I will handle everything. All you need is rest and wait for our wedding."

She laugh like she heard a terrible joke from the prince's mouth.

"Your Highness, did you forget about my situation?"

"No. But I wont let you die."

She fimrly close her eyes as she feel her head breaking at the sudden news she heard.

"Your Highness, please leave."

"Are you.."

"Please Your Highness. Please, please."

The crown prince stare at her for a while and sigh.

"Alright but I wont take back my marriage proposal, Viviene."

He said and disappeared. The door opened and Merriam entered with the tea and snacks.

"Huh? Milady where's the crown prince?"

Merriam asked. Viviene look at her and force a smile.

"He left. Merriam, I want to talk to Father. Where is he?"

She can feel her hands shaking but she hid it behind her.

"The duke is in the imperial palace, Milady. He will be back after luncheon." Merriam answered.

"I see. Please leave me alone, Merriam."

Merriam sensing her crestfallen aura obeyed immediately and left her alone. She went to the bed and lay on there.

"What the f**k is happening!? Fiancé he said!?"

She blurted and hit the pillow several times.

"Why didn't they tell me!? Just, why?"

She felt so sad and disappointed. She needs to talk this matter to the duke and ask to cancel the engagement.

'I have to.' She firmly thought.