Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Forty-Eight: Not To Owe Anyone

The moment Viviene woke up, she’s already in her room and lying on her bed. She stare at the ceiling for a while recalling what happened.

‘Yeah. That bastard second prince tried to throw me in jail but he failed.’

She sits on the bed and flinch when she felt a little dizzy. The door opened and Arthur entered. Arthur’s eyes slightly widen and called for a servant to call the doctor before rushing to her side.

“Lay back. You’re still not well.” He ordered. Upon hearing his words she cant help but to frown at him.

“No. I am fine.”

“Don’t lie, you’re as pale and cold as a corpse. I called for the doctor, he’ll be here soon.”

She glance at the window before looking back at Arthur.

“What happened?” She asked. “I thought I’ll wake up in the evening but I think its already luncheon?” She added. Arthur sighed and sit on the bed staring at her.

“After you faint in my arms, you were unconscious for two days and half.”

“What!? Two days and half!?”

Her face displayed incredulity in front of him. She felt so tired but not because of too much work but because she slept too much.

“I don’t think I need to rest.” She mumble. The door opened and the doctor entered as well as the duke whose face was etched by worry.

‘Ah. This scene again. This is so cliché.’

As usual, the doctor examined her thoroughly, gave her medicine asked her to stay in bed.

“No, I want to walk outside.” She refused firmly.

“Child, you must follow the doctor’s advice. Its not good for you to not rest well.” The duke insist.

“Thank you, father but I am fine now. I don’t want to stay in bed the whole day.” She persist as well. She glance at Arthur who was standing behind the duke silently and gave him a help-me-convince-father look. Arthur refrain his lips to curve a smile and speak.

“Father, I think Viviene is really well now. Let her walk outside.”

“Ha. Alright. But you should walk with your maid and your knight.” The duke ordered.

“Thank you. By the way, what happened to the second prince?” She asked remembering the second prince’s smug face.

“That bastard never showed up again, and if I see him, I’ll make him tremble ‘till he knows what the Cruels are capable of.” Arthur said gravely.

“Is there anything you like?” The duke asked. “Your birthday is near. It will be the best coming-of-age ceremony in the empire.” He added.

“Well, there’s none.”

“Hey. Its alright. We told you before, just tell us and we will get that for you.”

She look at Arthur and the duke with an indifferent gaze. With an awkward smile, she answered them.

“Its really fine, father and brother. Anyway, I want to eat something light before I take a walk outside.”

“I’ll go get you something to eat, Miss.” Merriam muttered.

“Thank you.”

“I will excuse myself too, Young Lady, Your Excellency and Young Duke.” The doctor said.

“You may.” The duke answered.

Merriam and the doctor left the room. The three of them were left inside the room. Viviene can feel the awkwardness embedded to the silence between them so she started talking.

“Father, brother, are you sleeping well? You both have dark bags under your eyes.”

The truth is, both the duke and Arthur were not sleeping well because of Viviene being unconscious for a long time. In addition, her worsening health and the pointless research about the cure of her illness. It made them even sadder every time they see her getting thinner and paler.

“Child, are you having grudges to us?” The duke asked straight-forwardly. Viviene look at them and saw their trembling eyes.

‘Hate, huh.’

Memories of the real Viviene came flashing inside her head. Most of it were very sad and unpleasant but still she always want their affection until she disappeared. The feeling of cold and loneliness every time she was with them. Without hesitation, she answered them.

“Yes, I am.”

Their blue eyes delate and shook like earthquake staring at her amber irises. The smile on her lips remained but her eyes turned cold and dead like what they saw in the trial court.

“You should rest well, father and brother. Don’t think about me for it will only make you feel even more troubled than before.”

“Why would you say such thing? How can we not think about you?”

“You did it before. I’m sure you can do it now.” She answered surprisingly in an appealing way. “You don’t have to, worry so much about my welfare. I don’t want to be someone’s burden. I am not like that.” She added.

“Stop it. You are not a burden, child.”

Viviene stared at him blankly, trying to comprehend his words that were clearly the opposite of what the real Viviene think about.

‘She always feel that she is a burden though. Yet you said that she wasn’t? And now she’s nowhere to found.’ She sighed inwardly.

“Viviene, don’t be stubborn. We are here to help you and we will not let you die. You don’t have to be so hard on yourself.” Arthur butted in.

Viviene look at his direction with calm eyes.

‘Its not like I’m being hard to myself. What’s hard are the things around me!’

“Alright. I’m afraid I’m taking too much of your time. Do you still have works right?” She chirped.

“… We will leave you then. Will you join us for dinner?” The duke inquired.

“Of course. There’s no reason I cant. Good luck in your works.” She said cheerfully.

“Yes.”

The two left her in her room and Merriam entered after they left holding a tray of food. She ate her late lunch then change her pajamas to a simple olive green dress. She went downstairs and took a stroll in the garden. The wind gently blow at her lifting her long ginger hair. She embrace herself and rub her arms when Sir Rowellius handed her a blanket.

“Thank you Sir.”

“Don’t mention it, Milady. I’m glad that you’re alright now.” Sir Rowellius said with a relief expression.

“Yes. Thank you for your concern.”

While walking inside the garden, an image of a person came in her mind. She can even remember his worried face while watching her from afar. She can even tell that he was the one who used magic to prevent her from falling on the ground.

“Right, Merriam.”

“Yes, Milady?”

“Can you call a jeweler tomorrow after breakfast?”

“Yes, Milady.”

“Thank you. I shall now return to my room. I have something to do.”

She walk back to the mansion when the butler met her before she can enter the mansion.

“Milady.” He called and bow down then raise his head. “Sir McGregor is waiting in the audience room.” He said.

“Timothy? Oh. Merriam, please prepare some tea and snacks. I have a guest.”

“Yes, Milady.”

“Sir Rowellius, please accompany me.”

“Of course Milady.”

“Thank you for telling me, butler. I’m going now.”

“Please let me escort you, Milady.”

“Alright.”

As they walk towards the audience room, Viviene started a conversation to the butler.

“Butler, you seemed different from before.”

“Pardon?”

“Well, you always avoid me and look at me with scorn in your eyes. But now you escorted me and treated me with respect.”

The butler’s face paled and he flinched. With a nervous expression, he bowed down in front of her.

“Milady, please forgive me! I will accept any punishments from the lady without a heavy heart.” The butler apologized.

Viviene watch him with an apathy eyes.

“Raise your head, butler. I don’t wish to be late in meeting my guest.”

She muttered and walk pass through him. The butler look at her with bewildered eyes and followed her.

Just like the rest of people around her, she never forgive those people who harmed poor Viviene nor punished them.

‘I don’t care about their feelings. Let them suffer on their own.’ She shrugged.

She arrived at the audience room where Timothy is waiting. She enter the room and saw Timothy sitting on the sofa. When he saw her, he immediately stood up and greeted her.

“Good day Viviene.”

“Good day to you too, Timothy.”

She greeted. He handed her a bouquet of flowers which she gladly accept. She glance at the flowers and smiled at the hidden meaning of it.

Sweet Alyssum, Gilliflower and mistletoe: worth beyond beauty, lasting beauty and ‘I surmount all difficulties’.

“Thank you for the flowers. I appreciate it.” She muttered with a smile.

“I’m glad you like it, Viviene.”

Both of them take their sits.

“How are you?” Timothy asked.

“I’m fine.” She answered.

Merriam arrived with tea and snacks. She look at the two and felt sad for Timothy.

‘I’m not saying he stand not a chance to Sir Valor. Its not too late to change Merriam’s heart right?’ She thought.

“Thank you, Merriam.” She heard him say while staring at Merriam.

“Don’t mention it, Sir McGregor.” She answered with a smile. She step back away from them to avoid hearing their conversation.

“So, how was your relationship with Merriam?” She asked as she sips her tea.

“Nothing change. I don’t know if I should be thankful or not.” He answered uncertain.

‘Oh boy, I didn’t know there’s no improvement to their relationship yet.’ She muttered inwardly with disappointment.

“You better use your charms and killer moves, Timothy or else some other guy might take her away from you.” She warned.

“I know but, I don’t know how.”

“What? What do you mean you don’t know how?”

He glance at her with shyly.

“I’m shy you know.”

She keep herself from laughing at his answer and expression. He looked like a teenager guy who had experienced his first puppy love.

“Good thing I’m here. Why don’t you send her some flowers? Have time with her and earn her feelings slowly. And, change your hairstyle.” She adviced.

“What about my hair?” He asked.

“It almost cover your eyes. Oh, and change the way you dress too, as a friend who’s concern to you I’ll give you an honest comment about your fashion. Its completely dull and boring.” She said directly.

“What!? That’s too harsh.” Timothy muttered and pout in front of her.

“Don’t worry, I told you I’ll help you right? I’ll send the best hairstylist and fashion adviser to your house immediately.” She beamed.

“B-but how can I be with her?” He asked.

“Oh that’s simple, listen carefully, I have a plan.” She smiled playfully.

After her tea with Timothy, she return to her room with a book in her hand. She remove the dead roses and arrange the flowers on the vase. After that, she take a sit on the couch near the big window and opened the book. While in the middle of reading, she suddenly felt a presence in her room. When she raise her head she jumped in surprise seeing the crown prince.

“Y-Your Highness!”

“Good day, Lady Cruel.” He greeted.

“Greetings for the future sun of the empire.” She immediately said and stood up, bowing in front of him. “Pardon me for saying this a hundred times Your Majesty but, this is my room.” She added hiding the annoyance of his sudden unwanted appearance in her room.

“I know. I’m not stupid to not know that this is your room, lady.” He said as he took a sit on the sofa beside her.

‘I didn’t give you permission to be in here! Respect my privacy!’ She blurted inside her head at the same time imagining herself strangling the crown prince with her bare hands.

“You seemed very close to Sir McGregor. Do you have a crush on him?” He suddenly asked.

“Huh?”

“Both of you were talking and smiling at each other.” He added.

‘Wait, how did he know that Timothy is here?’ She wonder with her eyebrow raised.

“I don’t have a crush on him.” She answered straight-forwardly.

“Good.”

‘Good? What does he mean by that?’ She asked herself throwing a confused look at him.

“Here.”

He gave her a small red box. Her confusion increase as she stare at the box then to the crown prince.

“Its not my birthday yet, Your Majesty.” She reminded him thinking that he didn’t know her birthday.

“Its not a present but not for your coming-of-age ceremony. Open it.” He ordered.

Viviene put down the book and open the small box slowly. It’s a golden necklace with a small ruby rose.

“Your Highness, what is this for?” She asked.

“It’s a prize for winning the trial.” He answered.

“A prize?”

“Yes, you are very brave while standing in front of that old bastard and shaming that son of a b***h second prince.” He boldly replied.

‘Wait, he’s calling the emperor a bastard!? I don’t argue that the second prince is really a son of a b***h but still, he is a royalty! Whatever. Its pointless worrying about his sharp tongue anyway.’ She thought.

“You don’t have to give me a present, Your Majesty. I have too much jewelry and I don’t know if I can wear this.” She spoke lightheartedly. She heard the crown prince kick his tongue.

“It should be ‘thank you’ I am hearing.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty but I cant accept this.” She politely refuse the gift. She close the box and tried to give it back to the crown prince in front of her.

“I don’t accept what I gave to someone. If you don’t want it, just throw it away. I don’t care.” He muttered with a slight displeasure of her reply.

“But!”

“I’ll be going now. Goodbye, lady.”

The crown prince disappeared in front of her with unpleasant feelings over the refusal of his ‘gift’. Viviene didn’t have a choice but to accept the gift and keep it. She’s actually not sure if she can wear the necklace when she still have the blue diamond heart around her neck.

‘Right. I should give him a visit and thank him personally.’ She recalled.

After three days, the jewelry is finished. She check the quantity of the jewelry. It was a silver ring with golden vine like designed. It has a red gem stone attached to it and not just that, it had a small amount of a protection magic power mixed in the stone.

“Merriam, I’ll be resting until luncheon. Make sure no one gets in my room. Understand?”

“Yes, Milady.”

“Good. Please leave."

Merriam left the room. As soon as the door is shut close, she immediately wore the teleportation ring on her finger and a cloak to hide her identity. After that, she grab the box containing the jewelry and teleported to that same tree they usually met. The moment she landed her feet on the ground, someone pulled her and clasp both arms around her.

"You're here."

A deep voice whispered her ear and made her face burned bright red.

"Let me go."

"No."

"I said let me go!"

She hit him on his stomack using her elbow unfortunately, he didn't.

"Will you let me go? There's something I need go give you." She said with annoyance inside his arms.

"Is it your heart? Did you finally fall in love with me?"

He let her go and made her face him. She gave her a disgusting look.

"Well, that's not a face of someone who fell in love." He added as he saw her reaction.

"Back when I was in the imperial court, you were there right?" She asked.

"Yes. Honestly, I want to kill that second prince and everyone looking at you with disgust and hatred. Unfortunately, Oliver stopped me." He remarked as his eyes burned with fury. He put a handkerchief on the ground and let him sit Viviene beside him.

"Thank you for helping and supporting me back there." She muttered genuinely. "However, you need not to do that. I can perfectly win that trial without anyone's help." She added.

"Hah. The former is fine, it tickles my heart yet the latter killed your former words. Seriously, I dont get you." Ulysses said. Viviene smiled at him and took his hand, place the box on it and said.

"I dont want to owe someone before my death comes."

Ulysses eyes slightly widen and glance at the box on his hand.

"What's this?" He asked.

"Reciprocate." She replied.

"Are you making fun of me?"

"No. Why would I?"

"I dont need this." He muttered trying to subdue his anger.

"I know you dont need it but it will surely help you. There's a protection magic from it. You have a lot of enemies right?" She inquired.

He laugh shortly and his gaze became dreadful in front of her.

"I suggest you take this back, angel."

"No."

"Take.it.back."

"I dont take what I already give."

"Bullshit! I dont need you to repay me back!"

"Ulysses."

His mouth automatically shut as she laid her eyes on his red irises.

"Dont be mad and please take it. I am not a kind of person, who give things to anyone unless they mean so much from me." She explained.

'Yeah. Somehow, his presence became significant to me.' She pondered staring at his face. Her eyes widen when she felt his rough hand on her cheek.

"I'm having difficulties in understanding you, angel. Just why are you making everything so hard for me? Just tell me what you need. Tell me everything." He muttered sounded like a plea in her ears.

"I really, want you to be mine."