Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Thiry-Eight: Lantern Festival

Its been three days after she met Ulysses. She still didn’t meet him despite the agreement they have for each other. Actually, she doesn’t know why the hell she made that kind of nonsense to him. Perhaps she’s been very childish lately?

“Lucky stars? Really? I’m crazy.”

She mumbled to herself and roll her eyes. Maybe she just wanted to make him suffer a little for what he did to her. And about the absurdity he said to her before she teleported back to her room.

“That’s even crazier than mine.”

She’s in her room, not wanting get out despite the festival that soon to be held in the capital. There’s no festival in Viviene’s memory, rather just her in her room or in another places all by herself.

‘Merriam, I wonder where she was at that times?’

She wonder staring at the ceiling for a while before someone knock the door.

“Come in.”

Merriam entered her room and shut the door behind her.

“So how was the letters?”

“I already gave them to the butler Milady.”

“Good. All I need to do now is invite brother.”

“But Milady, are you sure you want to invite Lady Walmeir?”

She didn’t answer her question. She took a blanket and wrap it around her shoulder before going out of her room. She walk in the hallway towards the duke’s office where Arthur spends most of his time. She knock and went inside. Arthur who was writing something raise his head and met her eyes.

“Hello, brother.”

“Come in and sit down.”

She took a sit on the sofa in front of his desk.

“You seemed very busy lately, brother. Is it about the fief again?” She asked curious of the papers on his desk.

“No, the fief is fine. I’m taking care of other things.” He answered without looking at her. “Did you write a letter to father?” He added.

“Uh, I wrote a letter to him one week ago. I’ll write again tomorrow.” She stated. “Brother, are you busy next week?”

“Why?”

“Lets go attend the Lantern Festival together. Sounds fun right?”

“The lantern festival?”

“Yes! Do you want to come with me?”

He never saw Viviene this excited. Her eyes were sparkling and she had a wide smile on her lips. He cant recall in his mind that she acted like this before.

‘Its adorable.’ He stated in his mind.

“Alright.”

“Really? Then its settled.” She stood up and was about to go out when Arthur called her.

“Viviene.”

“Yes, brother?”

He lean on his chair and held both of his hands.

“You’re coming-of-age ceremony is near. Is there anything you want? Father keeps on nagging me about it and he’s worried because you never ask for anything to him at all.”

She totally forgot Viviene’s coming-of-age ceremony. It is because it wasn’t her real birthday at all. It’s a special date of a stranger.

‘What does Viviene want?’ She tried to recall but she cant, well, except for love and affection for everyone. ‘I think I already achieved that? But what else does she want?’

“I want?”

“Yes.” Arthur responded.

“Well, for now there’s none but I’ll tell you if I want something.” She answered politely.

She really doesn’t want anything but if its something so important for them that the duke worried about, then she’ll rack her brain to know what she really want.

“…Alright. You may go now.”

“Yes. Next week at six in the evening. Lets go to the capital okay? Make a note.” She dictated with a wide smile.

“Alright.” Arthur nodded before she went out of the office.

She was walking downstairs when she met Finnian along the way. He greeted her and talked about the greenhouse.

“Would you like to see the greenhouse, milady?” He asked with a smile.

‘Come to think of it, I did not visit the greenhouse lately. I guess I should visit the greenhouse as well then go to the garden.’ She thought.

“Yes. Please accompany me.”

“I’ll be glad, milady.”

Both of them went to the greenhouse. Finnian open the gate and both of them entered. Different kinds of plants are in there including flowers who were in full bloom. But the most important plant in there can be located in the center of the greenhouse. She stopped in front of a tree called ‘Moonlight’. It has silver leaves and trunk, its flowers were white and has a very amiable scent that covers the around it. A one-of-a-kind tree that only a few people see. Aside from that, it can also help manna users to replenish their lost manna.

‘I wont put too much effort over useless things.’ She mumble with a triumphant smile as she touch the trunk of the tree. ‘This will help father and brother in their manna problem. I heard from Finnian that manna users lost a lot of manna when they fight. I’ll send some leaves to father later.’ She added.

“The greenhouse is very impressive milady.”

“It has to be impressive. I want to make father and brother proud of me anyway.”

“I’m sure they’ll be very proud of you, Milady” He guaranteed.

“Send me the financial budget report later. I want to see how much budget we have. Winter is coming and there’s a lot to do especially in the kitchen.”

“Yes, Milady. So far the budget is fine even if we payed a lot for the restoration of the greenhouse including the payment of the Moonlight tree.”

“I see.”

Viviene’s reputation was elevated from rock-bottom since she started managing the household budget. Her hard-work was evident and she managed very well that Finnian cant help but admired her. She became matured all of a sudden, very far from the lady he knew. Usually, she would spend a lot of money over futile things and run away from responsibilities, not only that, she always insult every servant including Finnian almost everyday. However, she’s different now.

“Home..” She suddenly muttered as she stared at the Moonlight Tree.

“Pardon?”

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking of what I want to have in my birthday.” She answered.

“Oh, have you decided what you want for your coming-of-age ceremony, Milady?” He inquired.

“I don’t know. I was thinking to have none.”

“Pardon!? Nothing? B-But why nothing? How about dresses? Or perhaps jewelry, Milady?” He suggested.

“I have a lot of dresses and jewelries, butler. Actually, I think the money that father will buy for my present should be saved instead.”

‘Saved!?’ He blurted inside his head. He thought that if the duke heard her about saving money he would be very upset. He hates it when someone is doubting his financial capabilities and not to mention that Cruel Dukedom is the wealthiest noble family in the empire!

“M-Milady, I think you should reconsider your decision.”

“Reconsider?”

“Yes, if the duke heard you about saving money instead of spending it for your birthday he will be very upset.” He explained.

“Huh? I don’t understand. Doesn’t everyone hated me for spending too much to the point that father forbid me for having monthly allowance? Even brother doesn’t want to that he managed the household financial budget for years instead of me. What is the problem now? I cant see anything that is wrong of my decision.” She asked very puzzled as to why the duke would be very upset at her decision of not wanting anything.

“T-That’s.. I apologize for neglecting your feelings, Milady. I deserve to be punished.” The butler said with his head low.

“Stop it butler. I’m just messing around with you.” She laughed. Finnian raise his head and regretted it afterwards. He just saw how sad her eyes were and that made him even guiltier. “It cant be helped. I was foolish back then. Don’t worry, I already have something in my mind.” She added.

“…Yes, milady. Thank you for listening to me.”

“Don’t mention.” She responded and turn her back to him. They went out from the greenhouse but she didn’t went to the garden after that, instead she went to her room.

Finally, the awaited day have arrived. She to wear something simple for the event later. She chose a black dress with white laces ended up on her knee and some white stockings and black shoes. Her hair was tied in a bun but some strands were left untied in front of her ears. The necklace was still attach around her neck and she still wore the ring in her finger. She went out from her room together with Merriam and went to downstairs where Arthur is waiting. He looks good in his black coat, white long sleeves and black pants.

“I’m not late.” She immediately excused as she went beside him.

“Is that how you apologize?” Arthur asked.

“Alright, I’m sorry. Can we go now?”

“Alright”

Surprisingly, Arthur offered his hand to Viviene which she took to avoid disrespecting him. They went inside the carriage and move away from the mansion.

“Your necklace suits you well.”

Viviene look down at her neck and force a smile on her lips.

“Really? Thank you brother.”

“So, what happened to your mysterious suitor?” He suddenly opened-up. “He suddenly stopped sending useless things lately.” He added. Viviene only shrug her shoulders refusing to answer his question.

‘I gave him a simple task to stop him from doing that.’ She answered indirectly with an awkward smile.

“You shouldn’t mingle too much with men. You’re not in your adult age yet and even if you arrive at the right age still, you shouldn’t mingle with them.” He reminded.

“Why not?” She asked muddleheaded at his words.

“Men are dangerous and its not good for your reputation.” He answered.

She raise an eyebrow to him.

‘Hold on, why are you so concern of my relationship with other people and my reputation?’ She blurted inside her head. She laughed and joked.

“Brother, don’t talk as if you are not a man.”

“How insulting.”

She only smiled and roll her eyes then look away. She wont apologize and Arthur know it so he didn’t open his mouth again.

“I wrote father a letter last three days.” She suddenly said without looking at him. “I asked him to come home before my birthday because I want to show him the greenhouse. Both of you should look at it together.” She smirked proudly.

“Really? Then I guess I should really expect a lot.” Arthur muttered challenging her.

“Of course! You will be surprise. I am sure of it.” She said with a big grin displayed on her face.

Meanwhile, outside the Northelle borders, inside the forest full of tall trees laid the headquarters of the Hestrova army. In a royal blue tent, a meeting between captains and generals is currently going on.

“The enemies had strengthen the barriers of the Northelle and our spies have been discovered and killed by Cruel!” One of the general reported.

“Its impossible for us to infiltrate. We should get the saint no matter what. The drought has worsen and if not prevented, our nation will be doomed.” The other also retorted.

Everyone is gloomy and nervous about their enemy, except one who was busy folding strips of paper and putting it to the glass jar. Out of all, it seems that he is more angry to see that the jar was not half full yet.

“Why is it so f*****g hard? s**t!”

Everyone was now nervous to the man who slammed the table. Oliver who was beside him cleared his throat and gathered his courage to ask the man beside him.

“You Majes—“

“Captain! Didn’t I tell you to call me that?” He glared at Oliver.

“I apologize. Captain, the generals are waiting for you—“

“Oh? Aren’t they too full of themselves before that listening to me is nor necessary? What happened? Hm?” He sardonically inquired as he put his chin on his palm with an insulting smirk on his lips. No one dared to break the silence between.

“Call the wizards and order them to create something that could spy the whole area without breaking the barrier. In that way, no one will be killed carelessly.” He ordered. The people’s mood around him elevated.

“Yes, Your Maje—”

“Captain!” He blurted and that made them scared again. “I’m busy so don’t talk to me.” He added as he continue doing what he did earlier.

“Captain, I can help you with that.” Oliver suggested but Ulysses glared at him so he shut his mouth.

“All of you, get out. Except you, Oliver.”

The generals went out from the tent immediately.

“What is the event in the capital? Its been busy lately when I went there.” Ulysses asked while still folding the paper strips and cursing for failing to form a perfect star.

“They have a festival held this week.” He responded.

“Festival?”

“Its called Lantern Festival or the festival of thousand lights.”

“I see. Perhaps it’s the reason why my angel is nowhere to be found.”

“Angel?”

A mist appeared in front of him. It’s a map of the Valliaña Empire and a red dot appeared in it.

“That is, the capital’s location.”

“I’ll be leaving.” He said as he stood up from his chair.

“Pardon? In the capital, Sir? But its dangerous! Knights were scattered everywhere and maybe the crown prince was there too!”

“You talk as if I will be beaten pitifully? Have your forgotten who I am, Oliver?” he asked him in a very grave tone. He gulped in fear and felt shivers in his spine.

The man in front of him was the emperor of Hestrova Empire. The demon of the shadow valley, the king of darkness and brought fear in his enemies’ hearts. In fact, he is as powerful as the crown prince who possess a very rare healing magic. He possess the darkest of all dark magic but he chose to wield sword than to spread that darness.

If he does, it will be the end of the world.

“Keep this jar safe.” He ordered before he vanish.

“But still, despite the scary definition, he’s weird.” He mumble as he look at the stars he made. “I better meet and talk to Lady Cruel if I have the chance.” He stated.

Viviene felt a sudden chill that made her hug herself.

‘What was that?’ She wonder.

“Are you alright? Are you cold?” He asked.

“I’m alright and I’m not cold so please keep your coat to yourself.” She replied with a wide smile. He halt at removing his coat and wear it again.

“Who are we waiting here?”

“I invited people who will be with us in this trip too.”

“People? Who are they?”

“You’ll know soon.”

After five minutes of waiting, Timothy arrived so as the crown prince in disguise, his loyal knight Sir Valor, and Eliza who’s face is paled and grim.

“Lady Cruel, Young Duke, its nice to be here with you.” Sir Valor said.

“Viviene, Little Duke, Sir Rowellius and, Merriam. Hi.” Timothy greeted as his face flushed as he spoke Merriam’s name.

‘Aw, the love birds!’ Viviene teased inside her head.

“Greetings, Your Majesty, Sir Valor, Timothy and Lady Walmeir.” She greeted with a small smile on her lips.

“Greetings, Your Majesty and to everyone.” He muttered in his usual stoic face.

“Hello, Little Duke and Lady Cruel.” Eliza greeted shyly.

“Viviene, can you explain why she’s here?” Arthur asked coldly and glared at Eliza. Eliza’s face become paler than before.

“I invited her, brother. Don’t scare her.” She said indifferently.

“But!”

“Brother, my time is limited. I don’t want to waste my precious time over some trifle things.”

As they heard her response, all of them paled. She just spoke that her time was limited calmly. She is indeed dying but why is she so relax? She smiled at them.

“Lets start our little trip shall we?” She asked and lead the walk.

They’ve tried the mini games with prizes. Most prizes were won by both the leading men of the empire; Arthur, Aleiandro and Alexander. The prizes were given to both Eliza and Viviene but the person with more stuff toys than Eliza. She looked at them empty handed.

“I guess I should try playing, don’t you think?”

She asked them as she took the toy gun with loaded pellet. She focused on the targets placed on every prizes. She pull the trigger and the pellets hit seven prizes.

“Wow Miss! I didn’t know you are good at this.” Merriam complimented as she clapped her hands.

“I know right?” She chuckled as she gave them the prizes. Eliza who was the last one who received looked at her with wide eyes. She gave her a medium size teddy bear.

“For me?”

“Of course. Isn’t it obvious?” She asked in sarcasm. Eliza took it teary-eyed. Viviene grin and took the pellet gun again. “But of course, mine would be the best.” She mumble and hit the largest teddy bear. She laugh mischievously as she hug the bear which was bigger than her with her slender arms.

“Young Lady, I’ll carry it for you.” Sir Rowellius offered but she refused.

“I can carry it, Sir. When will we see the lanterns? When will we launch ours?” She asked trying to hide her excitement with a calm and smiling face.

“Soon, Lady Cruel.” The prince answered as he walk beside her.

“I see.” She smiled in excitement.

“Viviene.” Arthur called and gave her a cotton candy.

“Thank you, brother.” She gleamed. She stopped eating when the parade started. People suddenly gathered towards them. Viviene accidentally let go of the bear and was drag away from them.

“Brother! Merriam!” She called but its too noisy. However, something is not right. A person wearing a cloak is holding her hand tightly.

“Let me—”

“Hello, angel.”