Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Twenty-Three: No

The feeling of anger towards her own brother increased perhaps because of the silence in her room. She cant sleep even if its passed midnight already. She kept on thinking about the force friendship she had with Eliza Walmeir, the lady who always caused drama in Viviene’s life. What’s made her angrier was Arthur’s words. His words that he said of her being jealous of Eliza.

“…He cant even tell that I hate him.” She mumble as she pull the blanket to cover her chest.

She realized, as she close her eyes with all her might, that her own brother is ignorant of her own sister. He’s stuck to Eliza wonderful existence and maybe, just maybe, that Arthur will be stuck to her forever and ever. That thought made her feel even sadder than before.

‘Love towards someone is a dangerous. You can either hurt from it or die from it.’

In her point of view, Eliza was indeed very beautiful and she admitted it long time ago that her face wasn’t as radiant as hers. But that’s all, its just a sense of admiration for her pretty face and its not definitely jealousy.

She doesn’t feel that way. Because she doesn’t compare herself to anyone else.

After murdering her brother in her mind for a million times she fell asleep. Morning came and as usual, she woke up early. She took a bath and wore an outdoor turquoise dress. She decided to go out to the capital with Merriam and Sir Rowellius.

“Are you alright now?” Her father, the duke, asked.

“Yes”

“Alright. Here, take this.”

He gave her a bag of gold coins. Looking at the money she’s tempted of course! But she’s not greedy and she doesn’t want to give them an impression that she’s wasting too much gold on a short trip to the capital.

“No, thank you. I have my own allowance and its just a short trip.” She answered politely.

“No, just take this, Child.” He said and insist the money to Viviene. She’s confused of the duke’s generosity towards her so she asked him directly.

“Father, you don’t like my materialistic side right?”

She cant remember that the duke, her father, gave her so much money to spend in a day. Thus, he always decreased it or sometimes none to avoid Viviene wasting too much money from the dukedom.

‘Yeah. He cant blame me if I asked him a question like that. I mean, he doesn’t care if I have less money or empty-handed but right now is the complete opposite of what’s suppose to happen.’ She thought thoroughly.

“Take it, Viviene.” Arthur muttered beside the duke.

She ignored him and pretended he’s a bad air in the corner.

“I appreciate it father but its too much for a one-day trip only to the capital.” She politely refused.

‘Come on, I don’t want the dukedom to be bankrupt!’ She pointed inside her mind.

"So, I’ll be going now. Bye, father.” She said and hurriedly went out from the dining hall. She heard Arthur calling her but she’s in a mood to ignore all the dramas with Arthur.

While riding a carriage, Viviene is in a daze while staring at the view outside. Sensing her odd behavior, Merriam started a conversation.

“Miss, where do you want to go?” She asked politely. Viviene glance at her and smiled.

“I just want to take a walk and eat something in the capital. I asked father’s permission and he said he’ll approve my request if you and Sir Rowellius will accompany me.” She explained.

“Hm, if you don’t mind Miss, I know a shop that sells delicious cakes and cookies.”

“Really? Then lets go there!”

They are silent for a while before Merriam talk again.

“I heard that Miss and Lady Walmeir are friends now. Is that true Miss?” She asked worried about Viviene’s feelings. She knew that she hates Eliza who took away everything from her, fame, beauty and feelings.

“Yes. We’re friends.” She answered.

“Do you like it Miss?”

She didn’t answer because she doesn’t want to. She just smiled at her and ignore her question. Merriam, who understands her response did not ask questions further. Viviene felt the cool wind brushing her face. She felt a little dizzy but staying in the mansion makes her more sick than recover. She cant help but to think of her relationship with Arthur.

‘Sometimes he’s a jerk and sometimes he’s not.’ She thought as she recall the nice things he did as well as the bad ones. To count it all, the bad things were more than the good ones. ‘Lets not cross the line between us.’ She added.

The carriage stopped and Viviene went out from the carriage. As she set her feet on the pavement, a man approach them with a smile. Its Timothy.

“Good day, Viviene and to you too, Merriam.” He greeted but he’s much more affectionate of Merriam’s name than Viviene.

‘My, the love birds have meet.’ She teased inside her head.

“Good day, Timothy.” She greeted as well.

“Its nice to meet you, Mr. McGregor.” Merriam greeted as well.

“Oh, good day to you as well, Mr. Rowellius.” Timothy greeted politely to the knight who just appeared in Viviene’s side.

“Hello, Mr. McGregor.” Rowellius said with a nod.

“Well, lets go to the shop you said earlier Merriam.”

“Ah! Yes, Miss.”

All of them started walking in the street. Glancing at Timothy who’s staring at Merriam she smiled and spoke to him.

“Merriam might melt if you stared too much, Timothy.” She joked.

“O-Oh, its not like that, Viviene.” He denied.

“Oh don’t lie. I have good eyesight you know? I can clearly see the hearts in your eyes.” She muttered staring at him. He blushed and look away.

“A-Am I that obvious?”

“Yes.”

She heard him sigh heavily.

“Its glad to know that someone can see my feelings toward her unfortunately, she’s a dense woman.” He muttered in low tone. She tap his back in a friendly way.

“Yeah. I know it. She even thought that you like me.”

“What!?”

She laugh at his stupid reaction. His face turned even redder than before because of embarrassment.

“I-Its not that I don’t like you. I like you too but as a friend.” He said solemnly.

‘Woah. Is this a type of rejection?’ She muttered inwardly with a surprise tone.

“I know. Since you’re my first guy friend, I’ll help you.” She whispered.

“R-Really!?”

“Yeah! Aren’t I such a kind person?” She asked and smiled.

“Of course. From the very beginning I knew you’re a good person.” Timothy muttered while smiling.

Viviene only shrug. The words she said to herself were not serious yet she received a genuine compliment from Timothy. They arrived at the shop Merriam mentioned and took two tables, one for her and Timothy and the other for Merriam and Sir Rowellius. While Merriam is ordering, they started a very interesting topic. The conversation started with Timothy’s first meeting with Eliza.

A boy and girl who shared the same past and memories. What Timothy likes the most toward Merriam is her passion towards everything.

“She always pour her heart to her work. She’s an amazing woman.” He narrated while his face is filled with deep admiration towards her. Once again, Viviene saw the imaginary hearts surrounding Timothy.

“I agree. Merriam is a very dedicated person and she’s also kind.”

His story then went to the sad part. Merriam lost her parents at the age of twelve and their businesses failed miserably. Because Merriam’s father being connected with Viviene’s father, the dukedom took her and made her as Viviene’s personal maid.

She felt bad for Merriam and she decided that she deserves a good life and a blessed romance! Looking back at Timothy she said to him.

“Poor unfortunate souls, don’t worry, I’ll help you.” She smiled at him.

“T-Thank you, Viviene.” He said and force himself to smile. She just looked like an evil witch smiling at him. Seeing his scared expression she wondered if he saw a ghost behind her.

“Hm, lets think how will Merriam notice you as a man first.”

“Notice me as a man!? You mean I’m not that manly?” He asked feeling offended but what can he do? He’s talking to a villainess!

“Well, if not then why doesn’t she notice your feelings at all? Hm?” She asked directly.

“T-That’s!”

“Hm, other than her feelings toward you, is there any other problems?”

“Problems?”

“The Marquis and the Marchioness, do you think they’ll approve it?” She asked.

“Well..”

Someone block her attention towards Timothy with a hand. She trace the hand, her face paled and she screamed mentally as she saw a handsome blonde with a pair of breathtaking violet eyes.

“What are you two talking about and why does it need the approval of the Marquis and Marchioness McGregor?”

His tone is heavy and deadly while his eyes were glaring at them. They can feel their blood flowing backwards and their souls going out from their bodies.

“Y-Your Highness..” Viviene manage to call.

“Well? I’m waiting.” The crown prince muttered with a tone of impatience.

‘Oh my gosh.. Am I going to die today!? Lets clear these things first for our lives!’ She thought nervously.

“Greeting the future sun of the empire.” She managed to greet and force a smile. “Hello, Your M-Majesty!” She added. His scary smile made her blood flow stopped. Unconsciously, she held her breath looking at him.

“Hello, dear rabbit. You seemed having fun with the son of Marquis McGregor.” He said and glance at Timothy with burning violet eyes.

‘R-Rabbit!? Is he referring about the time I bumped to him in the Enchanted Forest!?’ She asked herself.

“O-Of course Your Highness. Talking to a friend is fun.”

“Friend huh? Well, I’m also the lady’s friend so what about we talk together? Hm?”

The prince’s smile is charming yet his eyes were screaming a murderous intent looking at them. He gave her an impression of don’t-you-dare-refuse-or-you’ll-die-look. She swallowed her saliva and muttered in her most cheerful and lively tone.

“Of course Your Majesty!”

“Alright.” He muttered as he straightened himself on his chair. “So, what’s the topic?” He asked.

“About how to avoid death..” She suddenly mumbled unconsciously.

“What?” The crown prince asked unable to hear Viviene’s mumble.

“Erm.. It’s a, it’s a secret Your Highness.” Timothy managed to talk to the prince. The prince throw a glare at him as he smiled so evily.

“A secret? Shall I uncover it using my methods? However, it can be really, really painful.” He threatened and the darkest aura spread all over the place.

‘Demon! Demon Prince! Ah!’ Viviene screamed frightened of the prince beside her.

“Your Majesty please calm down. Take a good look at my friend. Cant you see he’s struggling right now?” Viviene spoke looking at him with fake tears in her eyes.

“I don’t care about his struggles.” The prince retorted.

‘…What a heartless bastard.’ She thought but she didn’t stopped her words.

“Oh so great prince, lend us your merciful heart and comprehend or complex problems with your wisdom.” She muttered with her twinkling eyes.

‘Bite it! Bite it!’ She repeated inside her head.

“Hm, alright I’ll be compassionate like what you said. So, what’s this complex problems you’re talking about that needs approval from the Marquis and Marchioness McGregor?”

And so, Viviene told him the problem they’re talking about with passion and dedication in order for them to avoid the death from the prince’s anger. Its as if she’s telling a police about a certain crime.

“Why cant you just tell her about your feelings?” He asked like it’s the easiest route for Timothy.

“It’s not that simple, Your Majesty. The risk is too much.” He explained with a sullen face.

“If you’re afraid of rejection then threaten her. Easy as breathing.”

Viviene flinch and immediately open her mouth.

“That’s too much Your Highness! My friend, Timothy here cant do that.”

“Why?”

Viviene blink several times hearing his question. She then realize something, that the crown prince, Prince Aleiandro Damian Valliaña don’t know what love is..

She smiled at him as she realize what a baby the tyrant prince was and answered his question to fill his confusion.

“Its because he loves her, Your Majesty.”

The two of then stared at each other. One has a confused expression while the other had a look of realization.

“.. I don’t understand.” The prince muttered.

“You don’t have to force yourself in that matter, Your Majesty. Understanding love needs time so don’t pressure yourself over a complicated subject.”

As she said those words, she felt like the best love adviser in the empire and felt proud all of a sudden. The prince, who heard her response did not get at all but still amazed by how she answered it truthfully and wonderfully.

‘..Love, huh.’ He muttered to himself as he let the thought enter his mind.

Their conversation ended and all of them left the shop with the crown prince. Unfortunately, his knight, Sir Valor came and took the prince due to an urgent matter. Viviene sense the heavy air around the prince as he left them. She suppress her laugh as she felt pity for the prince who looked like a sulking ten year old kid.

‘..Poor prince.’ She thought.

“I never thought that the prince will talk to us. Honestly, I was overwhelmed by his presence in the shop.” Timothy said nervously.

“Well, that’s the crown prince for you.” Viviene spoke as she laugh nervously as well.

“But you know, its rare that the prince didn’t kill us the moment we opened our mouths.”

Viviene nodded at his words yet she’s amazed by how the prince listen to them eagerly. She discovered new sides to him that really surprised her.

‘Its nice that he’s not that too reckless?’ She thought unsure of her own realization.

They roam in the capital until they arrived at a lake with boats-for-rent.

“This is a new popular entertainment in the empire, Miss. Everyone tries boating until sunset.” Merriam explained.

“Why don’t you try Miss?” Sir Rowellius asked.

Viviene force a smile and shook her head while hiding her trembling hands. Viviene had an unpleasant memory towards lakes and her body reacted immediately.

“Oh, okay Miss. I’ll just accompany you here.” Merriam said with a smile.

“No, it would be a waste and Timothy already rented a boat.”

“But!”

“Please?”

Merriam sighed and nodded.

“Alright."

Timothy arrived and Merriam explained to her that Viviene couldn’t join the fun. She sits on a bench looking at the people riding the boats happily.

“Miss, do you like this?”

Sir Rowellius handed her a colorful cotton candy. She took it gratefully and ate it while looking back at the lake. Sir Rowellius glance at Viviene who’s in a daze like she’s thing deeply of something.

“What are you thinking Miss?” He asked out of curiosity.

“A lot of things.”

“Like?”

She didn’t answer his question because he will never understand her circumstances. Her situation is a bit bizarre for her either and even herself cant comprehend the situation she had. She lean on the bench and close her eyes for a while when she felt the wind beside her. Because she’s too tired to open her eyes, she ignore it.

“Sleeping in public?”

Hey eyes open widely and glance at her side. There she saw the crown prince with his insulting smile looking at her.

‘… I want to erase that smile this instant!’ She frown at him for ten seconds before smiling brightly.

“Y-Your Majesty! You’re here?” She asked.

“The urgent matter is a trash. I left it immediately.” He muttered in a complete boredom.

“..I see. Well, if Your Majesty is bored, how about riding a boat over there?” She suggested and point the river.

“..I’ll give it a try, how about coming with me?”

“..Pardon?”

“I hate repeating my words, lady.” He warned.

“…I’m sorry, Your Majesty but I was surprised of your invitation towards the lake?”

“What was surprising about that? Wait, is it because I was the one inviting you?” He asked with a teasing smile. She frown at his playful remark which was displayed in her face.

“I can see that you don’t like it?” The crown prince asked confused of her unexpected reaction. “Why?” He added while staring at her face.

She felt more disappointed but what can she expect from a tyrant prince who doesn’t care of her own feelings at all? So with her serious look and a bitter smile on her lips she look away from the prince and glance at the lake.

“I don’t want to drown again..”

As if a very cold water splash to him, he is speechless beside her as he stare at her with wide eyes. A memory came in his mind, its connected to what the Viviene said to him just now.

It’s a memory of a girl with a pair of trembling amber eyes, begging to listen to her just once yet because he was blinded by anger he pushed her away from her, away from him. The poor girl, instead of anger, he saw was sadness before the water devoured her.

An emotion shook his violet eyes and look away to avoid her from noticing it. He opened his mouth.

“… If I tell you that I will not push you and let you drown, will you trust me?”

She didn’t glance at him rather, a smile formed her lips while her eyes reflected the pretty lake not far from them.

“No.”

His expression hardened. It’s the first time that his heart trembled over a single word. The very first time that the prince felt a heavy guilt.