Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Twenty-Two: Forced Friendship

Viviene decided to go back to her room after her acted like a jerk in front of her. As she entered the room, she cleared her head and tried to think straight. Her instincts were always right and she knew that between Merriam and Timothy is a feeling called love.

‘Right, lets know the rules about marriage in this funny empire.’

She open the door once again and went to the library to read some customs of marriage. While walking in the hallway, she met Merriam with Timothy. The two of them notice her and stopped to talk to her.

“Miss, are you alright now?” Merriam asked concerned of her health.

“Yes. How’s the walk?” She asked but what she really meant is ‘How’s your date?’ and she felt her heart jump in happiness for the both of them.

“I’m very grateful, Viviene. Thank you for this opportunity.” He answered and smiled.

“Of course!”

“Sadly, I’ll be going now. I just got a message from my father that I need to go home right now.” Timothy muttered in pure sadness.

“Its alright. You can come here anytime you want.”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

‘Then you can spend with Merriam every time and the both of you will fall in love! And I, Faye Anne, will be your dedicated cupid and adviser of love!’ She exclaimed proudly inside her head feeling the thrill of adventure with them.

“Thank you, Viviene. You’re such a nice friend.” He said with a smile.

“Yes, yes.”

“I’ll be going now. Thank you, M-Merriam for walking with me.”

“Its my pleasure, Mr. McGregor..”

Viviene stared at the two who’s looking at themselves. The two of them looked like they had their own world. Ignoring her is rude but they are exception.

‘Well, its nice that they’re nice to each other but we cant stand here in the middle of the hallway.’ She fake a cough and the two look at her in surprise.

“Oh! I-I’ll be going now. Goodbye, Viviene, Merriam.” He muttered before turning his back.

Viviene glance at Merriam’s face and saw her in a daze. A distant memory flashed in her however, its not from Viviene. Its from a girl with a long, messy black hair and an average face who’s like Merriam, staring at a boy’s back like it’s the most fascinating view in her eyes.

“Merriam?” She called. Merriam snapped and look at her in surprise.

“M-Milady!”

“Would you like to come with me in the library?” She asked politely. Merriam smiled and nodded.

“Of course Miss! I’ll go wherever you like.”

It’s a sweet phrase in Viviene’s ears. At that moment she felt happy for the real owner of the body because at least, there’s a person who’s willing to stay in her side.

‘… Its nice to hear that..’ She thought and smiled brightly.

They arrived at the library and Viviene grab about a book about marriages. She decided to sit to the couch near the window while Merriam went out for a while to get some tea.

‘Hm, marriages for nobles and commoners were only possible if the commoner received a nobility. Well, its not impossible for the duke to grant Merriam a noble title but..’

“What about her heart? What if it’ll change or worst, will break into pieces.. I need to deepen their affection for each other… this is the only thing I can make for Merriam who’s always with me since then…”

‘I can feel, that I have no much time left.’ She added in her mind and her mood became gloomy.

She continue reading the book and a few minutes later, Merriam arrived with the in her hand. She pour the tea on the teacup and placed it near Viviene’s hand.

“Merriam.”

“Yes Miss?” She asked.

“What can you say about Timothy?”

“Mr. McGregor you mean?”

“Yes.”

She thought for a while before answering.

“He’s a gentleman, he is smart and he has a charming smile.” She described in a cheerful manner which made Viviene glad as well.

‘I think its not too hard to make them fall in..’

“I think the Miss and Mr. McGregor will make a good couple!”

As she heard those words from her mouth her world shaken and crumble.

‘Holy s**t! What!?’

“M-Me?”

“Yes! He told me that the Miss is very beautiful which I agreed as well!”

She touch her head due to a sudden headache. She cant believe that her readings were wrong!

‘This is an unrequited love! Poor Timothy. I pity him..’ Her idea made the aura around her darkened.

“Miss?” She asked sensing her sullen mood. She raise her head with her eyes full of determination.

‘I cant give up now!’ Her spirit is burning tremendously as she glance at Merriam.

“Well, did he asked anything else?”

Merriam think again and answered her question.

“Hm, he asked how have I been and is everyone friendly with me. He even asked if he can bring my favorite flowers next time he’ll visit.”

She’s staring at her with her mouth gaping open. She cant believe that the woman who was so good at taking care of her is so dense. But she realized something from her words.

“You know each other?” She asked curiously.

“Well, we know each other because my parents and his parents were good friends.” She answered.

“Oh? You’re a noble?”

Merriam didn’t answer and she notice that it’s a sensitive topic to her. She’s really curious about her background story but its not wise to ask her further about it.

“..I’m sorry if I open a sensitive topic.”

“No, its alright Miss. It’s already in the past.” She said with a force smile.

‘… hm, but the wound is still fresh.’ She muttered inwardly as she drink her tea. She put down the book and ask Merriam for another one. While waiting for Merriam to come, Finnian suddenly appear with a serious face. She felt nervous all of a sudden.

“Miss.”

“Yes?”

“Ms. Walmeir wish to see you. She’s already in the audience room.” He said in his usual serious expression and tone.

‘What!? What’s she doing here?’ She blurted with a shock expression. She’s uncertain if she’ll meet her or not when Arthur suddenly arrive behind him.

“Hey.”

“Brother.”

“Eliza’s here.. She wants to talk to you.”

She blink at her cold approach from him. Its very different from before but what can she expect from a man who’s head-over-heels to the goddess of the empire? Its not that she’s jealous of her but because its just unfair.

“So?” She asked raising her eyebrow. She can clearly sense that he wants her to meet her at the audience room but she doesn’t want to. She heard him sigh but she doesn’t care.

“Look, Viviene, I know you hate her but at least see her. She’s worried about you.”

She blink twice before opening her mouth.

“… Brother, I know that you fancied her but I don’t want to see her now. Please respect my decision.”

“You should act as your age and face her, Viviene. Jealousy wont make you any good.”

“Hah.”

She was offended his words. Jealous? She? She let out a short and bitter laugh while staring at him.

“Jealous? I felt offended, brother.”

“Viviene..”

“Alright since you insist. You’re always right anyway.”

He was about to retort but Viviene already left the room. She felt bad for herself going against her will yet for some reason, there’s a feeling that she needs to listen to Eliza. She thought that maybe its very important that she needs to see the villainess.

‘Lets hear what she wants to say..’ She thought.

She arrived at the audience room and saw Eliza sitting on the sofa drinking tea. When she saw Viviene she immediately put the teacup and stood up. She run towards her and hug her tightly which made her so shock.

“Lady Cruel! I’m glad you’re alright!”

She push her a little and look at her face.

“Lady Walmeir, I think we should sit down and discuss why you’re here.”

“Oh.”

She felt down a little because of her cold tone but obeyed her. She sit down on the couch facing Eliza on the other side. She notice her tense expression so she smiled a little to lifr her nervousness.

“What brings you here, Lady?” She asked directly.

“I.. I want to ask if you’re alright now, Lady Cruel. I was really worried for you.”

Her tone is sincere and she can really feel that she’s worried about her existence, however, there’s this gap that stops those affection from going directly at her heart.

“Thank you, Lady. I am fine now.”

“Oh, I’m glad. I really thank you, Lady Cruel for saving me at that time. I admire your bravery.”

She sips her tea and smiled at her.

“Lady Walmeir, I thank for the compliments you gave to me. Its really, inspiring however, I did not wish to save the lady at that time. It is my own selfish way of survival.”

She muttered while still smiling yet her eyes were cold. Eliza is speechless after hearing her words. She manage to recover from the shocking words and open her mouth to speak.

“Still, I thank you, Lady Cruel even if its just your selfish act of survival. How can I repay you, Ms. Cruel?” She asked smiling.

“Nothing..”

“Pardon?”

“You don’t have to repay me.”

Eliza blink several times processing her words inside her head and speak again.

“But Lady, your benevolence must be repaid!”

“I told you its not a great act, Lady Walmeir. Don’t burden yourself upon simple matter.”

“Lady!”

“Please stop, Lady Walmeir.”

Eliza shut her mouth and stare at Viviene with trembling eyes. She heed her sad expression and sigh heavily. She felt her headache slowly becoming fiercer yet she hid her distorted face and remain calm in front of her.

“If you really mean it..”

Eliza raise her head, looking at her with hopeful eyes. She resumed her words.

“If you really mean it, then, please don’t see me again. Ever.”

Her eyes widen. She did not expect such rude request when in fact she gave so much effort for seeing her today. Her father, Count Walmeir, doesn’t even want to visit her because of her bad reputation but she insisted.

“T-That’s..”

“I believe its not hard to do, Lady Walmeir. Lets just remain as what we are—”

The door opened and Arthur entered the room. He had a cold expression looking at them especially to Viviene.

‘… A knight in shining armor?’ She thought in sarcasm and rolled her eyes for Arthur’s rudeness.

“Brother, you’re here.”

“Viviene, you’re request was too much. Eliza only wants to be close to you.”

“It is? Then, why don’t you receive her gratitude for me, brother.”

She immediately retorted, suppressing her anger towards Arthur.

“Little Duke..”

“Hah. I never knew you’re still this childish, Viviene.”

The corners of her lips remain lifted while her eyes were on fire.

“How much do you think you know me, brother?” She asked. Her hand is trembling in anger while looking at Arthur. He didn’t answer and stayed looking at her like a fool. Eliza suddenly speak despite the heavy atmosphere.

“I appreciate your words, Little Duke but Lady Cruel, please don’t misunderstood my visit. I didn’t come here to make you feel bad.”

‘Oh that’s bullshit.’ She cursed inside her head as she drink her tea.

“Also, I want to make friends with you, Miss Cruel.”

She almost drop the teacup from her grip, thankfully, it didn’t happen.

“I cant accept your friendship, I’m sorry Lady Walmeir.” She immediately reject her offer. She’s doing this for the real Viviene’s feelings. She hated Eliza and most of her sadness was because of Eliza and the people around her.

‘I’m going to avoid the fire before it burns me..’ She thought seriously while looking at Eliza.

“Viviene..”

“Brother, don’t force this proposal to my face.” She muttered with a heavy tone.

“Please reconsider Lady Cruel. I am sincere of my friendship to you.”

“Nonsense. I already told you my answer.”

“Lady Cruel..”

“Viviene!” Arthur called in a warning but she ignore it. Arthur sighed and breathe to calm his nerves.

“Viviene, don’t be mean.”

“Mean? Friendship sometimes needs to be rejected. I am not being mean, brother.”

“You’re too childish right now.” Arthur muttered in his chilly voice. “Cant you see how Eliza put so much effort for coming here? Her friendship is sincere.” He added.

She wants to c***k Arthur’s head and take a look if there’s a brain in there. He’s so insensitive to her! She thought that his feelings for Eliza made him irrational.

‘Damn that feeling…’ She cursed again.

“…Why do you always treat my decisions as if they are futile?” She asked sadly. Her smile is bitter and her eyes remain cold.

“Viviene, I am not treating you as if you cant decided on your own. I’m just telling you in order for you to understand Eliza’s point.” He explained.

‘So he thought I don’t have a brain to understand Eliza’s point? Another bullshit.’ She felt really, really bad right now. He’s mind is clouded due to Eliza being in front of him. Does he want her to be embarrassed or does he want to make her the real villainess for real? Too many questions and all of them were mean answers.

“Ha.. You really want this?” She asked and her hands tightly grip her skirt.

“Yes.” Arthur answered.

Its suffocating… she’s choking..

“… Alright.”

“Lady Cruel!” Eliza called gladly.

“I accept even if its against my will.”

“Lady..”

“Viviene.”

“Lets end this. I’m not feeling well so I cant see you off. Have a good day, Lady Walmeir.”

She stood up and left the room without glancing at them. She returned to her room and sits on the chair when the door suddenly open.

“What was that? You made Eliza’s heart broke.”

“Then go fix it. As if I care.”

“Viviene.”

“You asked too much, brother. I cant even remember what good you did to me. Did you even think of my feelings?”

He shut his mouth.

“Get out.”

“Look, I know how you feel but do you think Eliza deserved to be treated like that?”

“And you think that I deserve to be treated like a trash?”

He shut his mouth for a while before speaking again.

“You’re just being jealous.”

“What?” She asked dumbfounded.

“You’re jealous because she had my attention.”

She laugh wickedly while giving him a mocking expression.

“Brother, I am not jealous nor I need your attention. You know what I need? I need you to go out from this room.”

“You don’t need my attention?” He asked in disbelief.

“Who needs your attention? Its useless for me.” She answered coolly. “Dying is nicer than being with you.” She added.

Arthur’s eyes shake but it disappeared. He left the room with heavy steps while Viviene felt her legs will drop her on the ground.

Night came and Viviene ordered Merriam to throw the roses from Arthur and skip dinner which made the duke and Arthur angry however, she didn’t care. Her broken heart is much more significant than their emotions from the wrong side of the road.