The Real Villainess

Duke's Birthday Banquet

THE DAY of the Duke's Birthday Banquet.

As the sun set, guests from around and beyond the Empire began arriving, their chatter filling the air. Stunning gowns and suits were on display, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Freya was busy preparing herself. "I'm feeling nervous."

"Milady, I assure you that everything is ready, and nothing can ruin it," Tia said reassuringly.

Freya's nervousness wasn't about the preparations but about what people might say about her. Even in her past life, she had been quite anxious in social situations. However, she reminded herself that any gossip would be about the old Freya, not her. She took a deep breath and stood up.

"You look perfect, Milady!" Tia exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Freya smiled, admiring her reflection in the mirror. I will impress everyone in a new and improved way.

When it was time for the banquet to start, Freya approached her father, who was standing behind the large doors. She could hear someone speaking on the other side. Her and Felix's task was to escort the Duke.

"Freya?" The Duke looked at his daughter in shock. She looked stunning in her red puffed-shoulder dress.

Freya smiled at her father. "Happy birthday, Father!" She hugged him tightly.

The Duke embraced his daughter still with a scary face. "You are gorgeous," he said.

If you said it like that I don't think I can accept it. She awkwardly smiled and thanked the Duke."Well, you are looking rather dashing yourself, Father," she replied.

She looked at Felix, who was staring blankly at them. Did I make him jealous again? His jealous ass...

Freya hugged her brother as well as it would be weird that she complimented the Duke and not include Felix. "Felix, you are looking quite dashing too!"

Felix indeed looked handsome in his white and red suit, while the Duke wore an all-red sparkling suit.

"Thanks," Felix said.

Fists all curled up, Freya restrained herself from throwing a punch at her brother who she only heard said thanks after being complicated.

When they heard the doors about to open, they positioned themselves. Freya stood on the right, Felix on the left, and the Duke in the center.

They smiled as people clapped at their appearance. They left the Duke at the center of the small stage.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who came to this banquet. Now, let us formally start the festivities!" the Duke said. The pianist began playing, followed by other instruments.

Freya approached Felix, feeling anxious. She knew Felix wouldn't help her if she got picked on, so she thought of using him as a shield.

"Aren't you going to get something to eat, Freya?" Felix asked without glancing at her.

"I'm not hungry." She replied.

I am damn hungry!

Felix sighed. "I'll be off greeting guests."

Freya didn't want to be alone, so she followed Felix. He noticed but chose to ignore her. "Greetings, Marquess Ayyers."

"Ho Ho! It's Lord Yeovil. How are you? It's been a while," the Marquess said.

When they noticed Freya's presence, they looked at her. Felix, not wanting to embarrass their name, turned to Freya.

"Please pardon my sister. She's not used to these things," he said.

"Greetings, Marquess Ayyers. Freya Lavine Yeovil," she said, bowing slightly.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Yeovil. I've been wanting to see your beauty for some time," the Marquess replied.

"You see, my son—" The Marquess was cut off by Felix.

"Please excuse us, Marquess. The lady is probably hungry. I shall escort her around," Felix said, leading Freya away.

"What was that?" Freya asked, confused.

"You don't want to know the Marquess' son," he replied, handing her a glass of sparkling water.

Freya couldn't be bothered and brushed it off.

"Finish that quickly. We'll be talking to nobles," he said strictly. Freya complied, even though she was hesitant and didn't want to entertain nobles.

"Talk to that group of noblewomen. I'll be on the other side," Felix said. As he was about to leave, Freya pulled his arm.

"Come get me after a minute," she whispered.

Felix's brows furrowed. "A minute isn't enough. Just go and talk to those ladies like you did with the Count's daughter." Then he left.

I am really going to lose my mind here. Freya took a deep breath before approaching the group of four noblewomen around her age.

Before she could approach those women she heard their faint chattering.

"Have you seen Lady Yeovil? She looks undoubtedly stunning, don't you think?"

The other lady opened her fan annoyed. "Don't let her looks deceive you, she is a mad lady with no respect."

"Oh my! I heard rumors she changed."

"Are you serious? Do you think someone could change after just hitting their head?"

Woah, this woman is a hater. Before Freya could walk away to find another group of women to talk to she heard someone defend her.

"Although it really isn't too late to change, perhaps the Princess had a realization of some sort." The lady stated that made Freya stop on her tracks.

The Lady had a pretty face more like an angelic face to say the least, she's brunette and had green eyes that resembles the greenery of the grass on the fields. Matches Aurelia's description.

"And why would you think so? Have you talked to her? Have you spent time with her?" The lady couldn't reply that left the other lady to smirk. "That's what I thought, who are you anyways?"

The lady curtsied and threw a smile. "I am Aurelia Parry, daughter of Baron Parry."

Aurelia Parry. Freya bit her nail due to her feeling anxious, now that Aurelia is in close proximity.

A snicker was heard from the other lady as she laughed. "Seriously? A Baron's daughter? No wonder you thought of that as you would have no chance to even talk to the Princess herself."

"What a pity Lady Parry, perhaps you should stopp where you can reach." Another lady joined in.

Freya's jaw dropped. These ladies are much of a shocker to Freya, she thought about it for a while whether she should step in.

"You know what, we don't know why we're still even talking to you, you a not even close to our title so leave."

"Hey!" Freya slightly increased her voice to get there attention. Everyone of the ladies couldn't help but panic in sight of her. Do I look that scary?