Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Chapter 366  : Her Plans

 I look at Brother Pascal. I don't know if it's a good thing to talk about this outside. Although everyone already has an idea of what is really happening, the Royal family still hasn't released any statement confirming the issue.  And me talking about it here will be a concrete proof that something really happened to his highness. His Majesty and her Majesty are already stressed with the current situation. I don't want to add to their stress.

 I smile reassuringly at Godfather and Principal Germund. "I think it will be best if we talk about this later." I shake my head. "No, no. I think it will be best if his majesty talks about this to you. I am in no position to talk about this. The King and the Queen will see the two of you this evening. So, you can ask them any questions you want to ask. For now, let me show you where you will be staying."

 Ruler Laird and Principal Germund look at each other for a couple of seconds before they both agree with what I said.

 Ruler Laird invites Brother Pascal and me in their carriage, which we agree. We just ask our coachman to go to the residences, where the Illorian people and Alderrdeen people will be staying, while Godfather's carriage follows him.

 It's a good thing his Majesty assigned their residence beside each other because he knows these two well respected people are close friends. So we wouldn't have any problem showing their residences.

 Godfather gently caresses my head. "I heard everything that happened to you while you were working in your Foundation." He shakes his head. "You should take care of yourself too, Csille. I know I have told you already that I am proud of what you have done these past few months however I couldn't help but be worried about you. Don't stress yourself too much."

 I nod my head at Godfather. "I will, Godfather. I apologize for making you worried."

 Godfather was about to say something, but Principal Germund cuts him off. "Ayoo, says the one who doesn't sleep for days because he was busy at work. Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Ruler Laird? You're preaching what you don't do." Principal Germund shakes his head.

 I smile at Principal Germund. Although what he said might sound off to some, I know he only said that to tease Godfather.  These two have been good friends ever since they were young. A simple banter like this doesn't offend them.

 Godfather glares at Principal Germund. But instantly of saying anything to him, he just looks at me. "Are you going to join us this evening?"

 Join them? Is he talking about his majesty and her majesty visiting them tonight? I don't think it's a good idea for me to be there.  I shake my head. "I don't think so, Godfather. But don't worry, we could have a talk tomorrow. I promise to visit you tomorrow."

 Godfather nods his head in satisfaction. "I will be waiting for you tomorrow then. You can bring Doctor Pascal with you too."

 I look at Brother Pascal and nod my head at Godfather. I was about to say something when the carriage stopped in front of a residence.  "We are here, Godfather, Principal Germund. Please follow me, and I will be showing you where you are going to stay."

 The tour at each residence took up more than an hour. It was almost dawn already when the two groups settled in.  Ruler Laird convinced Brother Pascal and me to stay until dinner. But because we know the King and the Queen will visit them, we decided to politely decline. I am sure his majesty has other important things to talk to Ruler Laird and Principal Germund. And I don't want to interrupt them.

 I look outside the window and sigh. Brother Pascal and I are now on our way home. One of the reasons why I also declined Godfather's offer for dinner is because I couldn't wait to get home. I am sure Father already sent a letter of update about the three royalties, and I want to know what it is.  I just hope we will receive good news for today, or else I wouldn't have a choice but to sneak out and look for them myself.

 I don't want to worry anyone, and I know doing this will make them feel like that. However, I just couldn't sit still and wait for an update.  Prince Fraser's birthday is four days from now. If they can't find Prince Fraser tomorrow, the Birthday Banquet might be canceled, and I cannot let that happen. That Banquet is the climax of the story, and if we don't reach that part, it will be the end of everything.

 It will be the end of all of us.

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 The moment the carriage stops in front of our residence, I immediately get off the carriage and dash inside. However, I couldn't find where Mother was.

 The butler, who had just gotten out of the kitchen, noticed my wariness. "Miss, you have returned. Have you eaten your dinner? I can ask the kitchen to prepare your din—"

 I didn't let him finish his words and just cut him off. "Where is my Mother?"

 The butler shakes his head. "The Countess hasn't returned yet, Miss. Do you want to wait for her so you can have dinner together?"

 Who cares about dinner? All I want to know is if there is an update about Prince Fraser. I need to hear an update!  I heave a sigh and calm myself down. It won't be good to snap at him. It's not his fault why Mother still hasn't returned. Also, I know everyone is also worried about Prince Fraser.  "If that is the case, did you receive any letter from Father? I am sure he already sent an update this afternoon. He said he would send one. Where is it? I want to read it."

 "Are you asking about the update on his highness's whereabouts?"  I nod my head as a response. "Yes, it is. Where is it? Take it out immediately. I want to read it."

 The butler stares at me for a couple of seconds. He looks like he is hesitating. "Miss, apologies, but we didn't receive any update regarding Prince Fraser's whereabouts. However, the Count left a letter for you and the Countess. Do you want to read it?"

 I feel my body feels weak after hearing what the butler said. There is no update with Prince Fraser and the rest.

 I feel my whole body goes numb, and my whole surroundings become blurry. I feel a hand hold me in place, but I feel like I am slowly losing my consciousness.

 When I woke up, it was already morning. I slowly get up and find Brother Pascal sleeping on the sofa in my room.  I frown and try to remember what happened. I was too busy thinking about what happened yesterday that I didn't notice Brother Pascal woke up from his sleep.

 "You're awake? How are you feeling?"

 I look at Brother Pascal and shake my head. "Brother, what happened?"

 He gets up and walks toward me to check my condition. "You collapsed yesterday. Haven't I told you that you need to rest first? Look what happened to you? You should stay in the house for today."

 I collapsed yesterday? I try to remember what happened, and that is only when it dawns on me. I collapsed not because of fatigue but because of the disappointment and stress I felt when I heard there was no update about the three royalties' whereabouts.

 I immediately turn to Brother Pascal and hold on to his arm. "Brother, Brother, is there any news about Prince Fraser and the rest?"  Please say yes. Please say there is news about them. I'm begging you, Brother.

 I look at Brother Pascal, but he just stares at me. He then heaves a sigh. "Csille, I think it's better if you ask your Mother instead."

 I frown. "Why do I need to ask Mother if you can tell me yourself?" I paused. I think I know why. I smile bitterly and stare at Brother Pascal. "Brother, tell me honestly. You didn't receive any news about Prince Fraser, right? It's the reason why you don't want to tell me yourself because you don't want to disappoint me. Am I right?"

 Brother heaves a sigh before he nods his head. "I'm sorry, Csille. I just don't want to see you sad. Aunt and I were worried about you. We both know how much you worry about his highness, and we don't want to worry you more."

 I laugh bitterly. "And you think by doing this, you are all helping me?"

 I understand why they do this. However, when will they realize that the more I won't hear any news about the three royalties, the more I will worry about them. So, what they are doing is not helping me. Instead, they are making me worry more.

 Brother Pascal goes silent. I just wave my hand at him and lay on my bed. "Just leave me alone, Brother."

 "But Csille..."

 I shake his hand that is holding my arm. "Just leave me alone, Brother."

 I needed him to get out of my room before I could say things to him. Things that I could hurt him.  I heard him sigh before he left my room hesitantly. The moment the door was closed, I immediately got up.

 I couldn't stay here and do nothing anymore. I need to do something now, or else it will be too late for everyone. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

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 I heave a deep sigh before I get out of my room. I immediately find Mother sitting on the sofa in the receiving area.  She rushes towards me the moment she sees me. "My dear, I know you are mad at me, but I hope you can let me explain thi—"

 I look at Mother and smile reassuringly. "Mother, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I was just worried about his highness that I couldn't calm myself down. I know you are only worried about me, and I appreciate that."

 Mother gently caress my head. "You're not mad at us anymore?"

 I shake my head. "I am not mad at you, Mother. I will never be mad at you."

 I heard her heave a sigh of relief. She then looks at the dress I am wearing. I am wearing a formal dress right now, the kind of dress I only wear on special occasions.

 "Where are you going, Csille? Haven't your Brother Pascal told you to take a rest for today?"

 I shake my head. "Mother, how can I rest if I already told the Great Ruler that I will be visiting him and Principal Germund today. Wouldn't that be an offense to them if I break my words?"

 I feel guilty lying to Mother, but this is the only plan I think of to get out of this house.  I'm sorry, Mother. I don't plan to worry you, but I need to do this. Not just for myself but also for everyone. I hope you can understand.

 Mother stares at me for a couple of seconds before she nods her head. "How can I prohibit you? But make sure not to exhaust yourself. I don't want to hear you collapse again. You understand?"

 I nod my head at her. I almost jump in joy, but I just stop myself. "I will, Mother." I pretend to look at my time watch. "I need to leave now, Mother. I will see you later."

 I didn't wait for her reply and immediately rushed outside, where a carriage was waiting for me.  The coachman immediately looks at me. "Miss, are we going straight to the residence of the Great Ruler and Principal Germund?"

 I shake my head. I don't really plan to visit them. I only use that as an excuse, so Mother will allow me to go out.  "You can drop me off the market. I will buy gifts for them."

 It's a custom in the Vrawyth Kingdom to give gifts if you are visiting someone else's house. But I'm really not planning to buy gifts. I only need to find a way to lose this coachman.  The coachman immediately looks at me. "Drop you off? But who will help you with—"

 I shake my head. "I heard Mother has an important thing to do today. You can just drop me off in the market and return to our residence. She needs you more than I. I'll just find my way after. The Illorian City and the Alderrdeen City's residence is not far from the market. So, don't worry about me."

 The coachman tried to convince me, but in the end, I managed to convince him instead to return to our house.  I look at our carriage that is now on its way home.  I'm sorry, Mother, but I need to do this. I need to see with my own eyes the current situation of Prince Fraser and the rest.  I look at the carriage before I set off to find my way through the crowded market. Now that my first plan has succeeded, I need to do my second plan.  I just wish everything will be a success too.