Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Eleven: The Duke's Return

The Crown Prince’s cruelty, his knight’s dreadful glares, her brother’s harsh words and Eliza’s silence despite of what she knew. She knew it very well yet she refuse to open it up with her own mouth. She wants them to realize it on their own and she doesn’t want to waste her time making them feel the guilt they should have felt in the first place. But if they did feel that way, what’s the point? She’s not the person who should have seen it. Perhaps its easy for her to ignore these feelings because she’s not the one who encountered it before, its Viviene.

“You really know how to make this boring tea party into an interesting one.” The prince muttered while smiling.

“Thank you for the complement, Your Majesty.”

“That’s why I want to have tea with you every day.”

His words bring sudden death to her soul. She thought its absurd to make her visit him every day. Who would want to see a person who caused a lot of trouble before?

“Pardon?”

“We apologize Your Majesty but Viviene is already busy in our manor.”

“So, you mean the duke acknowledge Lady Viviene as the lady of the house?”

He became speechless. The prince knew that Viviene and the duke doesn’t have good relationship with each other. Seeing Arthur’s response made him chuckle but it immediately disappeared when Viviene suddenly speak.

“That’s true Your Highness. I have a lot to do in our manor and I just cant leave it behind.”

The prince frown at her response. He’s confuse why she’s defending her cold-blooded brother who didn’t do anything good to her. He sneered as he glare at the two.

“That’s disappointing.”

She sigh in relief as she lean on the chair.

‘Phew. Thank goodness.’ She thought. She look at Arthur who’s looking at her. She smiled at him and mouthed ‘thank you’ before drink her tea. Arthur showed a small smile as he drink his tea as well. The prince saw the scene and he cant help but to feel angry.

“Come to think of it, Your Majesty’s birthday is approaching.” Eliza said cheerfully.

“Yes.” He answered in a lifeless tone.

Viviene recall the event in her mind. The crown prince’s birthday, unlike any other royalty, wasn’t celebrated lavishly in the imperial palace. It was always celebrated without else knowing. However, Eliza knew his special day and went to his castle to celebrate it. His knight, Sir Valor, was also there by their side.

The Crown Prince Aleiandro Damian was hated by nobles and the emperor himself due to his rude personality and dreadful behavior. He would threaten those nobles who ruined the tranquility of the empire or created a mess to his people. He’s a devil for those pathetic nobles yet to the commoners, he’s righteous. He may appear scary and a murderer to anyone but no one can erase the truth that he cared for his people. He’s wearing the mask of the devil yet beneath that disguise was a person with heavy responsibilities for his people and his nation.

“Aren’t you excited, Your Majesty?” Eliza asked.

“Ha. Why would I?”

“Its your birthday.”

Hearing them makes Viviene even more bored. She gaze at the pretty flowers surrounding them and remain her mouth shut as she listen to their conversation. Arthur as well, who’s putting his attention to his tea.

“What do you think Lady Cruel?”

“Is my opinion important Your Majesty?”

Aleiandro shrug his shoulders and Viviene sigh.

“I think, you should celebrate.”

“I’m glad you supported it Lady Cruel.”

“That’s not the answer I want. I want to know why should I celebrate it?”

The prince asked with his frowning face. Viviene can sense a slight of irritation from him. As she sit on the chair she cant help but felt bored and nervous at the same time. Eliza, who can sense his annoyance so she speak in a gentle tone.

“Your birthday is special, Your Majesty.”

Her smile is so bright Viviene almost got blind. She cant deny that her beauty is as radiant as the sun and she’s a low level minion in the dark refusing the light.

“Special? Hm, what do you think Lady Cruel?”

She look at him dumbfounded. She’s confused why he’s always asking for her opinion but if she wont answer, he’ll kill her with his deadly glare.

“U-Uhm, yes, Your Majesty’s birthday is special.”

She smiled nervously but the crown prince’s face turn darker than before.

‘Oh my gosh! What did I just do!?’ She wondered nervously while looking at him. Arthur butted in, trying to cover Viviene.

“I agree with my sister and Lady Walmeir’s statements, Your Majesty. Your birthday is special because of your existence.”

“I did not ask you Little Duke.”

“But I want to speak, Your Majesty.”

“Are you arguing with me?”

“Of course not, Your Highness.”

Viviene felt like world war will begin soon because of them. They’re auras we’re so heavy its suffocating them. Sir Valor, who’s standing not far away from the table notice it as well and displayed an uncomfortable expression.

‘These two acts like children! Are they grade schooler?’ She thought annoyed at their behavior. She glance at Eliza and signaled her to make an action for this chaotic matter but even her seems nervous.

‘I don’t want to be with them anymore! Curse this day!’ She screamed in her head as her blood pressure increases.

“Its not special.”

“What?”

All of them look at Viviene’s direction.

“Lady Cruel, that’s rude.” Eliza muttered in surprise.

She can feel that Sir Valor and Arthur are shooting daggers at her yet she ignore them.

“Your Majesty’s birthday is not special.”

“Viviene.” Arthur called her but she didn’t respond.

She breathe deeply, collecting all her courage to speak in front of them.

“Other men who existed in this world have the same birthday as His Majesty so his birthdate is common. Your Majesty, your birthdate is not special rather, its you who’s special. Because of that, that day becomes important to this empire. Isn’t it right to celebrate such important day?”

His eyes shine as he realized what she meant.

‘Its me who’s special and my existence is important.’ He thought as his heart skips a beat.

“Your Majesty, your birthday is worth celebrating for so don’t doubt it.” She added.

Her words were very comforting like there’s a knot in his chest being untied and he’s freed by it. He doesn’t quite understands he’s seeing in front of him, but around Viviene is a light enough to not hurt his eyes. Viviene nervously smile as she notice the silence in the table.

“Your Majesty, can we go home now?” She asked.

Aleiandro snap from his delusions and stare at Viviene who’s eager at his response. He showed a satisfying expression and said.

“Alright. I’m satisfied of your words. I hope we’ll meet again.”

‘Never! I’ll tell God to never let that happen!’ She scream in frustration as her face paled in nervousness for her future.

“Thank you for your time, Lady Cruel and Little Duke. Alex, escort them.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Alexander lead the way as Arthur and Viviene bid their goodbyes. Viviene glance at the prince for the last time who’s looking at her too. She turn her back, refusing to glance again for the second time. As they head in the empty hallway, she cant help but to think of the prince’s weird behavior earlier.

‘Its clear that I was invited but why is Eliza in there too? Perhaps he wants me to be embarrassed? He’s really cruel. I didn’t even provoke him.’ She seriously thought. As they went outside she glance at Alexander who’s looking at her too.

“Thank you, Sir Valor.”

“Its nothing, Lady Cruel.”

“Viviene, lets go.”

She was about to walk when he called her.

“Lady Cruel, may I ask something?”

She glance at him. She heed his curiosity towards her as his hazel eyes sparkle due to the sunlight.

“Are you, really changing?”

‘Huh? What’s with that question?’

She was astonished of his sudden question yet she remained calm on the outside, hiding her real response. She showed a small smile as her eyes playfully watch him.

“What do you think?”

After answering a question with another question he left him still puzzled of everything. She didn’t wish to share a part about herself because she wants to remain a secret. To answer that question truthfully, she didn’t change at all, its just, they’re talking to a stranger.

After the Cruels left the table, Aleiandro and Eliza were left alone. Eliza brought up all her courage and started speaking.

“Lady Cruel is different, don’t you think?”

“Yes, she’s becoming interesting.”

Eliza notice his odd smile on his face which made him worried.

‘I’m worried about what?’ She wondered. She remove the thought and smiled at him.

“Are you feeling lonely again? If you are then I can visit you always.”

“Yes, but every day is boring. I want some fun.”

“Fun?”

“Yes. I want some fun.”

Eliza think of something ‘fun’. Her face brighten as she come up with a good idea.

“How about we go to the capital? There’s a lot of fun in the capital.”

“The capital? Hm. Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“Then lets go tomorrow.”

They planned in going to the capital tomorrow secretly. As they talked, the words of Viviene kept on playing inside his head. As he remember those sentences, he felt that his chest was being lifted from something heavy. Deep in him he is hoping to see her again.

They returned safely in the mansion. Viviene felt so tired and skip dinner to take a warm bath and rest early. She’s reading a book in her bed when someone knock the door. It opened and Arthur entered her room.

“Hello, big bro. What brings you here?” She asked gently with a little smile in her lips.

“Are you still thinking of what happened earlier?”

“No. Did I cause a headache again? I apologize.”

“No, you didn’t, rather, I want to tell you that starting tomorrow you will be the Lady of this house and the duchess.”

Her eyes widen and her mouth hang wide open. She cant believe it. Of all these years he’s acknowledging him as the duchess of the Cruel manor!

‘Did he hit his head on a rock?’ She wondered as she look at Arthur with disbelief.

“What are you thinking?” He asked.

“W-well, isn’t that too much?”

“What?”

“You don’t have to do this just because you lied to the Crown Prince that I am the lady of this house. In addition, father didn’t know this matter. Its better that he’ll decide.” She explained.

“Are you doubting yourself?” He asked directly at her.

He’s feeling that thick wall between them again. Its as if she’s distancing herself to him and refusing to have a closer relationship with him. He wonders if she hates him deep inside yet he cant ask her that. He’s afraid to hear the answer he’s expecting. Viviene sense his anxiety in front of her so she smiled.

“Of course not. Why would I doubt to myself big bro? You’re funny.”

She laugh at her own words while Arthur remained staring at her.

“Then, do you hate me?”

She stop laughing and look at him with puzzled look.

“Gosh, why are you asking me that question?”

“Answer me, Viviene.”

She stared at his blue eyes, trying to know the reason of his sudden question. She thought that he’s feeling guilty of all the things he did to her. She showed a gentle smile as she stood up from her bed and walk towards him. She touch his cheek gently that made him surprise. Her hand felt warm and delicate like she’s giving her an impression of him being important.

“Don’t feel bad about yourself. I have my own share of my own miseries too. Don’t, took it all to yourself.”

His eyes glisten like diamonds before her. She didn’t answer the question directly but she gave an answer that comforts him somehow.

“Geez you’re being sentimental brother. Please leave, I want to rest.” She complain and remove her hand when he suddenly held it. Surprised, she look at him.

“You will be the duchess of this house. You deserve the position so don’t, don’t doubt yourself.”

After he said those words he left the room. Viviene stared at the door like an i***t for a couple of minutes before coming back to reality. She took a blanket, wrap it around her shoulder and went to the balcony to see the night sky. In her mind, she prayed that no bad omen will befall to her tomorrow.

Tomorrow came, she wake up early and do some stretching before Merriam came. She took a bath and wear indoor clothes. While Merriam was brushing her hair Finnian came with unexpected news.

“Milady, the duke has arrived and wants you to join breakfast with him.”

“The duke you say!?”

“Yes. The duke wants to join breakfast with you, Milady.”

She cant believe what she’s hearing after praying to the heavens last night.

‘Why!? Why is this happening to me!?’ She thought frustratingly and sigh.

“Alright. I’ll go now.”

Merriam stare at her with a worried expression but she just smile like this is nothing to her. She experienced life and death situations so facing the scary duke isn’t a big problem. They went downstairs towards the dining room. The big door opened and a long table met her. Her eyes automatically went to the men sitting inside. Its Arthur and her father, Duke Cruel. She gracefully bow down and greeted them.

“Good morning, brother and… father.”

The atmosphere is heavy and intense yet she cant help but join them despite the urge to left the room.

“Come and eat.” The duke ordered.

“Yes.”

She went to the chair beside the duke and opposite to Arthur. She glance at the two and notice their extreme similarities from having a white hair blue eyes. The duke looks like an old version of Arthur. Other than their physical attributes, they had the same cold aura and emotionless face.

‘Am I with people or with robots?’ She wondered as she notice their facial expressions. ‘Maybe they really are and I’m the only human in this family.’ She added. She took a bite with the salad when the duke suddenly speak.

“I’ll make you the duchess in this manor.”

She drop the fork and look at him with wide eyes.

‘D-did I hear it right? He wants me to be the duchess!?’ She thought in shock of his unexpected statement.

“P-Pardon my behavior but what? M-Me?”

“Is there any problem?”

“W-Well, you knew me, father.”

“You’re one of the Cruels, have confidence.”

He muttered seriously while staring at her. She remove her nervousness as she look back at him.

“I understand, father.”

“Good. Finnian will give you your schedule.”

“Yes.”

She’s crying deep inside her. Being a duchess is too much for her. While saying goodbye to her free days mentally, the duke speak again.

“Do you not like the position?”

She shook her head as she smiled.

“Who wouldn’t want that father? Don’t worry, I’ll do my best and wont commit mistakes.” She answered cheerfully. The duke’s lips formed a smiled and nodded.

She cant believe that she’s really the duchess now. Viviene never acknowledge as the lady of the house due to her personality but now, the duke just appointed her. She thought of making the opportunity to fix her reputation and show off a little of her managing skills. They spend breakfast together quietly when she remembered something.

“Ah, this is late but.”

The duke and Arthur look at her. She glance at the duke and smiled brightly which she never did before in front of him. He was caught off guard, he never received greetings from her before.

“Welcome home, father.”

Her warm welcome touched his cold heart as he stared at his own daughter's face with joy.