Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Three: Out Of The Blue

An awkward feeling is building between them as they sit on a chair facing each other. Viviene felt that the room suddenly became crowded with the presence of two people— Arthur and Merriam.

‘I don’t want to complain being lonely again.’

She thought regretting having her brother in front of her. Merriam is serving them tea and snacks. Viviene kept on staring at the table, avoiding his eyes. Arthur notice and speak to her.

“I learned earlier that you suddenly like reading books.”

She raise her head and face him.

“Yeah. I love reading.”

His forehead wrinkled in confusion as he look at her.

“Pardon? You love reading?”

Viviene force a smile as she curse her tongue for causing her trouble. The real Viviene never liked books and she just said that she loved it!

‘Why am I being so careless today?’

“W-Well, you don’t know because you’re not interested about me at all.”

She said bluntly. Arthur felt a sting in his chest but he ignore it. It’s the pain of being guilty. Viviene pick the teacup and drink her tea. She did not feel apologetic of what she said to him because she believed that there’s no such thing as painless truth.

‘I hit a nail on his head.’

She thought.

“What kind of books do you like?”

He asked in a gentle manner. Viviene’s eyebrow raise as she look at him.

‘Why is he interested about me now?’

She put her teacup on the plate as she answered.

“Anything. As long as its not boring.”

“Its hard to find an ‘anything’ book.”

He said as he put his teacup as well and face her with his usual emotionless face. She sigh and felt annoyed.

“I love reading fantasy novels and academic books.”

She answered in a plain tone. She doesn’t like talking about herself to anyone. She’s a secretive type of person and she doesn’t trust anyone completely. However she just said a part of her to him.

“I see. There were new books arrived in the capital last week. If I have the time, lets visit some books stores and buy books that you like.”

“Books? But we have so many books in the library already. I’m afraid I cant read them all.”

She muttered as she look at him with an anxious face.

“Then, what would you like to get?”

“Pardon?”

“You don’t like to buy books but I still want to go to the capital with you.”

Viviene cant find the right words to tell him. Everything is new to her and she had this weird feeling inside that maybe her brother was abducted by aliens and the person in front of her is the doppelganger. The atmosphere is awkward and Arthur did not even notice it.

“What’s wrong?”

He asked with a hint of annoyance in his tone. Viviene blink and notice that his expression so she speak again.

“Nothing’s wrong."

“So? What do you think?”

She sigh as she glance at him. His face is serious and he’s not the type of person to play prank on her. She lean on the chair, cross her arms in her chest and stare back at him.

“I appreciate your kindness.”

Arthur’s eyes shine a little ray of light.

“Then..”

“But I refuse.”

The light in his eyes disappeared, disappointed of what he heard. Viviene look at him seriously.

“My punishment has not yet ended and my reputation is not in a good condition. What will people think if they see me wandering around the capital and spending money? They’ll think that the duchy considered my bad behavior.”

Arthur is speechless. He did not think of how the people see her after the commotion in the imperial palace.

“You see, I am still fixing myself together and I’ve been causing so much trouble lately. I apologize for giving you headaches. It must be hard in your part.”

Arthur’s eyes widen as he stare at Viviene’s face. Her expression is gentle and a little embarrassed.

‘I am saying this for the sake of plan number three.’

She thought.

“So you’ve realized just now?”

Viviene felt her nerve pulsating because of annoyance. The pattern of his tone is unpleasant for her. Arthur cant contain his smile as he stare at her.

“I’ll give you a second chance to prove yourself, Viviene.”

Viviene felt delighted as she heard his words. Those were the words she wanted to hear and she think that Viviene really deserved a second chance to prove herself. She believed in her ever since she woke up as her and to herself as well.

“Thank you brother.”

She said and smile widely. She never thought that she can smile like this. The moment she open her eyes as Viviene all she felt were sadness, loneliness and suffocation however, today is such an odd day for her. Its strangely good and nice.

‘I thought the world will end soon but I guess its just its rotation that changed.’

She thought as she saw his brother’s smile. Arthur, after seeing her smiling face felt happy as well. His decision of talking to her is not a waste of time rather a new door of opportunity for him.

“I’ll be going now. Lets talk again.”

He said and bid farewell.

“Yes. Of course. Goodbye brother.”

He left the room and Merriam close the door. Both of them stare at each other as they try analyze what happened.

“Is my brother sick?”

She asked to Merriam.

“No. Young Master is perfectly fine.”

“R-Really?”

She massage her head as she sit on the chair. She look at the roses in the vase on her table.

‘He’s oddly nice and kind today.’

“But I’m glad that Young Master is showing concern to you Miss!”

Merriam exclaimed joyfully. Viviene sigh and suddenly felt tired from what’s happening today.

“Who knows? Please take these away and leave. I want to rest.”

“Yes Miss.”

Merriam took the dishes away and left the room. Viviene lay on the bed and stare at the ceiling.

‘This sudden change twist my brain three-hundred and sixty degrees. At first brother was a jerk and now he’s an angel who came from heaven. My mentality is in shambles right now.’

She can feel herself trembling while thinking of what happened earlier between her and Arthur, she suddenly fell asleep due to frustration.

Arthur just finished the other documents. He lean on the chair and close his eyes for a moment because he can already feel a slight headache from all the paper works he finished.

“Young Master, I brought tea for you.”

Arthur opened his eyes and saw Finnian putting the tray on his desk.

“Its surprising that you finish your work early.”

“I have things to do aside from reviewing and signing documents.”

“Are you planning to visit Lady Eliza this week? I heard she’s spending time with the crown prince lately.”

Arthur’s expression harden as he heard it. It’s a very unpleasant news for him because he had feelings for the Lady.

“Yes. I have plans for her.”

The butler push his spectacles and hand him an envelope. Arthur give him a puzzle look as he watch the envelope.

“Its from Marquis McGregor. He’s having a banquet for his son who graduated at Galliantor Academy with flying colors.”

The butler explained. The Galliantor Academy is a well-known academy for boys. Its famous for its advance education and high standards that only a hundred of all the thousands were enrolled.

“Why wont you send a letter of invitation to Lady Walmeir, Young Master? She’s a perfect partner for you at the banquet.”

He’s indeed thinking of Eliza to be his partner however asking her after what happened is difficult so he’s thinking of another woman who will but, its even harder in his part because women around him were so pushy and tried to seduce him. The image of Viviene appeared in his mind.

“I’ll go get another paper for the letter—”

“No need.”

Finnian face him with a puzzled expression.

“Other than Eliza there’s no other woman who can become my partner, except one.”

“Oh, who could this lady be?”

He asked. Arthur stood up and pick the invitation.

“My sister is the other woman I’m talking about.”

He muttered with a smile and walk towards the door. He left the butler in the office dumfounded of what he said.

“T-The Miss!?”

He exclaimed in shock as he sit on the chair near him. His mind is in a total wreckage because of his decision.

‘Viviene is indeed dazzling, but she’s the epitome of trouble!’

He thought nervously.

“Just what is he thinking? I cant understand him”

He mumbled sadly as he glance at the door.

Viviene is busy reading the books she asked when someone knock the door.

“Who is it?”

“Its me.”

She face the door with wide eyes.

‘Him again!? Why’s he always coming in my room?’

She close her book and let Arthur enter her room. He’s wearing his usual stoic expression but the way Viviene saw his eyes makes her feel nervous all of a sudden.

‘His twinkling eyes are pretty but I dont feel good about this..'

She thought as she started sweating because of anxiety.

“Big brother, what do you want from me?”

She asked directly. She still needs to finish the books she’s reading and then plan her next move. He force a cough and look at her in a serious manner.

“What do you think of coming with me at a banquet?”

“Huh?”

Her mouth hang open and her face displayed a confused look.

“Marquis McGregor is having a banquet three days from now. How about going with me.”

“Just a moment big brother.”

She excused as she stand up and walk towards the window.

‘No sign of falling meteors, sun or moon. The heaven is still intact which means the world is not ending yet.. But why is he inviting me!?’

She face him with a smile and express her ruined mind.

“Are you serious? Me and you? To a banquet?”

Arthur’s face darkened.

“What do you mean?”

“Woah! Relax big brother. I’m just surprise that you’re inviting me.”

“Cant I invite you?”

“Of course you can! But why me? I know that I’m pretty but my reputation is poor and me standing beside you can tarnish your image.”

He’s expression became darker and his eyes went colder. Viviene did not flinch a bit because she knew that her words were right. She’s the society’s villainess, a thorn among the roses, so why’s he doing all of this? Perhaps its because he sympathize her or he’s just guilty of something. No matter what it is she wants to know.

‘My pride is important and I don’t accept things out of pity.’

She thought firmly.

“This event will prove your worth. If you can impress me with what you’ve got you will restore not just my favor but everyone who’s doubting your capabilities. I want to trust you again as a member of this family.”

He explained.

“Proving my worth? Why would I do that?”

“To make society accept you as a daughter of the powerful duke Victor John Cruel.”

Her eyebrow raise as well as her annoyance. She thought that his reason was the dumbest thing she ever heard in her entire life. She cross her arms in her chest and stare at him seriously.

“Alright, I accept the invitation but there’s something I need to tell you, big brother. First, I am not coming to prove my worth to everyone because I am not born to impress others. Second, I don’t care about what the f**k they think about me because I am more aware of myself and lastly, I don’t need their acceptance because I accepted me long time ago.”

Arthur is speechless. The way she talked to him is like a queen speaking to her subject, so much pride and power. What happened to his sister who’s only good at whining in front of him. When Viviene notice that her brother understand every single bit of her words her face brighten and she smiled sweetly.

“Thank you very much for the invitation big brother. I mean it.”

Her sudden change of tone drag him back to reality. A mischievous smile formed in his lips.

“I’m glad you’re grateful.”

His conceited tone slap her pride hard. The vein in her head is pulsating as she tried her best to remain her smile.

“Indeed, I’m grateful. Is there anything more you want to say?"

“There’s none. Just make sure your pretty at the banquet.”

He left her with a dumbfounded expression.

“M-Make sure I’m what? I just said I’m pretty!”

She said angrily.

“No, no. Be calm and live longer Faye Anne. Vivi’s brother is a jerk and your smart so try to understand him more.”

She mumble as an encouragement of herself. She went back to her chair and resume reading.

‘My oh-so-great brother just inspired me for being smarter. With my boiling temper, I think I can finish this book soon.’

She thought with her eyes burning with fury.

Merriam just finished her chores earlier than she thought. The manor hired more servants since the house is expanding, the salary is not that bad either. She’s holding a tray of food as she walk towards Viviene’s room. She’s happy that the miss is being obedient to the Young Master’s orders and developed a respectable hobby. Everything about her changed a lot from the day she recovered. She arrived in front of Viviene’s room. She knock on the door and speak.

“Milady, its me. May I come in?"

“Yes.”

Merriam entered her room and saw her still reading.

‘Perhaps the Miss is bored that she keeps on reading books.’

She thought while putting the tray on the table.

“Big brother just came and invited me to a banquet.”

She suddenly said to her. Merriam paused a bit and stare at her, trying to digest her words in her head.

“He wants me to be his partner.”

She added.

A moment of silence overpowered them before Merriam jump out of pure joy and screamed in excitement. She went to Viviene and shake her violently.

“Oh my gosh!! I’m so happy for you Milady!! I knew it! The Young Master still cares for you! I am so, so happy!!”

Viviene felt the world is spinning. She held Merriam’s arms to stop her.

“M-Merriam stop it for pity’s sake.”

“Oh! Sorry Miss! I must have gone crazy. Forgive me Miss!”

She sigh and look at her. She can clearly see the joy in her twinkling eyes over something so simple. Her brother is the only thing who’s complicated with that simplicity.

“Why are you so happy over such a simple thing?”

“Its because this is the first banquet you’ll attend with Young Master Arthur! And being with the Young Master in an event gives an impression to other people that the Miss is highly favored and respected.”

She explained with high spirit.

‘So he can give such impression to others? I guess I should be thankful.’

She thought.

‘Its true that it’s the first time Vivi will attend a banquet with that jerk Arthur. I wonder what will be everyone’s expression when we enter the hall?'

She wondered again.

“May I ask milady when will that happen?”

“Three days from now.”

“What!? That’s too soon!”

“Merriam, please refrain from yelling. I might turn deaf because of you.”

“Oh, okay Miss. Sorry.”

After eating dinner she dismissed Merriam, avoiding to talk further about the banquet. She decided to hear more about that tomorrow morning when everything is fresh around her. She hopes that tomorrow will be a good day without problems and she also hopes that her jerk of a brother would leave her alone.

“May the heavens hear my prayer.”

She mumble as she turn off the lights and sleep.