Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Fourteen: Sneak Out

After she left Sir Valor in the capital, she feel at ease looking staring at the books. She thought that Sir Valor was not that bad after all. She arrived at the mansion when the sun has already set in the west. She entered the manor and met Arthur with a very, very foul mood. She felt all her hair were rising and her blood run backwards frightened of his wrath.

“H- Hello brother, how’s the fief?” She asked to avoid his anger but it didn’t help her.

“Why did you leave without Sir Rowellius?”

“T-That..”

“Do you know how dangerous the outside world is? What if something bad happens to you!?”

She can feel his anger increasing as the seconds goes by. No matter how she look she’s the one to blame. Its her fault for being careless. She lowered her head and did not meet his cold eyes.

“I’m sorry. I just got excited earlier and left without telling Sir Rowellius. This wont happen again.”

He sigh and massage his forehead. He glance at Viviene who’s face is pale while looking down to the floor with her lips tightly pressed. Her eyes were wavering like its about to shed tears any moment. He touch her cheeks and make her stare his eyes.

“Next time, don’t go on your own. No one wants you to be in danger.”

As she stare at his sincere blue eyes its like the surroundings are sparkling. But why is she seeing these weird things.

‘Perhaps its because of my brother’s handsome face.’ She thought.

“Yes. I understand.”

He patted her head which he became his habit and his favorite one. He could see her cheeks blushed and her face filled with annoyance.

“Rest now. You must be tired.”

“Alright. However, where’s father? I didn’t see him since he left this morning?”

“He went to Nortelle.”

He answered. Nortelle is the northern part of the Valliaña. The Valliaña had four parts: the Nortelle, the Southelle, the Estelle and the Endelle. She heard that the Northelle is having security issues due to barbarians located outside the borders.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. Its just, I didn’t see father before he left.”

She felt sad knowing he left. Maybe because she felt that he truly care for her deep inside his cold ambiance and eyes.

‘Too bad, I want to talk to him about me having a friend.’

Arthur notice her sad expression and speak again.

“Father will come back. He’s a skilled swordsman and he’s powerful. No one can defeat him in a battlefield.”

“Really?”

“Have you forget what people called to father?”

She didn’t answered because she couldn’t remember about that at all. Arthur sighed and answered his own question with a proud smile.

“He’s called ‘Ferocious V’”

As he said those words, his face shone proudness and admiration towards the duke. Viviene is suppressing her laughter as she recall the name Arthur mentioned with so much appreciation.

“Is there something wrong?”

“C-Can you say the name again?”

“Ferocious V”

She tried her best not to laugh in front of Arthur.

‘What the heck!? Ferocious V?!’ She can really imagine the duke with a sailor uniform doing cutesy in front of an enemy with his sharp gaze. She calmed herself down and glance at Arthur.

“Okay. I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll be sleeping now. Goodnight brother.”

She smiled at him and left the duke’s room and headed immeidately at her room. As she went inside, she laugh her heart out

“The heck? That is so hilarious!”

She muttered as she roll on the bed laughing and holding her stomach. She stop laughing and wipe her tears in her eyes.

“Ah, right I need to write a respond to Timothy’s letter.”

She hop from bed and went to her desk to write a letter for Timothy. While writing, someone knock the door.

“Come in!”

It opened and Merriam entered her room with a basin of water mixed with essential oil. Viviene requested a foot massage due to her aching shoes due to heels.

“Did I interrupt you, Milady?” She asked politely.

“No, I was writing a respond letter for Timothy.”

“Timothy?”

“Marquis McGregor’s son.”

Merriam was astonished by how deep their relationship had become. She gasp and cover her mouth surprised by her own conclusion. Viviene can undoubtedly knew that Merriam is misunderstanding something.

“Its not something romantic okay?”

“B-But you’re calling each other’s first names.”

“We’re just friends!” She explained.

“Oh, alright. Would you like to have the massage now?” She asked politely. Viviene sigh and nodded her head as she sit on her bed.

“Can you tell me about your first friend Miss?” Merriam asked as she started the massage to her foot.

“He’s a shy person and doesn’t like social gathering but he’s nice.”

“How about his physical appearance Miss?”

“Hm, he had brown hair and brown eyes. He’s average looking.”

“And your feelings Miss?”

“I told you I’m not into romantic stuffs.”

“O-Oh, right. Sorry Miss.”

She sigh again and close her eyes for a second. Having a friend wasn’t in the plan but its not so bad in her part. Viviene doesn’t have close friends to begin with which gave her the idea that she’s lonely all the time. Merriam is always with her but she cant bother her everyday because she had also a lot of work to do in the manor.

‘I think my decision is right. I’ll make lots of friends.’ She thought as she smiled brightly.

“You seemed happy Miss.”

She glance at Merriam who’s looking at her.

“Of course. Who would thought that someone wants to be my friend?”

“I’m glad.”

Merriam said as she felt delighted for her as well. Speaking of friendship, she decline Eliza’s offer a couple of days ago. She might be bias but she cant deny the feeling of wariness when she’s around. To think that she’s the main reason of Viviene’s negative emotions.

‘Its best to avoid her and the death flags for the time being.’ As she think that concept, Arthur’s image suddenly came across her mind. She think of her feelings toward him before and now.

‘Yes, something definitely changed between us. Maybe I’ve become closer to him due to the reason that we’re blood related?’ She wondered. But she should remain the line between them. There are things that must remain as it is to avoid another problem in the future. She’s doing her very best to avoid troubles while she stays in Viviene’s body. She needs to return home as soon as possible. But how? She needs to know more about her situation. She recall the moment before she woke up as Viviene Cruel.

‘What happened before these whole thing happened?’ She asked herself. She tried searching inside her head the information she needed. ‘Right, before I came here I saw a blinding light, and then there’s a voice..’ She recalled.

“Merriam, you may leave.”

“Yes Miss.”

She left the room. Viviene took the books she got from the store and started to read until dawn. The information of the book doesn’t state the things she wants to know but it said that the spiritual realm is real and spirits live in there. Deep in that realm lies the realm of the heavenly realm where gods and goddesses live.

“This is much more complicated than I thought. What should I do?”

She close the book and put it on the table beside her bed.

“I’ll live this life for now.”

She turn off the lights and lay down on the bed then she fell asleep afterwards. She wake up early in the morning. She asked Merriam about the letter she wrote for Timothy to be delivered immediately then she went down to eat breakfast.

“Did you sleep well?” Arthur asked as he notice the dark circles under her eyes.

“Not really. I read a book until dawn. The book was very interesting.”

“You should sleep well. You’re pale and getting thinner every time I saw you.”

“R-Really? But I eat well.”

“You should eat more.”

“I’m eating more.”

“Are you arguing with me?”

She shut her mouth and ate her food in silence. Arthur sighed which Viviene notice.

“You should rest for now. I heard you did a lot of things yesterday.”

“I’m fine.”

“Viviene.” He called her name with intense authority.

Arthur had a guess before, that she’s just hiding her true feelings because she doesn’t want to be a burden to him and the duke. He had this guess because he brought it to her himself. She acted like a fool before, but he’s even more foolish for not sympathizing his own sister.

“I know, you’re having a hard time but you must not be harsh on yourself.”

She can sense the sadness within those words. She felt like all she did is give him dramas which she didn’t want from the start. She avoided to rely on them because that is necessary for them. That’s what they wanted for Viviene to do. She smiled at him, the brightest smile she could ever give.

“I’m not harsh to myself, brother. Alright, I’ll rest so please don’t worry too much.”

“Alright.”

After their conversation, Viviene went to her room to read more books but she got bored so she took a stroll around the mansion, she stopped in the garden but she’s still bored. She saw the teleportation ring she had and a naughty smile appeared in her face.

“Sneaking out for a while is not a bad idea.”

She mumble. She touch the ring and focus her mind to a place she’s familiar with. The wind surrounded her and when she opened her eyes, she’s not in the mansion anymore. The trees around her and the cool wind feels great. There’s a river not far from where she’s standing and at the end of the river is a waterfall. She could hear the rushing of water and the swaying of trees as the wind goes by. She sit under a willow tree as she stare at the river when someone suddenly blow her ear.

“Ah!”

She immediately move away before she heard someone laughing. She can feel herself boiling in anger as she glared at the crown prince in front of her.

“You’re expression is very funny.”

‘He’s saying my expression is ugly.’ She interpret mentally while her face frown.

“So, what are you doing here Lady Cruel?” He asked with his signature wicked expression. She can feel the coldness from his eyes despite his evil grin.

“Pardon, Your Majesty?”

“What are you doing here in my territory?”

Her face paled as she realized that. She teleported behind the palace of the crown prince!

‘W-Why did I think of this place!?’ She thought nervously. She force a smile as she greet the prince.

“G-Good day Your Majesty. You look handsome as always.”

“Oh, complimenting me first? That will not stop me from punishing you, Lady Cruel.”

“No! I mean, I didn’t mean to be here Your Majesty. I-I think I should leave now?”

She stood up and started to walk when the Crown Prince held her wrist.

“Not so fast.”

She stared at his violet eyes. Yes, just like her impression when she first met him personally. His eyes had galaxies in them and his hair, its as gold as the sun.

“The weather is nice, why don’t we have a little conversation, Lady Cruel?”

She’s not having a good feeling about this but she doesn’t have a choice. And maybe if they have a good talk with each other, she can ask the crown prince to let this pass and keep this incident a secret between them.

“.. I-I think it’s a nice idea Your Majesty.”

She lied and fake a smile. The prince nodded and drag her back under the willow tree. She felt anxious but she needs to remain smiling fearing the prince might break her neck if he’s displeased. As both of them take their sits under the tree, silence covered them.

“Why are you here, Lady Cruel?”

She’s expecting his direct question so she’s not that surprise.

“W-Well, I’m bored in the manor so I sneak out.”

“Sneak out?”

“Yes.”

The crown prince chuckle at her mischievous act. Base on her tone she doesn’t have the fear that he might talk this incident to Arthur or the duke himself.

“I see, you naughty little rabbit.”

‘Little rabbit!? Why did he said I’m a rabbit?’ She’s more confused than pissed off. Her forehead wrinkled as her eyebrows almost meet. The prince’s grin grow wider as he stared at her face.

“You really think I wont tell the duke about this, Lady Cruel?”

“What?”

“What will the duke say to you? Another punishment, I guess?”

He loves teasing her especially her expression as she become hysterical while thinking of a way to escape from the situation. Unexpectedly, she glance at him in a serious manner and look at his eyes directly.

“Don’t tell them Your Majesty!”

Her eyes were unfaltering as he stared at his violet irises. No one dared to stare straight at his eyes due to fear of death, however, this woman in front of him just did it. She’s different.

“Are you making a command to me?”

“I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty. Please don’t tell father and brother. I don’t want to be grounded again.” She explained in a low-spirited tone.

He can really imagine a pair of rabbit ears on her head hanging down due to her gloomy emotions.

“Well, it depends if I’ll have fun in our conversation.”

Great. Now he’s pressuring her. How will she entertain the tyrant prince? Whatever, as long as not a word will reach the duke and Arthur’s ears, she’ll gladly take the risk.

“Why are you always here Your Majesty? Are you not busy attending meetings regarding the issues of the empire?” The prince’s lips lift into a smirk as he glance at her.

“You’re quite bold but I’ll answer it. I met those shitty trashes already and warned them enough to do a great job. I’m here to cool down my temper unfortunately, you appeared. Isn’t it nice? You always have the best timing for everything.”

She can feel all her hair rising from his piercing glare. She force a smile but it turned out to be a very fake one.

“O-Oh, I see. I’m glad that you like my timing Your Majesty.”

“Of course. I’m having fun having a naughty little rabbit with me.”

‘Little.’ She thought as she examine the prince’s body. He’s tall and had an appealing body resulted from an intense training. Her height doesn’t reach the prince’s broad shoulders.

‘So this is what he mean..’ She added and become disappointed. She focused herself in asking the crown prince again.

“Your Majesty, why are you doubting to celebrate your birthday party before? You don’t like celebrating your birthday?”

“No one wants that date. Why would I celebrate it?”

She become confused of his question.

“But Lady Walmeir wants to celebrate it. And you like her right? Your Majesty?”

She thought his face would reddened in embarrassment yet he remained emotionless.

“How can you tell that I like Lady Walmeir?” He asked avoiding the question.

She become silent for a while. How can she ask that question like she knew very well that the prince like Lady Walmeir? Then a memory came in her mind. It was the commotion that happened during the Rose Blooming Event in the Imperial Palace. Viviene and Eliza were having an argument. Viviene, who’s known for not having a good temper pushed Eliza to the water. She almost fell to the lake but the Crown Prince came right on time and caught Eliza. Because of anger, the prince pushed Viviene and she fell to the lake. She beg for forgiveness and help to them but they remain standing, staring when will she sink in that deep lake.

She can still clearly see the contempt in their eyes. She pitied and hate herself even more as she cried while sinking, then darkness covered her eyes. A smile formed her lips as her eyes become droopy.

“Your Majesty, you pushed me to the lake, remember?”

He didn’t deny it nor he accepted it. He’s just staring at her amber eyes. Viviene can felt the atmosphere became heavy so she remove her eyes from the prince and laugh.

“I’m not having grudge at you, Your Majesty. I was foolish at that time and if I’m at your place, I would’ve pushed myself either at that lake.”

She joked to lift the ambiance around them.

“I agree that you’re foolish back then.”

Viviene frown at his words but it vanish when he added another phrase.

“But I’m crazy, and I cant give you an exact answer why I pushed you.”

She chuckle as she heard him. He usually don’t like someone laughing at him yet he is not offended by her laughter. Surprisingly, its soothing in his ears.

“I’m not asking for an answer Your Majesty. However, to tell you honestly, you did that because you hate Eliza being hurt. You like her anyway.” She explained with a bright smile. He didn’t speak a word and remain silent as he listen to her.

“W-Will you keep this between us Your Majesty?” She’s talking about this incident yet if someone hears them, they will definitely misunderstood everything. His wicked grin displayed in his handsome face as he put his chin on his palm.

“Of course, if you trust me.”

“Yes! I trust you Your Majesty!”

He’s surprise by her answer without second thoughts. He’s now certain, that the lady in front of him is not just fun yet brings surprises at him.