Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Seven: Opprobrious Radiance

Viviene had enough of her dramas and decided to read a book. The book had a title called, ‘Basic Etiquette and Mannerism’. She decided to at least know a little about things a lady must do in this place.

‘Being prim and proper is a headache. I’ll just do what I want to do.’

She thought and close the book. She open the drawer and took the Survival Plan she wrote before.

‘This became my daily reminder to have a peaceful life here in this world.’

She thought.

“I remembered there are other major people from Vivi’s memory. Who are them again?”

She rack her brain trying to recall those major people fortunately, she remembered them.

“Ah! Right! The scary father, the saint-like Eliza, the prince of hell and his walnut knight!”

Remembering them makes Viviene imagine the death flags above their heads. A walking bomb that will explode and kill her if she ever went near them.

‘They’re making me shiver.’

She thought nervously.

“Hm, since I cant escape from my scary father, Duke Cruel, I’ll just be a good and silent daughter for him.”

She thought and commemorate how his eyes pierce poor Viviene.

“Brother is having mood swings sometimes so I’ll be more careful to that walking Iceberg. About Eliza, how can I say this? She’s the root of all the dramas in my life. Better avoid her too. That knight Hm, he’s like a walnut protecting the sunflower from the monster. (Referring to a game called ‘Plants vs Zombies’)”

She mumble as a memory came in her head. Whenever she’s near Eliza, that knight always blocks her way and glare at her like he’s going to eat Viviene alive. Perfect for a giant walnut protecting the sunflower behind.

‘Thinking that makes me feel like I’m the monster..’

Her aura becomes gloomy as she realized that she’s indeed the monster of the society.

“A-anyway, last is the crown prince. The prince of hell whom I must avoid to the fullest! Right, the deadliest flag of all flags! I must write this down to remind me how dangerous this person is.”

She said nervously as she write it down in the paper and read it. All were in capital letters with the title, ‘Deadliest People Living In Earth— Must Avoid.’ She heard a knock from the door so she immediately put the paper inside her drawer.

“Come in.”

Merriam entered with bake cookies and hot milk. Her eyes sparkled as she smell the delicious aroma from the cookies.

“I brought you some snacks, Miss.”

Merriam muttered and smiled as she saw Viviene’s excitement.

“Thanks Merriam.”

She uttered politely as she pick the cookie and dip it to the milk before eating. The cookie immediately melt from her mouth and the creaminess of the milk match it perfectly.

‘I love eating. This is my sole stress reliever and the ray of sunshine of this dark world.’

She thought sincerely.

“Pardon me Miss but how can you attend the banquet now? You surely cant stand with that injury.”

“That’s true, that’s why I’m asking you about a medicine that can heal me immediately.”

Merriam’s face turned depressing. Viviene’s mouth twitch as she glance at Merriam.

‘Did I step on a landmine?’

She thought nervously.

“Miss, if you’re talking about healing magic, please stop it.”

“Huh? But why?”

“Healing Magic is the highest and rarest magic here in the empire. Only one out of ten possess that kind of magic.”

“What’s the problem with that? Lets invite that one-out-of-ten person!”

Merriam raise an eyebrow as she look at Viviene in disbelief.

“You’re going to invite the Crown Prince here?”

Viviene can feel here brain dismantling after she heard that it’s the crown prince that possess healing powers.

‘What!? That prince of hell!?’

She exclaimed inside her mind. She can feel all her blood flowing back inside of her as her hands turned cold.

“Miss?”

Merriam called. Viviene force a smile to her.

“H-how about potions?”

She asked to Merriam nervously.

“Hm. There is but it cant heal you.”

Merriam answered.

“Bring that potion here.”

“Milady?”

“The potion.”

“Oh, okay.”

Merriam went out from her room to get the potion. Viviene thought deeply about the types of magic in the empire.

‘According to the book, magic was divided in to halves, the light and the dark. The light magic is the genesis and possess creation magic, healing and elemental magic. Anything that the Goddess Saiana approves by the law of nature and holiness. The other part which is dark magic, is the exodus. Under black magic are the things that go against the law of nature and holiness that can cause imbalance and destruction of the world. Books that contain black magic were banned and burned under the empire's holy law.’

She recalled in her mind.

“This world is more complicated than I thought.”

She mumble to herself. She pick the book beside her and read it again out of boredom when someone suddenly knock the door.

“Come in.”

She answered thinking its Merriam with the medicine but, to her surprise, its Sir Rowellius the Iron Fist of the Cruel Manor! She force an awkward smile as she speak.

“Sir Rowellius, what do you want?”

“Good day Milady, I apologize for interrupting you today.”

“Its alright. Please state your business immediately.”

She said hiding her tone of surprise of his sudden visit.

“I came here to tell you, Milady, to not go in the banquet.”

He spoke in a serious tone. She blink several times before her mouth hanged open.

“Huh? What’re you saying?”

“I heard from your maid that you’re looking for a magic potion for your sprained foot. A potion could not heal you and can only make it painless however, the damage might get worsen without your knowledge.”

She close her mouth and raise an eyebrow.

‘I might accept those words if its from my jerk big bro, but he’s a total stranger for me. However, I appreciate his concern towards me but why?’

She wondered as she stare at the man’s black sharp eyes.

“Why?”

“Pardon?”

“I appreciate your concern towards me but why are you expressing that now? Didn’t you hate me?”

She asked directly without batting an eye. Regardless of any reasons he had, she needs to know.

“I, am not someone who build grudges to another person.”

He answered as he lowered his gaze. Viviene put her chin on her palm as she glare at Rowellius. A smile creeped in her lips as she mouthed the words..

“I dont believe you”

He raise his head meeting her amber eyes. Those eyes send eerie feeling deep in him like he’s being studied intensely. She blink and smiled brightly eradicating her first expression.

“Thank you for your concerns but I’m going to that banquet. No one can stop me. Please leave.”

She said with a gentle voice.

“A-ah.. Yes, milady.”

Rowellius muttered in a nervous manner. He left the room silently but remain at the front of her door.

‘Earlier, I felt like a very dangerous predator is looking at me. I cant believe that the Miss possess such beastly glare.’

He thought anxiously and started to walk away.

Time passed by and the day of the banquet arrived. Early in the morning, Viviene was woken up by the maids to prepare her for the big event. Viviene cant help but to give them an annoyed look as they bathe her in the tub.

‘I know that I should look presentable in that event.. BUT WHY DID THEY WAKE ME UP AT FOUR IN THE MORNING IF THE BANQUET WILL START AT FOUR IN THE AFTERNOON!?’

She was about to complain to Merriam when Merriam spoke first.

“The Young Master commanded us yesterday Milady. Please bear with it.”

Her aura become gloomier.

‘WHAT ABOUT MY WORDS!? AM I NOT A MASTER OF THIS HOUSE TOO!?’

Its clear as the day that compared to him, Arthur’s image is much heavier and more respectable than her.

‘Curse for being the bad guy here.’

She thought in defeat as she let the maids scrub her body. After bathing and eating breakfast, the maids apply some essential oils on her skin and hair which she admired so much.

‘Oh. It smells like roses!’

She complimented. After that, they put some make up in her face.

“Just put a little. I hate make-up.”

She complained with irritation. The maids carefully put make-up on her face fearing that Viviene might fried them alive due to her anger. As soon as the maids finished their works, they paused for a while to let Viviene critique their work. Viviene’s eyes sparkle with delight.

‘I-is this me!? I’m so pretty!’

She thought astonished to her own face.

“Good job everyone.”

She muttered and express how gratified she is. The maids smiled and look at each other, feeling good by Viviene’s compliment.

“Were thankful of your compliment Miss. We’re going to put your dress now.”

Merriam muttered gently. She nodded and waited patiently. One of the maids applied the magic potion which Viviene requested before on her foot. She felt the coldness of the medicine and it doesn’t have foul scent at all which she thought it has. She stood up and feel nothing at all.

“Its like nothing happened..”

She mumble as she jump to check her foot well but Merriam stopped her.

“Miss! Stop it! Please remember that the potion did not heal you completely and your foot might get worse than before!”

She furiously said to her. Viviene pouted and sulk as she sit back on the chair.

“Alright. Geez.”

Merriam ignored her words and continue her work. After dressing her and styling her hair she stood up and face herself in the mirror. Her hair was tied and hanged on her left shoulder. On her head was a headband made of pearls as well as her earrings. Her dress perfectly match her aphrodisiac body well. She can hear the maids gasps looking at her.

“You’re so gorgeous Miss! You look like a goddess!”

They complimented. Viviene glance at them with incredulity displayed in her face.

“I know girls. Stop stating the obvious. Anyways, thank you for your efforts. I really appreciated it.”

She told them with a bright smile in her face. The maids smiled to her as well and admired her even more.

‘These maids doesn’t even listen to what I say.’

She thought feeling bashful all of a sudden.

“Alright, lets go downstairs.”

She muttered as she walk towards the door however, she halted when someone knock the door.

“Milady, its me.”

Finnian said behind the door.

“Open the door. I’m going out already.”

She ordered. Finnian open the door and was astonished by the Viviene’s appearance. He thought that she’ll wear her usual pastry-like dresses but this makes him really astonished.

‘She looks like a goddess from heaven.’

He complimented. Viviene can notice his face very well and she cant help but to smile.

“Finnian, we should go.”

She said that made Finnian snapped back in reality.

“Ah, yes. Of course Milady. Young Master is waiting downstairs.”

She nodded to his answer as they started to walk in the hallway. Finnian observed her walk.

‘It doesn’t look like she’s having trouble in walking, in fact, she’s very graceful at it like nothing happened.’

He thought appreciating her will to accompany Arthur which is a contradiction to what really Viviene thinks. As she arrived at the living room where Arthur and Rowellius are waiting. The moment they saw her, the living room brighten up with her radiance.

‘H-How can she be this, beautiful?’

Arthur thought in disbelief. Her eyes fell towards Arthur and a smile formed her lips.

“Judging your face it looks like I met your expectation, big bro.”

She muttered in certitude. Arthur smirked mocking her words of confidence.

“Not bad for you. Stay there.”

He tackle as he walk towards her. Her forehead wrinkled and confusion displayed in her face.

“What?.. Ah!”

She was surprised seeing herself carried by his arms.

“W-What the? Big brother put me down this instance!”

“No. Your foot might gone worse.”

He answered. Viviene stopped babbling her mouth and stare at Arthur.

‘Well, I think its not bad at all?’

She wondered and remain silent in his arms. Arthur look down and saw her teasing smile which made his mood darken.

“Big bro muscles are awesome. Do you always practice swordsmanship? Hm?”

She teased as they walk outside.

“Stop talking or I’ll sew your mouth.”

He threatened feeling irritated by her teasing. Vivienen laughed loudly as they went inside the carriage. He put Viviene on the seat harshly as he sit opposite to her.

“Ow! Be more gentle big bro.”

She complained at him with an angry tone.

“Shut up.”

Her cold tone made her shut up for good. She thought of her everyday plan for survival she wrote on the paper.

‘Plan two and three on the mix!’

She thought as she look the view outside. To her surprise she saw the blue sky and the white clouds that look like white cotton candies!

‘A-Are we..?’

She peek down from the window and saw that they’re really flying!

‘We’re flying!!’

She’s agape at the view outside.

“What’s with that stupid look?”

Arthur asked.

“W-W-We’re flying!”

“And?”

‘Really dude? I mean we’re riding a carriage and not a plane! How come we’re flying!?’

She exclaimed in incredulity.

‘Oh wait. The power of magic! s**t. I forgot I’m in a magical world where flying carriages are real.’

She thought slapping her head. Arthur is not convince by her surprise expression until he realized that it’s the first time her sister rode this special carriage.

‘We forbid her for riding this carriage.’

He thought and felt a sting in his chest as he look back at her genuine expression.

“You can use this as much as you like. Just say a word to the butler with my name.”

He muttered solemnly to her. Viviene is still facing the sky outside while her chin is on her palm. She grin with blushing cheeks and spoke in a mocking tone.

“Aren’t you condemning this carriage? I’m an epitome of trouble remember?”

Those mocking words doomed him. The rue inside of him is slowly building and he cant do anything beside feeling it.

“Hey big bro. Are you okay?”

She asked as she saw his obscure face. He raise his head and look at her with earnest eyes.

“You’re not an epitome of trouble. You’re my sister and the daughter of Duke Victor John Cruel. Always remember that.”

He muttered with sincerity in his tone. She become speechless while still looking at the blue sky.

‘The daughter of the duke huh. You should have, let her feel that she really was.’

She thought as she imagine the real Viviene standing alone in the darkness. She brushed that thought away and glance at him.

“Of course. I knew it very well than everybody else.”

She muttered cheerfully hiding the fact that she really isn’t. The ride in the magical carriage took eight hours. Who would have thought that they’re going to the ends of the empire!

‘The heck! So this is why I woke up at four in the morning!? Why is it so far!’

“The banquet was held at the McGregor’s Ancestral Mansion in Endelle.”

Arthur explained as he notice her stressed face. She glance at her in disbelief.

“W-why did we not travel yesterday? It would have been easier for us.”

“I have tons of works to do. I cant just leave them alone with the butler.”

He answered.

‘Oh, so you prefer stressing me with this one hell of a journey? So heartless!’

She thought disappointedly. The carriage landed on the ground and entered a grand gate. Viviene close the window and look herself at the mirror she took before the ride.

‘I still look pretty.’

She thought feeling satisfied. The door of the carriage open, Arthur went out first and assisted Viviene going out. Viviene was astonished by how pretty and lavish the mansion is.

‘Even if I work for fifty years I cant have a house as pretty as this!’

She thought to herself.

“How’s your foot?”

Arthur suddenly asked dragging her back from her dark thoughts.

“Fine. I applied the medicine earlier, Merriam said that I should be careful and not move always because it might complicate more.”

She explained. Arthur only nodded as response. He gave the invitation to a servant and after that, another servant mentioned there names as they open the big door.

“Young Master Arthur Johann Cruel and Lady Viviene Allyssa Cruel have arrived!”

The noisy hall become silent all of a sudden as they lay their eyes on them. Everyone is in a state of shock because of what they’re seeing right now. The thorn of the society and the great Arthur Johann Cruel were together! Is the world going to end soon? Perhaps. But what’s more astonishing is the lady beside him with an enchanting aura. Viviene heed all their gazes and their whispers. She proudly raise her head as if a queen had entered her realm.

'Lets play queen.'

She thought as her lips curved to a charming smile making all the men fall head over heels to her.