Remaking Of Lady Cruel

Chapter Thirteen: First Friend

The day for the tea party arrived. She’s feeling nervous from the moment she woke up from bed. Merriam arrived and greeted her as usual before opening the curtains to let the sunlight enter the room. It’s a bright day and she hoped that everything will be as bright as the sky outside. She ordered to take a bath before breakfast. By ten in the morning, she’ll leave the mansion. After bathing, she wore a mauve colored dress and pearl accessories. On her hair is a red rose headdress that match her long, waivy ginger hair.

“You’re very beautiful Miss.”

“Thanks. Lets go down now and have breakfast.”

She went out from her room and proceed to the dining hall. The doors open and she saw the duke and Arthur who were already at the table. She greeted them politely and cheerfully.

“Good morning father, brother.”

“Take a sit.”

“Yes, father.”

She took a sit opposite to Arthur and they started eating. As they eat, she notice the weird aura between the two. She’s definitely sure its not about her because she’s resigned being the badass woman in the empire.

‘I wonder what happened to them?’

She drink the juice which was placed in the upper right. As she drink, the duke suddenly speak.

“How was your work?”

He glance at Viviene which means that he’s asking her.

“Everything is alright father, I hope that I can restore the beauty of the greenhouse soon.”

“You’ll finish it perfectly so you don’t have to worry.”

She’s doubting his concerns to her however she answered his questions with honesty. She’s not the type to lie over a simple matter.

“You’re going to Marchioness McGregor’s tea party?” Arthur asked.

“Yes.” She answered cheerfully.

Arthur stare at her and examine her expression. Marchioness McGregor is well know in high society due to her great socializing skills and admirable etiquette manners, its clear for him to know why she’s going to such events. Viviene can sense his attention and she felt uncomfortable of it.

“We’re hoping for the a good result.”

“Of course! You can trust me for that.”

Her confident tone brought smiles to them and the ambiance around feels light and peaceful. The servants who’s watching them find it fascinating due to the reason that the Cruel Family never showed this kind of happy image before. The young master, Arthur, always frown or emotionless with his cold glares, the duke who’s face always darkened and his eyes always sharp while the Miss, Viviene, would always look down, unable to stare back at them. However, because of her who’s acting cheerful and confident change the whole mood in a good way. Seeing the Miss act in that manner brought too many questions to the servants. What happened to the Miss they served? Its like that kind of Viviene never existed in the first place.

“I’m going to the imperial palace today. Arthur, I hope you manage the fief today as well.”

“Leave that to me, father. I’ll give you good results when you arrive.”

The duke nodded. He’s expecting those words from him so he’s not surprise at all. Viviene who heard them came to a conclusion that something really came up. Summoning the duke to the imperial palace means two things for her: the bad news or the worse news. She buried the question deep within herself and let it pass. The duke speak to her again.

“You’re dress suits you well.”

His tone is cold but she can feel that he’s sincere. She blink several times, surprise of his sudden words.

“T-Thank you, father. I’m glad you like it.”

To interpret his words, he means that Viviene is beautiful today and she felt flattered by that simple compliment.

“You’re dress is pretty.”

Arthur mentioned with a sarcastic smile. She wants to punch him but she cant. It’s a suicide to do that and its not in her plan to hit her brother with intense passion of care and gratitude.

‘I’m going to save my energy for the party.’ She thought and calmed her boiling blood. She force a smile to Arthur and thank him for his sarcasm. Arthur cant conceal his smiling face as he heard her tone of annoyance. He just love teasing her while looking at her admirable expressions when she’s mad or irritated.

‘I like it how smoke comes out from her eats and nose.’ He thought trying to hide his entertained expression.

After breakfast, the duke left in a hurry with his darkened expression. The very idea of going to the imperial palace angers the hell out of him. Not long after that, Viviene left the mansion and ride in their carriage going to McGregor’s mansion. While looking outside the window, Viviene missed going to the capital and see the busy streets.

‘I should go to the capital sometimes.’

After forty-five minutes of riding the carriage she arrived at the McGregor’s house. It’s a pretty and elegant white house. The servant open the door and she went out from it. She roam her eyes and was amazed by the sight. The butler escort her to the garden and there she saw ladies giggling and talking with each other. Her heart is beating fast due to nervousness. She gracefully lift her skirt a little and bow down.

“Good day, Marchioness McGregor and her friends. Thank you for inviting me for this wonderful event.”

“It’s a pleasure you’re here Lady Cruel. Please sit down.”

“Thank you, Marchioness.”

She took a sit at the chair next to the Marchioness. She refuse to talk unless she was asked and she’s careful not to ruin the mood in the table. She’s really bothered of being out of place and leisurely drink her tea. The topics were all about the gossips and the three lovely men in the empire.

“Lady Cruel, if I may be so bold to tell you this but is your brother had any lover?”

“No. My brother is always busy with the fief. You’re lucky you had a chance Lady Ivory.”

Lady Ivory felt glad of what she heard from Viviene but of course she didn’t mentioned about Arthur’s feeling toward Eliza. She might ruined the fantasies the ladies had.

“The little duke of Cruel really is a charming man. He almost bewitch every girl inside the hall of our ancestral home.”

The Marchioness said as she add exaggeration to Arthur’s handsome face. Viviene force a smile as she listen to their fantasies toward her brother. She cant deny that his brother had a very enchanting face but she didn’t felt that level of admiration toward him. She analyze the situation as Faye Anne and not Viviene, his sister.

“Lady Cruel, who do you think will your brother likes the most?” Asked Lady Araveine.

She felt threatened by her question. She cant point someone in the group that might cause misunderstanding and can ruin the atmosphere.

“Well, likes unique and kind-hearted woman.”

The conversation then went to the other topics of the empire but most of it were marriage. The ladies she’s with were all single except Marchioness who’s happily married to the Marquis.

“Every men like women like that. I guess the little duke is one of them.”

The marchioness concluded and Viviene automatically agree with her. Like any other men, he’s enchanted with Lady Walmeir. She drink her cup of tea when the Marchioness suddenly asked her something unusual.

“So, Lady Cruel. I heard you from my son’s mouth. He said you’re a nice person.”

She almost spill the tea gladly she put the tea on the table immediately. She glance at her with a smile in her lips.

“R-Really? That’s a very unusual compliment for me.”

“I think so too.”

“Pardon?”

“That you are a nice lady unlike the rumors, Lady Cruel.”

She became speechless due to her sudden words. Hearing the kind of sentence brings bizarre feeling towards her. She smiled a little that make Marchioness’ eyes widen. It’s a mysterious smile that can make everyone held their breaths.

“Everyone can be nice.”

The other ladies who were busy talking shut their mouths and glance at Viviene’s smiling face. She notice their gazes at her so she joke to remove the uncomfortable situation.

“I mean, everyone does right? Especially when the person is nice to you too.”

“Well, that’s true.”

The laughing and talking resume which Viviene is thankful for. The time to end the tea party ended smoothly.

“Lady Cruel.”

She glance at the Marchioness.

“Yes? Marchioness?”

“I just want to tell you that its nice that you came in my tea party Lady Cruel. The atmosphere’s amiable with you.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Marchioness. Its my pleasure to hear that.”

“Oh and, my son Tim I knew he sent a letter to you days ago?”

Viviene remembered what she’s talking about and cursed herself for forgetting such an important thing.

“Yes. I apologize for forgetting such an important thing I was occupied this past few days—”

“Excuse my interruption.”

They glance at their side and saw Mr. McGregor smiling at them.

“Ah, son. You’re here.”

“Yes mother. May I borrow Lady Cruel for a while?”

“Why of course, son. I hope you’ll have a good time.”

Viviene didn’t like her tone. Its like she’s pushing her to Mr. McGregor but she cant really do anything. She needs to have a good relationship with the Marchioness to fix her ruined reputation.

“I apologize for not responding to your letter, Sir McGregor I was too occupied this past few days. I’m really sorry.”

“I understand Lady Cruel. I heard you’ve been busy in your household lately.”

“Yes. I’m trying to restore our greenhouse and father is looking forward to it.”

“I see. You’re a wonderful daughter.”

Viviene showed an embarrass smile as she avoided to look at Mr. McGregor’s direction. Mr. McGregor find it admirable and charming at the same time so he himself also smiled.

“If you don’t mind, can I be your friend, Lady Cruel?”

Friendship with them is a good choice. Its not that bad for Viviene to befriend the Marchioness’ son and she had a goal to achieve.

“I don’t mind with you being my friend, Mr. McGregor.”

“You can call me by my first name.”

“Oh, alright. Timothy.”

Timothy smiled at her showing that he’s happy calling her by his name.

“So, can I call you by your name too?”

“Yes, of course you can, Timothy.”

“Alright Viviene.”

Their conversation was not too long because she had something she needs to do. She bid farewell to Timothy and hop inside the carriage. Before that, she promised him that she’ll write a respond to his letter before the carriage started moving. She ordered the coachman to stop at the capital because there’s something she needs to visit. After a couple of minutes, they stopped in the busy capital. She went outside and ordered the coachman to wait for a while.

She walk towards a nearby bookstore to find something related to spirits and different worlds. Of course she needs to learn a way to go back to her own body! She cant just live as someone she’s not. She came to the last part of the shelf and finally, saw a book related to it. She tried to get it but its too high to reach.

‘Oh man. What am I going to do now?’

She tried her best to reach the book but someone behind her took it for her. She turn around and met a pair of hazel eyes. She cursed herself again for meeting him and letting him help her.

“Thank you, Sir Valor.”

“Its nothing.”

She nodded and turn her back from him. As she started to walk he started to walk as well, following her. She stopped and look at him.

“Yes? Is there something wrong?”

“None at all, Lady Cruel.”

“Oh, alright.”

She forced a smile and started to walk again but he’s following her everywhere inside the bookstore. She’s pissed off already. She turn around and raise an eyebrow to him as her face darkened.

“What are you doing Sir Valor?”

“Walking, Lady Cruel.”

“Ha. Of course you’re walking I can tell that with my own two eyes, Sir.”

She answered in sarcasm. Sir Valor chuckle at her sarcasm and glare at her sharply. Viviene can by his stare that he’s murdering her in his head.

“M-May I know why you’re following me Sir?”

‘Please don’t kill me.’ She thought desperately. She asked to herself why she’s having this deadly situation right now. The tall and gorgeous knight chuckle again. Viviene’s aura darkened as she realized that she’s laughing at her face.

‘Can I bald him? Will I be spared after balding him?’ She’s thinking of every possible consequences after balding the great Sir Valor of this empire when he suddenly speak again.

“I apologize for startling you, Lady Cruel. Its just a surprise to see you here in the capital and to mention another astonishing part, here in a bookstore.”

“Oh, what do you mean by that?”

“I apologize but you’re not the type of lady who likes books.”

She nodded at his words. The Viviene before doesn’t really like reading books and prefer wasting her times in salons or boutiques. She cant do anything about his impression towards her.

“I see you have a peculiar taste of books, Miss.”

He muttered as he notice the books she’s holding.

“I thought you’re into romantic stuffs.”

She snicker at her audacity.

“Do you really believe in such thing? Maybe you got it from my obsession towards the crown prince before.”

“Perhaps?” He answered at her straightforwardness.

“And that’s why you always hated me? Am I right, Sir?”

“Yes.”

His direct answer made her smile. As expected from a fearless knight.

“Fear not, Sir. I am not like that anymore.”

“Why? Perhaps you have a lover now?”

She raise an eyebrow from his question. He’s being rude in front of her and its not right to ask such sensitive topics in public. Sir Valor seems to notice his rudeness.

“I apologize for my rudeness, Lady Cruel.”

“Yes.”

She payed the books and went out of the store, Sir Valor followed her as well.

“Pardon my question but is the Crown Prince here?”

“Why did you suddenly ask that?”

“Well, this is just a guess however, you are the type of knight who’s always beside His Highness, and I’m sure if His Highness is here then perhaps Lady Walmeir is also present because the crown prince doesn’t like walking here in the capital unless Lady Walmeir insist him to come with her. You can correct me if I’m wrong.”

Sir Valor laughed at her guess. He laughed because she’s right. The crown prince is indeed walking in the capital with Lady Walmeir in disguise. He is amazed by her sharp common-sense.

“Maybe?” He answered.

“Well, I guess I’m right?” She said and smirk. Sir Valor laugh again. He didn’t expect that he’ll laugh like this because of her, his hated person.

“Anyway, why did you pick that kind of book?”

“I believe in ghosts, Sir.”

“That’s absurd.”

“Why?”

“I just thought about it as disagreeing.”

She chuckle at his phrase.

“You thought its absurd yet magic exist in this world? That’s a complicated thought.”

“Then, did a spirit bug you in your sleep Miss?”

“If there is what are you going to do then?” She asked in a teasing voice but not in a seductive way.

“Nothing. I’m just asking.” He answered and showed a wicked smile. She frown and raise an eyebrow at him.

“Whatever. Anyway, its nice to talk with you Sir Valor. Goodbye.”

“Its nice to talk with you. Lets talk again some time.”

She smiled at him and hop inside the carriage while Sir Valor stared at the moving carriage. He felt a sudden ease after talking to her and it seems that she change a lot after she fell from the lake. He frown as he remembered that incident. He turn his back away from the road wishing to forget that event.

‘Right. Its an order.’ He thought and started to walk away.