Reincarnated as a Villainess: All Eyes on Me

Chapter 17

[Chapter 17: Home]

•>>———∘◦❁◦∘———(Elora/Brianna)

I opened my eyes only to find the same familiar ceiling I'd been seeing this past few days. I rubbed my eyes to get the fogginess of my vision away. When I was finally able to see clearly, I saw someone besides the bed — a guy. His head was resting on his hands and he seemed to be sleeping. I didn't have a hard time guessing who it was since the clear dirty white hair was enough indication that the guy was Vandryk.

How come he's here?

He shifted slightly in his sleep until he got up from his bent-over position. As soon as he got up he looked at me, and as if not expecting me to be awake he jolted in his seat as he stared at me with wide eyes.

"Uhh--" I started but was cut off when he suddenly hugged me — tightly I may add.

Perhaps I was still a little groggy from sleep that I wasn't able to comprehend what was happening. Even I didn't remember at the moment the events that had transpired before I even got into this place. What was running on my mind at the moment was 'What the heck is happening?'.

"Uh, Vandryk? Are you okay?" I asked as it seemed he was hugging me tightly in fear that I would just suddenly disappear from his sight.

"What do you mean am I okay?" He said finally releasing me from his grasp as he settled both his hands on either side of my shoulder in a secured manner, "I should be the one asking that to you. Are you okay??" He returned the question back to me which made me furrow my brows.

"Huh? What do you me--" I cut my sentence short when realization hit me and I quickly stood up from my bed—almost tripping me in the process had it not for Vandryk latching onto my arms in a secure manner—and quickly went over to check the other beds without even bothering to wear my shoes.

When I saw brother Ali lying asleep on the bed I quickly went over to hug him.

Apparently, he was awake and was only resting his eyes as he gave a startled gasp.

"Oh, you're awake Elora!" He said with enthusiasm in his voice but I only gave him a worried look.

"A—"

"Before you say anything, I'm okay." He smiled, his eyes trailing off to his leg, "Besides, I'm not even here for my injury— well, I was, but my wound is completely healed now due to nurse Zelda's therapeutic magic." He explained and I squinted my eyes at him. He might be bluffing again, just like always.

He must've noticed the suspicious look I was giving him as he raised both his arms up in a defensive manner, "It's the truth! Look!" He then pulled the right leg part of his pants and there was indeed no wound left. It's as if, there wasn't even any wound to begin with in the first place. Tch, magic sure is convenient at times.

"Then why are you here then?" I asked with a confused look and he smiled while looking at me with soft worried eyes.

"I was here for you, silly." He chuckled softly, "You've been asleep for two days, not even reacting to any sound, whereas I got treated less than half a day." As soon as he finished talking, I had my mouth wide open in shock.

I was asleep for two days??

"Yes."

Wait, did I say that out loud?

"Yes." He said with a laugh and then he gave my hair a ruffle. "With that said, are you feeling okay right now?" He asked and I nodded my head.

"The nurse said that there wasn't any much problem and the reason why you were sleeping for so long was because of exhaustion and most likely from shock." He explained.

"That makes me remember! What happened to Grayson.. after we left..?" I asked and he looked at me with a smile and assurance reading his face.

"Not long after we left reinforcements came and nobody exactly knows why but the culprit behind that attack immediately left just as backup came." He said and I furrowed my brows.

"So you mean to say that he left life a p***y because more people came?" I reiterated and he looked confused at that.

"Yes. He left.. like a... pussy..." He said sounding unsure at the end and I laughed at that.

"I'm glad you're okay." I said as I hugged his torso and I heard him release a soft sigh before patting my head.

Yup. This much is fine I guess.

I just hope nothing bad would happen again.

∘◦❁◦∘

"We apologize for the fellow students who got injured despite being under Arcane Academy's protective watch. We hold the school responsible for the students' injuries as we failed to ensure the their safety. We apologize for the terror that attack might have gave you, especially, especially Princess Elora Zandria de Alder Aeanthra, the first princess of the Aeanthra Kingdom." As soon as the principal finished her sentence, everyone was muttering and whispering amongst themselves.

They couldn't believe that I was really here. The majority of the students who couldn't believe it were those who were far away from where the incident took place and thus missed the events. Despite the fact that some claimed to have heard the voice from afar, they refused to believe the attacker's claims regarding my presence. I suppose the principal's voice, now that she's confirmed it, is far more credible than some random dude's voice.

The principal gave a moment of silence for the students to absorb the information she had said.

"The reason.." The principal started and the chatter died down, "...for the secrecy of Princess Elora's attendance here in Arcane Academy was due to personal reasons. It is safe to assume that she wants no distraction from her studies but it is said by the princess herself that she has further reasons than that."

Everyone was chattering again and they all had a look of realization on their faces. It was probably beginning to make sense to them why the Aeanthra royals were not given any grand entrance, when it was customary to give every royal a grand entrance upon their arrival as a gesture of respect and honor.

Despite feeling relieved of finally not having to hide the truth, the thought of people knowing my status still feared and worried me to no end. I can't say I'm feeling antsy cause of the upcoming hypocritical judgements.. well there's that, but I felt as if there was something more I was worrying about other than that. I can't exactly tell my reason for being afraid but I guess I can just pass it off as the true Elora's feelings. But with that thought in mind, one question arose— why would she be afraid?

"Are you okay? You're looking pale." Brother Ali asked me and I looked at him to nod my head before focusing my attention back on the handheld device called Arxi. Arxi is a very expensive device used for viewing events from far away. Its kind of a tablet and you can watch live videos in it but instead of the other side needing a camera, you can just set the location using Arxi itself of where you want to view the event.

The principal gave me permission to watch the Academy's announcement through it since they were worried of my wellbeing. They were probably concerned of another attack taking place where every students are present and so they let me stay at the principal's office with brother Ali. There were even five soldiers situated outside in any case of danger; how considerate.

I tuned in back at the announcement just as the principal was giving her ending speech.

"That is all. You can go back to your dorms now and start packing for your departure." She said before walking away making me furrow my brows in confusion.

"Huh? What? What did she mean about departure?" I turned to brother Ali and he looked at me with a deadpanned expression.

"Are you kidding me?" He asked and I laughed.

"Sorry, I got lost in thought." Was all I said and he just sighed.

"Do you know how we can go back and visit our homelands after like two to three Destas?" He said and I nodded. Destas made me confused at first but then I remembered that that was their term for months, "The principal said that she is giving everyone an early departure for that, as a way to apologize from the attack, and also so that they can reinspect the protective seals and barriers they put around the perimeters of the Academy." My eyes widened at that.

"So we're going back to our castle?!" I asked, excitement lacing my tone and he chuckled.

"Yes, we'll be leaving tomorrow." He said with a smile and I squealed in joy before jumping up and down.

"YES!! I CAN FINALLY SEE PAPA!! YES!!" I said aloud and he just laughed.

"Are you that excited?" He asked and I looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"Well, of course! DUH!!" I said and he furrowed his brows.

"Duh? It's my first time hearing that expression." He said with confusion.

"..." I remained quiet for a few seconds before finally knowing of a response to give him, "Well, that's because I invented it!" I said with my chin held up high.

"Well, what does it mean?"

"It is used to imply that what had just stated is far too obvious and is self-apparent." I said with a cocky expression and he just nodded while deep in thought.

Pfft. I kinda feel bad for taking advantage of my old life like this, but I just can't help it! Hehe.

"I see that you are pleased with the newly announcement."

"Well, yes-- WAH! When'd you arrive?!" I exclaimed in shock at the old principal who was sitting at her desk with an amused expression.

"She came here like a few minutes ago." Brother Ali said.

"But how come I didn't hear the sound of the door?" I asked with furrowed brows.

"She used teleportation." Was his simple response and I nodded with my mouth forming an 'o'.

"Anyways, that is that. You can head back to your rooms now to pack your things." The principal said.

"Oh, yeah! That's right!" I said and quickly went to place the Arxi in the principal's table before hurrying to get out of the room.

"By the way.." I said, stopping just as I was about to open the door, and looking back at Principal Slora, "Thanks for everything so far." I said and she smiled.

"It's what I could do."

And with that, I went outside followed by brother Ali.

I was ecstatic on the way to my dorm room at the thought of going home that I failed to perceive the foreboding feeling I felt while walking away.

It seems that danger that seemed to be around me would never truly go away.

===

"RUBY!!!!!!"

"M'LADY!!"

I ran to Ruby, disregarding the curious looks on my way as I focused my attention solely on Ruby, whom I had not seen these past few weeks.

We met half way and we embraced each other in a warm hug.

Oh, how I missed her so.

"I've missed you m'lady!" Ruby said with almost teary eyes and I looked at her the same.

"Me too." I said with a smile.

"Save the drama for later, didn't you tell me you wanted to get home as quickly as you can?" I heard brother Ali's voice making me widen my eyes.

"OWEMJI! You're right!!" I exclaimed, interlocking my arms with Ruby and walking to the carriage along with her.

It didn't take long before everyone was finally situated at the carriage and I couldn't contain my excitement. It has only been a few weeks but it feels like a whole year has passed. It's a good thing that this 'vacation' is a whole Desta long so there's plenty of time to spend with papa and I guess with brother Art as well.

On the way to our home I couldn't help but wonder about the incident that took place yesterday.

I try my best to keep the negative emotions I feel at bay whenever I think about the incident. Other than those, one thing that baffles me is how the heck Grayson was there when the attack took place.

But after conversing with him, I wasn't wondering that much anymore, but instead got even more excited to go home.

flashback...

I was in the middle of packing my things when I heard a knock on my door making me turn my head to it with a confused look. Everybody should be packing right now but who's at my door?

I shook my head, releasing a soft sigh, before standing up to open the door.

To my surprise it was brother Ali.

"How come you're here? Aren't you supposed to be packing right now?" I asked and he looked at me with a smug expression on before replying, "I'm finished."

"That fast?!" (⊙ᗩ⊙✿)

"YuP." (˘⌣˘)

"Hmm..." (◔_◔) "..well anyway... Why are you here then?"

"Nothin much. Just came here to have a chat with you since I got bored." He said with a smile, "So.. aren't you gonna let your big brother in?" He asked with a grin and I only rolled my eyes.

"Fine. But don't touch any of my things. It's a mess and I don't want to be confused even more when things go out of place." I said opening the door wider for him to come in.

"What do you m—" He was cut short when he saw the sight of my room.

Everything was in disarray. There were pile of dresses on one chair, books and pens were all over the place. And even the girly stuff to paint your face with. There were even food mixed along the things since I get hungry easily especially when I do things I don't usually do.

"Wha-- AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A LADY?!" He exclaimed and I only looked at him with a deadpan expression.

"I don't recall calling myself as such." I stated and turned my back on him to resume my packing.

"To whoever guy that would like you in the future. I pity him." He said solemnly and I threw a notebook at him in annoyance. It hit him square in the face and that made me snicker while he just pouted. What a big baby.

"That reminds me." I said, stopping what I was doing and turning my attention at him, "How come Grayson was there to help..?" I said, pondering deep in thought.

Does Grayson have some teleportation magic by any chance? And as soon as he was alerted of danger about us, he teleported to help? But who in there right mind would alert the Aeanthra household and ask for their help when our homeland is miles away from Arcane Academy.

"Hmm.. I don't really know." He said with furrowed brows but then his eyes lit up as if he thought of something, "Want to ask him?" He asked and my brows shot up in surprise.

"He's still here?"

"Well, yeah. He's resting at the infirmary right now." He said and I stood up.

"Okay, let's go."

"Right now?"

"Yeah.

"Mmm.." He hummed unsurely while looking around my room but I just raised one eyebrow up at him in a sassy manner.

"Okay, calm down, let's go." He chuckled and then we went out of the room.

As soon as we got to our destination I looked at brother Ali with furrowed brows. I wasn't asking him anything and just kept following but he took me somewhere completely unfamiliar and new.

"I didn't know there was another infirmary." I spoke out my thoughts and he looked at me briefly before replying, "The infirmary we were at is solely for students and teachers. This one is for the knights, wardens, and maids of the Academy." He explained and I nodded my head with my mouth forming an 'o'.

We headed inside and much like the students and teachers' infirmary there were curtains covering the beds. There were three beds in total and we found Grayson lying at the farthest bed in the corner.

His eyes widened when he saw us, though I didn't focus on his reaction much as I was focused on the bandages he had on his right arm, head, and left leg. Again there was this stuffy feeling I felt in my heart at the thought of me being the reason he's like this but I pushed it away thinking its not the time to be acting all sentimental.

"Uh.. are you feeling much better, Grayson?" I started off, walking closer and sitting at the chair beside his bed.

"Yes, Your Highness." Elora frowned at the title, but not wanting to argue and prolong the conversation, she got straight to the point, "Wh-- how come you're here Gray?" She asked after a few seconds of silence and Grayson's face didn't change. As if he was already expecting this kind of question.

Grayson pondered deep in thought for a while until his gaze trailed off to Alistair.

"Uhh-- I'll take my leave." Alistair said and Grayson looked at me as soon as the door was closed.

"Your Highness, I was sent here in a mission." Grayson started making me furrow my brows, "I was to keep an eye at the both of you to see if you two are doing fine and not causing a ruckus to risk the family name." My brows furrowed.

"Father doesn't seem like the type who'd do that." I stated with a confused looked and he shook his head.

"That's because it wasn't him Your Highness. It was your brother, Prince Arthur Wayne." My eyes were wide but after giving some thought to it, brother Art do seem like the type who'd go that far just to protect the family name.. considering the original Elora's personality of course.

Hmm.. yep. That's about it.....

But wait!— The original storyline didn't mention anything about brother Art sending a spy?? And if we're talking about Elora's personality then there's even more reason to spend a spy at the original Elora. Why would he send a spy when I've shown how much I've changed within the two weeks of me staying at the castle— before going to school —just because he want to keep an eye on us and see if we were to make a ruckus?

Wait.. does this mean.....

....

...

After a few more talks with Grayson, I was heading towards the door with a smile on my face.

"What's up with the smile? What did you two talked about?" Brother Ali asked as we walked back at my room.

"Nothing much." I said while shaking my head, "And to your first question, I'm just really excited to finally go home." I said half-lie, half-truth. That's not the real reason why I'm smiling, but it's also not a lie that I'm feeling excited at the thought of going home...

...since I also want to confront brother Art. Heh! ( ･̑ ᗜ ･̑✿)

~~~

I shifted on the bed, feeling uncomfortable that I've been in the same position for far too long.

Wait.. bed?!

I sat up and looked around only to find myself back at my room. I'm back home?How'd I get here?

Feeling confused, I stood up and walked out my room only to bump into one of the maids. She widened her eyes, startled upon seeing me, but she quickly recovered from her shock and bowed down to greet me.

"Your Highness. I see that you're back." She said and I just scratched the back of my neck, feeling awkward by the formal gesture.

"But, so soon? Weren't you supposed to be back three destas after going to the Academy." She asked and I smiled sheepishly.

The families of the students weren't notified so I guess you can kinda consider this as a.. surprise?

"Yeah, well stuff happened back at the Academy.." I trailed off thinking about the attack and wondering for a moment if an attack like that would happen here at the castle too, but I quickly shook it off reassuring myself that the castle knights are strong to evade an attack like that

"Oh, you're awake!" I looked behind the maid to see brother Ali and my eyes lit up upon seeing him.

"Well, I gotta go now. Go back to whatever you're doing." I said and she bowed one last time as I walked pass her to go to brother Ali.

"What were you talking about?" Brother Ali asked after the maid was out of sight.

"Nothin' much, she was just asking why we were back so early." I said and he had his brows furrowed suspiciously at that.

"Oh come on! What's that look about?" I said with a giggle, "Now come on, we need to go." I said, latching to his arms and dragging him the opposite of where the maid went.

"Wait, before anything else. Did you carry me to my bed?" I asked looking up at him with a curious look.

Suddenly he was avoiding my gaze as if he was embarrassed about something, "What? Why would I carry your heavy fat self? Obviously, I had Ruby use her magic to lift you up." He said sarcastically but was avoiding eye contact as I only stared at him with a teasing look on my face.

"Oh sure." I said unconvinced.

A grin formed on my face when I remembered something, "Oh, and, Ruby can only use her powers on inanimate objects not people." I said I saw his eyes widen from my peripheral vision making me snicker.

It was quiet for a while before Alistair decided to speak, "ehem, uh, where are we going?" He asked with a cough.

"To papa, duh!" I exclaimed with an eye roll, "I'm so excited to see him! You don't even know how much I miss him!!" I said but brother Ali halted in his tracks making me stop with him.

"Why? What's the matter?" I asked worriedly when I saw the troubled face he has. Just by looking at his expression a shiver ran up my spine as I felt a foreboding feeling creeping up to me.

"Uh.. I don't think it's a good idea to see hi—" Before he could even finish his sentence, I was running.

"ELORA WAIT!!" I heard him shout but I didn't stop nor did I look back as I only focused on getting to papa's room, ignoring the ill feeling I had in the pit of my stomach.

I opened the door without even bothering to knock and the maid that was there got startled, dropping the syringe she was holding.

"What are you doing to papa?!!" I shouted and ran up to her and pushed her.

She fell to her back with a thud as she stared at me with wide shocked eyes.

"Papa!" I exclaimed, going closer only to see him sick and pale.

"ELORA!" I heard brother Ali's shout along with the bang of the door but I was focused on papa's sickly face, feeling the tears streaming down my face without any notice.

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