Reincarnated as a Villainess: All Eyes on Me

Chapter 3

[Chapter 3: Town Square]

•>>———∘◦❁◦∘———(Elora / Brianna)

A week had passed and I was finally free to roam around the palace. Finally!

A few maids, to which I recognized from my memories, had asked my wellbeing and I was more than delighted to answer with a smile and assured them that I was feeling great.

I still felt occasional headaches and dizziness every now and then but I didn't say anything to the doctor when he asked me if I was still feeling any pain because I didn't wanna be confined anymore.

I'm more than happy that I was finally free to go out of my room, but now, I want nothing more than to go back because of the uncomfortable silence surrounding us.

I peered up the table and saw my family eating quietly before trailing my eyes back to my food.

The food looked more than delicious but I felt awkward, that I haven't even started eating yet. Its like we were only eating here because we're supposed to be a family, not because we wanted to eat together and enjoy each other's company.

Its quiet sad. They're blessed with a family like this and yet they don't treat each other like one.

I've wished for a proper family and seeing one as the Aeanthra family... makes me jealous to no end.

My mom always beats me up my dad is on drugs. I have a much more

I decided to snap out of it and picked up the spoon to finally eat but even after learning and memorizing the different kinds of spoons and forks, I still couldn't use those knowledge right now as I sat there uncomfortably, with my trembling hands.

Nobody seemed to notice at first, to which I'm grateful for. But that didn't last long when, Arthur Wayne; the first prince, noticed it and shot me a look and decided to speak about it.

"If you're still feeling unwell then its better you should rest. We'll inform the maids to send your afternoon lunch in your room." He said in a tone you'd use on a business partner. He doesn't care about Elora after all, so I don't expect a loving tone from him. But any other bystander would think that he cares, but in reality he really doesn't.

It's a good thing that he's not one of the people who's gonna kill me. But even so, I still feel quiet nervous around him.

Of course I would be! Arthur Wayne de Alder Aeanthra is none other than the first prince who's cold and always cranky. He's so tough that even other nobles fears talking to him.

I was slightly taken aback by his words though, but I soon dismissed it and answered him, "I'm fine brother, thanks for your concern. I'm just nervous, that's all!" I answered.

He must be thinking, 'I'm not concerned though?' Hehe. So predictable...

He only nodded his head while continuing to eat his food. It would've been silent after that if it wasn't for an annoying someone.

"And what are you so nervous about that you start quaking in your sit while eating?" Alistair, the second prince, asked with one brow raised.

Even when I'm just reading Only Yours, I remember being annoyed at Alistair. With his rude, rowdy and mischievous personality, of course anyone would be annoyed by him!

But wait! What did he say? That I said I'm nervous?? Crap! What am I gonna tell him? That I'm nervous because of three domineering auras combined?!!

"If you need a potty break then you are free to leave. No need to get yourself worked up." Alistair continued with a grin, and I suppressed an eye-roll as I thought of something to answer him.

"Alistair." Arthur said with a reprimanding tone but Alistair only ever rolled his eyes.

"Actually no brother. I'm.. uhmmm..." Come on Brianna, think!

"Worried!" I continued suddenly coming up of a lie. "Worried about next week, you know! Because of Arcane Academy." I chuckled nervously more on the situation at hand rather than what I had said.

My brothers looked at me with furrowed brows due to confusion, while my father looked at me with one eyebrow raised.

"Worried? What are you so worried about when you were so adamant on enrolling there just a month ago??" Father decided to join in on the conversation.

I was about to open my mouth to answer him when what he said got me thinking. Wait... that's right! I blurted that out as an excuse but thinking about it, I'm actually scared in going to school!!!

Why, you ask?? Well Arcane Academy is none other than the Academy where I'm going to meet the female protagonist!! That's also the place where I'm gonna meet all of my future murderers!!

If I'm gonna be given a second chance, then I should've reincarnated before asking my dad to enroll me to Arcane Academy!! Why would God put me here when there's only two weeks left before school starts?!! I don't even have any magic! And Arcane Academy is a school just for that!!

"No particular reason..." I said while chuckling nervously, and nobody said anything after that.

If only I could, I'd ask my father to pull me out of there. But I don't think that'd be too good considering I remember annoying him a month ago to enroll me there despite myself having no magic.

Everyone has magic. Even my brothers and the king himself have one. I don't know why I don't have any magic, or why Elora doesn't have any magic. Some says I'm cursed, or really just a bad omen for the Aeanthra kingdom. Everyone has magic after all so its quite understandable that they'd think that way...

Having no magic is also one of the reasons why Elora is often bullied at Arcane Academy. A lot of people teamed up against her saying she's weak. And she didn't even have anything to protect herself with. She didn't know any skills to defend herself and that crazy girl even thought of the bullying as a means of gaining the duke's attention.

What a desperate girl. (-_-;)

"Do you think I'd do fine even if I don't have any magic?" I decided to open up a conversation and they seemed taken aback by that. I wonder why...

"I think not. I'm sure I'll often see you get bullied there, I can already foresee it!" Alistair decided to open his potty mouth and I couldn't help my eye from rolling this time.

"Rude. But okay, I'll take that as a challenge. Just wait till school starts; and I'll prove you wrong!" I smirked at him to see his dumbfounded expression. Mainly because Elora doesn't take things he says to heart. But I just can't handle it when you belittle me!!

I'm not just some weak girl!

∘◦❁◦∘

I spoke too soon...

"M'lady, are you sure this is fine??" I held Ruby's arm for support as I panted heavily, only now regretting my earlier decisions.

===Earlier that day...===

I need to train my body!!!

I need to show that bratty Alistair that I'm not as weak as he thinks I am!!

Its a shame that I'm not in my body anymore, so all of my exercising and working out to have a fit and strong body would go to waste!! Now I'm back to square one!

But for now, I have an idea on how I could exercise...

But I'm sure I'm not gonna be able to do this by myself, so I'm gonna need Ruby's help! She might not agree, but I'll just give her a simple puppy eyes and she'll agree in no time!!

I rang the bell on my bedside table and, to my disappointment, a different maid came instead of the one I was looking for.

"Will you please go and fetch Ruby for me?" I asked her politely and I saw her only staring at me with wide eyes. And so I raised an eyebrow at her and she flushed while continuously bowing.

"I'm sorry-- I mean yea– Yes! I'll go get Ruby for you m-m'lady!!" She then ran out of my room and I was left alone with furrowed eyebrows. What's wrong with her? Did she get scared by me??

A minute later of staring at my door knob, I saw it twist open and so I jump quickly and greeted Ruby before she could even fully get inside. She released a startled yelp and I only laughed at her while apologizing.

Before she could even say anything and ask me why I had sent her here, I beat her to it.

"How far is the town square from here??" She looked at me confused, but answered nonetheless.

"About 2km.. uhm... Elora..." I saw her flushing and I couldn't help but smile. She actually did call me by my name when we're alone; a conversation we have had when I started getting comfortable around her.

"That's perfect!! I need you to come with me!" I said with a determined voice and held her hand as I dragged her out of my room but I stopped when I remembered something.

I went towards my room-sized closet and looked for a proper dress to wear.

"Ruby. Do you know where I could find a simple yet modest dress??" I asked her and she looked taken aback by that. I'd rather ask for a pants and a shirt but I don't think that's suitable for a 'lady' like me.

"Simple dress?!! But didn't you strictly told me how you wanted those dresses to be kept in a corner so you wouldn't be able to see nor use them?!!!" She asked in disbelief and I only chuckled awkwardly at her when I remembered what she said.

"Well... I had a change of heart..?" I answered more of a question rather than a statement.

"Enough about me! No questions asked! Just go on and get me any dress." I ushered her and so she took a simple red and white long sleeved dress. The top part is white with beautiful frills on the collar part and the wrist part while the skirt was red. It had a shiny red pendant that I assume is Ruby on the middle of the collar.

It was really pretty but I wouldn't consider it as a simple dress. But I guess out of all the dresses Elora has, that's one of the simpler ones.

"I guess this would do." I said and changed into the red dress.

I then went back to my closet to get the black leather sandals — the only footwear that doesn't have any heels, and wore it.

"Let's go!" I said to Ruby.

I knocked on the door and the king answered with a brief 'come in'. So I went inside the study room and closed the door behind me.

Not expecting it was me, he set aside his paperworks and turned his full attention on me.

"What is it Elora?" He asked and I gulped.

"Uhmm... I just wanted to go to town to buy a few stuffs and so I was wondering---" I haven't even finished my statement when he placed a brown pouch on top of his table. It made a heavy clinking sound that indicated it had coins inside; lots and lots.

"Take it." He said and so I took it as I watched him go back to his paperworks.

"Thank you papa." I curtsied and went outside.

Whooo!! That was intense...

===

Ending of flashback, and you got me in this predicament.

Remind me again why I thought that walking 2km with this weak body was a good thing?! Uggh!! I didn't realize that for starters, it's not easy to walk 2 whole a*s kilometers.

But if I was in my body, 2km would be a piece of cake for me! Imagine, walking to school for 2km since I was a kid; then add in another 4km on my exercise; and then another 2km everyday for work! My body's basically immune to this!!

My old body, to be more specific...

I sighed.

"If you want, you could rest here while I go back and fetch a carriage." Ruby suggested but I shook my head profusely.

"Its.. fine!" I heaved.

"Look m'lady! We're almost there!!" And by that, I looked up as fast as lightning from crouching down.

Seeing the tall buildings and busy streets, I instantly knew that what Ruby had said was true; we were definitely close to our destination. And with that thought in mind, I suddenly regained some energy and ran while dragging Ruby along with me.

As soon as we stepped foot in the town square, I instantly found a sit right next to a water fountain so I went there and plopped down tiredly.

I heaved a heavy sigh as I leaned my body back more evidently and rested both my arms out on either side of the armrest.

"M'lady! You shouldn't be doing that!!" Ruby scolded me and I instantly snapped my eyes open to see a few people staring at me awfully. I smiled shyly and fixed my position to that of a 'proper lady'.

How stereotypical of the earlier era. -_-

"Where to now m'lady?" Ruby asked not longer than 2 minutes later.

"Why don't we rest for a bit? Besides, aren't you at least a little bit tired??" I turned my attention at her to see her face fresh and free from sweat.

"Oh not at all! I used to live on the eastern part of Aeanthra. Carriages can't easily drive by there so we walk for at least 3km just to get to school." She said and I looked at her with wide eyes.

That's right! She does live on the eastern part of Aeanthra; and that part of Aeanthra is well-known for its rocky landscapes.

I suddenly remembered how I got to try mountain climbing on my past life. I remember it being fun, and I miss that feeling. Sadly, I've only done it once since I'm saving money for the other destinations I want to go to.

"You should take me there sometime." I smiled at her and now its her eyes widening in place of mine.

"How could I m'lady?!! Do you really think that a princess like you would be fit in a place like that?!!!" She said loudly and I covered her mouth and shushed her. She apologized with a downcast gaze and I finally stood up.

"Don't say something like that ever again Ruby! It doesn't matter whether I'm a princess, a noble, or the king himself! My status won't hold me back on the things I want to do. Besides, don't you feel at least honored that I'm gonna visit your place??" I said and her eyes looked ready to water by how touched she was.

"I'm very very honored m'lady! I just don't think that it would be fitting for a prin---"

"Shush!" I covered her mouth with my index finger.

"Sorry..." She said while pouting.

How cute...

I would definitely date her if she were in my world back then. But that won't be applicable now considering I'm in this current era and my status of being a princess. Besides, I know that she already likes someone else. I just forgot the name...

"Now come on!" I held out my hand for her to take and she took it gladly and we finally continued on our journey.

We went to different kinds of buildings, explored all types of shops, and even tried out a few food stalls in which Ruby scolded me for eating too many. I only ever pouted at her and that was enough for her to just let me be and have my way.

Hehe, she really can't resist this pretty face.

Nothing significant happened there, nobody recognized me since I didn't came out of any fancy carriage. And Elora doesn't go out too often so her face hadn't been too known for commoners; much to my advantage, I was able to enjoy my adventure there which I'm really happy. Some nobles recognized me but they didn't say anything when I held out my index finger towards my mouth, signaling for them to stay quiet. They must've got my message that I didn't want any attention so they resorted to a nod in place of a bow.

There was still much money left even after all those food stalls I went to. Imagine bringing a pouch full of gold, when really most of the stalls only costed bronze coins. So I decided to buy my family a little gift before going home.

I remember in the story that Arthur Wayne bought a set of industrial books while Elora was away from school, and that had been his favorite set ever since. Sadly though, I don't remember which store he bought it from so I ventured into almost every high quality bookstores in the town square.

After buying those, I next went to every weapon shop to buy Alistair's sword. It was a tad bit pricey, but nothing too much for the amount I had left.

"Ruby, why don't you go fetch a carriage while I go to the potion shop." I said and she went away after that.

Once I was all alone I headed inside the potion shop and the door chimes resonated inside notifying the store clerk that a customer came in.

"Good afternoon, what can I help you with?" The store clerk, which I'm assuming is the owner, greeted me with a smile.

"Where can I find a potion that, uhmm... relieves sores and muscle pains?" I asked him while clasping both of my hands behind my back.

I remember in the story that Thaddeus, Elora's father, suffered from constant muscle pain. Nobody noticed since he didn't tell anyone so he soon got sick while Elora was away for the Academy. She didn't know since she wasn't exchanging letters with her family, so all events regarding the Aeanthra kingdom didn't get to her.

Unfortunately though, Thaddeus died after that since he refused to listen to the doctor's warnings of staying in bed and keep resting, saying he had a lot of work to do. So Arthur became the king at an early age of 22; he's still 21 now.

And from the story, you'd know that Elora doesn't care at least a little bit for her family since she didn't even bother going back home to visit her father's funeral even when the principal gave her permission to leave. She only cared about harnessing the duke's attention.

What a selfish fox...

"Antonella.. will you please escort this young lady towards the elixirs?" The store clerk said and a few seconds later a young lady with light brown hair and bright indigo eyes came to greet me.

I really need to get used to the unique colored eyes and hairs here...

"Follow me m'lady." She said in her bubbly tone and I couldn't help but smile.

Antonella looked about my age, we were also the same height and just by looking at her, I can already tell that she's friendly. Hmmm... that name does sound familiar though...

"Here are the elixirs for your sore and muscle pains m'lady." She said while smiling at me.

"Oh, its not for me!" I said and so she furrowed her brows. Even though I didn't know her, I felt the need to tell her.

"Its actually for my father. He may not say anything, but I can tell that he suffers from them. Its a shame that nobody seem to notice though..." I said and her eyes widens.

"That's so sweet of you m---"

"Ella!" I cut her off and her face brightened up.

"Ella!! Hihi... that's a cute name.." She chuckled and I couldn't help but stare at her in awe.

"I'm gonna pay for this now." I motioned for the blue glowing elixir and she bobbed her head up and down. I only chuckled at her and headed for the counter.

I payed the two bottles of elixir for 14 gold coins and just as I gave the man the money, Ruby opened the door and called for me.

"Oh, Ruby!" I waved at her.

"M'lady, the carriage is waiting outside." She came inside and so I headed in her direction.

"R--Ruby?!" I suddenly heard Antonella say in shock.

I turned to her and saw her covering her mouth as she looked at me.

"P-princess??!!!!" She then said in shock. Although I'm curious as to why or how she knows me I only grinned at her and curtsied before heading out.

"Bye.. cutie pie~" I said and winked at her. Her face then flushed in embarrassment and I went outside only to hear her screaming for some unknown reason.

"Oh... Antonella's gotten so big." I heard Ruby say once we were inside the carriage and I looked at her in shock.

"You know her?!!" I asked wide-eyed.

"Oh she's my niece." She said casually but I didn't say anything as I still stared at her in shock.

"Oh...." I trailed off.

Wait!!! That's why her name sounds familiar!!

She's Ruby's niece and soon-to-be girlfriend of Alistair! And also one of the protagonist's best friend, and one of my future murderers!!!

I shouldn't have been fooled by her childish and cute attitude...

This is the worst....

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