Blood Contract with her Royal Villainess

♕CHAPTER 5♕

♕CANA ANNALIS ♕

As I stood beside Diana, my heartbeats louder and louder as I saw the emperor walking his way down the stairs. His eyes are locked on Diana, but he stopped at the last step of the stairs and looked at the people around him.

No one knows the reason why the emperor came here tonight and attended the Lumire Academy's graduation ball or the next thing that might happen this evening, except for me.

"I saw you all having fun while dancing around the dance hall, and forgive me if I have interrupted your fun, but I would like to congratulate you all for graduating this school year personally," the emperor congratulated us, and we all thank him in unison.

I know that the emperor would not harm me, but his mere presence inside this room gives me chills. Even my hands are feeling cold now, but I have to focus and not let the fear take a better hold of me, so I inhaled a deep breath and controlled my breathing.

Once again, the emperor looked in Diana's direction before he spoke again.

"Tonight is a celebration for you, fresh graduates of our proud academy, and it is indeed a fun night; with that in mind, I would like to make an announcement that will surely add up to your happiness, my beloved people of Lumire."

"Tonight, I would like to introduce to all of you my only granddaughter," the emperor said. Then everyone started whispering, asking who the emperor was talking about, and I knew who it is. I took a glimpse of Diana, and I saw her nervous expression. As far as I remember from the book, she knew her real identity as a princess, but she decided to hide it. Because she does not want to get involved in the messed-up world of politics and royalty, this is also what Diana's mother told her before she passed away.

"Diana Athena Eckheart," the emperor announced. As Diana's name was heard loud and clear inside the room, everyone quickly turned around and faced her. I saw Diana looking down at her feet while fidgeting with her fingers. The emperor called her again to stand in front of him, and Diana quietly did what her grandfather said.

My eyes followed Diana's every step as she walked towards the stairs where her grandfather was smiling and waiting for her. I can feel her nervousness, and I, too, am nervous for her. I know she does not want to be a princess, but this empire needs her someday, and besides, I know she will find herself in a position where she will be very much needed and helpful.

"W-What? How did she become a princess? Isn't she just a commoner?" I overheard someone whispered, and I know the answer to that.

Diana is the only child of the prince who married a female commoner from the town of Redwood. When the prince died from the previous war, and Diana's mother died from a severe illness, her aunt took custody of her, who did nothing but oppressed her.

And base on the book, it was Diana's aunt who sold Diana's real identity to the royal family in exchange for a huge amount of money. But I think this is for the best. This way, her life will be better than when she's still considered a commoner. Furthermore, the emperor is very kind, and even if there are many candidates for the throne, he will surely pass it down to his granddaughter, Diana, including all the wealth and his owned property.

And that is the time where I will push through with my plan of borrowing money to buy Viggo hehehe. I thought.

I looked at Diana and the emperor, who are now both standing on stage. I can't hear what they are talking about from where I am standing right now, but I can see the happiness on their faces. My heart almost melted as I saw how the emperor hugged Diana. For a very long time, this is their first time to hug each other.

I know that Diana is still having doubts about being a princess, but soon, I'm sure she will love her title as a princess because her grandfather will help and guide her in managing this empire. I know that the emperor loves her so much because the truth is that the emperor is the only person she can always rely on, aside from me, of course.

Without any further ado, Diana was crowned in front of everyone, just like I thought it would be. She kneeled in front of the emperor and bowed down her head as the emperor put on a tiara on her head, a sign that she is now an official princess of the Lumire Empire.

"Diana Athena Eckheart, you are now the crowned princess of the Lumire Empire. Rise and face your people," the emperor announced after putting the tiara on Diana's head. She stood up as I loudly clapped my hand, then the rest of the crowd clapped their hands to welcome their new princess.

As I scanned the area, I can see the fear and anxiety with the students' faces who bullied Diana as they quietly clapped their hands. For sure, if I didn't save Diana earlier, every person who made fun of her will be sent to the dungeons.

While I watch Diana standing on the stage with a golden tiara decorated with blue diamonds as a symbol of the royal family, I happily clapped my hands while smiling widely. I never imagined that I would be able to witness this precious event in the history of this empire as a side character of this story and as an archaeologist student.

After a few more announcements and some words of congratulations that the emperor gave to all the graduates, the party continued. Diana and the emperor stepped down on the stage with smiles on their faces. I noticed that they are walking towards me, with the royal guards following behind them. As soon as the emperor's eyes meet mine, I bowed my head and greeted him.

"I greet the emperor, the shining sun of the empire," I greeted and showed him the most courteous bow that I could offer.

"Greetings to you, Lady Kiera," the emperor greeted back, so I smiled at him and looked at Diana, who's smiling at me too.

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for my granddaughter from the start till now. I also saw your bravery earlier to save her from that humiliating situation," he added and whispered the last words to me and smiled, which made me shy. I quickly shook my head.

"It is an honor to be friends with Diana, your majesty," he smiled with my answer.

"Even though everyone treated my granddaughter as a commoner, you still befriended her. I don't know how I could repay you for doing such a thing," the emperor said, which made me laugh.

"There's no need for you to repay me, your majesty. Diana is my friend and what I did is just a normal thing between friends, isn't it?" I replied but deep down, I am glad that I could gain the emperor's trust. I just have to stay on his good side, or else death will surely knock on my door sooner than I thought it would be.

"I will be visiting the Romulus Estate tomorrow, so please inform your father about my arrival," the emperor informed, which caught my and Diana's attention. She knew that I don't have a good relationship with my father, the Duke. But wait, isn't this a good opportunity for me to change Duke Roman's view of Kiera?

"As you wish, your majesty. We will prepare a feast for your visit," I responded. He nodded at me first before turning to Diana.

"Very well, now I want you two to enjoy this night, and I pray that your friendship will continue to grow. I shall take my leave now," the emperor said. Diana and I bowed our heads as a sign of respect before the emperor left.

When the emperor left, I looked at Diana and saw her looking at me with her eyes full of overwhelming joy, the same as with mine. We both looked like we have something to say and scream our feelings out, so we both run towards the terrace of the banquet hall. As soon as we arrived there, we both started talking nonstop.

"OMG! You're now officially a princess!" I happily said to Diana. Then I stared at her tiara with lots of blue diamonds as a decoration, the same color to her eyes.

"OMG? What is that?" She asked, wondering what I just spoke to her, and that is when I realized what I just said. The expression omg is not applicable in this era. They do not know any slang words yet.

"Ah hahaha, d-don't mind that, I'm just so happy for you," I said, trying to avoid that topic, and she just nodded at me.

"I never thought that this will ever happen to me," Diana said, and I smiled at her.

"The emperor told me that he would talk to me again about the other important matters after the party," she added, and I nodded at her while still smiling. We both smiled at each other and calmed ourselves down. Then, we both leaned towards the terrace and looked up to the sky.

"I already told you that my mother does not want me to inherit the title of the princess, right?" Diana spoke while looking up at the stars.

"Hmm," I replied and nodded my head.

"Now, I think, what she's afraid of is the responsibility attached to this tiara and the title of a princess," she said. I never knew that she told Kiera about this. I mean, the memories of the real Kiera were not that clear to me.

"Maybe, and there are also a lot of people who wants the crown and enters the royal palace for power, but you know what, I think this empire needs a great leader, just like you," I replied while looking at the stars, then I heard a sob from her, so I looked at her.

"I never expected this, which my life will suddenly change in just one night. And you, I feel like you're my fairy godmother, someone who made this night even better. Thank you so much for being my friend Lady Kiera," Diana said while crying. I simply smiled at her and patted her back while smiling.

I don't know if I'm acting how Kiera should, but there's also a part of me where I'm asking if I should act as Kiera all the time, or maybe it's time for me to act as myself as Cana.

"You deserve the title of a princess, Diana, and I am your friend, so it's normal for me to wish you happiness, just like tonight," I replied, and she looked at me with a surprised reaction. Yes, I know that this is not how they know Kiera, but I feel that I will complete my mission hereby being Cana.

"You're acting a bit odd today Lady Kiera," Diana commented as she wiped her tears.

"Odd because I'm always mean, and now, I'm acting kind towards you? Is it that strange?" I asked, acting as if I do not know what she's talking about.

"No. Even if you're a bit mean sometimes and may have said some unpleasant words, I know you didn't mean it that way. I know you more than you know yourself, Lady Kiera, and now I know that you're starting to open up more of your real personality and kindness," Diana replied.

So she really knew Kiera. She knew that Kiera is kind, but she made many mistakes and hurtful decisions for others and herself due to her jealousy.

"Thank you, Diana, for understanding me," I responded, and I know that Kiera would have said the same thing if ever she heard Diana's words.

I don't know why but my heart is aching, I feel happy, but there is something that I couldn't explain.

I shook my head and decided just to ignore that mysterious feeling. I focused on Diana, and I's discussion. Good thing she's not talking much about her past with Kiera because I still haven't fully remembered all the memories of Kiera, and I think it will take time to recover all of her memories.

♕♕♕

The long night of fun and celebration has ended, and now, I am on my way back to the manor with the carriage that I used earlier to attend the graduation ball.

I sighed and leaned my hand on the window sill before putting my chin on my right palm as I observe the sceneries outside the window as the carriage continues to travel its way back home.

"Will Diana be alright with her new life as a princess?" I whispered. I couldn't stop myself from worrying about her when I saw her facial expression as we part ways after the party. I can see her nervousness and worries about her future inside the royal palace.

Maybe, she's scared of what her mother told her before she died, about the messed-up world of the monarchy, but I know she can handle it. After all, she is the first and only Empress Regnant of the Lumire Empire.

And another thing that I worry about is why are there some memories of Kiera which I couldn't remember even though most of her memories are clear to me? Just like earlier, I don't remember Diana telling the real Kiera about her real identity, a good thing I have read that scene though I do not know what they talked about. That's why I'm still puzzling the scenarios now.

I wonder.

Well, there's also the part where I can't remember the characters' faces and memories about them from Kiera. Those memories will only be triggered when I see them in person, just like what happened with Sir Grimm.

There's no image of Sir Grimm's face in Kiera's memories, but I instantly remembered all of Kiera's stupidity just to catch his attention when I saw his face personally.

"Gosh! I feel so embarrassed for Kiera now that I can remember everything that happened before between her and Sir Grimm," I winced as another humiliating scene flashed in my mind. I quickly shook my head to remove my thought from it. Then I just noticed that we are already in front of the mansion.

As soon as I stepped out of the carriage, I saw Duchess Carla marching her way to greet me. I kissed her cheek as a greeting, another mannerism of Kiera every time she greets her mother.

"You look happy. Did you enjoy the party? How was it?" she asked with a smile on her lips. And she's right. I am delighted tonight. I cling my hand on her arm then I whispered in her left ear.

"The emperor will be coming over here tomorrow to thank me personally," I uttered with a huge smile on my lips that shook the Duchess.

"H-Huh!?" She exclaimed. I giggled at her reaction.

I wonder, what will the Duke's reaction be when he finally heard the news? I thought while still smiling.

As we walked our way inside the manor, the Duchess keeps asking about the news that I told her about, so I told her about everything that happened at the graduation party.

As her excitement subside, she quickly runs off and reports it to the Duke then, and the whole Romulus mansion became a battlefield for the servants and the dirt in the middle of the night.

As soon as I entered my bedroom, I saw the time on the wall clock, and it's already one in the morning, so I changed into my nightgown and prepared myself to sleep.

Before I could even step up on my bed, I can hear the loud booming voice of my father from the outside of my room. It's obvious from his voice that he's panicking about the arrival of the emperor tomorrow.

I looked at my bedroom door and counted for ten seconds before I heard soft consecutive knocks on my door.

"I knew it," I whispered as I stood in the middle of my room. I knew he couldn't resist but to ask me about the emperor's arrival tomorrow.

"Come in!" I answered as I heard another set of knocks. He immediately opened the door. He's still wearing a maroon nightgown, he covered it with a black robe, he's also wearing his slippers, and his hair is still messy.

"Is it true? Is the emperor really coming here tomorrow?" the Duke asked, his eyes wide open, while the Duchess stood behind him.

"Yes, your grace, but if you have some other important things to do tomorrow, we could just send a letter to the royal palace so the emperor will be informed and have his visit scheduled for the next following days," I answered him.

"He wants to personally thank our family for taking good care of his granddaughter, Diana," I added, and I saw his eyes almost slipped out of his eye socket with his astounded expression.

"Tha-Tha-Thank us!? The emperor himself!? Wait, Diana!? That commoner friend of yours!?" He asked consecutively. I nodded at him and secretly smirked at his reaction.

"Yes, your grace. Diana is the one that the emperor has been looking for. The only child of Prince Brycen Andriel Eckheart. The emperor wants to thank me, personally, for being a great friend to Diana," I replied, acting as if I do not know what he wanted.

"Ha! You finally did something right," he whispered, which I heard loud and clear.

What the hell does he mean by that? I asked as I try my best not to raise my right eyebrow.

"Alright, tomorrow, all of us will greet the emperor, and you must dress nice and properly," the Duke said, and that gave me another idea.

"A nice and proper dress? But it's been three years since the last time that I was able to buy a new dress," I replied to the Duke, and he just stared at me with a surprising look.

"Father? What's going on here?" Keisha asked while rubbing her right eye and still in her pink nightgown when she suddenly came from her room. She may have woken up due to the clamor made by the servants who are busy cleaning and arranging the mansion. Keisha looked at me with unpleasant eyes. She probably thinks that I was the one who started this commotion.

"Perfect timing Keisha, why don't you lend your sister a lavish dress for tomorrow's event? We must show the emperor that we are taking good care of your sister since she was able to get the favor of the royal palace," the Duke commanded Keisha.

"What!? No! Those are my dresses! She can't have any of it!" Keisha answered, then glared at me like she wanted to skin me alive. I raised my right eyebrow at her, I don't know, but I feel like I want to be a real b*tch towards her.

"I don't see any problem if you let her borrow one of your clothes. Look, Keisha, just do what I said. I don't want any problems with the arrival of the emperor tomorrow. Do you understand?" the Duke sternly said, so Keisha was not able to protest anymore. All she could do is to glare at me and roll her eyes before stomping her way back to her room.

I smirked and sat on the edge of my bed.

"Hmm, can we talk about the rest of the preparations tomorrow? I'm exhausted from the graduation ball," I said, and the Duke and Duchess both nodded at me.

"Sorry for disturbing your rest, my darling," the Duchess apologized, and I simply smiled at her. I looked at the Duke, and it seems like he still has something to say.

"Do you still need anything, your grace?" I asked, and I noticed him sighing.

"Uhm, congratulations on your graduation," he greeted, but it no longer gives me happiness.

It's too late for that.

TO BE CONTINUED