Why Did I Become the Villainess?

  A moment after, I heard his majesty heave a sigh. "If that's the only way we can make him work for us, I will compromise. However, I need to know where this man came from? Why did we only hear about someone who can forge high quality weapons?"

 I look at Father and Mother for some help. I think it would be best if Father were the one who explains things to his majesty. Father and his majesty have always been good friends. I don't think his majesty will take it against us if Father is the one who mentioned it to him.

 "Your majesty, do you remember Ros Henness? The forge master of the Stozeterra Kingdom years ago? The forger Csille mentioned is the great great grandson of the Ros Henness."

 Prince Fraser's eyes squinted. "Forgive me for interrupting. However, I don't think it's a good idea to hire a fugitive in another Kingdom. If this reaches the Stozeterra Kingdom, this might cause a war. I don't think it's worth it to risk everyone's life just because of weapons."

 I look at Father to ask for some help, but even he looks helpless with Prince Fraser's question. I sigh. I really need Earnan Henness to work for the Vrawyth Kingdom. If we have enough high quality weapons, then we don't have to worry about the war.

 I look straight into his majesty's eyes. "Your majesty, I know it might look disadvantageous for us, but the Hennesses have been living in the Vrawyth Kingdom for years now. If they really want to go against us, why would they wait for years? Also, the Hennesses Family is one of the most wanted in the Stozeterra Kingdom. Do you think they will be dumb enough to side with someone who tried to exterminate them once? If it's still not enough to convince you," I stand up and slam my hand on the table. "Then I, Csille Lauretré, will pledge my life. If Earnan Henness tries to do something against the Vrawyth Kingdom, you can take my life as a payment."

 Mother and Father immediately grabbed my hand. Wanting to stop me from what I am doing. 

 "My dear, what are you saying? Take it back." Mother begs me, but I just shake my head at her and smile reassuringly.

 I know Earnan Henness will not betray the Vrawyth Kingdom. If anyone else, it is me who will betray them. 

  Prince Fraser abruptly stands up and looks straight into my eyes. "I will pledge my life too. I, Prince Fraser Astalieu of the Vrawyth Kingdom, pledge that if Earnan Henness will do something against the Vrawyth Kingdom, the people can do anything they want with my life."

 My eyes immediately widened when I heard what he said. What the heck is he saying? Why is he pledging his life too? 

 Everyone got silent because of Prince Fraser's sudden remarks. We all didn't expect he would pledge his life too. He is the only heir of the Vrawyth Kingdom! How can he just say something like that?

 I looked at him and gestured to him to take back his words, but he just stared at me intently. It's as if he is saying he won't take it back.

 I was about to convince Prince Fraser to take back his words when suddenly his majesty laughed out loud. I look at him, bewildered by what is happening.

 He's supposed to be mad at his son's remarks. His only son pledged his life just now, and he is laughing his heart out? 

 After a few seconds, he looks at us and smiles at the two of us, Prince Fraser and me. He then gestured us to sit, which we obliged. 

 "Csille, I was just testing you. I know who is Ros Henness, and I know he isn't the type of person who will betray the Vrawyth Kingdom. I trust your judgment, so I will let you deal with it. If you need funds for mass producing weapons, just tell me. The two of you don't need to pledge your lives."

 I sighed in relief when I heard his majesty's words. Although I already know that Csille will end up as the enemy of the Vrawyth Kingdom, I don't want to involve Prince Fraser with this.

 The Vrawyth Kingdom is strict with pledges, especially if the person who pledges is a royalty. If something really happens, Prince Fraser will really need to offer his life as a repayment, and I cannot let anything happen to Prince Fraser if I still want to return to the real world.

 "Your majesty, I already made a concrete plan on that." I take the plan I have made and give it to his majesty. 

 His majesty takes it and scans it for a while before he looks at me. "I'll review this tonight, and you'll hear my opinions about this tomorrow." He looks at Prince Fraser. "Prince Fraser, why don't you bring Dame Csille out? The two of you need some time to spend together, and I still have things I need to talk to the Count and the Countess."

 Prince Fraser nods his head before he stands up and offers his hand to me. I look at his hand hesitatingly. But because I don't have any choice, I just accept it.

 Prince Fraser and I both said our goodbyes before we left the Garden. The moment we step out of the Garden, I immediately try to break free from his grasp. He doesn't seem to mind, though. 

 A moment after walking through the corridors of the Palace, Prince Fraser stops in front of his library. 

 I immediately take a step back. "Your highness, I apologize, but I forgot I still have something to do in the Foundation. If you don't mind, can I leave the Palace now?"

 Prince Fraser looks back at me. He doesn't have any expression on his face. He just looks at me intently.

 I smile awkwardly at him. Can this guy learn how to reply to my question? Hello? Is he deaf? I know he doesn't like to be with me but is answering my questions that difficult to do so?

 I bow my head. I'll just assume his silence means yes. "I won't take much of your time then. I'll be leaving now, your highness."

 I immediately turned my back, and I was about to get away from here when I heard him call my name.

 "Csille..."

 I stop walking and wait for him to continue his words. However, I remain facing my back at him.

 "Why did you wait for me?"

 Wait for him? What does he mean by that? I look back and face him. "Your highness? What do you mean?"

 He frowns. "Does Ru—" He stops his words midway and shakes his head. "Don't ever do that again. Don't casually pledge your life. You will be the future Queen of the Vrawyth Kingdom. Your decision will be the reflection of me. So, don't casually decide on things like that. What will people say if they know you just pledge your life like that?"

 I frown. Why didn't he finish the thing he wanted to say? What does he mean by why didn't I wait for him? 

 "Is that clear, Dame Csille?"

 I look at Prince Fraser and nod my head. "Yes, your highness."

 Prince Fraser just nods his head before he enters the library. He didn't even ask me to come inside. 

 I smile bitterly at myself. Of course, why would he even bother inviting me? Who am I to him? I'm just the villainess of the story.

________________________________

  His majesty put down the detailed plan I have made for Earnan Henness. Early this morning, his majesty called me to the palace. He said he had already read the plan I made, and he wanted to talk about this.

 His majesty clasps his hands and looks at me. He doesn't have the usual warm expression on his face. 

 I anxiously wait for his response. Earnan Henness is a character that I didn't write, so I don't have any idea what will happen after. All I know is Csille will return to the Vrawyth Kingdom with Prince Fraser, Rufus, and Princess Paislee.

 I heard his majesty heave a sigh. "Csille, the plan you have made." He looks at the paper in his hands. "Is a great plan. But are you sure you don't want to set up a store? Your Foundation can profit a lot of funds if you set up a physical store."

 I shake my head. I also think of that at first. However, I realized if I made it known to people that the Vrawyth Kingdom had found a master forger, then it might endanger Earnan Henness' life. We don't want the Stozeterra Kingdom to know that the Hennesses are here.

 "But if I do that, it will endanger not only Earnan Henness' life but also the Vrawyth Kingdom. If the Storzeterra Kingdom knows we are sheltering a fugitive from their Kingdom, do you think they'll accept it like that? I'm sure they will take it against us. The Vrawyth Kingdom is already in a tight spot. I don't think it's a good idea to do that, your majesty. So, I suggest keeping this deal between the Foundation and you."

 His majesty nods his head. "You really think this thoroughly. I now understand why Earnan Henness decided to work under your Foundation instead of the monarchy." His majesty laughs. "And he is a wise man to do that. He is really the great great grandson of Ros Henness."

 I just smile humbly at his majesty. This is the only thing I can do for the Vrawyth Kingdom. Of course, I will make sure that everything is perfect. 

 "Your majesty, I hope you can keep this from everyone. Even to the Vrawyth people or to the nobles. If they knew we found a master forger, they would definitely question Earnan's identity. Your majesty, you also knew that there are still spies around. I don't think it's a good idea to let them know of our plan."

 His majesty nods his head. "I never intended to tell it to anyone. I know the consequences when I agreed to make Earnan Henness work under you. So, I won't do anything that could harm him in any way. He is now considered an important person to the Vrawyth Kingdom. So, you don't have to worry, Csille."

 I sigh in relief. I'm glad that his majesty agreed with my plan. All I need to do is to prepare things. 

 "Thank you very much, your majesty, for trusting me with this project. I will make sure that I won't disappoint you and the people."

 His majesty shakes his head. "It is I who should thank you for doing this. You don't know how much this will help the Vrawyth Kingdom, Csille. By the way, when do you plan to leave? Should I let my people come with you?"

 I shake my head. I know that most of his majesty's people are busy working in the northern region. I don't think it's a good idea to pull some of his people from the northern region.

 "Thank you for the offer, your majesty, but I think I can manage. I know you also need people to deal with the current situation in the northern region." I look at the butler on the side who keeps looking at his watch. "Your majesty, I think I'll be going now. I know you're busy with your duties too, so I won't take your time anymore."

 I stand up and excuse myself. His majesty just smiled at me and let his butler lead me out, but I refused because I knew they still had other things to do. I already memorized the way out, so I don't really need someone to guide me out.

 I was about to turn to a corner, but I heard voices coming from the library. I squinted my eyes when I recognized the owner of the voices.

 It's Prince Fraser and Princess Paislee! 

 I carefully walk towards the library and see Prince Fraser looking intently at Princess Paislee, who is currently busy reading a book.

 I can see them because they left the door open, and I can clearly see the way Prince Fraser looks at Princess Paislee. 

 It's as if he is looking at someone he loves. But I can also see confusion in his eyes. 

 My eyes widened when I realized something. Prince Fraser is catching feelings.. He is starting to like Princess Paislee.