Why Did I Become the Villainess?

 "Purplany, is it true?"

 I look up and find Rufus sitting on the chair in front of me. I am currently in my favorite pastry shop. It is also where we used to eat when we were young.

 I took a break from my work at the Foundation and decided to relax for a bit. I've been stressed out lately because of the plan for Earnan Henness. So, I decided to take a breather.

 Because his majesty agreed with my plan, I was busy the whole week preparing for my departure. I still have a couple of things to take care of, but I'm really not in a rush because I still have other things to work on in the western region before I can start my plan.

 "What do you mean, and what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be busy working?"

 "Is it true that you're planning to return to the western region? You just arrived, aren't you? Why would you return again? Is the situation in the western region that bad?" He takes a spoonful of my pudding. "And what's with the question. Can't I take a break too? I took a leave today."

 I take a sip on my tea first before I answer him. "First of all, how did you manage to make his majesty approve of your leave? I didn't expect that. Also, it's true. I'll be returning to the western to deal with the current situation there. The Foundation has made a thorough rehabilitation plan to reconstruct the lives in the western region. I'll be returning to start those plans."

 Rufus pulls my plate of pudding to his side and eats it. "I just used my charm. Do you think his majesty can resist my charm?" He then winks at me.

 I just rolled my eyes at him. Rufus and his quirks. You really can't expect him to be serious. It's probably the reason why Princess Paislee didn't like him.

 Rufus laughs at my reaction. "Okay, okay. I'll stop already. It was his majesty who suggested that I should take a leave. He said I was working too hard for months now and I need some break, that's why I am here. I was looking for you in your Foundation, but Mairenn told me that you are here." Rufus looks around. "You really love this pastry shop, eh?"

 I just shrugged my shoulder at him and continued reading the book that I was reading. The reason why I love this pastry shop is not just because of their food but the shop's ambiance too. I like how I feel at peace when I am here. However, it looks like Rufus is trying to ruin this peacefulness.

 "Purplany, have you talked to my cousin?"

 I nod my head and continue to read the book, although I am now distracted. I even re-read a full paragraph because I couldn't understand a thing.

 "Really? But why does he looks distracted? I thought you hadn't met him, that's why he is like that. He's been too preoccupied that he even made a mistake this morning. That's the first time I've seen him like that. I thought it's something related to you."

 I stop from what I am reading and look at Rufus. "Prince Fraser is distracted? When does he become like this?"

 "The day he returned to the Vrawyth Kingdom. I sometimes would see him staring blankly in thin air. When I tried to ask him what was happening, he became annoyed with me. I thought it's because you didn't see the surprise he made for you."

 I frowned when I heard what Rufus said. Surprise? What does he mean by surprise? Surprise for me? Is Rufus mistaken me for someone else?

 I laugh awkwardly. "What are you saying? What surprise? Why would Prince Fraser surprise me? That's impossible."

 Rufus frowned when he heard what I had said. "Haven't you read Prince Fraser's letter that I gave you before you leave the capital?"

 The letter? The one he gave me before I onboard the ship? But I thought that's from Princess Paislee? 

 "That letter. Is it really from Prince Fraser? He was really the one who wrote it?"

 Rufus nods his head. "Yes, he was the one who gave it to me. Why? Do you think I will give you a letter from my cousin? Why would even do that?"

 What? Is it from Prince Fraser? But why would he send me a letter? Shouldn't he hate me? And what is the surprise Rufus is saying? Does he really prepare a surprise for me? But why would he even do that?

 I shake my head. No! Ysavel, you cannot overthink it. So, what if the letter is from him?So, what if he made a surprise for you? Remember that it was half a month ago. Things could change with that time span. 

 Haven't Rufus mentioned that Prince Fraser looks distracted this day? You even see it with your own eyes how Prince Fraser looks at Princess Paislee? Are you going to fool yourself again that Prince Fraser is into you? Aren't you exhausted?

 "Purplany? Are you okay? You seem bothered? Did I say something wrong?"

 I look at Rufus and shake my head. I cannot let myself drown in thoughts. It's simple. Prince Fraser is not meant for the Villainess. That's it. Period.

 "Rufus, can you tell me what you have noticed with Prince Fraser? Like how often he is distracted. Who is always with him or if you see anyone being too close with him."

 Right. This is what I should do. I need to make myself realize that Prince Fraser is into Princess Paislee and not into Csille.

 Rufus pauses to think before he answers me. "I don't see him every day, but if I do, I always see him distracted over something. Who's always with him? Apart from Sir Farren, who basically likes his silhouette, no one becomes close to him. Sometimes I would even see him staring at Sir Farren for so long. Although I think it's because he was just distracted."

 I feel my hand tremble. It's really true. Prince Fraser is starting to like Princess Paislee, but he's still in denial of his feelings.

 I look at Rufus. Does it mean Rufus will also soon like Princess Paislee? 

 "Rufus, do you currently like someone?"

 Rufus stops eating my pudding that he takes from me. "Like? Me?" He scoffs. "You know that's not my thing, purplany. How can I even like someone if I'm always too busy with my duties? Also, love is too complicated. I just want to enjoy my life for now. Why did you ask?"

 I shake my head. Love will definitely be too complicated for him. Because how can he even compete with his own cousin? The cousin who is always better than him in everything. 

 How bad is it to always live in your cousin's shadow even if he is older than him? I feel bad for Rufus. 

 "Purplany?"

 I shake my head. "Nothing, I was just curious. Aren't you at the right age to get married? I bet the Duke is always bothering you with your marriage."

 Rufus groans. "Don't even start with that. Father always asks that question that I almost don't want to go home."

 I look at Rufus and sigh. Soon. Everything will change soon in the lives of Prince Fraser, Prince Rufus, Princess Paislee, and Csille Lauretré.

________________________________

 "Dame Csille, you're right in time. The event is about to start now. Please, follow me inside." A young woman who looked like a newly hired teacher welcomed me the moment I arrived in the Vrawyth High School of the Nobles. 

 I was invited to be one of the special guests for the school's competition. They are having a competition and those who have won the competition will be sent as the representative of the Vrawyth Kingdom to this year's Grand Exemplary Competition.

 The woman brings me to a stadium full of students. I immediately see Rufus sitting in front of an elevated stage. However, my eyes focus on the people beside Rufus.

 Prince Fraser with Princess Paislee! Even Doctor Leander is here?

 "This way, Dame Csille. The others have already arrived." 

 The woman brings me to where Rufus and the rest are sitting. She then immediately leave me after making sure that everything's okay on our end.

 I feel someone inching close to my ears. "Purplany, I didn't expect you'll be here too. I thought you were busy with your Foundation."

 I am sitting on the edge while Rufus is sitting on my right side. Prince Fraser is sitting on Rufus's right side, and Princess Paislee is sitting beside Prince Fraser while Doctor Leander is occupying the other edge.

 If I only knew Prince Fraser would be here, I would rather busy myself working in the Foundation.

 "Father was the one who insists on attending this event. Aren't you the same? I heard from Father that you were busy these days."

 Rufus groans. "Busy is an understatement. I was overworked. You—"

 Rufus wasn't able to finish his words when the host of the event started the event. They start introducing the judges who will score the said competition, and then they begin to introduce the special guests who happen to be us.

 "And let's all welcome our special guests for today. The Grand Exemplars five years ago. Doctor Leander Smythe who represents the Kingdom in the Intellect Category. He is now a respected Royal Physician of the Vrawyth Kingdom."

 Leander stands up and bows his head to the crowd.

 "Sir Farren Brichagnac, who represents the Kingdom in the Physique Category. He is now his highness, Prince Fraser's well trusted knight."

 And just like Leander, Princess Paislee stands up and bows her head to the crowd. 

 "Prince Rufus Astalieu, who represents the Kingdom in both Physique and Intellect Category. He is currently working in the monarchy as a public servant."

 "Dame Csille Lauretré, who represents the Kingdom in the Etiquette. She is the only one who almost perfects the Etiquette subcategories. She just received her Dame title for helping in the western region. She is also the Founder of the Hope Foundation that is helping the Vrawyth people."

 I stand up and smile politely at the crowd before I bow my head. 

 "And lets all welcome Crown Prince Fraser Astalieu. He represented the Kingdom in both Physique and Intellect Categories. As you all know, he is currently busy doing his duties as the Crown Prince of this Kingdom. He even risks his life in the northern region."

 The crowd cheered after the host introduced the five of us. It's the first time after five years that the five of us are standing in front of a crowd. 

 I can hear people calling our name. Women are starting to scream Rufus, Leander, and Princess Paislee's names. It's the type of scream when someone sees their crush.

 Some people are shouting Prince Fraser's name and my name, but it's the type of scream that is only acknowledging our presence.

 I glance at Prince Fraser, and I can see him secretly glancing at Princess Paislee. I can also see his jaw clenching. 

 He's mad? Is he mad because ladies are calling Princess Paislee's name? Although, Princess Paislee's male disguise has a feminine touch, there are still several women who have a crush on her.

 I take a deep breath, trying to extinguish the pain that is starting to build up inside of me. I force myself and smile at the crowd. I cannot let them see anything.

 Ysavel, this is what is supposed to happen. So, why are you in pain? You're the one who has written that Prince Fraser will end up with Princess Paislee. But why are you still hurting? You know all of these will happen in the end, right? 

 "Purplany? Are you okay? You look pale."

 I look at Rufus, who is now staring at me worriedly. My gaze passed through him and landed on Prince Fraser, who was still busy looking at Princess Paislee.

 I smile bitterly at myself. You're really dumb, Ysavel. Soon it will hurt more than this. It'll hurt you more when you see Prince Fraser choose her over you.

 "Purplany?"

 I smile reassuringly at Rufus. "I'm okay. I'm probably just tired, but I'm okay. You shouldn't worry."

 Yeah, you should worry more about yourself, Rufus, because soon it'll be your turn to get hurt.