《Redemption Arc of a Failed Villainess (HIATUS)》


 [ The Prologue ]

    Matted and dirty, my once white hair dangles in front of my eyes. My clothes clung to my body, soaked in water and sweat, along with the blend of blood that had come from the lashings I endured from those I once regarded with trusting eyes.


    Lifting my eyes, I confronted my harsh reality once more. The floor, barely illuminated by the light from the outside of this prison casts a feeble light onto my unsightly crippled legs.


    With every reluctant awakening, I ask myself pathetically in my mind: When will they kill me? The repetition of this cycle, an unending torture of false hope that someone will save me, has rendered time itself meaningless.


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    Powerless and left to rot myself to death unless they remember to come and laugh at my suffering, a mere shell of the person I once was. Is this what they meant to be living but not alive? A bitter chuckle escaped my lips ¡ª acknowledging that they had succeeded in reducing me to this wretched state that I had never imagined.


    Suddenly, the floor beneath me began to vibrate, the tremors rattling before escalating into violent slams. Was this an earthquake? Is my death finally nearing?


    The formidable walls that I felt were unbreakable started to crack, and I felt the sting of rubble against my cheeks. As the tremors intensified, a heaviness settled on my head, the world around me descending into darkness. My vision faded, my consciousness slipping away.


    In that fleeting moment before eternal darkness came to my embrace, a desperate plea escaped my lips, "If anything out there akin to a god exists, hear my plea. Never let me cross paths with the devil again. I know my sin."

 [ Chapter 1 - Is this a cruel prank from the goddess? ]

    Cordelia Stormcrest ¨C that is my name.


    I am the sinner who caused the downfall of my dukedom, the heir who razed the Stormcrest dukedom''s legacy to the ground. The woman named the biggest villainess of the century in the kingdom of Silverpeak.


    Imprisoned in the royal jail, the last thing I saw before I woke up was the dimly lit room crumbling to bits, engulfing me in a bottomless pit of darkness.


    How is it possible that, after believing myself to be dead, I wake up in this childish yet clean room? I thought it was a dream until I stood in front of the mirror and stared at the ''me'' reflected there.


    The white and gently laid curls reached to the waist, showing no signs of its previously matted and dirty form. The signs of whips were gone, leaving only the glow of youth that had faded away with time. Even my previously blurred vision became much clearer!


    Knock knock. "May I come in, Lady Cordelia?"


    Without any hesitation, I run towards the door and stare at the handle. Now, I hesitate to move the handle. What if this is just a dream?


    "My lady?" The slightly tired voice calls out again.


    I turn the handle and push. Looking up, I see a familiar face - the face of someone I thought I would never see again.


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    "Aveline!" I sobbed as I throw myself into her arms.


    Shocked, she breaks her usual cold facade and exclaims, "Lady Cordelia, what''s wrong?"


    My tears continue to fall as I hold her tightly, fearing I wouldn''t be able to feel this sensation once I wake from this heavenly dream.


    "Lia?" After getting no responses from me, I feel her hands patting my back, something I haven''t felt since my graduation from the academy.


    That day, at my graduation ball, I stayed to attend the last dance and had Aveline leave early so she could attend her brother''s knighthood the day after. With my knight and temporarily hired maid, I was able to experience the last of my academic life fully while she suffered on the journey home, eventually tortured to her death.


    It was supposed to be me in that carriage, suffering the pain, but instead, she had been subjected to it. Our striking resemblance, stemming from shared blood relations and matching eye colors, had only one distinction - my white hair against her light blonde hair. Yet, in the darkness of the night, they mistakenly identified her as Cordelia Stormcrest, the heiress to the Stormcrest dukedom.


    When I had arrived back, my family was shocked because they had received the news of my death, which would eventually be revealed to be about Aveline.


    "Lia... Did you have a nightmare?" Maybe she was taken aback by the unusual overflow of emotions despite usually being composed; she kept rubbing my back despite being confused.


    Still clinging to my childhood friend, and hearing her call me affectionately with my nickname, I croak out, "I don''t understand. I was in the royal jail, and then everything was falling apart! You, father, mother, and Lizzy died! Then Lieon fell into a coma and wouldn''t wake up... Is this real or just another cruel dream to remind me of what could have been if I..."


    Unable to continue with Aveline''s hug, she takes me to my bed and sits me down, saying, "My lady, I know you are nervous for your debutante ball, but there is no need to fear us dying! There are only three more days before you turn sixteen, so how could we die without seeing you at your debut party, hm?"


    Shocked, I ask, "Wh..what? My debutante ball?"


    Aveline''s comforting words continue, but I have long been lost in my confusion. My debutante ball? It feels like a lifetime ago. The pain, the loss¡ªit can''t just be erased; it all felt too real to be false. As Aveline speaks, I try to make sense of the pieces, but they refuse to fit together.


    With a hesitant smile, I nod at Aveline''s assurances, though doubts still linger in my mind. The world before me seems like an illusion, ready to crumble at the slightest touch. Is this a second chance or a cruel prank from the goddess herself?

 [ Chapter 2 - Why do sword wielders in our kingdom stink? ]

    After consoling me, Aveline had left, something about my debutante dress needing some last-minute altercations due ''my'' request from yesterday and preparing tea for my younger sister Lizzabeth, nicknamed Lizzy. I cannot recall this small request from my sixteen-year-old self, so I simply stated that I changed my mind and that there is no need anymore.


    With a nod and smile, she replied "wise choice" before saying that the duke and duchess had returned from one of their special ''outings''.


    Cut back to the present; this is why I am kneeling with both hands up in the air, and a book on each palm while balancing a teacup on my head in the livingroom right in front of my mother and father who are seated.


    "Cordelia. Mimmly. Stormcrest!!!" My usually calm mother shouted, "Where have your decency gone? Have you forgotten your status? Daring to run in the hallways, nevertheless in your NIGHTGOWN?!"


    Despite facing my mother''s anger, I could not help but foolishly smile and laugh, instantly tearing up again, "I just missed you both, mother and father."


    My father laughed, telling my mother to stop shouting and let me off this once for showing such a childish side despite usually being calm and composed. My mother slapped my father¡¯s arm saying, "This is how you''ve spoilt rotten the eldest; she will be punished! We cannot have her running around like this or else her reputation will be ruined!"


    Despite how stern she is being, she still ordered a maid to put a cushion under my knees, ordered the knights to guard outside and designated Aveline to supervise my punishment.


    As she stood up with my father, she looked at me and said, "Stop grinning - you look like a fool, Cordelia!"


    While she left in a huff, my father chuckled and said to me before following her, "Keep grinning; you look just like your mother in her youth - very lovely, hah!"


    After they had both left, I was alone in the room as Aveline had to bring tea to my sister, so I slacked off my punishment and walked around the room.


    The painting that we sold in the future for 20,000 sennies due to our declining situation hung majestically on the wall behind the couch. As I continued walking, on top of the fireplace was a glassware art piece imported from Wasstania¡ªa gift for my mother on their anniversary before my father''s death. It, too, was sold off, but for a meager 10 sennies, as it turned out to be fake.


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    Coming to a halt, I reminisce the smile from my parents, thinking that it is surreal that I can see joy on their faces, especially seeing my father walking despite having attended his funeral. My mother although gentle and always held an up-tight air around her, fell into despair and became a mess. I never want to see my mother like that again, so I will prevent this from happening again!


    With a chuckle, I sit on the couch thinking to myself that ''this is much too real to be a dream even if it¡¯s unbelievable''.


    The clear vision, sensations, smells, and the way everything from the past looks so vivid - it cannot be an illusion. Did the plea I make really get heard? Is there really a being akin to God? Maybe I should research into the temple of light... Otherwise, how else would I have gone back in time? I can''t even use magic!


    As I hear footsteps from the hallway, I was woken up from my thoughts.


    I turn around and see Aveline entering the livingroom with Lizzy, "Sister, aren''t you getting punished? I came all the way here instead of playing just to see you on the ground! I''m going to tell on mother!"


    Chuckling, I ask my bratty sister, "Unless?"


    She pouts and says, "Unless you let me and Lieon go on the trip to Easstania!"


    Although she''s already 12, she is still bratty and childish - how I miss her silly remarks and joyful face whenever I agree to her shenanigans. To think in the future, because of me, she will get bullied in the academy to the point she fears leaving her own dorms and having to drop out of the school due to never attending her exams¡­


    Wait. "Easstania?"


    "Yes, of course! You slyly left us out! You know I want to go to Easstania to see their newest play that isn''t available here yet!"


    Freezing up, I recall the start of where everything went wrong.


    After my sixteenth birthday, as a gift, my parents booked me a trip to Easstania to sight-see, and although the view was amazing... I had set my eyes on not the landscape, but a man.


    He was a newly appointed knight named Theo, without a surname nor a lover. I never learned where he was from since his accent was clearly not local. However, his blonde hair shone like the sun, and with his tall posture, he stood proudly, gazing at me gently with his blue eyes. He embodied a textbook gentleman despite being a wielder of the sword. Then adding on the fact that in our kingdom, where most knights are ungentlemanly plus ¨C you know, a tad stinky ¨C being dazzled by such a refined knight makes perfect sense, doesn''t it?


    Although the time we shared was a small, we danced, laughed, and even held hands! I thought he was the love of my life but honestly, I just fell in love at first sight.


    That is, until I saw him again at the Noxarian Empire''s annual ball, where he danced gracefully with another woman in the ballroom. Later, he was revealed to be Theodore Blackiron, 2nd son of the Blackiron dukedom and the man engaged to the 2nd princess of Noxarian, Cassandra von Noxarian. And indeed¡­ the woman he danced with was the 2nd princess herself.


    I unwittingly incurred the wrath of a princess from a powerful empire, infatuated with the very man who caught my eye. Absurd, isn''t it? I merely cast a glance his way, and he was the one who eagerly approached me! Picture the spectacle: your family''s prestige going downhill due to your own foolishness, duped by a charming young man with an overly fixated fianc¨¦e. Yes, it''s foolish, I acknowledge. But mark my words, this blunder won''t be repeated. I refuse to go to Easstania, regardless of who stands in my way!


    Suddenly, my mother¡¯s voice rang out loud and clear from the living room entrance, "Cordelia! Why aren''t you kneeling!"


    Caught like a cat that had been caught stealing fish, I turn around and give my mother the most flattering smile I could muster up.


    My mother gave me a look of disgust before smirking playfully, "Actually, since you disobeyed me, your trip will now be you taking your sister and brother to Easstania. Oh, and I will NOT be taking it back."


    ... Fuck.


    ¡°And since you are too busy to be punished, hurry up and decide on your partner for your debutante! There¡¯s a list of suitors asking to be your partner! If you can¡¯t decide¡­ Just pick your old friend¡± Laughing, she elegantly walked away with her fan over her mouth. Clearly, she¡¯s eager to see me suffer with my sword obsessed childhood friend Roland Redsteel of the Redsteel dukedom. And yes, he also stinks and this time, not by a tad bit¡­


    ¡­ Double fuck.

 [ Chapter 3 - Why are there so many white dresses? ]

    Flipping through the opened letters lathered in perfume and lace, one might assume a woman wrote them. ¡°Sigh,¡± I muttered, ¡°did they make their mothers write these letters? Truly, our kingdom¡¯s men are terrible at courting women.¡±


    Putting the laced invites to the left side, I proceed to look over the messy handwritten invites I had the maids sort for me. The right side is from those who belong to a count¡¯s family or above, while the middle was from those below the rank of counts.


    ¡°So many invites¡­ Did we really have this many single men from our kingdom?¡±


    Aveline chuckled while pouring the rose tea, ¡°Well, you are quite a sight to behold, not to mention whoever marries you will become Duke Stormcrest. For those who are of lower rank than you ¨C you are the status climber given from the goddess herself.¡±


    Sighing once more, I throw the right pile to the left pile, ¡°I know, but we all know the leeches that come from lower nobilities. Isn¡¯t Marchioness Diamonde¡¯s previous marriage the perfect example?¡±


    Aveline, a little surprised, replied, ¡°Lia, what are you saying? Marquess Diamonde is still alive?¡±


    As Aveline uttered those words, a reminder of the future went through my thoughts. The unfortunate tale of Marchioness Diamonde unfolded like a tragic script. After the marquess''s demise, Louisanne, against her mother¡¯s wishes, married a man of lower rank ¨C the third son of a viscount. Little did she know that this seemingly charming suitor would turn out to be a financial leech.


    The third son, driven by familial obligations, sent money back to his parents, unbeknownst to Louisanne. Surprise surprise, half of the Diamonde estate¡¯s funds vanished without a trace, a silent theft conducted by the very hands she trusted. When she attempted to reclaim what was rightfully hers, the money had already been squandered in failed investments.


    I couldn''t help but recall her lament, ¡°I thought true love could help us overcome our status differences.¡± It was a bitter lesson, a harsh reality that love alone couldn¡¯t defy the societal boundaries.


    Perhaps it was my newfound cynicism, but the experience left me with a firm resolve. If I were to bring someone into our family through marriage, their status should align with ours ¨C maybe even a rank below.


    Coughing, I realize that I had let a future event slip into the conversation. ¡°I must have misremembered; forget it.¡± Changing the topic, I asked, ¡°Who do you think I should go with, Aveline?¡±


    Thinking, she replies, ¡°You could always go with your usual partner, Roland?¡±


    Roland might not be a bad idea; however, I know this year he will refuse. If I remember correctly, he was trying to court one of our neighboring country¡¯s first princess. Apparently, going with me to the ball would ruin his chances so he¡¯d rather go alone. I mean, he did end up getting engaged to her, I suppose I shouldn''t ruin his pursuit of true love.


    Now that I think about it, who did I end up going with again? Right! It was my distant cousin from the Greenfield dukedom, my maternal side. I believe his name was Alexe Greenfield! It was a rushed choice as I didn¡¯t expect Roland to refuse, but he was very good smelling and a good dancer. I remember since I was so shocked that someone outside of the family could smell so decent. It was a minty scent if I remember correctly.


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    ¡°Actually, I have a much better choice.¡± I flipped through the letters, attempting to find Alexe''s name, but it wasn''t there in the pile. Panicking, I thought, ''Oh no, did he not send me an invite? I must go see him! If I recall correctly, he came here for the debutante to find a fianc¨¦e. This means he must be staying at the Greenfield estate.''


    Hurriedly, I got up and walked out of my study. Shocked, Aveline calls out my name and runs after me, ¡°Where are you going, my lady? Why such a hurry?¡±


    I turned to face her, my determination unwavering. "If I am correct, a distant cousin of mine should be looking for a partner to go to the ball with. I will go ask him to go with me."


    Without waiting for further protest, I continued down the hallway, Aveline following closely before reaching my bedroom door.


    Opening the door to my bedroom, I look back and order Aveline, ¡°Fetch the maids and the carriage ready; I am visiting the Greenfield estate to get my debutante partner!¡±


    As Aveline hurriedly went to carry out my orders, I open the inner left door and enter my dressing room. ¡®Now, which dress should I wear?¡¯ Looking at the vast number of white dresses astounds me; why did I like the white-colored clothes again? Firstly, they don¡¯t flatter my hair. Secondly, it looks like the jail uniforms!


    Looking around, I find a purple dress that had been previously given to me by a classmate at the academy for helping her out


    regarding her relationship with her family.


    ¡°This is perfect!¡±


    I swiftly pulled the purple dress from the wardrobe, its vibrant hue standing out amidst the sea of whites.


    As the maids arrive, I show them the dress I wanted to wear, and they give me a shocked face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Replying, the maid May says, ¡°My lady, you would never usually wear such flashy colors¡­¡±


    I smiled at their surprise, "Well, there''s a first time for everything, isn''t there?" With a calm smile, I motioned for them to assist me in donning the pruple dress.


    The maids, though initially taken aback, quickly regained their composure and set to work. The vibrant fabric flowed elegantly around me as they adjusted the dress to perfection. May, still wearing a subtle expression of disbelief, couldn''t help but mumble, "My lady is truly beautiful in this dress!"


    Smiling, I moved towards the vanity.


    I had Aveline pick out some jewelry suitable for the purple dress. As my previous accessories were all bought according to my usual dress color, it was quite challenging to pick. In the end, we settled on some old jewelry of unknown origin that added a touch of mystery to the ensemble.


    It was a purple set of earrings and a necklace ¨C rather simple and not something a noble would typically wear, but one must make do in a crisis.


    After adorning the purple set, I took a final look at myself in the mirror. The vibrant dress, contrasting with my white hair, felt like a breath of fresh air. Especially since, in my memories, all I could recall was white dresses. I wonder, why did I never wear other colors?


    A sense of anticipation filled the room, and I could see the maids exchanging satisfied glances through the mirror. Aveline, with an approving nod, commented, ¡°My lady, you look dazzling. This change is quite refreshing.¡± Hearing her comment, I thanked her, and with that, I headed towards the main entrance of the estate as the layers of the dress flowed gracefully with each step.


    Finally arriving to the entrance, I stepped outside as the carriage awaited me - along with my mother.


    A little surprised, I spoke out, ¡°Mother? Why are you¡­?¡±


    Glaring daggers at me, my mother replied, ¡°I am going to join you; we haven¡¯t seen your grandparents for a week already! How could you leave without me, huh?¡±


    I don¡¯t recall the last time going there during this time of year nor in my previous life as my maternal side had cut me off after the fall from grace.


    I nodded and agreed to go together. Seeing my mother smile as she got on the carriage, I thought to myself, ¡®I see where Lizzy¡¯s bratty personality comes from.¡¯


    With Aveline''s assistance, I entered the carriage, and she promptly instructed the maid to prepare for my return before joining me inside. As we embarked on our journey towards the Greenfield estate, the wheels turned against the cobblestone path. The rhythmic beat of hooves resonated in the air, and the grandeur of the estate gradually disappeared before seeing the bustle of the capital city.


    As we headed towards the Greenfield estate, memories of my past came forth. The estrangement from my maternal side after my fall from grace caused a rift between my mother and her brother ¨C the current duke of Greenfield. Ever since the passing of their parents, the visits became less frequent, and communication completely ceased after my mother had sent them a letter in regards to pleading for my release.


    Shaking my head, I looked towards my mother, who was filling the room with a certain warmth from her twitching smile that she¡¯s forcibly trying to hide. Right, mother was always quite energetic despite putting on a gentle demeanor. Chuckling, I conversed with my mother and before I knew it, we had arrived.

 [ Chapter 4 - Why dont we go tonight, the three of us? ]

    As the carriage came to a halt in front of the gate, the first thing that caught my eye was the expansive greenery that surrounded the estate. The well-maintained gardens are separated into left and right by a single path of cobblestone with the garden itself adorned with a variety of flowers and shrubs which created a relaxing and calm atmosphere around it.


    The grand mansion seems to have been built by red and white bricks that showcased the family¡¯s taste in architecture. There was a rather large number of windows on the three-story building, with a greenhouse rather near the entrance.


    My mother opened the small window to the left of the carriage and popped her head out, ¡°Arthe, I came to visit my parents again!¡±


    Small chatter arises and continues for about three to five minutes before coming to a halt. The carriage starts to move as my mother moved her head back into the carriage. As she peers out of the glass, I follow suit.


    The sight of the estate starts to become enveloped by the trees that line up the driveway to the mansion. The wheel crunches on fallen leaves when it finally came to a halt.


    My mother steps out of the carriage and I follow her out. Despite having been here many times from my childhood until my death, the view of the greenery and man-made landscapes never ceases to amaze me.


    ¡°Rosalind! Cordelia!¡±


    With the voice of my grandmother coming from behind me, I turn around to see the faces of my maternal family.


    My mother rushes in for a hug with her parents before hugging her brother and his wife whilst I slowly step forward and greet everyone in the same order, showcasing the calm demeanor I usually put on when outside of my home. As she reaches the end of the line my mother asks, ¡°and these two are¡­?¡±


    At the end of the line, stood two men ¨C one being my previous life¡¯s debutante partner, and the other being a senior at the academy. However, I don¡¯t recall him ever being related to the Greenfields?


    My uncle steps forward and introduces the two, ¡°This is Alexe Greenfield, your distant cousin who came to visit. Alexe, greet your auntie Rosalind Stormcrest and cousin Cordelia.¡±


    ¡°Long time no see aunt Rosalind, cousin Cordelia.¡±


    After greeting him back, my uncle continues, ¡°And this, this is Feitan Loyalvine from the Noxarian Empire. He¡¯s a guest who is indebted to Alexe.¡±


    Shocked, I say my thoughts out loud, ¡°indebted?¡±


    Feitan Loyalvine extended a polite bow, his demeanor exuding a sense of formality. His purple hair and sharp features added to the air of mystery surrounding him, ¡°Yes, indeed I am. My carriage broke down halfway before meeting Alexe who offered me a ride to the capital. A pleasure to meet you both, duchess Stormcrest and Lady Cordelia.¡±


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    My mother who is the high society leader, flashes her famously warm smile and says, "The pleasure is ours, Mr. Loyalvine. Welcome to our home. If you''re a guest of Alexe''s, consider yourself family during your stay."


    Feitan graciously accepts the welcome, his eyes briefly meeting mine with an intensity that leaves me momentarily flustered before I give him a smile befitting a noble lady.


    The family then proceeds to make their way towards the siting room whilst engaging in light conversation as I fall a step behind to be next to Alexe, who turns to look at me with the signature smile befitting a Greenfield member.


    "Quite the unexpected reunion," he remarks, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.


    I respond with a diplomatic smile, "Indeed. It''s been a while, Alexe. I had no idea you were coming to visit." Secretly thinking to myself - ¡®which is a lie since I know the future.¡¯


    He shakes his head, "I had no choice, my parents are rushing me for marriage. It was either I come to the ball and find someone, or they find someone for me¡­¡±


    I raise an eyebrow, "And you decided to make a grand entrance by arriving with a mysterious male guest from the Noxarian Empire?"


    Alexe chuckles, "Well, that part was unexpected. Feitan and I met by chance, and since we were headed in the same direction, I offered him a ride. Little did I know he''d forget to take his wallet from his servant which led him to stay here until they come get him."


    I can''t help but find the situation both amusing and peculiar. "An unfortunate turn of events for Mr. Loyalvine," I remarked with a small smile.


    Feitan, who has been listening attentively, joins the conversation, "Indeed, a stroke of bad luck on my part. But I''m grateful for the hospitality extended to me by the Greenfield family."


    My uncle interjects, "No need for such formalities, Mr. Loyalvine. You''re practically family now."


    Feitan nods appreciatively, his eyes briefly meeting mine again before continuing his pleasantries with my uncle.


    I can¡¯t help but wonder, do all Noxarian men approach women in this manner? I fell for that scammer Theodore the exact same way! Using their good looks to flirt whilst being engaged, how vile. His charm will not work on be, after all I am cautious, fueled by past experiences.


    As the family settled into the sitting room, the conversation continued over some tea. I found myself engaged in discussions with various family members, catching up on the latest news and sharing any recent activities. Meanwhile, Feitan joined in, seamlessly becoming a part of the family gathering.


    As the afternoon progressed, the topic shifted to the upcoming ball. My mother, who is rather a ball enthusiast couldn¡¯t resist but express her excitement, "Oh, Cordelia, you only have two days to find a partner for your debutante ball.¡± With a mischievous twinkle in her eye she asked, sounding troubled, "Would any of you two boys know anyone without a partner for her?"


    I exchanged a subtle glance with Alexe, who seemed to understand what I was trying to convey despite having been around each other for a short amount of time. However, before he could offer himself up, Feitan had spoken up, "If Lady Cordelia doesn''t have an escort for the ball, I would be honored to accompany her."


    Surprised by the offer, I turned to Feitan, who met my gaze with a sincerity that contrasted with the image I had of Noxarian men "I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Loyalvine," I replied, carefully considering my words. "But I don¡¯t believe I would be a good match with yourself, especially since Noxarian men are engaged before they even enter the academy...¡±


    Feitan smiled, his eyes reflecting a glint of understanding. "Of course, my lady I understand your dilemma however, I am not engaged. If you would allow me, Lady Cordelia, it would be my pleasure to be your escort. How could I ever think a beautiful lady such as yourself not be a match? If anything, it should be the other way around."


    The room fell into a momentary silence, Feitan''s words carrying hidden meanings that caused tension in the air. His unexpected compliment left me momentarily speechless as I glanced at Alexe, who wore an amused expression, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. ¡®You¡¯re supposed to be helping me damn it!¡¯


    Feeling the need to break the silence, my uncle chimed in, "Well, well! It seems Cordelia¡¯s beauty has charmed another lad. What do you say, Cordelia? You only have two days to find someone after all."


    My mother, who is eager to see me engaged, rushes me "Cordelia, don¡¯t forget. The ball is soon, and you don¡¯t want to ask Roland. Why not take the offer? Feitan seems like a fine gentleman."


    Perhaps understanding the pleading gazes, I have been sending his way, Alexe speaks up, ¡°How about you spend some time together tonight? I believe there is usually a small party in the city to celebrate the coming-of-age ceremonies at the temple of light. Maybe you should get to know each other before deciding.¡±


    With a breath of relief, I smile towards the purple eyed charmer, ¡°Yes, I remember attending those as a child at the Greenfield duchy. Why don¡¯t we go tonight, the three of us?¡±

 [ Chapter 5 - So, you enjoy my face? ]

    As the night fell and festivities embraced the Greenfield duchy, the three of us headed out. Borrowing clothes from my mother¡¯s old room that was kept in a pristine state, I wore a casual commoner¡¯s dress she had from her younger days. I suppose my mother also had a hobby of sneaking out when young which was unexpected.


    As we left the estate from the back entrance, we could already hear echoes of laughter from the people enjoying the festival. A rather small temple of Light was the focus of attention with many stalls stationed around it and a few temple knights guarding its gate.


    Upon seeing the joyous atmosphere, even I felt an anticipation of the night that would follow. I have not been to these types of festivals for a while, at least in the previous life. I was too busy following a man around the Noxarian Empire after all.


    Entering the lively crowd, the murmurs of various conversations made it hard to hear what the other two were trying to convey. Something about food? I simply nodded, went to a chicken skewers stall, and asked for a piece. Meanwhile, Alexe headed to another stall selling cupcakes ¨C with the way he looks, you wouldn¡¯t expect him to have a sweet tooth.


    The smell of the chicken marinade slowly wafts towards my nose along with the sound of sizzling captures my interest and I cannot help but stare, gulping down my saliva. Ever since arriving back from the future, I have only eaten bread and drank tea so far¡­ The last dinner I had was soup and moldy bread while imprisoned.


    ¡°Pffft-¡±


    Turning my head, I look at Feitan who is sniffling his laughter, ¡°What¡¯s so funny? Never seen a hungry person before?¡±


    Wiping an imaginary tear from his eyes he replied, ¡°I have, but never a duke¡¯s daughter drooling over some chicken skewers.¡±


    Giving him a smile whilst holding back my anger, I forced some polite words out, ¡°Well, it is a luxury for me to taste such foods that aren¡¯t served at home. Of course, I would be quite¡­ hungry for it.¡±


    With a teasing smile, he leaned in, ¡°It seems you only purchased one, are you going to starve your guest from a faraway place, my lady?¡±


    With a disbelieving huff, I ask the stall owner to add another piece to my order. ¡°Happy?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I cannot believe a mesmerizing lady such as yourself would invite me to dinner,¡± grinning as he spoke, he grabbed the already done skewer and left elsewhere.


    ¡®What the-that was my skewer!¡¯ What a piece of work this man is, he seemed all gentlemanly only to steal a lady¡¯s skewer in front of the elders but now he¡¯s showing his true self! Sigh


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    The stall owner looks at me, ¡°Miss, the man may look handsome but doesn¡¯t seem to have any virtue! Make sure to choose a better partner next time!¡±


    Slightly surprised, I gave a delayed laugh at the comment given by the stall owner, ¡°You¡¯re right, I will. Thank you for your advice, sir.¡±


    Handing me the piping hot skewer, he gives me a wink, ¡°Of course, always happy to give such a pretty customer some advice.¡±


    As I leave, I look for a seat but as it was busy, most seats were taken at the stalls, so I found a bench a bit further out to sit on.


    Looking at the skewer, I squeal a little before putting my calm demeanor on again.


    Puff puff


    Blowing on the skewer before taking a little bit, I huff and huff as the food was still hot. However¡­ the taste was truly a luxury I haven¡¯t had in so long. The sauce was thick and the taste of salt and pepper with a little bit of a tang was truly seductive. Gulping down the bite, I blow once more before finishing the whole stick.


    ¡°Hah¡­¡± I lean back onto the bench as I throw the stick into a bin next to me. The ball, should I reject Feitan and ask Alexe to go with me? I truly do not want to be caught up with another man from the empire. Nothing good can come out from it, moreover ¨C the admirers of Feitan are many. To my knowledge, he is called an eligible bachelor at the empire¡¯s high society and the academy. ¡®I do not wish to be known as a stalker or villainess again¡­¡¯


    How has such a man not gotten engaged yet? Maybe¡­ Maybe he doesn¡¯t like women? Siting up in shock, I think to myself, ¡®what if his carriage didn¡¯t break down and he came here because he fell for Alexe?!¡¯


    Slapping my cheeks, I tell myself to wake up. It is impossible as I do remember Alexe getting engaged to a woman, although nothing on Feitans end¡­


    Chuckle


    ¡°My lady, you look quite¡­ adorable. What¡¯s got you to hm, caress your cheeks?¡±


    Shocked, I turn around and see him standing there holding two drinks and a bucket filled with a variety of skewers in hand. Stumbling on my words I say, ¡°I-I was uh¡­ J-just thinking about the ball¡­¡±


    Placing the bucket and drinks on the edge of the bench, he sits next to me. ¡®Isn¡¯t he a bit too close?!¡¯


    As if I wasn¡¯t shocked enough, he places his hand on mine and looks into my eyes. ¡°Can I call you by your first name, my lady?¡±


    Taken by surprise, I stuttered out a yes. Feitan, without missing a beat continues, ¡°Cordelia, my offer to be your partner is genuine. I truly wish to stand beside you.¡±


    With those words, he throws my mind into a turmoil. Stupidly, I stare at him, mouth agape.


    In the midst of his intense gaze and unexpected confession, I found myself momentarily sucked into his eyes. His touch, his breath and the sincerity in his eyes together almost seduce me into saying yes.


    However, catching myself back to normal I reply ¡°I appreciate your offer, truly. But¡­ I fear that accepting your offer would your reputation down. Moreover, we barely know each other enough to be partners. Gossip will arise and I hear I will not be able to marry without complications.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ how about I wed you?¡±


    ¡°¡­WHAT?!¡± Flabbergasted at the words that came out of his mouth I pull away and stand, ¡°are you crazy? To ask a woman you barely met to wed???¡±


    Standing up, he pulls me into a hug, ¡°I fell in love with you at first sight. This all your fault, you should take responsibility.¡±


    Breaking away from the hug, he looks deeply into my eyes with whirls of emotions that I could not understand¡­


    ¡°Tell me, do you not hear your own heart race for me? Even if you do not love me, I will still be loyal and loving unlike others! I can swear on the goddess herself-¡±


    Question marks race across my mind as I try to process this madman¡¯s words, I push him away, cutting him off, ¡°You are heir to the Loyalvine dukedom, and I am heir to the Stormcrest dukedom. This is ill fated! Rather, it is impossible for us even if I did enjoy your face!¡±


    Panting after spitting those words out, he suddenly breaks out into a huge smirk, ¡°So, you enjoy my face?¡±


    Flustered, I realize I had messed up! ¡°No¡­ I just¡­¡±


    Approaching me, he slowly kneels before looking up, ¡°I swear, whether in this life or a previous life, or any life¡­ I have always only had eyes for you. I am willing to throw everything I own away. Goddess, if you hear this oath, please gra-¡±


    Shocked, I put my palms on his mouth before he could finish ¨C ¡®this madman was going to swear an oath to the goddess, is he crazy?! I thought I was an idiot for falling in love at first sight but he¡¯s even worse!!!¡¯


    ¡°Okay! Stop! I accept, I surrender! Just, don¡¯t say anything more please¡­¡±


    Suddenly from behind the bushes, Alexe erupts into applause with some random people, ¡°Wow! Congrats young man! Congrats young lady! That was so romantic!¡±


    ¡®Wh-what the, were these people watching all along?!¡¯