Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Chapter 387  : He knows...

 I look at the calm lake and take a breath of fresh air. It's really a good way to relax yourself in nature. It's always refreshing and gives positive energy.  "It seems like you are really fond of nature. Do you always go here, Dame Csille?"

 However, the peacefulness I felt suddenly disappeared when I heard Prince Joachim's voice. I almost forgot I came here with him.  I open my eyes and look back at him. Even if I wanted to give him a face, I knew I couldn't do that. Even if the Yesian Kingdom is a small Kingdom, we still need them to remain everything in balance.

 Once the balance among the seven Kingdoms was broken, a huge war would soon emerge, and that is not what every ruler wants.

 I didn't say anything and just nodded my head before I turned my head again to the calm lake.  "I didn't know you were fond of nature. You should have told me. I could have shown you around the Alderrdeen. Do you know that they have beautiful places there? We could have a stroll around those places."

 I would appreciate it more if I were alone. But touring the Alderrdeen City with you? I don't think I would enjoy that. Also, what made him think I would agree to that? Just because he was my Professor in Alderrdeen, it doesn't mean I am friends with him.

 I didn't reply and continued to relax myself. I'll just have to pretend that I was too preoccupied with relaxing. I think he would become silent if he realized I was busy here.

 However, it looks like I underestimated the emotional quotient of this Prince. Even if I didn't respond to him, he still wanted to talk to me.

 "Dame Csille, are you mad at me?"

 I take a deep breath and reluctantly look back at him. Even if I want to keep pretending, I know I need to answer his question.  "Your highness, is there any reason for me to get mad at you?"

 Prince Joachim stares at me for a couple of seconds. It looks like he is trying to read what is on my mind. He then takes a deep breath after. "You didn't answer my question, Dame Csille. So, I guess that is a confirmation that you are really mad at me."

 I almost rolled my eyes when I heard what he said. I am not mad at him. I just feel irritated and uncomfortable around him, but it doesn't mean that I hate him or I am mad at him.  I smile reassuringly at him. "Your highness, why would I be mad at you? You didn't do anything wrong with me. So, why would I?"

 What I said is true. I didn't have any reason to get mad at him. So, why would I?

 He then stares at me again. It seems like he doesn't fully believe what I have said. "Is what you are saying true?"

 I smile reassuringly at him. "Your highness, is there any reason for me to lie to you? If you don't believe me, then can you tell me how I can make you believe what I said?"

 I heard Prince Joachim sigh. Then he shakes his head after. "Forget it. I will believe what you have said." He looks around us. "May I know the reason why you are here? You said you want to take some breather? Is there something wrong? Is it..." he paused for a few seconds. "Is it about his highness, Prince Fraser?"

 I felt my body becomes rigid when I heard him mention Prince Fraser's name. The person who is the root cause of everything. If he only didn't say anything, I would have been able to save the relationship of Vrawyth Kingdom with Illorian City and Alderrdeen City.  I just smile at Prince Joachim and close my eyes to pretend I am trying to relax. But it seems like this Prince is also similar to Prince Fraser, who doesn't care about me.  "Am I right? Is it really him? What did he do this time? Did he force you again to do something against your will?"

 I take a few deep breaths before I look back at him. I really want to snap at him and drive him away, but I know I couldn't do that. So, I just tried my best to calmly talk to this annoyingly Prince.

 "Your highness, Prince Joachim. Prince Fraser never forces me to do things I don't like. So, I don't understand where these words are coming from."

 I heard Prince Joachim scoff. "He never forces you? I may not always be by your side, but I am well aware of what is happening, Dame Csille. I have seen it with my own eyes how he treats you. So, don't try to save his face in front of me. Also, can you not call me your highness? I don't like it when you do that."

 I turn my head to the lake.

 If he already knows, why does he need to ask? Isn't it obvious?  I heave a sigh. Even if he already knows what happened, I still need to defend Prince Fraser because I need to make sure that Prince Joachim wouldn't have any reason to break the relationship between Yesian and the Vrawyth Kingdom.

 "Prince Joachim, I know you have seen Prince Fraser shouting at me before, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't treat me right. You don't grow up with us. You don't know how we treat each other. So please stop assuming things as if you have seen everything from the start."

 I know what I said might sound rude to him, but I don't have any other choice. I need to defend Prince Fraser's reputation in front of him.

 I stand up properly and look at him. I think it's best if I should leave already. Talking to Prince Joachim frustrates me more.

 I wanted to go out to have some time for myself, and this Prince here isn't helping me a bit.

 "Apologies, but I think I need to go now. I don't think getting a breather will work for me. Excuse me." I was about to take a step, but Prince Joachim extended his hand and blocked my way. I look at him and frown. "Prince Joachim?"

 "I apologize. I shouldn't have said those things that don't concern me, so I apologize. I don't mean to sound mean. I was just concerned about you. So, I hope you can also understand me."

 I appreciate his concern, but right now, all I want is some peacefulness. But I cannot tell him I need time on my own because it might sound like I am driving him away.

 I smile reassuringly at him. "Prince Joachim, I understand your concern, and trust me, I appreciate that. However, I need to go home now because I just sneaked out of the house. I'm sure if anyone has noticed that I was gone, they will be worried about me. So, I hope you can also understand why I need to leave."

 Prince Joachim stares at me intently before he puts his arm down. "Oh, apologies. I know you only want to be alone right now, and me being with you isn't helping at all. But I just want to make you know that I am just here for you. Let me be beside you, Csille. Just this once while Prince Rufus isn't there to support you."

 I frown. What does he mean by letting him be beside me? He and Rufus are two different people. I am close with Rufus because I grew up with him. While I barely know him. So, why would I let him?  "Prince Joachim, I appreciate the concern, but I am doing okay. So, you don't have to worry about me." I bow my head at him. "I will be going then. Thank you for bringing me here. I hope you have a great day ahead of you."

 I immediately took a step after I said those words. I don't need to worry about him because there are few guards around us. So, I'm sure he could get home safe.

 I had only taken a few steps when Prince Joachim suddenly spoke. "Dame Csille, I know you are worried about the Great Ruler and Principal Germund breaking their relationship with the Vrawyth Kingdom. If you want, I can help you with it. I have a solution for you."

 My eyes immediately widened when I heard what he said. But I remain facing my back at him. I cannot let him see my expression. Even if he is the ally of the Vrawyth Kingdom, I still need to be careful. No one should know that the Illorian City and Alderrdeen City are backing the Vrawyth Kingdom, or else it will cause a huge conflict among the Kingdoms.

 But how come he knows the relationship the Vrawyth Kingdom has with Illorian City and Alderrdeen? I'm pretty sure no one aside from the Royal family and the Lauretré knows about this. So, how come?

 I heave a sigh and continue walking. As much as I want to ask him the reason why he knows that secret reason with Illorian City and Alderrdeen City or ask him the solution he is talking about. I know I couldn't do that because I would be confirming things if I did. I'm not even sure if he really knows the secret relationship or if he just wants to confirm it.  So, I would rather pretend I didn't hear anything. I continued walking and ignored what he said.  "I understand that you don't want to talk about it. But if you ever need someone, I am just here. I will be extending my stay for a month in the Vrawyth Kingdom. So, you can find me anytime you want. And about the offer, I mentioned to you. The solution I am talking about, I am always free to talk about it. I'm sure it will definitely help the Vrawyth Kingdom."

 I rolled my eyes. Why would I look for him? Does he really think I am close with him just because I often talk to him?  And does he really think he could help me? What can he even do? He's the forgotten Prince of the Yesian Kingdom. So, what can he offer to me?

________________________________

 I was about to walk inside my room when I heard the voice of Brother Pascal behind me.

 "And where did you go again?" I heard him sigh after.

 I slowly look back and find him frowning at me. I thought I was fortunate enough that no one noticed my absence, but I guess I was wrong.  I smile sweetly at Brother Pascal. "Brother, you are here? I thought you would be busy in the Hospital? How come you are here?"

 He raised his eyebrow at me. "How can I sit still in the hospital, knowing someone here will definitely find a way to sneak out again." He shakes his head. "Where did you go this time, Csille?"

 "Brother, I'm sorry. I initially planned to stay here the whole day, but because of what happened this morning, I couldn't help but stress myself out. I tried to calm myself, but no matter what I did, I couldn't do anything to stop myself from worrying. So, I decided to sneak out to get some breather. I just visited Rufus for the last time before going to the lakeside."

 I know he already heard the news that I visited Rufus this morning. So, lying to him will be futile.  He frowns. "Visiting Prince Rufus for the last time? What do you mean, Csille? Also, why do you keep worrying about things that don't concern you? Let the King and Queen find a way to solve this problem. It's their responsibility. Not yours."

 I shake my head and smile bitterly. "I need to distance myself from Prince Rufus already. Now that I am not his highness's fiancée, it won't be good if I keep my relationship with them. Also, everything that is happening right now is related to me, Brother. The reason why Ruler Laird and Principal Germund decided to cut off their connection with the Vrawyth Kingdom is because of me. So, I need to do something about it. The Vrawyth Kingdom will need their support, Brother. We cannot afford to lose them."

 Brother Pascal walks toward me and gently caresses my head. "You already grew up. But remember, Csille, it's not your responsibility to do all of this. I know you want to help the royal family, but if you do that, wouldn't you make it easy for Prince Fraser? The one who is the real reason why this is happening? Let him deal with it. You already said it. You are not his fiancée anymore. It's not your responsibility to save him or to help him."

 I know that, but my conscience doesn't allow me to do nothing. After all, I will be the reason for the incoming war. I need to make sure that the Vrawyth Kingdom will withstand this war no matter what. I need to make sure that all the sacrifices I make will not end up in despair.Nôv(el)B\\jnn