Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Chapter 365  : The arrival

 I look outside my window. It was already nine in the morning, but instead of sunlight, I was welcome by dark clouds. It looks like heavy rain will fall soon. That means they would need to stop the search for now.

 I close my eyes and pray that it won't rain. The search party couldn't be stopped. It's already the third day since his highness, and the rest disappeared. If they continue to delay it, I'm afraid it will be too late for the three leads.

 "Csille, I heard from Aunt that you haven't eaten your lunch. You still need to recuperate. It's not a good idea to skip your breakfast. Have you been taking the medications I prescribed to you?"

 I open my eyes and stare at Brother Pascal, who is now sitting on the chair in front of me. I am currently in the garden, relaxing. However, I still couldn't stop myself from worrying.

 I heave a sigh. "Brother, how can I eat knowing that his highness and the rest might not be eating for days now?" I shake my head. "I don't have the appetite to eat anything at all."

 Brother Pascal stares at me for a few seconds. "But if you won't eat, you won't be able to join the search party. Also, don't you know how worried Aunt is? Do you plan to worry her more?"

 I shake my head. Search party? I smile birthday. "I already ask Mother if I can join the search, but she refuses. How can I be able to join the search party if Mother doesn't allow me? Will she even allow me? I don't think so."

 I know they were worried about me, but I couldn't stop myself. I couldn't stay here anymore and do nothing. I want to go out and help them. That is the only way I will be able to get my appetite back. But how can I help them if Mother will not allow me to join the search party?

 Brother Pascal holds my hand that is resting on the table. "Csille, I know you are worried about his highness, Prince Fraser. But you couldn't disregard your own health. What will his highness say if he knows what you are doing to yourself? I'm sure he wouldn't like that. So, why don't you eat first, okay? And about you joining the search party, your body is still not fit for it. Please understand your Mother. She only cares about you."

 I heave a sigh. I know the reason why she didn't allow me, but I still couldn't stop myself but feel disappointed. I don't want to wait here anymore.  "But Brother, my mind wouldn't be at ease knowing Prince Fraser, Rufus, and Sir Farren are still out there. I need to do something, Brother."

 Brother Pascal heaves a sigh and takes out something from his coat. I look at the envelope he put on the table. "Then why don't you do this?" He then pushes it towards me.  I look at the envelope in front of me before I look back at Brother Pascal. "Brother, what is this?"

 He just nods his head, urging me to open the letter. With a frown, I take the letter and open it.  It's from his majesty, King Simmond? And he wants me to do something for him.

 I look at Brother Pascal. "Brother?"

 He nods his head. "His Majesty called me early this morning to ask how you are doing. He was worried about you, so he decided to receive the guests on behalf of Prince Fraser. He knows you need some distraction, and he hopes you wouldn't decline this."

 How can I decline his majesty? It will be rude of me to do that, and I know he only cares about me. So, how can I?  I heave a sigh. I think this is better than staying in this house the whole day doing nothing. At least I can get off my mind from worrying about the three leads.

 "Brother, do you know who are the guests I need to receive?"  I don't have any problem receiving guests since I have done it a couple of times already. However, this time I will do it on my own. So, I need to know who are the guests I will be welcoming because I don't want to make a mistake. I don't want to disappoint his majesty.

 "It's the Great Ruler, Ruler Laird of the Illorian City, and Principal Germund of the Alderrdeen City. They will be arriving this afternoon, and his majesty thought you are the perfect person to welcome them since you are both acquainted with them.

 My eyes widened when I heard him mention the names of the guests. It's Godfather and Principal Germund. They are finally arriving. Too bad Prince Fraser is not here to welcome them with me.

 Brother Pascal probably noticed the sadness in my eyes. "Don't worry, Csille, I will be welcoming them with you. So, you don't need to be sad."

 I shake my head. "I couldn't help it, Brother. Godfather Laird and Principal Germund will be definitely happy to see Prince Fraser, and I welcome them. Too bad he isn't here with us."

 Brother holds my hand. "I'm sure once his highness hears the arrival of the Great Ruler and Principal Germund, he will get out of the place he is hiding and return to the Vrawyth Kingdom. So, don't worry, Csille. Everything will be okay soon."

 I look at Brother Pascal. I really hope it is really like that. That everything will be okay because I don't know what to do if something happens to the three leads.

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 I look at Brother Pascal, who seems so anxious right now. We are currently waiting for the arrival of the Illorian people and the Alderrdeen people. But it seems like Brother Pascal isn't prepared for this.  I understand him, though. We will be welcoming two of the powerful people in this world. Offending them could be an infinite doom for the whole Kingdom.  But there is really nothing to worry about because Ruler Laird is my Godfather while I had left a good impression on Principal Germund when I was still studying in Alderrdeen.

 "Brother, are you okay? Maybe it will be best if you take a rest first."

 Brother Pascal shakes his head. He then looks at his time watch. "How can I rest? They will arrive here in just a few minutes."

 I hold his arm, trying to relax him. "Brother, relax. We will just welcome them. Why do you look so nervous? You already know my connection with Ruler Laird, right?"

 He nods his head. "But they are still two of the most respected people in this world. Even his majesty, King Simmond, doesn't want to go against them. How can I not feel nervous?"

 I shrugged my shoulders. "Why would we? They came here as our guests. Also, the Vrawyth Kingdom has a good relationship with the two Cities. As long as we do our part and welcome them, I'm sure they will appreciate it. So, don't worry, Brother. Ruler Laird is a good man. He wouldn't make a big deal even if we make a simple mistake."

 Brother Pascal nods his head. He then takes a few deep breaths. He's probably calming himself.

 A moment after, he stares at me and gently caresses my head. "Now, I can really be assured that the Lauretré family is in good hands."

 I look at Brother Pascal and shake my head. Good hands? With Csille? If he only knew what will Csille do in the future, I'm sure he would take back all his words.

 "I still think you are the best choice for the heir of the Lauretré Family, Brother. How can a woman whose surname will be replaced rule the Lauretré Family?"

 Brother Pascal shakes his head. "You are more competent than I am, Csille, and you know our Family never cares about gender. As long as they can rule and take care of family matters. And look how well you are doing now? You already build a Foundation on your own and can handle talking to powerful people. Unlike me, who is already anxious just by thinking I will welcome the Great Ruler and Principal Germund."

 I look at Brother and shake my head. Although I have a lot of things I still want to say to him, I just remain quiet. Because I know no matter if he likes it or not, he wouldn't have a choice but to be the heir of the Lauretré Family.  Brother Pascal looks like he is about to say something but a guard comes rushing to us. "Dame Csille, Doctor Pascal, the carriages of Illorian City and Alderrdeen City are already near."

 I nod my head at the guard. "Thank you. Just proceed with the checking. Make sure to explain to them why do we still need to inspect their carriages, and we will follow suit." I calmly said to the guard.

 The guard bows his head and immediately excuses himself. I look at Brother Pascal and smile at him. "Let's go, Brother."

 We walk towards the gate and found the guards checking thoroughly the carriages of Illorian City and Alderrdeen City.  Brother Pascal, just wait on the sideline. We need to make sure that all the people in the carriage are really from the two Cities. It's for safety purposes.  His Majesty knows that some people might use the fact that the Vrawyth Kingdom welcomes guests from other Kingdoms and Cities. To ensure the safety of everyone, the guards need to thoroughly inspect each carriage.  Brother Pascal and I can only be allowed to get near any carriage once the guard confirms the identity of the people inside the carriage.

 One of the guards rushes toward me and bows his head. "Dame Csille, everything is all cleared. They can pass the gate."

 I nod my head. It is a sign that we can now get near the carriage to welcome both Godfather and Principal Germund. "Thank you for your hard work."  I look at Brother Pascal and nod my head at him, urging him to follow me. The two of us walk towards the carriage of Godfather. We bow our heads as a sign of respect. "Great Ruler, welcome to the Vrawyth Kingdom. Apologies if we need to check your carriages. It is for security customs. I hope you don't feel offended. As for why I am the one who welcomes you instead of his majesty, King Simmond, and his highness, Prince Fraser, I will explain it to you later. For now, let me guide you to where you will be staying."

 A minute has passed, and we still haven't heard any response from anyone inside the carriage. Brother Pascal and I look at each other. Confused with what is happening.

 Is my voice not that loud? That's why they didn't hear anything? Should I repeat my words?

 I was busy contemplating when I suddenly heard a laugh, and someone got off the carriage.  It's Ruler Laird!

 He is smiling widely at me. My eyes widen when I see Prince Germund getting off the carriage of Godfather.  Eh? How come Principal Germund is with Godfather? The distance between Illorian City and Alderrdeen City is far. How come they are in one carriage?

 "My dear, I finally see you again. It's been a long time since you sent me a letter. Do you even consider me as your Godfather?" Ruler Laird said while pouting.

 I smile at him and give him a hug. I couldn't deny the fact that I did miss him.  Ruler Laird hugs me back. He then caresses my back. A moment after, I break from the hug and look apologetically at him. "I apologize, Godfather. I got busy with my work at the Foundation that it slipped my mind to send you a letter. I hope you will forgive me."

 Godfather smiled reassuringly at me before he gently caressed my head. "I know. I was just joking. I heard your Foundation is doing great. I'm really proud of what you have become."

 I was about to say something when Principal Germund, who is standing behind Godfather, suddenly spoke. "I thought I am also a guest of the Vrawyth Kingdom? Why does it feel like someone is being biased here?"

 I look at Principal Germund and bow my head. "Apologies, Principal Germund. I just didn't expect I would see you inside Godfather's carriage."

 Principal Germund laughs. "Don't worry, Dame Csille. I am just kidding you." He looks around us. It looks like he is looking for something. After a few seconds, I heard him sigh. "I heard what happened to Prince Fraser. Is there any news about him?"

 I smile bitterly. Even them, who live far away from the Vrawyth Kingdom, also know what happened. I'm sure the other people already know about it.  Lying to them is already useless now. His majesty stated in his letter to keep the news about Prince Fraser's disappearance from Ruler Laird and Principal Germund. However, how can I keep something to someone if they already know it?

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