Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Chapter 342  : Appointment

 It was already morning when I woke up. I look around, trying to see where I am. It doesn't look like the room in Gisbert's house.  But where am I?

 I slowly get up and stretch my arms. I feel like my whole body is already numb from sleeping.  I was busy looking around my surrounding that I didn't realize that someone was looking at me. "I'm glad you're awake now."

 I look back and find Lady Nahale smiling at me warmly while holding a tray with a bowl on it.  I instinctively back away when I see the bowl on the tray. I probably got traumatized by the soup they made me drink yesterday that a mere bowl makes me want to run away from the room.

 Lady Nahale noticed my reaction. She smiles reassuringly at me. "Don't worry. This is not a herbal soup. It is a porridge made by your Brother. He said you like to eat porridge when you're sick, so I let him use my kitchen." She then walks toward me and puts the tray on the bedside table.

 I look at the bowl and sigh in relief to see that it is really a porridge. But what did she say? Brother Pascal cooked it for me in her Kitchen?  I look at Lady Nahale. "Lady Nahale, may I know where I am?"

 She smiles at me and takes a bed table before putting the bowl on it. "You're currently staying in my house. Doctor Pascal initially planned to make you and him stay in Gisbert's house. However, as the chieftess of Mt. Carmen, it is not appropriate for an unmarried woman to stay in the house of an unmarried man. So, I ask Doctor Pascal to stay in Gisbert's house while you stay with me."

 I nod my head. It's the reason why I wasn't familiar with the surrounding. "Thank you for your kindness, Lady Nahale, and I apologize if I bothered you. I was planning to just visit the people, but I didn't expect I would lose my consciousness."

 Lady Nahale shakes her head. "You will never be a bother, Dame Csille. We were actually happy to have you here. You're the only noble who visited Mt. Carmen, not just once but also twice, so everyone was happy to have you here. So, you don't have to worry." She then gestures her hand towards the bowl of porridge. Urging me to eat. "You should eat now. I'm sure you are already famished. I will leave you alone first so you can eat your meal in peace."

 After making sure that everything was okay, she then left me alone. I look at the bowl of porridge and my surroundings before I sigh.  I was glad that I managed to get away from Prince Fraser for a day, but I feel guilty knowing I worried everyone. It's not my intention to do that, though.

 I heave a sigh and take a spoonful of porridge. I need to eat because I am sure today will be a long day. I'm sure Mother and Father will be disappointed with me again because I left the capital without informing them. I didn't even send a letter to update them on what was happening. I just hope they are not that mad at me.

 After eating the porridge and fixing my hair, I decided to get out of the room where I was staying. I haven't even taken a step when I see Brother Pascal.  "Brother..." I wasn't able to finish what I wanted to say because he rushed to hug me.

 "Csille, are you okay now?" He then heaves a sigh and shakes his head while still hugging me. "I shouldn't have let you come here. Look what happened to you. I already updated Uncle and Aunt with what happened to you, and they said we could stay here until you feel better. They know it won't be good to force yourself to go down the Mountain because you might collapse again."

 I sighed in relief when I heard what he said. I was worried that Mother and Father might feel anxious because I wasn't able to inform them about my whereabouts. But I'm glad Brother decided to send them a letter.  I hug Brother in return. "Thank you, Brother, and I apologize for making you worried. I never intended to make this happen. I—"

 Brother Pascal breaks from the hug and stares straight into my eyes. I can see through his eyes how anxious he is right now. "Csille, tell me. Are you even resting? I already checked you, and I don't see anything wrong aside from you're just fatigued. Are you overworking yourself again? How many times would I have told you that doing that is not healthy for you?" He then shakes his head.

 I look at him and sigh. I suddenly feel guilty for making him worry. I only plan to just waste some time, so I wouldn't have to face Prince Fraser. However, I didn't expect things will turn out this way. I forgot that I didn't get much sleep the other night. It's probably the reason why I was so exhausted after climbing up Mt. Carmen.

 "I'm sorry, Brother. Trust me, I was trying not to overwork myself, but I couldn't help it. I have a lot of work to do in the Foundation, and I don't want to interrupt Mister Bertrand anymore. That's why I didn't get much sleep the other night. I'm sorry for making you worry."

 Brother Pascal sighed and gently caressed my head. "Don't do that again. Also, if you're going to come here, make sure to bring me with you so I can be assured that nothing like this will happen to you again."

 I nod my head. I was about to say something to him when someone spoke behind us.  "The two of you are really close, aren't you?" The two of us look at Lady Nahale, who is looking at us with a warm smile. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but some people are here to visit Dame Csille. They were worried about her and wanted to check how she was doing now. I just want to ask if you want to meet them, or should I send them home?"

 Brother Pascal heaves a sigh before he looks at me. "Are you okay now? Do you want to meet those people? You don't have to force yourself if you still feel weak."

 Before I can even answer Brother Pascal, Lady Nahale cuts me off. "I'm sure they will all understand if you decline to see them. I already told them that you are still sick and might not see anyone. They just want to check on you."

 The reason why I came here is not just because I am avoiding Prince Fraser but because I also want to meet the lovely people of Mt. Carmen.  The last time Brother Pascal and I stayed here. They were so warm and loving to us that I couldn't help but bond with them. I also promised them before that I would try to help them. I just still haven't made a plan on how I can help them. Maybe I should create a plan for them once we return to the capital.

 "Dame Csille? Should I just send them home? I know I shouldn't ask this because you're still recovering, but I know how you bonded with them last time and thought you might want to see them again."

 I look at Lady Nahale and smile at her. "I will see them. Thank you for informing me, Lady Nahale, and I apologize for bothering you."

 Lady Nahale shakes her head at me. "Dame Csille, it was an honor for us to have you here. So, why would I complain? Also, I have seen how people were happy to know you are here. As the chieftess of Mt. Carmen, how can I not welcome the person my people love?" She then looks behind her. "If that is the case, I will go inform them that you will see them. I'm sure they will be happy with the news. Also, I have prepared clothing for you in the room where you have stayed. You can wear it if you want. I'm sure you already feel uncomfortable with your clothing. But I will also understand it if you don't. I don't have any clothing that is similar to yours."

 Their clothing is different than the clothing we use in the capital. So, I understand why she is worried I wouldn't wear that thing.

 "Thank you for the inconvenience. I will be freshening up myself first and will see them in a few moments."

 Lady Nahale nods her head before she heads out to inform her people. I raised my eyebrows when I noticed how she simply looked at Brother Pascal, who was standing beside me.

 Did I see that right? Did she really look at Brother Pascal?  I look at my oblivious Brother, who is still looking in the direction where Lady Nahale went.  I really think these two will make a good couple. ________________________________

 "Dame Csille, are you sure you will leave Mt. Carmen today? You just recovered. Wouldn't that be bad for your health?"

 Lady Nahale said it's the people's tradition in welcoming visitors. They will set up tables and chairs outside and do fun activities. There is singing and dancing. They even share some funny stories to keep the visitors entertained. They said the festival usually lasts for the whole day, but because I just recovered from sickness, Lady Nahale reminded the people to do it until lunchtime, and now we are all eating our lunch while talking.

 I smile at the old woman who is holding my hand tightly. She is one of the elderly in Mt. Carmen who went to see me this morning. After the conversation I had with them, they invited me to a small festival.  Lady Nahale said it's the people's tradition in welcoming visitors. They will set up tables and chairs outside and do fun activities. There is singing and dancing. They even share some funny stories to keep the visitors entertained. They said the festival usually lasts for the whole day, but because I just recovered from sickness, Lady Nahale reminded the people to do it until lunchtime, and now we are all eating our lunch while talking.

 "As much as I want to stay here for another day, I couldn't do that. I still have a Foundation to run. Also, haven't I promised you all that I would help you? I need to return to the capital now so I can create a plan for Mt. Carmen. Don't worry. I will definitely return here."

 The old woman heaves a sigh and smiles at me. I could see the disappointment in her eyes, but she still made sure that she was smiling when talking to me. "You are really an angel, Dame Csille. Mt. Carmen people couldn't wait for the day you would become the Queen. I'm sure if that happens, the Vrawyth Kingdom will soon to noticed our existence." She then smiles sadly at me.

 I heard from Lady Nahale that they hadn't received much help from the Kingdom. It's probably because of their location. It's difficult to get here. That's why they were almost forgotten.

 I hold the old woman's hand and smile reassuringly at her. Although I wouldn't be the Queen of the Vrawyth Kingdom, I will make sure that I will do something for them before I turn my back against the Kingdom.

 "Don't worry, once I arrive at the capital. I will create a plan for Mt. Carmen. I will also open this up to my Father and his majesty to see what they can do for all of you."

 The old woman cried when she heard what I said. She is about to say something when someone cuts her off. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

 "It is really our fortune to welcome a visitor like you, Dame Csille. I should probably thank Grandmother Ulla because if not because of her, you wouldn't be able to come up here. What they said is true. The Vrawyth Kingdom will definitely prosper when you become the Queen."

 I stand up and smile at her. "You are flattering me, Lady Nahale. I am only doing what I should be doing. Also, I should be the one thanking you for welcoming me to Mt. Carmen."

 Lady Nahale smiled at me before she offered her hands to me, which I gladly accepted. She then looks around the people of Mt. Carmen. "Listen, everyone. As the chieftess of Mt. Carmen, I will appoint Dame Csille as the secondary chieftess of Mt. Carmen."

 I immediately looked at Lady Nahale when I heard what she said. Secondary Chieftess? I don't think that's a good idea. I was about to complain, but my words got stuck in my throat when I heard the people cheer loudly. It's as if they were happy with Lady Nahale's decision.

 A moment after, she claps her hand, and everyone becomes quiet again. "Starting from now, Dame Csille Lauretré will be the secondary chieftess of Mt. Carmen. However, she wouldn't have any work to do. All the responsibilities will still be made by me. But she will still have the same authority as I have. I want you to treat Dame Csille the way you treat me. Is that clear?"

 Everyone cheered loudly. Some even raised their goblet for a toast. I look at Brother Pascal, who looks like he also couldn't believe what happened.  "I hope you wouldn't mind, Dame Csille."

 I was startled when I heard someone whisper to me. I look back and find Lady Nahale smiling at me.

 I do mind, okay? But how can I complain? If you already announced to everyone that I would be the secondary chieftess of Mt. Carmen?