Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Chapter 375  : The announcement

 We stop in front of one of the guests' rooms in the palace. Although I have a lot of questions right now, I just remain quiet. Prince Fraser had already glared at me earlier. I don't want to be glared at again. Knowing his temper? I would rather be quiet for now.

 Prince Fraser knocks three times before he opens the door. I immediately stop him. Although we are still in the Palace, it is rude to enter one's room without consent.

 Prince Fraser stares at me and frowns. I just shake my head and pull his hand again. "Your highness, I don't think it is a good idea to walk inside someone else room. Although this is still part of the Palace, it is still a widely known etiquette not to barge into some—"

 I wasn't able to continue what I wanted to say because Prince Fraser interrupted me. "This is the room of Ruler Laird. We are here because he wants to talk to the two of us."

 Godfather? So the reason why he pulls me here is because of Godfather? I heave a sigh of relief. I thought he had seen that I was talking to Mister Sewell, and he brought me here to scold me.  I nod my head and smile awkwardly at him. "Apologies, I didn't know."

 Prince Fraser stares at me for a few seconds before he lets go of my hand and enters the room without me.  I look at his back and shake my head. The reason why he is only holding my hand earlier is because he is bringing me to Godfather's room. But because I already know his reason, he immediately let go of my hand?  Does he really hate me this much?

 I smile bitterly and follow him inside. I think I already know the answer to that question.

 The moment we walked inside the receiving area, we were immediately welcomed with a warm hug by Ruler Laird. "My dear, Csille, and Fraser. You are finally here. Principal Germund and I were waiting for the both of you. Come sit." He then breaks from the hug and gestures his hand to the vacant sofa.  Prince Fraser helps gesture his hand to the seat while looking at me. "Ladies first."  I shake my head and hold his left arm. "You should sit first. You're the one who is injured here. Why do you need to care about me?"  Prince Fraser looks like he wants to argue with me but decided not to pursue it. He just let me help him sit on the sofa. After making sure he settled in, I sat a few inches away from him. I don't want him to think that I am taking advantage of the situation.  I may like him, but I am not desperate for him. The real Csille might be, but I am not.  Ruler Laird smiled at us. "The two of you are really fitting for each other." He then looks at Prince Fraser. "I am glad you are here, Prince Fraser. The two of us, Principal Germund and I, we're worried about you. I hope Prince Rufus and your personal knight will get better soon."

 Prince Fraser bows his head. "Thank you for worrying about me, Godfather. Prince Rufus and Sir Farren are still recuperating, but they are in stable condition now. Forgive me if I wasn't able to welcome you to the Vrawyth Kingdom. I hope you are enjoying your stay here."

 Godfather smiled at us reassuringly. "I'm glad to hear that, and don't worry about you not welcoming us. Csille and her brother, Doctor Pascal, welcome us warmly. Even the King and the Queen of the Vrawyth kingdom made sure that we would enjoy our stay here."

 Prince Fraser heaves a sigh of relief. He then stares at me and mouths his thank you. I just look at him, dumbfounded by what happened. I didn't expect I would see him mouthing thank you at me.  "Fraser, Csille, we call you here because we couldn't wait anymore."

 Prince Fraser and I both look at Godfather, who spoke just now. Couldn't wait anymore about what? What are they waiting for?  "Godfather, may I know what you are waiting for?"

 Ruler Laird smiled at Prince Fraser. "I heard that aside from your Birthday celebration, his majesty will be announcing something important today. Principal Germund and I were both curious about what King Simmond will announce later."

 I felt my hand tremble when I heard what Godfather said. He is right, though. His Majesty, King Simmond, is supposed to officially announce Prince Fraser's engagement with me. But because something will happen tonight, that announcement will never happen.  So, how can we answer that question? I look at Prince Fraser, hoping he could answer that for us, but it seems like Prince Fraser couldn't lie to Ruler Laird because it would not be good for his image if he lied to Ruler Laird.  I heave a sigh. We need to give Ruler Laird an answer, but we both know Prince Fraser cannot lie to Ruler Laird. So, the only choice left is for me to answer that question for Prince Fraser.

 With trembling hands, I take the teapot and gently pour it into the empty teacups. After pouring tea into the teacups, I offer it to Ruler Laird and Principal Germund.

 "Godfather, Principal Germund, why don't we drink tea first before we answer that question."

 Godfather smiles gratefully at me before he takes the teacup from my hand. Principal Germund follows.  I pour another tea into the remaining teacups and offer it to Prince Fraser too. I think a cup of tea will help all of us to release some tension in our bodies.  I also want to buy some time, so I can prepare myself before I lie to them. I couldn't tell Godfather the truth because I couldn't let Prince Fraser know that I was well aware of what will happen tonight.

 After I finished drinking the tea, I calmly put my teacup down and smiled at them. "About your question, Godfather. I know the two of you already know that—"

 I was just starting to come up with an excuse when Prince Fraser suddenly put his teacup down and interrupted me. "Godfather, are you referring to my engagement with Csille?" n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Godfather smiled widely when he heard the word engagement. "Yes, it's been more than a year after Csille's coming of age. I think it is the right time to announce your engagement with her. Don't you think so?"

 Announce my engagement with him? Are you serious? Why would the male lead choose the villainess over his female lead? And he really decided to ask these questions an hour before Prince Fraser...  I look at Prince Fraser, waiting for him to answer Ruler Laird. I was already planning to answer the question, why doe he need to cuts me off? What does he want to do now?

 Prince Fraser takes a deep sigh. "Apologies, Godfather, but I might disa—"

 My eyes widened when I realized what Prince Fraser wanted to say. I immediately interrupt him. "Godfather, apologies. I know it's disappointing to hear that until now, there's still no official announcement about Prince Fraser's engagement with me. You know I got busy with my studies in Alderrdeen last year that's why I ask His Majesty to postpone the announcement. But don't worry, His Majesty will definitely announce it tonight."

 Prince Fraser stares at me, but I just remain looking at Godfather, who looks so happy right now. "That's good. I can finally be assured that the two of you will end up together." He then looks at Prince Fraser. "Fraser, I want you to promise me that you will take care of Csille. I hope you wouldn't disappoint us, Fraser."

 I look at Prince Fraser, hoping he would go with the flow, and to my surprise, he nods his head.  I heave a sigh. I thought he was really planning to lay out his plan for tonight. Although I don't want to lie to Ruler Laird and Principal Germund, I think this is the wise thing to do right now. I don't think the two of us can handle the anger of both Ruler Laird and Principal Germund if he still pursues his initial plan.

 I'm sorry, Godfather. I'm sorry for lying again to you. ________________________________

 After our conversation with Ruler Laird and Principal Germund, I immediately runaway from Prince Fraser. Because I know he will ask me why I tried to stop him, and I know I cannot answer that.  So, I did the most logical thing I knew. It is to run away.

 I walk inside the venue of the banquet and find a secluded place where no one will notice my existence. I just need to wait for the announcement and leave after.  All I need to do is wait for a couple of minutes, and everything will change soon. Just a little more.

 A moment after, His Majesty stands up from his royal seat and walks in front of everyone. Then he smiles widely. "This Banquet is not just a celebration for my only son's birthday. It is also a celebration of his safe return. Everyone already knows the accident that happened the other day that leaves Prince Rufus and Prince Fraser's personal knight, Sir Farren, wounded. This banquet is also a celebration for life." His Majesty raises the wine cup he is holding. "For Prince Fraser and Prince Rufus's fast recovery!"

 Everyone raises their cups and shouts, "for Prince Fraser and Prince Rufus's fast recovery."

 I just look at them and wait for things to unfold. This is just the start. Soon he will announce something important, but that announcement will be interrupted by Prince Fraser.

 After everyone takes a sip of their wine, King Simmon remains standing in front. He just smiles at us. "I know everyone knows that aside from celebration, I will be announcing something important tonight. Something that everyone has been waiting for."

 I felt my hand tremble when I heard what he said. I look around, trying to find Prince Fraser, and I see him standing behind His Majesty.  Everyone murmurs after they hear what King Simmond said. Everyone knows that His Majesty will officially announce my engagement with Prince Fraser.  "They are finally announcing his highness's engagement with Dame Csille. Finally. Everyone is waiting for this."

 "Wouldn't that mean Prince Fraser has established his position as the future King of the Vrawyth Kingdom? After all, once the Lauretré Family supports Prince Fraser, it will make his standing firm. I'm sure the other nobles will also support his highness once the Lauretré Family voice out their support."

 "And that will make Lauretré Family the most powerful noble among nobles. It will be more difficult to go against them now. We should be careful when talking to them starting from now then. We don't want to go against the royal family, don't we?"

 I almost scoffed when I heard what they said. Royal family? The Lauretré? That will be in Csille's dreams only.  And I know some of the nobles here are secretly anxious about the Astalieu and Lauretré ties because it will be difficult for them to go against the Lauretré family now.  However, all those worries will be useless at the end of this night.  His Majesty looks around with a smile on his face. I can see the genuine happiness in his eyes. Too bad that happiness will be short lived.  "I, King Simmond Astalieu of the Vrawyth Kingdom is officially announcing the engag—"

 His Majesty's words were cut off because Prince Fraser whispered something to him.  Although no one can hear what Prince Fraser said, I know what he whispered to his majesty. Just by looking at King Simmond's reaction, I already know that what I have written are the words Prince Fraser whispered to him.  "Father, please don't announce anything. I don't want to get engaged with Csille."

 Those are the exact words Prince Fraser whispered to King Simmond. It's the reason why his majesty is currently looking at his son with horror.

 I smile bitterly and prepare myself because that whisper is not enough for Prince Fraser. He will say something that will not just embarrass the whole Lauretré Family but will also crush the heart of Csille Lauretré.