Novel The Villainess Will Work Hard For A Good Life After Her Broken Engagement!

Discussion in 'Community Fictions' started by Akemin, Sep 8, 2017.

  1. Vemmy

    Vemmy Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the chapter! Mysterious things and not so hidden dangers! How exciting! Wherever you post it, I shall hunt it down and read it (☆_☆)! I'm not too good with humour so I'm not sure if there's been jokes....and stuff.....but it varies from person to person so there's nothing wrong with adding a comedy tag right?
     
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  2. imsodone

    imsodone 『Creep』

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    1. Yeah. :hmm: Going to RRL seems like a hassle and Wattpad is cancer so posting in NUF is the best! :aww::aww:
    2. I think its funny.

    Also, is that her power? To summon evil if she's sick or something :hmm: Sounds cool.:aww:
     
  3. PamelAxiah

    PamelAxiah Well-Known Member

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    1. I think wattpad or NUF more convinient. Also its hard to copy the story from wattpad. But i don't have any problem where the story gonna post. Because i already like the story and plan to continue follow it
    2. Yes, its funny and easygoing story that makes someone enjoy reading it
     
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  4. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 4 - The Villainess Meets her New Tutors
    In my previous life, ‘Resonant Hearts’ was a light novel series popular with high school girls.

    The story was set in an exciting fantasy world with swords and magic. The heroine lived her life as a simple townsperson with her mother until she was 14. When she was 14, a monster outbreak occurred within the country with many townspeople caught unprepared. Her own mother was heavily injured and would have died, had the heroine not unleashed her hidden powers and managed to heal her using magic. As magicians were extremely rare and considered a gift to the country, the heroine was invited to the Royal Academy where she would study how to control her powers.

    At the Academy, she met the First Prince, Prince Charles, and later fell in love with him due to his kindness. However, the path of their love was filled with many trials and tribulations due to the differences in background and status.

    And I, reborn as Mob Character C, watched over the both of them from behind pillars as they overcame challenges one by one, defeating enemies and getting recognised by others, before finally reaching their happily ever after.



    … …

    “… anna… Lady Liliana…”

    “Ngnh… Just a few minutes more…”

    I could hear Diana’s voice calling me into consciousness as someone patted me gently on my side. I furrowed my brows and buried deeper under the covers.

    “If you don’t wake up soon, you are going to be late for your class,” Diana said curtly.

    “No… I’m Mob Character C. Mob characters don’t need to wake up so early…”

    There was a moment of silence before Diana asked warily, “Lady Liliana, are you sleep talking?”

    “Yes…”

    I could hear Diana give a sigh.

    Following that, I felt her warm breath close to my exposed ear.

    “Didn’t you say you are going to do your best for the Prince?” she whispered.

    My eyes immediately snapped open as I was forced to confront the cruel truth.

    Although being reincarnated as Mob Character C would have been more than enough for me, I had been reincarnated as the villainess of the story, Liliana Gracia Remington, instead.

    Liliana died a pitiful death in the story, but since I had no interest in committing suicide, my life should be safe. Nevertheless, when the Prince falls in love with the heroine and breaks our engagement, I might end up being a useless old maid, so I had decided to improve myself after my visit to the Royal Palace.

    I rubbed my drowsy eyes and slowly rolled out of bed.

    “Why must I be born as Liliana…?” I grumbled under my breath sleepily.

    Diana ignored my complaints and instructed the other maids who entered the room with her to open the curtains and help with my washing and dressing.

    Diana first started serving as my personal maid three years ago after the incident where I fell off the stairs. Looking at her fluid movements and confident voice calling out instructions to the other maids, you would never have guessed how clumsy and uneasy she was when she first came in. Her hair was a black bob back then, and she looked just like zashiki warashi with straight bangs. She started growing it out after a while, and it had now grown into a length that was long enough to be tied up into a ponytail. Not only that, she had also grown up to be tall and slim, with her height reaching around 170 cm.

    I stared at my reflection in the mirror as the maids prepared my clothing. I was only slightly over 130 cm but I still have room to grow right? It’s not like I’m jealous of her model like height or anything!

    “Lady Liliana, you look like you have something to say,” Diana said as she started brushing my hair while I was seated in front of the vanity table.

    “Diana is not cute anymore,” I lamented with a sigh.

    Diana stopped her actions and raised an eyebrow as she looked at me from the mirror.

    “I am amazed at how your trail of thought move.”

    “Oh ho ho ho! Have you finally figured out my superpower?” I answered as I placed a straightened palm below my mouth, mimicking the action of haughty young ladies I often saw in manga and anime.

    Diana gave a wry smile before she continued brushing. The other maids had left after doing their duties, so there was only the two of us left.

    “What kind of hairstyle would you like today?”

    “Hmmm… A normal half up will do.”

    “Understood.”

    I closed as my eyes as I enjoyed the feeling of having fingers run through my hair.

    Diana was older than me by 8 years - just like my elder brother, so I often thought of her as a sisterly figure as well. When I told this to the person herself, she only gave a wry smile and said that she would give a pass at having such a troublesome younger sister, breaking my heart.

    “It is done,” Diana announced as she secured the hair with a pin.

    I stood up from the chair and turned to look at the back of my head from the mirror. A simple twist knot had been secured with a white flower pin.

    Alright! Looking good.

    While trying to hold back a yawn, I asked, “Do you know what is for breakfast today?”

    “You will find out when the maids bring in the breakfast later.”

    “I want bacon and eggs, bacon and eggs~” I hummed a silly little tune as I stood up and headed out of the room.

    Out on the corridor, I leaned on the wooden railing and looked down at the indoor garden where a mini fountain had water bubbling out cheerfully. The sunlight coming in from the glass center on the roof shone down on the leafy green plants, making the whole place bright amidst the tranquillity.

    The building I was staying in was shaped similarly to a 50 yen coin with a small indoor garden in the center. Taking up half of the second level was my bedroom with an attached dining area, lounge, as well a bathroom.

    Taking up the next quarter of the level was my paradise - my study room that was adjoined to a library.

    The last quarter of the level was split into three servant rooms. However, as Diana was my only personal maid, two of the rooms were unused.

    Although I was from an above average middle class family in my previous life, my room was nothing compared to this large and beautiful space I had all to myself.

    “Lady Liliana, I hear the maids returning. We should return to the dining area soon.”

    True enough, the sound of the front doors opening soon came, followed by footsteps of multiple people going through the lobby towards the stairs.

    “If only I have hearing as good as Diana…”

    “What are you planning to do with an ability like that?”

    “That’s why I say you are not cute at all...”

    *****​

    After having my breakfast, I headed out from my house with Diana following close behind.

    As I was passing through the garden, a gardener with tanned skin and silvery white hair looked up from his action of pruning the bushes and waved upon seeing me.

    “Good morning, Lady Liliana! Are you heading to the main building?”

    “Good morning! Yes, I am,” I answered cheerfully. Although he was at the age where he should be resting at home surrounded by grandkids, the elderly gardener had insisted in continuing his job and was one of the friendliest people I knew.

    “You look to be in great condition today. Did something good happen?” The elderly gardener smiled with his eyes crinkling up.

    “I am finally starting my Magic lessons with my new tutors today!” I declared triumphantly.

    This was the result of a weeklong negotiation with my mother. Although I had immediately requested for tutors to be assigned to me upon my return to the mansion, my mother was against the idea. After a fierce negotiation, the only area she was willing to compromise on was Magic lessons, but that was better than nothing. Currently, my Magic lessons were conducted by my mother and it was boring with a focus on history.

    However, this was going to change with the start of today!

    After bidding the gardener good-bye, Diana and I continued on our way.

    The house that I was staying in was a two storey, cylindrical brick building separated from the main building. The walking distance between the two buildings was around 10 minutes and covered by a walkway. However, I preferred to take the route through the garden so I could take a stroll in the morning surrounded by greenery and fresh air.

    Upon entering the main building, I started up the grand staircase to the study room where my class would be held at.

    “Lady Liliana, you have arrived.”

    On the top of the staircase stood a man in his fifties with greying hair slicked back neatly. His black swallowtail coat worn over his white shirt with a black and silver tie was as crisp as ever. He bowed to me respectfully with his gloved hand over his heart and I nodded in acknowledgement. He was Sebas-, ah no, Christian, our Head Butler who had been serving us for 10 years.

    “My lady, the tutors are waiting in the study room. Will you allow me to escort you?”

    “Yes, please.”

    I had no trouble finding my way around the mansion, but since he had offered, the only polite thing to do was to accept.

    Our footsteps echoed off the stone walls as the three of us made our way down the corridors. As servants passed us, they lowered their head without making eye-contact before continuing on their duties. Just as I was starting to get restless by the uncomfortable atmosphere, Christian finally broke the silence.

    “Lady Liliana, I heard that the magic tutors were requested by you?”

    I gave a nod. It was not something I needed to keep as a secret.

    “Yes, I was the one who requested it.”

    Christian fell silent as a slight frown decorated his forehead.

    “Is there any problem with my current teaching?”

    Ah. Was that the reason why he had gone out of his way to look for me?

    I shook my head. “Mr Christian has been a wonderful teacher with mother. My reason for requesting for specialised tutors is because that is the usual doing for noble families.”

    Even though I lived my life as something like a shut-in, Diana shared with me how the lives of other noble’s daughters were like, so I could understand the difference between what I was experiencing and what was ‘normal’.

    Young ladies from influential families usually hired a nanny to take care of the child till they were 6-year-old. The education during these few years was naturally undertaken by the nanny. When the child turns 6-year-old, the family will hire tutors to teach the child the topics a noble will require to know. Subjects included things from etiquette, dancing, embroidery and singing to heavier subjects like history, geography and economics. Magic was also one of the subjects - but only if the child was capable of using it.

    On the other hand, my education was handled by only my mother and Christian. Even though they were more than capable, it would still be very different from a tutor who is experienced in teaching nobles. If I was to seriously aim for a good life after my engagement gets broken,
    I need to interact more with different kinds of people and learn more about the outside world!

    “I see. If there is any problem, please let me know.”

    His face was usually stoic, but I could see l relief flicker through his eyes.

    I gave a chuckle. “So far I have only managed to convince my mother to get me tutors for my Magic lessons. I will still have to count on you for my other lessons.”

    “It is my pleasure to be able to teach the daughter of the household I serve in.”

    Is that really so?


    These words were swallowed back as we reached the door to the study room.

    *****​

    The tutors my mother had found for me was a pair of siblings who had just graduated from the Royal Academy. I heard that they were at the top of their class back in the school and were gifted students.

    Wearing matching black and blue coats, I could immediately see the resemblance between the two of them. Apart from having the same burgundy coloured hair and aquamarine eyes, the atmosphere they gave off were also similar. The older sibling was a woman with fluffy chin-length hair while her younger brother had neatly trimmed hair. The both of them were polite and smiley during the introduction and I immediately had positive feelings towards the two of them.

    Talking about the Royal Academy… My elder brother was a second year student there. I wonder if they would happen to know him.

    After we had done our greetings, my two new tutors took their seats opposite me on a large desk. It was the older sibling, Eleanor, who opened her mouth first, “Although we have been briefed by Lady Rosaline on the topics she have covered, we will like to go through some of them today. Would that be alright with you?”

    So basically they want to do a revision? I nodded confidently. “Please go ahead.”

    “Alright, then shall we begin?” She nodded at her younger brother, Theodore.

    The young man gave a friendly smile and placed his hands on the table as he posed the first question to me.

    “Do you know the reason why there are two of us here today?”

    “Yes. Because you are partners with opposite charges,” I answered without hesitation.

    Even if my mother had not taught me how magic worked in the world, I already knew about it from the light novels.

    Only a small number of people are able to use magic in this world, and even then, there was a condition that needs to be fulfilled. ‘Plus’ or ‘Minus’ - every magician held either one of the charges, and for magic to be used properly, two magicians of opposite charges need to have physical contact while casting the spell.

    The first time I read about it in the novel, I was attracted by its uniqueness. However, after being reincarnated in the world, I became utterly disappointed.

    I mean, what was the point of being born in a magical world when it is so difficult to use magic? Why didn’t the author go with something simple like casting magic using imagination? If it comes to imagination I had confidence I can defeat any amount of Demon Kings thrown at me!

    “That is correct!” Eleanor replied cheerfully as she nodded her head. “Theodore is a ‘Plus’ while I am a ‘Minus’.”

    “How about you? What is your charge?” Eleanor flashed a playful smile as she asked.

    Oh? Was she testing me?

    Unperturbed, I shook my head. “I do not have my charge yet. Children normally get their charge after puberty around 14 to 16-year-old.”

    Theodore grinned and looked at Eleanor. “See, Lawrence told us she is a smart child.”

    I immediately reacted to the name spoken out of his mouth. “Are you acquainted with my elder brother?” I asked curiously.

    The both of them looked at each other before turning their eyes back to me.

    “Hmmm… We are not exactly friends… But yes, we know him.”

    “Is there anyone in the academy who does not know him though?”

    “Hahaha! That is a good question.” Eleanor laughed as she covered her mouth.

    “He was the one who introduced this job to us, actually,” Theodore added.

    “Eh… Is brother a popular person?”

    “Argh, very,” Eleanor answered with a shudder.

    My interest was immediately piqued at her reaction. I could understand as he was an unnecessarily good looking person who had inherited father’s golden hair and mother’s deep blue eyes. Isn’t it unfair how he had inherited the nicest features while I ended up with a combination that looked villainous?

    “Enough about your brother, we should continue with your lessons. That is way more interesting,” Eleanor said as she shook her head like she was trying to clear off a bad memory.

    Turning her focus on me, she started her explanation, “What you have said earlier is correct. Children usually get their charge after puberty. However, there are some children who can get it as early as 10 or 11 when they have just started their puberty. There is no proven theory to predicting the age a person receives their charge so it is something up to chance at this point.”

    She paused for a while and her eyes turned serious before she continued, “Although a person without a charge is theoretically unable to use magic, there are certain instances where young children will accidentally use magic due to emotional instability. As it is uncontrollable and dangerous, there is a need for close surveillance to prevent outbursts from happening.”

    My heart thumped at her words and I sat up a little straighter.

    Seeing my reaction, Theodore immediately cut in with a chiding tone, “Ellen, stop scaring her.”

    Turning to me, he continued smoothly, “Don’t worry. It is not something that dangerous, and it is not something that happens that often either. If children accidentally use magic every time they cry, cities and towns would have been burned to the ground!”

    “That’s true…”

    Eleanor laughed, her cheeks slightly flushed from being embarrassed. “Haha! I guess I got a little too carried away just now.”

    “Ahem,” she cleared her throat lightly. “To go back to the topic on using magic. For those who have obtained their charge, although it is also possible to use magic without your other half, the effect is very small.”

    “For example.” She held out her palm and chanted, “Wind, I call you. I command you to twist and turn to my heart desire.”

    The air in the room started to flow, and lifted up the ends of her wavy bob. A mini whirlwind around 30cm tall soon formed in the center of her palms.

    I leaned forward slightly to have a better look.

    “I am not purposely limiting its size. Although it looks quite lame, this is really the best I am able to do by myself,” she explained with some regret in her voice.

    Then, she turned to look out of the window and squinted as she looked around. I glanced out as well and only saw a green lawn. However, she seemed to be pleased and held out her other hand to Theodore.

    Theodore stretched out his own hand and overlapped his palms with hers. Without hesitation, the both of them chanted with overlapping voices, “Wind, I call you. I command you to twist and in turn to my heart desire.”

    Whoosh.

    The mini whirlwind in her palm disappeared all of a sudden. Instead, out on the lawns, the air swirled before turning into a whirlwind 3 metre tall. As the wind twist and turn, the fallen leaves from the nearby trees started to get sucked into the wind monster and the whirlwind begun rising taller.

    Eleanor held out her free hand and made a few gestures towards the whirlwind. Slowly, the whirlwind started to move around in a zigzag manner.

    “Although it is required for two magicians to cast the spell together, the control of the spell can be left to just one of the magician after that. So while Eleanor is doing the hard work, I can go and read a book,” Theodore joked.

    “I see!” I nodded with a slightly agape mouth as I observed Eleanor’s actions. Sweat droplets were starting to form on her forehead and I could tell that she was really putting all her concentration into the spell. As the wind got stronger, apart from leaves, small branches were starting to get churned into the whirlwind.

    “However, please be careful that if physical contact is not maintained throughout the spell, it will be cancelled. Like this.”

    Having spoken finished, he let go of Eleanor’s hand and the whirlwind outside which had grown in height to reach the second level of the house collapsed into nothingness.

    I clapped my hands as my eyes shone. I was completely inspired as it was the first time I had seen magic done in front of me. I knew that my mother and father were magicians, but I had never seen them cast any spells.

    “Thank you for the wonderful display!”

    “Hehe. Thanks! Do you have any questions?” Eleanor asked as she gave a refreshing smile and wiped sweat off from her forehead with a handkerchief given by her brother.

    “Yes! What other spells do you know?” I sparkled as I leaned forward.

    “Getting excited aren’t you?” Eleanor grinned. “Since you are still far away from casting your own spell, it is better to get your foundations right first by going through and understanding the structure and types of different spells.”

    “That is the reason why we are here after all.” Theodore gave a smile that was every bit as radiant as his sister’s.

    “Okay!”

    The both of them seemed to have very straightforward and easy going personalities. I think I can get along with them!

    Just then, the door to the room was knocked on before a woman's voice came from the other side, “Excuse me, is it a good time for me to disturb the class?”

    I looked at Eleanor and Theodore as they were the teachers over here. Eleanor understood my prompt and quickly called out, “Please come in.”

    The person who opened the door was Diana who had left the room once my lessons started.

    She bowed her head before asking evenly, “Did anything strange happen here? The servants are in a frenzy outside so I was tasked to check on your safety.”

    I tilted my head questioningly. “Nothing in particular… They were just showing me their magic - Ah!”

    I rushed to the window.

    My heart sunk as I saw servants rushing about clearing leaves and branches off the lawn. After the whirlwind had collapsed, the debris it collected was scattered around, turning the once beautiful green lawn into a rubbish site. Another group of servants had started levelling the ground that had turned up after the whirlwind's trail of devastation.

    Beside me, Theodore’s face paled as he observed the scene. On the other hand, I heard Eleanor muttering to herself, “Ah… I should have chosen a sandy location instead, why did I forget about that...?”

    Yep. I can definitely tell that they have just newly graduated.

    Back to the Table of Contents
     
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2017
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  5. cray0909

    cray0909 Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for the update! looking forward to the progression of this story :blobsmilehappyeyes:

    As to your questions, I think here is good or in wattpad too if you have followers there. I haven't tried RRL yet so I'm not familiar with it. And yep, definitely the comedy tag.:blob_grin:
     
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  6. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the feedback!

    I browsed around the two websites and decided to post on RRL because the interface looks sleeker and I can post polls and write author notes. However, I will still be posting here since there are readers who might be more used to reading from the forums than going to RRL.

    I have planned for future updates to be weekly because the chapters are pretty long (~3k to 4k), and I am always so tired after coming back from work... :blobmelt:

    Lastly, please continue to look after Liliana and her friends as I strive hard to um... finish the whole story! :blobsalute:
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2017
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  7. PamelAxiah

    PamelAxiah Well-Known Member

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    Hahahaha.. Looks like liliana get the fun teacher. Although uts make me curious as her brother in school..
     
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  8. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 5 - The Villainess Greets her Visitors
    I stared at the golden brown potato fritters that had been fried into perfection lying innocently on my plate. Just this morning, after I had finished my Magic lessons, Diana informed that the maids had suggested getting new skirts as some of them were getting difficult to fit into. But didn’t I just make some around two months ago? Although I had comforted myself that it was likely to be a growth spurt, I was conscious that I was not getting much exercise with this lifestyle. What am I going to do if I end up becoming a round, villainous lady?

    “Liliana, how was your lesson today?”

    I tore my eyes away from the sinful fried potato fritters and I looked up at the woman seated across me who had posed the question.

    Although she was already in her mid-thirties with two children, my mother was a person who still lived up to her old nickname of the ‘Red Rose of the Capital’; given way back when she was still studying in the Royal Academy. With dark red hair that curled around her shoulders and deep blue eyes that drooped slightly at the corners, she was often hailed to be the very picture of a warm and magnanimous lady.

    That was probably because they have never seen her teach.

    “Miss Eleanor and Mr Theodore are very easy to talk to and professional in their teaching. I think that I will learn a lot from them.”

    “I hope that you did not cause them any trouble?”

    “Of course not!” Why was she saying like I always caused trouble?

    As a way of protest, I picked up a potato fritter with my fork decisively and fed it into my mouth. It will hurt the chefs’ feelings if I was to waste food! I considered myself to have a fairly good relationship with the kitchen staff so it would be terrible if I was to upset them by leaving food on my plate, I convinced myself.

    At most I’ll let them know to cut down on oily food from tomorrow onwards!

    The time was now noon and I was having lunch with my mother in the main building dining room. With brother away at the Academy, it was normally just the two of us dining together as father was busy with work and often out.

    “And I gather that the lawn has returned to its original condition?” mother continued to ask lightly.

    My heart skipped a beat, before I looked up cautiously. I was hoping that she would have not known about the incident as she was at her rooms at that time, but I guess the incident was too big to escape from her ears.

    Seeing that she was still dining calmly, I silently heaved a sigh of relief before speaking out.

    “Yes, the lawn is back to normal.”

    After the small mishap, Eleanor and Theodore went down to help with the cleaning up. With the help of their magic, the lawn returned to its previous look within 15 minutes. I was once again overwhelmed by the incredibility of magic.

    “I’m done!”

    After polishing off the last of my fried potato fritter, I stood up from my seat. The only class I had that day was Magic, so I was able to spend the rest of my afternoon leisurely. I had just gotten a new book so I was looking forward to reading it. Maybe in the indoor garden since it was so hot outside?

    Just as I was making plans in my head and preparing to go off, mother called out to me, “By the way, you are having guests today. They should be reaching anytime soon. Go and get ready.”

    I turned my head back. Must she really ruin my plans just as I was making them? Shouldn’t she give a one week notice?

    “Do I really have to go all the way back to change?” I protested. I was wearing a white puffy sleeved blouse with a long maroon coloured skirt that reaches slightly below the knees that was easy to move around in. The material was light and cool on the skin, perfect for the hot summer season. If I had to change into a heavy dress that mother considered ‘proper’ for visitors, it was going be very stuffy and uncomfortable.

    “I am just going to greet and hide away after that as usual right?”

    “I said that it was your visitors, didn’t I?” mother answered as she raised an eyebrow elegantly.

    “Mine?” I tilted my head to the side.

    I don't remember knowing enough people to have them come and visit me?

    At that moment, a conversation that had happened a while ago came into my mind.

    “I will definitely pay a visit when I have the time.” A certain caramel-haired boy’s gentle smile floated up from the depths of my memory.

    Could it be?

    “I will go and change now!” I shouted as I rushed out.

    “Don’t run in the corridor!”

    Heeding my mother’s words, I slowed down into a brisk walk and hurried down the corridors alone. Diana was probably still having her lunch at the servant’s dining hall so I was walking unaccompanied, but it was alright as I could dress by myself just fine. In the past, the maids used to help me with my dressing, but now I’ll try to wear them myself unless absolutely necessary. Having people staring at me while I wear clothes was just shame play for someone with the memories of a 16-year-old!

    I decided to walk through the gardens again as it was a short cut. Even though I was surrounded by bushes that were taller than me, I weaved through the place skillfully.

    All of a sudden, the warm laughter of the elderly gardener floated into my ears.

    “Hahaha! That’s right, that’s right.”

    I stopped in my tracks as it was rare to hear him laugh out loud like that. Overcome with curiosity, I tiptoed as I try to spot his figure from amongst the bushes and flower pots. I was soon able to spot him a distance away half covered by a bush.

    As I approached him slowly, bits and pieces of the conversation started to float into my ears.

    “Oh! So this is how you grow this type of plant?”

    “Hoho. Even though it looks difficult at first, if you nurture it carefully, it can grow to bloom beautiful flowers.”

    Is he talking to someone else? The voice was familiar… But at the same time not. As the bush had completely hidden the other party’s figure, I was unable to see who the other person was.

    “What about this plant? Is it difficult to grow?”

    “It is only as difficult as your determination, young man,” the elderly gardener chuckled as he replied.

    Ah~ the gardener was doing it again, I sighed inwardly. Although he was talented, he did not mix well with the younger gardeners because the advice he gave were always so vague. In fact, some of them even felt that he was doing it on purpose to prevent others from stealing his knowledge. However, I knew that it was just the way he talks and that he did not mean any harm. Was this what you call generation gap?

    “Wow… Plants are really amazing aren’t they?” The other voice breathed in admiration, seemingly convinced by the answer he had just received.

    I took a deep breath before I popped my head out from the side of the bush.

    “Yep, they are!”

    “Whoa!”

    It seemed like my sudden appearance was too shocking. As the boy was crouching while holding his knees, before I could react, he fell backwards on his butt.

    “I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

    I held a hand out to the boy who had fallen.

    “Don’t worry, I’m alright. Thanks!” The boy gave a sheepish laugh as he looked up and took my hand.

    “Oh?”

    I blinked as the boy’s amber eyes met mine. Lightly tanned skin, wavy chocolate brown hair, and a friendly looking face that still had some baby fats left, wasn’t this... I did not catch a good look of him earlier due to the confusion, but now that his face was right in front of me, I could see that he was the boy who had pushed me into the pond back at the Royal Palace.

    “Ah! Lady Liliana?” The boy seemed to recognise me as well.

    “Yes, I am.” I nodded. Mmm? What was he doing here though?

    The boy quickly scrambled up and brushed grass off his grey pants. Luckily, he had just fallen on his butt or his white shirt would have gotten stained by the grass. His hair was messy but he did not look like he gave a care and smiled cheerfully.

    “I didn’t get to introduce myself before. My name is Aedus!”

    “Nice to meet you,” I greeted apprehensively in return.

    Now that I think about it, the name Aedus seemed to ring a bell somewhere, but no matter how hard I tried to remember, I was unable to recall its importance.

    “By the way… Lord Aedus, what are you doing here?” I decided to go with a straightforward question.

    “Ah. Were you not informed of our arrival?”

    Oh! Could he be the guest mother was talking about? Ah… For a moment I thought that it was someone else. How embarrassing! I felt my cheeks go warm.

    “Yes, my mother just informed a while ago. But is anything the problem?” I couldn’t recall doing anything that would warrant a special visit.

    Hearing my words, Aedus straightened his back and gave a deep bow with a solemn expression. “I am really sorry for pushing you into the pond!”

    I was taken aback by his actions. Just how serious is he to chase all the way to the countryside to apologise to me?

    “It is alright!” I replied hurriedly. “You have already apologised to me before. There is no need to apologise again.”

    Aedus gave a worried look. “I heard from Charles that you fell sick after that. Have you recovered? Plus, I did something improper that day as well... My purpose here is to pay my apologies officially.”

    “Thank you very much for your thoughts but I don’t think there is a need for that at all. And I have completely recovered a long time ago.” It had been three weeks since I returned from the visit. There was no way such a small cold could last for that long!

    “I heard from Charles that you are sickly so I wanted to make sure…”

    “Sickly…?” I frowned. Apart from catching the occasional common cold, I have been very healthy. Ah… Unless it was one of those rumours being said about me?

    “As you can see, I am perfectly healthy! Some rumours are better not to be believed,” I said as I raised an arm up energetically.

    “That was what Charles told me as well…” Aedus replied with a relieved expression.

    “By the way, Lord Aedus seem to be very close with his Highness. Are the both of you good friends?” I asked curiously. Even if he was a high ranking noble, it wasn’t like just anyone could be so close with the Prince.

    “Charles and I have been good friends since young,” Aedus beamed proudly. “I often visit the Royal Palace as my father works there. Ah, I haven't introduced my last name have I? I often hide my last name when talking others so I have gotten used to it. Ahaha!” the boy said sheepishly.

    Often hide his last name? Just what kind of person is this boy? I took in his figure again. With a height that was around half a head taller than me, wavy hair that were slightly long at the sides and amber coloured eyes glimmering with energy, he held a strong resemblance to someone I knew... But who was it again?

    As I continued to be puzzled over the true identity of the boy, Aedus flashed a smile.

    “Once again, I am Aedus Lev Swenson, son of the Duke of Duncaster.” The boy gave a graceful bow with his hand over his heart.

    The moment I heard his full name, I was immediately hit with realisation.

    “Ah! You are Prince Charles friend!” I exclaimed as I pointed a finger at him.

    Aedus gave a confused look. “Yes, that’s what I said earlier…”

    I quickly shook my head. “Um, sorry! You can just forget what I just said,” I hurriedly replied as I realised the strangeness of my words.

    What I had meant was who Aedus Lev Swenson was inside the light novel series.

    Although he was an important side character, he was too different from how he looked when he was older so I was unable to recall who he was for a moment. Who would have thought that the ladies’ man would be so pure and innocent when he was young? Ah, but seeing what he did back in the Royal Palace, he was probably not all that pure and innocent after all.

    At age 18, Aedus Lev Swenson was a frivolous and sociable character who leaked sex appeal and was wildly popular with the ladies. Only one year older than Prince Charles, they were childhood friends, and continued to be best of buddies in the Academy. He was also the first one who realised his friend’s interest in the heroine, and played a big part in helping them to get together. All in all, he was the perfect supporting character.

    However, their strong friendship had also caused much unhappiness amongst the fans of the series. The trouble started brewing from the particular illustration that showed the two of them sparkling while drenched in sweat from their practise sword fight. There was nothing more heart pounding for fangirls than two boys in a hot headed fight, so there were some who were disappointed when Prince Charles ended up with the heroine. Although I fully support the heroine and the Prince, I had also secretly enjoyed the scenes showing off their friendship immensely.

    Wait… Now that I have been reincarnated into the world itself, I get to see this scene and that scene in real life?

    Perhaps being reincarnated wasn't so bad after all? My eyes shone upon the realisation.

    “Lady Liliana, shouldn’t you bring the young Lord to the guest lounge? I am sure the Marquise will be looking for her guest,” the elderly gardener reminded gently. “He had wondered into the garden by accident earlier and got lost. As I still have some left work to do, will you be able to guide him out by yourself?”

    “Sure!” I chirped. It was true that it was not very nice to make the guest stand around like this.

    “Please follow me closely, Lord Aedus,” I called as I started walking back to the main building. Since it was just him, I guess there is no need to change my clothes!

    “Your garden is really complicated isn’t it?” Aedus asked as he looked around while following me.

    “You think so too? But it is only for this area, the garden in other places are much more straightforward,” I replied.

    “Is there a reason for that?”

    “Ummm…” I thought hard. “Well, it is probably a style?” I did realise that the garden surrounding my house was more complicated than the other areas, but I had no knowledge of how landscaping works so that was my best guess.

    “Alright! Here we are!” I said as we stepped out of the garden onto the lawn.

    The guest lounge was at the other side of the building from where we were so instead of waking from the main entrance, I decided to walk around from the back of the building and enter from a side door as it was a faster route.

    Just as I was going to step into the shade of the first level back corridor, my eyes spotted two figures in the distance that stopped me in my tracks.

    “Diana? And who is that with her?” I squinted and wondered out loud.

    The two of them were standing with their sides facing us so I was unable to see their faces clearly.

    Beside me, Aedus stopped as well and turned his head towards the direction of my eyes. His face loosened when he saw what I was looking at.

    “That’s my uncle. He is the one who accompanied me here today.”

    “Oh! The Knight Commander!”

    “Ah… Not quite right. The current Knight Commander is my father. He is my father’s younger brother, Sir Donovan Warren Swenson,” Aedus explained.

    I instantly realised my mistake. What I was talking about was what had happened 7 years in the future.

    So this was how the future Knight Commander looked in his youth... I studied the man with dark brown hair similar in shade to Aedus with sparkling eyes. Even when standing in front of Diana, he was half a head taller than her. His hair was grown out and tied back in a low ponytail with a black ribbon. On his raven black coat with silver trimmings, a gold badge embossed with the picture of a Lion shone brightly from the reflection of the sun.

    Donovan was a minor character in the light novel series but was very popular due to his charming looks and gentlemanly behaviour - different from a certain frivolous nephew. After the heroine was found to be a magician, he took in the heroine and her mother and gave them jobs as well as a roof over their head. When the heroine started school, he became her official guardian and would often enter the Academy to check on the heroine’s well-being. Apart from being the voice of reason, he was also a person that the heroine and her friends could rely on in time of need. He was one of my favourite character as well - because who can resist the charm of a gentlemanly, older man? Teehee.

    “I wonder what they are talking about,” I murmured as I once again wished I had ears as good as Diana. The two of them had been talking for a while, but as we were too far I was unable to make out their voices.

    All of a sudden, a sweet smile floated up on the older man’s face.

    Ah, he was just as good looking when he was younger, I admired… Before my eyes bulged.

    In a swift and well-practised movement that looked like slow motion to me, Donovan reached out to take Diana’s hand and bent slightly before bringing the back of her hands to his lips.

    I gasped.

    “This is!”

    Was he flirting with Diana? Is this one of those forbidden love between a noble and a servant? No, but look at how impassively Diana is rubbing the back of her hand on her black and white maid uniform, she is definitely unwilling!

    In that moment, I felt like my world had cracked into pieces.

    “Lady Liliana? Where have you been? I was looking for you.”

    My outburst had not escaped the attention of Diana. As Diana’s eyes locked onto my figure, I could see that her question had brought Donovan’s attention to me as well.

    I stiffened my back and reflexively took a step back.

    Wait, this was not the time for me to back down. If Diana had just been harassed, I should be the one stepping forward for her now!

    I took a deep breath and strode forward with my chest held high.

    Beside me, Aedus had an anxious expression on his face but quickly followed.

    “Excuse me. I am Liliana Gracia Remington, the daughter of the Remington household. I see that you have become acquainted with my personal maid. Is there anything that I can help you with?” I asked as I tilted my chin up to look at the tall man.

    From the corner of my eyes, I could see Diana’s lips part slightly in surprise.

    The target of my unconcealed hostility looked at me with a faintly bewildered expression before he looked like he understood something and gave an affable smile.

    “Pleased to meet you. It is my first time visiting this place so I accidentally lost my way. Luckily, I met Miss Diana over here who has been very helpful.”

    Diana placed her hands in front of her dress and followed up collectedly, “It seems like there has been some misunderstanding. I was just helping the visitor here to the guest lounge since he got lost.”

    “Hmmm… Is that so?”

    I narrowed my eyes at the ‘visitor’. I might be a shut-in but I had enough common sense to know how odd it was for a noble to kiss the hand of a servant. To add on, Diana was beautiful with sharp features and a willowy figure. I have always felt that it wouldn’t be strange at all for a weird, plump and lecherous noble to eye her as his potential mistress! The reason why it has not happened was probably because her mistress was a person who did not step out of her house much.

    “I would like to apologise for not introducing myself earlier. I am Donovan Warren Swenson, a Knight from the Golden Lion Platoon,” Donovan tried to melt the cold atmosphere with a warm smile and even bent slightly to show me his Lion badge.

    Humph, was he trying to win me over by showing off that he was in the most prodigious Knight Platoon? That might work on other kids, but not on me!

    “I know.”

    The temperature immediately dropped a few degrees at my biting words.

    I will never forgive a person who hits on Diana! Especially not when I had always believed the person was the perfect gentleman! No, what if he was actually the one who caused Aedus to turn out frivolous? Return my pure feelings to me!

    “What are the four of you doing here?”

    The person who saved us from standing around awkwardly was my mother with a perplexed expression.

    Back to the Table of Contents
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2017
    Elliana, Einon, Irie and 6 others like this.
  9. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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    Hi everyone! I've updated the sypnosis, please let me know if it sounds better. Feedback or suggestions will be greatly welcomed too. Thank you!
     
  10. PamelAxiah

    PamelAxiah Well-Known Member

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    Hehehe.. Likes the protective liliana to diana. Looks like the uncle have interest in diana. Wonder with diana backgrounds
     
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  11. Ruyi

    Ruyi translator at CG

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    I really love all the work and fine details you've put into this story, ah~ <3

    Need to catch up to latest chapter after I finish translations...I'm only on chapter 2 still >u<;
     
  12. haniaj

    haniaj Well-Known Member

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    i like ur story .keep it up.
     
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  13. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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    No hurry~ The story is not going to run away!
     
  14. leegood

    leegood Well-Known Member

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    -MC becomes sentient-
    "Eh? I'm in a webnovel?"
    She stares at the author's username
    "So you are the reason everything has happened to me!"
    -Author becomes part of Mc's Reverse Harem-
     
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  15. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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    I think I will have to contend with a lot of people. :sweating_profusely:
     
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  16. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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    Chapter 6 - The Villainess Shows Her Visitors Around
    After our coincidental meeting in the hallway, the five of us headed to the guest lounge together.

    Once we had settled down with tea poured, my mother smiled warmly and commented, "It has been such a long time since I’ve seen the both of you. Sir Donovan has grown up to be such a respectable young man. Same goes for the young Lord Aedus as well.” Mother chuckled as she held a hand up to her face demurely.

    Donovan gave a complicated smile at being treated like a child on the same level as Aedus.

    “I’m glad Lady Rosaline is doing well,” he answered. “Is Lord Remington around today?”

    “Peter is out on a patrol at the border. There have been some strange sightings reported recently so he has decided to lead the patrol himself. He will only be back in a few days.”

    “That sounds unsettling. I hope that he will return safely soon.”

    “It is not as dangerous as it sounds. We are already used to it from living close to the border to the Arcadia Forest. Is there something you wish to speak to him about?”

    Donovan shook his head. “No, it is fine.”

    Mother smiled unconcernedly. “I see. Speaking of which, the both of you arrived earlier than expected. How was your journey? Travelling here from the capital is dreadfully long isn’t it.”

    “Not at all. It was great seeing the scenery past by. We were not bored right, Aedus?”

    Aedus who had been fidgeting since we entered the room gave a stiff smile and glanced at me before replying, “Uh, um... Nope.”

    He was asking you if you were bored, why are you looking at me? I knitted my brows slightly.

    Donovan smiled at his nephew’s reply and continued gently, “This is something we bought along the way. We hope that Lady Liliana will like it.”

    He turned to a servant wearing a grey coat and placed a pink box on the table.

    My eyes widened slightly at the name on the box. I-it was macarons from a famous patisserie a few towns away from here! I have heard of its name before but never had the chance to try it.

    I swallowed my saliva.

    No. I am not going to be bought over just like that!

    I tore my eyes away. “Thank you,” I replied coldly.

    “She’s really angry… She really don’t like things like that, huh...” A soft mutter came from Aedus’s mouth as he looked at the floor.

    Donovan glanced at his nephew and placed a hand on his back, seemingly to comfort him. Then, he leaned forward slightly and said, “As we have informed through the letter, our main reason for coming here today is to pay a visit to Lady Liliana.”

    Looking at me with concerned hazel eyes, he asked, “I heard from my nephew, Aedus, that he had accidentally pushed you into a pond. I wish to apologise on the Duke of Duncaster’s behalf for his son’s clumsiness. How are you feeling now?”

    “Could be better,” I said as I turned my face away slightly. How can a grown man have such cute puppy-like eyes?

    Donovan gave a troubled smile and finally looked to my mother for help.

    Mother gave a bright, reassuring smile back before turning to face me. As her blue eyes ran through my face, her brows moved to form a perfect ハ.

    “Oh dear. Liliana, you have been making an awfully constipated face for some time. Are you feeling alright?”

    “Yes, I am feeling great.”

    Greatly unhappy!

    “If you are not feeling well, perhaps you should go and have a rest in your room?”

    “I am completely fine.”

    As fine as the sugar used to make macarons!

    Just then, mother paused and wrapped her hands around mine.

    “If that’s the case, why don’t you bring Lord Aedus out on a tour of the mansion? It must be boring staying indoors with such good weather.”

    Although mother was saying it calmly with a smile, I could tell from her eyes that she was getting annoyed. And her hand, even though she was just touching me lightly, there was an intense pressure coming from her hands covering mine. Is it magic? This must be some kind of intimidation magic right?

    I guess I overdid it.

    “Alright,” I answered as I quickly withdrew my hands before they were crushed.

    “Lord Aedus, why don’t I show you around?” I asked as my eyes flickered to the restless boy.

    Aedus straightened his back at having his name called and nodded quickly. “Sure.”

    As the two of us stood up, mother added nonchalantly, “Diana can stay here with me. The two of you please go and have fun.”

    I turned and frowned. “Why can’t Diana come with me?”

    “Clarice and Grace are away so I need someone around to help me,” mother replied composedly.

    Clarice and Grace were my mother’s personal maids. During my trip to the Royal Palace, they were the ones who had accompanied me together with Diana. The both of them were now visiting their hometown, leaving my mother without a personal maid. However, she had been fine with it, so why does she need Diana to remain with her now?

    The frown between my brows deepened.

    Plus Diana was hit on earlier, was it really okay to leave her here with Donovan?

    As my eyes floated to her, Diana’s grey eyes met mine and she spoke up with a faint smile, “Thank you for your concern, but I am perfectly fine. Please go ahead, Lady Liliana.”

    The Diana who was famous for being a stone-like face has smiled...

    I sighed, knowing that I had lost.

    “Alright then.”

    *****​

    Upon exiting the guest lounge, Aedus and I started walking back the way we had came from earlier.

    I took a quick look around to make sure there were no servants about before I turned to Aedus and loudly declared, “Lord Aedus, you absolutely cannot grow up to become a person like your uncle!”

    Aedus froze at my sudden outburst before he gave an awkward laugh and scratched his head.

    “Uncle Donovan is not the kind of person who behaves frivolously. Although it might sound like an excuse, but he is a really brilliant person. I am sure there is a reason for what he did.”

    “Mmm… Of course you will speak up for him. He’s your uncle after all,” I replied sullenly.

    Aedus gave a sheepish smile.

    Hmm… It seems like he had recovered. Even though he was so nervous earlier.

    Was my mother that scary?

    “By the way, where are we going to?” he asked as he glanced around.

    We were now outside of the mansion and headed towards the direction back to my house.

    “Ah… Although I was asked to bring you around, my legs ended up walking towards my house…” I groaned as I held my head.

    “My bad. Is there anywhere you would like to visit? We can go to the other gardens or even the horse stables if you would like.” Taking into consideration the hobbies a boy might have, I provided some suggestions.

    “Actually I am more interested in what you have just said. The direction we are headed towards is the garden I got lost in earlier. Could the house you are talking about be the circular building in the middle of the garden?” he asked cautiously.

    I was surprised by his question, but nodded. “Yep. That’s right.”

    Aedus’s lips tightened for a moment and a shadow flitted across his amber eyes. What was that expression? Sorrow? Pity? His strange reaction caused an uncomfortable feeling to rise in my chest.

    “Then, is it alright if I go and take a look?” he asked with a determined expression.

    “I don’t really mind…” My words trailed off as I tried to think back on the condition of the house. Well, since the maids have tidied up, there should be no strange things lying about!

    With my lead, we headed into the maze-like garden again.

    As we neared the house, a strange sight came into view and I immediately dodged behind a large flower pot

    What day was it today? Why are there so many visitors?

    Right in front of the door, a group of four children around my age were staring up at the two storey building.

    From their plain and coarse clothes, they were most likely children of the servants working here. The grounds of the mansion had both servant quarters as well as a barrack. Servants and guards were invited to stay inside with their families, so I heard that there were some who had the whole family relocated into the mansion’s grounds.

    However, this place was faraway from the servant’s quarters. What were they doing here? Don’t tell me they got lost as well?

    A boy with closely cropped chestnut brown hair stood in front of the other three children and placed his hands on the side of his waist before giving a grin.

    “See! I told you there are no monsters around here!”

    “Eddy, let’s go back already....” a boy with light blonde hair said as he looked around furtively. “What if a monster comes out and attacks us?”

    “I agree with Josh. We were told not to come close to this place. Let’s go back before anyone finds us, alright?” a girl who looks to be the oldest with waist length tea brown hair added on with a worried face.

    A small girl with strawberry blonde hair tied into two pigtails peeked her head out from the back of the older girl.

    “Eddy lied to us... You said you are going to bring us on an adventure. Why did you bring us here instead?” Her big, round eyes watered up and tears threatened to spill from her sky blue eyes.

    The boy called Eddy sighed in exasperation. “This is an adventure! Exploring unknown places, braving against possible dangers! It is exactly like the picture books the teachers showed to us!”

    “Even though we are still in the mansion grounds?” the boy called Josh muttered under his breath.

    Wow. This boy has the making of being a good tsukkomi. I gave a silent nod of approval.

    “Lady Liliana, how long are we going to hide here?” Beside me, Aedus asked in a small voice as he peeked out from the back of the flower pot just like me.

    “Ah... I didn’t really mean to hide, but I was so surprised and my body just moved on its own.” I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly. Well, since it was like this, they should go off soon after we wait here for a while.

    Or perhaps going somewhere else would be better?

    “As I thought, maybe we should go to the horse stable?”

    Aedus gave a grin. “Why? There’s nothing to be afraid of! Just greet them cheerfully like what you did with me earlier!”

    That was because I thought you were someone I knew… But I was not able to say out my thoughts as Aedus stepped out of our hiding place. I raised my head in alarm and attempted to grab him by his shirt.

    “What are you do-” I hissed, but was cut off by his words.

    “Hello! What are you guys doing!” With a hand in the air and a bright smile, Aedus called out to the children.

    All four heads snapped back and in that instant, I could see terror in their eyes.

    I quickly hid back behind the flower pot.

    “Ah, phew.” Eddy was the first one who replied with a relieved sigh. “It’s just a human.”

    Aedus laughed. “Of course! My name is Aedus. You guys seem to be having fun. Can I join you?”

    “Sure! I am Eddy. Where do you come from? I don’t think I’ve seen your face around.” Eddy squinted and peered at Aedus suspiciously.

    “Haha. That’s probably because I am a visitor. Do you guys stay around here?”

    “Yeah. All of us stay here.” Eddy nodded affirmatively, and suddenly stopped as doubt surfaced. “Ah, but not here here. In the servants’ quarters, I mean.”

    “Excuse me.” The older girl with tea brown hair spoke up. “I am Marina and this is Sally,” she said as she brought the small girl to her front and bowed slightly. “We stay in the servants’ quarters in the mansion’s ground together with our family who are working here.”

    “I am Josh,” the last boy quickly added upon seeing that everyone had introduced themselves.

    “Nice to meet you!” Aedus greeted. “So what are you guys doing?”

    “We are on an adventure!” Eddy replied proudly.

    “Adventure? What kind of adventure?” Aedus asked curiously.

    “You see…” Eddy paused for effect. “Our parents always say to avoid this place, so we are here to find out if the rumours are real!”

    “Eh… That sounds interesting. What kind of rumours?”

    Faced with the round, inquisitive eyes of Aedus, Eddy gave a wide grin. In contrast, Marina creased her brows and attempted to stop the boy.

    “Eddy, I don’t think-”

    “The Red Demon!”

    His words seemed to ring around the air longer than usual, and for a moment, my heart felt as if someone had squeezed it.

    “They say that a red-haired demon lives here so we are here to find out if it’s true!” Eddy said with a clear voice and a brilliant smile.

    Oh well. I thought that it might be something like that. You can say that it was within expectations? I had thought of that the moment they were talking about ‘monsters’. My house is really neat and clean and far from being an haunted house though! Ha! Ha...

    “Red Demon…?” Aedus’s face scrunched up in confusion, before it soon changed into indignation.

    “That’s not right! There are no demons or monsters staying here. Right, Lia?” Aedus asked as he turned to my direction.

    Huh, who’s that? Just as I was still in denial over the sudden affectionate nickname, Aedus came directly to my hiding place and tugged me on my arm.

    “W-wait!”

    Is he an idiot? Can’t he read the atmosphere? Won’t you feel sorry for them if the ‘Red Demon’ in question suddenly appears in front of them?

    However, he was much stronger than me and I was pulled out into the open before I could put up any struggle. I immediately lowered my face even though I knew that it was like an ostrich hiding its head in the ground.

    The silence that ensued was so stifling I could not help but slowly lift my head.

    “Ah. It’s a small Lady Rosaline.”

    The person who had spoken out was the ever talkative Eddy who was staring at me with an open jaw.

    “L-Lady Liliana?” The next person who spoke was Marina. With a flustered face, she immediately lowered her head and pressed down the head of Sally as well. Josh quickly followed suit.

    I have thinking for a while, but compared to Eddy, isn’t this girl really mature? She seemed to be quick at picking things up.

    “Lady Liliana? As in the Lady Liliana who is always stuck in her bed and don’t show herself to others?” Eddy asked with a confused expression.

    Or rather, isn’t this boy too slow?

    “Yes! This is Lady Liliana, the daughter of the household!” Aedus replied somewhat proudly.

    Hah… I sighed. This day was starting to be more draining than I had expected. Ahem, I guess as the oldest one (mentally) in this group, I have to put myself together. I took a deep breath and gave myself mental encouragement before taking a step forward.

    “Hello, nice to meet you. As Lord Aedus has introduced, I am Liliana Gracia Remington,” I said with an amiable smile plastered on my face. It was during times like this I truly appreciated mother’s teaching on how to remain calm and lady-like even during emergencies.

    Without waiting for a reply, I started walking past the stunned children.

    “Today is such a hot day isn’t it?” I asked lightly as I climbed up the steps to the doorway and inserted my key into the keyhole. “Well, why don’t we come inside? I can prepare iced tea for everyone.”

    I swung open the wooden doors and entered without looking back. Regardless if Aedus did it on purpose on not, this was a good chance for me to get along with children my age. Please enter the house! I prayed hard in my heart.

    Sounds of scrambling soon came after me, and when I turned back, I saw that Eddy was the first one to enter.

    “Wow! This place is incredible!”

    His eyes sparkled as his eyes roamed around the lobby. From the high ceiling to the mahogany floors and even to the cream coloured floral pattern walls, his eyes looked as if it was going to devour the whole place.

    “This place is bigger than I imagined,” Aedus said as he looked around. Behind him, the three other children entered cautiously. However, their eyes were soon filled with wonder. Were they expecting it to be mouldy and filled with cobwebs or something?

    “There’s even a garden here!” Eddy exclaimed as he spots the greenery half hidden behind the foyer stairs.

    “Please take a seat at the table in the garden while I get some drinks,” I said before I walked down the right corridor towards the kitchen.

    “Lady Liliana! Please let me help you,” Marina called. Then, she bent slightly and pats the younger girl’s soft hair before saying, “Follow Josh and take a seat in the garden, alright?”

    Sally nodded obediently and held Josh’s hand before the both of them walked to the garden. At this point, Eddy had already ran into the garden with Aedus chasing after him. Well, since Aedus is looking after him, it should be fine I guess.

    *****​

    “Lady Liliana, please let me prepare the tea,” Marina said anxiously the moment we stepped into the kitchen.

    “Ah… The tea is already prepared though. We just need to pour it out of the pitcher,” I explained. “Can you help me to wash the glasses instead?” I quickly continued when I saw that Marina has fallen dejected.

    Marina perked up hearing my words and bobbed her head up and down. “Yes! Where are the glasses?”

    “The glasses should be over here, I think?” I had not entered the kitchen for a while so I was unsure if Diana had changed where the items were kept at. I opened up a cupboard and was greeted with a row of glasses made from blue glass. Score~

    “Oh? What are these?” My eyes were drawn to a covered plate on the kitchen counter.

    I lifted the cloth and saw that it was a plate of raspberry scones. They were most likely left there by the maids in the morning. “Let’s have these scones as well!”

    Although the kitchen was fully furnished, it was hardly used as my food was usually prepared by the main kitchen and sent over to me. At most, Diana would use it to make tea as she forbid me from cooking anything.

    As Marina was busy washing the glasses, I approached a stone box in the corner and opened up the cover. It was a simple cooler box used to store cold items. In the middle of the ice that had been replenished by the maids in the morning was a flask of cooled tea Diana has prepared earlier.

    There was an ice house in the mansion grounds and everyday during the summer season, the maids will help to bring over some ice in the morning so that I can enjoy a cold drink in the hot afternoon. Talking about the ice house, it was a really wonderful place to be in in the middle of summer! The small dome-like structure made of stone had spells etched into its walls that made the place cold throughout the entire year. However, the spell needed to be maintained twice a year to keep it going. I even asked if it was possible to etch it onto the walls of the rooms so that the rooms can be cool even during the summer. However, my suggestion was met with a frown as controlling temperature on a large space would be too costly and maintenance would be time consuming. So my dream of having a working aircon was shot down just like that.

    “Lady Liliana, I’m done over here. Do you need my help?” Marina asked as she approached me from the back and placed the washed glasses onto a tray.

    “No. I’m done here as well.”

    The pitcher and glasses together with the scones had been placed on a tray so all that was left was to bring it over.

    “Please let me hold it!” Marina said as she quickly lifted up the tray.

    “Isn’t it heavy?” I asked worriedly as I watched her carry the tray with her skinny arms.

    “It’s fine!” She said with a smile. “Plus it wouldn’t be right to let Lady Liliana carry it.”

    “I’ve been wondering, but how old are you?”

    Although she looked to be around my age, Marina seemed to be much more mature than the other children.

    “I’m 9, Eddy and Josh are 8, Sally is 6,” she answered as we made our way to the garden.

    “Oh! Then we are the same age.”

    “Ahaha… It feels a bit strange to hear that from Lady Liliana…” She said with a slightly embarrassed face. “Because Lady Liliana is so much more mature than me.”

    Her words surprised me. Me, mature? I recalled all the times my family and Diana had treated me like a handful child past remedy...

    Marina is really a nice child!

    *****​

    In the garden, Aedus and the other three children were all seated around the white limestone garden table with their eyes flickering about curiously.

    “Ah! There’s food as well?” Eddy jumped out of his seat in delight.

    “Don’t be so rude in front of Lady Liliana!” Marina scolded as she placed the tray down.

    As Marina helped to distribute the iced drinks, I took a seat beside Sally who was swinging her short legs about as she looked around.

    The sunlight filtered through the thick glass window at the roof was weaker, making the place cooler than outside. Even though there was no breeze about, ventilation was good and with the amount of plants inside, it was enough to result in high indoor air quality.

    Having an impromptu tea party wasn’t too bad after all, I thought as I munched on a scone.

    Beside me, Sally tugged me lightly on my sleeve.

    “Are you really Lady Liliana?” She asked with round eyes.

    Although I was puzzled by her question, I just smiled and nodded. “Yes, I am Liliana.”

    “Eh… I heard that Lady Liliana was a princess who was captured by horrible monsters and held at the top of a tower.”

    What is with this fairytale like setting?! My dear parents, what exactly have you been spreading about me?

    “Umm, as you can see there are no monsters around here. I can come and go freely between the main building and here as well, so I am definitely not locked up.”

    “I see.” Sally gave a nod, her two pigtails bouncing slightly, and smiled brightly. “I’m so glad Lady Liliana is not trapped in a tower. That would be very scary.”

    So cute! I instantly had the urge to give her a hug.

    “So in the end the reason why the adults have telling us to avoid this place is because Lady Liliana stays here?” Eddy surprisingly gave a logical observation.

    Although the rumours might have turned twisted, the basis of it was probably, ‘Lady Liliana stays there. Do not go near.’

    “That’s why I say we should have listened to them. Now we are intruding on Lady Liliana’s resting time,” Marina replied as she shot a look at Eddy.

    “I’m fine! Don’t worry. In fact it feels really nice to have more people around,” I quickly replied before the two of them start arguing.

    “What do you do in your free time?” Aedus asked as he looked at me with curious eyes.

    “Mmm… I like to read. Sometimes I will take a walk around the garden or play board games with Diana. But mostly reading I guess.”

    Unlike the previous world where I could go to cafes and do window shopping after school, the number of things I could here was limited. I used to have a large playroom with toys but I had it converted into a library around two years ago. My father and brother would often bring in new and interesting books when they go out so I was never too bored.

    “Oh… So you are a book lover,” Aedus said with a surprised face. “Have you heard of ‘Princess Cecilia and her Knight’?”

    My mouth opened in surprise.

    “Yes! I love it! The romance between a beautiful princess of a country and a brave knight whom she saved when he was injured was so heartwarming! Even though there were differences in their status, they still managed to overcome them and get together at the end. Don’t tell me you have read it as well?”

    “Not yet, but someone introduced it to me saying that it was very popular among ladies.” Aedus seemed to be slightly taken aback by my enthusiasm.

    “I definitely think you should read it!”

    “Lady Liliana is so great... I have not attended school yet so I can only read my name…” Sally said in a revering tone.

    Ah. Commoners attended local schools from age 7 to 14 so she had one more year before she get to attend school.

    “Tch, school is not that fun,” Eddy said sullenly.

    “You are always so excited over physical education classes though,” Josh commented.

    “Because I’m good at it!” Eddy replied with an upturned nose.

    “Hah. Are you acknowledging that you are just stupid?”

    “What did you say?” Eddy stood up as he glared at Josh.

    “Stop it!”

    Marina cut in with two hands in between the boys. “At least stop and see where we are at!”

    “Hahaha…” I gave an awkward laugh. “How about you? What does Lord Aedus do in your free time?” I quickly tried to change the topic.

    “Ah, hmmm… I’ve gotten interested in gardening recently. In fact, I think I want to become a gardener in the future!” Aedus said with excited eyes. “To be honest, I took the rose lying on the ground because I wanted to try growing some. On hindsight, I should have just asked for one… I’ve already reflected on my mistake. I hope that you can forgive me!”

    “No, it's fine. As long as you have reflected…”

    More than his apology, I was curious about his words on becoming a gardener. If I was not mistaken, Aedus was a character who had become a Knight by the time he was 18. Even if I take away what I knew about the light novel, he was the heir to the Dukedom of Duncaster, how can he possibly become a gardener?

    While I was still mystified over his words, Josh seemed to be very fascinated by his declaration of becoming a gardener and started asking him questions about gardening.

    The rest of tea time went smoothly amidst lively chat, and before I knew it, we had already spent close to an hour inside. Although the time was short lived, the four children had to return back to their parents or they would be found out that they had went to a place they were not supposed to enter.

    Aedus and I went to send them off at the door. As we watched them enter the garden while waving their hands, Aedus gave a proud smile.

    “Isn’t this great? They seem to have a better impression of you now.”

    That was true although it caused a lot of trouble as well.

    “I guess I have you to thank for that,” I answered with a smile I was unable to hold back.

    Aedus’s eyes widened in surprise and his cheeks became slightly flushed.

    “Lia should smile like that more often!”

    “Hmm? Who’s Lia?” I faked ignorance.

    Aedus just grinned and started down the steps. “Lia, let’s go back to the guest lounge as well. If not I won’t be able to return to the inn tonight.”

    “I’m coming. Let me just lock the door first.” I sighed as I turned around and inserted the key into the keyhole. After locking the door, I started down the steps after Aedus.

    A few steps away, I stopped and turned to look up at the two storey cylindrical building. Even if I wanted to forget it, my mind went back to what Sally had said earlier.

    “Am I really a pitiful princess trapped in a tower?”

    The words I murmured was in a voice so soft that it could be carried away by the wind.

    “Lia! Hurry!” Aedus called as he waved at me.

    “Coming!”

    My footsteps pitter-pattered across the stone path, echoing the disquiet in my heart.

    Back to the Table of Contents
     
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2017
    Elliana, Einon, Irie and 7 others like this.
  17. imsodone

    imsodone 『Creep』

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    Now it makes me curious what are the rumors and stories about her. It seems she has a very negative reputation in the story.
     
  18. HirotaNatsuki

    HirotaNatsuki Member

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  19. Akemin

    Akemin Well-Known Member

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  20. PamelAxiah

    PamelAxiah Well-Known Member

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    Glad that she can get some new friend. Hope that bad rumours about her stop. Felt a bit sad that she have to live far away from main house but its for the safety of her