With a puzzled look plastered on Williams's face, it was still clear that he did not understand what Francheska meant by her words.
“I will set myself an example, to show the empire of their pressure that has been built through generations.”
William was still like a statue with his expression as if Francheska’s word did not reach him. Francheska could only roll her eyes and try her best to make him understand.
“I’m with you in going against the empire lord William, in my way of fighting of course–” Francheska attempts to articulate her position.
“I know.” William cut her off, which made Francheska feel her anger rising from the realization of explaining herself when William already got her idea.
Francheska wanted to complain, but as William moved closer to her, Francheska could not help but take a few steps back and felt the wall behind her.
“M-may I r-remind you lord William, this is extremely inappropriate proximity so if you could–”
“I know.” William cut her off again, as he closed their distance into a hug.
“I apologize, Francheska, perhaps my selfish desire has dragged you to this irrational ordeal. May I still have the chance to change your mind and have you leave this place– forget everything that has been said here.”
Francheska can hardly describe what she felt in the moment, is it perhaps it has been so long since she has been embraced and heard such sincere words? Or is it for some reason William seemed to understand ‘her’, that has ignited her feelings in this unexpected encounter?
Raising both of her hands on his chest to push a little distance for Francheska to breathe, she could only smile as she hid the wincing pain of the wound on her palm.
“I must decline lord William, it is not your fault. I’m sick of this suffocating pressure that has been passed on, I want out even if it means a tragic tomorrow.” Walking to the opposite side of the balcony for Francheska to have space for herself she continued, “Nevertheless, I won’t be easy on Lady Josephine and I will not let her take my title.” Francheska with diction spat the last word with spite.
With a final sigh, her Highness moved to the door and grabbed the knob, but before she could turn the knob Francheska felt a hand that halted her. Turning her sight to her other hand, she already saw William’s hand without gloves over hers.
Suddenly without any word, William unbuttoned her gloves. Francheska realized this, she tried to take his hands off of hers but his grip on her wrist tightened but felt no pain from his grasp.
“You’re hurt,” it was low but Francheska was able to hear it. She finally gave in and relaxed her hand on his touch, ”I gotta commend you, Francheska, you sure are good at hiding and lying with your expressions.” Taking the glove off her, William saw the wound that reopened on her palm.
Francheska was only focusing on William’s eyes, as he gently traced the edges of her wound.
“H-how–?” Francheska was not able to continue her question when she felt a little sting on her palm and a soft green glow below William’s hands over her.
Gently taking her other hand, William did the same; taking the glove off and then giving his own to shield Francheska for her to wear. Her Highness refused of course but he insisted and decided on his own to slide the glove gently to fit her hands.
“I do not have a mastery in using magic, I have low mana reserves that I can only use magic four times in a single day. It’s a deep wound… All I did was to lessen the pain and its recovery time. Just wear mine, your blood is starting to color your glove.” William said as he showed the dried and fresh blood on her glove.
Francheska could only stare at the gloves she was now wearing so that she could feel the air at the gaps of the gloves of her fingertips– that her highness bit the insides of her cheeks from smiling at the ridiculousness. The surreal situation struck Francheska with the absurdity of the circumstances, feeling a mix of emotions in response to William’s unexpected gesture of care and concern.
“Our families have been written as rivals in history– I could hardly see that Francheska. I only see you.” Francheska was only left speechless, by a statement like that– panic was in her mind.
“If I can not change your mind then… just do what you want, I won’t stop you. You heard my plan, and I will make it happen." With confidence William said his conclusion, and went his way back to the party, leaving Francheska alone on the balcony.
His words lingered in the air, echoing in her mind. The unexpected revelation left her feeling a mix of emotions – confusion, panic, and a hint of vulnerability she was not accustomed to.
“Shit, I’m now certain that William can see through my acting and lies, he is skilled when confronting people. Why do I keep underestimating these kids? I mean I had a past life and remembered some of it well… I guess a true genius is just on a different level.” Francheska said out loud, as she voiced her realizations.
As the cool night breeze rustled her hair, Francheska took a moment to collect her thoughts. The weight of William's words hung heavily, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the situation had taken an unexpected turn.
"I only see you."
Those words replayed in her mind. Francheska grappled with the implications, the realization that perhaps their history of rivalry held a different weight for William. It was a sentiment she wasn't prepared for, especially in the midst of her revolutionary plans.
Following her previous direction to the party, Francheska just went to find the three ladies and mingled with other noble ladies through the occasion. Although, from the corner of her eyes, Francheska would sneak from time to time where Josephine might be, and probably because she is the villainess– of course, Josephine would be out of sight in the party; same as the male lead and second lead appearances in the party.
‘I guess, pulling my reputation back and recruiting nobles is my chance right now. I much prefer to see the drama in real-time, but this is not bad, I will just focus on stroking their ego to strike a great deal.’ Francheska thought to herself, as she continued her night laughing, dancing to high noble men, and flattering every noble in the party, clearing her rumors little by little that she could not help but ponder the potential strain on her voice from the night's activities.
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“That’s the last letter for now. Shelly, can you please send the tea and snacks now?!” Francheska shouted as she slumped her back on her high chair.
It has already been two months and Francheska is so dead tired of the letters that she needs to respond. Francheska was grateful for William’s magic on her wounded palm, for she had been focused on reclaiming her reputation and winning over the nobles from the occasion she met.
Sometimes she was thankful for being an actress in her past life and felt empathy for the people who work such tough jobs. Touching her wrist she massages her fingertips, her aching back, and her shoulder from bad posture.
“Your Highness, you know that you can just hire someone to write on your behalf?” Shelly and the other servant came into the room with the food trolley and placed the snacks on her desk.
‘I’ve had that idea, but I already know the future. I can already predict that once I hire them, they will pass the letter around and make the rumors worse– I’m probably overthinking but it will only make death close to me… I don’t want that yet, I’m still young!’ Francheska wanted to tell them all that, but she just reached out to one of the snacks placed before her, taking a bite.
“It is much more efficient this way. I don’t want to wait for someone to write what I think, I’m the only one who can catch up with my thoughts.” Grabbing the tea that has been poured for her to drink.
‘I sounded so mean! But it is what it is.’ relaxing herself on the chair, Francheska’s eyebrow straightened out of boringness.
‘This is so boring! Being a villain sucks so bad! I’m here to spice the plot, and just the obstacle for the female lead… sure she is cute and likable, but I want to see the drama going down in the front row, not part of the show! If only I could make a journey outside the empire…’
“Is the tea not liking your highness?” Shelly asks, which snaps Francheska out of her thoughts.
“Hhmm? Not really, say–! Have you ever ventured out of the empire Shelly?”
“I have not Your Highness, all my life all I could know is how to serve especially you, Your Highness.” Shelly happily said as she poured another into Francheska’s cup after placing it on the desk.
“Do you think such things that I read in books are real? Like that one,” Francheska pointed to one of the unsaturated drawings on their wall, “What do you think of the colors of that place? Does it still exist–?” Realizing herself and Shelly, Francheska’s curiosity died down which made her shut up and just continue spending her break by eating the snacks on her desk.
‘I sounded so pathetic and miserable, I just rebuilt myself as someone proud and fearless yet I sound like wanting to escape and go far away– well it’s the truth but I’m sharing this with Shelly who worries all the time!’ Washing down her throat with her tea.
“You don’t have to indulge my ridiculous questions, Shelly–”
“Francheska, just say the word and I will help you escape.” Francheska almost fell from her seat as the last word echoed in her head.
“I- I don’t– W-what are you…”
“You don’t have to lie. I saw you grow up, I saw your calm demeanor in every difficult situation and breakdown inside your room. Hearing you succumb to your troubles alone breaks my heart,” Shelly kneeled to caress Francheska’s cheeks.
‘Is it really okay for me to trust and tell her everything?’ Francheska could only stare blankly back at Shelly, thinking if it was worth the risk.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“No,” Francheska rashly slapped Shelly’s hand away, “Escape? This is a world that no one can enter, it is only exclusive to me!” Standing up from her seat, “I’m Francheska del von Hartpinjer, I’m the rich, popular, beautiful, and genius with the title crown princess bestowed upon me. Everyone wants what's mine, they would die to be me– I’d rather die to be someone else!” proudly voicing herself, but it seemed her wording made things different when spoken out loud.
Francheska wanted to defend herself, but seeing the look on Shelly’s face made her think otherwise.
“Let me have the hall for myself.” Francheska calmly said, sitting back in her seat, and staring at the window as she heard the opening and closing of the door.
“Shit…” she weakly says to herself, catching her face both of her hands, leaning her elbow on her desk for support
‘If I told her everything, Shelly would become paranoid, and worry about me. It would then affect her line of work and life… I cannot rob that away from her.’ Thinking hard, Francheska then massaged her forehead, mending the ache of her overthinking.
Clicking her tongue, Francheska also realized what tomorrow would be about.
Just a glimpse at the nicely wrapped gift being out of place on the shelf, Francheska kept pondering what would happen on the emperor’s birthday, just two days from now.
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The Hartpinjer family traveled in different carriages but went inside the hall together, but they were not able to stay together longer because they went in their separate groups at the party. Francheska and Marinette went to their friends, while the duke mingled with the noblemen and the duchess to talk with fellow mothers.
Just like any occasion that Francheska had been included in, right now seeing the emperor’s birthday excelled her debut– which the ladies around Francheska seemed to compare hers to and the current celebration for the crown prince’s was forgettable, but there was a similarity the empress was nowhere. The difference to both parties was this time the temple was present, and the highest was there to bless the emperor.
‘Where is Gerald?’ Francheska hates to admit that she- herself would be thinking where the hell is the crown prince in this celebration?
Francheska doesn’t care really, that is the truth but the eyes keep lingering on her, and the rising question of the whereabouts of the crown prince as if she is his guardian is mind-boggling.
‘I really can not have a good thing on this type of occasion, I’m also a guest, but give me a break!’ excusing herself from the ladies and to the food area to calm herself.
Walking around the table, Francheska took one of her gloves as she scanned for the food that was appetizing to digest. Francheska saw a familiar-looking snack, it was foreign to her but it did capture her, enough to unhesitantly take one but as her fingertips were about to touch the snack someone’s hand bumped onto hers which made her retract her action, beating.
Francheska was annoyed that she unconsciously clicked her tongue. She got irritated because the snack was not limited; there were dozens, yet the stranger had the nerve to get hers. Francheska let it slip and decided to take one from the plates.
Hearing a snicker before her, Francheska decided to confront whoever it was that was making a joke of her.
“Apologies, Your Highness, I intended to make light of the situation.”
It was none other than William himself across the table giggling as he ate the snack that he had taken.
“Couldn’t you just make yourself known like normal?” Francheska asks, her irritation still evident in her tone, continuing to devour the snack away.
Washing the snack down with a glass of water that he took on the nearby table, William cleared her throat to voice his action.
“Today’s a celebration, time for enjoyment only. Let your mind be blank for a moment.” William confidently said, handing her a glass of water for Francheska.
Taking the glass and drinking in one gulp, she set the glass down on the table.
“You don’t have to please every person here. Just act as you are–” William calmly said, shutting his mouth as soon he saw the glare Francheska gave to him.
Cleaning her hand with a napkin near them, Francheska then wears her gloves back.
“You do not know ‘me’ lord William, so if you’ll excuse me, this conversation is over.” Without sparing a glance, Francheska went back to her ladies waiting on the table they gathered.
Despite the annoying whereabouts of the crown prince keep popping up in their conversation, Francheska appreciates her not answering or changing the subject. They were understanding in their way and would start indulging in the noblemen who caught their attention.
The noise in the wall was soon interrupted by the clanging sound of the glass.
“May I have your silence?” A loud voice at one of the tables asks the crowd, as they make space for the person’s presence of what they have to offer.
“For generations, the empire has lived up to its glorious reputation and with the emperor's guidance to save us. Of course with the temple, the empire is unstoppable and undefeated…”
‘What the hell is this guy babbling about.’ Francheska wondered to herself.
“...The Galkiens and Asopher before the fated prophecy have been historically known of their glorious days where magic is alive– Where no one was powerless!” Taking his step on the table to make himself visible, he gave the emperor a bow.
“Your majesty, I, one of the Galkien households have found the perfect crown princess that could save the empire back to its former glory!” He shouted proudly, which left the crowd gasping from what they heard.
‘Oh no…’ some of the noble people were eyeing Francheska.
Francheska felt her palms sweating, and her feet becoming cold making her stuck to her position like a statue. Despite the wide space of the hall, Francheska could only hear her heartbeat speeding, and her breathing became labored as if she just run a whole mile– was everything before her too fast?
“My present to you, Your Majesty bringing back magic– the glory, the savior of our empire– Lady Josephine Lou Pinterio.” He announced the name of the lady, who then was accompanied by the followers of the temple and his highness himself by her side.
The crowd was speechless by such revelation, that murmurs started to occupy the hall of their confusion, shock, and wonder what the emperor would say when his majesty himself named Francheska the crown princess.
Ladies were gathering near Francheska asking about her wellbeing and thoughts about the matter. No matter how close they were and how clear their voice was; Francheska could not hear a thing, it was as if she was underwater hearing nothing– focused on catching her breath.
A loud applause broke through, and the crowd turned their attention to whoever was clapping, it was none other than the emperor himself walking down to greet the female lead.
“Finally, I can see the future and hope of what the empire once was…” halting himself in front of his son, the emperor took Gerald’s hand and Josephine for them to intertwine. Raising their joined hands to the crowd, the emperor applauded, gesturing to the crowd to follow his approval.
“In my divinity, under my name as the emperor, I renounce–”
A loud crash stopped his majesty from furthering his words. Again, another silence filled with air but then consecutive clashes of plates being thrown that space was given for safety– revealing the culprit Francheska who did not take the news well.
“Whoever you are standing on that table proudly announcing such ridiculous claims if you have proof and evidence to show that this lady right here– could save and bring back the empire to its former glory that you proudly claim.” Francheska stumped her heels loudly like a marching band, coming to fight and confront the insane man before her.
“It is true, your high– I misspoke, dear lady of the Hartpinjer family.” the man mocking Francheska of her status.
“Hah! Then show me– show it to us!” Francheska angrily said to the man who in return just stuck out a tongue childishly.
[https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/92684946-843e-4d5f-bd40-760d09e1c780/dgokpd3-87cd25f8-7bdd-45f6-8a2c-76b7c17cee2e.png/v1/fit/w_700,h_911,q_70,strp/eyes_to_judge__a_voice_to_spare_by_se54_dgokpd3-375w-2x.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9OTExIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOTI2ODQ5NDYtODQzZS00ZDVmLWJkNDAtNzYwZDA5ZTFjNzgwXC9kZ29rcGQzLTg3Y2QyNWY4LTdiZGQtNDVmNi04YTJjLTc2YjdjMTdjZWUyZS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NzAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.TXkMkl1XmzD7Iajg3eXeYjQRrrlfkuYxR8fMAKyNPyM]
“There is nothing to prove to you lady, how can a magicless household identify power?” the man laughed.
“Enough.” his majesty interrupted, “The crown princess says with rationality. If this lady here, you’re representing, has the historical magic from the books. Where is the evidence of your claim?” the emperor finished.
The man who was standing at the table was so shaken by the emperor’s question that he soon stepped off the table to level with everyone in the hall. Not only that but his majesty addressed Francheska of her title, subtly changing his mind about the female lead.
‘Right now, it’s a gamble. From my deduction, based on the fact that the female lead is adopted and the stored magical books in the Galkien household, there is a possibility that Josephine knows how to control her magic powers, that if she is a genius enough to understand without an expert magician… otherwise is, Josephine is the only person in the empire who has an abnormal magic power, that could mean she doesn’t know how to control magic… that would mean we could be in danger if she even show ounce of her magic.’ These were Francheska’s thoughts if a day like this happens, it was a miracle that she was able to catch herself when she accidentally knocked the table vase off.
The man swallowed his saliva to gather his words.
“I can vouch for the lady, Your Majesty.” a low old voice was heard, turning their direction to the mysterious voice, it was from the highest father.
His majesty gave his respect to the highest father by kissing his ring, the rest just gave their bows.
“Your majesty, lady Josephine here possesses the historical magic, I am certain that I can see the mana power flowing within her.” the highest father in his own pace.
“I mean no disrespect, highest father, how can we be certain of the claim when there is no evidence of her magical power– only expecting us to trust in your words? Highest father, you and your followers possess magic powers, known to never shy to such requests.” His majesty retorted back, aching his eyebrow at his dissatisfaction with the highest father's answer.
Francheska could feel the tension between the two high figures, it seemed that the emperor and temple had bad blood with each other.
‘This is okay for now, his majesty seemed to question the magic power the female lead has.’ Francheska reminded herself, as she unconsciously smirked from her thoughts.
“Your majesty, I can be a medium to show the magical power of Lady Josephine. If you allow it, please take five steps back away from us.” the highest father calmly requested.
The emperor himself approved with a nod and took the requested steps back, they too followed that were close to their perimeter.
The highest father then places a hand above her head and closes his eyes in concentration while enchanting words that they cannot hear. Josephine on the other hand just closed her eyes and stood there unmoved as if focusing on something they do not know about. Suddenly, a gust of wind seemed to have unleashed out of Josephine, so strong that it felt like they were in the middle of a storm.
The wind died down, and it seemed the highest father had exhausted himself by just being a medium to reveal such magic power. Looking around, the hall was already in chaos, the grand decor, and the months of planning were destroyed in just a few minutes just to reveal such magical power.
Looking at the emperor, Francheska saw his approval of the female lead, convinced of the historical magic power she possessed.
‘Shit, please not yet. Don’t discard me– I have to disrupt– anything– FUCK!’
“A- A- ABSURD!” Francheska shouted, just so she could hide her panicking self. Pointing a finger out to the female lead.
“Y-YOU HAVE NO ABSOLUTE CONTROL OF YOUR MAGIC POWER. YOU DO NOT BRING GLORY BUT THE DESTRUCTION!” Francheska angrily said.
‘I’m so sorry Josephine, I have to survive– I deserve to live.’
“Lady Francheska, that’s enough!” the crown prince said, defending Josephine on his behalf.
“You may be raised with propriety, yet your lack of consciousness to your words says otherwise!” his Highness said with sterling diction in his words.
“Your Highness take a good look around the hall, do you not see the destruction she brings? The devastating future she carries when she gets to rule the empire–”
“I do not care the mere words of an insane woman!”
“Insane woman?!” Francheska repeated out loud.
Probably because of Francheska’s loud voice, the crown prince stopped continuing his words.
‘How dare he mention that! He said that he understood me, that the rumors were wrong, that he would defend me… I know that he broke some promises but saying I’m insane, and showing everyone my vulnerability… shit…’ Feeling the sting in the corner of her eyes, Francheska tries to fight back the tears that were trying to fall out.
“What is perhaps of her personality? I gave everything that I have just so I could help you– provide for you– to the empire and yet you still chose her over me?!” Francheska who’s anger showed on the exterior of her being could barely hide the sadness in her throat.
“You may have everything, but she is everything that I need.” his highness delivered with certainty.
Just those lines, it was short but were enough for Francheska to let her tears out.
“Alright, enough of this!” A mysterious voice shouted from afar, only for the crowd to turn to who said that.
Knights then entered the hall to make way for someone special.
“So many surprises for one celebrant! Don’t you think you’re spoiling my emperor husband too much?”
The emperor, nobles, and rest of the staff in the hall gave their respect to the realization of who it was, the empress herself in the flesh!
“M-my darling empress! You’re right on time–” his majesty was about to hug the empress but did not dare further his action as her majesty raised a hand for her knight to shield her.
“My oh my, is the theme about being wild animals? Or is this my husband's emperor’s taste? Hmm?” her majesty wondered, and a few among the crowd let out a laugh.
Walking past her husband, Her Majesty noticed her son beside a lady while locking hands with her. The soft stifle cry of the lady on the other hand got her attention, that her majesty could not help but come close. The empress seemed to recognize her features and she then understood what the commotion was. Ever since the information reached her and what she overheard, it was enough to get the gist of it all.
“I do not approve of this sudden change of engagement!”
“But mother empress–!”
“Silence!” her majesty turned to her son, “my son, this is naivete. I do not have any ounce of this lady’s existence, only now.”
“Mother empress, Lady Josephine will live up to your expectations, unlike the one over there–” the crown prince was slapped by the empress herself.
“I may just know Lady Francheska of the house Hartpinjer of her rumors, accidents, and grand contributions, but those are enough to know what kind of a lady Francheska is.”
“Lady Francheska has magical power–”
“Magical power has been long gone since it has been prophesied. How many generations has it been, and look where we are now… we’re still standing.”
His majesty, the crown prince, and the weird man of the house Galkien called out the empress but fell on deaf ears.
“As long as I'm alive, under my name, I, Earlina Cloette Asopher, grant Lady Francheska of the house Hartpinjer the title of crown princess.” Her Majesty announced to the whole people present in the hall.
Francheska, still in shock, rose hesitantly. The weight of the crown princess title now adorned her, and the hall erupted in a mix of astonishment, whispers, and subtle applause. The empress's bold move had reshaped the fate of the royal engagement and brought forth a new era, with Lady Francheska at the forefront.