Walking to the foyer, Francheska crosses paths with her sister Marinette. Locking eyes with her, Marinette only responded to her with an evil smirk.
“I just heard what happened. Oh, how gossip flies so fast that it even outran you on your way here my dear sister… how humiliating to lose to someone like ‘that’, truly pathetic.” Marinette then giggled.
“Agree dear sister, it is pathetic, rather— yours weighs more for you can hardly catch the attention of the crown prince alone nor even rival with mine. What more is your presence when the new lady is already making words in the empire– you and the crown prince don't even worth a sentence in the paper.” Francheska then tried to walk past her sister, when her wrist was then grabbed.
“The way you talk sister is inappropriate–”
“How about you focus on making your move on the crown prince yourself, and I might fulfill your wish of being betrothed to the son of the count.” Francheska roughly unhands herself from her sister's grasp.
Marinette was like an open book, or is it because she was written like a cliché character? Francheska's not sure, but from her deduction these past few months ever since the crown prince's debut, Marinette would always ask Francheska's opinion of the house Cosimo. At first, it was strange, for Marinette was like a broken record for the imperial family, especially when it came to the discussion of the crown prince– her sister had truly fallen to that guy's weird charm. Connecting the puzzle of the possible out-of-character behavior of her sister and based on what Francheska heard from her servants' investigation, it was clear that Marinette was playing cupid to the two of them.
Seeing her sister only made Francheska's mood worsen.
Stumping her way to her room, Francheska let out a scream that the servants standing behind hurried their way to close the door and leave her Highness alone.
“Fuck, every day this ‘world’ keeps testing my patience and insanity. For FIVE years I have to keep an act and watch these people turn against me?!” she
“hah, maybe the rumors are right… I lost my mind, I'm not a genius… I'm just—” Francheska then saw her reflection from her window, and instinctively grabbed anything near her that was light enough to throw against her reflection. The speed of the throw was enough to impact the window, shattering the object and leaving it with huge cracks like thunder crossing its path.
Although she has imagined herself in this scenario and what possible action she should take– walking along their garden with the thought of her previous and current life, Francheska could say that she was truly blessed to be alive— willing to give herself another chance that this ‘world’ is not that bad, that even knowing the outcome she will not regret everything that she has done.
This part of Francheska's life is just the surface of the challenge, but for the female lead Josephine this is part of her where her life starts. How dare she– Francheska the villainess take that life from the female lead? She knows Josephine's pain in the novel— even if it is just brief, she is the fictional character her best friend always adored, and how her best friend tells her that Josephine’s demeanor is similar to her previous life. She has encountered Josephine on unexpected occasions, but from mentions alone based on her knight, Rachel, William, and everyone later in the future would take Josephine's side is a treatment Francheska always wanted in her previous life.
“What is so different between Josephine and me? Why don't we get the same treatment? I already know– and am being reminded all the time that this ‘world’ is fictional— everything is created for her happiness so can't I also have that? Can't you just make an exception for me? does everything have to go according to the plot?” Francheska cries her heart out, kneeling on the floor as she looks up from the sky blocked by the ornamented ceiling of her room. She was pleading, anything to sway whoever was up there to change her fate for her. Staring blankly at the ceiling as if waiting for a voice of answer out of the blue was nowhere only a gust of wind coming from the cracked glass of the window.
Wiping her tears away, Francheska stood up from where kneeled and went to grab a broken piece of the object from the floor. It cut her palm, but she was too numb to feel the pain of the porcelain in her hand. Gripping tightly, her blood ran to her forearm as she tried to steady her trembling arms to aim at her neck for a swift one to end her life.
Closing her eyes, Francheska again tries to calm herself by breathing in and out of the air inside her room. Suddenly her life flashed before her, images of times she died, and almost died. with a scream coming from her throat, she muster her courage and bring her hand down to her throat—
Francheska felt the tip of the broken porcelain on her throat and let the object fall to the floor. If she trained herself physically strong from the start she could have fulfilled her action as she expected, but she was weak both mentally and physically.
What she is currently doing right now was just like the rest of them– in her previous life and the current one. This world was already betraying her— she was no different from any of them, betraying herself.
She already promised herself that she should give herself a second chance, that this time she would be controlling her own life, have no regrets, be kind, and love herself. Who cares if she is created as the obstacle and villainess for the female lead, let everything loose— just not herself?
Looking at her bloodied palm, Francheska was reminded of the gift Josephine had given her. Taking it out with her other hand from the pocket of her dress, she unfolded the handkerchief and wrapped it around her palm. For now, it was only temporary, later she needed to personally meet their family physician for her wound to be treated, Francheska didn't want to raise any more suspicions and just planned for an excuse.
The sight of the cloth unconsciously made the corner of Francheska's lips turn into a smile.
“Even at the worst time, you're always here to help…”
----------------------------------------
The next day, Francheska was called to the private room of the duchess to speak alone to her of the matter. It was another scolding of course which Francheska was used to, already immune and tired to such nagging of her so-called mother.
“pay heed to my words dear, these are serious matters!” the duchess yelled despite the proximity of them.
“I am your grace.” Francheska accidentally said monotone, that the duchess could only raise a brow but only let it slide and continue her scolding.
“...you need to attend one of the parties,” gesturing to her servant, an invitation letter was handed to Francheska. “to prove the recent rumors to end it as soon as possible. You who have not yet resided in the imperial Kalxar already have the high society stirring with doubts, still, you need to expose yourself more for them to change their thought on the matter.” the duchess continued.
The seal of the letter had been already opened Francheska could only guess that the duchess knew what was inside and who was going to be at this party. Francheska knows that the duchess is not to be underestimated, for her grace knows how the high society worked, truly impressive but still does not change how the duchess treated her and Marinette.
Reading the content of the letter, the duchess stopped her nagging and gave peace to Francheska herself on focusing the words in the letter.
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
In Francheska's summary, it was an invitation to celebrate one of the noble children who recently came back from a foreign land. Although from the wording in the letter, it seemed that people would go to this occasion for the sake of the family rather than the celebrant. The location, theme, and the year's seasons are too good of timing to let it pass— the preparation sounds worth it.
Folding the back to its place in the envelope, Francheska handed the letter to one of her servants.
“I will send you the dress, that is the only thing you do not need to ponder on. Be on your best behavior and apologize to that lady—”
“I will not apologize!” Francheska shouted with diction, that the duchess was about to scold her to only get cut off as her highness continued.
“I'm the one who deserves an apology, not her!” Francheska then stood up from her seat and the duchess followed after, without even a curtsy Francheska left the room.
‘oh my fucking god! I know how much the duchess wants to keep this family's reputation together and not let everything go into thin air—’ Flashes of the future of House Hartpinjer reminded Francheska of how easily their house went extinct by false accusation.
‘augh, the duchess is right tho… for now let's try to save face in this party.’
----------------------------------------
Four days have passed and Francheska is on her way to the said party, wearing the dress the duchess gave her. When Francheska saw the dress she was stunned, not because of how intricate the embroidery on the dress, but rather of how it looked like a dress that the duchess owned when she was her age.
Going inside the busy hall, Francheska could sense that the voice and murmurs lowered slowly to silence as they noticed her presence in the room.
“Your Highness, it is such a delight to see you again.” lady Polvie warmly greeted Francheska with a curtsy. Behind the lady, two familiar ladies that also gave their greeting to her highness made Francheska break a smile.
“Good evening ladies, I’m also delighted to gather with you so soon. How about we occupy the–“ Francheska’s sentence was cut short when the voices around them started to rise, not for their gossip but rather how it felt like someone important was coming from behind.
Turning around, Francheska was expecting that it would probably be about her knight Sir Salvia but upon the figure of the lad came to her view and senses, her smile faltered as the last thing she did not want to see was the crown prince himself.
His highness could only smile at her, but as soon Francheska saw the quirk on one of his eyebrows, Francheska realized her expression just now– she swiftly turned her sweet smile and gave his highness a greeting.
“Your Highness, How wonderful that you are here, you look dazzling as ever.” His Highness gave a bow as he took one of her gloved hands; her injured hand that was still recovering, and kissed the back leading the witnesses surrounding them to force their squeals and expressions hidden under their fan.
After that the crown prince returned her smile and took her hand over his arm to indicate that the two of them would be with each other for how long it would be– they could only guess.
“Ladies, I hope you enjoy the rest of the occasion.” His Highness gave them their goodbye and led the two of them to sit on the designated seats they were supposed to.
Sitting there, eyes were on them. Francheska admits that their stares made her uncomfortable, despite her past life and the current one– there was no difference when she debuted, is it because of the rumors that just happened? About Lady Josephine? admiration? Are they a couple? Or just simply about the crown prince's gesture? still… Francheska could not point out the reason for the stare, it only made her feel like a sinner.
Francheska slowly and steadily tried to take her hand off the crown prince but it seemed that his highness thought her hand was slipping from her satin gloves and caught her hand placed back to his arm– pressing her injured hand that Francheska could only smile widely to hide the pain.
‘I should have chosen a thicker glove– but it would not match with my outfit… I will just have to bear with it… till the arrival of the female lead. Please Josephine come quick…’
It wasn't too long before the occasion started as the host made an opening speech to express the purpose and pride of their family, that is their child who came from abroad.
Despite that this occasion was for the star of the night, the audience could not help but keep their attention on the two matched couples in the special seats of the party.
After the speech, Francheska and Gerald were the first people the hosts greeted along with their family, thanking both of them for their presence on the occasion. There was no need of course to thank them, for it was already clear from these recent days that their intentions, especially hers, were different.
Francheska did not know how long they would indulge the family, but she could only thank god for their blessing– rather the intervention of the bell of the next event in the party.
‘Shit… I hoped Gerald would just leave me and find Josephine. I need to make my plans too.’ As Francheska unconsciously tightens her grip on the crown prince’s arm.
“Are you alright dear Francheska? Is something bothering you?” The crown prince asks Francheska as his brows knitted on his forehead with concern.
Staring to his eyes, “I– I’m alright your highness, I think- think I need a glass of water.” Francheska covered her hesitation in the middle of her sentence. The crown prince seemed not to mind it at all and decided to make his way to fetch her a glass.
Francheska shuddered, ‘What the hell, dear Francheska??? Was I hearing right? Oh my god, I don't even want to try remembering it… I need to get out of here.’ she moved away from her spot to look for the ladies, or if fortunate enough lord William would be better.
In the crowded hall, Francheska swears that she saw a glimpse of Josephine in the corner of her eye and that the female lead saw her, but thankfully Francheska was able to brush her off as she changed the pace of her steps out of the hall, until she bumped to something in front of her.
Losing her balance, Francheska tried to reach for something– anything just to bring back her footing, but suddenly she felt a hand on her back, enough to support her weight and stop her impact to the tiled floor.
“You are something, it is nice to see you genius lady of the empire,” said lord William, the familiar shade of red that Francheska could not help but remember one of the shameless lines that was shared by the ladies, that made her highness’s cheeks turn red.
Helping Francheska back to her feet, her Highness turned to lord William, “I have something to share.” The lord could only nod in agreement as he gestured to Francheska to discreetly follow him.
Walking up the stairs, with a proper distance to each other they walked in silence as they tried to find a place barely with any people around.
William then went to a balcony, slightly opening to see if there was anyone there, after confirming that it was abandoned he gestured to Francheska to follow him inside.
Closing the doors behind her, “Lord William, you know how risky this situation is for the two of us here.”
“I’m aware so let's make it as brief as possible. I’m here to tell you that I’m planning to fight against the empire– rather than the Asophers.”
Francheska was stunned by what she just heard from him– she knew that he was no fool to contend with such a family. It's making war that could make everyone– everything to destruction. She too had that plan but hearing William say it out loud and it's one of his probable personal reasons just made Francheska speechless.
Although from her previous life, she was not able to experience life under war, the news was easy to access even hearing it from such articles– fake or real it was still devastating to hear and read how people’s lives are used just for one’s selfish desire, which made Francheska abandon that plan– it was too destructive. But right now, Francheska has to make sure that William’s thoughts are, and she too has to convince him of another plan.
“That is too much of a stretch don't you think lord William? Have you not thought about the lives of us people living in the empire?”
“Our families may have been written in history as rivalries but I am alone in this and doing this for personal reasons. Francheska, you and I are nobles, this pressure that is left over our shoulders is too much to handle. You have seen Asopher's demeanor–! They are proud and full of greed– it is time to end this kind of life.”
“...”
‘Why do I feel like he is only making his explanation just an excuse for the real reason behind his ideals? I need to make sure, I have to just say it bluntly to his face.’
“I thought you were doing this for Josephine?”
“W- well I- I am, H-How did you… it is– I soon realized it was more than that… and I want to improve the empire even if it means destroying the glory it had.” William stuttered but was able to keep track of the conversation.
William’s face was still confused and baffled by Francheska's question that her Highness was fighting her laugh at how stupid the lord looked at this moment.
With blank and composed Francheska she decided to finally answer, “It’s pretty obvious, even a dog could tell how you look at the lady.”
“...I understand how you love the lady, but that is not an excuse for a war. Lord William, if you truly know the lady well you should just start getting to know her– I barely know lady Josephine and I assure you hearing your words right now will only make her loathe you.”
“--How would you know, you're not lady Josephine!” William said in a low shout, that Francheska could only raise an eyebrow as if she did not catch his words.
“I’m a lady, lord William. Wars are not a pretty discussion don’t you think? Especially to a lady like her who had a rough childhood– I thought you already learned your lesson about not judging ladies?” Francheska said as she walked to the dark corner for her to lean on the wall.
“My apologies, you are right. I only wasted your time on such foolish plans.” William in his defeated voice admittingly said.
“No, you did not waste my time, but you are correct that it is a foolish plan.” Francheska looked at the half moon in the dark sky and felt the night breeze blowing in their direction, closing her eyes Francheska pondered a bit.
‘To have love as a driving force to destroy history of great feats just for her is admittingly romantic, I wish someone would love me like that… I also had that plan on my list— unfortunately, I know now about my situation in this ‘world’, but I cannot let that happen especially to innocent people who felt secure in this empire to reside for generations of their lives… but this war plan would work after I die and if it's William– If it's him, there is no doubt he could execute the plan and start a revolution. For now, other options will work.’ Still closing her eyes, Francheska gave a heavy sigh out of her chest.
“Lord William, I am no fool and you know how I feel towards Lady Josephine. I think the rumors are piling up that it is now a fact that happened days ago in the capital.” Francheska stopped leaning on the wall and turned her attention to William who was listening to her words, “Hate me for whatever actions I will act upon her, and use my devious actions and make it as a leverage to create a new empire.”
“What are you–”
“I will be the one who will bring the empire down." with a hand over her chest Francheska in her heart and soul confidently said.