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Make Way for the Villainess
The Plant Starts to Crept from Where it Stand

The Plant Starts to Crept from Where it Stand

On the final day of the event, the weather was so kind to give them a bright sunny day. The town was full of joy, and laughter was heard everywhere that no vacancy for sadness on anyone's face, but for Francheska it was otherwise. Francheska was much happier yesterday when she sneaked herself out and had her way around going into the stalls, stores, and plays. She of course would never forget the one who accompanied her, who she is currently glancing and waving at in the crowd.

As Francheska met Shelly's scolding eyes, it was clear as the day the remaining anger from that night is still visible. Although nothing happened-- which means Francheska successfully snuck back into her chambers without anyone knowing, and Shelly kept her word by keeping others out or in.

From what can Francheska guess, it was probably dreadful on Shelly's part. It is not easy to keep lying to a household where they are the ones who provide protection and are especially renowned for training knights to their potential-- with Francheska whose life was once contested death, the Hatpinjer house would lose their credibility over Shelly's mistake of letting the lady wander off on her own, with that thought in mind-- of once she is seen through her words and actions her life too will go upside down in an instant.

Francheska then gave Shelly her biggest smile like nothing crazy happened last night.

Although Francheska promised her that it would be the first and last she would ask a favor like that again, Francheska would probably do it alone when needed to be.

Sitting properly beside her sister, Francheska took a glance at the spot where Archie was standing, he was still there wearing his dull clothes when they first met, and when they both met eyes Archie could only give her a toothy grin. Francheska has a hard time sinking in with the realization of how oddly Archie looked like his past life boyfriend and the fact that both of them have the same optimistic personality sent shivers to Francheska.

All could Francheska do was reciprocate Archie's expression by smiling-- just doing her duty rising her reputation and gain morality from the crowd.

The sudden playing of the trumpet loudly broke the roaring crowd, taking everyone's attention of disbelief realizing who will appear on the stage with them.

"Everyone we are truly blessed to announce that surprising guests came just to see the spectacle of our town. Please bow your heads in honor of our Majesty Emperor Lindell Greyson Asopher the fourth of his name, and his Majesty's son-- his highness the crown Prince Gerald Jon Asopher." The town mayor announced to the whole crowd.

After hearing the last name that was announced, Francheska could only stiffen in her chair realizing what was happening.

'there is just no way!'

the sound of footsteps approaching sounded like the clock sound closing in to strike its time for Francheska's anticipation.

The duke, duchess, and her sister stood up instantly-- Francheska was a second late as she then followed them and paid respect to His Majesty the Emperor and the crown prince.

"Raise your heads, this festival gave me a smile on my face. Every corner has enjoyable games to play and exotic foods are cooked for everyone to feast, truly the Hartpinjer have outdone themselves in protecting the people of the town-- So well secured I have no worries in attending the fun in this town!" the emperor expressed to the crowd, and only followed by cheers and claps.

The emperor glanced at the duke Ferriendan who only put a hand on his chest and gave a bow to his Majesty. The emperor then walked by the duke's side and gave him a hand on his shoulder, which made the crowd go louder with their cheers seeing the close interaction of the two.

It was so loud that Francheska could barely hear the panicking voice inside her head.

'I thought we would be meeting in the palace... so why now...?'

Francheska then felt a presence before her, she could only curtsy before raising her head and her heart almost stopped.

The face of her killer was before her-- purple hair and piercing red eyes staring at her were enough for her to recognize the crown prince himself.

The crown prince without a word then went on one knee as he took Francheska's right hand and kissed the back of her hand.

Although it is still not announced and still is a rumor that one of the Hartpinjer daughters will be betrothed now-- this behavior sure is an indirect confirmation of 'who' is betrothed.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you my lady Francheska of the house Hartpinjer." the crown prince said to her, standing up to meet her gaze for a second and then continuing to stand by her side.

'shit, can he not put pressure on me-- we just met!' Francheska thought as she tried to compose herself and hid her trembling hands.

"Let us give our all till the end of today's festival, not only in every festival but in striving in our everyday life. As long as I, your emperor, and the Hartpinjer are here, you are assured that you can enjoy life every day like a festival." The emperor happily announced to the crowd in confidence as if the two of them were unstoppable beings of the empire.

Francheska's smile almost cracked at how ridiculous the emperor sounded. Knowing what would transpire in the later years could only make everything that he said just now ironic.

Francheska could not read the lips of the emperor as he said something to her father the duke, but the two of them suddenly approached the exit of the stage, and the next thing Francheska knew was feeling a hand behind her back-- looking beside her the crown prince smiled at her stunned expression as he guides them together following their father direction to the exit.

"my father emperor that we should get to know each other my lady, and hearing your whole family come down to this festival gave his Majesty a wonderful idea and my mother empress agreed to it, it is unfortunate really that the empress could not attend due to her health." Gerald smiled, and Francheska could not deny how handsome the crown prince looked at the moment.

As knights and guards protect them from side to side, Francheska could only feel the familiarity of her 'past'-- suffocating but not that bad.

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They went to every interesting place the festival could offer, they were new to them but not to Francheska-- she could only try to look excited and bring back her yesterday's curiosity about the familiar places.

Gerald the crown prince was obviously--trying to impress Francheska with his skills by playing the difficult games they could offer to him, and he would successfully win the game and the biggest reward and would give it to Francheska, for Francheska's conclusion the crown prince's skills were outstanding-- as a daughter from the Hartpinjer house his skills were almost surpasses the training of their house, it was incredible for his age.

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The crown prince was showering Francheska with rewards that he won whenever Francheska glanced at her sister-- he only gave her the smaller rewards, it was laughable for Francheska how pitiful her sister looked and would laugh at her face when Francheska had a chance.

There were times when Francheska would notice it would just be the two of them the crown prince and her time alone, and would hear a crowd gushing over their interaction-- how much the two of them 'looked' cute and how they were relieved of the possible union between two families.

Francheska could only feel the uneasiness and dread of her 'life' story, she remembered that she only had six years and a half before her big end.

The day in Francheska's opinion was surprisingly normal, they normally did what a person would do at a festival and that is to have fun and engage with the town with enthusiasm. What made Francheska surprised was the crown prince's personality, it was no wonder how the original Francheska fell in love with him.

The crown prince was a smooth talker, gave witty jokes, and knew how to please and entertain the crowd, he genuinely treated them, especially her-- Francheska could tell that the crown prince's upbringing was a good one, that Francheska could not help to wonder what made the crown prince selfish and greedy, is the crown prince she is seeing right now is just a facade?

Even if that is true Francheska could not deny that she is already fell in love with the crown prince Gerald.

Out of the men in the empire, the crown prince Gerald was the best suit for Francheska, but if she had the free will to choose-- personally her choice would be Archie the farm boy. If the 'world' would have no power over her, without any hesitation Francheska would choose him.

Francheska knows if she fights against the 'world' the outcome would be the price of Archie's life and Francheska strongly does not want that to happen to both of their lives.

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Time went by and it was already night, the day was almost about to end when the town's mayor came before their presence again and told them that they were bringing yesterday's fireworks back for the festival's end. They all returned to the stage and they sat next to each other, except for the crown prince-- he purposefully sat next to Francheska.

Francheska could honestly feel elated now after knowing the crown prince.

"my lady, I have a thought that I want to share with you is that alright?" Gerald out of the blue asks Francheska.

"your highness, the pleasure would be all mine to know your thoughts." Francheska then smiled

"I know we are the same age and both have not debuted to society yet," Francheska knew the upcoming question but her heart was still beating fast out of excitement.

"May I have your last dance on your debut day?"

Francheska's cheeks reddened from the question as she solidified her answer by saying, "Certainly your Highness, my last dance will be with you."

Gerald gave Francheska a genuine smile as he smoothly caressed the back of her hand gently, "You make me feel alive my lady, meeting you changes my clouding thoughts of who you are."

Francheska raised a brow at his statement, her expression was discernable that the crown prince continued his words.

"my lady with respect, I have stumbled on your incident that happened years ago, and a thought stuck by me of your well-being-- the words that I hear on the walls of my abode would only worsen that you may have lost your mental capacity due to the incident." Gerald confronted Francheska sharply like a knife that made her lose breathing as he reminded her of the incident.

"I'm sorry my lady, I crossed the line--" Gerald handed her swiftly a glass of water. Francheska then gladly took the glass and drank the water into her system.

"It is alright my Highness, people talk and it cannot be helped when curiosity dwells in one's mind. You could say it was a life-changing incident but ever since I survived-- I have changed... for the better. It made me realize how important it is to protect the life of every people from danger. Not only from bandits, thieves, or criminals but from other factors as well such as being deprived of resources, land, hunger, and shelter-- I'm sorry your Highness I must have bored you from my realizations." Francheska deeply apologized as she gave a bow to the crown prince.

"No, my lady, the genuine and strong stand of your words made me realize how foolish I was making myself get corrupted by the words I hear from people I do not know. Hearing your words only made me fall in love with you more." The crown prince reassured her.

Francheska was speechless by what he just said.

"Also my lady, it was really surprising despite your icy cold beauty on the surface is the total opposite of your personality, you're adorable, my lady, and I'm growing fondness of you." the crown prince showed his handsome smile that Francheska described, which Francheska let out a laugh.

"Your Highness, stop complimenting me out of the blue and start paying attention to the next event."

"you are right my lady, but I doubt my attention-- I'm afraid my attraction would be on yours only."

'okay that is enough young man' Francheska thought, but only laughed at that.

The familiar sound then took Francheska's attention toward the sky. The noise and beautiful bright colors exploding in the sky made her remember someone from yesterday, Archie.

Francheska recollected their encounter yesterday, but despite the enjoyment they had-- she could hardly put a smile on her face.

Worry, was the word when she remembered Archie who was in the crown that morning. She just suddenly worried about his whereabouts and if he decided to enjoy the festival again.

The crown prince may have discerned her stoic expression from the fireworks, that Gerald made his move to hold her hand and interlocked both of their fingers together.

"I do not have the right to know your thoughts my lady, but I want you to know that I will be here by your side when you feel like the world is against you," Gerald said to her.

'lies.' that was the only word that popped into her mind.

Francheska wanted to yell at him-- yell about everything he soon would do to her. Why would he choose someone who suddenly showed up in his debut and change his mind about me, and have the audacity of commanding to behead me in front of these people? how dare he say those words about 'the world is against you.' She wanted to swat away the crown prince's hands from her, but she felt him tighten-- not too strong that caused pain, Francheska felt the familiar feeling of when her 'boyfriend' would comfort her when words failed. She undoubtedly felt secure and solidified his words.

Francheska's feelings for the crown prince have gone to a zero, as the elation wore off on her.

How dare she of all people fall in love with someone who would kill her in the future.

'was I just trying to look for his good parts? or is it denial...'

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The fireworks went off longer unusually than yesterday, and throughout the event, the crown prince continued to hold her hand like glue so inseparable.

All of the fireworks were already used making the usual of the nightlife back to its darkness. After that, the emperor called his trusted servant to catch the town mayor's attention and announce their leave. The emperor and duke went to give short speeches in the crowd that Francheska could hardly hear them, all she wanted was to go home and sleep on everything that happened today.

As they stood up, Francheska was finally relieved when the crown prince let go of her hand. The crown prince was still by her side but the odd thing was that he too was silent when they walked on their way to their carriages.

Seeing the loaded back of the carriage due to the prizes being won, only made Francheska remember the crown prince's effort.

She deeply knows that despite the crown prince's affection, she cannot win him over the female lead Josephine. She is the villainess, after all, she is bound to lose and be killed by the man she 'loved' who would betray her as an object gets discarded like an old toy.

'There is no point in winning the prince's affection, I should just win the people's love and attention. the crown prince is just a duty, after all, he doesn't matter to me as the 'world progresses on its own.'

"Your Highness, my dear crown prince," Francheska called out to him, who then turned in her direction.

"I have greatly enjoyed your company the whole day, your presence boosted today's enjoyment to the fullest, but our time and distance are cruel to each other, can I suggest that maybe we could send letters from one another?" Francheska fidgeted her fingers as she waited for his response.

"my lady," his voice was serious which made Francheska knit her brows as if embracing the upcoming impact of his words.

taking both of her hands to his, the crown prince said, "I am glad to hear your wonderful idea lady Francheska, I will send you letters weekly-- or whatever is going on with my life. I will also be held on to our promise, my lady. I will surely not make you disappointed with your last dance my lady Francheska." Gerald said as his red eyes stared back at Francheska's, as he sealed his goodbye with a kiss on the back of her hand.

"I will look forward to your letters my lady, farewell, and have a safe ride back to your residences your graces, and lady Marinette." The crown prince gave them a curtsy as he walked in and joined his father on their ride.

Seeing their carriage go first, the Hartpinjer too made their way to their carriages and the road.

With her eyes closed, she could feel the tension between her sister Marinette and the Duke and Duchess inside the cramped carriage.

It was dead silence inside the carriage and Francheska was grateful, for the time being, she could now take her rest and sleep. It is already deep in the night and exhausted from the festival, sleep would help her recharge the energy she had lost.