{∆}
Everyone was in utter confusion when the little princess gladly informed them that she is a villainess
"Joie are you still unwell and in need of rest? You're starting to say things that are unusual " Nathaniel calmly asked as he poured her another cup of tea from a clear glass tea pot
She smiled brightly and thanked his brother then looked at everyone and answered brightly"I'm very fine Nathaniel. If anything I'm quite thankful that you healed me with your magis or I could had needed to incapacitate my leg"
This didn't convince the two boys infact both of them stared at each other one raising en eyebrow while the white haired boy tilt his head with a confused look to the young brunet prince
"I think she's possessed by a Dominion" Silva voiced out not impressed
"I think so too. Should I get a saint to exorcist it?" Nathaniel asked suggestively in a serious tone
"Hey quit it you two. There's no exorcism that will happen or needed cuz I'm perfectly fine" she bluntly answered
The two sighed awkwardly while the aide was at awe with the interesting words the little princess is saying.
"Okay, Okay. Then, your highness let us all agree that you are indeed a villainess as you said, how is that related to this "urgent matter" you wanted to discuss with us?" Silva asked
"It's extremely related! A very dangerous plot line will happen in the next month and I'm afraid this event is already starting to unfold a lot quicker than what is already written" She answered with steady, serious, eye contact to the two princes and the aid meanwhile tilted his head slightly cringing
"Plot event?" The aide mistakenly asked rather loudly as he quickly covered his mouth fearing he might had been rude which may cause him punishment
"Hey it's alright calm down. Anyways, It's what you call the main sequence of scenes in a story that will greatly affect the character involved to either change the character for the better or worst to move the story forward" she explained
"Ohh okay. So what you are basically implying your highness, is that some disastrous event will come to which both your brother and my master are highly the important characters per say involved?" The aide asked to help clarify the situation
"Yes, correct! However, I don't want a plot event like that to happen. I'd wish I could've remembered thid sooner . A lot of lives are at stake here and I'm not happy on my brother dying and my people as sacrifice to a monster. In all honesty That disastrous event was preventable and the story could had gone through without that tragedy" she answered low and serious
"How tragic is that event?" Nathaniel asked breaking the silence
"Well...in the book in my dreams, that event caused a domino effect you see our eldest brother and sister died to warlocks who killed both of them in the guise of recklessness amidst the chaos and those killers disguised as knights planted under knightson that day where the two are. Mother and father declared a civil war to the elder stars afterwards the moment they found out the truth, which mother and father won but it was a very unfortunate effect as lives and freedom where sacrificed . The sad part was you got involved by force as to maintain alliance by becoming a spy Nathaniel" She answered as she drank her tea
This made the boys twitch as Nathaniel clench his cold trembling hands while Silva coughed his tea and glared at her for causing paranoia to the two. While Hugo instantly went pale from hearing the daunting news
"Look I understand you'd be annoyed but I have to stop it since I saw it in a book in my...my dreams! Yeah that and the assassination attempt was only the beginning. If I'm going to be completely honest with you all , from what I've read that shouldn't happen like that and from what I saw in that dream book, sir Hugo should had died that day creating a trigger for prince Silva to had awakened, but since that ended differently it saved his neck from death but Silva didn't awakened and worst of all the death of those magis's were what speed this in coming plot line" she explained
That made sir Hugo silent while Silva was glaring at the princess with that remark however he took deep breaths and a drank his tea to calm down.
"Where you aware that day that -that would happen your highness? Is that why you're a Villainess like you said? Are you our enemy as well?" Hugo asked calmly but a bit choky holding his tears from falling
Joie's choked on her tea spilling some on her to which her brother quickly stood up and took his handkerchief and gave it to her while slightly patting her back "F-First of all I am the v-ack- illanes in the damn book in that damn dream but I'm not yo-ur enemy so NO!. W-what happened that time was a horrible coincidence and that nearly killed ME too, because I--got involved in saving you both when all I wa-anted was damn wooden swords to train for my already weak body. I was not even aware I'll be meeting you and prince Silva outside by the palace's training grounds, let alone know both of you are in the empire as guests!" she answered her voice strained voice as she breathes heavily
This made the pair unable to utter a word however both their faces had soften as relief washed over the them.
However this was quickly vanquished when Silva noticed Nathaniel looking at him coldly while his jaw clenched Nathaniel sighed however to ease up his momentary anger upon hearing these sensitive information that he personally don't need to see" Okay then dear sister, what is this '"plot line" that a lot of lives are on the line?" He condescendingly asked as he composes himself went back to his seat and drink his tea
She cleared her throat and sighed "In my dream I read that-that "plot event" was called the "whisper malice" arc, because an evil cult named 'Akuji "will unleash one of the twelve restricted cursed spirits, the ice dragon Varadas on the day of the Polaris festival killing nearly everyone in the royal family and the capital. During that time Big brother Euros will create a binding cast to re-seal Varadas but due to the amount of mana needed he ended up overloading his body killing him but as I've said this was also used against him killing him using said opportunity" She answered in a low but stern tone holding her tea cup slightly tight as she looked down avoiding her brother's gaze
Hearing all of that from his sister who has never set foot off the manner and meeting his other brothers, he was still skeptical, but he feels troubled that he feels no doubt with what she's telling to them.
Still to him however it sounded too excessive for something that catastrophic event to happen to the empire when their parents who are currently the strongest magis users are all active in the empire.
Silva on the other hand believes her in some sense because the information of Varadas being a cursed Ice dragon spirit which is only known to the Vearan emperor, his successors, and high level mages that already come from Vearus. But isn't convince of her statement that it all came from a "book" in a dream .
"Look dear sister, I understand that this seemed very real to you but could those also just be one off coincidences? I am sorry but your statements- it's just impossible to prove especially big brother Euros dying which I should remind you if anyone hears about this you'd get punished severely!" He exclaimed
"I see... alrighty then how about this, if I prove I can see the future by guessing what will happen in the next two days,will you go through with my plan. It's not a bad deal if it would benefit the country and especially you nicely, am I right dear brother?" She bargained with a confident smile
This sparked the two's attention making them both smirk as if a new challenger arrogantly offered them in battle."Sure I agree and if it does happen I will also grant you a special request. But if what you say doesn't happen you have to do anything I say" Her brother answered as he lean back on the couch and crossed his arms
"Clear and deal! For my big brother. Two days from now delegates of the three major empires will come as special guests for the preparation of the annual treaty ceremony for the Polaris festival. You will be summoned along with brother Nicolas , and our other brothers and will be assigned as surprise guides and escorts to them as they wait for the Polaris festival" she started of as his brother's eyes widened we with the information
"But why would that be a surprise? It won't make sense if we're dealing with extremely high positioned delegates from one of three powerful empires. Normally that would be for brother Euros to do as he is the eldest imperial prince, so why would that happen?" He asked
She smiled and took a sip of her tea and said "Indeed but the thing is brother, father has not appointed Euros as the crown prince for he sees this as a test for all the princes. So the likelihood that this excuse as a job would also see how great you all are of delegating the empire as an ally to other empires. One of the delegates that's will be there would be Gracier, the Vearus admiral and formal foreign minister of the Vearan empire
This made Silva slam the table and stood up and glared at the princess as he rudely raised his voice" You dare say worthless things like this?! That vile man would never go to this country even if war comes through our country! What makes you think that cold man will come for?!"
Instinctively Nathaniel stood up and drew his sword and points it at him to which the aid did the same thing, both pointing at each other's face.
"Your opinions are yours but remember Your highness, she's still an imperial princes of this country. Control your petty emotions or I'll personally punish you for disrespecting a member of the royal family" Nathaniel warned coldly to Silva to which signed Hugo to stand down
This didn't make our princess lead flinch even the slightest and strongly answered" I don't honestly give a smidge of care if you hate him and feel triggered. He'll be here and he will come because he's here to retrieve a magic spell book in the archives of magis. So my dare for you, your highness Silva and Sir Hugo is to confirm if the spell book and his intention is exactly as what I said.
Remember if you get this wrong you follow what I'll say"
"Hold on! What do you mean retrieve a magis spell book? You can't possibly think a delegate from another empire could easily obtain a very important item such as a spell book like some child buying a piece of bread? No! That thing would take years to get your hands on properly with the amount of process you'd have to wait in unless you steal it" Nathaniel chimed in
" That is true, but unbeknownst to anyone aside from empress mother, her aid, and Our holy emperor father and his aid, he already approved of it , if my memory of that book was right, a month ago. This was done because In exchange for that spell book is an important historical relic from 100 years ago which originally was from our empire that is in Vearan. If anything the spell book in topic originally belongs to the Vearan empire to begin with too. It's said that it was the original spell book of the first emperor of the Vearan " she explained with great detail Silva's eyes widen as he found out this incredibly secret information while Nathaniel's jaw dropped.
"I know this is a ton to understand and trust but believe me it will happen. If I'm being frank here I would never tell you this but because first, hearing this from my own mouth sounds incredibly ridiculous, but as of what has been happening lately , I honestly believe this to be real. I actually don't want to be a villainess in this damn story so I'll do this much to help you all. I mean I wont play a role with this plot line but I don't want my family and my people hurt like what happened with his highness and Silva. I'm just annoyed still, because of how useless I was" she explained calmly however was frowning and looking down on her tea
Silva unconsciously reached out his hand towards her but quickly reframed from doing so because of how rudely he acted a while a go.
Nathaniel lowered his head and frowned however he took a deep breath and lifted his head. He then went to his sister and put his hand on her head and calmly said "Listen Joie, let us make this clear. That incident wasn't your fault. The whole reason our father is conducting this trial because it was a crime committed by adults who should had known better than to assassinate a child of a different empire for their dumb greed. If anything I--If It were me, I would want to let people know you save not just our guest but the entire empire from a potential civil war. If anything we owe you not just an apology but also respect for doing something heroic dear sister. As the forth prince of our empire and as your brother I-I am so sorry that you have to suffer like this and for me as your brother to be incompetent for this to had happened. I will promise to protect you and this country properly and I will also promise that If ever that "Plot line" will happen two days from now I will make sure to prepare hard "
This made Joie smile and gave him a tight hug to which she felt a flinch from him but he eventually sighed and hug her back.
"I'm glad you're thinking things through like that big brother. But next time don't sell yourself short. You're very competent and cool, you healed me after all hehe , so don't say things like that alright" Joie said as she pat his brother's back gently
Luckily for Nathaniel, she couldn't see how red his ears are because the two were holding in their laughs which made the young prince glare at them.
A chime from the door surprised the three letting our little princess go and headed to the door and opened for sir David with Dylan with our snacks
"Yay! Foods!" She happily said looking at the yummy freshly baked goods and delicious grilled cheese sandwiches with some fresh fruit slices
"They made it exactly as what you taught them your highness. The chef gave me his thanks for the challenge of the grill cheese sandwiches" sir David said with a smile
"I'm glad he ended up liking the process hehe. Big brother , your highness Silva, sir Hugo, let's eat up!" She happily offered as she helped David set up their snacks
The three were felt their tummies rumble as soon as the smell of the snacks reached their noses. They all dig in and ate happily.
Joie noticed Nathaniel looking at Sir David a little too intensely so she asked "Why are you staring at him like that big brother?"
"Ohh ugh it's just that Sir David seemed to have a lot of time to be here when he has an important meeting in the next few hours " he commented as he bit his bread
This made the butler tilt his head a bit and then sighed "I beg your pardon your highness but I'm not aware of such a meeting but if it was an imperial order then my older brother would be the one attending since he's the acting duke" he bluntly answered as he poured prince Hugo some tea
This made Nathaniel tilt his head but quickly blinked as he understood what's happening
"Your brothers with a Duke?!" He asked practically shrieking from shock
"Yes I am your highness. He's actually the Grand Duke of the Heron territory. I just happened to be cursed having the same features as him even when he's 2 years older than me" he replied rather candidly with a slight annoyance in his tone
"Wait sir how come his name is also David then? Are you twins" Hugo asked
"Oh no were not. We both just have the same first name I just have "the second" in mine" he explained
This made everyone say ahh and then everyone went on to talk on other topics like the lively life of the butler and his endeavors. Joie simply smiled softly as she sips her tea and enjoying the atmosphere while the storm hasn't reach them yet.
+++++++++
(( Nicolas ))
Today just seemed off....Its just too quiet...
I glanced at father and Cyrus walking in front of me just talking about reports and other affairs involving him.
I honestly find his report boring and redundant, I'm surprised father is not saying a word than usual...was it because of what happened?
I wonder...is Nathan doing well...
Usually he's not the person who would show such a vulnerable and pained state but now...he seemed more familiar..
Looking back at that moment he seemed more paler and confused on what to do with his sudden collapse.
Then there was with the Grand Duke taking and defending my brother...how on earth did he know my twin when he hasn't even set foot to the Heron territory, which is by the edges of the sea capital under the western imperial wing?
What is happening...
After a few more minutes we reached the garden of which for me, is a natural treasure.
With the healthy green and gold trees stood tall and elegant as it's leaves flow freely with the wild field of flowers which it's colors matches the rainbows that shone brightly at the sky after the rain and at the center of such vast beauty is a small but elegant white marbled garden shade with ornate chairs to which my mother and sisters are currently smiling at us with mother in particular waving with such an adorable smile.
Odd....Joie's happy face reassembled mother's more than I thought considering she's basically father's girl version, appearance wise.
I should go see her sometime soon and have another long talk, since it's been weeks since I checked up on her ever since the incident with Nathaniel and this annoying case. I'm not happy with Nathaniel knowing about Joie but I'll deal with him later. For now this family meeting is important because this is the rare moment that everyone in the family is present...aside from the two at least.
"My goodness such dashing lovely men are here to greet us ladies let us give them our greetings" mother happily greeted as she elegantly bowed at us to which my sisters follow suite
Cyrus and I bowed thanking out mother and our sisters while my father nodded and gently grabbed my mother's hand which surprised her" This dashing man along with his sons are grateful for such a warm greeting my empress" he replied as he kissed my mother's hand which made her cheeks red
Oho...this is new...was father this nice to mother?
Normally they act too cold in public...it's unreal sometimes how deeply they're close.
And apparently my siblings have the same question in mind because of how surprised they all looked at father.
"Dear me, I am glad you felt warm dear. Now, please explain what is happening with you. As much as I love this your highness our children are starting to think something is a miss with you" My mother smiled as she bluntly remarked as she pat my father on his head....what the...now this is a rare sight indeed
"I see...It is not a big deal the children haven't seen me most of the time because those old roots are holding them by the neck too often so they're not used to see this side of me. Anyways, today was exhausting for a trial caused by greedy idiots again and apparently your closest friend took our Nathaniel because he wasn't feeling well" he explained with a sigh
"Oh that's why....wait... Nathaniel was sent back?! How is my child? What happened to that boy" My mother asked with worry in her eye and a shaky tone
"Let's not fret, he was simply shaken with the trial and it seemed he's not feeling well and reached his limit. He simply needed rest my empress" my father explained
"I see...that's a relief he's gotten some rest, I hope Nathaniel gets well. You two how are you doing?" Mother asked as she bent down and pat Cyrus and my head
"I-uhm well... I'm well just...hungry ..." Cyrus answered nervously which I can also understand since our mother is not the usual person who would ask such random question
Is she testing us?
"I am doing well. There is nothing to feel worry empress mother" I mumbled
Our elegant mother smiled brightly as she kissed both our foreheads...this made us flinch but quickly regain our composure and smiled back to our kind but stern mother.
I noticed our sisters rolled their eyes as if we're intentionally annoying them with father and mother's attention.
"Mother, let's get continue this inside since father and my brothers probably haven't eaten anything since this morning" our big brother Eurus calmly suggest as he and father went in the garden shade
Mother sighed and guided us in the garden shade and as per usual we talked and discussed matters more related to the trial at hand.
Despite listening however, I find said topic redundantly infuriating because of how easily this kind of crime happened and what the verdict is.
As I sip my tea and observed my family,still busy discussing something about the Polaris festival, my eyes unknowingly looked at my parents faces and hair and I smiled a bit when I realized I find it quite nice Nathaniel and I have both our mother's eye color, though his is brighter even his brown hair.
Big brother Eurus and Joie on the other hand have father's hair , eye color and probably their smart minds, for both of them have this air of confidence and reliability that a problem won't be so bad
Bree and Cyrus has mother's golden hair and eyes, even mother's ticks when they're nervous which is basically biting their nails.
And as for Melissa she has mother's hair but father's eyes but she's... rather a brat.
Even with my entire family here talking and drinking tea...I feel distant for some reason. They look so nice talking but they seemed restricted which are mostly polite nods and calm responses. Usually Nathan would stir something up then Cyrus would disagree then I would step in to calm him down.
With him not being here ..it just seemed boring.
--Nicolas?" a calm lady voice called which made me flinch
I looked at big sister Bree who's eyes are starting to bore a hole on my head as she forced a smile
"Yes lady Bree?" I responded calmly however
"I was asking you on the song you played at the piano recital?"
"It's a song called "Blue stone Alley" a-friend gave me the song as a gift" I lied as I drank my tea, I'm sorry Joie.
"What a beautiful name. Mother actually wants you to play that song in this year's festival as a semi ending song for the third day. Do you have any songs listed on that day already?"
"No I don't have one yet but I'll play the song, empress mother. Though I do suggest a livelier song first before that one" I answered with a smile to mother
"Thank you Nicolas, I will take note on that date, hearing you play is always a delight" mother said as she smiled brightly
I smiled politely and continued on drinking my tea.
Everyone seemed to go back normal when I noticed Melissa observing me whichever I smiled back earning an eye roll which made me chuckle. Look all you want you brat but Nathaniel is not here to make me look bad so you're in a loss.
This is going to be a long day, but I do hope things will lighten up after this.
(/)
To be continued---