Mellic/Asna PoV
"My lady, the Marquis is here," my butler said as I was in the library.
"Tell him I'll be right there." He bowed and left, and I wondered why he was here today. As far as I knew, we had nothing left to discuss about the miracle river since I had already bought it from him.
I went downstairs and found the Marquis in the foyer, looking restless. He stood up and greeted me, so I returned the greeting and sat down on the sofa.
"What brings you here, Mr. Lacht?" I signaled to a maid to bring tea.
"I'm here to ask for a favor, Princess," he said. I looked at him and could see the worry in his eyes.
"You need to come to the mansion; my child's life is in danger. I don't want anything bad to happen to him," he said, but I just laughed.
"You know, Mr. Lacht, it's not that I'm a bad person, but I am one of those who want to kill Venom." He was shocked by my words just as my tea arrived.
"I know that Venom has feelings for you, and he's becoming a problem. But I'm begging you, Your Highness, please save my child." His desperate plea made me put down my tea.
"I will help you if there's anything I can do for you, Mr. Lacht, but under one condition," I said.
"I want you to keep Venom away from me. Can you do that, Mr. Lacht?" I asked.
"Yes, Your Highness! I will make sure he cannot approach or remember you. I will use the potion I bought before to make him forget Princess Yna, but then I was surprised to find out he liked you instead."
"Good! Then I'll go with you." I said as he escorted me to the carriage heading to Elloi (the place of the imperial state).
Once I got out of the carriage and entered the mansion, I looked around because I wasn't familiar with the Lacht mansion; when I came here before, I only visited the garden where we discussed the sale of the miracle river.
We were now in front of Venom's room when they let me in. I saw food scattered everywhere and broken plates. He was walking with a limp. His attention turned to me as I stood still.
He slowly approached me and caressed my cheek.
"How beautiful... Am I dreaming right now? Are you real, Princess Asna?" He surprised me by kissing me quickly, so I pushed him away. This damn psycho!! How can he be so quick to make a move on me?
"Now that I'm sure I'm not dreaming because you're here, Princess!" He was about to come closer again, but I stopped him immediately.
"Stop it, Venom! Stop this! Didn't I tell you that I'm not interested in you? So until my patience runs out—please! I want you to stop because I don't want you or love you," I said, causing him to halt.
"I see... You don't love me, but do I have a choice?" He laughed softly, but there were tears in his eyes. I felt guilty for being so harsh with my words.
"I hope you can understand this, Mr. Venom: I'm not a lady for you. But I hope you can find a woman who can love you the way you love me-----"
I couldn't finish what I was saying because he hugged me tightly.
"I love you so much, Princess. Even if you don't love me, I respect that." Just then, a servant entered with the potion that I'd asked for.
"Drink it," I said because I didn't want our conversation to drag on any longer; guilt was creeping in on me.
"So you're desperate to make me disappear from your life that you want me to drink this potion?"
I didn't respond and remained silent.
"Do I say farewell to you, my princess?" Still no answer came from me; why? Why did I feel pity for this man!? All I wanted was for him to stop bothering me.
"Well then, I'll bid my farewell; don't worry; I'm not mad. I'm sorry if I've burdened and made you uncomfortable." He drank the potion and then collapsed in front of me.
The Marquis entered and helped him lie down on his bed. As I looked at that man lying there, a part of me felt regretful.
"Thank you, Princess. Don't worry; when he wakes up, he won't remember you so that he won't disturb you."
"That's good because I don't want him hovering around me," I replied but paused when the Marquis spoke again.
"You're right! It's better if my son doesn't remember you; I don't want him falling in love with someone like you who has no trace of love. But still, thank you very much for not allowing his life to be put at risk."
"If that's the case, I'll take my leave."
I left the Lacht mansion feeling relieved that my problem with Venom was finally over. But why did I feel guilty when all along I've wanted him out of my life?
Maybe it was just his presence that threw me off balance; perhaps this feeling would fade away soon enough.
**Mellic/Asna PoV**
I opened my eyes as my personal maid opened the window in my chamber.
"Princess Asna, everything is ready." She said after I'd cleaned myself up. When I went downstairs, I found Violet eating breakfast.
"Good morning sister!" she greeted cheerfully but received only a glare from me in return.
"Too bad for you because you're in a bad mood while I'm in a good mood today; therefore, I'd rather not ruin my beautiful day," she said with a smile as if she were crazy.
I ignored her and ate instead. I'd received an invitation from the Emperor; it seems everything is going according to plan now.
"I need to leave now Violet. By the way, you'll deliver this message to Duke Flen regarding my new proposal for him. Also, you'll need to win his favor or make him fall in love with you so that my plan can go smoothly."
"Of course! You can count on me for that Asna." She replied as I headed out and got into the carriage heading towards Elloi.
Upon arriving at the Imperial palace unexpectedly running into Yna along with her male companions—one of whom was Venom—I couldn't help but glance at him. Our eyes met briefly but there was no reaction from him like before.
Now it felt intimidating how piercing his gaze was towards me.
"Good day Your Highness," Princess Yna greeted warmly. My eyes roamed over her figure: golden hair and pink eyes made it no surprise that she captivated all these men with her beauty.
"Good day to you too Princess Yna." Just as I'd turned to leave she pulled me back gently.
"Princess, I'd like to invite you for dessert while we wait since the Emperor has something important he's attending to which may take some time," she suggested. I'd rather wait longer than be stuck with this annoying puppet.
"I'm fine Princess; enjoy your dessert." My response came off bluntly as her expression fell into sadness upon hearing it.
"I'm sorry Princess Asna," she said quickly comforted by her male companions who now looked at me disdainfully. But one gaze bothered me—Venom's sharp stare seemed hurtful towards me.
They all left except for Venom who stood before me; it felt like time stopped when he approached and whispered into my ear:
"Don't hurt my Princess Yna again; I'll cut your tongue if necessary. I hate anyone who lays their hands on my precious woman."
I couldn't move as his knife-like glare focused on my neck causing slight cuts from his grip tightening around it.
"Back off if you don't want to di*e." He passed by me causing my legs to buckle from sheer fear. Now I've realized how dangerous Venom truly is!
"But why am I crying?" Tears streamed down my face as he smiled at Princess Yna. Do I love Venom? This feeling is confusing! Is it because he's lost affection for me that I'm feeling this way?
**(Inside the palace)**
Now facing the Emperor who spoke about weapons mentioned by the headmaster of Lacht's family while holding sketches of battle weapons intended for the Empire which pleased him greatly.
"Because of these wonderful weapons Princess Yna... what would you like as a reward?"
"It's simple Your Majesty; I'd like assurance for my safety so that I'm protected from harm,"
"So you'd like to choose a knight from among those in my palace?"
"No Your Majesty; what I'm really asking is whether your protection would extend should any trouble arise concerning myself?"
I mean; I'll need support from the Emperor to protect myself properly!
"Of course Princess Asna! You can rely on being protected under my laws here in the palace."
With that assurance given by him, I'd taken my leave from the Emperor preparing myself for departure once more.
As soon as I'd exited the palace grounds again seeing Yna—What!? Not again!? Can she please leave me alone!?
She approached shyly offering cookies which made me glare at her angrily.
"Princess Asna! Can I ask something?" Even though irritation bubbled inside of me still answered her question curtly:
"Yes go ahead! Just make it quick because I've got important work." She smiled at me sweetly despite how annoyed I'd become.
"Why did Venom tell me that he loves me? The last time rumors circulated about your secret relationship with him—"
I cut her off before she could finish speaking:
"Why are you wasting my time with such questions? Mind your own business! If you love Venom then don't ask about it! Instead ask him why he suddenly loves YOU."
I held onto my head feeling overwhelmed by annoyance directed toward her incessant inquiries.
Does she think she has everything? Well then—who cares if she captures every man here on earth?
"I'm sorry; I'm just trying to understand why," she replied looking pitiful again.
"You know what? Comparing yourself against others is pointless Princess Yna! So leave me alone because I'm not planning on being friends with someone like YOU."
With that final remark made—I walked away without glancing back toward what her reaction might be since engaging further didn't interest nor concern me anyway—it's better just forgetting everything including Venom entirely—no more distractions!
"So let's proceed with my plan: seeking freedom where I'll do everything possible living peacefully without worries." Once inside my carriage again,
I stared outside while riding along—yet those memories of that man's smile lingered even after our embrace still felt warm against my skin!
Shouldn't forget about HIM? In reality—I never wanted anything from him thus should feel happy knowing he won't bother me anymore.'
Unbeknownst—I arrived back home at Segma quickly retreating into chambers seeking rest.
**(The Tea Party)**
**Mellic/Asna PoV**
Now standing before women gathered around for what they called a tea party—even though remaining silent offside listening attentively while they engaged in trivial discussions amongst themselves seemed pointless!
"Princess Yna! It's no wonder so many men are enamored by your beauty and kindness," one woman praised her profusely while nearly every topic revolved around Yna's beauty alone!
"I heard Prince Levi sent beautiful flowers your way?" another chimed in making me wish desperately to leave—but fearing judgment might brand me bitter—I stayed put instead!
"Welcome! No need to envy me! Honestly—I don't understand why those guys chase after me since I'm not beautiful like they think," she replied modestly yet something about her tone irked ME even more!
"Oh look—isn't that Venom? Princess Yna?" Unable to resist—I glanced secretly toward Venom's direction despite having vowed earlier to forget him completely!
He approached carrying flowers while gazing happily at Princess Yna—the same way he used to look at me before!
He knelt down before her offering flowers then kissed her hand gently causing all women present to swoon over witnessing his soft side—what an impressive display meant to highlight hsi handsomeness----wait! Why am is describing him!?
Feeling overwhelmed—I stood up likely due to all drama unfolding around me—making my way outside toward Imperial garden resembling some maze-like structure surrounding me—sitting beneath one tree nearby trying to calm my thoughts!
"Princess Asna!" Hearing Yna call out startled me briefly turning around seeing her approach once more—she truly wouldn't let up!
She came closer making my fists clench tightly out of frustration—but even more shocking was her smile—a smile no one would wish to see directed toward them!
"How unfortunate you are Princess Asna... Those men you fancy are actually IN LOVE WITH ME! Though I've told them they shouldn't have any interest—they're still infatuated!" What exactly does she intend to convey?
"No wonder Venom left YOU behind realizing how much prettier am I than YOU despite his attempts avoiding me altogether—He still loves me." So her true colors finally shone through? So this is what people call saintly behavior?
Raising an eyebrow towards her statement indicating she must have some point behind her words—was she thinking logically? Or did she genuinely lack intelligence relying solely upon beauty alone?
"Did you hear yourself speak just now Princess Yna? Is beauty truly enough? Because honestly—I don't think your looks will help solve any problems facing our empire? Sure—you've contributed thanks to your healing powers—but how far does that go?"
I couldn't care less whether she remains regarded as the most beautiful within this empire—it isn't like you're always thirsty for attention." Suddenly she stumbled forward landing right before me yet clearly had done so intentionally plunging straight into the pond catching me completely off guard!
"PRINCESS YNA!!" Hearing Levi shout startled me seeing both Levi and Venom standing nearby shocked expressions plastered across their faces suddenly realizing what had transpired!
Before long—a sharp slap landed across my cheek courtesy of Levi's angered reaction watching helplessly while Venom lifted Yna up cradling her delicately amidst tears streaming down her face before them both—their gazes locked onto me intensely!
"What happened Princess Yna?" Levi asked concernedly glancing between us two women involved directly within this situation unfolding rapidly!
"I merely wished to speak civilly—but she pushed me away," Yna sobbed clinging tightly onto Venom whose subtle smirk caught my eye momentarily sending chills down my spine realizing his gaze remained fixed firmly upon me now glaring daggers directly into my soul!
Not uttering a word seemed pointless knowing full well no one would believe anything coming from me anyway...
"Tsk! Impressive acting skills there Princess Yna," clapping mockingly while walking past us without paying any mind toward my stinging cheek caused simply BY irritation boiling inside of me presently unable to focus properly anymore...
**Mellic/Asna PoV**
Finally—I managed to escape that scene... Why must occasions keep piling up within the palace? All I've ever wanted was peace staying indoors reading books instead!
Returning back toward the tea party knowing full well absence wouldn't bode well either—but stopped dead in my tracks noticing Princess Yna seated there smiling brightly at me once more...
"Oh My Gosh! Princess Asna! How could you allow Prince Levi to slap you without intervening?! Let me treat your wounds!" Before she could reach out toward me—I slapped her hand away instantly annoyed beyond belief wondering how anyone could tolerate her insincerity?
"Oh My God! Princess Yna!" Immediately surrounded by other women attending the tea party feigning concern over her well-being acting as though they cared deeply regarding her plight standing next to me feeling utterly ridiculous watching their performance unfold theatrically before them all!
"Princess Asna—how could you treat Princess Yna this way? We know you harbor resentment towards her stemming from jealousy over attention received from men—but this isn't right!" One familiar voice chimed in accusingly attempting to rally support against me amongst their ranks gathering strength together against my presence here today...
"You're absolutely right! Stop this nonsense already Princess Asna since your behavior isn't amusing!" Another added whispering conspiratorially amongst them collectively targeting only one individual: me
Laughing quietly inwardly amused watching them rally together against their own folly believing they could sway public opinion merely through emotional appeals directed solely toward sympathy garnered for princess yna...
"Jealousy stemming from admiration for men attracted toward her?" Chuckling softly amused by their absurdity...
"Why would jealousy arise simply because all men seem drawn toward here allure? It doesn't matter IF she captures every man's heart here today—I'm not reliant on anyone else's affections nor validation whatsoever!"
"I'd rather remain independent rather than relying solely on romantic entanglements involving males surrounding us both presently..." Ignoring their stunned expressions watching disbelief wash over them momentarily lost for words unable to comprehend straightforward reasoning behind my sentiments expressed openly amidst their gathering today...
"H-how could you say that!" One finally managed breaking through silence attempting once more rallying support against my stance taken previously...
Silence enveloped US momentarily lingering until breaking through tension thickening atmosphere surrounding our discourse unfolding presently...
"Stop IT Alice; I'm fine," spoke Yna calmly dismissively brushing off concerns raised by others surrounding us presently...
So apparently in their eyes—I'm cast as villainous figure opposing saintly presence embodied by princess yonder today... How delightful indeed?
"Just don't heal that bitch since she deserves whatever fate awaits her!" You know what? At this point—I'd prefer returning home sleeping throught entire ordeal perhaps dreaming up new plans for life ahead instead...
Finally ready to depart knowing conversations turned sour regarding my character portrayed negatively throughout this gathering overall—it's time returning home where comfort awaits amidst familiar surroundings beckoning invitingly beckoning forth tranquility restored once more…
Approaching carriage preparing departure noticing blood flowing across ground leading directly into path ahead startling senses momentarily halting movement entirely...
Covering mouth instinctively fighting nausea rising within seeing gruesome sight unfolding before eyes present suddenly overwhelmed by horror gripping tightly onto sanity remaining intact thus far…
Stepping backward cautiously until colliding into something solid behind turning swiftly finding none other than Venom stained with blood wielding sword dripping crimson hues across surface glistening ominously reflecting light cast overhead…
Yet glancing beyond him revealed sight accompanying him: none other than PRINCESS YNA standing nearby observing entire scene unfold seemingly unfazed BY events transpiring surrounding US presently…
"Please Venom STOP!! This isn't her fault—it's my fault!" (With fake tears)
"No!! She dared hurt YOU PRINCESS YNA." His piercing gaze fixated on me sending chills coursing through veins coursing rapidly throughout body feeling paralyzed unable to move forward…
Suddenly his hands wrapped tightly around throat lifting up into air struggling desperately gasping for breath unable to comprehend situation unfolding rapidly beyond control spiraling downward spiraling downward uncontrollably…
Yet refusing surrender easily—not allowing demise occur simply witnessing HIS actions unfold recklessly unrestrained… Grabbing hairpin attached gown stabbing into palm forcing release allowing air flood lungs freely once more inhaling deeply regaining composure momentarily regained clarity returning focus toward imminent threat looming.