The Villainess' Fate Defying Story - Chapter 11

The question is, will the prince notice the letter? And if he does, will he come here?

Cassandra waits quietly for his arrival in the after-school sunlight.

There are hardly any people around, and it’s hard to be seen from the hallway.

But just in case, what if someone sees her waiting alone and gets suspicious? It would be foolish to be seen doing nothing by other students.

To camouflage herself, she decides to sit at the end of the bench and read a book she borrowed from the library.

That way, even if she was reading outside on a sunny day, it wouldn’t seem unnatural.

Or maybe, she thought, she would delve into the history of this kingdom again.

The current Clores Kingdom is a relatively young kingdom, founded 150 years ago.

Before Clores unified the western part of the continent, there were small skirmishes between small countries that lasted for a long time, which was called the Chaotic Era.

Clores was founded by swallowing up all the current territory, and the image of the pre-Clores era would be similar to China’s Three Kingdoms period.

Although there was no emperor, it is also reminiscent of the Warring States period in Japan.

It is a large country that covers the entire western part of the continent, but high mountains tower along the border, and there is only a small gap for land exchanges with the eastern countries and the three southern kingdoms.

Although the border on the map is adjacent to neighboring countries, trade by sea is also common.

This is the current state of Clores, which is surrounded by a natural great wall.

In a large territory isolated by the sea and the mountains, there are countries that have fought wars for thousands of years by shifting the national border.

It was thought that the unification of the western part of the continent was absolutely impossible, but the disaster that struck this land 150 years ago became the opportunity to accomplish it.

That was the Descent of the Demon.

It is said that it was the terrible being that was not only a subordinate of the Demon King, but also the right hand of the Demon King himself and a part of the Demon King.

It was summoned to the continent and attacked all the countries in the western part of the continent, regardless of their size.

The demon had terrible power on its own and was protected by a magic miasma that repelled any army.

Even if people abandon the land they live in now and flee, the demon army will come after them.

Crossing mountains and seas to relocate is not an easy task, and this land has become a “hunting ground” that produces the misfortune needed by the demons.

It is said that the demon created monsters that trampled the human world at will.

When everyone was living a life where they did not know what would happen tomorrow, the founder of the current Clores Kingdom, Saint Anna, stood up.

Using the holy power given to her by the Goddess, she performed a miracle and successfully repelled the demon.

Thanks to Anna’s devotion, humanity was freed from the threat of the demon.

It was not possible to completely destroy the demon, the root cause, but “it”, having lost its power, was tightly sealed so that it could never be summoned again.

Wait, shouldn’t it be destroyed? Well, if the Prince summoned it again, it would be strange if it was destroyed.

The western countries that were in turmoil were united into one kingdom under the name of the first queen, Saint Anna.

This is the Clores Kingdom, where Cassandra and the others live.

There were no local lords, small country kings, or tribal chieftains who objected to her being chosen by the goddess to unify the western region, perhaps because of the extensive damage caused by the demon.

There is no memory that describes the events of the game in such detail.

The anecdotes and themes of Saint Anna, who saved the world the last time, have been mentioned, and there is no one in this kingdom who does not know the name of Anna or Saint Anna.

The cult that worships Saint Anna is the most influential religious group in this kingdom.

However, the setting of the chaotic era and the wars of various small countries were not revealed.

Presumably, the history was created to fit the current game setting, and in general, Cassandra’s memories and the description in the history book match.

This historical perspective should be a common understanding.

…The prince who becomes the final boss was just a breeding ground for summoning the demon.

He collected misfortune to revive the demon and was used as a vessel to cultivate negative emotions.

Of course, no matter what the actual situation is, he is destined to become a demon and be defeated by the saint…

The problem is that defeating the demon is not the end, and there might be someone who has planted the seed of malice in the prince.

If it has not been mentioned so far, has the prince himself taken the seed of malice? Such suspicions are likely to arise.

What is the prince really like, and what did he want to do? This could lead to a terrible outcome.

Right now, Cassandra cannot make a judgment.

Even if she makes assumptions upon assumptions, it is impossible to verify them.

However, the absence of the term “seed of malice” in any context is troubling.

However, if it is a tool that allows for the resurrection and summoning of demons, it may be dangerous to publicize its existence.

If such a thing were to resurrect in a time without a saint, the land would once again perish.

In addition, the frequency of minor skirmishes between local lords over territory disputes is increasing.

She turns the pages of the book, making a rustling sound.

Gradually, she becomes absorbed in the content of the text.

As she continues to read, she realizes that the pre-Unification history is quite interesting reading material.

For example, a long time ago, a certain tribe led an army of thousands to capture and force the surrender of an enemy’s fortress, and so on.

There is also a story about an empire that annexed many territories, but was resisted by the neighboring small countries, and was finally divided by a counterattack, resulting in a divided government.

As a result, disputes arose over the distribution of territories, leading to years of futile wars.

Looking at all this is quite exciting, but…

It was a miscalculation that she was more interested in the history of wars woven by numerous small countries than in the history of Clores after its foundation, which is irrelevant to Cassandra now.

She even thinks of borrowing a history book about the chaotic era.

Speaking of which, Cassandra’s ancestral home, Rendall, was also a powerful clan that ruled the south, if you go back to its origins.

Although they were granted the rank of marquis by the kingdom, Rendall’s history is in some ways longer than that of the royal family.

Do other nobles have different histories from the chaotic era? She looks excited, but then she coughs deliberately, even though no one is around.

What is the point of investigating such a thing? She looks up at the sky and realizes that it is her bad habit to deviate from the main topic.

It is a confirmation that this world, which creates history from the undecided information of the game up to this point, has a miraculous power beyond imagination.

It seems like the work of a God.

There is no problem with killing time, but she had not seen the prince’s figure no matter how long she waited.

She remembered that she had not come to read, but to meet the prince as the sun began to set.

Cassandra closed her book and laid it on her lap.

She heard the faint sound of voices coming from beyond the school building.

Feeling depressed, she checked the time on her wristwatch.

The small circular dial indicated that the hand was pointing to five.

Class ended over an hour and a half ago.

The succinct words, “Come when you have time” did not reach him.

She just wanted to talk to him.

The prince, who spends a lot of time in the student council room, should have noticed the unfamiliar letter.

Although it is possible that he did not notice it, it is highly unlikely.

“Prince, did you notice the letter?”

She couldn’t ask him that.

If she could confront him face to face, she wouldn’t have waited here.

If she didn’t hurry, he might do something that would lead to someone’s misfortune.

Even if it’s an unavoidable situation, she doesn’t want the prince to do something as cruel as gloating over someone’s defeat.

If misfortune were to befall one of the targets or classmates instead of the Prince, Cassandra would be just as concerned and regretful.

Those she has spoken to are no longer just characters.

They are human beings with hearts, bodies, and emotions just like her own.

Even if she knows how it ends, she can’t save them.

In fact, she can’t even get them to listen to her.

Why is she ‘here’?

She thinks it’s hard.

When she suddenly found out that she had been reincarnated into this world, she was surprised, but she didn’t despair.

Alek was there in front of her and they could communicate.

Although she was afraid to think about what had happened to her in her past life, Cassandra’s memories of living in this world were not erased, but assimilated, so she managed to avoid panicking.

Even if she were a villain, she wouldn’t be lonely enough to cry because this world accepted Cassandra.

She had a lot to think about, such as the protagonists, classmates, and targets.

It was fortunate that she didn’t have to worry about anything because of her position as the daughter of a marquis.

However, when she faced the Prince, her memories of her past life, Cassandra’s fifteen years of life, and her status and position became meaningless.

Ignored, unaccepted, rejected.

Moreover, it was her fiance who did this, which made her feel very lonely.

Even if he didn’t notice her today, would he notice her tomorrow? Although her hope was slim, Cassandra was about to get up with a sigh when she was surprised by a sudden voice.

“I thought you were gone.”

She stifled a cry of “Gya!” at the voice that suddenly came from next to the bench.

Her heart raced and blood rushed through her body.

“Oh, Prince…?”

His smile was reflected in the courtyard where the setting sun shone.

“I’m sorry, Miss Cassandra, I don’t have much time.

What is it you wanted?”

He held a pale pink envelope between his fingers and looked at her.

It was undoubtedly the envelope containing the letter Cassandra had sent.

The joy of his coming and the shock of not expecting him overwhelmed her.

When she actually faced the prince like this, the overwhelming fear of the current situation that she had brought him here, surged inside her.

But she was happy.

Just knowing that she wasn’t ignored made her heart warm.

She stood, holding the book she had been reading in one hand and placing the other hand on the hem of her skirt, bowing in a relaxed manner.

“I deeply apologize for calling you here due to my personal circumstances.

At the same time, it is an honor to receive the Prince’s precious time.”

She stood straight in front of him, almost blinded by his princely radiance.

Prince Arthur is the same Prince Arthur she sees at lunch and when she meets him in the student council room.

But standing in the courtyard of the school building in the setting sun, his destructive power is outstanding.

The more she thought that they were really alone, the more her head boiled over.

“Prince, may I ask you a rude question? May I still call myself your fiancee?”

She hadn’t thought that being a fiancee in name only would be such a chilling experience.

No one mocked or pitied Cassandra, but it was a little hard for her to realize that she was a “fiancee” to someone like him when they couldn’t even have a real conversation.

How did he take those words? She nervously waited for his answer.

“Of course, I have the same acknowledgment.

His Majesty wishes it as well.”

Things decided by parents.

That’s the way it is, and you’re not allowed to marry whomever you want.

Especially for the prince’s status, it was natural to know who was a suitable partner.

She can imagine the prince’s lack of interest and curiosity when he was shown only Cassandra’s portrait and nothing else.

Surely it won’t be much different from what she expected.

He always acts as if he is not interested in Cassandra.

He is a skillful prince who always pushes the envelope without being rude.

“……I…”

She hesitates for a moment, wondering if it’s okay to say such a grandiose thing.

Being close to him, who is shining brightly, her determination and courage evaporate and disappear.

But as a fiancee, it would be difficult to contact the prince without going so far.

She only knows his name, his face, and the expressions he shows to others.

She doesn’t even know what he thinks or feels.

She knows everything about the three people she conquered in the game, even what makes them happy.

She also knows their problems and their true faces, which they can’t reveal to anyone else.

She has confidence in her ability to guess even the things the person doesn’t know, even though it’s a cheating technique.

This is where the world of the game “The Twilight Kingdom: The Pure White Queen” is realized.

But she doesn’t know the prince.

She doesn’t know anything about him.

She only knows that if he doesn’t do anything or change anything, she will end up with the worst result.

“I want to talk to the prince!”

She confesses her feelings with a suicidal determination.

Perhaps she looked desperate, and even showed a somewhat inappropriate sense of tragedy for herself in her current state.

“…I see…”

He hesitates and closes his eyes.

When he opens his clear eyes again, his smile disappears.

It’s as if the warm candle flame that was shining and illuminating the darkness has been blown out by the wind.

“I apologize for making Miss Cassandra anxious with my attitude.”

“Prince…?”

He lowers his head to Cassandra with a melancholy expression, as if he regrets his mistake.

Cassandra didn’t expect to be apologized to like this and she is confused.

The conversation with him is truly uncharted territory for her, and she realizes that she has no idea what to expect.

Her plea for him to raise his head is embarrassingly rebuffed.

“My friends Ralph and the others don’t have fiancees yet.

Miss Cassandra knows that, right?”

“Eh? Y-Yes.

Of course I know.

If their partners were chosen, all the women in the country would weep.”

Cassandra is suspicious as to why he is suddenly bringing this up.

The prince’s expression and posture, as he holds his head in his hands, are hard to read.

It is difficult to remain calm in the face of something she has never seen before.

“Even though they don’t have partners, I feel a little uncomfortable just being close to Miss Cassandra.”

What did he just say? Her ears twitch.

The Prince’s future subordinates’ love affairs, and ultimately their engagement situations, should have nothing to do with him.

It’s hard to understand why he’s avoiding Cassandra.

“I myself am not someone who can provide Miss Cassandra with interesting conversation topics…

You see, I am not good at talking to women, and even more so when they are attractive women.”

Huh? It’s pretty hard to take it at face value when you’re praised like that, Prince! It just sounds like polite words!

But if you look at him from the perspective that he’s just a high school boy, even though he’s a prince, it might be understandable.

If he’s a shy boy, he might not want to be teased or put on the spot, especially by someone like Jake, who might openly tease him, or Sirius, who might act like a meddling mother-in-law when he’s only paying attention to his fiancee.

The Prince’s argument is not just an excuse.

It’s frightening how realistic it is.

“In fact, I’ve kind of left them behind, so I’ll have to get back soon.”

The prince showed signs of being worried about time.

“Regarding the prince’s concern, as one of your vassals, I cannot help but feel genuine respect.

However, may I continue to have the honor of speaking with the prince in the future?”

Will she continue to be treated like one of the masses instead of a fiancee? Will she have to be careful around them until these three people have partners? She stomps her feet in her mind, feeling like a spoiled child.

Even if avoiding Cassandra is just an excuse for the current situation, it doesn’t change the fact that the excuse needs to be broken.

If he admits that he’s not avoiding her, he’ll have no choice but to talk to her once the obstacle is removed.

“I didn’t mean to upset Miss Cassandra.

It was my fault for making you feel that way.

Yes, that’s right…

I can’t promise anything, but could we meet again this time next week?”

“Thank you very much,”

Cassandra eagerly accepted his offer without hesitation.

There was no choice but to nod.

Refusing to meet wouldn’t increase their chances of seeing each other.

She didn’t want to call the prince here just to be annoyed and tell him she didn’t want to see him.

At least he didn’t ignore Cassandra completely.

It was a big step if he intended to talk to her again the next time.

If she could confirm that intention, it would be a good thing.

Cassandra and Prince Arthur were nothing more than classmates who knew each other’s faces, and they were a man and a woman involved in their parents’ interests.

They couldn’t deepen their relationship by suddenly revealing everything and having an open conversation.

“Prince.

I’m the prince’s fiancee.”

She was just an acquaintance who suddenly appeared.

She couldn’t be trusted, and compared to Ralph and the others, she was just a “whatever” existence.

But when she looked at him, she didn’t feel that he was being manipulated, and she didn’t think that he was the kind of person who would bribe high officials to threaten and destroy an unpopular lord.

She couldn’t imagine him mocking people’s misery with those clear eyes and gentle smile.

Cassandra didn’t know everything about his character.

But she didn’t want to start doubting him, even if she was the only one who knew the prince’s downfall.

“I will always be on the side of the Prince, no matter what.

Please keep that in mind.”

If the engagement couldn’t be broken easily, Cassandra and the Prince could be said to be in the same boat.

Saving him was also a means of saving herself.

Cassandra didn’t want to doubt the prince’s words and actions from the beginning, when she didn’t know anything.

No one trusts someone who doesn’t trust them.

Therefore, Cassandra trusts his conscience to be trusted by him.

The prince was taken aback and lost for words when Cassandra suddenly made an unexpected statement.

But he quickly regained his composure, as was expected of a prince, and smiled calmly.

“That’s reassuring.

Thank you, Miss Cassandra.”

…Why is this person possessed by a demon? His face, voice, and actions hit Cassandra’s weak points, which is really bad for her heart.

Oh no.

If she continues to stare at him who has such a pure smile, she may end up becoming a henchman who helps in evil deeds.

In her mind, Cassandra repeatedly slapped her own cheeks as a warning against the frightening vision of the future.

////////////

“Cassandra The Fiancee” quietly left the courtyard.

After confirming that her blonde hair had disappeared inside the school building, the young man ran his fingers through his hair and let out a thin sigh.

“It’s hard to avoid someone in a way that isn’t too forceful.

But it’s strange.

Why… is she saying that?”

Why would she say that when she shouldn’t know?

His murmur melted into the spring breeze.