The Villain Who Fell In Love

The chants of the knights and soldiers caught Emelia's attention as her eyes drifted away from the book. She casually lowers it on the table, leaving it open, faced down only to find herself envying them. Still not used, sitting on the chair, facing hundreds of paper a day, she sighed out loud. 

"Miss Emelia, a letter from the temple has been sent to you," a servant bowed her head before entering her room, holding a small silver tray on her hands with a piece of envelope. The servant stood in front of her table, but then Emelia didn't move a single inch. Just staring at the detailed envelope. 

The servant called for her name, and she broke out from her daze. She took the envelope away from the silver tray and opened it with a small hand knife that settled in the table drawer. 

When she opens the letter, her eyes didn't waver but only felt amused. This isn't the first letter that the temple had sent her. As much as Elliot didn't want her to go, it's already decided that she will attend. 

The temple kept pestering to write back to them. Even if she had the choice not to read the letter, it's from the temple. Every letter that comes from them serves as a clue or an opening. But fickle the temple is not a single letter gave them a clue to their wicked plans. 

"You may now go," Emelia said to the servant who bowed then left the office. 

The temple can keep pestering her to write back, but Emelia will keep ignoring them. If she was able to keep Henry's mouth shut, then so she can with the temple. As they say, women can be more wicked than men. 

Emelia made her way to Elliot's office, and before entering, she met Air on the way, who bowed his head and greeted her. Air looks down at the paper Emelia held, then shifted his eyes back at the long hallway. 

"The temple sent another letter?" casually asked Air. Her brows rose, taking a glance at him. These days Airs shows no shame to show his true personality to her. Emelia didn't know if it was a good thing, but then she didn't feel uncomfortable with him acting like that. Rather she didn't mind it at all. 

Emelia nod her head, "The fifth letter of the day." Air huffed and lazily nods his head like a drunken man. 

"What happened to the gentleman act?" Emelia asked, curious to his sudden change. Her speculations weren't wrong. All this time he has been wearing a mask, acting like a young gentleman. 

"Princess, once in a while the mask has to be unleashed. Even a tolerant man like me should remove his mask once in a while. And I'm sure that the Princess has been wanting to meet this side of me."

"You're not wrong," They both chuckle, arriving in front of the office. 

Air opens the door, allowing Emelia to enter first, and he follows. She sat on the couch, listening to the papers, flipping then being placed on the table. Air pours a cup of water for Emelia then gives it to her. 

"Give me a moment. I'll sign this paper, then head over there," said Elliot as he grabbed his pen, signs the paper, and rushed to sit beside Emelia. 

Emelia gives the letter to Elliot, who said, "When can they stop bothering others? Are they this free to write letters and not prepare for the feast which is tomorrow?" 

"This is the fifth letter, and all letters are filled with warnings," Emelia took a sip of water then places it on the table. 

"You mean threats than warnings," rephrased Elliot, folding the letter then places it on the table. "To add, every letter sent by them is the same. The knight will strike upon entering the castle uninvited."

"The temple for sure is trying to avoid the Princess's attendance. Threatening her not to go and if she doesn't go, they will spread the word that the Princess and temple has a bad relationship. Speaking of that, they're using this to their advantage since the temple has become influential to the citizens," said Air. 

"This is becoming troublesome," mutters Elliot, crossing his legs together. 

"I'm still attending," Emelia said though no one told her not to go. She had a feeling Elliot will ask her not to go, not caring about the consequences.

Elliot looks at Emelia, nods his head, "We've made a promise. I'm not going to stop you. The only time I'm going to stop you is if I'm not there."

Air looked at the couple in front of him and shook his head. Of all times, it had to be now. He rolled his eyes. Then looks away from them. It sure looks nice to have a lover who has almost the same mindset. For a moment, he wanted to puke but held it in since it wasn't appropriate. 

"I wonder if His Imperial Majesty will save me if I'm in danger," Air played around with them, making them both laugh. 

"I don't think I will. You can always ask Alan to save you," answered Elliot. 

By the office door stood Edward, who held a tray on his hand. He knocks on the door, announcing himself before entering. When the door opens, he sees the three of them casually talking to each other. Seeing them having fun, Edward turned his back to leave only to be stopped by Elliot. 

"Don't leave. Take a seat," said Elliot, standing up, pointing his hand at the seat in front of him. 

Edward politely nods his head and takes his seat. He places the tray on the table then asked apologetically, "I didn't mean to disturb the three of you. I wanted to ask brother about a few things."

"What's wrong?" Elliot asked, observing Edwards's gestures, circling his fingers and his eyes wavers. 

"Nothing," Edward shook his head then stood up. "I have some things to finish in my room. I should get going." 

When Edward left the office, Elliot and Air looked at each other both, thinking something is going around him. But didn't question it because they didn't want to reveal their cover. 

"Just in case. We'll bring in a few more soldiers with us."