The Villain Who Fell In Love

Emelia took her last bite, and while chewing, she slowly dabbed her mouth with the napkin, which was laying on her lap. Afterward, she then excused herself out of the dining hall since the air was becoming uncomfortable for her, though she didn't show it on her face. After all, it was the last place she wanted to be.

Moving to her next agenda, she changed into training clothes, which was a suit for women. After changing into her suit, she took an hour's rest before her sword training. For a woman to use, the sword was unusual and difficult, but Emelia decided to wield the sword, especially when the time comes. She didn't want to rely on others protecting her.​​

"Your Highness, it is time," said the maid with her head lowered as she spoke with a low tone. Sitting by the window, Emelia nodded her head and grabbed her scabbard that was hidden in the corner of her bedroom. As she made her way to the training grounds, she tied her hair in a ponytail, using a blue ribbon.

But suddenly, the blue ribbon slipped away from her hand. And as she was about to catch it, a strong wind blew into the opposite direction, blowing the blue ribbon away from her. She dazed up the sky and smiled herself from the sudden ray of light. The maid who went alone with her asked if she needed another ribbon. Emelia told her there was no need to bring her another one.

Arriving on the knights' training grounds, there was a man who stood tall on both feet who greeted Emelia while bowing. That man is the general commander, Argus Gebrat. The youngest commander-general in the history of the Redodel Empire. Not to mention he is one of those who respect Emelia for who she is. However, he is the exact opposite of Emelia.

Famous for his good looks and personality, many women swarm over him and dream of being with him. However, he rejects them every time one of them would confess to him. Some say that his heart only belongs to her. But the truth is, he isn't interested in finding someone right at the moment. Especially since war could rage at any moment.

"How are you, Argus?" asked Emelia as she watched Argus walking towards her. With a smile, Argus answered, "I'm doing well, Your Highness." His gentle feature in the palace is different from how he is on the battlefield. The Vivan Empire soldiers call him the black knight.

"Let's start, shall we?" Emelia asked as she swung her sword out of her scabbard. With a smirk, Argus replied, "Please go easy on me."

The sounds of the swords clashed with each other, and slowly without realizing it, other knights came to watch the intense fight between both of them. Rather than a sword training, it became a match. It always ends up like this.

The knights whispered to each other about how amazing the skills of the princess were. She was unlike any other noble ladies who dare not to wield a sword. There are female knights. However, they are treated as the lowest of the low amongst the knight. But Emelia was an exception because she is a princess. Someone who has a higher status than them.

"How long have the two been sparring?" asked a knight to another.

"I don't know. The general commander is not backing down, neither is Her Highness."

"Her Highness isn't like any other woman, and sometimes it's scary. Imagine if your future spouse knows how to wield the sword and kills you while you're asleep."

"Hey! Don't say that. What if Her Highness hears this?"

They both felt a glare looking towards them as they looked around to see who it was. It was coming from Argus, who heard everything they just said. The sounds of the swords clashing stopped, and he made his way to the two knights. With a low tone and cold look, Argues asked, "What are you two talking about? You both should be ashamed for speaking behind Princess Emelia's back."

Both of them flinched as they felt immense pressure weighing on their shoulders. Not only that, but they felt their stomach twisting and twirling. One of the two knights looked at Emelia, who gave them a nonchalant look and shifted her eyes away from them. As if she was telling them both to leave and not repeat it again.

"W-we apologize. Please excuse us."

"Where do you think are you going? Run around the city until the night completely falls. Report to me once you are done," Argus glared at the both, scaring them as they made their way to follow his commands.

Argus sighed out loud as he thought of what he should say to Emelia. This empire doesn't respect females to add on, not even the princess will be getting respect. And Argus was one of the few that understood that they are not tools meant for men. He turned his back, looking at Emelia, then apologized, "On behalf of my subordinates, I apologize. I punished them for their wrongdoings." He looked at Emelia, who didn't answer but instead, he sees her lonely and sad eyes. Her beautiful green eyes but not as illumine as an emerald anymore.

Emelia placed her sword back into her scabbard and looks at the other knights who came to watch the both of them. She then spoke out loud to them, "If you have a problem with me. I don't mind sparring my sword with you. That is if you dare."

The knights who were present at that time took a step back and went back to their post. They didn't want to spar with her since, in terms of skill, Emelia was much better than them. If women and men were equal, then she would be very respected. But in her case, it isn't going to happen, ever.

"May I escort you back?" Argus asked with a hint of shame and hope on his face.

"It's alright. Stay safe on your departure," said Emelia as she turned her back, departing back to her own chamber.

As she walked to the open hallway, she clenched her fist. She was furious by the fact that the men in this empire can't accept women doing what they want. Is it wrong for someone to do what they want?

'This empire is stupid.'