The Villain Who Fell In Love

The sun raised to a new dawn day. The grand celebration was a success, and news flew around amongst the nobles after Elliot's last minute appearance in the ballroom. The news had reached Emelia's ears as a group of maids talked about how gorgeous the Emperor of the Vivan Empire looked. She ignored what they said about his appearance and was intrigued by the rumor. 

The rumor going around saying that the peace treaty would not be signed because of what was written in the contract and because of a certain man. Apparently, that man came from the Honani Tribe, which belongs to the Vivan Empire and is now a council member for the Redodel Empire. 

It's silly how alliances could be broken easily. 

Emelia tied her hair with a blue ribbon as the scorching afternoon came. All the windows in her room were open, but not a single wind blew in. 

"P-P-Princess? I-I've b-brought y-your m-meal," Stuttered the maid, placing it on the table. 

As days had passed, Emelia grew invested with this maid. She didn't even know the maid's name until now. It's interesting because that maid was too quiet in every single thing she did. From entering the room and her footsteps were silent as an assassin. 

Emelia sat on the chair and asked, "That reminds me. What is your name?"

The maid circled her fingers in circles, "T-T-Tanya." Her soft voice made Emelia smile. She held Tanya's hands, and they felt rough. Her eyes fell onto her hands, tracing the scars. 

"A-ah…I-I g-got t-this w-when I-I was y-younger," She smiled while Emelia didn't. She wanted to ask Tanya how but didn't because it might be a traumatic matter for her. 

Emelia released Tanya's hand and asked, "Can you join me for lunch? It's kind of lonely to eat alone, you see…" Tanya didn't have a choice but to accept her offer. 

After their pleasant meal, Emelia walked out of her room. Though usually she isn't allowed to roam around the palace freely, this time, it was an exception because they had a valuable guest.

Emelia took this time to take herself to walk around, not until she heard a group of men talking by the long hallway. She stopped walking and hid by the corner, listening to their conversation. 

"That brat must be crazy. We gave everything he wanted, and this is how he treated us. I don't understand why we need to sign this peace treaty when he was just going to break it after," The nobleman tapped his foot onto the ground. While the other stood calm, rubbing his chin, thinking about something.

"Malzan, I don't know if you have a brain. You are now part of the council member of His Majesty Henry, and he knows you and me," The nobleman flicked the forehead of the man called Malzan. "You are a traitor. He knows that, but he isn't doing anything because war would break out again. That brat Imperial Majesty dislikes war. I suspect he would let you go."

"You're right. He can't do anything even if I betrayed him. I don't care about His Imperial Majesty. I don't even know where my daughter is," Malzan clicked his tongue and entered the room, which was a meeting room where the others, including the Emperor of the Vivan Empire, were.

"Just don't say a word if I were you. You're not supposed to be here too," Suggested the other nobleman. "If you do, Sir Henry will punish you to death. It's his commands." The nobleman smiled at Malzan, who gulped and entered the room.

What valuable information Emelia had just heard. If she tells this to the Emperor of the Vivan Empire, the peace treaty might not push through. But then a traitor amongst his people is cruel, but then it's normal to have enemies in your own territory.

As Emelia turned her back to do her own things, she bumped her forehead onto someone. She looked up to see the same man from that might, giving her a smile. Since when was he here? Emelia didn't hear a single footstep coming from her back of her, or her senses were slowly degrading.

"Good day, Your Highness. I assume eavesdropping is your hobby?" Asked Enoch, taking a few steps back.

Emelia cleared her throat, answering, "I just got here. I assume you are making your way to the meeting room?" Enoch chuckled, seeing Emelia try changing the topic. She normally doesn't make excuses.

"Why is the Her Highness here? Are you probably going in to listen?" Enoch asked Emelia, waiting for her reply after a few seconds of silence.

"No, I don't want to involve myself in this future mess. It is none of my concern," Answered Emelia, walking past Enoch. "Rather, I don't think they want me in there," Emelia muttered to herself, which Enoch heard.

"That's right, Your Highness. If you have some spare time, perhaps would you want to take a stroll with me?" Asked Enoch, knowing Emelia would reject him. Emelia walked past him while Enoch chuckles, watching her back. 

Enoch wiped the smile off his face as he enters the meeting room. Just what he had expected, pairs of cold-looking eyes stared at him, unwelcoming.

Ignoring their cold stares, Enoch walked to his seat where Elliot and Air were. But, unfortunately, not everyone in the meeting room was there, so they had to wait a few more minutes.

They were waiting for a few more council members to enter, and Enoch took this opportunity to report to Elliot. He leaned towards Henry and whispered, "It is just like what Air had said earlier. Malazan had become a council member for, His Majesty Henry. As for Count Fredrik, he had been a betrayer for a long time."

Elliot nodded his head once at Air who nodded his head, confirming his theories were right. With the help of Argus, who told them some valuable information, they were right that Chief Malazan and Count Fredrik were the ones helping Henry to become the Emperor of the Redodel Empire.

"I thank each one of you for gathering here to discuss a very important matter. Shall we discuss more of the peace treaty?" Asked Henry as he looked at his chancellor to start the meeting.

The chancellor took the stage, "Thank you, esteemed guest, for making time to be here. My name is Ford Clarence. Please call me Ford. Let us begin, shall we?" He asked, looking at Elliot.

"Before that, I want to ask Chief Malzan what he is doing here?" Said Elliot, looking at the Chief to only look away from him. "You must be aware that he is not one of your men, am I wrong?"

Chief Malzan bit his lip, looking at Count Fredrik, who sat on the opposite side of him, asking for help. He knew this was going to happen and was warned by Henry not to attend, but because of his stubbornness, he still attended.

"I am quite not sure what you are talking about," Henry smiled at Elliot and turned his head, glaring at Chief Malzan. "Let's mo-"

"Answer my question," Elliot's voice echoed in the meeting room, leaving the other council members to lower their heads. Henry clenched his teeth and answered, "Yes, I am aware of that. Are there any problems with that?"

The corner of Elliot's lips rose, smiling, taking back Henry, who looked confused about what Elliot was going to do. "No, there are no problems at all. But then, are you alright having a traitor in your team?"

A traitor, he says? Henry was aware that Chief Malzan had betrayed Elliot but is this something to be talked about? He knew that Chief Malzan would never betray him after getting what he wanted. After all, he is one greedy man, longing for money only.

"I don't think he will. That's because he officially because a citizen of the Redodel Empire," Answered Henry though he knew his answer sounded unreasonable as it's not possible to change citizenship.

"I understand. Now, let's start the meeting, shall we?" Suggested Elliot, which the others agreed upon.

As the chancellor was talking about what the conditions were, Henry couldn't stop but help feel ashamed in front of the other people. Talking about citizenship as it is a normal thing when it isn't. Not to mention Chief Malzan used to be part of the council member for the Vivan Empire.

From feeling ashamed, anger rose to the top of his head, tapping his fingers onto the table and starring else. This is why Henry told Chief Malzan to stay away from them as possible. Doesn't he know the consequences? He had another plan, but it looks like that plan will turn to plan b.

"Your Majesty? I've been calling you a few times now. Are you feeling alright?" Asked Chancellor Ford while the others looked in his direction. Henry coughed and rubbed his throat, "I'm alright. It's just that my throat felt dry."

"Is that so? Then let us begin with what you think about the peace treaty. As stated in the peace treaty, both parties A and B will be opening the trade lane for fifteen years. Perhaps are there any concerns with this?" Chancellor Ford asked, expecting their responses.

"There is. Currently, the Redodel Empire doesn't possess anything good for us to benefit from. Why do we need to open a trade lane?" Air asked as he stood up from his seat, he lifted a document regarding the natural resources of the Redodel Empire. "From what I know, everything you have our Empire has. Even if it is for peaceful purposes, it is unnecessary for us to open a trade lane."