The Villain Who Fell In Love

"Oh, child. I cannot die just yet. After all, I still have things to finish," Mrs. Gilda smiled as she gently stroke Emelia's head. Then realizes Elliot's presence and bowed her head, "Greetings to His Imperial Majesty."

"I've been waiting for your arrival," Said Mrs. Gilda as she looked at Emelia, who hid her face away. 

Under the mysterious writings, Mrs. Gilda steppe on a paddle, then the lights appeared, flashing the vast space of the actual library. Mrs. Gilda limped while walking as she walked to the nearest table.

The underground library was bigger than what they had in mind. Usually, building underground is a challenge, and since when has this place been built? The beige paint on the walls was about to fade, but the bookshelves and the furniture looked all new.

Thinking about it, if they walked deeper in the dark, they would have figured that this place was the underground library. It's surprising enough that there was a way to light this whole place up.

"Please take your seat," Mrs. Gilda sat on the chair, and they followed. Taking their seats, Emelia looks around the underground library in awe. This place looked properly maintained with care.

"How did you hurt your foot?" Asked Emelia in a worried tone.

"Ah…I tripped and twisted my ankle three days ago. As you know, this place can be dark," Mrs. Gilda answered. "Don't worry about me. Worry about yourself first," Mrs. Gilda stood up again, and this time she grabbed a book from a bookshelf near them.

Mrs. Gilda gave Emelia a book that had a brown book cover and borders painted with gold. The book didn't look old, but it was obvious when Emelia opened the book. The roughness of the paper and the color made it clear that this book was very old.

"This is?" Emelia asked Mrs. Gilda, who only gave her a smile. Emelia looks back at the book and reads out loud, "The Royal Family Of The Vivan Empire." What does this have to do with her? Emelia continues reading until she saw "The truth of the Cilia Family." This was the late emperor's surname. The truth?

"The Cilia Family is not a blood of royal or a noble. As you know, whoever wears the original crown can become emperor, and that is what the late emperor did," Spoke Mrs. Gilda, catching Elliot's attention. That might be the reason why they have no knowledge about the history of the Redodel Empire.

Hubert Cilia, the late Crowned Prince of the Redodel Empire, didn't or rather wasn't allowed to study the history of the Redodel Empire. On the other hand, Emelia knew about the history but not fully since most historical records were burnt down.

"From what I know, the Redodel Empire used to have good relations with the Vivan Empire. But because of some reasons, I do not understand why war broke," Said Emelia, who looks at Elliot, thinking he had answers to her question.

"That is for me to explain. Your mother's family, the Beaumont, used to be part of the Vivan Empire. But then one day they moved to the Redodel Empire as commanded by the late Emperor of the Vivan Empire," Answered Mrs. Gilda as she continued, "The reason war broke was because of your mother's death."

Alia Beaumont a daughter of a wealthy count and is known for her beauty in the Vivan Empire. For peace relations and alliance, her mother decided to marry the Emperor of the Redodel Empire. The condition was not to hurt Alia Beaumont, or else war will break. But then, in the end, it was broken.

"I don't understand. Why did my mother agree to marry the emperor? Even if it was for peaceful relations. I know she isn't the type to accept something stupid," Argued Emelia, then looks at Elliot, who avoids her eyes.

"Your mother was forced by her own parents and her friend who was jealous," Answered Mrs. Gilda, "Greedy for power and fame, Alia Beaumont's parents forced her to leave despite being in love with some else."

Emelia continues looking at Elliot, bitting her lower lip. She asked, "You knew about this, do you?" Unforgivable. He didn't even deny it, and he kept his face cool but low. Amelia couldn't help but put the blame on him.

"You knew about this, do you?" Emelia stood up, grabbing his collar.

"Oh dear, please calm down. There's still more. This is a secret relation that the council members of the Vivan Empire had set up. His Imperial Majesty's parents weren't informed about this because by then they have been killed, " Mrs. Gilda stood up, walking towards Emelia, who releases her hand off Elliot's collar.

"Then it means his parents died the same day as my mother did?" Asked Emelia as her voice trembles. She couldn't process the information any longer. It was harder than she had thought. It was a big mess. Everything.

"Can you handle more information?" Asked Mrs. Gilda, comforting Emelia, rubbing her thumb on her hand. Emelia nodded her head. She wanted to push herself a bit more until she couldn't handle it. It was a big challenge for her. 

But seeing Emelia about to break down, Mrs. Gilda decided to stop. This at least helped Emelia. Whether it is hard on her, this is something she needed to know.

"I've been wanting to ask, but who are you, Mrs. Gilda? You seem to know everything, and judging from the letters my mother left, she trusts you very much. That is why I decided to trust you," Asked Emelia as her eyes glisters with anticipation.

Mrs. Gilda smiled, and before answering, she glanced at Elliot, "I am a loyal servant of His Imperial Majesty's parents. Not only that but also your mother's personal maid," Mrs. Gilda took a pause, taking a deep breath. She continued, "I used to be a secret messenger and was tasked to protect your mother. But I failed as one."