The Villain Who Fell In Love

Duke Zed stood in silence, scolding himself, but at the same time, he didn't know it was a sensitive topic for Elliot. But to think he really loves her this much impressed him. Since from what he knows, the Emperor of the Vivan Empire doesn't involve himself with women. Not only that, but also the same for Emelia. 

"I trust you will keep this discrete. For the people you care the commoners," said Elliot, but his gaze threatened Duke Zed. 

If this is for the people and to make this place into a better one. It's normal to follow the leader that will bring the world into peace and safety. 

Duke Zed kneeled onto one knee, reciting, "I, Zed Neutron am at Princess Emelia's service. If I were to betray the Princess. Death awaits me." He stood back up, and Elliot offered his hand, smiling. Duke Zed shook his hand with Elliot and had forgotten about his suit. 

"I'll call a servant to bring you a white coat. I'm sure I have one, but it may not be as extravagant as yours," said Duke Zed ringing a bell and entered a servant who bowed his head. "Bring me a white suit for this gentleman," commanded Duke Zed and followed the manservant.

"I want to ask a question," said Duke Zed, catching Elliot's attention once more. 

"Go on."

"Does the Princess know about me because of her mother? Alia Beaumont?" asked Duke Zed, but then Elliot didn't know either. All Emelia mentioned was we needed Duke Zed on their side. It's amazing how Emelia knew he would go to their side since he is a person who sympathizes and would choose to help the poor.

"I do not know. Emelia didn't mention anything," answered Elliot.

"I see," frowned Duke Zed. 

"But then she insists on having you on our side," added Elliot, making Duke Zed smile a bit. "May I ask do you have any sort of relationship with her mother?" asked Elliot, and Duke Zed nodded his head.

"During that time when her mother was still free. She would go and visit an orphanage. At that time, I still lived in the orphanage despite being 18. And she would always tell us how much she appreciated us," paused Duke Zed, then continuing. "At first, I wondered why she would say those things and found her weird. She was bright, gentle, and as beautiful as a gem. Anyone who sees her would fall in love with her."

"Each day, she would visit us, but then those visits came to an end. I got worried, and so from time to time, I would sneak into the palace just to see her locked in her own room. To her, I was like a younger brother. She told me she has only seen her daughter once and no more. Even if she could visit the orphanage, she wasn't allowed to see her own child. Of course, I was angered, but then she was too kind. It's her kindness that killed her. I wasn't able to protect her…." Duke Zed clenched his fist and this time biting his lower lip. 

"One day, she just died, and after that, a new Empress reigned the throne. Alia Beaumont is the forgotten Empress. Just like her daughter, she is the forgotten one. Which is why this time to repay Alia's kindness, I shall serve the Princess and protect her."

"Emelia would like it to hear more stories about her mother," said Elliot trying to lighten the mood. "She might know you from the letters her mother gave her. That is why you better stay alive until the end and share your stories about her mother. This is the only way to repay her mother's kindness. To stay alive."

That's right. Dying to repay someone's kindness is not supposed to happen. If Duke Zed wants to repay Alia's kindness, he needs to start working hard to stay alive. That is the only way to repay someone who saved you. 

The manservant from earlier knocked on the door before entering. Once he entered her raised both of his hands, giving the white coat to Elliot, he wore it in a rush. 

"We should go. I cannot keep the host of tonight in this room forever and keep Emelia waiting. We'll be discussing this soon. My servant will be sending you a letter by tomorrow," said Elliot as he first walked out of the room.

Duke Zed watched his back and sighed out loud. To think a younger man was the one lecturing him. What has he become? Though it felt nice to see someone, helping Emelia not to mention Elliot's eyes sparkling whenever he mentions her name. 

"She is loved, Alia. With this, you can rest in peace. Now that there is someone by her side, you can stop worrying about your own daughter and rest now," Duke Zed smiled, leaving the room and shutting the doors gently. 

Elliot made his way to Emelia, who nowhere to be seen. If that's the case, the only place she would be right now is by the balcony. The furthermost one on the left might be the balcony she is in. He took a peak by the light brown curtains decorated with floor designs and saw Emelia sitting on a white cushioned long chair without her mask on. 

Emelia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear when a blew in her direction. She sighed out loud, feeling exhausted after the noblewomen wouldn't stop talking and asking questions to her. She had to excuse herself just to be alone.

"Exhausted already?" Emelia jumped, hearing his voice from behind. "The dance hasn't even started," continued Elliot as he sat beside her. 

"You scared me," said Emelia as her hand was by her chest. 

"If it was someone else, you would have gotten caught. Just wear your mask on," said Elliot, and Emelia listened. She removed her mask because it felt uncomfortable. But she lowered her guard for a second, made him concerned about it. 

A brief silence entered the atmosphere, but they didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable about it. Rather it felt calming, listening to the birds sing, and music started to play, which means the dance was about to start. 

Elliot stood up and bowed, "Will you dance with me?" Emelia was hesitant to take his hand, but because she was a terrible dancer or, in other words, didn't know how to dance. 

"I don't know-"Before Emelia could finish her sentence, Elliot pulled her up and brought her close to him. 

"I'll guide you. All you need to do is to follow my steps," gently smiled Elliot, causing Emelia's heart to beat quickly. She couldn't push to refuse him. The words wouldn't come out of her mouth. 

"If…you say so."