Villain Transmigration: Author Transformation

In the grand waterfall chandelier that cast a glow whatever that was beneath it, there found two men that had a good time acquainting each other but stopped as soon as they entered. Both of them stood, and greeted the Crown Prince with utmost respect.

'I didn't think we would have a meal right off the bat.' 

Though she didn't know if she was welcome, to say the least.

Athan gave a curt smile, and held onto Veronica's hand as they went to their respective seats. Butlers came and led them on as well as how the rest followed, and the last was Mystique and Keith.

'So… What? Do we have to stand here or what—watch them—?'

She tried to wait for a butler to lead where she would take a seat, but none of them came. They stood, almost unwilling to move from their place, but their eyes never failed to steal a glance at her.

'Oh, so this is how they would play and treat me, huh?' Nathalie smiled at Keith, who already had coldness in his stares. With her signal, he was the one to do what was supposedly their job.

A soft creak on her chair rang their ears, and all their gazes were on her. Hands pressed on her chest, mouthing a hearty gratitude at him for a little help, before she took a seat.

"My pleasure," Keith replied; then he went to the seat that was next to her, but he got halted when Edmund's voice raised.

"For a knight to have such audacity to sit with all of us, don't you think it's impertinent of you—"

[Well, I see you have a problem with it, Marquis.] She glared at him while scribbled words—neatly written—flashed before him. [Perhaps it was too much of a bother to you.]

The atmosphere plunged to eerie silence, and the room became a little colder as it brushed their skin, sending them all shudders and goosebumps.

"Please don't fret too much as he still took part of it, nevertheless." Athan stole a glance at Nathalie then went back to Marquis Edelweiss.  "It was an amusing event; I must say, don't you think so too, Marquis?" 

"Y—Yes, of course, Your Highness." Edmund had a jagged smile while he adjusted his white ascot necktie. "I'm beyond pleased to know you'll grace us with your presence after years of invitation only to have them declined."

"Oh, about that." He leaned his back, taking a deep breath. "Rumors were going around how my good friend over here had prized treasures he got recently." 

It left a sour taste in Nathalie's mouth. Afterwards, bitterness in her heart loomed again, but she would confirm it soon, and kept it low before she struck back.'Good friends? Didn't he told me he didn't know about this person—' 

"Like he meant to show some charity when I could've just taken it all by myself." Athan chided again, jerking his head to the side, hinting at Nathalie.

Their peals of laughter came rushing the hall, and they all had a good time without her. 

'Petty nobles…' Her eyes flickered for a while after giving them a side-eye. Anyway, since I knew Athan just as much as he knew me. Time to test this ever-so-grande Duke.'

To light up the mood as they began their conversation, the butlers came back with food trolleys. 

'Oh! My! Gosh! It's here...' Her hands clawed to her thighs, giddy and enthralled with the food.

Although as soon as it got closer, the familiar aroma of the seafood wafted near her nose. It sent sparks all over her body as she realized what; as much as her mind craved for it, her hands trembled and gut churned like she wanted none of it.

Opening the cloche, array of seafood cuisines lining up for their eyes to feast upon it. 

This was the first time in a long while that seafood was served on the table.

All of them knew, yet this was still the presentation. It was clear as day she wasn't welcome, even for Nathan.

Although Nathan looked like he didn't care enough, Sylvester had a sinister smirk that aimed at her. 

Veronica glared at her.

'They are really coming for me.'

Edmund avowed, gesturing his hand over the food laid down perfectly.

"His Grace, the Grand Duke of Forsberg, brought the ingredients alongside his skilled and talented chefs for us to taste the luxury of the southern seas..." 

In this timeline, they had yet to know that Mystique had severe allergies when it came to seafood. Though she held a calm gaze, she had tingles all over her skin.

'I've never been this afraid to eat—Ugh, I regretted writing such stupid character peeve—'

"Without further ado, we shall have a toast!"

They reached for the glasses that the footmen filled with red wine, and she didn't hesitate to join them.

"Cheers!" They all chorused. 

The only word she heard, so loud enough to break away from her heart banging against chest.

Unbeknownst to her, her hands trembled, but then calmed down right away when Keith reached out to her, caressing the back of her hand. It would be a lie if it didn't make her smile from such a simple comfort.

But her left shoulder had a sudden prick when Athan gazed at him, despite being all lovey-dovey with Veronica.

In which she knew well.

Jealousy...

'The fuck is wrong with him; I don't want him...'

Nathalie took a deep breath, consoling herself that the odds would be in her favor. 

On her plate found a slice of baked salmon, and her fingers reached for the knife, giving it a clean cut. Such tender and savory meat arose a steam that allured her.

With that, Nathalie took a bite of the sliced salmon. Surge of comfort and taste melted in her mouth right away, which she grinned all throughout. Withal, she leaned close to Keith, and gave the dish a try.

Word and concern was so obvious in his face, but her smile was infectious. 

Happiness brimmed between them, and filled the atmosphere, in which it interrupted their talks as they took a glimpse of their reaction.

Only clinking tablewares mused her ear as their conversation drifted away.

All of them were shocked.

But none of which she cared about, she enjoyed every minute, every second. With the food and Keith by his side.

Two of them were so sweet, that the rest of them became too bitter, and focused on their meal.