Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Housing projects will definitely cost a lot. It'll probably half our funds for this month. It means the Foundation will need to limit helping other people. 

However, this project will be a great help for the Kingdom. It can solve the problem we have for years now. The shortage of supply for crops. If we do this, we don't need to buy crops outside the Vrawyth Kingdom, which means we can save a lot of money. 

I think this isn't a bad project. However, because it will half empty our funds, I think I need to talk about this to my parents. 

"Your highness, I think this is a great project. However, I don't think I can decide for now. I still need to consider things. Can you give me some time to think?"

Prince Fraser nods his head. "I understand. I know you will need time to think because this is a big project. I'll just send you a copy of the proposal once Father has finished it, and we can talk about your decision at that time. However, for now, can you really find a shelter for them? The monarchy can only give them tent shelters for now."

I nod my head. I'm thankful that he didn't feel offended when I said I still couldn't decide for now. 

"Don't worry about that, your highness. I have already asked my employees to find me a place where they can stay temporarily. Although it might probably take some time."

Prince Fraser nods his head. "I'm more than grateful that you're looking for one. I'm sure the people will understand it too."

"If that's the case, can I go out now, your highness? I still need to ask for an update about the temporary shelter."

Prince Fraser nods his head and stands up. "You're dismissed."

I sighed in relief when I heard what he said. I guess we work well if we talk about business. Maybe it will be best for everyone if Csille and Prince Fraser become business partners only instead of husband and wife. But I know it's impossible for that. 

I smile and stand up too. "Then, if you'll excuse me, I'll be going now, your highness."

I was about to go out when Prince Fraser suddenly said something that made me stop. "Csille, thank you for helping the monarchy."

It's just a simple word, and it's not even an apology. But I still feel great knowing that he sees and appreciates what I am doing. 

I look back and smile politely at him. "I'm only doing what I think I should be doing, Prince Fraser." 

After I said those words, I immediately got out of the tent. I know he is only good to me because we agree to help the villagers, and once everything is settled, he will return to being the mean Prince Fraser.

Don't hope for too much, Csille. You know more than anyone else that Prince Fraser won't fall for her.

________________________________

"Csille? Is everything okay?"

I look back and find Brother Pascal staring at me worriedly. I shake my head at him and sigh. "I just received an update from Mairenn. She said it'll probably take some time to find the villagers' temporary shelter. She's having difficulty finding a place where the whole village can fit."

Brother Pascal walks towards me and gently caresses my head. "I know the people can wait for that, and I'm sure your employees can find one. By the way, I heard you had a conversation with Prince Fraser," Brother Pascal's eyes become sharp when he says the name of Prince Fraser. "Did he do something to you again, Csille?"

I knew it. He is still worried that Prince Fraser might mistreat me again. Brother Pascal is really a good Brother.

I smile reassuringly at him and shake my head. "Don't worry, Brother. He didn't mistreat me. In fact, we had a great conversation earlier."

Brother Pascal squints his eyes and looks at me suspiciously. "Are you telling the truth, Csille? Or are you lying to me so you can defend him?"

I knew it would be difficult for him to believe my words. After all, they know I will still defend Prince Fraser even if he disrespects me. 

"Brother, don't you believe me? I know I did something that disappointed you and my parents. But do you really think I would lie to you just to save Prince Fraser's face?"

Brother Pascal looks at me for a couple of seconds before he sighs. "I'm sorry, I don't intend to doubt you, but Csille, I'm just worried about you. Aunt and Uncle are not here to look after you, which means the responsibility for taking care of you is on me. I don't want anything bad to happen to you, and that includes seeing you being disrespected by people. Especially Prince Fraser. I couldn't let it happen."

I hold Brother Pascal's arms and lean on his shoulder. "Thank you, Brother. I'm really grateful that even if I don't have a biological Brother, I still have you with me."

He looks down at me and flicks my forehead. "If you're really grateful, then you should start doing things that will not worry us. You should start to know how to take care of yourself, Csille. So, even if someone tried to disrespect you, you can still protect yourself from those people."

I look at him and just nod my head. I know it's difficult for him to trust Prince Fraser again, and I understand that. I just hope that in the future, when things go sour for Csille, he won't take it against Prince Fraser. That he will not go against him and the monarch because that is the only way the Lauretré Family can be saved.

"I will, Brother."

Brother Pascal nods his head in satisfaction. Then the both of us got silent for a moment. 

"Csille, what did you talk about with Prince Fraser? I heard from some villagers that you talked to him for quite a while. Is there something wrong?"

I shake my head at him. "No, Brother, everything is okay. He just made a deal with me that I still haven't decided if I should agree or not."

Brother Pascal looks at me and frowns. "What is this deal you talk to him? Is it something I should get worried about?"

And there he goes again. My overprotective Brother. I smile reassuringly at him. "Brother, I know you don't trust Prince Fraser when it comes to me. However, in times like this, do you think Prince Fraser will make a non-sense deal with me?"

Brother Pascal heaves a sigh. "I'm just worried about you, Csille." He then takes a pause for a few seconds. "Then can you tell me about this deal Prince Fraser offered to you and why you haven't given him an answer?"

"He wants to have a joint project with Hope Foundation. He said his majesty would prohibit anyone from returning to the foot of the mountain, and he would give him a land. However, because the monarchy doesn't have enough money to fund the housing, they want to work with the Foundation. We will do the housing while the monarchy will provide the land. His majesty wants to build a farmer's village."

Brother Pascal immediately looks at me. "Farmer's village? Are you saying that the King wants to stop buying crops from the other Kingdom?"

I nod my head. Although we have farmers in other regions of the Kingdom, the crops they are producing are not enough for the whole Kingdom. It's the reason why we still buy goods from nearby Kingdoms and cities.

"Yes, Brother. Creating a Farmer's village will be a great help to the Kingdom. We will be able to cut expenses, and at the same time, we will be able to solve our problem with the shortage of supply. However, I still haven't agreed with the project. This project will be needing a huge fund, and I'm not sure if the Foundation can bear the expenses."

Brother Pascal nods his head. "It is a feasible plan, and if they continue this project, I'm sure our Kingdom will save a lot of money. They can use this to help other regions which are in need of help. But you are also right, though. You'll need a lot of funds to do a housing project. You should think about this thoroughly, Csille. The amount you'll be spending for this project can either break or make your Foundation."

I nod my head and lean on his shoulder. "I will, Brother."

I definitely will. I will not let the Foundation I work hard to build end in peril. I will make sure that even if I wasn't here anymore, the Foundation would continue its purpose. To help people.

________________________________

I stretched my arms and yawned. It's already midnight, and everyone is already taking their rest, but here I am, still wide awake. I'm still thinking about what I should do with the joint project Prince Fraser offered to me. 

If I agree to it, this will definitely help the Vrawyth Kingdom save money. It means when the war came, the Vrawyth Kingdom could withstand it. However, if I agree with the joint project, it will almost empty the funds of the Foundation. That means we don't have any other choice but to limit our help to other people. But the purpose of the Foundation is to help those people who don't have anyone to turn to. If I close my door to them, does it mean many people will lose their lives?

I take a deep breath and shake my head. I think it's better if I go out first to have some breather. Maybe the nature can help me decide.

I walk out of the tent where my employees and I are staying. They have assigned tents to all of us. My employees and I are all staying in one tent. The Doctors are staying in one tent close to the tents of injured villagers, and there are two tents for people who are not injured. While Prince Fraser has his own tent. He is a royalty, so it's understandable if he has his own tent.

Some guards that were brought by Prince Fraser immediately looked at me. "Dame Csille, where are you going?"

I smile at the guard who asked the question. "I just want to have some breather."

The two guards look at each other for a second. "Do you want one of us to escort you? I don't think it's safe to walk around alone, Dame Csille."

I shake my head as a reply. How can I relax if there is someone tailing me? As much as possible, I just want to be on my own, and having someone will definitely not help me. "Thank you for the offer, but I want to be alone for now. Don't worry. I'll just walk around in the vicinity."

One of the guards tried to refuse, but the other guard stopped him. "We understand, Dame Csille. However, if you need someone or something you can just call us. We will definitely help you."

I thank them before I walk to somewhere quiet. I need some silence so I can weigh things properly and avoid making wrong decisions again.

I am about to walk past a huge bush when I suddenly hear faint voices. I looked around, trying to see if there is anyone around me, but I didn't find any person. 

I frown. Am I hearing things now? 

I looked around again to make sure, but I still couldn't find anyone. I was about to walk when I heard the faint voices again. 

Am I hallucinating, or am I being hunted? 

I look around, and my eyes widen when I see a silhouette behind the huge bush. I slowly walk to the bushes and try to see who are those people.

I know it's rude to do this, but something inside me is saying that I definitely need to see this. That's why even if I knew this wasn't right, I couldn't stop myself but eavesdrop.

"Sir Farren, I noticed how you are getting close with my cousin. Don't you think it's inappropriate?"

My eyes widened when I realized the owner of the voices. It's Prince Fraser... and Princess Paislee? 

Is it the scene where Prince Fraser confronted Princess Paislee because he is getting jealous of how close Princess Paislee is to Rufus?

"Your highness?" 

I suddenly heard movements. If I remember it correctly, Prince Fraser is probably holding Princess Paislee's arms. 

"Please, don't get close to Prince Rufus. I don't like to see you getting close to him."

It is really this scene. He is starting to express his feelings for Princess Paislee. It also means that I'm really close to my demise.

"Prince Fraser? I don't understand what you are saying—"

I sigh and move away from the bush. I don't think it's good for me to listen to their conversation. I am only hurting myself by doing that.

I start to walk around again. But this time, my mind is full of thoughts about Prince Fraser and Princess Paislee.

After walking mindlessly for a couple of seconds, I look up at the moon and sigh. 

Days are getting darker for the Villainess, and it will become even darker as the days pass.