Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Chapter 456: : Meeting



I gasp for air as I rise from my bed. It was just a dream, yet it felt so real! As if I were actually in that situation.

A shiver runs down my spine as I recall every detail of the dream.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"What was that all about? Is it a warning that the end is near?" My hands tremble as I remember the scenes from my dream. "Is my end near?"

Lately, many unexpected things have been happening. Is the reason why I had this dream that the world is reminding me of who am I? That I am a villainess and should act accordingly?

I was still contemplating the dream when a knock interrupted my thoughts.

I dreadfully open the door, hoping to see Brother Pascal outside. However, I find myself frozen in place when I see Prince Fraser standing in front of me.

What is he doing here?

Prince Fraser stares at me for a few seconds before raising his hand to touch my forehead.

"It's good that you don't have a fever, but you still look a little pale. You shouldn't overwork yourself too much, Csille. It wouldn't be good if you got sick again." He shakes his head.

I just stand there, staring at him, wondering if the person in front of me is really Prince Fraser. The way he's speaking right now is so gentle that it makes me question if everything happening is a dream.

Because only in my dreams does Prince Fraser treat me with such gentleness.

Prince Fraser stares back at me and sighs. "We will be having a meeting this afternoon. So, you should rest more and eat your meals on time. We wouldn't want you to miss such an important meeting, Dame Csille."

He doesn't wait for my reply and leaves after saying those words. I stare at his retreating figure, feeling confused about what just happened.

Is that really Prince Fraser? Why is he being so kind today? He even touched my forehead so gently.

There's no way Prince Fraser would do that!

I quickly close my door and head straight to my bed. "That's right. This has to be a dream. If I lay down and close my eyes, I'll wake up," I reassure myself.

I close my eyes tightly and try to sleep again, but no matter how hard I try, sleep eludes me.

I stare at the ceiling, my heart racing and hands trembling.

"So, it's not a dream after all!"

I exhaustedly drag myself to the place where we were supposed to have a meeting this afternoon.

After the conversation I had with Prince Fraser earlier, I tried my best to convince myself it was just a dream. However, the shocking realization hit me that everything was real.

The Prince Fraser I spoke to is not a figment of my imagination but the actual Prince Fraser. Yet, my mind is struggling to accept this reality.

I am aware that there is a force manipulating Prince Fraser into actions he wouldn't normally take. Despite this understanding, I can't help but experience a tumultuous mix of emotions whenever I encounter this version of Prince Fraser.

Prince Fraser stared at me for a few moments. His expression seemed... conflicted? Emotions swirling in his eyes that I didn't want to name anymore.

"Apologies, Your Highness, but Dame Csille is right. We've been here for quite some time and haven't discussed anything yet."

I glanced at Brother Pascal, noticing his indifferent expression towards Prince Fraser. I could tell he was upset. Probably at Prince Fraser's words.

Prince Fraser glanced at Rufus briefly before turning to Princess Paislee beside him. He sighed heavily and shook his head, a gesture of frustration or resignation.

"Apologies, it wasn't my intention to waste your time," Prince Fraser began, addressing the room. "I called for this meeting because we need to act swiftly. Negotiations between the Vrawyth and Aeslaerean Kingdoms are at a standstill. There's a high risk of Aeslaerean launching a surprise attack soon. We must formulate a decisive plan before they strike." Everyone around the table nodded in agreement. Despite this, I couldn't shake off my disappointment. He apologized for wasting time but not for his hurtful words towards me. I smiled sadly to myself, realizing how foolish I was to expect an apology from him.

I slowly took my seat and focused on the meeting, sensing the tension in the air. It was a different kind of tension compared to the tension between the leads.

"Your Highness, I believe it's best to continue negotiations with the Aeslaerean Kingdom," Attorney Kirsa suggested. "I'm confident we can find common ground if we continue with the talk. It's worth the effort to avoid a costly war."

"Attorney Kirsa is correct," Advisor Mallory added. "With patience and perseverance, we can reach a compromise that benefits both sides. Escalating into war should be our last resort."

Both Attorney Kirsa and Advisor Mallory are spearheading the talks between the two Kingdoms, making them the most informed about the current state between Vrawyth and

Aeslaerean.

Colonel Randle, however, interjected with a different perspective. "I understand their sentiments, but do you truly believe they have any intention of compromising? After launching a surprise attack on us, will they really retreat? And at what cost? What concessions will we need to make just to asure their withdrawal? Our weapons, our funds, our territory?"

I sighed heavily, feeling torn between the valid points raised by both parties. It was crucial to carefully consider which perspective would best serve our interests.

I chose to stay quiet and listen to their opinions attentively. It's not that I didn't have thoughts or opinions on the matter, but I refrained from sharing them out of concern that my input might do more harm than good.

I am reluctant to suggest anything because I fear that my suggestions might be reported to the enemy. Such an act of betrayal would be too much for me to bear. It's not about changing my future, rather I simply do not wish to cause any more harm than I already did. "But isn't it better, Colonel Randle?" Attorney Kirsa countered. "You know well that war requires extensive funds. Even if the Vrawyth Kingdom is wealthy, can we truly afford to sustain a prolonged conflict? And why should we sacrifice innocent lives when we could achieve resolution through peaceful means?"

Colonel Randle was about to say something, but Prince Fraser raised his hand to intervene. "Let's hear from everyone. What do you think should be our next move?"

Each one of them, voice out their opinions. Attorney Kirsa, Advisor Mallory, Brother Pascal, and General Abarral all expressed their support for pursuing peace talks as the preferred course of action. On the other hand, Colonel Randle and Doctor Leander stood firm in their belief that preparing for a defensive or retaliatory stance was necessary.

The only individuals remaining to voice their views are the two Princes and myself.

Prince Fraser stares at me, his gaze urging me to voice my opinion. I heave a sigh. "I understand everyone's perspective, and I believe everyone is correct in their own way. However, as someone who lacks knowledge and experience on this topic, I would like to refrain from expressing my opinion. Whatever the highnesses see fit, I will follow through.""

Prince Fraser stared at me briefly before shaking his head, indicating his disappointment with

my response.

But I had to be cautious. I didn't want to propose something that could be used against us in the future. Therefore, I would rather let them decide what they want to do.

Regardless of how this meeting concludes, I know that nothing will change in the future. War

will be inevitable.

No matter what we do. We won't be able to stop it.