Why Did I Become the Villainess?

Chapter 458: : Take the seat



Minutes pass, and Prince Fraser hasn't said a word to me. He hasn't even glanced at the documents outlining my funding request.

Instead, he continues to stare at me, his gaze making me increasingly uneasy.

Why is he looking at me like this? And why did he want to speak with me alone if we're only discussing the funding request? These questions swirl in my mind as the tension in the room grows palpable.

Isn't he concerned that Princess Paislee might misunderstand the situation? Or is he just incredibly self-assured?

I sigh nervously. "Your Highness, if you're finished reviewing the documents for our request, may I start my presentation-"

Before I can finish my sentence, he interrupts abruptly. "No need. I've already reviewed it, and I have no objections to the request." With that, he proceeds to stamp his approval on the document. "I will personally send this to finance, so please expect a response in a few days."

That's it? He approved it without any questions? But I thought he was in a bad mood. Why didn't he try to find any mistakes, like he usually does?

I glance at him, waiting to see if he'll say anything else. Instead, he continues to stare at me with that same peculiar expression on his face.

What is happening? Why is everyone acting so strangely?

Princess Paislee seemed nervous around me, and now Prince Fraser being nice at me despite being in a bad mood?

I nod my head. "Thank you for granting me an audience. I won't take any more of your time

"We're not finished yet," he interrupts.

My heart races with anxiety at his words. Did I just jinx myself?

I nod in understanding and wait for him to continue speaking.

However, he remains silent, just staring at me. The tension in the room thickens, leaving me uncertain of what comes next.

What is going on here? Did they change the meaning of conversation to staring? I thought The wanted to speak to me.

I was startled when he suddenly speak. "Csille what..."

What what? Why does he always cut himself off? Is he playing games with me? Does he find it amusing to keep me on edge like this?

I hear him sigh deeply and lean back in his chair, still staring at me. He seems like he has a lot on his mind but struggles to express it.

He then bows his head and rests it on the table, his frustration audible in his breathing.

"Your Highness? Are you alright?" I ask cautiously.

Seconds pass before he lifts his head, his eyes filled with emotions. "Csille, I'm not okay."

My heart aches at the hurt and confusion in his voice.

What could have happened to put him in this state? Did Princess Paislee reject him?

But... that doesn't make sense. Why would the female lead reject the male lead?

Prince Fraser laughs sadly before bowing his head to the table once more. "Never mind. You should go. I know you have a lot of things to attend to."

I have many questions for him, but I decide not to pry. It's best for him to sort things out on his own. Hopefully, he won't take long to do so.

Hopefully...

"Dame Csille, I've completed the inquiry on the task you assigned me. Here's the price list for all the materials you requested," Sela says, placing a stack of papers on my desk detailing the supplies needed for the renovation.

I smile at Sela and nod appreciatively before returning my focus to the documents I've been working on. There's a lot to be done, particularly now that we're preparing for another meeting. Each department head will need to present proposals on the next steps following the explosion.

I've been weighing my options on which side to support-whether to back the war effort or advocate for peaceful negotiations. However, my choices are limited, given that I would be betraying the Vrawyth Kingdom.

Lost in thought while reading a document, the door suddenly bursts open. I glance up to see Rufus staring at me.

He looks... troubled? Even his disheveled clothes suggest something happened. Did he argue with someone again?

"To what do I owe the honor of His Highness's presence?" I ask formally.

Rufus groans and quickly walks in front of me. "We need to talk, Csille. Please."

I immediately set the paper down, sensing the desperation in his voice.

Something must have happened!

I nod. "Sure, why don't you sit do-"

I was startled when he grabbed my hand tightly. "Not here. I need to talk to you somewhere private. Please, Csille. I need you right now, urgently."

I stare into Rufus's anxious eyes and nod helplessly. How could I refuse when he asks like

that?

After I give my approval, he swiftly leads me away from my office to his bedroom, ensuring we aren't seen before leading me inside.

He didn't bother offering me anything and simply gestured for me to find a comfortable

place to sit.

I chose a chair beside the window, while Rufus settled on the windowsill.

Silence hung between us for a few moments, both of us seemingly lost in our own thoughts

and emotions.

"Csille, I think I'm losing her already," Rufus finally uttered.

My eyes widen in shock when I hear what he says. Does this mean that the relationship between Prince Fraser and Princess Paislee has progressed to the next level?

With a trembling voice, I ask, "Is she already in a relationship with someone else?"

Rufus looks out the window and lets out a deep sigh. His tone is filled with hurt and disappointment at the situation.

"No, she isn't. But I can see she's starting to consider him," Rufus says, frustration evident as he runs a hand through his hair. "How can I compete with him? It feels like he's already won before I even had a chance."

I reach out and gently squeeze his hand. "She hasn't made her decision yet, right? So why give up now? Just because someone else is pursuing her too? Do you really want to see her with

him?"

My heart aches with every word I say. As much as I want to persuade him to spare himself from pain, I know I can't. Rufus's love for Princess Paislee is crucial to the romance between

the two main characters.

Rufus stares into my eyes, vulnerability evident in his gaze-a side of him I rarely see.

"But what if I lose her in the end? What if she chooses him instead of me?" he asks, his voice

tinged with worry.

She probably will choose him. But I can't tell him that.

I smile reassuringly. "Rufus, love is a gamble. If you don't take the risk, how will you know if you can win her over? It's better to risk losing her while knowing you did your best than to never try at all. Although, I doubt she would want to lose someone as precious as you. So, don't hesitate. Show her your sincerity, and it will melt her heart."

Rufus stares at me for a few moments before he sighs heavily. "It would have been easier if

it were you. Then I wouldn't have all these problems."

His words startle me, leaving me staring at him in disbelief. Rufus chuckles softly at my

reaction.

"Don't worry, I'm just speaking nonsense. I know you still love him," he adds.

Rufus gazes outside, admiring the view, while I continue to watch him in silence. Now that I think about it, it would be the best scenario if that happens. And to be honest, Rufus is a better choice than Prince Fraser. He has a better temper and is easier to talk to. In an alternate universe, I might have chosen him over Prince Fraser without hesitation. But such thoughts remain wishful thinking. Our paths are already set, and both of us are destined for a tragic outcome.

Leaning back in my chair, I gaze out the window alongside Rufus.

"So, have you made up your mind?"

Rufus looks at me and smiles. "I have. I'm going to keep pursuing her. Your words made me

realize that I won't achieve anything if I don't take action. The risk is big, but I'd rather take it than lose her for good."

I nod in understanding. I had anticipated this would be his choice. How could he let her slip away so easily? He's deeply invested already, and the more he sees her with Prince Fraser, the stronger his determination to win her over will become.

"It's good that you realize that. I hope things work out for you, and remember, Rufus, love

often comes with pain. The journey of winning her over may be difficult, but hang in there. If you persist and she sees how genuine your feelings are, I'm confident she'll choose you." Rufus gives me a genuine smile. "Thank you, Purplany. Your words really calm me down."

I squeeze Rufus's hand reassuringly. "I'm glad I could help."

Just for today, I'll be here for you. Because soon...

Our end will come soon.

"Csille, are you taking care of yourself properly? Why do you look paler each time I see you?

Are you overworking yourself again?"

I smile at Brother Pascal. "Brother, am I really that untrustworthy to you?"

He gives me a look that says, *are you really asking me that?* I can only respond with an

awkward smile.

We're currently making our way to the meeting room for our final discussion on the Vrawyth Kingdom's course of action.

I sigh guiltily. "I know I made a lot of mistakes before, but please don't look at me like that. I

am trying, Brother."

"The thing is, we can't see it, Csille. Your actions don't match your words." He then walks into the meeting room, leaving me alone.

I sigh. Things are definitely getting worse, not just my relationship with my family but with

everyone here.

I really hope this will all be over soon. I'm exhausted from dealing with this every day.

I enter the room and find everyone awkwardly silent. Again.

I nearly roll my eyes when I realize the source of the tension is the three main leads, who can't

even make eye contact with each other.

I take the only available seat next to Leander and Brother Pascal. I was about to greet Leander

and the others when Princess Paislee suddenly stands up and walks towards me.

"Dame Csille?"

I look at Princess Paislee standing in front of me.

What does the Crown Princess want from me? What did I do this time?

I glance at the two Princes, hoping they'll intervene, but they don't even bother looking our

way.

"Yes, Sir Farren? Do you have anything to say to me?"

Princess Paislee nods. "Switch seats with me, please."

I almost want to turn my back on her and continue my greetings with the others.

She wants me to sit beside Prince Fraser and in front of Rufus? Hell no! Why would I ever put

myself in such a difficult situation?

I would rather sit beside a bear than exchange seats with her. And out of all the people she

could ask, why me?

What do you want from me, Princess Paislee? Do you have a grudge against me?

"Dame Csille?"

I give her an awkward smile. "Apologies, Sir Farren, but how can I sit beside His Highness?

That is your rightful position, do-"

"Rightful position?"

I almost fall off my chair when Prince Fraser suddenly speaks up. He is currently looking at me

with a displeased expression.

"Can you please explain what you mean, Lady Csille?"

I frown when I hear him emphasizing the word "lady." Why is he so angry that he's dropping

my title? What I said is right, isn't it? The chair beside him is rightfully for Princess Paislee. Or does he not want other people...

I sigh. I do think my words can cause misunderstanding for others. "Apologies for my choice

of words. What I mean is, Sir Farren should sit beside you because it is his duty to protect you at all costs. So, how can I take her seat?"

Prince Fraser frowns even more. It looks like my words have made him more irritated than he

already is.

"He can stand behind me. Isn't it better for him to do that so he can move easily in case

someone decides to harm me?"

I nod my head. He has a point on that one. But what does it matter to me? I don't under-

"Take his seat, Csille."