Why Did I Become the Villainess?

 "My dear, you have returned. How are your exams? I heard that you ace it again." Mother enthusiastically said. 

 I just returned home, and my parents welcomed me warmly. We're now sitting on the sofa. I was sitting in between Mother and Father.

 Father laughs. "Of course, my daughter is an intelligent lady. She is not just beautiful but also has a substance. I'm sure the other nobles are so envious of us already. It's really our fortune to have a daughter like this."

 I hug the two of them tightly. "Mother, Father, your flattering me too much. I won't be like this if not because of the two of you. I inherited Mother's beauty, and I inherited Father's wit."

 Father and Mother laugh and hug me too. The warmth of the family. This is something I longed for when I was living as Ysavel in the real world, and now I am experiencing it because of Csille.

 "Oh, right, dear. Didn't you say you received a letter for Csille? Where is that?" Mother reminded Father.

 My eyes widen. The letter. It's the reason for the incoming change in Csille's life. 

 Father immediately called our butler and asked him to bring the letter to us. After a few minutes, the butler arrived with a letter in his hand. 

 My hand trembles. If I accept this, then it will be the start of the changes not just for Csille's, but for everyone's life too. However, I also know I had no other choice but to accept this. 

 I am meant to be the Villainess, and sooner or later, I need to face that fact. 

 Father hands me the letter. "Here. It is for you, so it's only right if you're the one who opens it."

 It's a scroll. I untie the strings on it with my trembling hands. I take a deep breath before slowly opening the scroll.

 I gasp when I see that it is really the letter. I heard Father gasp, and Mother shrieks.

 "Oh, dear. It's an invitation letter for a semester break classes from Alderrdeen School of Knowledge."

 Alderrdeen School of Knowledge. One of the prestigious schools in this world. It is said it is on par with the special education of the Aeslaerean Kingdom. But unlike the Aeslaerean's special education that is only offered to royalties, the Alderrdeen School of Knowledge provides quality education to those people who are exceptional among everyone else. Receiving an invitation for semester break class is already an honor. 

 I smile bitterly. It's really the invitation. 

 My Mother hugs me tightly. "My dear, aren't you happy? The Alderrdeen School of Knowledge personally invited you. I'm so proud of you."

 Father laughs proudly. "My daughter is really the best among the rest. You're not just a Gold Grand Exemplar, but you even got an invitation from the Alderrdeen School of Knowledge. I'll see who'll look down on you after this. You're really deserving of the surname Lauretré."

 I forcefully smile at them. How can I be happy knowing that this event will be the start of Csille's Villainess path? 

 "You're flattering me too much, Father. This is just an invitation for semester break. It's not as if they invited me to change schools." 

 Father hugs me. "How can they let you go after they see how great you are? I'm sure they will invite you for the next school year."

 He then stands up. "I need to tell this to those old men, and let's see if they boast about their sons and daughter."

 I immediately stop Father. Even Mother scolds him. "Look at you, being too cocky. I know my daughter is the best, but you don't have to boast about it. With our daughter's talent, I'm sure they will hear it on their own in no time."

 Father stops and thinks for a moment before he hugs Mother and me. "You're right, my Countess. How about we celebrate this another milestone in our daughter's life? Let's eat outside."

 I look at Father and Mother, who are so happy with the news. I sigh and just let it be. Even if I don't want to be the Villainess, I don't have any other choice. 

________________________________

 "Purplany!"

 I look back and find Rufus running towards me enthusiastically. "I heard that you received a letter from the Alderrdeen School of Knowledge. Are you planning to change schools? You're leaving me behind?"

 I laugh at Rufus and put down the book I am reading. I am currently in our garden, reading a novel. "I'm not changing school. It's just an invitation for a semester break class. I thought all of us received an invitation. Don't you have one?"

 Rufus sat down beside me and sighed. "My Father declines it. He thinks it won't be good for me to change University, especially that I'm halfway from graduating. Also, he thinks I'll just bring trouble if I accept it. So, he declines it on my behalf."

 I understand the Duke's concern. Rufus is somewhat a headache sometimes. "But it's just a semester break classes. It's as if you'll be changing university."

 Rufus shrugs. "You know that an invitation for a semester break class is the first step of becoming a student in the Alderrdeen School of Knowledge. Once they see your potential, they will invite you to be their student. My Father knows it. That's why he declines. He told me he's afraid I'll just embarrass the whole Astalieu family there." He then shakes his head. 

 Although he is saying something negative, it doesn't seem like he cares. He probably knows that what his Father said is true. Rufus... can be embarrassing at times. 

 Alderrdeen School of Knowledge. What he said is true. Every student in that school first received an invitation letter for semester break classes, and if those students fit their criteria, they will invite them to be their students. 

 Alderrdeen is located in one of the independent cities in this world, the Alderrdeen City. It is said that if the Illorian City holds power for its might in strength, the Alderrdeen holds power for its might in knowledge. 

 "As far as I know, even Prince Fraser, Sir Farren, and Leander received an invitation. However, I heard Prince Fraser declines it because he doesn't want to stay far away from the Vrawyth for too long, and of course, if Prince Fraser is not coming, his most loyal knight won't come too. As for Leander, I haven't heard news from him." Rufus looks at me. 

 "Are you sure you want to accept the invitation? I'm sure the Alderrdeen School of Knowledge has already made an investigation about you, and I'm sure they are planning to take you as their student. You're about to graduate from high school. Do you still want to accept it?"

 I look up at the sky and smile bitterly. Do I have any other choice? It's already written, Csille Lauretré will accept this invitation. 

 "Father and Mother want me to accept it. I don't want to disappoint them, so I say yes."

 Rufus got silent for a moment. "My Purplany is growing up already. You're now moving forward to another City far away from our Kingdom. I'm happy for you."

 I just smile at him. I hope I can be happy for myself too.

________________________________

 Csille takes a deep breath before walking inside the Palace's garden. I have written this scene. It's when Csille will say her goodbye to Prince Fraser before she goes to the Alderrdeen School of Knowledge.

 Csille was stunned when he saw Prince Fraser elegantly sitting while sipping his tea. It's been a long time since she saw him this close, and it'll probably take some time before this happens again. Since she will be leaving this afternoon.

 Prince Fraser looks up and stares at her. His expression darkens. "What are you doing here?"

 Csille smiles widely, even if she feels like someone is shredding her heart. She slowly walks towards him and does a curtsy. "Your highness, this Count's daughter is here to say her farewell. I'll be leaving the Vrawyth Kingdom this afternoon. I'll be away for the whole semester break."

 Prince Fraser just stares at her for a couple of seconds before he waves his hand. "Farewell then."

 Csille's hand trembles. She wants to shout at him. She wants to reproach him. But in the end, she didn't do. She just walks towards him and hugs him. 

 Prince Fraser didn't expect her action, so he just let her hugs him. She closes her eyes and remembers. Remember how it feels like to hug him. Remember how he smells. 

 After a few minutes, she lets go and takes a step back. "Forgive me. I'll just want to hug you for the last time. I know you hate me for being selfish. I know I did something wrong, but I only did that for you, Fraser."

 Csille takes a deep breath and stares at Prince Fraser, who is still stunned. "I know what I did, and I'm sorry. I'll take the time while I am away to rethink my behavior. I will try to improve myself for you to like me. All I am asking is for you to wait for me. I'll be a different person when I return, Fraser. So, please take care of yourself while I was away."

 Csille looks at Prince Fraser for the last time before she takes her leave. 

 Just wait for my return, Fraser. I will do my best for you to see me again. For you to like me. Just like how you did when we were young.

________________________________

 I look at the dark surroundings outside the carriage. From where we are, I can see the gates of the Alderrdeen. It's the start. The start of Csille's Villainess path. 

 The huge gate opens, and the carriage starts to move inside the City. What welcomes me is a neat and peaceful surroundings. Just like the Vrawyth streets. 

 The carriage starts to move further and stops in front of a huge gate. I look up and read the words written on the gate. Alderrdeen School of Knowledge. 

 I'm here. I finally arrive at the place where Csille will mature. If you can call that maturing. 

 The guard stops the carriage and asks our purpose for coming here. Although the carriage has Vrawyth Kingdom's flag, they still need to know the purpose of our arrival. 

 I open the window and face the guards. However, I haven't even said anything when they bow their heads. "Lady Csille."

 I touch my hair and sigh. This hair is really my signature characteristic. Even without speaking, people will recognize who I am. 

 "Please, forgive me for coming here late at night. However, may I enter the school? I had invi—"

 One of the guards takes a step forward and bows his head. "Lady Csille, we're already informed in advance. Professor Foulqueret is waiting for you inside. Please come in."

 The guards open the gate and let the carriage enter. The carriage then starts to move towards the direction the guards said to us. It stops in front of a man who looks like a professor.

 He's probably the Professor Foulqueret the guards are talking about. I get off the carriage and bow my head a little to him. 

 The man looks at me for a couple of seconds before he smiles warmly at me. "You must be Lady Csille Lauretré. We have been waiting for your arrival. Welcome to Alderrdeen School of Knowledge. I am Professor Ernest Foulqueret, one of the University Professors here. I will also be your teacher for this semester's break classes."

 I smile in return to him. "It was an honor meeting you, Professor Foulqueret."

 Professor Foulqueret gestured his hand towards the entrance of the building. "Since it's already late, I will just lead you to your room. Someone will tour you around the school tomorrow."

 I walk inside the dormitory building. I looked around and was amazed at how aesthetically pleasing the architectural and interior design the dormitory has.

 We walk past the first floor and the second floor before stopping in front of one of the rooms on the third floor. 

 "This dormitory is for women while the men's dormitory is on the opposite side. This will be your room for your stay in the Alderrdeen School of Knowledge." He then takes a key from his pocket. "And this is your key for your room. If you lost it just inform me so I can give you the spare key. Someone will see you tomorrow to show you around the School. We will have orientation next week. So, you still have less than a week to familiarize yourself here. If you need anything, you can see me in my office. I'll be going now. You should rest already. I'm sure you're exhausted."

 After a few words, Professor Foulqueret left already. I close my door and slump my body on my bed. 

 Alderrdeen.... Let's see what you can give to Csille, the Villainess.