Sincerely, The Villainess (Dropped)

Chapter 5

"Deanna, may you explain the rest"

I stood up looking at my father whom had confidence written all over his face, surprisingly I was very nervous as I wondered if I was pale at the moment. Tho I knew I've tried very hard to reach everyone's expectations and I'd expect myself to be calm and unfazed with future matters, but even so I still had this rushing distress inside me. It was not just me but surely everyone in this room except father is at lost. 

"then... I shall start, as I've heard and observed by far, we have made the decision to make a trading contract with Etheledo Kingdom; to trade Holy Stones particularly. It is such a advantageous plan but... there is a contradiction in the plan" 

"hmm, what does Lady Deanna mean?" (Count Vicar)

"What I mean is, the plan is oddly advantageous. Surely Etheledo Kingdom wouldn't agree so easily"

"I understand, so then the contradiction is the Kingdom of Etheledo's power. If compared to us Okeara Kingdom, Etheledo Kingdom is one step ahead of us"

Count Vicar was right, if honestly compared in trading and resources Etheledo Kingdom is one step ahead of Okeara Kingdom. Even if we do not trade Holy Stones they will still survive as is. 

"your daughter is really quick-witted Duke Christian" (Hen)

"thank you, it is by blood"

"Haha, and with such sense of humor too" (Hen)

The meeting was surprisingly enjoyable. I wasn't so sure if it was because I got to help people or I got to show off  my competence in front of my father, I wished to be praised and loved by mother and father if I studied hard and made them proud I was sure they would... At the very last noon has come, the meeting ended with a laugh and relief sighs I had began to think I had a part in father's business to the point of forgetting the uneasiness I felt...

Dukedom

With a big smile, I arrived home. As if the maids could see petals of flowers and refreshing bubbles surrounding me, that was how happy I was. It would have been perfect if I had finished the warm cup of tea Prince Sane served.

I went off and wondered which book I would read from the shelf as I hummed a cheerful sound. 

"My Lady sure is happy"

"Hm? oh yes of course Aine"

"one would only wonder how pretty the prince would be" 

"My, my you've been reading so much books again Aine"

"what do you mean My Lady?"

"huh?"

"you have such humor My Lady, I am so happy for your future engagement"

"what?!"

It seems like confusion was in the air, as lifeless as can be my arms and legs went numb. A sharp throbbing pain filled my chest as if I was in suffocation, how I hated this feeling. I already knew the whole meaning to what Aine said.

I was betroth to Etheledo Kingdom's beloved prince. I began to remember why I was feeling uneasy, father's plan that I heard wasn't at the very least official. Since it was a given Etheledo Kingdom wouldn't make such disadvantageous trade for them they made the decision to betroth me.

"My Lady?! where are you going"

This might be rebellion but... I couldn't imagine a parent of mine would engage me to someone I do not even know just because of a contract. As enraged as can be I quickly ran from my room to my father's working area exactly opposite from my room. As I burst open the door I glanced at mother having a conversation with father.

"father!"

"Deanna? why would you slam a door open, have you gone mad"

"such question is befitting to ask you father"

"My, such disrespectful child you've grown" (mother)

"how am I at wrong here mother? Ive heard from Aine and the maids I was to be engaged to a man I don't know! do neither of you not care about me nor my opinions... I- Ive tried my hardest to live up to everyone's expectations! Ive tried so hard to fill up the mistake of me being born a woman so... why"

"how much of a tantrum are you going to make, Deanna it has been decided that you would be engaged to not just a man but a prince. Your feelings and opinions doesn't matter when it comes to getting married! you should be grateful at the very least"

"so... you people are now going to abandon me?! don't even give me the excuse because of war! have I been nothing but an eyesore?"

"Aine please take Deanna out here and calm this little lady, me and Duke has much more important matter to converse of" (mother)

"ye- yes Your Grace"

"wait! Mother, Father!"

Why!

Why!

Why!

Why!

It was not like I could turn into a boy at any moment. It was not like I could just let my life be controlled but why... how could they turn their backs on me. I don't want get married, I want to be free.