|I'M THE OP VILLAINESS| {Yuri}

CHAPTER 17『HYBRIS』

I had my Surger ready on my lap, under the cloth I used to keep myself clean from any food that might spill.

I was paranoid. This is insane. I cannot believe Father let her stroll inside here, inside the Imperial Palace. Yes, the same Palace that she was exiled from a year ago.

I am not really in the mood to eat dinner now. Especially with Vespertite on the same table with me! Her men, rested and ate inside the humongous Palace, at the Barracks.

This is the ideal situation for a coup d'etat! That's why she brought this army with her here! She could have just let them rest in her own Duchy, instead of bringing ALL of them in here!

Are family reunion dinners always this dangerous and awkward?! I mean, I don't know, but I certainly do feel awkward when my Archenemy is directly in front of me, as if nothing has happened between the two of us!

She'll find a way. She'll find a way to kill me. I need to be careful.

"It's...so nice to have you back, Vespertite."said my mother, always cheerful and warm. She gave a hug at her when the celebrations in the castle started upon her arrival. These two have the nicest celebration this nation has ever seen.

You could say Vespertite is a direct copy of Mother, but a lot crazier, villainous, scheming, and cunning. So, a Devil. Yes, a Devil. That is right. She's a Devil. And I need to get rid of her.

The Table...it might be a good idea. Yeah...I think i can blend and mix it with something similar...

I couldn't not smirk. I mean, i just pictured Vespertite's downfall here. Oh, but don't be impatient, myself. The time will come to propose it.

"I'm grateful to be back. Although not in the best circumstances, I appreciate the gesture, Father."said Vespertite, with the girl next to her anxiously whispering to her to be more polite, especially in the presence of the Emperor.

Vespertite raised her hand, asking silently for her friend's silence. It is really commendable how much influence she has on her allies, cause from the moment she raised her hand, the girl next to her went silent and never said a word.

It makes me sick! It makes me sick! I wish I could have her arrested, right here, right now! But my boyfriend is a fucking pussy! "Think about the repercussions of such act, Aristea!", yeah, I know, you idiot! But Father would just let that slide!

He was always by my side, when no one was. Yes...I can win with the help of Father. I just need dirt on her, and she'll be unconditionally exiled on Gelida, no Triumphs or whatsoever! On house arrest!

I just ate my food quietly, as Father and Mother catched up with Vespertite, talked about diplomacy, events that she wasn't able to oversee and influence in the Palace, and also, if there's a way to return here.

Short answer: no. She cannot return here until the ones who ostracised her, take back her exile, which is almost impossible, except if Father doesn't want to have regrets in the afterlife by sending his daughter to live in a frozen wasteland.

I couldn't really keep it in. I had to say it. I had to blurt it out. It was burning inside me. Inside my soul, it craved it. The competitive spirit I had inside me, has surfaced once more. My diaphragm was getting filled by air and anticipation. I could feel my heartbeat rising.

Vespertite was looking at me. She knew I couldn't handle it. I couldn't handle the anticipation of competing with her, and eventually, killing her! I'll prove to her my superiority. I'll make her morale crumple, I'll make her bleed, I'll wipe that arrogant smile off her face!

Here it comes, Vespertite! I hope you're ready!

I cleared my throat, creating for my voice to start a conversation.