The Destiny of the Villainess is Tears

Invitation

The days pass like they are flying on the wings of birds.

And every time I close my eyes, all I see are Viktor's eyes, looking into my own, and his mouth as he tells me he loves me.

He finally admitted it, that day, when he said my heart and his are connected. That we belong together.

I spend much of my time floating on clouds, lost in my daydreams and the wonderful memories of that beautiful moment, trying to relive them over and over in my mind.

Tonight is one such evening. The autumn equinox is approaching, and our manor has a large orchard and a forest nearby. All around me are golden fields, rolling hills of grain waving lazily in the wind. Autumn is in the air, in the leaves, the scent of harvest. The servants had prepared a picnic for us and are following at a distance to await my orders and ensure no issues arise. My hair falls in waves around my shoulders and back as I roll down the hill. Nessa is hot on my heels.

"Phelia-!" She exclaims. I come to a stop, raising my head and turning back to face her. She collapses next to me and I grin down at her. "Hey, Nessie!"

Nessa fixes her sternest stare on me, frowning as she lectures. "Phelia, you...really shouldn't do things like this in public! You aren't a child! It isn't-"

"Don't lecture meeee...." I whine, letting out a frustrated noise as I let my head drop again and glare at her. She rolls her eyes at me, letting out a sigh and shaking her head.

I get up and brush myself off, turning to extend a hand to her and help her up.

We stroll through the garden, chatting idly as we examine the roses, my fingers caressing the red petals gently as I study them. My lips curve upwards into a smile, and I tug a pair of the blooms free, cradling them to my chest before reaching to offer Nessa the second. Her cheeks color and she accepts it, though she won't look me in the eyes. "They're so beautiful, aren't they?" I ask her, gently.

She nods her agreement, sniffing the flower tentatively.

I beam at her and continue onward, humming under my breath as I follow the familiar path through the hedges to my favorite tree, nestled in the shade of a gazebo.

Our peace and quiet is shattered as Anne races up to us, shouting. "Ophelia! Ophelia it's incredible! The magic academy just sent a letter for you!"

"... And you read it?" I frown, incredulous.

I already know what's in it, of course. Having played the game I know Ophelia attends the academy (though now I'm certain my father arranged it). Viktor will shortly discover his healing touch was actually under developed magic as well, by way of an invitation letter.

I know this.

I still don't approve of Anne reading my mail, because what if it was one of Viktor's sweet love letters??

She nods eagerly, excited, and begins to dance and bounce in place. "Of course! Why wouldn't I, when it's for you!? Ophie! The school has accepted you! Isn't that amazing?"

She looks so happy for me, that I can't find it in my heart to be mad. She has no way of knowing I am already aware of all of this. She has no way of knowing I was aware of this since long before I even ended up in the world and have been preparing for it all this time, and thus there is nothing new in the letter.

I reach out to squeeze her hands in mine, giving her my best, most convincing smile. "Wow, Anne. Thanks."

Anne, content with my answer, skips away. Nessa eyes me thoughtfully. I merely give her a bland smile as well.