ILTV - Steam Punk Loop

Chapter 2 - Unexpected Encounter

*** Based on the original I'm in Love With the Villainess novel

*** Some content is similar to the original so can be considered as SPOILERS

*** This is purely FANFICTION. I do not own any rights to I'm in Love With the Villainess

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** Claire Francois POV

As I was laying in bed, I can hear the birds chirping. I know it is morning. I know I should wake up. However, I also know today will just be the same as any other day. Suddenly, I heard the curtains opening.

"Good morning, Lady Claire. It is time to wake up. I have prepared your bath. We have also prepared your dress for today."

"Everything is already set in place for me again, I see."

I whispered to myself begrudgingly as I placed the back of my hand on my face. As always, I did not decide when to wake up, which dress to wear. Everything has been laid out for me, even my future has already been set in stone.

"Please let me know when you are ready for your bath, Lady Claire."

"Thank you, Lene. Yes, I am ready."

I removed myself from my bed. Lene leads me to my private bathroom then helps me undress and get inside the bathtub.

"I will prepare your clothes now, Lady Claire. I will come back once you are done."

After saying that, I was left alone with my thoughts in the bathtub.

For those who may not know me, my name is Claire Francois. I am at my seventeenth year in this world. I am the daughter of the Head of Trades and Commerce in the Bauer Kingdom, Dole Francois and my mother, Melia Francois. We are members of the Aristocrats, second only to the Royals. Being an Aristocrat, one must live a life that will not trample on our ideals and beliefs. Our Magic Aptitude is unrivaled and should remain that way. As the daughter of a high-ranking Aristocrat, I cannot be too careless. I have lived all my life in learning how to be a proper lady like my mother, studying Economics to understand my father's work, perfecting my magic, to make sure I will not disappoint the Francois name. Every day I immerse myself in my studies. Everyday it's the same pattern.

"Lady Claire, it is time. I have your dress ready."

"Thank you Lene."

Lene Aurousseau, my lady in waiting, assists me out of the bathtub and lets me wear a bath robe. She leads me to my dressing table and proceeds to dry my hair.

"Lady Claire, here is the list for today's schedule. Both your father and mother have also arrived earlier so they will be joining you for breakfast."

"Mother and father are back?!"

I looked at Lene with utter surprise.

"And neither of them tried to talk to me in my room? Why didn't they let me know beforehand they were coming home?"

"Not that I know of my Lady. They must be tired from their trip from Sousse. I am sure they would be delighted to see you."

"I do wonder about that."

I made a pained expression.

"Please do not worry Lady Claire. Your parents do care about you."

I am having a difficult time believing Lene's words. The only pattern I can never get used to is not being able to see my parents as often as I would like. Father visit's other locations to maintain trade agreements and create new deals. He is constantly on business trips and mother goes with him as his negotiator. She's quite skilled in that aspect. As for me, I am left at home alone with the servants and tutors.