ILTV - Steam Punk Loop

Chapter 4 - Unchartered Territory

*** 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 POV

I can hear the sound of the Steam engine moving the propeller of the airship. To get to the lower areas in the kingdom, an airship is the easiest mode of transportation. It's very expensive to acquire, however such a feat is not a problem for one with the Francois name. Despite our indifference towards the usage of Steam technology that the Lower Class have developed, the machines invented using Steam power are quite useful. More than I care to admit. I looked out the window, observing the whole kingdom from above. This is the first time I will be seeing the Lower Class District.

"Claire, the moment we reach our destination, do not leave my side. We will head towards their Trading Guild. You must observe how we discuss trades and negotiate deals."

I was sitting next to my father. He explained to me what we will be doing once we reach our destination. Mother was unable to join us. She had a prior commitment which she cannot cancel or reschedule. Lene was forbidden to accompany me today due to the rising tensions with the Lower Class. Father believed it would make security easier to focus on Aristocrats only. Honestly, I do not want to go there. Just looking from afar, I can see that it's filled with smoke and pipes all over which doesn't look very appealing to me.

"You will have to introduce yourself to the Trading Guildmaster. Someday, you yourself will be making negotiations with them. I want you to learn as much as you can."

"Father, must I really go there? Are there really no other punishments for me to receive instead?"

I pleaded with my father. He sighs and just closes his eyes without even looking at my direction. He is definitely displeased with me.

"Claire, this is your punishment for your behavior yesterday. You have caused your mother and I great shame. We had to request a change of schedule to the king. We had told them you were feeling ill. Do you not realize how ashamed I felt having to ask for forgiveness from the king? I don't understand what came over you, but I will not tolerate such behavior again. Do you understand?"

"I...understand, Father..."

I hesitantly responded. To be honest, even I do not understand what came over me yesterday. Since I was young, I had always been taught how a proper lady should act. A proper lady was expected to display grace under pressure, a calm and composed demeanor no matter the circumstance. Yet yesterday, I did not behave like the proper lady should. I even disobeyed my parents. And then that incident where I got knocked over by that strange girl.

"It's all because of that Bumpkin! I couldn't explain myself properly to Mother and Father yesterday because I was too shaken."

I thought to myself about the annoyance I experienced with that wild Bumpkin as we were getting close to our destination. I stared out the window, remembering the events yesterday.

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After the unexpected encounter at the plaza, Lene and I went back to my room immediately. Father and mother were not yet back so I was able to return to my room with no issues.

"What was that Bumpkin thinking jumping around like a wild beast?"

I exclaimed loudly then jumped on my bed and buried myself on my pillow.