ILTV - Steam Punk Loop

Bonus Chapter 1 - Tea Time Chatting

*** 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's POV

** Scene before "Carnivals and Carnage"

CLINK-

"The nerve of Lord Clement to speak to you in that manner!"

I placed my teacup on the saucer that it broke into pieces. After Catherine and her family arrived, we went our separate ways when Prince Rod carried her away to his carriage. She was able to spare some time in the afternoon for tea at one of the gazebos in my family's garden. Lene rushed to our table to clean the teacup that I broke.

"Thank you Lene and apologies you have to clean the mess I made."

"No apologies necessary, Lady Claire. It is my duty to serve you."

After cleaning the tea, Lene returned to the side next to Emma.

"Apologies as well Catherine if that has frightened you. Losing control to my anger is very unbecoming of me."

"Please Claire, it's alright. I understand your frustration, however I am already used to how father- "

"That there is already a problem, Catherine! It is not something someone should get used to! The verbal abuse you have endured has never been acceptable!"

I have witnessed many of Lord Clement's insults towards Catherine for years. For all those times I am forced to ignore it all for the sake of appearances. However, I am reaching my limit and if I witness such a thing once more, I will not stay quiet. Suddenly, Catherine held one of my hands.

"I am alright Claire, truly. I am already satisfied to have a friend like yourself to get angry for my sake. I appreciate everything that you do for me."

"What kind of friend would I be if I ignored my friend's suffering? I just can not continue turning a blind eye."

I placed my other hand on hers and held it tight. Catherine has been suffering for far too long. Losing her mother, the accident, losing the ability to walk, losing her father's love, there's too much to list.

"Thank you, Claire. However, I too do not want anything to happen to you. If you try to defy my father, he will surely bare his fangs at you too."

"I know he will, but there has to be something even I can do."

"Fufu, just you being worried for my sake and being my friend is more than enough for me."

Catherine smiled gently yet in her eyes she still looks like she's in so much pain. She's such a strong soul. I wish there was more I could do for her.

"It was fortunate that Prince Rod arrived at the right time. I was at my limit already and would have done something unspeakable."

After mentioning Prince Rod's name, Catherine's face turned red as a strawberry.

"I see, even just the mention of his name has become difficult for you."

"I-i-it's not that! It's just you made me remember what happened earlier!"

Catherine covers her face from embarrassment. What is this adorable creature in front of me?

"Oh? You mean him carrying you away in his arms?"