Avoid The Lead! [[COMPLETED]]

26. Counterattack

.

Celia's eyes met Vitav's, but she deliberately bowed her head, breaking the contact.

"Celia Scarlett greets His Majesty." She curtseyed, and then quickly turned to smile at her father.

"Papa! I've returned!"

"Cece! You have a conscience!" Lord Scarlett began. "I thought you wouldn't even smile at m-!"

"Ahem!" Butler Enis, her father's butler cleared his throat, reminding his master to maintain proper decorum!

"Ahem!" Lord Scarlett cleared his own throat. "I mean, welcome back! It's good that you've returned... You've made the Scarlett name proud!"

Celia swallowed her laughter, but all her amusement vanished when she turned and saw Vitav smiling at her.

She smiled politely at him as she went over to sit near her father, putting some distance between her and Vitav.

Vitav leered at her. "Miss Scarlett, each time I see your face, I'm reminded of the beautiful rising sun on a snowy day! You're indeed a rare beauty!"

Vitav's expression looked somewhat lustful, and this only raised Celia's anxiety.

Vitav didn't recall his hatred in the original life, and in previous lives he had touched and kissed her easily.

What if he tried something?!

"Ehehe... You flatter me, Your Majesty!" She nervously replied.

"I only spoke the truth! Please call me Vitav!" He said with a soft smile, which severely annoyed her.

'I need to act fast and get him off my back!' She decided, swiftly turned to her father after the servants excused them.

"Father!" She began with a smile. "Is there good news?! Prince Vitav came to see us today, and Elder Sister is all dressed up... Did he come to propose to her?!"

Both Lord Scarlett and Vitav spat out their tea! Even Novia looked shocked.

"C- Cece! How did you arrive at such a conclusion?!" Lord Scarlett finally asked.

"Well..." She cocked her head left to right, deliberately looking confused. "Novia and I are of marriageable age. The Prince suddenly came for a visit, and..." She brought down her voice. "Everyone here knows I'm already in love with his brother!" She added in a rush, flushing at the words.

But she quickly turned to Vitav. "Prince Vitav is noble and dignified. Exuding honour and elegance from head to toe. He doesn't seem like the type to covet his brother's chosen lady." She turned excitedly to Novia. "That leaves Novia!" She beamed at her. "Elder Sister! Congratulations!"

"Cece!" Lord Scarlett slapped his forehead. "The Prince did not come to ask for Novia's hand! He-!" But Vitav shook his head slightly. "He-. He just came for a visit!"

'Hmph!' Celia knew Vitav would never voice out his reason for coming.

If he dared to propose now, he would be admitting he was without all the good qualities she carefully mentioned.

She widened her eyes, looking like a lost child, and she quickly stood and curtseyed. "You must forgive me, Your Highness! I apologize, Elder Sister! I got carried away!"

"No problem!" Vitav said with a tight smile. "I would be a bully to hold such a small matter against you!"

"You are kind and generous, Your Majesty!" Celia curtseyed again, then hurried to sit beside Novia.

"Elder Sister, can you ever forgive me?!" She implored, taking Novia's hand, and she wasn't surprised when Novia patted her hand affectionately. Novia was a better actor than she was!