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16.78% THE TRAGEDY OF THE VILLAINESS / Chapter 23: CHAPTER 23

Kapitel 23: CHAPTER 23

Seria raised her glass, glaring at him as if giving him a warning.

'If you get too close, you will die.'

Until a few days ago, he was still her fiance. It seemed like Kalis understood exactly the message of Seria's glare.

She didn't want to make eye contact with him any longer, so she quickly turned her head away and took a step. She was the one who had been looking out for Kalis's mood, but she didn't expect that position to be turned upside down at once. It was ironic.

She shifted her gaze toward the giant clock on the wall, thinking if she stayed here, she would have an eye-staring fight with Kalis for a long time, and she wanted to be alone. Besides, not dancing with Kalis was an unfamiliar experience in its own way. Up until a few days ago, she thought she was going to be the Marchioness of Haneton. Though she once said she didn't know what life would bring and thought that if she had married Kalis and spent each day with him, she would probably have lived the rest of her life happily.

'There are some futures in this world that are predictable, aren't there?'

But right now, she just felt betrayed. He was serious about her, but he was also serious about the heroine. If she didn't fix his arm in the first place, would they have hated each other just like in the original story?

Perhaps, it would have been better. They probably wouldn't end up like this. No matter how much she struggled to avoid the original story, it was useless. She believed Kalis loved her, but he couldn't shake off Lina as the fated original. The idea that everything else might play out the way it was supposed to slowly grew in her mind. She really didn't want to think like this. But to live, to survive, the fear that she had deliberately turned her back to, that she had kept hidden, left its mark like mud. She shook her head lightly, shaking off the lingering emotions.

She suddenly remembered the sound of Kalis grabbing her and shouting urgently, "I'm divorcing Lina, please marry me again."

She was so angry at the time that she didn't have time to think about it properly, but now that she thought about it, other questions filled her mind.

'What's the point of getting married like that? If Lina craves for something again, he would go to her, wouldn't he?'

If Kalis was given another chance, would he go to the temple and swear an oath that he would give all his lands and title to her?

She should have been angrier with Kalis.

'Really. I should have said something like this back then.'

Why did it never occur to her when they were fighting, but it did later? Why didn't she go over there and punch Kalis in the face and scream like this? That would turn Berg Castle upside down, and in a few days, words would spread through the social circles of the entire empire. Her sinking mood improved a little as she giggled at the thought of the improbable. As she finished her glass of champagne, she called out to a passing servant.

"Hey, you there."

"Shall I get you another glass of champagne, My Lady?"

"No, it's okay. Thank you."

She handed him the empty glass and walked toward the stairs. Sitting there for a long time was not a good choice, so she left the table for a while. Of course, leaving the grand banquet hall was a stupid idea. It would look like she was running away because she couldn't bear the pressure of rumors.

And she decided that the best place to escape to was the "Grand Duchess' Terrace," which had a great reputation in Berg Castle. Just as the resting room for the royal family at the imperial banquet, this terrace was said to be available only to the Grand Duchess of Berg* (Lesche's mother) and her invited guests for generations.

It had more symbolic significance than the other terraces, as it had to be climbed up a flight of stairs, and rumors said that the moonlight fell on it beautifully. Since Lesche was unmarried, the Grand Duchess' terrace also had no master. It had been closed for a long time, but now Linon insisted that it should be kept open as was customary. Seria refused to be a burden, but Linon worked hard all day for Lesche, and he convinced her that he would not regret seeing the extent of it.

The truth was, Seria was completely fooled by his words. She had no words to describe how hard she worked to decorate this place and prepare the banquet. And she just barely made it in time for decorating the High Priest's pavilion to come the next day.

Actually, Seria wanted to visit this unknown place where even the royal family of the Glick Empire could not even ask first.

'When am I ever gonna get this chance again?'

As she approached, the well-dressed servant deftly drew back the thick green curtain.

The vest he wore had a large blue embroidered Berg's pattern on it, meaning that he had temporary permission to enter the terrace for certain reasons.

"Why don't you put on your cloak and go out? It's very cold outside." The servant spoke.

She looked at the bottom of the stairs before stepping out onto the terrace. Several nobles were looking at her, but they turned away hurriedly.

Lesche, who was much taller, was surrounded by other nobles, but Seria could see his face. His silver hair shimmered with the reflection of the light. Lesche Berg was an eye-catching man. For such a great guy, he stood there looking annoyed. It seemed like he was trying hard to manage his facial expression. How unexpected, the life of a powerful man.

Seria smiled at the sight, but of all people, her gaze met Lesche's. She immediately erased her smile and lowered her head lightly. She could feel the gazes of the nobles gathered towards her, as Lesche responded to her gaze.

She turned away and whispered to the servant who was still walking through the curtains.

"Can you do me a favor?"

The servant's eyes seemed to widen and he immediately nodded. Seria then stepped out onto the unknown terrace wearing a light cloak that the servant brought her. The terrace was overwhelmingly beautiful. The fantastic moonlight seemed to collect and illuminate like mirrors. The railings made of white marble looked like a work of art. A single lofty chair was placed a little off the center of the terrace, and a wool carpet on the floor. She could see why Linon was so confident about it. The rumors were not exaggerated at all.

She took her time admiring the terrace. The Grand Duchess' terrace was about half a floor higher than the tallest terrace in the Grand Banquet Hall. As she looked around, she saw quite a few couples enjoying secret meetings out on the terrace.

'It really is a special place. I can see firsthand all the rumors.'

Somehow she got the feeling that this terrace was not just for relaxation, but was also used for social and political purposes. She leaned back against the sturdy railing and looked up at the sky. The full moon was exceptionally large and it was shining. The sky was studded with more stars than she could count. It was an ecstatic scene, but as the servant had said, it was terribly cold, she shivered a little.

However, the cold air cleared her head and she closed her eyes, enjoying the refreshing feel. How long did she do that? Suddenly, the sound of a door opening with a small bell ringing reached her ears. She opened her eyes and turned around, there stood a person she half expected.

"How did you get in here?"

"Seria…"

"Didn't the servant stop you from coming in without my permission?"

"I know, but I politely asked in the name of the Saint."

"What's the use of asking? I did not give you permission. Do you know that the traditions of Berg Castle are so strict that even if you are a Duke, if you enter here without permission, you will have to live as a slave for Grand Duchess Berg for a week?"

"Huh? Well…"

Lina, who looked at Seria with shocked eyes, struggled to answer.

"But, Seria, I… I told Kalis that I wanted a divorce."

She clasped her hands together shakingly and poured out words. And Seria answered in a flash.

"I see."

"Seria…?"

Lina looked perplexed, perhaps because Seria's response was too calm. Perhaps she thought Seria would be surprised at the news.

"Lina, is that all you have to say?"

Lina hastily stopped Seria from calling the servant.

"Seria! According to what the priests have told me, Stern's divorce is as complicated as marriage, and we can't divorce right away, but we will! Therefore….I will return what I took from Seria…!

'Return what she took from me? Did I hear her correctly?'

Seria was momentarily rendered speechless by Lina's condescending attitude. She said in a cold voice,

"Lina, I think you misunderstood something, but even if you divorce or die with Kalis, I have no desire for him. So if that's the end of it, please leave."

"Seria!"

She furrowed her brows as Lina's voice grew louder. The terrace of the banquet was intended for secret meetings. Therefore, it was common sense to talk quietly, but Lina's voice now was so loud that it defied common sense. The nobles out on the terrace would surely be looking up at them. Her head started to hurt.

"What is it that you wish for, Lina?"

"What do you mean, there's nothing like that! I'm, I'm…"

At the same moment, there was a small rattle of a bell at the door.

Lina cried out in a tearful voice.

"I'm not even the main character, in fact, I'm like a foreign object caught in between the two of you."

'Foreign object? Main character?'

That was what Seria had indeed to say to Lesche before their first dance. Obviously, Lina heard it.

She stared at Lina in a strange mood.

Lina. The heroine of this world. Seria knew Lina's character well, having read the original story.

Lina was basically a heroine with good character, but she was not the type to present the so-called angst giver. She defeated the villains who bullied her because of the sub-men in the original story with a distinctive comeback.

Seria raised her hand and placed it gently on her cheek. It was still slightly swollen. These were the marks of her desperate efforts to protect the heroine. Even though Seria's anger was not well controlled, she managed to patiently gather it up and hit her own face instead of Lina's.

She had never bullied the heroine. She was not a villain yet.

But why would Lina copy exactly what she said at this moment of all times?

She asked the servant to ring the bell if anyone tried to come in. So when the bell rang, she knew. Who would dare to come up to the Grand Duchess's terrace…? Obviously, the only people she could think of were Lina and Kalis. The others who were focusing all their attention on this place would think the same thing.

Lina was already on the terrace, and since the bell rang again just now, one could deduce without difficulty that Kalis must have arrived at the door.

From which part, until what point of the conversation did Kalis hear?


Kapitel 24: CHAPTER 24

"Why are you…?"

He must have heard Lina shout.

'What does Kalis think of me? Will he think I'm a villain, tormenting a poor, pathetic Saint? Like I did in the original? Will he cut Seria's head off like it was in the original story?'

She couldn't understand Lina's actions for the life of her.

"Lina," she stared at this lovely saint, unconvinced. Pure fair face with black eyes. Short hair above her shoulders.

"Kalis is…outside. By the way, why are you saying that now? Because you want Kalis to hear? Because you don't want me to misunderstand your true feelings? Or is it because you want me to look like a bad person?"

"…."

Lina's eyes shook. Probably Seria's eyes were shaking that much too. Normally, she would have used a polite manner on Lina, but now she couldn't afford to worry about such things. She was really curious.

"Why on earth? I didn't bother you…"

She really had no intention of bumping into Lina. She felt sorry for her, but that was all.It never occurred to her to bully the god-loved heroine of the original story. What was important to her was her life. She just wanted to live. Everything she did was a result of struggling not to die.

'What else did I do wrong?'

Lina's face turned pale. She looked as scared as a child. In the original story, she was the heroine who wisely fended off the villain, but everywhere probability was a necessity. It was Lina who couldn't even handle the Lady of Haneton properly. This meant that she couldn't cope with the situation in which she would look like a villain until the beginning of the original play.

It was pointless to be like this with Lina any longer, Seria just turned around without hesitation.

"Leave."

"Seria!"

Lina ran over to grab Seria's arm. However, she slipped and stumbled heavily.

Lina's body, which was about to fall towards Seria, floated in the air as if it were a lie.

"…!"

The full moon, which she thought was big today, instantly filled her vision like the sun. Lina's shoes fell to the floor, and her eyes immediately turned to Seria in surprise. She was being sucked into the air. Seria quickly reached out and tried to grab her, but it was too late. There was nothing to catch. The terrace was empty.

"Seria!"

At the same time, the door opened with a clang. It was Kalis, and the servant with a worried face followed behind him.

Kalis snuggled up against the railing and looked down. He was looking for Lina. However, the only thing that remained clear was Lina's shoes that fell in front of Seria.

"Seria…" Kalis asked in a quavering voice as he looked at her.

"Did you….push Lina?"

The words were like a blow to the head. Instantly, her hands went cold.

"Marquis? What do you mean by that?!"

The servant shouted involuntarily. Seria looked at him and he lowered his head. She went to check the glaciers every winter and she heard that Berg Castle's reputation among the servants was improving.

She shifted her gaze and stared at Kalis.

"You're only hurting people, Kalis."

The moment she finished speaking, the moonlight spat Lina out.

"Aah! Aah! Please don't take me away… Please don't take me away…."

"Lina!"

"Saintess!"

Lina, surrounded by panic, held her head and screamed. She sank down with a look of pain on her face as if someone had scared her terribly. At the same time, a pure white divine power bloomed on her wrists and cheeks. Seria didn't see it herself, but she was told that this pattern was painted on Lina's skin the first time she had descended on the frozen lake of the Berg estate.

The priest stationed in the Berg territory hurriedly informed the High Priestess of Lina's appearance, and the High Priestess finally revealed the oracle that had been kept hidden from the public. It was the very oracle that the divine agent said would appear in the frozen lake, the glacier. It was a clear oracle with divine power. Everything pointed to Lina being a saint. The problem was that Lina would be going back and forth between the two worlds many times. Seria didn't expect the first to be today, at this time either.

'I didn't expect to be suspected of being a murderer…'

She mumbled and bit her lip.

However, her voice was shakier than she thought it would be. It was obvious that she was deeply shocked. Seria looked up, hoping Kalis wouldn't hear, but she was wrong. He was already looking at her.

"I'll take the Saintess!"

The servant hurriedly carried Lina and went outside. The screams came from outside like a panorama. Seria was about to follow her outside when Kalis grabbed her wrist. No matter how powerful of a Stern she was, she didn't have the talent to make someone disappear and bring her back. Kalis should know that.

"Seria, I misspoke. Please don't look at me like that."

Perhaps her expression wasn't good. However, she had always kept her face stern since she possessed Seria.

But she didn't have time to do so now. Belatedly, she found herself more shocked than she could ever imagine. Ever since she possessed the irredeemable villain, she had done her best to survive unharmed. It was easy to say. But it was definitely no easy task to revive a reputation that had been hitting rock bottom every day for a year, straining to be the lone soldier. Even though she couldn't undo the evil deeds of Seria's past, Kalis must have seen the good deeds that she had built with all her might.

Therefore, his apology made her truly happy. She was even grateful that Kalis began to believe in her after Seria's misdeeds. Even if Kalis chose the heroine and put her on the brink of death. But still… she didn't think a year of her efforts would go away.

All the time she spent feeling frustrated was pointless. She never thought the words she heard from the man who said he loved only her and wanted her back again, would stick in her mind so much until today…

She was suspected for Lina's disappearance. She felt empty. The intensity of the shock she received was enormous, perhaps it was a mixture of Lina's incomprehensible behavior and Kalis's heartfelt doubts.

"My dear Grand Duchess."

A voice suddenly interrupted. She realized that Linon was standing outside the door and called her.

"His Highness has requested to enter the terrace. Will you allow him to do so?"

"Oh, I'm coming out."

"Seria, wait a minute,"

Linon's voice trailed off as Kalis tried to stop Seria by grabbing her hand.

"The Grand Duke cannot ascend these steps without the Grand Duchess's permission. It's the unwritten traditions and His Highness cannot break it either. Of course, the rules also apply to the other nobles."

Linon continued, "but the rest can be done by sending official documents to the Marquis of Haneton."

In the midst of all this, she had a glimmer of a thought that she was going to cut a hell out of this in Berg territory.

Seria grabbed Linon's hand which he put out and she took a step. Then, he asked in a cautious voice,

"Why do you look so hurt? It's not like Young Lady…"

When she was about to answer Linon, Kalis spoke first.

"Chief Aide of Berg,"

He strode to the door and stood in front of Seria and Linon. First, he looked at Seria, then shifted his gaze to Linon.

"I'll leave first."

"That's what I was hoping for, Marquis Haneton."

Because of the loud voices coming and going and Lina being carried away by the servants, all eyes in the Grand Ballroom were now on the Grand Duchess's terrace. The Saintess had come out, now who would be next? Naturally, it would be Seria Stern, who could enter and exit the Grand Duchess's terrace at will. So what kind of expression would she have?

However, if Kalis left now, everyone's eyes would be on him instead. This was a polite consideration that got through in social circles. Kalis stared at Seria, clenched his fists, and descended the steps of the terrace. The noises got louder at once, just as she expected. She looked through the window into the hall and said to Linon,

"Linon, change the music to something softer and more elegant, and serve ice champagne. Tell him to unwind."

"Yes, My Lady."

"Tell His Highness not to come up if you go down. It will create more stir."

"That's…yes, I understand," Linon said, and as soon as he went down, the music changed.

Originally I thought it would be better to have fun, noisy music playing, but now soft music would be better to soothe people's moods.

The ice champagne was the drink that everyone would want to taste when they come to Berg. Originally, it was planned to serve them at midnight, but now, it was good to serve it earlier to disperse people's nerves.Anyway, it was a year-end party that Seria had prepared diligently with Aliot's help. She definitely didn't want it to be ruined by something like this. When the main banquet hall became noisy again, she left the terrace and went down the stairs. She was afraid that Lesche would be standing in front of the stairs, but fortunately he was not there. If Lesche, the eye catching man, was standing in front of it, people would have gathered around again.

She walked slowly to the hall, just like the ladies of the ballroom. Everyone was busy tasting the ice champagne. This allowed her to walk out into the hallway along the large banquet hall doors, which opened with relative ease. She didn't expect to meet an unexpected man there.

"Your Highness…."

With his arms folded, Lesche was leaning against the wall, his forehead furrowed. When he saw her, he sat up and walked toward her. She thought he might be angry because she told him not to come up the terrace, but he didn't show any emotion. He didn't even ask any questions. After looking at her for a while, Lesche held out his arm. It was a normal escort. It was the most appropriate attitude in this situation. Without hesitation, she grabbed his arm gently.

"You look like you're about to cry.""…"

Seria wiped lightly under her eyes in silence. Fortunately, Lesche kept walking forward, and he didn't look at her, so she could wipe it with more confidence.

The year-end party ended successfully.

And the next day, she heard the shocking news.


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