Chapter 10. Here Comes the Villainess

As we made our way to the dining hall, Mira had just returned from the errand I had tasked her. Dinner was already prepared, conveniently timed upon her arrival.

To be honest, I was expecting Mira to ask questions about the errand I made her run for. It wasn't a simple errand like delivering a letter; I had sent her to a specific guild to gather valuable information, an intel.

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Cassia's list on how to survive as a reader who reincarnated inside my favorite novel and became the main villainess who's destined to die.

#3 - Gather more intel
Status: 65%

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I chose this particular guild because their information was known to be reliable and trustworthy. Money was not a concern, so I had no worries in that regard.

The information I sought pertained to certain individuals, their backgrounds, and profiles. Since the novel lacked detailed descriptions of these characters, conducting thorough background checks was necessary. I needed assistance from these individuals to truly alter the course of my destiny. Acquiring their background information was a crucial step towards achieving my goals.

However, wouldn't it raise suspicion if someone like Cassia, a mere child, was seen purchasing information from a guild? Normally, she wouldn't show any interest in anyone besides the crown prince, whom she was inexplicably infatuated with. It was quite exasperating, to say the least.

Speaking of the crown prince, that guy is a walking death flag. The number one person I wouldn't want myself to be involved with. Argh. I really need to do something about this engagement with him. Although it still wasn't publicly announced, some nobles have already known about it.

But fuck this life! I will never, ever allow myself to be entangled with that narcissistic prince. It didn't even cross my mind, not even the tiniest atom-sized bit, that I would take on such a burdensome role as his fiancée and future empress. There's no way in hell I'm going to let that happen!

The current year is 547 in the Imperial Calendar, and Cassia is only 14 years old. There are still two more years before the main story's timeline begins, coinciding with Cassia's entry into the Academy, where the female lead, Amoria, also joins.

These two years will give me ample time to prepare my plans and have backup plans in place in case Plan A fails. It's always good to be prepared, considering we have no idea what the hell the future holds.

"My lady, we have arrived at the dining hall," Mira said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up at her and simply nodded, trying to regain my composure.

Thankfully, she didn't find my behavior strange. After all, I had been lost in my thoughts while walking.

Mira opened the double doors to the dining hall and gestured for me to enter first. I walked ahead while she followed closely behind me.

As I glanced around, I couldn't help but be amazed by the grandeur of the dining room. It was spacious, to say the least. A long dining table that could easily accommodate ten people stretched out before me. The chairs were adorned in a golden hue, matching the opulence of the room. The walls were adorned with exquisite paintings, adding an elegant touch to the space.

"My lady," Mira called out, pulling the chair for me to sit. I felt a pang of embarrassment, even though she had done this countless times before. It's not like I couldn't do it myself.

"Thank you," I murmured as I settled into the chair. The maids swiftly began placing the dishes on the table.

As I reached for the fork and knife, a realization struck me. Today, once again, I would be dining alone. The thought made me cringe involuntarily.

It wasn't a new experience for me. Even in my previous life in the real world, I often ate my meals alone. It wasn't that I enjoyed being alone, it was simply my reality. And gradually, I had grown accustomed to it.

Both of my parents were always away from home, so I had to eat alone. We didn't have any maids either, so I had to learn how to cook by myself.

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips as I remembered the countless bruises on my arms from my first attempt at frying a fish. I didn't know back then that the oil would splatter since the fish was still wet when I placed it in the pan. I learned that lesson the hard way.

But everything changed when my grandmother - my father's mother - took me in and cared for me. She would always join me for meals, whether it was breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snack time. My heart was filled with joy during those moments. However, as I was about to graduate from high school, God took my grandmother away from me. I was devastated, thinking that I would be back to eating alone again.

That's when I met Faith, my college dorm mate. She was a year older than me and unlike my introverted self, Faith was cheerful and outgoing. She would always strike up conversations with me, and gradually, we became comfortable with each other and became friends.

Faith was also well-known in various departments of our university and had many friends. But despite that, she always made a point to sit with me during breakfast, lunch, and dinner so we could eat together.

Curious, I asked her why she chose to spend time with someone as dull as me when she had other friends. Her response took me by surprise.

"Because you wanted someone to eat with, right? Besides, I genuinely enjoy your company. You're so adorable, like a little sister to me." I hadn't expected such a heartfelt answer from her.

After that, I began to work on improving my social skills. I met new people, made friends, and connected with others. Soon enough, I realized that socializing wasn't as daunting as I had thought-it could actually be quite enjoyable.

And yet, here I am once again, eating alone. Though there is a difference between then and now.

I let my gaze sweep across the entirety of the dining hall where I found myself.

At this moment, I may not be physically alone while eating. In this place I find myself in, there are maids standing at the side, observing as I sit alone at the dining table.

I let out a deep sigh, hoping to release some of the frustration building up inside me. However, to my surprise, Mira seemed to have caught onto my unease.

"My lady, is something amiss? Is the food not to your liking?" she inquired, her voice filled with concern.

Fuck! That scared the shit out of me. I almost jump from my chair out of shock when Mira out of a sudden popped up beside me.

I instinctively placed my hand over my chest, trying to calm myself down. Damn! My heart was still racing from the shock. Goodness gracious!

Once I managed to compose myself, I turned my head to look at Mira. She gazed back at me, awaiting my response.

"Mira, please don't startle me like that again. It's not good for my heart," I whispered, hoping to convey my request without attracting too much attention. However, it seemed that Mira caught wind of my words as well.

"My lady, I offer my deepest apologies. I have committed a grave mistake, and I am prepared to accept any punishment you see fit," Mira exclaimed, surprising me further as she dropped to her knees. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. What on earth was she thinking?

The room filled with hushed whispers from the other maids, their curiosity piqued by the sudden turn of events. Overwhelmed by the mounting stress, I couldn't help but facepalm. Goodness gracious, what is she even interpreting from what I said earlier?

I tried to recall the words I had said earlier, and there was nothing that could be interpreted as a punishment. What in the world was she thinking?

But wait a minute. Could this be related to the preconceived notions surrounding Cassia's previous behavior?

Oh My God! Please, don't tell me that this misunderstanding is a result of the discrimination against the role of the villainess? When will this prejudice ever end? Why do I have to suffer because of the negative personality of the previous owner of this body? It's just so frustrating!

Feeling a mix of emotions, I couldn't help but let out a sigh. This situation was just plain sad. I stood up from my chair, aware of the prying eyes that were observing my every move. These people are always watching, aren't they? It's quite irritating.

"Mira," I called her name, and she kept her head lowered, still looking at the floor, but responded, "Yes, my lady."

"Stand up," I commanded, using an authoritative tone. Mira quickly raised her head, confusion evident in her eyes.

"My lady...?"

I sighed once again and said, "It's uncomfortable to see you on your knees. The floor is cold, and I wouldn't want you to feel uncomfortable. So please, get up."

Upon hearing my words, Mira promptly stood up, as I had requested.

Now, it was time to clear up this misunderstanding. I looked directly into Mira's eyes.

"Mira, I can see that you misunderstood my words. I never mentioned anything about punishing you. What I meant was for you to refrain from suddenly surprising me like you did earlier. It startled me, and my instincts might react defensively, potentially causing unintentional harm. Do you understand now?"

Taking a deep breath and still slightly out of breath, I explained to Mira while keeping my left hand on my waist and pointing at her with my right hand.

"I... I understood, my lady. I deeply apologize for the misunderstanding. I will keep your words in mind," Mira replied. A smile formed on my lips upon hearing Mira's response.

"Good. But don't think I'll easily accept your apology," I said, grinning mischievously as I looked at her.

Her eyes widened, and I suddenly felt a pang of guilt for the way she must perceive me. Damn this face! It's because of Cassia's villainous appearance that everyone around her is always terrified.

"T-Then what should I do, my lady...?" Mira stuttered. Did she really think I would punish her? Seriously?!

I sighed and locked eyes with her, giving her what I hoped was a warm smile. Although others might interpret Cassia's smile as having a hidden, sinister meaning.

"Well, how about joining me for dinner?" I suggested.

As soon as those words left my mouth, the whole area fell into an eerie silence. It was so quiet that one could mistake me for being deaf.

Did I say something wrong?

To be Continued...