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T/N: Today Id like to thank my repeat Cookie Donor, Anthony!! Thanks for the snack~!

Alicia, whats wrong with your eye? Duke-Sama asks while looking at me hard. At his words and tone, the atmosphere suddenly turns serious.

Hm? We just met after all this time and thats the first thing he says to me? Though, I guess if I were him, Id be quite curious about that as well.

Nothing, I say, forcing a smile.

Dont even bother trying to fool me.

Perceptive blue eyes cut into mine.

In a mere moment, I feel myself trembling slightly under his gaze. Somehow, in the years that weve been apart, it seems his innate authority and consequence have become even more impressive than before.

If I were to lie, Im sure Id be found out instantly.

I gave it to someone else, I say brightly, keeping my smile firmly in place.

Duke-Samas eyes widen.

Even Mels off-kilter grin becomes stiff as she stares at me in shock.

Whats that mean!? Huh!?

The first one to break the silence is Mel.

The surprise raises her already high-pitched voice by another octave, making my ears ring as if something had exploded right next to my head.

I mean exactly what I said. I gave my. I start to explain one more time but in that instant, Duke-Sama reaches out and touches my face with his hand.

Somehow, although his fingertips only barely brush over my cheek, they give on an impression of unmistakable strength.

They are gentle, but insistent. I cant help but slowly raise my head to look up into his face. At his expression, I can feel my smile finally faltering.

.Pure, unadulterated fury. Its like Im looking into the face of an enraged demon.

Duke-Samas stern, grim eyes glare into mine like he wants to devour me. Ive seen a lot of angry expressions aimed at me before, but this is the first time Ive seen such an expression on him.

Why? Why would you do that? he demands. His voice is deceptively calm and whisper quiet, but it causes goosebumps to break out all over my skin. Hes completely infuriated.

His mood feels like a tangible presence, stifling and oppressive. I feel like I cant even speak. The pressure is unimaginable. Im ashamed to admit, but a trickle of fear instinctively flickers through me as I stand there staring up into his raging eyes.

Both Gilles and Mel seem shocked by Duke-Samas demeanor as well.

Do you have any idea how I felt watching over you for all these years? Ever since you were little, I watched you act the role of a villain because I knew how much it meant to you. As long as you were in good health and happy, I. Duke-Sama suddenly stops speaking.

The anger that had been burning behind his eyes fizzles out and disappears completely now. Heart-wrenching sadness surges in to take its place. A suffocating misery so profound that it looks like hes drowning in it.

He knew that I was acting like a villainess.?

Considering its Duke-Sama, I guess that fact isnt entirely surprising. But, for him to admit it so easily!

.I dont recall ever asking you to watch over me.

Before I can even think, the lowest, most dreadful words are coming out of my mouth.

I know very well that I might come to regret them for the rest of my life, and yet they still pour out of me, cold and unfeeling.

As a villainess. surely this is the sort of line I should deliver here. After all, its a villainesss job to hurt and maim those around her with merciless spite. But, for the first time ever, such a thought doesnt bring me joy. Ive taken one step closer to becoming a villainess, so why is it that my heart hurts so much?

If this is the true road to achieving my goal, then its thornier and more painful than even I had imagined it to be.

I see. I apologize for the intrusion then, Duke-Sama says. His lips are plainly arched up in a smile, but his eyes show just how much my words hurt him.

.Its the first time Ive seen him make an expression like that.

I. really do regret saying that. My heart aches. I would do anything to take my words back. However, its impossible to unsay something thats already been said.

Softly, very softly, he lets his fingertips fall from my face. Then, without so much as another look in my direction, he turns around and walks away.

I dont say anything. I just stare blankly as his back retreats farther and farther away from me.

I cant get that expression of his out of my mind.

I truly never thought there would come a day when Id regret something I said in good faith as a villainess. But here it is. This is what I get for not stopping to think before I blurt out whatever evil lines first come to mind.

My words feel like impossibly heavy chains weighing me down like Im some criminal that committed countless atrocities.

The villainess that I so desperately aspired to become. isnt someone like this.

Ali-Ali, tell me the truth. Are you secretly an idiot? Cause that was just cruel, Mel says, glaring at me. She spoke in the lowest, quietest voice that Ive heard her use today. And her words hit me right where it hurts, like a sucker-punch to the gut. They nearly knock the wind out of me.

It feels like she kicked me while I was already down. Because I know! Im already painfully aware of just how detestably I acted.

But when I try to explain this to her, the words refuse to leave my lips.

Its been two whole years since I last spoke to someone! I didnt know what I was supposed to do! I dont know how Im supposed to act anymore!

I want to scream until she understands, but nothing comes out. And thats because, deep down, I know that those are just shallow excuses that do nothing to actually absolve me from my vicious behavior. Voicing such immature thoughts is beneath me and I will at least not stoop to that level today.

There are too many thoughts racing through my head now. Too many emotions flooding me until I dont know what to think or feel anymore.

But there is one overarching theme that keeps repeating itself in my mind. My character has morphed into something hideous. Not a dignified villainess, Ive just become a terrible person.

For the first time since my seclusion began, Im afraid that Ive forgotten how to act and interact with people as a fellow human being.

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T/N: Lol, this chapter man. When I was translating it, it felt so somber! But after editing it just now, all I could think was: melodramatic much?

Cause, come on, Duke! Thats all it takes for you to feel disheartened!? Even though you know Alicia likes to act like a little villain!? And all she did was state the truth. She never asked for your protection. Honestly, I expect more maturity from a 20 year old, but then again, thats still young. And as a sheltered prince, maybe this sort of thing is to be expected.

And Alicia. youre acting like the world has ended, girl! L.O.L. For the first time I see that you are really acting your age. 15 years old is such a trying time. Raging hormones, insecurities, and all that jazz. And it seems to be hitting you hard. Buck up! If you regret it, then do something about it! Whip out that villainessy confidence youve got and go take back your man if you feel this bad about it!

*End of Rant*

Phew. I feel better. And, good news~! The is on its way~ Gotta finish my quota for the week today, right?