You Were There

The heroine was supposed to be as pure as snow. She was the light that every male lead in this novel needed. Everything about her swooned their hearts, and even the other usually socially ruthless nobles couldn't find it in them to mess with her.

But there are times the author liked to show that she was strong too. She was resilient in her own way and knows how to stand up for herself when people do come to bother her. But the author had miswritten the details and instead sometimes the readers saw her as too petty.

Personally, I have nothing against her. I don't think that anyone can be too petty. Who am I to judge anyone's character flaw? I'm just as flawed as everyone else. Back in my past life, yes, I did hunt down some scumbags here and there but that's because they crossed the line.

Human traffickers are really not considered as people in my eyes, so there's no need for me to feel sorry for them every time I tell it to their faces how the devil would personally welcome them at the gates of hell.

And if I had the chance to put a bullet in their heads, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

The same thing applies to homicidal maniacs and rapists.

The things I'd do back then just to catch those scumbags and put them in jail. I was a wild dog, hot on their tails.

"Lady Emilia, are you listening?"

I stabbed on the meat too hard that it hit the plate beneath it. I turned my head upwards to meet the gaze of Emperor Cain, and his two younger siblings who were also at the dinner table. I don't really eat so heavy during breakfast, so the amount of food at the table right now is overwhelming, unlike at the Maxwell estate where they usually serve porridge, or soup with a side of bread.

If anyone was wondering, we were discussing about my failed engagement and when the news was going to be announced to the public. Honestly, I don't really care about that, I'll let the siblings pick the date. I was more interested about last night's incident.

"Your Majesty, forgive me for being rude, but I want to hear more about what happened last night rather than the current topic." I asked permission first, for them to actually decide whether the topic was allowed to be discussed with me or not.

I loathe these people, but I know my place. I'm just a daughter of a Marquis, while they are the current Royal Family of this Empire. Compared to them, I'm nothing but an ant in regards of status and wealth.

"I understand your curiosity, Lady Emilia, but it's none of your concern. This type of thing will be handled well by me and my men." Emperor Cain said with a cold expression, though didn't even bother to look up from his food when he was talking to me.

I narrowed my eyes at him but didn't push any further. Yeah, I get it. Sensitive information and whatnot. Back in the days, some of my station's cases had their information leaked to the media and we would get hella stressed every time it happens. It was a bother, but I can't deny that it had their own pros and cons.

Sometimes you needed the public's hand in some cases, even if it meant the phone ringing off like crazy every 3 minutes.

"Your carriage will arrive shortly, Lady Emilia, I suggest you finish your breakfast quickly." Princess Sienna pointed out, and I had to hold my sigh. Yes, I did notice everyone but me is almost finished with their food.

But who eats this much for breakfast anyway?

___________________________

"Lady Emilia." Siegfried greeted, his usually lax face is stiff. Probably because the Imperial Knights were behind me to send me off.

"Siegfried. How's my father?" I held out my hand, letting him kiss it.

He gave my knuckles a light feathery touch of his lips then raised his head to look at me. Siegfried should be a male lead with his looks. Sandy blonde hair cut short and slicked back, eyes violet like amethysts and pale skin that would never be as tan as the Emperor's because of the year-long cold weather on this continent.

I held back my sigh when he looked at me like this. You're a dreamboat, dude. A pity you're only a knight of my estate.

"I think the correct question is how are you, Lady Emilia. The Marquis was worried sick, he was in a frenzy when he heard that his only daughter was skewered by a sword." He gripped on my hand, concern lacing his voice.

I gave him a little smile and allowed him to hold my hand, but only because I was about to board the carriage and I needed his assistance.

"No need to fret, the Emperor assigned the world's most esteemed Magician to heal me. He even got rid of the scar." I hopped on the carriage and felt that my hand was being let go, but he lingered.

Okay, obviously, there's something between Siegfried and Emilia. But in the original web novel, all that was mentioned was that Siegfried cared for Emilia how an older brother cares for his younger sister–still, Siegfried wasn't mentioned that often. He was someone that the villainess took for granted, and it won't be long until he quits because of how Emilia completely disregards him.

I felt bad for him, and I can understand how painful it is when the one you care for turns a blind eye to your efforts. I turned around only to see him in the middle of closing the door.

"Siegfried." I called out, and he stopped his movements for a second.

"Thank you for picking me up." I gave him a simple show of my gratitude, because I know that sometimes a 'thank you' is all it can take to warm someone's heart.

"Your welcome, milady." He gave a small smile in return and waited for me to be seated before he completely closed the door.

To think that the villainess wasn't completely alone, made me think that maybe Emilia was too busy chasing the hearts of the wrong people, she didn't see who were actually already there for her.

I won't repeat her mistake. Not this time.