The Villainess Reigns

Chapter 19

The next day, I decided I'd visit Julian and check on how the cipher was coming along, as well as fill him in on the current events.

For the past two weeks, he'd hardly left his room even to eat, and I was worried he wasn't getting enough sleep.

He always had his trusted servants bringing him books from the library.

Every now and then, I'd visit him and tell him to go on a walk with me.

Perhaps it would be a good time to do so now.

When I met him in his study, the sunlight filtering through the large bay window, he was slumped in his chair, asleep. I felt bad to have woken him up.

"Good morning, Julian," I smiled. "Are you up for a break? I thought we could take a walk in the garden, get some fresh air." I eyed the servant standing by the door, I had a lot to tell him, but now wasn't the time to do so. There were too many eyes.

When he looked at me, he nearly keeled over in his chair. "Rosaria..." he said my name slowly, almost in horror. "Rosaria, just what are you wearing?"

That morning, I had donned breeches and a tunic. I had Edith grab them for me from Julian's clothes, because they fit me.

"I'm wearing clothes?" I said slyly. "Just like I always do."

That clearly made him angry. "No, I mean, why are you in my clothes? What happened to yours? Don't you like wearing those fancy dresses?"

I shook my head, enjoying his confusion. "Julian, I told you, my tastes have changed."

His brows raised. "Enough to change tastes entirely?" I smiled, because I knew exactly what he was thinking. "Ladies don't wear pants."

I expected his reaction, though. My maids had reacted the same this morning, when I'd asked for them.

Last night was a different story, because I was going out on horseback in the middle of the night when nobody would see me, but to be the Duke's daughter walking around in pants?

My, that was unheard of. They had no choice but to accept my demands, though, as I was the highest ranking person in the household.

"Come on, are you going to take me up on my offer or not? You look half-dead, I think any more sitting in this office might kill you." I placed my hands on my hips, watching him expectantly.

He mulled over my offer for a moment, his eyes flickering from the servant to me. No doubt, he'd heard word of what happened last night. "Alright fine... I do need a little fresh air, after all. Being in this study has been driving me crazy."

We made our way through the halls and down to the garden. I received a lot of stares and double-takes at my attire from the staff, but nobody said anything. Given Rosaria's reputation, who would? I scoffed. She would have people beaten for offending her.

The cobblestone pathway wound through the neatly trimmed hedges and flower beds, and each piece showed Duke Leeland's peculiar taste in decor. I recalled what he said at the ball, "A noble's garden is a reflection of his soul," and smiled at the thought.

As we entered the garden, Julian glanced behind him, then looked at me, his face a little sullen and guilty. "I'm sorry, Rosaria. I never should have sent you and the knights to Cavar Pass. I had no idea that would happen."

I took slow strides, taking in the scenery of the garden around me.

One thing I noticed is that there were swans, lots of swans.

Statues and hedges shaped like him, as if a tribute to them.

It was as if our family's crest was shaped after them, but our coat of arms had nothing to do with swans.

All he needed was a real swan to top it off.

I can see why he wanted one so badly.

I wonder why he loves them so much.

After a moment, I said, "it's alright, Julian. It's not you're fault—we didn't know the Black Dragons would be that dangerous." I took a few more steps and said, "At least we know now how badly they don't want people finding out about them,"

It seemed like a weight came off his shoulders hearing my response. "Yes... I suppose you're right. It shows just how much of a scourge they are on our territory, and how much we need to get rid of them." He mulled over this thought, and I smiled, patting him on the shoulder.

"At least nobody died, thankfully," I said, "and we know we can trust that mercenary, Rowan, now. He saved my life." I didn't tell him the reason the Black Dragons found us was probably because of him.

Julian nodded slowly, "I'm glad," he said. "But I really think you should have consulted me first before hiring him. How's he doing, by the way? Jon told me he had a pretty bad wound."

"I haven't checked on him yet, though he was in pretty bad sorts last night.

He'll live," I said slowly, as we continued our stroll.

Hedges were shaped into mythical creatures, which I found impressive.

Duke Leeland must have hired experts to carve these from the bushes.

I brushed my hand over a hedge shaped like a griffin, flowers growing from around it.

They were many exotic species, like Moon Lilies from the Northern Mountain range of our territory and Sea Flowers from the south.

Now I see why the upkeep on the garden was so expensive, I recalled the ledgers.

And why father visits this place almost every day.

An archway of two rearing stallions, appearing on our coat of arms, led the way into the central garden.

There, the fountain was the centerpiece.

It was wonderfully grand, with a statue of Rosaria's great grandfather.

But instead of just standing there, he was locked in a fight against a dragon, its teeth sinking into his arm.

It had quite the dramatic flair. Flowers were planted around, and there were benches to sit on.

I took a seat, patting beside me to beckon Julian to sit.

Then I leaned back, crossing my arms on the back of my head.

Julian gave me a weird look. That was unladylike, I knew he was thinking.

I didn't care, I'd never received formal noble training, so how was I to care?

"You know, sometimes I wonder if Father just picked the strangest pieces he could find just to see if anyone would question him.

" I said, looking at the fountain's grand scene depicting my great grandfather.

Julian smirked, as he leaned his arms over the bench. "Sounds about right. Remember the time he bought that giant tapestry of a three-headed goat just because 'it had personality'?"

I didn't remember. Part of me felt guilty, not having Rosaria and Julian's early childhood memories that they shared. However, I still laughed, "I hated that thing."

"You did! You hated most of his strange ideas," Julian recalled. He was lost in a moment of nostalgia, and I was glad to see the tiredness from his eyes beginning to fade. "You know... I like the new you and all, but you're definitely less interesting."

I punched him in the arm playfully. "Hey, what's that supposed to mean? You should be glad I don't go around tormenting you," I crossed my arms indignantly, "I could very well go back to doing it again."

Julian laughed, and it was the first time I heard him laugh in a long time. It made me smile. "You wouldn't dare. You'd lose all credibility with your servants, now that you're playing lady of the manor."

"Oh please," I scoffed. "I'll have you know, I could still make your life miserable if I wanted to. I just choose not to."

"Uh-huh," Julian drawled. "And here I thought you'd finally mellowed out. When father returns in a week, he'll have no idea what to think of you!"

I grinned, leaning back on the bench again. "Well, dear brother, I'm just keeping you on your toes."

Julian shook his head with a chuckle. "I'll keep that in mind." He leaned back, stretching. "But in all seriousness, I'll admit—I needed this."

I raised a brow. "Oh? You mean spending time with your favorite sibling?"

Julian gave me a flat look. "You're my only sibling."

I waved a hand. "Irrelevant."

He let out a tired chuckle. "Maybe so, but still.

.. It's been a while since we've just talked like this.

" His smile faded slightly, the moment of levity passing.

The last time Julian and Rosaria shared such a bond, they were little children.

I didn't know much about Rosaria's past, and now I wished I knew more.

What caused you to turn into a villainess?

Julian's gaze shifted, and he scowled, looking down "But my mind is still stuck on that damn cipher. "

I nodded, understanding his dilemma. Even a genius like Julian would struggle figuring it out.

Still, he was doing a great job and was moving along much faster than I'd expected him to.

When he first started work on the cipher, I'd imagined it would take several months but he was this close to cracking it after just a few weeks. "How far along are you?"

"Not nearly far enough. It's been two weeks, and I've barely made progress." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and leaning forward. He looked deep in thought. "It looks like a letter. An important letter to someone very high up."

I didn't want anyone to suspect her and harm her.

After what happened last night, I wasn't taking any chances.

However, I also wanted to give myself some time to figure out how Rosaria was connected to all of this.

By now, and when Julian finally figures out the Cipher that will link Clara and her cronies to the Shadow Walkers, we will have more than enough to take them down.

There was enough evidence of investing and malperforming duties that even my father couldn't say no.

However, if I eliminated them too quickly, I would expose myself.

Julian couldn't hide his excitement, "Prince Roland will send us trustworthy staff from the capital.

.." he I read the words slowly.

I was glad that, even though I had that incident at the Capital, he was willing to support me at least this much, without knowing entirely what it was for.

"Then, we have three weeks," I said carefully.

That wasn't much time to figure out my connection to Clara, Chancellor Veltin, and the Shadow Walkers.

I folded the letter neatly on my desk, Clara's face flashing through my mind and her calculating, predatory gaze on the night she delivered the poison.

I think it's time to take matters into my own hands.

I needed answers, and she was the one who had them.

Heads are about to roll... I grinned.

Clara, Alric, you better watch your backs.

Julian and I finished up our walk in the garden. It was a much needed bonding time, and I felt I learned just a little more about him. His cold exterior towards me was starting to soften. When we returned to the manor, I figured it was time to check back in on Rowan.

"Are you sure, my lady? I can tend to him!" Edith had said when I told her my plans. "It's no trouble at all."

I shook my head. "It's my fault he was hurt in the first place. You and Missy have already done enough, you should return to your duties, or you'll be in trouble with Clara. I can at least handle this much."

"But, my lady—" Edith protested.

I knew why she was protesting: tending to someone's wounds, especially a mere mercenary, was not the level a daughter of a duke would stoop to.

But I was not the daughter of a duke, I was a regular salarywoman named Tamara that barely scraped by on my office wages.

So I shot her a look that said, Don't argue. I'm really doing this.

Edith's voice trailed off as she stammered, "Alright, my lady. But at least let me help you carry the water and bandages."

The supply closet we hid him in was under the stairs near the servants quarters, a room that was often forgotten about. Nevertheless, Edith had made sure to lock the doors. The Keys jingled in my hands as I messed with the lock, and the door creaked open as we entered.

There was a window in the corner of the room that let in a small sliver of light to the cramped room, which was shrouded with dust and old crates. Most contained seasonal decorations that had been phased out over time and had yet to be thrown out, forgotten and left to gather dust.

No one would notice a cot with an injured person in here. I thanked Edith as she set down the bucket of hot water, and turned to Rowan, who had managed to sit up.

"About time you showed up, I was beginning to think you'd let me rot in here." He had himself propped up against the cot and the wall, his left arm clutching his wounded side. I could see sweat beads forming at his temples—he definitely sounded too cheeky for how he looked.

I ignored him, stepping closer to take a look at the wound now under full light.

He didn't even look up at me, just played with a slim silver object in his hands.

As I saw the wound with dressing wrapped around it, it was much worse than I'd thought.

The servants had done a good job dressing it, but it was definitely time to rebandage it. "They really did a number on you."

"It's not the worst I've had." A teasing smirk tugged at his lips, but it was strained with pain. He flicked the coin up and caught it.

I arched a brow, and stepped closer to set the bucket down. "I'd expect nothing less from a travelling mercenary such as yourself."

He finally looked up at me, and his eyes scanned me up and down.

"Well well, I thought noble ladies were born with corsets stitched to their ribs," he said, clearly amused.

I'd been wearing a cloak last night, and had always met him in a dress.

No woman wore breeches in this world, especially not a noble woman.

"I find this to be much more comfortable than a corset," I said matter-of-factly, taking a seat at his beside and eyeing up the bandage, forming a plan of attack.

I thought you of all people would understand.

I dipped the rag into the bucket of hot water and wrung out the water and let it hang on the bucket's side, examining the wound.

My mom was a nurse, so I had some knowledge of wound care, but I wasn't a doctor by any means.

After a few moments of regarding me silently, Rowan spoke with a curious tone in his strained voice. "You know, you're different from the Rosaria I've heard about."

I set my sights on unwrapping the bandage carefully, using a pair of scissors to cut it. I didn't look up at him as I concentrated, "How so?"

"I heard you had people dragged out in the streets for looking at you wrong. And, well, the one I heard about wouldn't be caught dead without silk, satin, and at least six ruby hair pins. She wore gowns so tight she made prostitutes blush–"

"That's vulgar!" I was horrified.

He continued, "--and walked past beggars on the streets dripping in jewelry that could purchase a whole village, and... Oh! That you grew poison apples, and ate children—" He ticked off each finger for every thing he heard about me, as if checking off a list.

"Woah woah woah," I paused, "You're making me sound like a children's horror story! Where on earth did you hear all of this?"

"Oh you know, just around. You're quite the renowned evil witch," He shrugged, then grinned. "But you're nothing at all like the rumors."

He hissed once more as I applied the alcohol-soaked cloth. "Alright, that one actually stings. Maybe you really are trying to kill me."

I ignored him, focusing on cleaning the angry red site as best as possible.

If this got infected, I didn't think this world had the technology yet to heal him.

It could be deadly. Which made what he'd done for me last night all the more grave, as that sword should have sliced me.

"Thank you for saving my life last night. I really owe you one."

Rowan let out a low chuckle, amused despite the exhaustion lining his face. "Not every day I hear a noble saying they owe a commoner."

"I don't think of it like that. You saved me.

It's only right that I acknowledge it." It was the same problem I'd run into before with Edith.

Despite waking up in this body, I wasn't born a noble.

I didn't see myself any differently than them.

I can see how easy it is to let power and status get to your head.

"Don't move too much, you'll reopen the wound," I warned, as I continued to dab and get the wound as clean as possible. Despite my warnings, it had opened slightly.

He was lucky the strike didn't hit any vital organs, or we'd be dealing with sepsis right about now. There's healing mages in this world, right? The thought struck me. I realized how lost I was without modern medicine, and shuddered. Life in a medieval world could be very fragile.

Rowan shifted, and I shot him a look. It was right after I told him just to keep still, and my stack of bandages fell to the floor.

My sterile field! Although none of it could hardly be close to sterile.

"The Black Dragons..." He spoke, his voice a little hoarse.

He cleared his throat. "they knew we were going to be there. "

He continued, his voice keeping the cheerful tone from before, "Should've been more careful.

I guess I underestimated them, thought they were all bark, no bite," I felt a pang of regret, feeling bad that he didn't have any additional info to go off of.

"I knew they might send someone to threaten me, but didn't think they'd send someone to actually take a shot at me. Then again, I've been wrong before."

I stopped wrapping the bandage and held his gaze.

"No, that's my fault. I should have planned that something like this would happen.

" I knew the Black Dragons weren't just some street gang, and yet I sent him blindly.

Of course something like this was going to happen. But I couldn't tell him I knew that.

He simply shook his head as I went back to work on dressing the wound. "I thought your little 'test' was pretty clever, by the way."

At this, I looked up again. "You knew the whole time, didn't you?"

"Thought I'd let you have your fun."

I sighed, reaching for the binding and tearing off a piece. "I could tell you were holding back when you fought with Gareth, Barca, and Jon."

He winced as I pulled the bandage a little too tightly. Oops, sorry. "Only enough to make it interesting."

That brought up another interesting thought to my mind.

In a fight against five formidable opponents from the Black Dragon, Rowan had taken down three of them.

He was very skilled, much more skilled than I thought he'd be when I hired him.

"You fought better than our best Knights," I shook my head. "Are you really just a mercenary?"

Rowan didn't miss a beat, "Maybe you don't know everything about me."

I stepped back from my work, after I finished the binding.

It wasn't the prettiest, but it looked like it would hold.

Rowan seemed to accept my declaration of trust. "I think I'm going to like working for you, if things are as adventurous as last night that is.

Been a while since I've had a thrill like that. "

Rowan let out a chuckle, but winced at it seemed to affect his wound. "Heh, If I wanted to live a quiet life, I'd have been a baker."

I stood, placing my hands on my hips as I regarded him. "Honestly, I'd rather have my hands covered in flour than blood."

"Comes with the territory when you live by the sword," He shrugged. "But that's an interesting thing to say, coming from a noble."

I knew he was right. Most nobles had more blood on their hands than a knight could ever dream of taking in his lifetime.

As a noble, I now had the power over thousands of lives.

It was a weighty feeling, and I couldn't help but recall Uncle Ben's famous quote, "with great power comes great responsibility. "

I sighed, "Just focus on healing first. Until then, there's no way I'm sending you out on another mission, not now that you're on their radar.

" That discussion would have to take place another time, perhaps when next we met.

While he was putting on a brave face, he needed a few days of good old rr before I brought that topic up again.

"Fine, fine. I'll be patient. But don't get too comfortable—I heal fast." I had a feeling he would be like a caged animal if I made him stay down for too long.