I will not die a Villainess's death

The much-awaited reunion happened after the 7-day mark passed. Elysia managed to wake up in time to receive guests and Eve also kept her word of visiting her.

As soon as the redhead saw Elysia's eyes open, her arms closed around Elysia's shoulders and she was pulled into a tight hug.

"I thought I lost you. You were sleeping for so long that it felt like you will never wake up again. I am so happy to see you finally wake up."

Elysia's head was spinning in the hug, her senses still trying to make sense of what had happened to her.

All she could remember was the feeling of darkness and being pulled out of it by a familiar and cool hand. It had taken some time for Elysia to sort through her memories after she had woken up and even then, Elysia was sure her brain did not remember most of what

The lack of memory Elysia had about her unconscious days was a matter of worry. But it didn't feel like a topic she had to explore right now.

"Eve, I am alright. Rest was all I needed to wake myself up."

Even though Elysia said this to reassure Eve, her mind was not assured at all. Losing memory was not something Elysia liked to experience.

What if she had an important dream or a vision that could help her out in surviving? What if there was something she was supposed to remember but she didn't?

"Eve, give Elysia some room to breathe. You're suffocating her by hugging her this tight."

Adam was another person who had been there when Elysia woke up this morning. From what she had heard, the prince had visited her every day for the past few days.

'He must consider me a good friend to visit me this often. I will have to find a way to break off this engagement soon and to set him free.'

Adam, who was standing behind Eve made for a striking image. Both him and Even in the same frame gave the sense of 'being together.' Elysia could see that she had no place in that picture.

It stung to realize that you were the odd one out in your close group but Elysia was used to feeling like this.

"Ah, that reminds me. I still have to receive a reply from you about the ball the royal palace will be hosting this week. It's for the temple's charity event. Initially, you needed to come for the dress fitting today but your condition doesn't permit it. That puts us in quite a bind."

Adam's voice sounded neutral when he brought up this topic. Balls were a touchy subject between the three of them.

Every time Elysia went to a ball, something bad happened which caused the ball to halt. Most of the time it was a rude comment from an influential commoner toward Elysia that struck the nobles too close to home.

No one ever said anything to her but Elysia could read the atmosphere that she was not needed in the ballroom.

"Ah, I don't think it'll be possible this time."

If Elysia pushed herself, she could make it to the ball in time. She recovered enough and she also had enough energy to play around.

But since this was a charity event, Elysia wanted it to go well. The best way was to eliminate the variable that was 'her.'

Eve would be alright from the noble criticism due to her recent achievement and the silent word of having Lord Dirac's support.

"I understand. I will ask the temple to postpone the ball to next week. I don't want to become the target of those hungry eyes watching me."

"You cannot do that. There is too much at stake here."

Adam's words were instantly refuted by Eve. Her serious tone left no room for argument and Elysia found herself agreeing with Eve in this regard.

This charity ball was important for their people. The royal family could not just change the date for it whenever they wanted to.

"But I don't want to put myself in a position to become other's toy. Most of the unmarried children will head toward me to try and tempt me away. It's so uncomfortable. I am not going to the ball without a partner I trust."

Adam's disgust was clear on his face. Elysia did understand why he was being like this.

Elysia had seen a lot of marriages break and families fall due to a scandal issue. It was standard practice in this world.

But a scandal involving the royal family would be on a different level. It would be the talk of a town and it could also make the future difficult to predict.

"Adam, you don't have to go alone to the ball. You have another option nearby that you can trust."

"I do?", "He does?"

Those two voices asked the question at the same time. Elysia wanted to laugh at the synergy those two showed.

Elysia just gestured toward Eve and Adam's face bore a look of disgust. He instantly jumped back as if he had been scorched by fire.

"Elysia, no! I refuse to be this idiotic Prince's partner. People already misunderstand our relationship as it is. I don't want to fan the flames.'

Eve denied the request. Her expression looked bad which made Elysia feel regretful that she was going to miss out on the ball.

But this was for the future development of their relationship. Elysia had to show them that she was not an obstacle.

That way, the biggest hurdle in her path which was misunderstanding would be blown away.

"No. I would rather go to the ball alone than go with Eve. Maybe I should take one of my retainers with me? I am sure they will be able to keep the unwanted eyes away from me."

Adam plotted out loud. The man was not even looking at Elysia when he was suggesting this alternative.

'It's cute how hard they both are playing to get. But this needs to stop now. I am tired of being the third wheel.'

"You both should think more over this. Won't it be a beneficial partnership for you both?"

Elysia was all but begging the two now. Eve's red face indicated that she had as good as agreed with Elysia but it was Adam who was the real challenge.

His face was still turned away but his eyes were softer than before.

"Adam, please think this over. It would ease my mind to know that you have a trusted partner with you during this difficult time. I trust Eve with you.'

'Although it would be nice if you both made a move on each other. It's about time already.'

Elysia sighed once she realized that the pair in front of her was wavering. Just a little push more and they would both agree with her.

"Fine, I will take Eve with me. Stop giving me those puppy eyes. I can't take them anymore."

Elysia's heart gave a painful pang as she heard Adam agree to her request. She knew she had no right to complain when she had all but forced Adam to agree with her words but she wished that Adam had denied her a little longer.

'No, this is good. It is the right thing to do.'

Elysia calmed her heart down as the conversation shifted from the heavy topic of the ball to more mundane topics.

The more Elysia heard the pair talk, the calmer she felt. It had been a long time since the three of them had been together like this.

It was in the evening when Lucas Dirac arrived in Elysia's room, his face twisted into an unhappy frown.

"Alright, this is enough of the interactions. You both should go back and prepare for the upcoming charity event. Elysia also needs time to learn Dirac family traditions so give her a few days of peace."

There was an almost-growl in Lucas's words. The man did not look happy to see Elysia getting along this well with Adam and Eve.

'Was the work that tough today for brother? His dark circles are getting prominent by the day.'

It had been a few days since Elysia had come back with Lord Dirac and their relationship was improving slowly and steadily. It had gotten to a point where Elysia could even call him 'brother' without feeling awkward.

She was sure that the thing that had happened when she had been sleeping helped her get closer to Lucas.

"Brother, are you done for the day? I thought you were busy with the urgent paperwork."

The other two people surrounding Elysia jumped at her new form of address. They looked between her and Lord Dirac with surprised expressions.

"Since when did the two of you get so close? I thought you both were going through your awkward perio—hey, what did you do that for?"'

Eve stopped Adam from speaking more rude words but she looked upset at the new development as well.

As for Elysia, she did not catch that small detail but Lord Dirac did.

"Don't worry. Work is not as bad as it used to be so I can still handle it pretty fine. What about you? You should go to sleep as well. I will wake you up in time for dinner."

This was a clear dismissal of the guests if Elysia had ever heard one. But she chose not to go against Lord Dirac's words.

She had just started getting along with the elder and she did not want to hamper her progress this early.

"I understand Lord Dirac. We should get going now since we have a lot of work to do as well. Elysia, I hope you feel better soon."

Eve stood up and dragged an unwilling Adam after her. Elysia felt bad at seeing them go but she also felt relieved to see them go.

She lived with her friends but they were too much sometimes.

"I see that you turned down the Crown Prince's invite for the charity ball. Did you do it to force him to get closer to your other friend?"

Lord Lucas was sharp. He had even caught that small detail Elysia had been planning.

"Don't they look cute together? I want them to live happily in their lives and they can only do that with each other. They belong together."

​ Elysia was convinced of this face and no one could tell her otherwise. Lord Dirac looked to be in deep thought after Elysia's words but he smiled at her instead of asking more questions.

"I see. I can see why you would think that. But Elysia, don't you want to go to the ball as well? You'll be bored at home and I want company as well. So, let me suggest something."

"Accompany me to the ball as my escort this time. Girls would leave me alone if I take my sister with me, right?"

Elysia watched unfolded as her brother's reached her ears. And then her face went white at what she heard.

'He wants me to do what?'