I am the Villainess

The celebration for the party reached at its peak. Cordelia stood at the centre. Her pink and white gown flowed around her like soft petals. She had styled herself as delicately as a fairy in a storybook and judging by the look in Adrian's eyes, she had succeeded.

Nobles filled the grand room. Their voices rose in threads of murmured gossip.

"She truly looks like a fairy."

"Hard to believe she is an illegitimate child. Those features are far too fine."

"I agree. Still, why is the crown prince here? Has he come to court her?"

"They say he ended his engagement with Lady Daphne. After the incident at the hunting festival, I suppose it is no surprise."

"Well, look at them now. Rumour says he plans to propose tonight."

As if on cue, Adrian lowered himself to one knee. A wave of astonishment passed through the crowd. He took Cordelia's hand and raised his head with a charming smile.

"Lady Cordelia Borfot," he declared, "may I have the honour of asking for your hand in marriage?"

Cordelia beamed, her eyes shining with victory.

"Yes. I would—"

The moment halted with a voice. 

"Stop this event at once!"

Every head turned. 

Sirius had stepped through the grand doors. His expression was firm.

Sebastian Borfot forced a composed smile though irritation was clear on his face. 

"And what is it you want, court mage?" he asked. It was as if Sirius was messing up an important event. 

"Why am I here is something you already know, Duke," Sirius replied in a cold voice before turning to address the guests. 

"Everyone, listen to me. The celebration is over. You may return to your homes."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall.

"Who is that man? Is he the one the emperor recently appointed as the court mage?"

"And why is he acting like this? To challenge the Borfot family is unthinkable."

Sebastian, sensing the danger of the moment, stepped forward at once. He raised his hands in an attempt to calm them.

"Everyone, please remain composed. There must be some mistake," he said with a strained smile, trying to reassure the crowd, though nothing was truly under control.

"If there truly is some mistake, Your Grace," Sirius said with a sly smile, "then perhaps you can explain this."

He held up the same green bracelet upon which Sebastian had used black magic to control William.

"This..."

The nobles immediately erupted into hushed whispers.

"What is that bracelet?"

"Why does the duke look frightened?"

"Is this truly a case of forbidden magic?"

"Impossible... the Borfot family would never dare..."

Sebastian's eyes widened for a brief moment.

"This is nothing more than an ordinary ornament, mage," he said quickly hoping to move past the question.

Sirius cut him off. "If it is truly ordinary and my accusations are meaningless, then why did your eyes widen the moment you saw it?"

Adrian, already frustrated by the growing commotion, stood up sharply.

"Enough, mere mage!," he shouted. He drew his sword from the hilt. "You are tarnishing the duke's honour and Lady Cordelia's as well."

He stepped forward, ready to attack Sirius. He began preparing a protective spell when a golden haired man suddenly appeared between them.

"A mere mage?"

It was Maximilian. 

He drew his sword in a quiet motion and placed himself as a shield in front of Sirius.

"There are many things you have not understood yet, brother".

He continued, "And look at your eyes. They alone prove that black magic has been used. Such a violation stands against the very laws of the entire continent."

He turned to Sirius. "Am I correct, mage?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Sirius bowed.

At that declaration, the hall broke into uneasy whispers.

"His Majesty the Emperor is here?"

"Why would he attend a private celebration?"

"Did he come because of the accusation?"

"This must be more serious than we thought..."

"Black magic in the duchy? How can that be?"

Maximilian addressed the trembling hall. "As you can see, your safety cannot be guaranteed. It would be wiser for everyone to leave at once."

"No!"

Cordelia, who had stayed silent through the chaos, finally stepped forward.

"It is my celebration. Let them enjoy it. Please."

"Huh?"

At that moment, Daphne stepped into the hall with calm steps and a sharp gaze.

"Your celebration?" she said. "Are you certain it is your party... or is it for someone else entirely?"