I Became the Villain’s Master - Chapter 114

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Chapter 114

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Aria stumbled towards her room, her steps heavy.

“You are… the Emperor’s hidden daughter, Aria.”

The shocking revelation of her birth still reverberated through her. Having come of age and debuted in society, Duke Eckart had deemed it the right time to reveal the truth.

“My lady! Shall I assist you?”

“No, thank you. I need some time alone.” Dismissing her personal maid, Aria entered her room and curled up on the bed. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded around her. She’d always admired its shimmering beauty, and harbored a quiet curiosity about the parents she’d never known.

“I’m a princess…?” She’d been so happy when Terion and Duke Eckart had summoned her with such serious expressions. Sharing meals with them every day had been a source of immense joy, especially since Terion had been away for so long, making those moments even more precious. But this… this wasn’t the outcome she’d envisioned.

“It’s okay, Aria.” Aria wiped her dry eyes and forced a smile. This… this was nothing. She was just a little shocked, that was all. She felt no real emotion, not truly. The Eckart dukedom had become her home.
“I can’t be sad.” The memory of her time in the orphanage surfaced, the time she’d almost been sold into slavery because of her beauty. A shiver ran down her spine as she recalled the leering face of the old nobleman.

But there was Terion, who’d rescued her like a knight in shining armor. And Duke Eckart, who’d taken her in, an orphan, and given her a home.

“I’m sorry, Aria. I knew all along. I brought you here to use you.” She’d loved the warmth of his embrace, even as he wept. “Can you forgive me?”

Even if he had initially taken her in for political reasons, Aria knew his heart. He genuinely loved her and treated her like his own daughter. So, she forgave him instantly, grateful for his honesty. “You cherish me. You love me, despite everything.”

The scars from the orphanage, from the abuse she’d suffered, hadn’t faded, not even after she’d left. The matron had been truly cruel.

“But things are different now,” she murmured, gazing at her reflection. Her vibrant emerald eyes crinkled at the corners. Once, she would have cried and blamed herself. Not anymore. She had found a reason to live. “My family loves me. And… Rosie.”

Rosette. The woman who had rescued her from the suffocating atmosphere of the royal ball. Meeting her had been the greatest stroke of luck in Aria’s life. Even now, the memory of her smile made her heart flutter.

“Amazing…” How could someone be so beautiful, so kind? After Duke Eckart and Terion, Rosette was the person Aria most wanted to emulate. Idol was perhaps a more accurate term.

“That’s it!” Aria squealed, pulling out her collection–the letters she and Rosette had exchanged, neatly organized and tied with a ribbon. She grabbed the most recent one.

‘I think I’ll be attending the Holy Festival. I believe you will be there as well…’

A giddy smile spread across Aria’s face as she reread her charming script.

“Eek! This is wonderful! I’ve missed Rosie so much. I can see her again!” She spun in a joyful circle, then stopped abruptly, a thought striking her. “Wait. I’m… a princess, aren’t I?”

They had chosen political neutrality, claiming she was under Duke Eckart’s protection. “Should I reveal my true identity now?” It would give her more influence, and she could ensure her safety and comfort. “She almost got hurt recently…” Hmm, perhaps a personal guard from the royal knights would suffice?

A happy smile played on her lips as she indulged in these pleasant fantasies, but then her expression hardened. “No… the Crown Prince would interfere. What am I thinking?”

Shaking her head, Aria’s face took on a determined look. “I’ll just have to become the Emperor myself.” The lingering sadness dissipated, replaced by a burning ambition.