Ascension Of The Villain

"And what did you say?" Vyan asked, his voice deceptively casual as he reached for his tea, though his eyes never left her, curiosity sparking beneath his calm demeanor.

"Yes, of course," Iyana replied, her tone carrying a hint of resignation. "I have already caused him enough trouble. This is the least I can do to make it right."

Vyan's lips twitched into a sarcastic smile as he raised his cup to his lips. "Right, you are the one in wrong when this entire mess could have been avoided if Prince Easton just had the guts to propose to you himself, instead of involving the emperor," he murmured, almost to himself, before taking a slow sip.

"Anyway," she interrupted, rolling her eyes playfully as she leaned back against the couch, "You know what the best part is? If I find Princess Maria, I will be promoted to Commander without having to duel Commander Pembrooke."

Vyan set his cup down, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "The poor man is already crippled, Iyana. You would win that fight blindfolded."

"Exactly," she huffed, frustration seeping into her voice. "It wouldn't be a challenge. Everyone would see it as a hollow victory."

Vyan chuckled softly, his hand brushing against hers as he leaned in just a bit closer. "Who cares? You would still be Commander of the Imperial Army. That is a title most people would kill for."

The qualifications just to be considered for the position were sky-high. After all, achieving Aura was an extraordinary feat in itself, and it was the sole requirement to join the Imperial Order of Aura Knights. But to become the Commander of the Imperial Army, one had to do more than meet the standard—they had to defeat the previous commander in combat as well.

Usually, it would be an epic showdown, but this… rather wouldn't be.

"But that's just it," Iyana countered, her voice dropping as she frowned into her cup. "You don't get it."

Vyan tilted his head, studying her with a thoughtful gaze. "Then help me understand. Explain it to me, and I promise I will do my best to see it your way."

"Okay, fine." She sighed. "Well, you see, it's different when you earn a high-ranking position by proving your competence versus being handed it because of someone else's weakness. There is no honor in it."

Vyan nodded slowly, his expression turning more serious. "I get it. So, why not join Althea's team? That way, you would still earn your promotion by doing the same thing."

"No," Iyana said firmly, shaking her head. "Easton asked me first. And yes, I know Althea is also a friend of mine, but Easton has been in my life longer. If he doesn't find Princess Maria, he could lose his position as Crown Prince. That would be so terrible for him."

Vyan's smile tightened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. "I see. Though, if I am being honest, I am on Althea's side."

"Of course, you are," Iyana acknowledged. "You two are close."

A brief silence settled between them, thick with unspoken words, before Vyan broke it, setting his cup down with a soft clink. "So, I guess that puts us on opposite sides this time."

"Looks that way," she agreed, the awkward tension between them refusing to fade.

"Anyway, let's steer clear of the political conflict for now. How about we discuss something more agreeable?" Vyan suggested, his voice laced with a playful undertone.

"Sure," Iyana agreed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Uh, let's see… I visited Prince Izac today at the medical facility. You know, about his… accident."

"Oh, right. How is that sleazeball holding up?"

"Well," she began, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "let's just say chasing women is off the table with those two feet."

Vyan chuckled. "Good to know. But what is the plan when Empress Jade starts asking questions? You know she won't let this slide."

"Oh, I have got the perfect story ready," Iyana replied with a confident smirk.

"And that would be?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Well, good news is Prince Izac isn't exactly the poster boy for calm composure or honesty. I am thinking… we spin it as a simple accident. Perhaps he tripped and fell off a cliff, failed to defend himself against a few wandering monsters, and now, well, he is a bit too embarrassed to admit it and painting it as an calculated assault."

Vyan grinned. "That… that is actually something Prince Izac would totally do."

"Exactly," Iyana said, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "If the Empress knows her son at all, she will buy it, shut down the investigation, and call it a cold case."

"If I had champagne right now, I would toast to your brilliance."

She laughed lightly. "We could always clink our teacups if you are that desperate."

"Hmm, maybe I don't want it that badly," he replied, matching her laugh. As the moment quieted, Vyan's gaze softened, and he reached out to place his hand gently over hers. "Are you sure you are okay with this? I mean," his voice dropped to a tender tone, "I know how strongly you believe in doing what's right."

Iyana smiled warmly, covering his hand with both of hers. "Yes, I do. But what matters most is that justice is served, whether the path is straight or twisted. And as for Prince Izac, he has been asking for this for a long time. His mother can't keep covering up his dirty crimes," she added, a hint of disgust in her voice before her gaze became soft as it returned to Vyan.

"So, what you did was right, and I stand by you."

Vyan's grin widened as he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "I admire your sense of justice more than you know."

Her smile brightened. "And perhaps you could learn a thing or two from it."

He chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes. "Maybe one day I will consider it."

"You, Your Grace, are a crooked man," she teased, shaking her head.

"And yet, here you are, enjoying tea and conversation with me," he quipped, his voice light with amusement.

"Please," she retorted, rolling her eyes with a smile, "I am a sad woman whose wedding was just called off. Clearly, I am not in my right mind."

Vyan laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Perhaps a glass of champagne would help to console your sadness."

"Hmm, I might accept a nice bottle of champagne—if His Grace is generous enough to gift it to me, that is," she teased back, her tone playful. "So I can enjoy it before bed tonight."

"I have a feeling a bottle of red wine would suit you better."

"I will graciously accept it."

Vyan and Iyana continued chatting until Benedict arrived to inform them that dinner was ready. However, Iyana politely declined, explaining that she had promised her colleagues she would dine with them tonight, as she was now staying at the Imperial Knights' quarters instead of the Estelle Estate.

After bidding her farewell, Vyan was startled when someone suddenly peeked over his shoulder and asked, "Was that Iyana Estelle from Haynes's military?"

Vyan nearly jumped out of his skin, turning to see none other than Princess Maria—the most wanted individual of the empire at the moment. "Your Imperial Highness, you shouldn't be wandering around freely like this!" he whisper-yelled, placing a hand over his chest to steady his heart.

Ignoring his concern, Maria's gaze remained fixed on where Iyana had been. "What did that bitch want with you?"

"She was—" Vyan's eyes widened in shock. "That what now?"