Navegado

The Villainess's Redemption Log (Reverse Harem! Various x Reader)

< ⟨ CHAPTER 0.8 ⟩ ⟨ CHAPTER 0.8 ⟩ >

(Y/n) took a deep inhale.

"Prince Wynn.." she slowly started. "Why were you sleeping in the middle of the road?"

"I wanted to visit the orphanage, but they wouldn't let me out of the palace.."

"So you escaped?"

There was a long pause.

"I tried.. I fell off my horse at some point."

She stared at his innocent smile and could only clamp her mouth shut.

Why..?

How did this happen?

On their way home, the coachman suddenly halted the carriage in a state of panic. (Y/n) thought that they were attacked and
Isaac had jumped out of the carriage in a hurry with a drawn sword. But to their surprise, instead of finding a group of bandits,
they found a man lying seemingly lifelessly in front of the carriage. At the horses' feet, he had his face buried in the dirt while his
hands were planted right beside his head. He looked like he was in the middle of standing up, but it was too hard to believe that
he gave up just like that.

They all grew frantic for the man's health and planned to take him to the Kingdom of Pyr. However, just as Isaac was about to
carry his body, one glance was all it took for (Y/n) to recognize that familiar mop of blue hair.

Why is the prince of the Kingdom of Hydōr laying on the ground like a dead man?

"How long were you.." (Y/n) couldn't even dare to finish her own question. This entire situation just seemed so puzzling it's
almost remarkable. On one moment, they were on their way home. And in one stop, they're on their way to the opposite direction
to another Kingdom.

"Oh, you mean how long I've been in that position?" he hummed. "For a couple hours..? I'm not sure.." He laughed softly,
raising a hand to his mouth. "I'm so glad you found me. I would have died if not for your help."

Didn't he say something terrifying just now?

Supposing he did, it didn't change the fact that she found him like that. He said he was going to the orphanage, but he
somehow.. fell from his horse during his travel. She could only guess that this was nothing but pure coincidence.. That this also
happened on the other timeline. But since he's still around when the Priestess arrived, someone else might have found
and saved him. That someone could've been a friend of his. It could've been his knight.. Maybe a normal townsfolk.. She
wouldn't know now. She might be overthinking it, but just the thought of changing the timeline seem to scare her more than it
comforted her.

If things become too unpredictable, she wouldn't know what would happen in the future.

Not knowing is what terrified her.

"But, princess of Pyr.." Wynn tilted his head. "I'm surprised you recognize me.. I don't recall we've met."

(Y/n) pressed her lips.

Prince Wynn Filarion, the first prince of the Kingdom of Hydōr. Of course, how could she ever forget the very man who passed
the judgement for her execution?

But he doesn't know that, now does he? She could understand the reason why he's wondering.

Water and Fire. Their people don't go very well, personality-wise and element-wise. While the people of Pyr is all about
celebrations and mingling with others, the people of Hydōr are not very fond of dancing and singing lively to festive music.
Whereas Pyr is alive during daytime, Hydōr is alive during nighttime. Their people are incompatible; opposites. They do not mix.

Although despite their differences, it's not that they are enemies. As they have contradictory attributes, aside from transporting
goods, the people pay very little care to the opposing Kingdom and try not to associate themselves with the other as much as is
humanly possible.

But this situation itself is unusual in every way. How can she make an excuse? Even in the other timeline, she has never heard of
any mention of his name until the day he was introduced during her 18th birthday.

She didn't want to lie–not anymore.. But she would only be digging her own grave if she admits the truth. The people of Hydōr,
as calm as they are, they're not as forgiving as the inhabitants of Pyr. She doesn't know how he'll take her story.

"I guessed." she answered on reflex–possibly from alarm, and regretted it the instant she realised what she uttered.

Wynn blinked.

That was the most pathetic lie she has ever said. She's done it now. Only an idiot would believe that.

"Ah.. I see.." Wynn dropped his gaze and nodded. "You're one of those people with great intuition!" He looked up with
sparkling eyes, looking incredibly impressed.

(Y/n) felt her heart getting pierced with guilt.

I'm sorry, Prince Wynn.

"..Not exactly. I heard of your name.. but I've forgotten where. I tend to have a sharp memory when it comes to
remembering people you see." she smiled. "I merely made assumptions of your identity. Your clothes and your hair color
gave it away, Prince Wynn." Guilty people will always give out the longest reasons. She was certain that even if Wynn couldn't,
Isaac could tell she was lying through her teeth right now. She felt guilty, but she was also relieved that he was trusting enough
to believe her at all.

That aside, she can't help but formally address him. She didn't know the prince as much as the others for they've only met twice
in her other life. Once during her birthday and twice on her execution.

"Your highness, are you okay?" Isaac spoke in a worried tone.

Wynn does look a bit pale, but he's always looking pale anyway. At this point, she couldn't tell if that's simply his normal
complexion or it's because of his sickness.. That, or is it because deep inside, she knew she didn't care?

She clenched her jaw.

It's fortunate that she has Isaac with her to tell.

"Sorry.. I'm feeling a bit faint. Is it alright if I take some rest?"

Had he not have enough when he slept in the middle of the road? She mentally slapped herself. No, stop that. She shouldn't
think like that. "Of course. Please have some rest."

The prince smiled apologetically before adjusting himself on his seat.

The sickly prince, they call him. He can only last so far as a couple of steps walking on foot until he would faint from exhaustion.
He's always accompanied by a personal physician on his left and a knight on his right wherever he goes.. even if it's only inside
his palace. She knew because–well, people talk. It's not that difficult to know a certain gossip even without trying to listen.
Moreover, his frail health isn't exactly a secret either. On the other timeline, because he was never allowed to go out of his
palace, they couldn't formally meet until her eighteenth birthday to celebrate the bond of her wedding with Leon. However, the
said prince of Aēr somehow managed to talk the King and Queen to push their marriage aside until they're twenty.

(Y/n), as she didn't expect it, was devastated.

And that was when Prince Wynn came up to her.

"Princess (Y/n).."

(Y/n)'s already furrowed brows seem to deepen at the soft voice that called out to her. She refused to talk to anyone. Even Isaac
whom she always used to pin her anger on isn't going to be enough to make her calm down. She was upset. She had thought
that she can finally tie Leon down with the marriage, but even the King agreed that it's alright to set it aside for now.

"Go away." she spat, never turning to look as she glared at the wilting rose petal on her palm.

"I can't really do that.." the boy laughed nervously. "I.. slipped away from my physician.."

His.. what?

(Y/n) squinted her eyes, looking up to see who he was. She clicked her tongue when she found the prince of Hydōr sitting down
and making himself comfortable in the gazebo.

"I don't care. Find a different place to hide."

The prince fiddled with his hands. "But you look like you need someone to talk to.."

(Y/n) made a disgusted face.

"Stop making excuses. Leave."

"..I don't know my way around.." he mumbled, almost inaudibly.

(Y/n) sighed in exasperation. As energetic as she may be when it comes to insulting people to go away, she was too tired
and annoyed to make any remarks.. Especially without Isaac. She's far too good to waste her own energy for unimportant
people. In a way, it would be safe to assume that she becomes more behaved without her knight to order around.

Not like they'll ever be apart. This is only one of those rare times that he's not with her.

"They are very beautiful.." he looked at the white roses that decorated the vase on the table. "The roses.. I mean."

(Y/n) didn't reply.

Beautiful or not, they're useless. They were only able to capture Leon's attention for a short amount of time. She couldn't care
less about them anymore.

"But they don't really suit you, princess (Y/n).." he pondered. "The color red would be a better option."

Is he saying that the color white doesn't match her? The nerve of this boy. She balled her hand into a fist, feeling the petal
crumple in her hand. She wasn't going to do anything, but since he won't stop talking nor leave, then she will. Perhaps it wasn't
such a wise choice to go out without Isaac after all.

(Y/n) slammed her hand on the table, leaving the petal as she stood up. "Don't tell me what to do, you pathetic boy." Glaring
the stunned male, she walked away without another word.

What gives him the right to tell her what suits her or not? If she wants white roses then she'll have white roses.

"Princess (Y/n).!" he found his voice, raising from his seat. "Um.. Happy Birthday.!"

She felt her blood boil. She bit her tongue, refusing to waste another second with him. People like him are the ones she loathes
the most. Always speaking in such a soft tone.. As if acting kind would make everything they say and do look good. It's sickening.

Happy Birthday.. Happy? There's nothing to be happy about this day. It's nothing but a simple celebration. A mere excuse to
invite the other nobles for gossip and build connections through lies.

..Not to mention, her excuse to marry the prince of Aēr.

(Y/n) narrowed her eyes at the garden path, stomping on the ground in frustration.

She hoped never to see that weakling again.

Wynn got caught a couple of minutes after she left.

That was the last time she saw him. A year passed, the Priestess arrived.. another year passed and the priestess died
instantaneously. (Y/n) got thrown to prison, met the prince of Hydōr one last time, and got executed. Well, that was the rough
summary of it.

Now that she truly thought about it, it seems that she doesn't have any particular bad memory with him. She hasn't directly done
anything physically harmful to him nor has he done anything that offended her to the point of wanting to eliminate him.. and
that's perhaps why she can still look at him in the eye without having a series of horrid flashbacks.

And yet, he wanted to be the judge for her execution.

Why?

Executions in Beifiel are not always done like the norm. Since the criminals sent to be executed in Beifiel had done too many
faults with a lot of people, anyone can present to be their judge. Depending on the reason, the priest decides whom should be
chosen.. Or that's how she interpreted it. That man she calls Robin vaguely explained it to her. He taught her almost everything
she knows about Beifiel.

(Y/n) looked at the sleeping Red and gently massaged his head with a finger. Compared to how he acts around Eldrin, he's
awfully behaved now. Although rather than liking Wynn, Red doesn't seem to be particularly interested in him at all.. considering
how he's not attempting to grab his attention like he does with Leon.

Robin..

I have a feeling I'll meet him soon..

"Princess.."

At the mention of her name, (Y/n) blinked. "Ah.. yes.. Is there something wrong?"

Isaac smiled. "You can sleep for a while if you're tired."

Sleep.. She glanced at the prince of Hydōr and nodded. Perhaps she should get some rest. A lot has happened in the span of
one day.

"Alright."

Three days..

They're finally in the Kingdom of Hydōr.

(Y/n), instead of feeling refreshed, felt too tired to even smile.. let alone speak.

Prince Wynn's state is worse than she thought.

Because they had no doctor with them, they had to personally assist him in everything. Sometimes, his hand would give out
when eating. Other times, his legs would give out when taking a stroll. (Y/n) can only silently thank the Heavens that she has
Isaac with her. Throughout their entire journey to Hydōr, she felt her patience getting tested. She used to hate doing such
bothersome things, but she had to keep herself from saying anything insulting or rude. She's not like that anymore. She
shouldn't do as she wants. Helping people is what she promised on doing.

I've changed.

That's what she always told herself.. but is that true? It seems she's only forcing herself to do good when she doesn't even know
what being good means. Donations? Giving gold coins? Assisting a person in need? No matter what she did, she couldn't help
but feel as though she's doing something wrong. Did she even care about the children in the orphanage? Did she even care
about her coachman's daughter? Is she really doing it out of goodwill?

What is it? What is she missing?

She felt lost.

"Princess.." Isaac looked concerned. "You're always getting lost in thought more frequently.. Please tell me if
something's bothering you."

Isaac.. She shouldn't make him worry more than this. This is not the right time to doubt her own actions. She can't answer her
own questions for now, but surely she will soon.

"Sorry.. I was just thinking about the entry permit." (Y/n) turned to the ill-looking prince. "Is it truly alright to give us the
special permit..? You can only give one once a year.."

Permits exist in order to keep the people in check. It's easier to monitor who came in and out of the Kingdoms with the permits
made by the mages. Because it's a long process, not a lot of people like to visit other Kingdoms except for Beifiel–which doesn't
need a permission for entry. Nobles, however, can give special permits which they can only use once every year.. such as,
unplanned visits from other nobles; their situation for example. Thus, they only use it for emergencies.

"Well, this is the first time I've ever used it.." Wynn smiled. "I'm glad that I was able to use it for a friend."

A.. friend?

She couldn't say anything.

So that's what it was.

The reason why she's hardly trying to befriend him. It never passed her mind.

How heartless. She hadn't even thought of being friends with him at all. Him, the sickly prince. She had only seen him as an
additional baggage.. Someone with very little relevance to her. She doesn't particularly hate him nor like him. Not on her other
life, not here. She didn't save him because she wanted to. She saved him because she felt the need to prove that she can help.
After this, she knew she was going to go back to her palace, resume her life and forget about him..

..Just like how she did before.

She's still holding on to the people she already knew.. Creating her own circle and turning away to those that don't belong.

What should I do? I want to talk.. but my voice won't come out.

"Ah.. I'm sorry.. I didn't want to offend you.." Wynn caught on to her silence. "I would only be a burden to you.. I'm sorry.."

What is he apologising for?

She couldn't get it. The longer she drowned in silence, the more the answer seemed to slip away.

Is she too cold-blooded to understand?

I'm confused.

I don't know.. I have to say something. I have to reply.

"I.."

The horses' neighs cut her words. She couldn't finish her sentence.

..Or rather, their arrival only helped on stopping her from saying the wrong response.

What was she going to tell him?

"We have arrived, your highness." Bard's voice cut through the silent air as the door opened.

Focus...

Forget it.

Don't think too much.

The less you know.. the better.

Turning a blind eye.. Keeping her eyes closed.. She doesn't even realise that she's already running away from herself.

She can't see what's in front. She can't see where she's running towards.

And subconsciously, she knew.

But it was the only thing she thought she had to do.

"Brother!" Two young boys rushed towards them, followed by two knights and what she presumed was Wynn's doctor.

Are they his brothers? They might be. By their slightly similar hair colors, she was certain that they were siblings or relatives of
some sort.

"You're safe.." one boy placed a hand over his mouth, as if holding his tears. "Thank goodness.."

They were worried for him.

..She felt envious.

But for what?

"Luca.. Lucius.." Wynn smiled gently, patting the boys on the head. "I'm sorry I worried you.."

Lucius, the blue-haired boy, pouted. "Please don't do this again.!"

Luca, the purple-haired boy, nodded. "Father was worried sick!"

Wynn only gave a smile.

Father? What about his mother? She felt the need to ask, but she didn't. Aside from that sounding rude, they weren't close
enough for her to pry in his personal affairs.

"Princess (Y/n).." Wynn's smile seemed to have brightened when he turned his head to her. "These are my younger
brothers.. Luca and Lucius." He motioned at the man standing behind the brothers. "This is my doctor, Argus."

(Y/n) made a small courtesy. "It's a pleasure to meet you." She smiled. "I am (Y/n) (L/n) from the Kingdom of Pyr."

They all looked surprised. No–more than surprised, it looks like they feel uneasy. It could be because they've heard of her name,
her bad reputation.. or it could be by the mention of her Kingdom. Nevertheless, she didn't fail to keep her composure. After all,
it's not unusual for them to be wary of a princess from the opposite Kingdom. She could understand how they might fear their
brother's safety with her presence.

But, even as she tried not to show it, their silence scared her more than Matteo's insults.

With the baker, she didn't have to worry about what he thinks of her. He's honest and he says what's on his mind without
hesitation. Even if it hurts, she could take it because she knew she deserved it. Danilo and Matteo are her Kingdom's people.
They are the ones who had seen and experienced the things she's done. However, with these people, she can't understand
what's running through their mind. Are they scared of her? Or is it because of their Kingdoms' relationship?

"Don't worry, she's a good person." Wynn's voice reached her ears.

(Y/n) clutched her dress. A good person.. How can he say that? He doesn't know her. He doesn't know what she had done..
What she's capable of doing. Just because she saved him doesn't make her a good person. Is he that naive?

She didn't even know why she felt so frustrated.

She's not like this with Isaac. She's not like this with Leon.. Eldrin.. Farvarus.. Sir Bard.. Father Laurel.. Then why does she feel
this way towards a prince she barely knew?

The eldest prince chuckled softly, looking at her with welcoming eyes. "She's my savior.. So be nice to her, okay?"

She couldn't say anything.

"She's the one who saved you?" the doctor asked.

She glanced at her knight, locking with his worried blue orbs with hesitation. Isaac deemed himself as the person who
understand her most, for sure, he can see what's running though her mind. If not, then she can presume that he knows what
she's feeling.

"Princess (Y/n).."

Perhaps she regrets leaving Wynn that day.

When they first met in her garden's gazebo. If she spoke to him that very day.. Would she had been consoled by his soft words?
Or is it because.. Underneath all that she deluded herself with, she actually couldn't forgive him for her execution?

She just couldn't understand. Why did he want to be the judge? What reason did he give to the priest that he was chosen? What
did she do to him?

Perhaps.. She shouldn't have saved him after all.

Even if she left him lying there, someone else would've found him. He will not die. She wanted to stop herself from thinking in
such a way, but she couldn't. Pathetic, really.

"Thank you for saving our brother!" They suddenly piped up, the uneasiness melting away from their bright smiles.

Her eyes widened.

She didn't want to hear their gratitude. If they thank her, it would make her guilt heavier. Are they doing this on purpose? She
stopped herself from thinking about it further. It's not their fault. They don't know. No one's doing anything on purpose. But even
that couldn't help her from feeling upset. What is it? Why is she feeling such dislike?

"Thank you for saving him, your highness. I apologize for our insulting behavior.." Argus bowed his head in gratitude,
looking guilty for doubting her. "Would you like to have some tea? His Majesty would be delighted to meet you."

She wanted to refuse, but she felt obliged to accept his offer.

"Only if you want to, princess (Y/n).." Wynn smiled kindly.

Why can't he just tell her to stay straightforwardly? Does he not want her around after all? Again, there she was again, feeling
upset over nothing. What is it with this prince that makes her so troubled? Is it his gentle look? His small voice?

"Of course. I'd be glad to." She made sure she wasn't gritting her teeth as she said so. If she was annoyed, it certainly didn't
show on her smiling face. Maybe she can sort her feelings when she can know more about the prince. She didn't want to keep
being this way.

She won't be able to redeem herself properly if she continues like this.

Why am I so irritated?

"Quick, quick..! Tell everyone to prepare some snacks!" Wynn rushed his doctor as he smiled brightly like a child. "How
about taking a tour in the Kingdom while we're here? I would like to show you the ocean.!" He looked incredibly happy–
perhaps too happy even. He frightened everyone by fainting right after he said it.

"Prince Wynn..!"

She wanted to resolve this fast.

Y/N

LOG 9 (Two weeks prior)

Leon almost didn't want to go back to his Kingdom.

For someone I thought was very mature for his age, I almost forgot that he's still a child. He made a lot of excuses and really
stressed Farvarus out. The poor knight, as he couldn't go against Leon, could only nod and agree to everything he wanted. With
how he couldn't reject the stoic prince, I could sort of relate to him in a way.. so I gave him a bit of help and convinced Leon to go
home.

I expected Leon would be more stubborn, but oddly enough, he accepted it quite easily than I thought. They set off yesterday
without telling me.. I feel just a tad bit bitter about it. If he wanted to go home that badly, he shouldn't have made such a fuss
about it.

He could've at least said good bye.

But anyway, now that Leon isn't around, I finally told Isaac about my thoughts on everything that's happened so far. I also told
him about how I had never met Eldrin in the other timeline and he said that it could've been a coincidence. There's a lot of people
I don't know in all the Kingdoms and there was a big chance that I simply missed her.

Isaac does have a point and I also want to think that she's not someone suspicious, but I truly feel like there's something..
strange about her. She knew about the secret note that Leon hid.. even the prince was surprised. How she even knew about it is
beyond me.

Am I reading too much into this?

PS I'm going to Beifiel in a week from now.. I think. Just the thought of it makes me feel antsy. I still don't think I can tell Isaac
right now.. I'll wait for a couple more days. I'm sure I'll be ready by then.

PPS I must've looked like I really wanted to eat something. Isaac brought me cream puffs.

PPPS He's really cute. Seeing him running around with a plate of cream-filled pastry is enough to cheer me up.

PPPPS Sorry Isaac, I really wasn't hungry. I'll save it for tomorrow morning.

KINGDOM SPOTLIGHT:

AETHRA
KINGDOM OF HYDŌR (Water) /hü'-dōr/

• Also known as The Kingdom of the South. The spirit of the blue dragon protects them.

• Their people's magical affinity is water.

• Their Kingdom's inhabitants aren't as forgiving as how one would expect they would be basing from their element. However,
they do care more about their families than the rest of the three Kingdoms. They're caring and loving to their own peers, but
don't associate much with outsiders.

• Out of all the lands in Aethra, they have the largest occupancy of water and has the most marine life (as they put in a lot of care
for their own element). They have high production when it comes to soap–which is extremely famous in all the Kingdoms, and
they have the best doctors.

Additional information will be added in future chapters.

DETAILS:

Narration [normal text]

"Lines" [bold]

Thoughts [italic]

Flashback [middle]

LOG ENTRY [right]

"Not everyone gets a second chance. In my case, I didn't deserve it and yet it was given to me. That's why I'll make the best of it and change. I'll redeem

myself, I promise you that"

– Miss Villainess