Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 72

Chapter 72: The Heroine & Hero

The next morning, Ahcehera and Richard arrived at the academy together.

The atmosphere buzzed with whispers and curious glances as the news of their engagement spread like wildfire over Starnet.

Discussions ranged from admiration to disbelief, with many questioning why the princess had been paired with Richard, the third son of Duke Mors, instead of the renowned Major General Richmond Mors, the youngest hero.

However, Richard and Ahcehera maintained their composure and moved across the academy grounds with a confident, relaxed demeanor.

They knew the scrutiny was inevitable and chose not to let it affect them outwardly.

There’s a lot of work to do… Ahcehera, meanwhile, sat by herself in her office, planning schedules and mission reports.

Her workstation was bathed in a golden glow as the morning sun streamed in through the window.

She was grateful for the moment of solitude after the whirlwind of the previous days. Huh? Someone is coming.

The sudden slam of her office door startled her. She looked up to see Major General Richmond Mors standing there, his expression stormy, his eyes blazing with intensity.

“Major General Mors?” she said, rising from her chair, her voice laced with surprise and concern. “What’s the meaning of this?”

He closed the door behind him and stepped into the room. His movements were quick, and he exuded barely contained rage. What’s wrong with this guy?

“You’re engaged,” he said, his voice low but filled with emotion.

Ahcehera’s heart sank. She had expected questions, even criticism, but not this confrontation from Richmond. “Yes,” she replied, meeting his gaze directly. “It’s true.”

“Why him?” Richmond demanded, his voice rising slightly. “Out of everyone, why Richard?”

Why will he care all of a sudden? Ahcehera took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. He should mind his own business.

“It was my decision, Major General Mors. And it’s not something I intend to explain to everyone who questions it.”

Richmond laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “You don’t owe an explanation to everyone, but you owe one to me. I…” He stopped himself, his fists clenching at his sides.

“What?” she asked as confusion engulfed her peace. “What is it you want to say? I owe you something?”

His face was equally uncomfortable and frustrated as he gazed at her.

“You could have chosen someone who matches your strength and standing. Someone who could fight alongside you as an equal. Instead, you chose… him.”

“Richard is more than capable,” Ahcehera replied firmly. “He’s proven himself time and time again. He’s not the same person you think he is, Major Mors. And this isn’t about you.”

Richmond’s jaw tightened. “You’re right. It’s not about me. But don’t expect me to stand by and pretend this is just another political match.”

Ahcehera’s eyes narrowed. “You think this is a political decision?”

“What else could it be?” Richmond shot back.

“Enough,” Ahcehera said, her tone icy. “You don’t know the full story, Major Mors. And frankly, it’s none of your business. My decisions are mine to make.”

The tension in the room was evident as Richmond stared at her for a while. At last, he let out a sharp breath and turned to face the door.

“Fine,” he said, his voice quiet but edged with bitterness. “But don’t expect me to support this.”

I don’t need you to…

Without another word, he left the office, leaving Ahcehera standing there, her hands gripping the edge of her desk.

Who does he think he is? Her emotions swirled, frustration, anger, and an undercurrent of madness.

She took a deep breath, willing herself to focus. Richmond’s reaction had been unexpected, but it didn’t change her resolve. She had made her choice, and she would see it through.

–

In the afternoon she suddenly saw Khaterine and Richmond. The hero and heroine of the novel was in the same place. They’ve finally met! Interesting.

Ahcehera stood frozen as the scene unfolded before her. Khaterine and Richmond were just a few steps away, standing face-to-face near the academy’s central garden.

Tension permeated the air, and the distant talk and gentle rustle of leaves stood in bleak contrast to the heated nature of their encounter.

Richmond’s posture was tight, his brows pinched, his face cold. Every syllable from his lips was picked up by Ahcehera’s keen senses. Something’s wrong with them.

“Can you respect yourself?” Richmond’s tone was cutting, devoid of his usual composure. “Stay away from me.”

Khaterine’s face crumpled, her bright eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She opened her mouth to say something, but no sound came out at first.

Her trembling hands betrayed her emotional turmoil as she seemed to struggle with the weight of his words.

Ahcehera observed from the shadows of the nearby corridor, her heart inexplicably tightening at the sight. No way. They can’t conflict with each other.

They are destined together. She wasn’t sure what had transpired between them, but the usually confident Khaterine looked utterly devastated.

Ahcehera was so engrossed in the moment that she didn’t sense Richard’s approach until he was standing right beside her.

He leaned in slightly, his voice low, warm, and teasing as it tickled her ear.

“Do you like my second brother?” he whispered, his tone light, but his words carried an undertone of curiosity.

Ahcehera’s eyes widened slightly, and she turned her head to look at him, startled by his sudden presence and his question. Are you sick?

His dark eyes held a glint of amusement, but there was something else there too, something unreadable. Or jealous?

“What kind of question is that?” she retorted in a hushed tone, recovering quickly. “Why would you even think that?”

Richard smirked, leaning casually against the wall as he crossed his arms. “Because you’re staring at him like you’re trying to solve a puzzle. It’s written all over your face, Princess.”

Ahcehera frowned, her cheeks warming ever so slightly. “I’m observing. That’s all. Something about this doesn’t feel right.”

Richard’s smirk faded slightly, his expression becoming more thoughtful as he followed her gaze back to Richmond and Khaterine.

“You’re not wrong,” he murmured. “Something does feel off. My brother doesn’t usually lose his temper like that, especially in public.”

Ahcehera nodded, her instincts telling her that there was more to this than met the eye.

Her gaze flickered back to Khaterine, who was now silently wiping her tears and walking away in the opposite direction.

Richmond stood there for a moment longer, his jaw tight, before turning on his heel and heading toward the training grounds.

“Do you think it has anything to do with her?” Richard asked, his voice soft but pointed.

“Possibly,” Ahcehera replied, her tone neutral. “But I won’t jump to conclusions without more information.”

Richard tilted his head, watching her closely. “You’re always so composed, even when you’re clearly curious. It’s admirable.”

Ahcehera gave him a sidelong glance, her lips curving into a faint smile. “And you’re always so nosy, Richard. It’s consistent.”

He chuckled, the sound low and genuine. “Fair enough. But if you ever need help piecing things together, you know where to find me.”