I Will Die As The Villainess √

31: Reign Of Terror

"I am no witch!! Please, believe me!"

The blonde countess screamed in anguish, eyes filled with desperation. (Karma be like-)

People from all status came to see the entertainment. Commoners retorted back with cruel words while the nobles look terrified and stunned. The priest continued reading the sacred scriptures in front of the suffering woman, trying to convince the woman she is a witch.

The fire slowly ate her pale skin as she screams in agony. More wood was thrown at the fire to completely turn her into ashes. Spectators look at her with disgust while she just glared at them.

Terrorized screams mixed with laughter filled the area.

The woman being burned at the stake stop screaming, indicating she was no longer breathing. People began leaving as the villainess and her maid stayed to observe the area.

The fear, once again; returns after the woman finally died. Everyone started whispering, spreading more rumors on who is a witch.

Everything was going as planned.

It was a game of accusations.

'I spent three months taking action.'

The villainess thought as she heard a familiar whimper and soon found herself eyeing the heroine. She was being supported by the prince as she cries.

'Soon this Empire will collapse.'

'I wonder how they'll prevent it.'

She glances back at the stake to see the lifeless countess, still being burned. She was busy staring at the fire she didn't realize Celestia was tugging her cloak.

"My lady, it's time to go."

Celestia's words made her stop staring as she glances at the maid. She sighs as they both went inside the carriage. Soon the carriage started moving towards the palace.

"What's the schedule today?" The villainess asks while looking outside.

This past week was filled with terror, fear, and the smell of burning flesh.

Numerous nobles were accused of dark magic users, also known as witches or warlock. This chaos created various problems so the Duke gave her the responsibility to solve some of them.

'This is irritating.'

"The Empress held a conference and we are late." The maid answered.

"That's it?"

"Yes My lady."

'I couldn't care less if we are late.'

"My lady, do you by now realize you're killing numerous innocent people?"

'Eh? That was the goal.'

"Yes, and I'm not repenting."

"May I know why?"

"No."

Silence engulfed the atmosphere as the carriage came to halt. The villainess first exited and without any worries, she entered the majestic palace as her maid follows.
.
.
.

"You are late." One of the nobles stated as everyone who hated her glare. The heroine, on the other hand, looks astonished, and her eyes glimmer as she looks at the villainess. Fortunately, the villainess didn't look at her because she wasn't that important.

"I apologize for that." She formally spoke as she went and sat beside Celestine. Every noblewoman gathered around the table while drinking the tea that was served. Some ladies with the usual calm and sweet demeanor gaze at each other with suspicion. They were a bit paranoid that one of them would start accusing.

Unbeknownst to each of their terrified face hides a winning smile, delighted that their enemies didn't attend for they were burned to death.

"We need to take action or else we are going to be executed just like Countess Avale."

The heroine who was beside the Empress freeze as she heard the name. The villainess notices this and almost smirk.

"It's not just Countess Avale." 

The sudden voice and hatred made the villainess who was gazing down look up, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"There were also ten innocent lower noblewomen who were accused." 

Knile stared at the woman who spoke and finally realizes how that woman currently hates the Empress. She doesn't know the details but she can just assume that the woman who corrected her majesty is someone filled with jealousy towards the countess. She might also come from lower nobility because of how she mentioned the victims.

'This display of courage... No one would ever dare to correct someone higher if it's needed..'

"How did this even happened..." Celestine whispered.

"If this continues I'm afraid some of us here can perish. The aristocrats and nobles, they are the only ones who can control magic." The heroine said as she bites her lower lip.

"So frankly we are the targets." One of the viscounts spoke.

"Well except for the five Dukes and their family. They have been blessed with light magic by the goddess so they can't get accused." Another lady said as she glared at Celestine and Knile.

'Jealous much?'

"What? Planning on getting me executed?" Celestine mock as she smirks.

"What?! I'm afraid you are jumping to conclusions just like what you did during your birthday!"

Her mere statement made Celestine's eye glint.

"Lady, refrain from starting a fight." The villainess stated, eyes narrowing.

'Oi, stop pissing her. We don't want pig arguing right now.'

"Hmph!" The lady reacted while Celestine on the other hand grit her teeth and clench her fist, mad that her sister tried to stop the fun.

"Anyways, what do you ladies think? How did this start?"

'Seriously? Your the Empress yet you didn't investigate? Are you even sure you're doing your job properly?'

'Or are you just showing ignorance to show how you didn't take advantage of the situation? I'm pretty sure you caused some accusations.'

"Your majesty, you haven't investigated yet?"

'Eh?'

"Pardon?"

"We are in a state of crisis. You should be the one pointing out facts." Slamming the table, the anti-social duchess stood as her emerald eyes spark.

"Why is it that your acting ignorant?" The duchess of Leyn spoke hastily. This was the first time they saw her furious. Well, it's still a surprise she decided to come since the Leyn dukedom doesn't participate in any occasions.

'Ah, Duchess Aira Leyn. Aside from the villainess, she was also one of the best characters. During the war, she voluntarily asks the prince to take control of the army. She's like one of those badass female knights..'

"Ha.." She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself from the sudden outburst. "I apologize for that."

'She isn't that influential but she isn't that ignorant. One can say she can be a prodigy.'

"It's alright. We all know you're just trying to save everyone." The heroine with kindness spoke. She and the villainess were the only people who didn't get surprised. Everyone was just overlooking how naive and kind she is because they were still traumatized from the sudden shout.

"Anyways, I think the church is the mastermind behind the commotion."

---------------------------------