The villainess aims for a peaceful life 65 Too many birds with a single stone.

As questions appeared in my head my breathing quicken and my heart was pounding so loud, that it was all I could hear. The smell of blood made me sick and I couldn't avert of my eyes of it's source.

I felt as if the room was becoming smaller and smaller, my head felt a cold sensation, which spread all over my body until it made me start trembled. In my inability to look elsewhere or to take this scene like any other, my state of panic only grew worse and when my body was about to to give in, a strong hug caught me.

Putting my head on his chest, Brother blocked my view from the horrendous scene in front of me. Smelling his fragrance, the deep breaths that I were forced to take became normal. Brother patted my back and coaxed me like a little child.

Once he saw that I was feeling better, he took me out of the house.

"Aaah"

Feeling the warmth on my skin, I tried to forget the scene inside. I looked at beautiful blue sky and the festive mood that still permeated even though something terrible just happen.

It wasn't their fault. They didn't know the struggles happening behind the scenes and it was the job of nobles to keep this under the rug.

Yes, it's their job. My job.

Taking another deep breath, I forced my mind to be clear. This was not the time to be panicking, the sh*t was just sent flying to the fan, and she should come with a cleaning method that it wouldn't dirty her too much.

"Cecile, you can let me handle things here. You shouldn't be involved in this at first place"

I looked at my Brother, who had worry almost overflowing from him. This familiar sight, made a small, still a bit strained, smile appear on my lips.

"Maybe you're right and I shouldn't have got involved, unfortunately it's to late now and I need to be involved if I want it or not"

"Alas. Brother's sorry for you, my Princess"

"Don't be Brother. This was my own choice"

Yes. I chose to be part of the plan. I could have just informed Dad and let the government handle it. Although it could affect me, I'm sure Father would do things in a way it would only benefit me. But I still chose to participate. Why should I you ask? I'm not even sure myself. Maybe pride or maybe I just wanted to show how powerful I've became even after being thrown away. Maybe it was both. Well, it didn't matter now. It didn't matter if I could Albert regret his choices or if I manage to make people stop looking at me with a pitiful gaze.

What I really wanted right now by the end of this event was Fournier's head. I won't stop until I get the bastard behind this.

Looking once more to the happy faces around me and the warm and bright sun, I chose to return to the dark and gloomy house.

***

In front of me laid five bodies. Four of them had armors, while the fifth had noble garments.

Guilt weighted on me seeing the four knights on the floor. I knew all of them my whole life. They played with me and watch me grow all this years. They had been protecting me since always, but now they laid down on this cold and filthy floor.

I wish nothing more than to avert my eyes from their lifeless bodies, but I forced myself to keep looking so that I could engrave this scene. This were my pride and over the top ego took me. I won't let this happen a second time and will catch the bastard who is responsible for this.

Making this pledge that I was not sure if it was for my soldiers sake or mine, I could hear my Brother's bewildered voice.

"Although I knew Fournier was a ruthless character, I didn't imagine that he would sacrifice he only son to make a comeback at us"

I could only scoff at Older Brother's remark.

"He should be trying to dispose of him for a long time, he just used the opportunity that he got"

"Why do you say that?"

"Although Mayne was a bit clever, he was nowhere near his Father. He was always more concerned about girls than his duties or his family's business. I am sure Fournier was dissatisfied with his son from a long time ago. Hell, who knows he may even have an illegitimate son that is just as an old haze like him and will promote him as heir after the dust settles down"

"It makes sense. Even so... damn, it's his son. I can't wrap my head around this"

"You should get used to it, as the Prime Minister I'm sure you'll see things even worse than this"

Finally taking my eyes off the bodies on the ground, I looked at Brother who was apparently still musing over the ruthlessness of the Duke.

"Nissama, ask your men to investigate the scene quickly, I want the body of my men by the end of the day"

"Sure, they'll start now. What are you going to do? The aftermath of this incident will affect you quite a bit. Of course we can protect you and I will help with whatever you need. I will follow you whatever your next steps are"

I could help but clench my fist.

Yes, I'll be VERY affected by this. I apprehended the Mayne in a public place and now he appeared dead. Besides, his Father escaped like his life depend on it. With this Cerberus will come to light and they will be accused of killing a noble. The reputation that I built will crumble and my company will suffer a hit.

I will not only be scorned from outsiders but also by people close to me. With the death of four of their companions Dubois Knights, who already disliked Cerberus, will see them as the murder of the brothers and me, the one who shelter and cared for the murderer, will be excluded and distrusted.

Aside from affecting me, Fournier could make it appear as if it was all Father's orders, who supposedly was tired of their fight and decided to eliminate him. He could sue Father for the attempt and pin his son murder on him. Even if Father was pled innocent in the end, his prestige would fall and the nobles would get suspicious and exclude the Dubois Family for self-protection.

It was a well-thought plan that kill to many birds with a single rock. In the end the result of it would be the Dubois's fall.

Chapter end