Saving The Unfortunate Villainess: Chapter 4

Atlas

“Would you believe me if I said I’ve seen her in my dreams on more than one occasion?” I asked, praying they would go along with it.

“If we believe that to be true, then why didn’t you try to find her earlier?”

“I had no idea where she actually was or if she was even real until I saw the paper Dad was holding this morning. I’ve seen many instances of her life over the years through my dreams, and she’s had a real bad time.” My eyes are stern as I look on at both of my parents, contemplating my words.

“Did you see what actually took place between her and the prince?” My mother asked curiously, with that being the most concerning issue.

“Yes, excuse my language, but that prince is a bastard. Also, the main culprit of everything is the Saintess. She’s a literal demon in human skin. Every single charge against Chloe was orchestrated by that evil Saintess. That’s why I mentioned earlier about actually being able to trust royalty.”

I watched on as both my parents had an epiphany at my words.

“She’s a very sweet, introverted girl who gets easily taken advantage of because of her personality. I’m telling you with one hundred percent certainty that she would never harm me or anyone in this house.” If she had a good upbringing with a family who actually supported her, this would have never happened.

“Are you planning to marry her?”

I flinched slightly at how straightforward that question was. “That’s the plan, but I’m sure she isn’t ready for something like that. I want to use the personal assistant position to grow closer to her. Then ask for her hand by using Father's one request to the king. Of course, with your permission, that’s the only way to free her from those false charges. Plus, if I’m going to lead this house in the future, if the king actually wants my financial support, this must be done.” I laid down all of my plans; now to find out their verdict.

“Dear, our son has surely grown up. It’s a very logical plan that has a very high chance of success. But dealing with the royal family and the Saintess is going to cause a lot of friction later on.” My father warned.

“It’s worth it to me. I’m sure the both of you would feel the same way if you lived through her nightmare in your dreams. She’s literally the most unlucky girl in the world, and she deserves to be happy.”

With my words, my mom and dad both come over to me. My mother sits down next to me with a hug, and my father is in front with his hand on my shoulder.

“We will always support you, and you know how we feel about the traditions of nobles. If you truly feel this girl is the one, we won’t interfere. But we also couldn’t live it down if we didn’t help you either. When you’re ready to take that step, I will go speak with the king. Also, please don’t try to do anything dangerous without at least consulting us first.”

“Your father's right; please don’t ever do anything dangerous without running it by us. I don’t have any problem accepting Chloe with you obviously making up your mind already, Atlas.”

“Thank you very much for believing in me. I will go see if Avril is doing well with Chloe or possibly freaking her out.” I said with a chuckle as I got up to leave the room; my parents’ laughter continued on as I walked out.

Leaving my parents in the study, I quicken my pace in the direction of my sister and favorite girl. My talk went a lot longer than I had thought, so she should be all cleaned up and feeling refreshed. Surprisingly, I heard a noise coming from my room. Did Avril really take her there?

Knock Knock

Even with this being my room, I don’t want to enter when someone could possibly be dressing in there.

“Come in, bro.” Avril cheered as I heard her running up to the door.

Like a bullet, she launches herself into my midsection as she typically does. Looking down, I see her soft pink hair going side to side as she rubs her head against my chest.

“Is everything all good, Avril?” Out of the corner of my eye, I look over at Chloe to make sure she’s okay.

“Yes, doesn’t she look beautiful?” Avril turns around and points. “I found something that looks perfect on her from Mom’s closet.” She looked up at me, expectant of a reward.

I rub her head. “Great job, Avril. Can you do your brother a favor and let me talk to Chloe for a while?" She gave me a hurt look. "You can come back later.” I said with a smile.

“Ah, do I have to?” She complained.

“Yes, please let us have a private conversation. It’s important, so go see what Mom and Dad are doing. Maybe suggest some of your favorite foods for the feast a little later?” I suggested

“Oh, oh, that’s a good idea.” With those words, she darted out of the room.

Looking over at Chloe, I couldn’t help but have a huge grin on my face. I can’t believe I’ve actually made this become reality. Those feelings I felt when I read that garbage story in my past life have brought me all the way here. Someone was listening to my prayer or wish and brought me to this world. I assume this is the reason for my reincarnation. If only I could have gotten some amazing power, but at least I have money.

I sit down next to her, but not too close in case she’s still not feeling comfortable. Looking over at her face, who has kept her eyes locked on mine ever since I entered the room.

“How are you?” I asked with a soft tone.

"I'm okay,” she replied.

“Are the clothes comfortable? We can go get your own tomorrow.” I suggested.

“They’re very comfortable." Her eyes darted down, looking towards the ground, while her leg was tapping with intensity. Some kind of nervous tick, maybe?

“That’s great! Think of this place as your home from now on, and please tell me if anyone bothers you. My family will accept you with no issues. We’re not like any normal noble family with having to hold onto typical traditions.”

“What happens now?” Chloe asked timidly.

“Whatever you want, but I would like you to work with me.”

“Work?” She tilts her head cutely.

“I will be starting my role of learning to take over the family starting this year, and I’m in need of a personal assistant. For now, I was hoping you would accept this role.” After my words, Chloe was in deep contemplation for a good few minutes. I just sat there waiting for her response in no particular rush.

“I don’t understand why you’re going so far to help me.”

“Well, I could tell you everything, but it would probably sound insane. The best thing I could say is that I’m on your side, always.”

"But how can you say that when you know nothing about me?" She looked conflicted. "We just met; I’m confused at how it seems like you already know me so well.” It’s so very hard to keep a straight face when she looks so deeply at me. Chloe is very beautiful; I can’t get over it. She has those deep blue sapphire eyes with her silky, silver-white hair and beautiful, pale white skin after a much-needed shower. That prince was insane to choose that bitch of a Saintess over her.

The best way to explain this is dreams, because reincarnation is way too fantastical for most people to understand. Also, learning about her life from a book would probably never make sense.

“For a long time now, I’ve been having dreams at night where I’ve seen different moments of a certain girl’s life. She was shunned by her stepmother and sister with a lot of abuse. Her father was negligent, not caring about his own daughter’s well-being. There was also a saintess who did everything in her power to incriminate the main romantic rival for some stupid prince’s hand that, in my opinion, is not worth it.” I paused to gauge her reaction.

“What?” Chloe had wide-open eyes at my revelations of her life.

I just smiled at her and continued, “I’ve wanted to find you for a very long time, but I was having issues placing your current location from what I was shown. That was until this very morning, and I saw your picture in the paper about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. I thought to myself, this was my chance. Once I got my mom and dad’s approval, I made my way to the auction house, and there you were. The most unfortunate girl in the world and the one I desperately wanted to find.”

As I finished, Chloe’s eyes were literally fountains of tears. This time my eyes widen, and I do the first thing that comes to mind. I moved my body right next to her and gave her a big bear hug. She gave me absolutely no refusal, completely accepting my actions. We sat like that for a while, just allowing her to let out all her emotions. I’m not exactly sure what Chloe’s thinking, but I at least hope she feels that she’s no longer alone.

“At first I thought it was just a figment of my imagination, but today there you were. Do you see what I mean about something that would be hard to accept?” I felt Chloe’s head nod in my arms.

“I believe you.” She said with a muffled sniffle.

“Through seeing you in my dreams, I grew to care a lot about you, and I wanted more than anything to take care of you. So, I will be up front and say I wish to make you my wife in the future.” I felt Chloe tense up in my arms. “Don’t worry; I won’t force your hand right now; that’s why I suggest a personal assistant position next to me. Get to know each other, and let me know when you feel comfortable starting a relationship together.”

“Even if I agreed to that, certain individuals would never accept it. Your family could be put into a dangerous position in the future.” Chloe said with worry in her voice as she peered up at me, her eyes just above her sleeve. So cute is all I could think.

“Do you know what the Langston family is famous for? I know we keep to ourselves most of the time, so maybe you haven’t found out.” I asked quizzically.

“Um, I’m not sure.” She said it in a soft tone.

“This kingdom would have fallen apart a long time ago if it wasn’t for my family. We currently have a little over fifty percent of the economy running through us. The majority of it is in jewels, as we own some of the most profitable mines. We cut those and sell them in our many shops around the kingdom. With all this wealth, the crown has come asking for money on more than one occasion. From this, we’ve got a one-time promise from the King to allow anything we want.”

“You don’t mean?” Chloe asked, with surprise written all over her face.

“Yes, my father already agreed I can use it for you to clear your name, allowing me to marry you in the future. Also, if anyone ever talked down to you about your past, they would forever be banned from the best jewelry in the kingdom. So, it’s a literal death sentence for anyone in high society.

“Thank you.” Chloe muttered. I felt her grab my hand and grip it tightly.

Such great progress! Now I just need to ease her into it in the future. I know she’s still hurting and needs healing. Chloe seems receptive to the idea, as she didn’t give any strong negative reaction. The fact her choices are very slim helps, but at the same time, it’s not a bad deal. Living as the wife of the richest family in the kingdom, and not to mention, I will shower her with love in the future.

“Did you want to sleep in this room?” I asked curiously, knowing she probably doesn’t understand who this room belongs to.

“Umm… I don’t mind.” She said shyly.

“Did my sister tell you whose room this is?”

“No.”

“It’s mine. I mean, we could share the bed if you want.” I said with a grin as I watched her face full of shock. “I’ve already set up the room next to mine so you don’t have to worry too much; I won’t force you to do something like that.”

I watched on as she got pretty red and turned away, staring at the wall. I’m sure she wasn’t comfortable sleeping in my room just yet, especially since we’ve not even known each other for more than a day.

“Let’s go find out what we’re having for dinner." My hand still being held by hers, I pull her in the direction of the dining room. There was still this feeling of coldness every time we touched. It was very strange but comfortable at the same time.