Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 13 - Damian's Departure

It had been a month since I began visiting Damian in his tower. I went there almost everyday, and we had grown much closer. However, all good things came to an end eventually, and he would soon leave for the academy.

"I don't want you to leave!"

"Then I won't."

I blinked in surprise. It had been another fun afternoon, and I was only pretending to be the bratty little sister.

"No, actually, do go. I want you to become the best mage in the kingdom!"

Damian smiled and hugged me.

"Then I will. Whatever makes you happy, sweet Val."

Why was he like this, when we had only just become close? If he were like this to me, then wouldn't he be like this to the female lead as well? I knew things like this happened quickly in novels, especially for the female lead, but this wasn't natural. Was it a sign his mana madness was getting worse?

"No. I want you to promise me that whatever happens, you'll become the best mage in the kingdom. And stay with me forever."

'Only then can I guarantee that you'll be useful to me and you won't betray me. Only then can our family stand a chance, in the worst case scenario.'

"I swear, on our family's honour."

I smiled, satisfied. Darker thoughts occupied my mind.

'And I promise that I'll find a cure. I'll definitely save you.'

"Let's go on a picnic before I leave. Just you and me."

Damian's offer chased the unpleasant things from my head. For now, I just wanted to have fun with my brother.

"Yes, that sounds excellent!"

I had never gone on a picnic in my past life, but I did go on a few in this life with my family. However, this was the first time it would just be Damian and I, except for a few maids, obviously.

The next afternoon, we walked from the castle together. He led me past our garden, and into the forest behind it.

"Are we there yet?"

"Soon, Val."

We stopped in front of an oddly thick tree. Damian held out a hand in front of him, his other hand holding mine. Slowly, the trunk parted into two and shifted into a small door. We went inside, and I gasped. He smiled proudly.

"It's so beautiful!"

The place was a small clearing, surrounded by pretty flowers of all colours and a ring of large trees outside of them; so it was completely secluded from the rest of the world, except for the other side, which overlooked a flowing river. Sunlight filtered through the layers of leaves at the top, so it was bright but not too hot. The sweet scent of the flowers mixed with the delicious smell of the food, which sat on a large blanket in the center.

"Do you like it?"

"Of course! This is so amazing!"

I was thrilled for more reasons than one. Obviously, I loved that my brother prepared all this, and I was looking forward to a good time. But besides that, this was the secret place he liked to go to to clear his head, and in the novel, he told the female lead that she was the only one he had ever shown it to. It was a special moment and marked a development in their relationship.

The original Valentina must have never even tried to get close to her brother. She must've thought that she wouldn't need his love or support, she wouldn't have any use for it. It was such a pity, and I was so happy I was different. I was so happy he was my brother.