: The Decision

"Ysavel, Ysavel!"

   I wake up suddenly, sensing a strange sensation pulling at me, almost like a vacuum, and I find myself unable to resist its force.

   As I open my eyes, I find myself standing once again in front of the man I spoke to earlier. Glancing around, I desperately search for a way to return to the real world. I miss Lena. I want to go back now.

    "I guess you have made your decision now, Ysavel. However, I must ask you again. Are you truly prepared to return and abandon this world? Remember, Ysavel, despite being its creator, all the people of this world are living beings. If you choose to leave, you will be responsible for their demise. Are you willing to make that choice?"

   What does he mean? Are all the people I encountered here actual people? They're not merely characters from my story? If that's true, if I truly return, then... I shake my head, dismissing my thoughts.

    Would I dare to go back?

"Ysavel, time is running out. What's your decision? Are you certain about going back?"

Memories of my time in this fictional world flood my mind. The moments with the Count and Countess, the parents I never had in reality. Rufus, Prince Fraser, and Princess Paislee, the friends I've made here. Friends I'll lose if I leave now. Can I truly abandon them and let them perish because of my selfishness?

"Ysavel, if you choose to stay, you must complete the entire story as Csille. This means embodying the role of the villainess and causing harm to all those you care about. Can you bear to hurt the Count, the Countess, Princess Paislee, and Prince Fraser? Will you let them perish? The decision rests solely with you, Ysavel."

I take a deep breath. If I choose to stay, then I have no choice but to be the villainess? But if I don't, everyone will die in this world.

I don't know what to do. I simply want to go back. Please let me return. It doesn't matter where. I just want to get away from this place.

"You've made your choice, Ysavel. I hope it's one you won't regret."

I glance at the man, puzzled. "What do you mean? I haven't decided yet."

"You already have, Ysavel. You want to return, don't you? You want to leave this place."

"Yes, but I haven't chosen which world to return to."

The man chuckled. "Ysavel, the notebook knows. It knows what your heart truly desires. If you want to go back, it will take you there. I hope you won't regret the choice your heart has made."

"Hold on, I still have questions. What do you mean I need to finish the novel as Csille? I still haven't finished writing it yet-"

"I can't answer all your questions right now, Ysavel. But soon, I will. Just remember this, someone will give you a gift. You need to take care of it. I'll see you soon, Ysavel Vlahos."

After the man uttered those words, darkness enveloped the surroundings, and I sensed myself floating.

Floating? It's as if there's no gravity.

I tried kicking my feet, but it's no use. I continued to float. After a minute or so, I felt the return of gravity. It pulled me, and I sensed myself falling.

I'm falling!!

My body jerked, and I landed on a soft surface. I opened my eyes and sighed. It was Csille's room on the ship.

I'm back! I chose the fictional world? I sighed. At least this world wouldn't collapse, and they wouldn't die.

  But you need to be a villainess, Ysavel! My mind shouted at me. I have no choice. It's better than to let these people die.

I survey the area, finding it empty except for myself. Others must be preoccupied with Farren's condition. Determined, I step out of my room and navigate myself through the ship. Realizing I haven't had the chance to explore since we boarded the ship.

I notice several maids pacing anxiously. Following their movements, I realize they're heading to a room, likely Princess Paislee's, where she may still be unconscious. As they enter, I approach the room and attempt to listen in on their conversation from outside. Struggling to hear anything, I cautiously open the door slightly to get a better view and eavesdrop on the conversation inside.

   Observing Prince Fraser sitting by Farren's side, holding his hand, I couldn't help but notice the intimacy of the moment. Another scene straight out of a boys' love novel? Well, maybe choosing this world isn't so bad after all, considering the captivating scenes it offers.

"What did Doctor Marcus say about Farren's condition?" Prince Fraser asked the maid.

"Your Highness, Doctor Marcus mentioned that Farren likely fainted due to fatigue. Considering he recently underwent surgery, embarking on a long journey wouldn't be advisable. The Doctor said that he just needs some rest, and he will be okay after."" the maid replied.

Prince Fraser nods his head and continues to stare at the unconscious Farren. Anxiety is evident in his eyes, showing his worry for Farren's condition.

I'm pretty sure he is blaming himself, as if he believes Farren wouldn't be in danger if not for him. I know what he is thinking because I write this.

It's the beginning. Prince Fraser initially believed his concern for Farren stemmed solely from gratitude for saving him. Yet, he realizes it runs deeper. He's beginning to develop unexpected feelings for him.

"Please be okay, Farren." He whispered to Farren while holding Farren's hand dearly. Like the one, he is holding is the love of his life. Well, technically, Farren is. But Prince Fraser still doesn't know about this.

I should be happy. While I'm somewhat flustered by the scene unfolding before me, I'm also puzzled by the conflicting emotions I'm experiencing. Alongside the flustered feeling, there's an undercurrent of sadness and disappointment that I can't quite comprehend.

   I sigh and take a last look at Prince Fraser and Farren before I walk back to my room.

   I don't understand why I am feeling like this. Why am I experiencing disappointment instead of happiness? Shouldn't I be delighted? After all, I was the one who made them as my lead characters. Shouldn't I feel happy knowing they're interacting in real life now?

    Lying on my bed, I gaze at the ceiling, pondering my emotions. Could it be that I'm feeling this way because I miss Lena? Perhaps seeing Prince Fraser with Farren triggers sadness in me. At least Prince Fraser has someone like Farren now.

But who do I have?

____________

    "Welcome back home, Aunt, Uncle, Csille," Brother Pascal greets us with a warm smile.

We've just returned from a six-hour sail. Prince Fraser was escorted directly to the palace from the port, so I didn't get a chance to speak with him. Not that I had any intention to do so at the moment.

Brother Pascal assists us with our luggage. "I've prepared your rooms and a feast to welcome you home. Please come inside and rest. I understand you must be exhausted from the long journey."

"I hope we're not inconveniencing you, Pascal," Mother says, linking her arm with Brother Pascal's as they enter the house.

I trailed behind them and collapsed onto the couch. I still felt tired and drained, but it wasn't just from the trip. It was because of what happened earlier, losing control of my body.

"Are you feeling alright, Csille? You look exhausted," Brother Pascal approaches me and checks my pulse before resting his hand on my forehead. "You have a fever. When did you start having it?"

Brother Pascal looks at my parents. Mother instantly walks to my side and touches my forehead. "Oh dear, you really have a fever. She didn't have a fever when we were on the ship. However, she isn't feeling good the whole trip. She was sleeping most of the time we're sailing. Is she okay?"

Brother Pascal looked at me. "I'll just prescribe medication for her fever and some vitamins. She just needs to rest."

Mother asked some maids to escort me to my room, but I refused. It's been a long time since we had a meal together with Brother Pascal.

   "I can manage. How can I bear to miss this feast? Please, Mother, Father. It's been ages since we all dined together."

Mother and Father exchanged glances before seeking Brother Pascal's opinion.

   "If it's just the feast, it should be fine. She also needs to eat something before taking her medication."

My parents simply nodded in agreement. They're likely just concerned about my well-being. After all, I am their only daughter, and any harm to me would deeply affect them both..

   We all walk towards the dining hall happily. Father and Brother Pascal are both catching up with what happened in the capital and in our stay in the western region.

   Mother is by my side. Assisting me although I don't really need so. I sigh silently, grateful that I made the decision to stay in this world. If I hadn't, these wonderful people, the family I never had in the real world, would have perished because of me. It's a relief to know I made the right choice.

   "Oh, I remember," Brother Pascal recalls, summoning one of our maids who brings a piece of paper. "It's a letter from the Vrawyth High School of the Nobles. It contains Csille's subjects and lesson plan, along with school papers she needs to study and complete. She doesn't need to return to the university and can enjoy one week of stay here as long as she follows the instructions in this paper. They've also accounted for Csille's one-month absence."

   I stopped eating and looked at the paper Brother Pascal is holding. Are you serious? I am still having a fever here, and now I need to finish all the things written on the paper? Do they want me to die? Come on, give me a break!

   Father took the paper and read its content. "This is good. At least Csille could recuperate with this one week. As for this, we can simply hire a tutor to help Csille with these tasks. It should be manageable."

   Father, are you serious? That's a month's worth of schoolwork and lessons! How am I supposed to finish it all in just one week? I'm sure it's not just lessons, there are probably tests included too. How am I going to survive this?

   Can I express regret over my decision now? It feels just like when I was studying in the real world, but it's probably worse because it's one month of schoolwork. How can I manage to complete it all? I fear these tasks will finish me before I even finish them all.

Mother holds my hand. "Don't worry, dear. We wouldn't force you to do these things. Just rest first and recuperate with your fever before you do these, okay?"

I nod at mother and continue eating my food. I don't think I could get over this fever soon. I hope not. Please, no!

"I heard the Crown Prince would be staying in the Capital too for three days before he gets back in the dormitory." Brother Pascal said.

Three days? I remember now. Yes, that's right. The King wants to ensure Prince Fraser's safety by having him stay in the capital for three days. This allows the King to assess the situation before Prince Fraser returns to his usual routine.

During these three days, the King will also grant Farren a knighthood. Once the King assesses Farren's abilities and skills firsthand, he plans to appoint Farren as the personal knight of the Crown Prince.

And thus begins the love story of Prince Fraser and Princess Paislee, a tale in which I, Csille Lauretré, play the role of the third party, the villainess.