Reborn: The Villainess Shines

Lydia's PoV

I was in the stables feeding my Suqu, a fairy creature that bonded with me during one of my light abilities classes. As I was going to grab a brush, so I could groom my Suqu's mane, when I heard rapid footsteps. Looking behind me, I saw Emelia rushing toward me, "I have big news, no epic news." She said with wide eyes. Placing my hands on her shoulders, "Calm down. Now, what's the matter? Why are rushing?" I asked.

"As I said, I have epic news! The king just announced that the engagement between the crown prince and Lady Nadia West has been annulled." "What!" I yelled in shock.

"That's not all, a royal decree has been brought down. It stated, 'Since I'm aking I always think what's best for my kingdom, but as a father, I wish for my children to be happy. I believed that with arranging their marriage, love would foster between the couple. I now know one cannot force the heart in a wish for a joyful marriage. Being the case, I wish for my children to marry and have a joyful union as I have with my queen. From this day forward, they will be allowed to choose their partners to wed.' Emelia stated out of breath.

I stood there in a daze, trying to process what I just heard. Emelia, watched me in confusion, "Aren't you excited?" She asked with a tilted head. "What?" "Lydia, don't you know what this means! You can finally be with the crown prince and not have to worry about what others think or say." She said in an excited tone.

Shaking my head, I sat down on a stool, "I have no relationship with the crown prince." I said. Letting out a laugh, "Now, but that doesn't mean the future. Besides, everyone with eyes can tell you two feel something for each other." She said with a wicked smirk. Feeling my face turn hot I looked away from my friend. Continuing, "This decree never states which class the partner needs to be from, so the crown prince can easily marry a commoner if he fell in love." Emelia stated.

I lowered my head and really thought about her words. Since Prince Samuel was always engaged, I didn't want any negative rumors to surround him. So, I built my feelings and could only care about him from afar. Emelia's words are changing my spirit and a little hope is starting to creep into my heart.

Standing, "I don't know about this decree, but if he really has feelings for me then I'll answer in return." I said with a shy smile. Hearing my words, Emelia laughed, "That's great! I bet you it won't be a long wait until Prince Samuel is giving you flowers and showering you with affections." She said hugging me. Blushing, 'I already felt lucky to have powers so rare, but maybe fate was pulling me toward love.' I thought still sporting a shy smile.

*****

Four months later after my engagement has been annulled, it didn't take long for Prince Samuel to get together with Lydia Clover. My family was upset on my behalf after learning the rumors from Nate. They believed this was the real reason why the engagement was canceled. Why they weren't wrong, I assured them I felt nothing romantic toward the Prince. It took a while to really convince my family and some close friends that I truly wished that Lydia Clover and Prince Samuel would be happy.

Now that I finished the side mission, I worked hard to complete the main missions. Apparently, the prophecy war is already showing signs earlier than what people expected. It had many worrying that the recently awakened magic users wouldn't be ready for battle. Personally, I don't know if it's the past memories, but I have been learning how to control my magic at a rapid speed. I was even able to bond with a shadow wolf, a rare mystical animal that lives in its owner's shadow.

Even if Lydia was the female lead, who's power should be reigning over the masses, but she has not once bested me. The kingdom decided that a fast-pace course was needed to really get the new recruits ready for far. Which leads me to today, myself and nine other students from both top-level classes are in the 'Crisom Woods' filled with magical beings. We were also accompanied by two imperial soldiers, one in magic and another in swordsmanship.

We were to spend two weeks in these woods with nothing but our abilities to survive. 'Well, even in my original world, soldiers went through survival training.' I thought of walking to a spot while trying to find a place to rest for the night. It's already been four days and I have seen a great improvement in some of my classmates. By making the students constantly use their powers, they are learning new ways to control their magic.

When night came and we already finished dinner, it was my turn to keep watch while the others slept. The imperial soldiers did it for us the first two nights, but some of the males in my group said we students also needed to experience this hardship.