Villain Transmigration: Author Transformation

When Marianne took off her hood, Sylvester, who looked so tired: bloodshot eyes with dark circles around, subtle wrinkles on his face now bereft with life. His face began to pale, and he had to slap himself from what he once thought was a dream. 

After which, he started to stagger in his steps, moving inch by inch. Subtle tremors were seen from his body, and he ignored everyone as his eyes were all on her.

Meanwhile, Veronica covered her mouth, not failing to break out from what appeared in front of her. Her astonishment outweighed the great caution and wariness against Mystique.

The two siblings hugged, and despite his large figure, it didn't hinder him from embracing her—he hung his head so low, almost trying to snuggle on her neck, broad shoulders trembling, and with his arms kept on squeezing her. 

But even then, the Grand Duke of Salvatore shed a tear as he caressed her with tender care. "It's really you…" Through constant sniffing, he muffled, "I thought I had lost you forever…"

Marianne's fingers suddenly dug deep from his cloak's fur after patting his back, sobbing for as quiet as she could, and mumbled almost inaudible to console him.

"I have made you worried; I'm sorry. I really do—I was selfish—"

"No! No!" Sylvester shook his head, and despite his cloak and coat, he started to nudge further, wrapping her more. "It's I, who should apologize; I thought I made a decision for what's best for you… I've never been a good brother to you…"

"Now, that would—be a lie." She pulled away, held his hands, and stared at his face gone and far too tired and distraught. "You know I understand you—but I can't bring myself to marry someone else."

"Yes, yes," he concurred, giving her another round of tight hugs and snuggles in her petite self, about the level of his chest. "You're free to do what you want; I shall support you, alright?"

Not that it was the first time a Grand Duke had shown an ounce of vulnerability in front of him, but perhaps Marianne had a big place in Sylvester's heart. Somehow, he stole a glance at Mystique, who gave the same instance from Arnold as well.

Though, he remembered how he turned vile, following the footsteps of the Crown Prince, drowning in wealth and pleasure, after she allegedly passed away.

Yet, the only culprit for what happened was the same person who did it all; however, even if the plan was ridiculou, he understood. Mystique was more than willing to create a path.

'I suppose strong, noble individuals like them had their attachments, and either make or break them…' 

His thoughts somehow stopped him at some point, and subconsciously, he clenched his chest when a sudden onset of pang hit him. 

Keith had mixed reactions from this whole event, he couldn't help but peer at Athan and Mystique, and they shared a quick glance. He had a lopsided grin, perhaps happy for his close confidant for the revelation kept for so long, and she only had a little quirk on the corner of her mouth before staring without any emotion.

After their moment, Sylvester turned around, towards Mystique's direction, giving her a curtsy bow, saying, "No words could further describe my gratitude for everything you've done, after learning the bizarre truth."

[Please, rest assured.]

"So, I heard this little brat." Sylvester ruffled Marianne's hair with ease, humming for a while. "Planned to make it a surprise until it came, huh?"

[Sure did.]

"But I'm amazed how Athan ruined it." He then looked at the Crown Prince to the side, giving him a suggestive look. "Did you foresaw this?"

"I did… So, I'm also at fault. I didn't tell you about it."

"Why now—"

"Yet… To be honest, I realized why..." Athan shrugged. "You know sharing and misusing the information could potentially disrupt the future."

"... Indeed; it also came to mind. I believe everything happens for a reason." Sylvester now tugged at his coat from how it became disheveled. "So, I presume this part had something to do with the future scene that took a bad turn, then?"

"Possibly…" 

"But I thought of the same thing as well." Even Veronica couldn't help but probe from what she also inferred. "But how am I involved in this?"

However, the prince shook his head. "Violette needs help for something else. Which I have no idea…"

Veronica and Sylvester glanced at each other with furrowed eyebrows as they got lost from what he meant earlier. But then he pointed his thumb, suggesting towards the direction Mystique beside him.

[About that… ] Mystique glanced at Keith for a moment, then towards Athan. [I would like to have a word with her in private.]

'Has she learned to open up more, and be kinder than she ever was before?' He sighed as how she was very resolute with the idea, and he hoped for the best for all the evil things she made not only to her but for the people she hurt before. 

'I suppose she would really go with this…' 

"Of course, My Lady. Now that Sire Nathan is here, I shall now start with the necessary preparations."

[Thank you.] Upon nodding, almost the rest of them went for a gasp, tilting heads, and glanced with a tinge of astoundment.

Somehow, this swelled sense of pride in his heart, and shuffled close to Nathan.

Despite Veronica's hesitation, she sauntered close to her, to the other side of the tree to talk about something they needed to reach a consensus. But before Keith turned around, he noticed the forced smile that she put up in front of her.

'I understand her so much; I hope My Lady will be able to get through this.'

Nathan then queried as soon as he drew close to him, "Are you convinced now?"

"Well, I think so."

"You think so?"

"I must admit…" Keith sighed, drooping his shoulders, as though he was defeated. "It scares and baffles me how many people that went up against her—and to do something like this…"

"Making your once enemies to be such friends, look at me." Nathan gestured himself with a grin before patting Keith. "This doesn't hurt either…"

"But My Lady had so many people that were—"

"You think they won't forgive her?" His lime gaze went up and down, almost judging him. "Maybe not. She tried? Yes… If she's in danger, you're there, am I not correct?"

His eyes snapped open; somehow, his words ignited a fire in him—as what his purpose was from the start.