Villain Transmigration: Author Transformation

Nathalie was in her private quarters—quite grand and large for such a place to be called—with enameled gold linings on the base and the corner of the ceilings with intricate designs carved into the remaining space. 

'This is too grandiose for a quarter, no different from our private chambers at Starbrooke Castle,' she thought, sighing deep from what she witnessed. 'Not that I'm surprised with the only Imperial Palace towering every aesthetic therein.'

Marveled, she stared at every piece of furniture, organized and radiated off such luxury, and a part of her became too hesitant to take a seat, especially the couch with a cozy velvet white wrapped on it.

Her trance soon fell short when Ashtra chimed to her side with a slight lean. 

"Would you prefer standing all day?"

With her eyebrows creased, she retorted, [I don't, thank you very much.]

She strutted to the small table near the glass door that led to the balcony. Grabbing the chair, grating against the parquet flooring. 

'I feel so tired now…' Taking a seat, she propped her chin on the back of her hand, overlooking the scenery through the gaps of the thinly veiled curtains. 

Unbeknownst to her, Keith shuffled close to her side, and became cautious of the weariness in her visage, asking, "My Lady, would you like some tea?" 

[Please do, that would be lovely.]

Somehow, she reached for her neck with a caress as she looked at him. 

When he agreed and walked away, Ashtra was on the couch, sitting so comfortably as he stared at her for how many minutes passed.

[Still, you can't read my mind. But do let me rest for a while, I know… I know…] Nathalie flicked off her hand.

"Oh, you can take your time. No rush at all."

[Then, stop staring.]

Ashtra leaned over as he rubbed the underside of his chin as though pondering aloud, "I wonder why so many men fell for you." 

Which got her taken aback by his comment. [They must've noticed a different light after I wore such a daring yet elegant outfit like this. I mean have you seen their faces?]

"There's that too, never held back with their thoughts—ugh, disgusting…" He shrugged. "But there were a few who noticed and professed differently though. Not one you'd expect."

Indeed, Nathalie noticed several gazes with such familiarity, even on the side characters in there, but it wasn't for her to take as she wasn't interested.

While her dress was rather breathtaking and a never-before-seen dress, the moment she came in had them all in awe. Even without their words uttered, their intense gaze almost bore a hole onto her—with the deep desire of men and oozing jealousy from the rest of the ladies.

It was part of her marketing strategy, as there would be so many people who would even replicate hers, for sure.

But right now, she preferred not listening to whom he might've been referring thus far.

Keith came back with a tray and poured her a cup of tea so she would indulge for the time being.

"I mean, you're now the lady who ranked first among the noblewomen in the Empire, the achievement isn't it?" Ashtra cackled as he hit the upholstery. 

[Oh really?]

"I bet they weren't upfront, considering your deep affection for the Crown Prince. Which reminds me, have you given him your call?"

Nathalie noticed Keith staggered, but was able to pull off seamlessly and stood beside her with arms at the back.

'... While Ashtra had been suggesting, I don't want to assume… Especially when she's about to arrive…' Nathalie pressed onto the teacup, kneading a little, then let go.

[No, I declined.]

The two of them had their eyes gaped for a few seconds from her answer rather too straightforwardly.

"Why not?"

[He doesn't seem sincere at all.]

"Well, I could vouch he is—"

[I trust none of your mind games…]

Ashtra narrowed his eyes after a subtle gleam of blue brilliance. "One thing that I surely won't do is lie to the proprietress."

[So you believe in him?]

"Apparently so, I saw more than just a glimpse from him… About you…"

Nathalie was in all ears, and there he heard the same, which aligned to what was Athan's point of view as she wrote for the sequel of his. 

But even then, in her heart, she wasn't Mystique anymore.

For the whole time, she still had thought of herself as an outsider, with each of the characters having their predetermined career, life, and even love included. 

The only thing she would be able to change the narrative was to get out of their equation, and still be able to live for another day.

At this point, Ashtra was able to dodge falling into the hands of Marianne because he peered into their minds, especially Athan. It got him curious as he wanted to get to know more of Mystique.

Yet at the same time, she knew his weaknesses like the back of her hand.

For that, she was grateful she had the upper hand, and in no way she must reveal her ultimate secret. 

Though it looked like she spoke too soon, his blue eyes went sinister, as if he knew something else.

Although, she couldn't help but steal a glance at Keith, who now had a dire look on his face.

'What is this old man up to? What could he know about Keith that I don't?'

"You seem curious about what I'm thinking…"

[I actually am not. I thought if you still want to hear me sing.] She then placed the teacup onto the saucer with a light click on it. [I think my voice is fine.]

"Alright then!"

Soon as she opened her mouth, the angelic voice filled the air without any effort. With varying vocal dynamics to her whim, as she builds up the power in her voice, she leaned back to a breathy texture.

This time, the song she chose was rather soulful with the soft vibrato she came alongside it.

She was in all smiles as though she was the happiest when she ever sang, swaying her head from side to side with eyes closed.

Leaving her voice heard, reaching far and wide to the castle without her knowing.