THE VERY next day, news about what happened at Duchess Loreant had spread as numerous people read the scandal all over LiLac Publishing, the name of the newspaper owned by Duchess Loreant. Of course, the newspaper didn't miss any slightest detail about what occurred, gaining testimonies from nobles whose names are hidden and many details that the Duchess has written herself. She even included the princes being the hero of the party, telling everyone that the princes were the ones who revealed the Loyfiere and their schemes while also mentioning how the princess was the actual victim. Many people whispered among themselves about how this could've happened in such a short period of time, but it was forgotten as soon as their attention has been turned to the Loyfiere. "It seems that their plan worked." The Marchioness Sylvestra's son commented as he puts down the newspaper, smirking to himself. Duchess Loreant's daughter nodded. "All's well that ends well." Marchioness Vlyseka's d
ALESTERIA FELT better after a few days of rest, still having Xerxes beside her as he guards her but she seems that it is a bit excessive since days have passed since she fainted. Still, Xerxes ordered her to rest more. 'I have been cooped up in this room for nearly a week! All I do is just read, eat, sleep, and nothing else.' She complained to herself as she pouted. Xerxes was strict, being by her side at all times and even watching her read the books that a maid brought her to entertain herself. Although, Alesteria knew that she, herself, hasn't gained back her strength now that she had forcefully broken the lock that contained all of the mana residing in her body. She is weak at the moment, even her soul mana has weakened when she fainted due to the collision of both mana in her body, causing it to be unstable. She also used her soul's mana to astral project, so when she came back from fainting, the mana that she has left was used in order to not let her soul astray during the p
"IS THAT some weird pick-up line that you say to strangers, little thief?" Alesteria snapped out of her daze upon hearing the boy's response and glared at him, almost sneering at him at how he looked at her almost teasingly. "Pwick up line? What awe you? Twen?" The boy laughed. "Actually, almost ten." Alesteria huffed, clearly defeated by the boy's rebuttal bit refusing to admit to it loudly. Although, the boy seemed to be amused at her expression as he stared at her. 'She gives off a familiar feeling. Just who is she?’ The boy asked himself as he thought deeply. The boy has this strange sense of nostalgia when he first laid his eyes on Alesteria. It was something so familiar and comforting that he, himself, was taken aback for a moment before composing himself and capturing her. If he didn't do so, Alesteria might've gotten away and he may lose his chance right then and there. When their eyes met, that emotion inside of him intensified almost immediately. It was like a river
NADIA WAS laughing so hard that she had turned red as Ich was in a similar color, but it was due to anger and embarrassment from Alesteria's comment. After Alesteria said that, there was a moment of silence between them but was soon broken when Nadia snorted as she continues to laugh, seemingly enjoying the insult that was meant for Ich. On the other hand, Ich was shocked, at first, as no one has ever disrespected him in such a way. He has always been feared and respected, so he thought that wherever he goes, it should be expected that he will be treated the same. However, this young, little, fragile, and weak child has the courage to humiliate him... In front of Nadia, no less. "BWUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! I-I CAN'T!!" Nadia's laugh was loud and contagious, however, Alesteria knew that if she were to laugh alongside her, Ich will definitely throw a fit and blow off his head. Ich turned to Nadia with an annoyed expression plastered on his face while Alesteria was grinning from ear to e
"THERE! GOOD as new!" Nadia exclaimed as soon as she removed the towel on top of Alesteria's head, a huge smile plastered on her face as the blonde locks came into view like glistening gold. Nadia made her wear a temporary dress, one that is old and seemed like it was cut straight out of a cloth, as her previous clothes were dirty. The cloth itself didn't suit Alesteria, but it is better than nothing. "Pwuah!" Nadia tried to stop herself from squealing at Alesteria's reaction from removing the towel, the cute little princess' chubby cheeks bounced as her lips formed into an 'o' shape. However, the keyword here is 'tried'. "Kyaaaa~! You are so cute, princess!" Alesteria was suddenly lifted up as her eyes widened, Nadia put her cheeks on Alesteria's and felt the soft, squishy, jelly-like cheeks bouncing off her own. This thrilled Nadia even more. "Even your cheeks are sooooo cute~! Kyaaaaaa~!" Alesteria let Nadia do what she does while looking like a doll in her arms, her blank
"WELCOME BACK to the capital, Duke Lidloch." Morgaine was greeted by Duchess Loreant when she visited her home, as per their promise to each other in their letters as they no longer have the chance to see each other that often as before. Morgaine smiled widely and lightly hugged the Duchess, who is an old friend of hers. Duchess Loreant, Sylvestra, Vlyseka, and Morgaine are friends’ way back when they were teens as they attended the same academy for nobles. Loreant was still an Earl, Sylvestra and Vlyseka a Viscount, while Morgaine was, of course, a Duke. The only person who was added to their circle was Alana, the deceased empress. "Thank you, Duchess. But don’t call me by such a formal title.” "Yes, Duke.” “Minerva.” Duchess Loreant smiles as she finally gave in. “Yes, Morgaine.” Morgaine instantly smiled at this and the servants saw it, making them instantly gush at how gorgeous she is. Morgaine is known throughout the empire as one of the most beautiful women in the capi
EARLIER THAT day... "Here, we have arrived." Alesteria looked up slightly so that she can see where they are, her eyes were covered by a cloak while her hair is tied into a low ponytail; contained inside the cloak. She held Nadia's hand while Neo is in front of them. Ich is standing behind them with a frown because he was forced to come along, holding Nadia's other hand. More specifically, Nadia dragged him. "This place will not tattle anything to the knights, even if it's illegal." Nadia commented as she gave Alesteria a huge smile. Alesteria stilled. 'Illegal...?' She looked at Nadia to see if she was kidding or if she just made a slip of the tongue, but she wasn't. Alesteria felt a sudden chill run down her spine. "Tch. Why do I need to be here? You three could've just picked out the clothes that she needed." Neo turned to Ich. "Because you, too, need new clothes." Ich clicked his tongue again. "I'm fine with my old clothes. I don't need new ones." Nadia rolled her ey
"CWAN'T YOU wun fastew?!" Alesteria held Ich's hand tightly as they ran to the alleyway, bumping into several people and even knocking down a barrel behind them to slow down the knights, but they just jumped over it. "And who runs the slowest here?! I'm even ahead of you!" Ich shouted as he knocks another barrel down. "I'm gwetting tiwed owkay?! Gibe me a bweak!" Alesteria has now have her face shown as her hair dances with the wind, her blonde hair catching the attention of the people they passed by. "Isn't that..." "No way...!" Ich curses under his breath as he notices that more and more people are noticing Alesteria; their pace becoming slower due to Alesteria's tiredness. Ich doesn't know what is happening but seeing that Alesteria ran after seeing those people near the clothing store, he believes that they are there to harm or kidnap her. He has no choice but to protect the little girl, or else Nadia might have his head. "I apologize in advance but there is no choice now