"Where am I?"The silent atmosphere makes Arren's ears ring. Slowly opening her eyes, her head still feels heavy. All she senses is the pain throughout her body."This aroma..."Arren closes her eyes, scanning memories woven in her mind. This aroma – the distinctive balsamic scent, reminiscent of the Rossie forest she always longed for.Picnics in the lush forest with Cedar trees always brought joy to Arren. The sweet and calming aroma uplifted her spirits.Arren recalls the last event that led her to this unknown location.Yesterday afternoon, Arren decided to escape from Mansion Rossie. The chaotic atmosphere of the Mansion facilitated her actions. No one suspected the movements of the young Miss, who was actually leaving her grandmother's residence.Heartbroken, Arren refuses to accept the reality that her kindness has been exploited by others.Arren reminisces about her journey, enduring cruelty from her own father, being kidnapped and forced into marriage by Leon, deceived by Cla
"How do I look?" Leon asked Lora as they were getting ready to attend the Banquet hosted by the Rossie family at their Mansion."You look handsome, sir!" Lora complimented genuinely.Leon looked charming in a formal shirt and black trousers, opting not to wear an expensive suit as he usually did at grand events.Leon tried to blend in with the people attending his wife's party, not wanting to raise suspicion. His aristocratic face would surely make the invited guards wonder and possibly escort him out if caught sneaking among the commoners who were supposed to enjoy the feast from their employers."What about me?" Lora turned the question around, a blush evident on her face."You look beautiful, Lora. Like my little niece," Leon replied, inviting laughter from Lora's brother, Laurens, who even sprayed his drink."Huh!" Lora grunted annoyed, but her mother gently stroked her daughter's head, then tapped it harshly to bring her back to reality. "Wake up from your daydream, Lora!" she sc
"Have you found her?""Not yet!"The hurried steps of guards and servants in unison created a commotion in Mansion Rossie behind the Hall.Disguised in a servant's uniform, Leon began to blend in with the crowd of the big Madame's employees.Leon successfully stole the uniform from the servant's dressing room, not far from the party location. Now, he moved here and there, pretending to search for the young Miss who had yet to be found."Trouble!" exclaimed a young female servant who still couldn't locate the young Miss. She seemed pressed by the task. It had been hours, and the young Miss hadn't shown up."Search again in the garden next to the Mansion!" Another servant shouted, followed by a nod from the distressed woman.They scattered again, with flashlights and shouts searching for the young woman, the new leader of Rossie.Unfortunately, all efforts seemed in vain. The young Miss had disappeared without a trace."Attention, everyone!"A thunderous voice echoed from the end of the
Meanwhile, at the People's Banquet venue, the festive atmosphere felt strange and unusual. Invited guests were still gossiping, trying to find out why their host was absent, despite the lively laughter and excitement still echoing."Lora, where is Mr. Leon?" asked Mrs. Dolores, approaching her daughter."I don't know, Mom. I was left alone earlier," replied Lora, munching on a variety of snacks, struggling to answer her mother with a mouth full of food."Close your mouth!" scolded her mother, making Lora chuckle."Oh, Lora! You're like a pig!" teased Laurens, rolling his eyes.Lora just glared and continued eating, ignoring her brother and mother's comments."Let it go, Mom. Maybe Mr. Leon is busy. Let's just enjoy the party," Laurens said, grabbing two glasses of wine from the table and handing one to his mother."Fine."Mrs. Dolores accepted the wine and drank it immediately. She no longer made a fuss about the missing guest they brought. Perhaps, as her son suggested, someone like
"What are you doing here, gentlemen?"Madam Rossie spoke coldly, with a firm expression to drive away the uninvited guests.The owner of the Mansion immediately headed towards the gate after the guard reported an unexpected situation at his residence."We will search this Mansion," Inspector Kirk personally stated in front of Madam. "I am Inspector Kirk, and I bring a search warrant from the court," he asserted while extending an official document as the legal basis for the impending search."Oh my! What's happening?" Madam Rossie was surprised, not expecting to be treated like this.Her facial expression changed. The lady, originally cold and stern, now seemed offended by the treatment she was receiving. It was unbelievable that officers from the capital were searching her residence like a criminal."Sorry, Madam. We only want to find Abigail Rossie. She still has a familial connection with you, right?""Are you out of your mind?""Sorry, I'm fully aware. I'm just doing my duty. So,
The moonlight, initially radiant, now dims as dark clouds suddenly cover the sky. The calm lake ripples, reflecting the cruelty unfolding on the land. A blood-stained wolf takes a step back, preparing to attack its prey once again. Adam Hart, wounded, struggles to endure the pain in his torn arm. With unsteady steps, he's nearly drained of blood, the red fluid continuing to flow, creating a pungent scent for the hunter nearby.'Grrrr...'The wolf growls, revealing its sharp teeth. A red glint, with traces of flesh clinging to them, intensifies its hunger, filling the air with the anticipation of a more substantial portion to satisfy its appetite. This wolf isn't a common sight in Lake Cedar Forest; perhaps, driven by hunger, it ventures beyond its usual hunting grounds."Go! You wild beast!"Adam shouts, clenching his teeth to suppress pain, anger, fear, and exhaustion from losing much blood. The wolf leaps once more, its eyes gleaming with deadly desire. This time, its target is Ada
Like a predator in general, Leon thought with his reptilian brain. He didn't even wait for the reinforcements—his subordinates—to arrive and immediately ran towards the direction indicated by his father-in-law.Meanwhile, the Rossie guard team—led by Clark—ran in the opposite direction. Unaware of the secrets of Lucy's old cottage—the former maid of Arren's mother—they searched in the wrong direction for their young Lady.The guards explored the countryside around the valley, still within the Rossie territory. They never imagined that the Arren was in a different area.Leon's encounter with his father-in-law—initially considered a stroke of bad luck—turns out to be highly beneficial.Leon can easily bring back Arren without having to fight the countless Rossi army. If calculated, Leon's subordinates are definitely outnumbered. However, in terms of courage, they can't be considered inexperienced.The crew members of the Serenade ship all have extensive experience in battles, both at se
"Impossible! My mother is a slave! She doesn't belong to anyone!" Leon shouted, refusing baseless statements from someone he had just met."Son.…"Lucy understood why it was so challenging to explain this. Lesea was not her biological daughter. She was an adopted child."Your mother was a war victim in Prussia. The master brought her to this area after his service there. She—""No! You're lying!"There's a flash of anger in Leon's eyes, rejecting any new information about his mother. Indeed, he shouldn't have come to this area. Leon's old wounds have reopened. He now feels a tightness in his chest, unbeknownst to him."Hah … Hah …" Leon's head spins. He tries to brush off the sudden influx of memories. Memories of his mother have never been pleasant. Leon would only be hurt more by news about his deceased mother."Calm down, Sir…"Lucy reaches for the mineral water on her left side, then hands it to her guest. "You resemble Lesea a lot. Your blue eyes are very beautiful."Leon brushes
The tip of the dagger was bent. No one would have expected that a sharp dagger could change its shape like that."No-no!" the servant cried out. She was very confused. How could Arren's stomach, which should have been stained with blood, bend the dagger without any effort?In a decisive moment, the dagger had undergone plastic deformation, like a metal dance changing its shape without being able to return to its original state."W-what's happening?" The servant wondered with trembling hands. Arren just smiled triumphantly. Her opponent had been thoroughly defeated without calculation."I anticipated this, Lesel," Arren said with a proud face.Yes. Lesel. It turned out she was Esme's henchman who was so eager to take her life."H-how did you know?"Arren immediately tore the tulle fabric covering her stomach. There was a shiny accessory there. A steel belt."W-what?"At first, the rumble and vibration were indeed felt by Lesel. She didn't expect that the collision between the dagger and
The blonde servant pursed her lips, while the black-haired one kept staring straight ahead."Fine!" she replied somewhat annoyed, but indeed their plan must not be ruined."I'll keep watch around. You need to get ready soon.""Okay."The two suspicious servants then continued their secret mission. There wasn't much for them to do except find their target and carry out their revenge."It seems he's on the west balcony. Wait for my signal, we'll launch the attack soon!""Okay!"***The atmosphere of the banquet was still lively with the melodious music playing softly in the background. Some guests enjoyed it while dining, while others continued chatting. Arren and Leon seemed happy as they greeted the guests present."It seems... I feel stifled," Arren whispered to Leon. This pregnancy made her easily tired and also felt hot all the time."Do you want to leave this place?" Leon asked, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist."Yes," Arren replied weakly."Let's go, then," said Leon, affe
Ava's eyes sparkled with happiness. She nodded eagerly and hugged Arren in return. "Thank you, Aunt!"Ava didn't expect that her birthday would be celebrated with a special feast, even though the feast wasn't specifically held for her."You're welcome, Ava!" Arren replied in kind. She was happy to cheer up her little friend who seemed down and lacking in spirit due to the absence of her parents."We have to go, Ava. This is for you," said Leon as he handed over a wrapped gift box with a purple ribbon on top."W-what's this, Sir?" Ava asked, surprised and delighted. She didn't expect to receive a gift from Mr. Leon on a day that wasn't her birthday."Consider it an installment gift," Leon joked, chuckling softly."Ahaha! Thank you so much!" exclaimed Ava as she opened the gift wrap. Inside was a brown fur teddy bear. "So cute!" Ava exclaimed happily. Arren and Leon were pleased to see her reaction.Shortly afterward, they really had to leave as there was something they needed to ensure
After some time in the hospital, Arren was finally allowed to go home. There were no signs of danger or contraindications from the treatment she received."Thank you, Doctor. I feel much healthier," Arren said after the doctor visited her for the last time."You're welcome, Madam. I'm glad you've recovered without difficulty."Doctors Freddy and Josh watched Arren leave with relieved hearts. Finally, their worries were gone. Arren was truly free from the danger that threatened her life.***On the way home, Leon kept staring at Arren with uncertain feelings. He was truly happy with his wife's recovery, but there was something that worried him."Are you sure about your plan? I don't want to put you in danger again, Darling!" Leon exclaimed, not wanting to endanger his wife anymore."There's no other way. We can do it, Darling!" Arren said firmly with strong determination.Leon sighed deeply. He couldn't prevent his wife's stubbornness. "Promise me, you'll stick to our plan.""Yes, Darli
"Sir! You're mistaken!" the nurse exclaimed, holding Leon's arm to prevent him from punching the doctor."What?!" Leon turned to the nurse. He was exhausted and couldn't tolerate any more mistakes from the doctor that would result in his children being born with defects."You misunderstood, Sir!""Yes, that's right!""Your children are fine, Sir."The voices of the nurse and doctor echoed. Leon lowered his fist and looked towards Dr. Freddy, who seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief."Tell me, Doctor! What happened to my wife and my children?!" Leon demanded, still full of anger.Before the doctor could answer, Arren's faint voice could be heard behind the nurse standing by the bed."Le—on…" she called softly."Arren!" Leon pushed aside the nurses covering his wife's presence. "Arren!" Leon approached Arren, tears streaming down his face. "Are you... awake?" he asked, gently caressing his wife's forehead."Uh huh," Arren replied weakly. "What happened? Why does it seem crowded here?"
Leon gripped Arren's hand tightly as they rushed to the hospital. Anxiety and worry consumed him. For some reason, Leon had a bad feeling."Driver! Faster!" Leon commanded as he saw Arren grimacing in pain, cold sweat dripping from her forehead and body, Arren's breaths were labored."Yes, Sir!"The driver immediately accelerated the car, doing his best to balance the increasingly speeding vehicle. He was truly worried that the young lady was suffering from an extraordinary ailment."Arren, hold on," Leon pleaded, continuing to comfort Arren with hugs and handholds."Argh, Leon..." Arren groaned as if enduring excruciating pain. Not just in his stomach, but throughout her body."We're almost there!" The driver signaled. Leon was so anxious. He nodded and prepared to take Arren to the emergency room as soon as they arrived at the hospital.Finally, after driving for some time, they arrived at the hospital."Doctor! Doctor!" Leon carried Arren to the ER, where everyone watched them with
Lora was successfully evacuated, and everyone was overjoyed. However, there was a strangeness apparent to her. Arren even noticed it. "Le-Leon...," she called out as Lora approached her.An unfamiliar scent emanated from Lora's body. It made Arren extremely nauseous."Ugh!" Arren vomited. He couldn't contain the overwhelming nausea."Darling!" Leon exclaimed in alarm. What was happening to his wife?"Le-Leon... Lora's... scent... it's very... unpleasant," she murmured as she nestled into her husband's embrace. Leon immediately caught Arren, who had almost fallen earlier. Now, his beloved wife was in a swoon."What scent?" Leon tried to sharpen his sense of smell. Indeed, he smelled something foreign and pungent, like the scent of lead. "Lora, come closer to me!"Leon tried to inhale the scent more deeply. Lora's heart, of course, was in turmoil. But the girl had already linked herself to William. Now, Mr. Leon was no longer the man who dominated her heart."Just wait a moment."With mo
Laurens's shout almost made Mrs. Dolores's heart jump out. "Oh, God!" The middle-aged woman then ran following Laurens's footsteps as he moved toward the field area."Leon! Let's follow them!" Arren exclaimed, following Mrs. Dolores's lead to her daughter's supposedly accident site. Leon followed Arren after ensuring Mrs. Dolores's house was securely closed.Arriving at the field, they were surprised to find Lora in a gaping hole. The hole, with rough soil around it, resembled a dug hole."Ouch!" Lora groaned in pain. Several wounds were visible on her knees and arms. "Mom! Help me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face."Oh, God! Lora! What happened to you?!" Mrs. Dolores trembled. "Laurens! Do something for your sister!" she ordered her son, who also seemed confused."I was just running, then... suddenly I fell in here! Huhu!" Lora continued to cry in pain.Arren and Leon had just arrived, as did the villagers who heard Laurens's shouts nearby."Get a rope!" Leon shouted, rolling
"Lora!" Arren called out, waving her hand. Lora just nodded her head, not returning the gesture of the young miss.Laurens felt uneasy. He elbowed Lora's ribs a little roughly. "Be polite, Lora!" he scolded his younger sister.Lora just snorted and turned away. She then ran off home without saying goodbye, without uttering a word.Arren, who was quite far from them, looked puzzled. However, she didn't dwell on it too much. There were many villagers waiting to talk to her."So, how will you develop our village, Miss Leader?" asked a middle-aged man who seemed to be struggling to find work.Arren just smiled and gave a brief answer. She didn't want to make empty promises. Arren would surely do her best. "You must be patient but diligent. When the village programs are finally implemented, I hope the villagers will truly make the most of them.""Thank you, Miss Leader! We will definitely do that!"Leon looked proud of Arren's gentle yet firm attitude. Arren could indeed be a good leader, l