Although Neil was in the entertainment industry, he had the backing of his family. Everything had been smooth sailing for him. He had never experienced suffering, so it was only natural that he did not understand the meaning of money.To him, money was just numbers.However, it was the first time he heard Zephyr discuss money. What he said made sense."So, if Aurelia is willing to spend on me, it'll prove she definitely likes me?""Um…" Zephyr scratched his chin. "Yes, theoretically."Neil was as excited as if he had hit the jackpot. He instantly took out his phone to call Aurelia."Hey, I saw a belt that I like. It costs $400!"Zephyr almost spat the coffee. He widened his eyes to stare at the weirdo in front of him.That was not right. The best actor had been in so many movies that he should be smarter. How could he use his script exactly!?Perhaps Aurelia said nothing that Neil frowned and continued to test her. "Hey, did you hear me?"No way. It's only $400, and you're sc
Neil's face suddenly changed.At that moment, a light commotion came from the other side of the phone.The call was hung up.He felt like he was on an emotional roller coaster. He was anxious."Aurelia is in danger… She's in danger!" He was pacing in frustration. "I must save her!""Calm down!" Zephyr got up to stop him. "The phone call doesn't necessarily mean anything!""You don't know that it was the queen who brought up Victoria!" Neil was pissed. "She must have said something to the queen, or she wouldn't get Aurelia to the palace for nothing, right? She doesn't know Aurelia at all!""Even if that's the case, you can't go!" Zephyr analyzed in a deep voice. "Although I haven't been in Southeast Aciatic for a long time, I know you can't just go to the palace as you wish! On what premise are you going now? What are you going to do after you get in? Are you going to say that Queen Carmella kidnapped Aurelia?""I…" Neil gulped and licked his dry lips.Zephyr glanced at him bef
Aurelia took a deep breath to look as calm as she could and forced a smile.Carmella was distracted for a split second. For some reason, she suddenly recalled her first meeting with Helene.They were similar in age and often attended various events with their elders. She was the standard young lady, while Helene seemed a little rebellious for the royal family, always doing something shocking.Each time she did those baffling deeds, the teachers in the palace would execute their authority to teach disobedient ones with a cane.Helene was often punished, and before she was hit, she would be so nervous that her shoulders would shake involuntarily every time.Carmella felt her brain go numb. She looked at Aurelia again and saw her long chestnut hair. She could not help the chills that ran down her spine as she shuddered.How could it be?She forced herself to calm down. This must just be a coincidence.Carmella straightened up and coughed before smiling at Aurelia. "Ms. Aurelia, yo
Aurelia’s face burned as she stood there in shame.Carmella got up and around the long table to slowly make her way to Aurelia. She pointed at one of the garments and told her, “This is one of the gold-couching techniques. The raw material for the gold thread used here comes from a neighboring country of Southeast Aciatic. The annual yield isn’t a lot, so it’s very precious. The thread is soft and fragile, not having much flexibility, so one has to be exceptionally careful when embroidering to be able to keep the thread whole."Aurelia had heard about this, but this was her first time seeing it.“This style has high requirements for one’s needlework techniques.” Carmella looked at her calmly. “This robe alone took five to six months and the collaboration of several veteran artisans."Aurelia bit her lips and stayed quiet.“Ms. Aurelia, I’m not doubting your ability,” Carmella said softly. “But sometimes, whether a person can accomplish something doesn’t depend on their ability but
Aurelia bit her lips, her beautiful amber eyes filled with resolution."Ms. Aurelia, have you made up your mind?"Carmella was confident.The sum of money in the envelope was enough for her to live a good life for quite some time, and a Southeast Aciatic passport was the dream of many. The girl would have both of these. What was there for her to say no to?It thus surprised Carmella that Aurelia scoffed. Her unaffected gaze was slightly disdainful. "Do you think I see uncle as a transaction tool like you all?"Carmella knitted her brows in alarm. "What did you say?"Aurelia picked up the envelope and uttered each word seriously, "As long as I agree to your conditions, I'll receive money and official Southeast Aciatic citizenship! You're right. I need both of these. But I'll work for what I need. I won't exchange Neil for them!""You…""Your Majesty, pardon my impoliteness." Aurelia bowed and looked up straight into her eyes. "But I want to tell you that you won't be able to sto
The palace guard noticed Alexander and quickly straightened up to bow."Your Highness!"Carmella took a pause before she slowly opened her resting eyes. Alexander was already standing before her with hands on his sides as he greeted her respectfully, "Good morning, Auntie.""It's not morning anymore." Carmella smiled. "I heard you young people like having, what's it called… brunch? Hah, I have some light food with me here. Treat it as brunch. Come have something to eat!""Thank you, Auntie. I'm not hungry." Alexander quietly looked around with an alert expression but did not see Aurelia at all."Alexander, what are you looking for?""Nothing…""Are you looking for someone?"Alexander froze and hesitated for a moment before he replied honestly, "I heard that you asked Aurelia over. I have a few robes that I need her help with too. I wonder if she's done with you here.""She is." Carmella took a sip of tea nonchalantly. "But I've already sent her back.""Sent her back?"Alexan
Had Aurelia really left then?"Alexander, since we're at this point, I might as well let you know." Carmella heaved a long sigh. "I do want to pair your sister up with Neil, and I hope Aurelia's able to leave Southeast Aciatic on her own accord, but the girl didn't agree to it. I can't possibly force her, can I?"Don't worry. I know what I should and shouldn't do. It's not worth it to offend the Harris family over Aurelia!"Alexander looked skeptical but nodded.Carmella waved a hand to dismiss him, and her brows knitted into a frown after she calmed down.Where had Aurelia gone? Did she run into someone else after she left her place?Carmella's heart pounded as a name flashed in her mind."Call for Princess Victoria!" she asked loudly.…Aurelia curled up in the corner of the wall. The only feeling this place gave her was cold.White walls, white room, a white rug, and even the window frames were white. This was like a world of ice.Southeast Aciatic was a sweltering summer
Helen was gone in the blink of an eye. Aurelia stayed in the corner quietly as she stroked the thin blanket on herself and felt warmth gush into her heart.She had often chatted with her nomad neighbors back in Melorian in the past.The nomads loved fortune-telling and all things supernatural. They said that destiny and fate among people were just that, something that was beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.Meeting for the first time, some people felt as if they were old friends, and some people felt annoyed by each other.It was just like how Aurelia felt about Carmella and Helene. She did not like Carmella even though she was a queen. While Helene had wounded her, she subconsciously defended her—Princess Lene was only muddle-headed and did not hurt others intentionally…Aurelia sighed and was occupied with ways to escape.Carmella had actually let her leave the palace, but just as she left the queen's palace, she met Victoria coming over with her people. She