"Aaaaaah! So that's why you don't drink alcohol–and that's also why you said Sir Wolf is a good father?!" Penelope Zircon clapped her hands once, coming to a realization, breaking the silence that followed the announcement.
Harriet turned to Penelope, the dark blonde girl who had just called out to her. Hearing this, Harriet laughed amusedly.
"Penny." Harriet put her finger to her lips, reminding Penelope that information about the club members' real identities must be kept confidential.
Penelope gasped and put her hands together in apology.
PRANG!
Again, the belated reaction of another of Harriet's friends was heard. The champagne glass in Arai's hand finally slipped away from her frozen fingers in the air. Arai'
Harriet, Penelope and Arai were sitting and making small talk when people who didn't dare approach the Emperor and Liam approached her.Whereas Harriet was listening to the gossip Penelope told her while watching the guests present their gifts to the Emperor. Every year, the three of them always did the same thing. They liked to sit on the edge of the party floor gossiping, snacking and watching the events at the party.But thanks to everything that went before, tonight's party wasn't going to go smoothly for Harriet."M-Madam Goldlane, good evening. Do you remember me–""Ah, Madam, it has been a long time!""Madam Goldlane! Didn't we meet two years ago at–"Even thoug
Cecilia was walking down the castle hall to the party floor when she bumped into the Second Male Lead in the novel she was reading in her previous life, Aaron Jade.The man in the white robes typical of a priest was walking with several other young priests heading in the same direction. Each of them carried a present box. And they all put on friendly, flat faces.A displeased expression appeared on the man's face looking at Cecilia. So without greeting the woman, he walked right past her and walked briskly towards the banquet hall.Cecilia furrowed her brows in annoyance.First, Ezekiel and now Aaron?Annoyed, Cecilia followed Aaron from behind to the party floor, when she saw the novel's Third Male Lead, Jake Scolecite sat b
"Marchioness," Aaron Jade suddenly appeared as Harriet spoke to Jake.Seeing Aaron, the man with brown hair and jade green eyes bowing in respect, Harriet immediately stood up, followed by Arai and Penelope."Reverend Jade," the three saluted back.Aaron smiled widely with his handsome face. He saw that Harriet was healthy and was grateful that her condition didn't seem as bad as it had been a year ago."You seem to be doing well, Madam? Praise Goddess Ayja, Praise the Pillar Gods," he said softly."That's right, Reverend. I'm well. How are you guys doing?" Harriet asked not only Aaron but the other priests who followed behind her.They all smiled stiffly at Harriet and bowed thei
The party that night was over.Harriet, who was standing leaning on the balcony railing of the palace room that Axias had provided, sighed.It had been a long time since she stayed at the palace. The last time was when she received the special education of the future Empress at the palace. She had to stay for months and was even quarantined for several weeks.But it all ended as quickly as it all started. Ezekiel suddenly returned from a city far to the south, bringing with him a noble girl whom no one had ever known before.Cecilia, from the Morganite family.It was said that she was from a fallen noble family. She lived in poverty during her childhood, but her family was fortunate enough because of their good environment.Harriet heard that in her teens, Cecilia began to show extraordinary talent. She was said to be like someone who 'knows everything' and 'can do everything' without even being told or taught.This, of course, attracted Harriet when they first met.But then Harriet r
Axias continued his story again after taking a deep breath."That woman's obsession led her to raise Harriet in an extreme way. All her life, Harriet lived as a reflection of her mother. She had to be as perfect as Helena's talent and ability level, or better. Otherwise, Helena will punish her. Or rather, punish the people around Harriet," explained Axias.Axias added that what he explained could not describe what Harriet had experienced under her mother's care. But Harriet remained strong.Perhaps, she was strong because she was the daughter of her mother. Axias explained how similar Harriet's way of thinking was to Helena's.When Harriet was four years old, Helena became pregnant again with no one knowing who the father was. And this time, she gave birth to a son. Axias remembered that Goldlane's descendants were usually girls, and he had suspected that she had traded her daughter for someone else's son. But that didn't seem right.Harriet and Heath grew up, their face looking incre
Harriet woke up in the palace bedroom bed when she realized Liam wasn't back yet.Worry immediately enveloped her heart, but just as she was about to leave the room, the door suddenly opened. Liam stood there, just returned in exactly the same clothes as last night. Harriet breathed a sigh of relief, "Milord.""Ah, Madam," Liam took off his jacket, looking at Harriet who had just woken up. "Did you sleep well? Sorry, Axias and I chatted until we lost track of time."Harriet looked out the window, where the sun had risen high in the sky. "Are you having fun?"Liam hugged Harriet and carried her back to bed. "I'm sleepy and hungry. Can we have breakfast in bed today?" Liam asked.
Although Harriet might not think of this place as her home, Liam could see that Harriet's behavior subconsciously looked a lot more natural here. It was as if she belonged in the royal palace.When they reached the garden, in a large marble pavilion, the people closest to the Emperor had gathered. His secretaries, assistants, and some special staff of the court. If last night was a banquet for the external guests, then today's lunch was more for the Emperor's family and friends.Even Jake Scolecite was also present."Good afternoon," said Harriet in a slightly loud voice as she approached.Everyone turned to her and immediately returned the greeting in a cheerful voice."Madam! Good day."
The power of Liam's body and the Axias' struggle further shattered the place around them. Even the cracks had now reached the stone path around the pavilion."Milord!" Harriet stepped forward, circled the dining table, and grabbed Liam's arm. "Why are you like this? Please control yourself, look at me!"Harriet screamed desperately, but Liam didn't even turn to look at her. Harriet looked at Axias and the tense veins in the middle-aged man's neck and cheeks, who were trying hard to hold Liam's body as he continued to push forward, towards Cecilia."Sobs… Liam…" Harriet heard the sobs of the woman standing some distance away from them.Cecilia was sobbing pitifully while looking at Liam. Her face was full of sadness and disbelief. Yes. She was acting in fron