After a few months of lingering and following her body, Athena has noticed that her 'body' has become a bit invisible. But her rage has increased. She hates whoever is in her body to death! Her family, her fiancée and now, she made her friends leave. Who's next? Along with her anger, the effects of her actions also became stronger. There was one time when she slapped the spoon 'Athena' was using to scoop her soup when it actually flung and it went off, a foot away from its original position.
Since then, she's been causing trouble. Causing vases to fall and silverware to 'accidentally' be thrown off a person's hand. This has been occurring for a month and many rumours have been gossiped about by the servants. Since Athena is now a ghost, why doesn't she scare them a bit? She thought. Since they were all badmouthing me before and labelling me as a monster. They're even favouring a witch!
That's the start of her havoc but at the same time, her body kept becoming even more see-through. So, in the meantime, she stopped her revenge and turned obedient all at once. Her birthday was coming up. She'll be eighteen but the star of the night isn't her. It's only three months more.
Sighing, she looked at the bright sun. It's as bright as ever but her eyes didn't sting when she resumed to watch it for long. "Lady Athena, what would you be wearing for today's tea party?" The 15-year-old maid asked.
Oh would you look at that, she's living my life without feeling even a drop of guilt.
Athena left the balcony and entered her room. She caught the sight of 'Athena' sitting in front of the mirror, pleasantly chatting with a maid. She still remembers how 'Athena's face changed when she watched how the marchioness screamed at one of the maids for spilling hot porridge on her when she was sick. 'Athena' spoke with her mom about her behaviour and helped the maid.
Athena smirked. Feel fortunate in your current situation. If you saw the slaves in the territory, you might collapse.
She wandered around and visited the garden where the tea party is to undertake. The maids were preparing it, running about here and there. She sat on one of the chairs and watched. The garden was decorated in different colours, pink and blue. It has become known that this was now the favourite colour combination of Athena.
Because a visitor came, Athena stood up and walked to the entrance to identify who it was. The first person to come is a Viscount's daughter, I see, Athena scoffed. 'Athena', 'Athena' please act with your title in mind. I'm not very pleased to meet you, Lady Wein. Nevertheless, since you're here, please enter. She invited the lady inside but naturally, she can't be heard and her courtesy was not witnessed by any person.
In her mind, she cursed at the witch. Your guest is here yet you're not ready to receive them? Just where were you from, peasant? But since this wasn't the first time and 'Athena' is now best friends with lady Wein, lady Wein didn't mind and even got off the carriage and entered the residence herself. She walked to the garden and waited for 'Athena'. Athena sat down in front of the lady. How have you been? I've heard that your family is having a crisis in choosing your fiancée since your other fiancée ran away and eloped with a commoner.
As expected, there was no reply. Athena stood up and walked around, touching the roses and waiting for more of the guests to come. After about an hour did everybody arrive. 2 viscount's daughter, 1 Earl's son, 1 Earl's daughter, 2 barons daughters, 1 Marquess's daughter and 1 son of a duke. The duke's son was naturally Kaine. 'Athena' was informed of his arrival but what happened would shame any etiquette teacher. 'Athena' walked outside to greet him but she didn't use any good vocabulary and only said. "Oh, you're here. Welcome, come inside." And rushed back to the crowd in the garden. Athena shook her head and walked side by side with Kaine.
"Welcome, Baron Grandrie. It's been a while. My, I wonder how you feel after not receiving love letters and visits from me." She chuckled and glanced at his handsome face. "Well, you must've not noticed it. After all, you receive other love letters from other noble ladies as well." Since she can't be heard no matter what she says, she stopped there and only walked with him to the garden. The other attendees greeted him and all of them sat in the round table. Athena has no seat so she chose to wander around again in the garden. There's no point in even eavesdropping on their conversations. The girls speak about fashion, food and tea while the gentlemen watch and only ads some comments as well. Even if Kaine is here for the second time, he would never bring up any governmental topics. What a useless tea party.
Meanwhile, sitting across from 'Athena' was Kaine. Without glancing at 'Athena', he watched her every move. Every motion and action. Athena ate while looking at her friend discuss her family issues. Her hand she uses is her right, not her left. The colour of her dress is pink without even a single colour of red in her outfit. Kaine's eyebrows furrowed slightly. He felt that Athena's change is too quick.
Athena was always the person to stick very close to rules so it's bewildering to see her act casual to the maids even if they've broken quite a few etiquettes. She has refrained from sending overly cringey love letters nor visit him. Suddenly, she doesn't feel like Athena anymore.
"I've heard that the south of your garden has flowers that are black. Is that true? Since we're here, it would be a shame for lady Athena to not show the fabulous sight." Kaine spoke.
"Yes, that's right. Would you like to see? Then let's go." 'Athena' stood up and walked through the gardens with the others admiring the garden filled with various coloured flowers. White, pink, violet, yellow and orange. While passing through the middle, there was a small pavilion, four chairs were arranged around a circle tea table. The pavilion was surrounded by red coloured roses. It was a very familiar place. The lady would pull him from the parties and bring him to this very pavilion to avoid the noise. Her two close friends would soon find them and the four would have their own party. Away from the noise and the ballroom that screams responsibility and maturity.
Now though, she's not forcing him to sit down with her nor is she with her usual circle of friends including Dalie and Bethanie. He gave a quick glance to the pavilion when something caught his eye. Red and black dress, hair tied up and leaning back against the chair, watching him. Their eyes met but when he blinked, there was nothing. Nothing red except the roses. He must've been seeing things due to the sudden change. He followed 'Athena's lead and soon was in front of the black flowers. Under these black flowers is a box that holds important papers. The contents are naturally a secret.
Bidding the guests with 'Athena', Athena said her farewell and watched them leave on their carriages. Somehow, she wished she could leave the house without the restriction on her soul. She would truly be a free soul by then.
-----
In one of the tea parties, Athena stayed at home. For unknown reasons, she could stay at home without disappearing completely bt when it's outside, she would truly disappear, it was a tested fact. Upon knowing that Bethanie and Dalie are not attending the tea party, she was immediately turned off and chose to stay at home.
'Athena', after arriving, instantly felt regret. Who did she see? It was Irene, the heroine who is to end up with her fiancee. Guilt due to changing the course of the story erupted from her and she felt a bit shameful. At the same time, she does not wish to get to know Irene Wrae.
"Lady Irene, this is Lady Athena, the daughter of Marquise Denfir. She's always active in the social circle but recently, she's calmer." The lady Introduced. "Lady Athena, have you met Lady Irene? She's Earl Ware's daughter. Unfortunately, she has a weak constitution and so, was unable to attend tea parties often."
"Pleased to meet you." Despite her unwillingness to associate with Irene, she still curtsied.
"It's an honour to meet you, Lady Athena."
Nothing is special in particular occurred, yet 'Athena' felt the tea partly was especially long today. She left earlier than usual and she had no appetite.
Athena who's watching the scenery in the balcony caught her weird aura. She stood up and walked closer to inspect the other person's expression. Her face appeared sweaty and the usual smile every tea party was not evident in her face. Athena looked down and she caught sight of her hands. It's gained some colour.
The very next week, Athena's complexion turned even more colourful. She glanced up and to watch 'Athena'. She was reading her mails. Curiosity filled her and she read the letter. It was an invitation to Irene's debut. It was explained that she missed her debut last year since she was unconscious so they are doing it now. Along with the letter is the official invitation letter.
But why was witch's expression very dark?