A month has passed, and she hasn't left the house even once. She had even left her room only five times! That was when her mother forces her out. Almost always, her food would be delivered to her and be taken from her as well. She has a beautiful large bathroom in her room, so it is quite convenient. Today, a maid was sent to wash and dress her up, according to her father. The maid informed her that she will be going to a tea party.
Lady Helz, an Earl's daughter as well. Athena remembers her since she invited her a bunch of times in those political tea parties since Helz's father is a close friend of the king. Lady Helz would likely be an important lady in the future, considering that she is a possible candidate for the crown princess. There is a large gap between the age but what is 11 years old if she is a wise queen.
The maid assigned to her brought a blue dress, but Athena pushed it back. "I will pick my own dress." She ordered in a slightly aggressive voice. The maid stared at her but allowed her anyways. Athena is regretful that she can't change dresses as easy as she did before when she was a ghost. She opened her closet to reveal different dresses with various designs and colour. Athena, or more like 'Irene,' chose a neon green with roses embroidered on it.
Finally, she was done changing and left the house. Just in case Irene is in the room, Athena whispered. "Follow me, don't do anything unnecessary and stay within the 8 meters or your situation will worsen."
She didn't wait for any signs and entered the carriage prepared for her. Athena was finally out. A month of being locked up tired her out. She glared at the maid together with her in the carriage.
'I'm being watched. How petty the Count is.'
Athena watched the road outside. It was sunny. Twenty minutes later, the carriage stopped, and she reached Lady Helz's residence. She was immediately welcomed by and invited to the garden. Athena swept around the garden and caught three other people. Two of them she cherished very much. Dalie and Bethanie. There is also Lady Crensh, a Viscount's daughter who is engaged with Lady Helz's younger brother. Ain't this cute. Isn't this her gang?
'I bet the next person would be the ever so excited, Lady Frentie.'
The only person who would be missing is Kaine. Athena had always asked Kaine to accompany her or whenever she would invite these bunch of people. They were her friends, but the most two she was closest with is Bethanie and Dalie. She didn't have to be cautious towards them since they were always straightforward. The other people were always hiding something, and that's the cause of the drama within the group.
The question is, why was she invited here? Or better, why was Irene invited in the group? Not one had sent 'Athena' even an informing letter that Irene is now part of the gang! No, it must be to substitute for Kaine since he's turned into a busy gentleman.
Athena stayed quiet and investigated the group. They were much more reserved and less noisy compared to usual. "Hi," Athena whispered.
Helz invited her to take a seat. Oh, it seems it's not the first time that they got together. It will be slightly tricky to play around. "Have you been abused again? Kaine was worried since you didn't come to Athena's birthday party, as you promised. Is there anything happening?" The sweet voice of Bethanie entered her ears, but when she said Athena, there was a hint of hatred in her voice.
So this was why she is in the gang. It was Kaine's request.
Athena smiled but stayed quiet. Dalie went Godzilla. "Don't you worry, we will find you a perfect man. Sweet, loving, and caring to marry you so that you could leave your house and your abusive father."
Athena, who didn't even raise her cup of tea, chocked on her saliva. Marrying? She's only 17 for god's sake. Although people do get married early, Athena hasn't thought about marrying somebody else other than Kaine. At most she would marry when she's 20 or 21, not now!!~
Although she has her own opinions, different situations call for different solutions. In Irene's case, it wouldn't be too bad to marry early. The question is, who?
Athena smiled and spoke in a quiet voice. "But I don't know anybody that would like me."
Lady Helz patted her hand. "Do not worry. We will all help you find a suitable husband. If we cannot, then we will settle you with your cousin, Kaine."
"Since Athena doesn't seem to deserve him anymore, Why not ruin their relationship, right?" The viscount's daughter, Lady Crensh, added.
If you think that Athena's blood boiled, it didn't. Since she's not Athena anymore, what use is it in maintaining the care. Unless she could get back to her body, she would but now, not really. She only laughed a little before drinking her tea, listening to the group's conversation. She feels more secure now than she had before.
The tea party finished the moment the energetic Lady Frentie came. Everybody knew why. It was because she had gone to battle her family's strongest swordsman, Arthur.
When Athena arrived at the Count's residence, she asked for a pen and paper and wrote invitation letters to the group. It was for next week. Naturally, this was to force the Count to comply with the party. Since the invitations would've already been sent and use her friends as a shield against the abuse. Athena isn't feeling very optimistic about this, however. Since Irene could be abused by her father without anybody hearing about it, then Irene's social life must've been very controlled. Athena wouldn't be surprised if her letters are blocked.
Surprisingly, her letters were sent, and her friends arrived. She had no need to give orders for preparations because when she woke up, it was already prepared. Quite convenient, actually. Athena dressed up and greeted her friends in time. Throughout the whole tea party, everything was peaceful, and she decided to use this opportunity to learn the layout of the residence. They strolled around the garden and inside the mansion as well. It was a bit slow since Irene's body isn't very well.
She contemplated whether to tell them of her predicamental situation or not, and she decided not to. Lady Helz is very smart and is hard for her to compete with. It would be too troublesome if the Lady uses her situation as a threat. During the party, they decided to invite 'Athena' to another party to ask her opinion about the group once more. She was the one to form the group in the first place, so it should only be proper to ask her whether she's fully backing out or not. Athena cursed when the viscount's daughter proposed that. It's so much a hassle if 'Athena' agreed, and she's sent back to her body in the future.
No matter, that's not a critical event now. The countess's screams could be heard from the hallway. Athena decided to run and hide in the garden. Specifically atop a tree. Such an unladylike behavior from her, but before judging, one's reason must be considered. There was an all-out search party that night, and she was found. Fortunately, all she got was a glare, and she was off with her crying mother.