While passing through the master bedroom, sobs could be heard. The servants who've noticed this ignored it, thinking that it is another one of the Countess's hysterical moments as usual. This wasn't the case inside the bedroom. The woman was tied in chains while the Count is trying to feed her something. The Countess screamed and shook her head, avoiding the hands, but this only annoyed the Count.
The Count threw the plate he was holding towards the wall, shattering it. The woman on the bed stopped struggling and stayed silent except for a few sobs.
"I've already explained to you what will happen. Your daughter is gone, but don't you want status? I will give it to you, but first, you must cooperate with my plans. Understand!?" He yelled and slammed the door shut. Outside, he fixed his sleeves and went to his office. Athena was waiting to report about the Auction house.
He nodded after listening to her reports. "If I'm right, you're 18 going to 19?" Athena nodded. " I've been thinking and decided that for now, it's better to allow Leo to take care of the Auction house. For now, let's focus on finding a fiancée for you."
"I do not wish to be married at such an early age!" She retorted. And if she does, she wants it to be with Kaine.
'No, nevermind. Kaine might've not wanted to in the first place. It was me who forced him to marry me and hidden the engagement agreement. I was such a selfish brat back then.' But even so, she does want to marry at such an early age. Also, if she's not entirely guarding free towards the Count, he has shown change throughout and seems to not be as frightening. She could even retort like she did just now without being threatened with a knife.
"Irene, I know you hold the duke's son in your heart, but he's already engaged to somebody. If you truly want him, you must work hard in taking his heart," he explained. "I will let you pick who you will marry but mind your status."
Athena left the room with an unpleasant look. She touched the golden key against her neck, made explicitly into a necklace, and chose not to use it. She's too busy to waste her time. Athena went straight to her room and attempted to write a letter, but all would end in a crumpled state.
~I am Athena~
Scribble. Cross cross. Crumple
~Kaine~
Scribble. Cross cross. Crumple
"Lady Irene, have you heard of the new product popular amongst the ladies? The lotion that could even a farmers' skin smooth." The new maid named Sasa hinted.
Sasa is a slave as well, but before she ended up in the slave storage, she was already pulled out by Athena to become her maid. As for her former maid Tena? Well, there's a reason as to why she had touched her golden key.
Athena shook her head amusingly. "If you'd like one, then wait until you have enough money."
Since she's a woman, hearing this product that could make a woman's hand smooth, she left with her maid and two guards. Standing in front of the store, she had the urge to kick it down and kill all the people inside. It was a Denfir store, and the person who most likely introduced the store was no other than 'Athena.'
Nevertheless, due to the urging of her maid, she entered and was introduced to the product. She also met ladies that she knew, including Dalie. "I didn't expect you to be here."
"I, as well."
Both bought the products when they met 'Athena' by the door. " Here to inspect her business?" Athena whispered to Dalie's ears. Dalie nodded, and both greeted her.
"Lady Athena, it's been a long time." Irene greeted. Athena's face doesn't show as much of shock and fear, and this caused Athena to be displeased. "I've come to try your products. I've heard that it could make even a farmers' rough hands smooth."
"You flatter me. It's nothing." 'Athena' answered.
"Don't be humble." Athena gave a fake smile with her brows raised, but it was for a single second before she retracted it. "I'll be using it on Dalie's tea party."
Since Dalie's tea party next week has been brought up, it would be extremely discourteous of her not to offer an invite, so she was forced to. 'Athena' declined but was pushed by Athena. "My cousin, Kaine, had been sharing his worries, and he mentioned the relationship between both of you. He wishes you could talk to him and mend anything if there really is a misunderstanding between the two of you. Why not use this opportunity to clear the misunderstanding, Lady Athena, since Kaine is attending Dalie's tea party as well."
In the end, after all the pestering from Athena, 'Athena' was helpless and agreed. Dalie nudged Athena when they got out, but she ignored it since a new plan was coming unto her mind. She has postponed her plan for too long. When she went home, she called the people from the slave department of the auction house and gave her orders. Next week, she'll have another person in her room of torture.
Wearing her favorite colour, she entered Dalie's garden, following the lead of the host. She saw her group of friends and greeted them. "Why did you take so long?" Franie asked.
"Well, my father had something to tell me before I left. He was thinking of my marriage. I see that Kaine isn't here, he's busy as usual, I bet."
... Athena had the urge to go home early, but she endured it to not seem as suspicious when news of a person missing is spread. What if 'Athena' stays silent, though? Wouldn't her efforts be completely useless? She thought to herself when she was tapped by something on her shoulder. Surprised, she let go of her cup of tea, and it spilled on her dress. The ladies gasped and offered their handkerchieves to wipe it off. Later on, she was offered to go home early since the wet cloth might feel uncomfortable.
This was the perfect opportunity, Athena gladly took up their suggestion and left. She inwardly snickered. Who would've thought that the unwillingness of 'Athena' to speak to Dalie is beneficial? Dalie didn't even realize that Athena hadn't come. No, wait. There wasn't even an empty chair for 'Athena.'
tuk tuk tuk*
The sound of Athena's heels against the hallways rang. There was a sound as the door opens, and finally, she was in front of two people. One wearing a maid's uniform and one, a noble. Face so familiar to her. Her blood boiled of excitement. She kicked the maid on the stomach. She's quite reluctant to hurt her body since she'll be using it in the future.
"I-Irene," 'Athena' whispered. The immense shock, fear, and confusion in her eyes pleased Athena.
"No, my name Lady Athena Marielle la Denfir."