Chapter 4 - Strong Woman

Adeline walked into her room, which was messy because of her mother throwing things. She passed it and looked towards the window. She continued to stare until finally a tear rolled down her cheek. She laughing so happily and make servants could only pay attention to her behavior.

I didn't expect it to be like this. My parents expressions made me laugh. I can't help it, I haven't felt this happy for a long time. But, I can't have fun yet. I have to think of a plan. The plan that makes everything perfect.

"Madame called you in the garden."

Adeline followed the servant from behind. A large garden decorated with red roses. A cup suddenly come to her. Luckily she managed to avoid and saw her mother who was angry.

"What do you mean?!"

"I don't understand what you are saying."

"I have heard that you wish to learn a sword. I will not allow it. A woman like yourself doesn't deserve to fight!"

A woman doesn't deserve to fight? You weak woman. We can't always rely on a man. A woman sometimes has to fight. I did it for myself, not you. 

Adeline picks a rose. She gripped it so tightly. The thorns on the rose stem, made her hands bleed. Her mother try to stop Adeline. She fell helpless.

"You understand, right? I don't want to be a weak woman. You only see a blood like this? Even though you always beat me until it makes me hurt. I don't hate or revenge against you."

"What do you want?"

Adeline with a warm smile. "I want a freedom."

Her mother was powerless with her daughter attitude. She quickly hit Adeline with a cup plate. Adeline managed to stop her. Her hands injured. She watched the servant who only saw them. They smiled bitterly.

"From now on, I can't be the woman you want to be. I have a plan for my future. I will impress you and cry tears in front of me."

Yes, all the things I do will not go in vain. I don't need my parents. My path to a new destiny is about to begin. I will not repeat the same mistake. I will continue to be on the same path with different situations.

Have I missed it? Not all of this is enough for me. Don't overdo it Adeline. If it's too much, you won't feel the pleasure at the end.

...

Adeline started practicing the sword after arguing with her mother. The Lawrence family has a great family army. They entered second position in royal knights after special forces. Within days, Adeline has shown a satisfactory improvement.

Adeline abilities are growing very fast. It has even begun to surpass the knights. The knights were confused by their miss. Adeline, who only learns something to be a perfect woman. Practices with objects that will pollute her life.

"Miss Adeline, how are you doing?"

She didn't answer the troop commander's question and wiped her sweat with a cloth. The commander of the troops was annoyed with Adeline. He left the place without a word.

I already know your reason. I won't believe your sympathy. Mother did it on purpose so I didn't practice the sword properly. Luckily, I'm not stupid anymore. Realizing things like that made me practice more seriously than usual.

Three more days is debutante. I'll meet him. The last time I saw him was execution day. The memory is still remain in my mind. I can't get rid of it and keep dreaming about it every night.

"The designer that Madame called has come. She asked you to come immediately."

Adeline mother prepared this debutante with great care. The Duke Lawrence family has become one of the most important families in the Empire. Only the Lawrence family is allowed to use the palace. Each generation makes their debut at court as a tribute.

A room with all kinds of clothes has been prepared for me to wear in debutante. I'm tired of seeing these dress. They keep asking and telling me to wear it. I don't care about this debutante. I want to meet him.

"I want dress that look mature."

When she finished trying all the dress. Adeline left the room without a word. She continue steps and think of plans for the future. Adeline stop her tracks because heard Duke Lawrence shouted.

She quickly saw Duke Lawrence who was drawing his sword at someone. Adeline stop him and asked Duke Lawrence.

"What did you do to Mr. Knight?!"

"He's done something inappropriate. I have to punish him by cutting off both his hands and feet."

Adeline embraced the knight and stared at Duke Lawrence with rage. The knight was injured badly enough, his blood got on his clothes? Duke Lawrence seemed to see the flames burning around his daughter and didn't dare come near.

"Don't let you dare to approach him. No one can disturb my closest people and love."

Duke Lawrence didn't understand his daughter behaviour these days. He felt like his daughter was being possessed by someone. He thinking about nonsense and left Adeline.

The servants who were paying attention were surprised. They only saw her from a distance. Adeline wanted to take the knight into her room. But the knight couldn't walk because of his injured leg. As Adeline tried to lift his up, the several servants or knights go towards them to help her.

"Luckily your wounds weren't too bad, Mr. Knight." 

The atmosphere became so tense, because the servants and knights paid their respects. They apologized to Adeline for their doing all this time. They didn't think she would say anything like that. They just thought that she only cared about herself and ignored everyone. 

All of them actually care about Adeline, but because her mother. They don't dare do get close to her. 

"Forgive us, Miss Adeline. What should we do to get back at you?"

Adeline was just taken a back by their respects and tried not to be so pleased. She gave a cold smile, stretched out her hand to them. 

"Be my servant until all these tribulations are over."

They have been willing to help and support Adeline. All of them are swore an oath to hervas a sign of loyalty. Adeline only recruited a few people. She felt satisfied that she had someone could trust.

So you guys are care about me all this time? Is that because my parents? Surely you have miserable life in this world. I will help you and you need me. We can work together and then make the future better than it is now.

I will definitely repay you. I won't lose. I won't let my guard down. I will not remain silent like a woman who only can see from a distance. I will be the bride of the Second Prince.

End Chapter 4.