Crinoel leaned back on his chair with an eyebrow raised in doubt "I am the only Duke of the great Empire that governs the continent. In a year or two, I am expected to be named a grand duke which is competing in power with the imperial family. Grand Duke, and you think about my engagement ceremony and say 'it doesn't have to be anything grand'."
Erionella felt a bit ticked off by his curt 'honesty', but he was right. "You don't have to brag about it"
"Well if you don't want anything grand, then you could have a private engagement ceremony in the Renowarin territory, the Temple, Garcia territory, the imperial villa-
"Wait. Did you say the Temple?" Erionella said at the sudden realization on the location mentioned.
"Yes. But if you choose the temple, it'll probably be a five day trip due to the celestial meaning of seeing the people for five years and something along the lines. And there probably be the fasting of five more days-
"Let's do the engagement ceremony at the temple." Erionella said as she started calculating her next move, which had become a common thing these days.
Crinoel looked doubtfully at Erionella and considered her choice then bluntly replied "No"
"I didn't choose the temple because of my preferences, but because it will help in our invasion plans. Or should I call it our annexation plans. You need that town as the camp but they are unwilling and using it by force will cause disruption among your soldiers.
But, if we have the temple on our side, who can heal them, they will be bound to allow us use their town.
And, if we do our engagement ceremony at the temple, I'm sure all the bothersome troublemakers known as noble ladies will be reduced and your adversary won't be able to touch me"
Crinoel looked surprised for a second at the mention of his 'adversary', but let out a small sigh as he wasn't surprised anymore that Erionella knew a lot about the people in his life.
Maybe she was so powerful that she knew about 'that incident'.
"Hmm. Makes sense. And I should personally inspect the road to the temple. Fine. The engagement ceremony will be at the temple" Crinoel said thoughtfully.
"He-he, you made a wise decision, your Grace" Erionella chirped.
"But"
'So there's a but?'
"In order for us to have an engagement ceremony at the temple, you have to go through the proper procedures. According to the temple's law, my sister, your brother has to accompany us through the five day trip.
And the eldest daughter of the next high ranking family undermine"
Time seemed to stop as Erionella looked up the social ladder and looked at everyone's status.
Since the next rank under a Duke was a Marquis, it would be the most influential and powerful Marquis' eldest daughter that would have to accompany her.
The Imperial Family. Duke Garcia. Then Marquis Herlento.
¬The carriage entered into the fabulous villa which seemed to pack lots of guests all mingling within each other, each turning around to the carriage which bared the symbol of the Garcia family.
Out came a lady with light blue hair and golden eyes which really resembled the fearsome Duke Garcia. Everyone speculated who she was.
And after her a lady stepped out gracefully from the carriage, her green eyes shining brightly and cutting through the gaze of everyone and silky titian hair that was done into a bun.
Everyone gasped at the currently two most talked about figures in the empire appearing in this salon opening by Marquis Herlento's eldest daughter.
The salon opening had not even reached twenty minutes and almost everyone residing in the area near the imperial castle, had heard of this and wallowed in agony as one couldn't come to a salon opening, unless invited.
A salon was a ground breaking gathering of prominent figures in the noble world, each well versed in arts, literature, music or politics.
So everyone readied themselves the judge the Duke's fiancée and how much competition she would be in the future. And if she would be anything close to the Duchess of Garcia.
While the nobles were deep in their conniving world, Erionella discreetly scanned the place for a person, particularly the hostess of this salon.
"I offer my greetings to Lady Garcia and Lady Renowarin" A female voice which held authority drew Erionella's gaze to the speaker.
The exact person she was looking for.
In unison, Mareeonel and Erionella picked up the hem of their gowns and greeted gently "Greetings to Lady Herlento"
Her light blue dress which had tiny stains of soil which showed she had been to somewhere muddy, didn't put down her grace and dignity.
A dictionary wouldn't be needed to define a noble in her presence.
Elegance that could only be born with, matched her ebony hair and dark amethyst eyes that held confidence that she was the villainess of the novel.
Almost half way to the end of the novel, Crinoel, the villain of the story would be killed by Mareeonel. And all good stories had to have an antagonist.
-Mareeonel= Seen
-Beneditel= Now Seen
-Max
-Sonia
-Veloryn=Seen
-Harim= Seen
-Elliot= Seen
-Crinoel= Seen
Beneditel, the villainess of the story who made the plot and earned the intrigue of readers.
The male lead of the novel, was the illegitimate child of House Herlento and the oldest, thereby the heir but nobility rules didn't allow his inheritance, until the Marquise was only able to give birth to a girl.
A female was never recognized as an heir to a family. But Beneditel didn't care about that rule.
She would work hard, tooth and nail in every plan made. She would use any means necessary.
She would use any person at her disposal, no, she didn't acknowledge them as 'people', only as chess pieces on her confined board which was her life.
Just like Crinoel, she was also driven to madness for a cause.
To fulfill her mother's last dying wish.
"Find true happiness and your place in the society as a woman"
"How again could happiness be defined except from unlimited power and a whole army at your mercy?" Was one of Erionella's favorite lines from Beneditel.
Everything she did was to become the Head of House Herlento, which in time, would become a dukedom.
The male lead as the eldest and only son, had the right as the Head, but decided to give up on it, yet she would ruthlessly chase him down till the end of the continent.
Well, this would happen in three year's time.
She needed Beneditel to follow her to the temple as the eldest daughter of the next high ranking family under House Garcia.
And also, House Herlento made hefty donations to the Vatican which would make their appeal towards the temple greater.
So the matter at hand was how to get the villainess to go on a five day trip with a stranger.
But, once again, just like Crinoel he had a goal that could not be accomplished without a particular thing.
Crinoel needed a mage, which Erionella happened to be.
And Beneditel needed a feat to worth herself as the heir of Herlento. Well, she was in luck, Erionella was capable of giving her such an opportunity.
They were in need of strong soldiers. However, Beneditel being a master of the sword, was what made her unpopular among the ladies, but her grace and poise could not be matched.
So, without Crinoel's permission yet, Beneditel would be given the choice to join the invasion of Ulenov.
If she could win her over.
It seemed that for Erionella to to go back to her world, she would need the help of all the main characters in the book. Even though it was a big gamble.
_______
At a certain tea party in a certain mansion, was a lady with green eyes and brown hair, inquiring about someone.
"She's at the Herlento salon opening with the Duke's sister" The informant in the group said.
"Do you want the shovel my Lady?" A lady suggested.
"There's no need" The lady with brown hair and green eyes said.
"Of course! Lady Elisa has so much more important things to do!" A barons daughter.
"That's right. I am Elisa Julian. Daughter of Count Julian and I don't need to waste my time with some Counts daughter." Elisa said with pride in her green eyes and flicking her brown hair.
"But my lady" A merchants daughter, Willia Alkry, who was meek in nature spoke up."Aren't you also a Counts daughter?" She said gently as her family, the Alkry's were vassals of House Julian. And her family business relied on House Julian she couldn't afford to offend Elisa.
Elisa's face reddened in embarrassment slightly, then changed to anger as she threw a teacup to the ground. "The Julian family cannot be compared with the Renowarin's! My family deals with jewellery while they manage lands! What are you suppose to do with land! The Julian's deal with the finest diamonds and gold! While they deal with dirt and grass!"
"Well, houses are built on lands. And everyone lives in houses. Also, diamond and gold are refined from land. Along with crops and pla-
"Shut up!" Elisa cut in from Willia's speech and angrily pounced on her then slapped her on the cheek. "Besides, what a would a mere merchants daughter like you know! You're not even a real noble!"
Tears welled up in Willia's eyes as she knelt down at Elisa's feet and begged.
"I'm sorry Lady Elisa" Willia begged at Elisa's feet while the other ladies sneered.
"Such a thoughtless lady" One lady said.
"She isn't even a lady! Ha. A merchants daughter" Another one added.
"Comparing that Erionella lady with Lady Elisa. Though she's the Duke's fiancée, Lady Elisa is the only true Duchess Garcia"
Elisa felt happy at the words of the ladies because she didn't know all of them were just empty flattery as all their families relied on House Julian.
She looked down on Willia then smirked "If you're really sorry then say this 'Elisa Julian is the only one meant for Duke Crinoel Garcia' then don't come to my tea parties for the next 2 months"
"My lady!" Willia cried in sorrow. Telling her not to come to her tea parties for the next 3 months was a temporary banishment from the noble society as her status as a noble in the society relied on Elisa's support.
"I'm feeling kind today so just do it" Elisa sat back on her chair then leisurely took a sip of tea. "Now, say it"
Willia bowed her head submissively then said "Elisa Julian is the only one meant for Duke Crinoel Garcia"
"Good. Now, get out"
The tearful Willia left the tea party with her head bowed down then Elisa and her followers continued their chatter.
"Ah, did anyone find out what the Duke wore this morning" Elisa said with dreamy eyes as she had entered 'stalker mode
"I know! He wore a brown shirt Lady Erionella chose for him! I think she bought it the day she poured cranberry juice on you at the boutique" The tactless lady in the group said.
Elisa's expression became dark "You too"
"Huh?"
"Guards, take her out" The guards came and took the lady out.
"Wait Lady Eli-
The doors closed shut and only thirteen ladies including Elisa remained.
"Anyways, hat Erionella is really annoying. I don't know what kind of magic she used on my Duke, but I know very soon it will stop working" Elisa said coyly waiting for her followers to back her up.
"You are very right my Lady!"
"Lady Erionella isn't even half as pretty as you"
As the ladies sang their empty praises, a certain lady who had been silent all this while with pink curly hair and blue eyes spoke up. "Lady Elisa, don't you think it's best to remove a weed before it poses a problem to other plants"
"Huh, what do you mean? Why are you suddenly talking about plants?" Elisa asked confused. The other ladies looked at her confused then one asked.
"Lady Arin, what do you mean?"
"Never mind" Lady Arin said pushing her short pink hair behind her ear.
The tea party continued with the ladies chatter which was mostly their empty praises for Elisa and eventually ended after an hour.
A lady with pink hair and blue eyes entered her carriage abs let out a sigh. She was Lady Arin.
"You seemed to have had a great time" The dark silhouette of a lady sitting oppositely to her came into view.
"Just give me a pen and paper, Harlyn" Arin said rolling her eyes.
The lady who sat in the carriage came closer revealing a woman with red hair and silver eyes. She was Harlyn. She handed over a piece of paper, a pen, and two envelopes. One sealed and the other unused.
Arin took the sealed envelope then tore of he seal and red the contents of the letter which was in it.
Its been a month since you have infiltrated Lady Elisa's group, Arin. But it has proven to have no results.
I admit she is more stupid than I gave her credit for. But don't worry. In order for her to take down Lady Erionella for us, all we have to do is scratch her pride at a social gathering.
In a month or so, the Empress shall host a tea party, there you shall carry our my orders.
You may also wonder why I want to stimulate Lady Elisa's hate for Lady Erionella. Its quite simple actually.
Lady Elisa will basically do the job of getting rid of Lady Erionella while we remain hidden. An enemy that is secret.
My dearest Arin, you may wonder what I am aiming for. Is it Lady Erionella? Well yes. Then do I want to become the Duchess of Garcia? No. Then what do I want? I know you have been very curious. But I can't tell you that.
Until its time, my intentions will remain secret.
However, before I reveal my intentions, you should remember this simple piece of history which every one, both commoner and noble knows.
During the time of the previous emperor, there stood the four Duke's who supported him.
Duke Garcia of Blue.
Duke Landon of Red.
Duke Exion of White.
And Duke Elbry of Black.
However, Duke Exion, Duke Landon and Duke Elbry, came together to take down Duke Garcia who became powerful day by day.
But, Duke Garcia and his forces miraculously defeated the three Duke's.
The Emperor was furious but he suggested a 'House reform' in which the second rated Houses will come together to be the next Dukes.
Marquis Herlento of purple.
Marquis Kefney of green.
Marquis Perluntan of gold.
The three would stand along Duke Garcia to form the four Duke's again. But till now, the 'House Reform' still hasn't taken place.
And this is where I leave you in my letter, Arin.
Sincerely,
You know who
Arin sighed after reading the letter, but made sure to check for the secret password which was 'Lady' in the letter. To make sure it was her 'master' that wrote the letter.
She had been curious all this while what her masters plans were. But she decided not to let her curiosity get the best of her. Her 'master' was not someone to be crossed.
That was why she pitied Erionella. Who had no idea what was in store for her.
As she was in thought, suddenly a clenched hand came to her face trying to give her a punch. But it bounced of, sending the person back.
It was Harlyn who was in the carriage that tried to punch her.
"You know that as long as I am one of my 'masters' people, you can't hurt me. Nor can you hurt my 'master'. So, stop trying to get free, Harlyn. You will forever be my 'masters' slave." Arin said smiling before writing her letter to her 'master'
She handed the letter over to Harlyn who went out then sat alone in the carriage.
'But I'm really curious about my 'masters' intentions. Sigh. After being around that idiotic Elisa for so long, I'm starting to miss my smart 'master'