Chapter 29 - Chapter 29

Have I ever talked about how much I hate getting betrayed?

In the first place, it took a considerable amount of time before I'd be able to place trust in someone. When I finally did come to rely on a particular person, it meant I had witnessed their loyalty first hand. It meant I was sure I had them wrapped around my finger, and fighting for whatever cause I went after.

In summary, I was careful when choosing my people.

Marchioness Jessica Deor, my mother in this life, had proved to be one of the most loyal people to me. My shrewd judgement deemed that I had misunderstood her words and patience was needed under such circumstances. However, a volatile presence was awakened within me as I questioned her.

"What do you mean? You granted assent to this wedding? Why exactly?"

Questions angrily rolled out of my tongue, one after the other. Mother let out a heavy sigh, then spoke.

"After much contemplation, I realized this was the best outcome for you"

Such a reply stunned me, and my anger soared to skies. But, I had excellent self control and managed to ask. "How so?"

"Your father threatened to remove you from the Deor family register"

Without wasting a moment I sneered at such a reason. "So what?"

Mother turned to Hazel, and gently said. "Hazel, please can you wait outside"

"Of course, my lady"

Hazel gently bowed then went out of the room, leaving my expaserated mother with my furious person.

"Adrianna" Calling out to me in a tired tone, mother broke the deafening silence. Upon finally examining her closely, I saw there were dark circles beneath her eyes. Her face even seemed pallid. "You know I have your best interest at heart"

I held myself back from scoffing. After all, my relationship with my mother had been quite amiable. "Right now it doesn't seem so, mother"

"Don't say that! You know I do" In distress, she hit the chair's armrest and bit her lip.

"No, I don't know. Maybe if you explained, I would know"

Presently, I was considerably attentive to whatever side of the story she had to offer. I wasn't one to jump to conclusions on a whim. Internally, I urged my mother to offer her explanation before I'd become unwilling to listen

Finally regaining her composure, she began to narrate.

"One of the greatest predicaments to befall you, would be getting disowned, as a noble lady"

"Father wouldn't dare"

I was sure. He earnestly needed me. Besides he wouldn't be so rash knowing that if he did do so, I'd kill him immediately.

But mother didn't look convinced.

"Even if he didn't, if such a plan were to be considered before the rest of high society, your reputation would suffer a huge blow" The narrative offered by my mother made me flinch. I could trace the origin of her notion, to her own past. 

My mother was not an indigene of the South. She had been the daughter of a politically influential Count in the capital. As I had said before, she had pursued a duty as a dame and within a few years, she became renowned in the battlefield.

Then all of a sudden, her parents became unsatisfied with this knightly endeavour and pushed for her immediate marriage. Being the stubborn young lady she was, of course she was relentless.

Soon after, her once warm and supportive parents threatened to remove her from the family register. But it had all seemed like a bluff until they actually did disown her.

Still, that didn't deter mother's spirit and passion.....

Not until the knight division, which she was under, had her removed on the basis that a knight's family estrangement, tarnished the division's honour.

These occurrences led to her returning to beg, and a few events after brought her to her marriage with father, then into the South.

Such a narrative wasn't offered in the story. On the contrary, this had come to my knowledge after an emotional moment with mother, in the past. The tale did appear to have some loose ends, but, who was I to counter events from a distant past?

Her situation was entirely different from my mine. Yet, it didn't stop mother from projecting her qualms unto my circumstances.

Mother went on, snapping me out my reverie, "Forever, you'd be labelled as a 'worthless lady' with reference to how your own family threatened to repudiate you"

"I don't need the Deor family name, to complete my worth. I can carry my own, well enough"

Mother shook her head, and spoke. "Your father is an influential Marquis. He'll make your life miserable, here in the South. As your mother, I couldn't sit and do nothing"

She then reached out and held my hand soothingly.

"So this is your best course of action?"

I pulled my hands out of my mother's hold. She looked at her empty hands, then clenched her fists. In a very low tone she spoke. 

"It truly is. Ronald, is the future Duke Belv of the South. He is one of, if not, the finest bachelor here in the South. A good marriage partner is the only way to assure your safety"

"Oh really? What about the business I own? Is the Wine business empire, irrelevant?"

I felt like she has forgotten about the successful business which I had built with blood, sweat and tears. Mother was aware of the great lengths I had went to, to establish Wine.

She replied, "Business that's not backed by a family name, is bound to fall in the long run"

"Ha!"

Rage consumed me as I laughed sarcastically. I considered saying so many hurtful things but ended up holding back.

There was no further reasoning with mother. She seemed adamant in her decision. 

Totally enraged, I stood up. "Mother, I honestly can't believe you"

Not wasting a moment, I fiercely exited the room, then passed Hazel who stood outside the door.

"Lady you-

"Tell my mother, I hope she doesn't get caught in the crossfire of an impending war" I interrupted Hazel, and didn't listen to her words nor the shouts of my mother from behind me.

I walked far away.

Suddenly I felt suffocated. I thought my relationship with my mother was good. Even far better than the one the original Adrianna in the novel had with her. I had previously believed in my persuading skills and saw myself as a good judge of people's character. Yet, here I was proven wrong. 

'And I hated, to be wrong'

In annoyance, I let out a loud sigh. I was so mad, that I picked up my pace and walked to an unknown place, past the curious guests who glanced at me.

Speedily I moved forward without looking back, until I got to a garden. Finally, I halted and looked up at the clear sky. Somewhere within me, I hoped for dark skies and a heavy downpour. The angry sound of the rain, ironically, always put me out of my own anger.

I needed to calm myself before I'd make an impulsive decision.

Destruction gave me a sense of superiority which I found calming so I searched, to get my hands on something to destroy. On the other hand, such wouldn't be wise, as I had the image of a gentle and harmless lady to uphold.

It was in the momentary silence of the garden, that my anger quickly dissipated as a thought appeared in my mind.

I realized there was no need to be enraged any longer. This wasn't the first time I'd been betrayed. As long as I would climb higher, it certainly wouldn't be the last.

As painful as mother's words stuck, I had to dismiss these feelings for now. Surely, my years of facing the consequences of being impetuous wouldn't go to waste.

'Besides, if my wrath is to be rekindled upon further reflection, I'll do well to exert my fury on my new object of destruction'

With this thought, I tapped my arm and checked the poison. My original plan of action, was in line with my current thoughts. Watching Ronald die after consuming this poison.....I would be granted with immeasurable satisfaction. The mere thought is already making me excited. No one would anticipate that I'd go to such extreme measures. Eventually, even if I were to be the object of someone's suspicion, I can't be traced to such an event.

Why? The poison which I have, is a very rare type which is in secret possession of the imperial family. The Southern security won't be able to tail it to me.  Secondly, I won't be the one administering the poison to Ronald. Possibly some subordinate to Belv, would be the first suspect. And thirdly, I too will be consuming the poison. However, I've developed certain immunity to a level of poisons. My life, wouldn't be endangered. In essence, even if Duke Belv and my father suspect me, they have no proof.

A quarrel with mother shouldn't dissuade my plans. In my life as Adrianna Deor, I swore to always remain headstrong and make minimal amount of mistakes. This was the path I'd continue on.

I was so focused on my thoughts, that I didn't notice am approaching group of servants and knights heading my way.

"Greetings Lady Deor"

I looked up at the group who were servants clad in a beryl uniform, bearing the crest of a familiar family that I seldom saw.

"Yes?"

When I had acknowledged their greetings, I belatedly recognized the presence of their master, who stood at a short height behind the knights.

It was rather unnecessary to be accompanied by so many servants at a high profile wedding, but considering the status of the escortee, it seemed plausible.

"Greetings Lady Deor"

The master of the servants, greeted cheerily.

"Greetings Lady Elby"

I returned the greetings of the noble lady with bluish-green hair, best called aquamarine. Her hair color really stood out. But who was I to talk? Considering I had fiery red hair. This was a fantasy novel after all.

The lady, Lady Elby, gestured for the servants to step back and give us some privacy. When they were out of hearing range, a large grin spread on Lady Elby's face. She then nodded and spoke.

"Long time no see. How's my favourite reincarnated person?"