Chapter 10 - Well-Deserved
"My word… How are all of these paintings eye-catching? I can't help keeping my eyes on it." A low-ranking nobleman praises.
"I agree with you. I wonder where Lady Kore gathered them. Could it be that I missed out on this item's auction?" With a slightly dignified voice, this noble lady flaps her elegant fan.
"If you were to attend, you wouldn't be able to outbid the daughter of the duchess, considering how much wealth they wield."
"Indeed, indeed… But to see these beautiful artworks in good hands, I couldn't feel more at ease."
"Look at this! I can't believe Lady Kore has my desired antique! I thought it—"
All of a sudden, the excitement of a yearning object was soon outclassed by the echo of something resounding from afar, and it didn't seem as if it was a pleasant thing to listen to!
—SLAP!
Although it was soundless throughout the hallway earlier, the noise of a single slap quickly alerted others with its tumultuous and unsuspected sound. Even while there were only a few who were minding their own business and browsing through the well-drawn paintings, they were immediately caught off guard!
No matter how far it was, the horrific noise forcibly entered everyone's ears, bringing forth goosebumps at the thought of being the receiving end of the slap!
"Dad, what was that?" A common girl in her teenage years is looking at her father for answers.
"I don't know what it was, but I do know that it doesn't sound good for us if we were to stay here. How about we leave?" A doting father whispers with great care to his daughter.
"Was it a signal for us to leave this building? It shouldn't be the case since the tea party hasn't ended yet?" Surprised, a noblewoman asks.
"Maybe it's a ghost..?! The sound itself is too terrible to be true!" A lady's voice trembles as though she has seen a ghost.
"Shouldn't we find out the origin of that noise? If not, I'll gladly look for the person who's responsible for that." An exasperated man who seemed to thrill with mystery had begun to make his move.
The echoing slap was able to travel far because of the hallways, hence why it'll be difficult to pinpoint where it is. But the individuals who were present during the slap witnessed it all happen as they were deafened by the ear-piercing sound.
The moment the young teenager, Caissa, was prepared to accept a slap from the noble lady, Narcissa, the girl perceived her calculation collapsing when the figure of someone that shouldn't be there appeared!
From Narcissa's perspective and realization, her river of rage soon washes away by the dread of the situation as she finds her hand nowhere near Caissa's cheek!
In the blink of an eye, Narcissa's reaction took a turn for the worse after realizing who she had laid hands on! Not only did she miss her chance of hitting Caissa, but she was also about to face the consequences of her actions!
'Why is she..!!?' Fretful, Narcissa jolts.
"L-Lady K-Kore???" She stutters.
The sight of trembling hands accompanied by the quaking voice of a noblewoman filled Kore's point of view. Before long, the shifts in Narcissa's startling eyes become apparent in the shimmering pieces of jewelry on her hand.
The hand that has touched the pale yet smooth skin of Kore, is instantly strained by a maiden's blood! And when the blood tickles down on Narcissa's hand, she feels the coldest touch imaginable!
"L-Lady Kore! I-I didn't mean to..!"
"It was unintentional, Lady Kore!"
"You have to understand!"
During the beginning of the tea party as well as the announcement, the infamous Narcissa left a distasteful impression on everyone with her disregard for the atmosphere. And yet, her confidence fell short when the circumstances weren't in her favor.
At this point, Kore is now glancing at someone who has lost their touch and is shaking off their boldness under the weight of their situation.
"Lady Kore, it's a pleasure to see you."
"Likewise."
"I'm honored and ashamed that someone of your status endured this slap when it should have been me."
"No need to fret. It was my decision, of course."
At the same time, even though Caissa is expressing a sense of relief rushing over her, her worries remain visibly present. Before the possibility of problematic troubles comes her way, she cannot allow herself to be associated with any drama, which leads her to form a conversation with Kore, the unanticipated and suspicious savior.
'I'm a Marchioness! I shouldn't be utterly scared over this!' Narcissa panicked.
"Lady Kore, I have no ill intentions towards you. It's undeniable that I slapped you. However, you were the one who had mindlessly placed yourself in someone's business. You have to understand." Narcissa acts calmly despite her flimsy voice.
"Someone else's business? If that's truly the case, how awful of a hostess do you think I am not to worry about my guests' well-being?"
"Then I would be included as well. You have harmed me mentally by your unforeseen entrance. If you had informed me, I wouldn't have to experience this upsetting dilemma!"
"Someone of your status wants to be informed by me and is now wishing for my understanding without expressing any concerns about my injury? How daring of you."
"Oh..?" Narcissa suddenly gulps, yet she chooses not to back down.
"I have a solution to fix this situation! You simply need to leave the scene, and everything will be solved!" Narcissa gave Kore a bold response through her panic.
"Solved? Then I'll have to be honest with everyone and answer their anxious questions once they see me." Uneasiness fills Narcissa when she witnesses the grin on Kore while the latter is speaking politely and cluelessly.
"N-No! That's not my fault!"
"Ha… Marchioness Narcissa Leiron, as a hostess, I cannot allow your unpleasantries to ruin this special occasion. Unfortunately, there are a great number of people who are dissatisfied with your rudeness."
At the end of Kore's statement, when Narcissa saw how the situation had helplessly fallen out of her grasp, the unsettling air immediately surrounded her and swallowed her whole.
Not concerned about Kore's damaged skin, the hostess soon caresses her wounded cheek with a gentle touch as it dyes her pale finger bloody red. The more gradually Narcissa watches it go on, she quickly succumbs to the devastating silence Kore has given to her!
How humiliating and insulting Narcissa was feeling after Kore had only responded kindly to Caissa and not once were those friendly replies directed to the former! Her apprehension switches to that of an insensible enragement!
From Narcissa's point of view, the composed and unfazed tone of Kore's voice, including her persistence in accepting Narcissa's peaceful solution, has acted as the final trigger!
"Rude? Did you consider that rude? I find your words to be full of idiocy! Seeing how you don't want to understand my situation, I don't want you to interrupt my business with that commoner!" Narcissa bellows.
"Oh, surely you jest. You may not see it, but I have already grasped the full picture. It seems to me that a cat is outraged by a mouse that has outsmarted the feline with its fairness and cleverness." Kore covers her bleeding cheek, forever imprinting her disturbing smile into Narcissa's memories.
"A mouse..?"
After going through her impulsive and nonsensical utterances, it took Narcissa quite a while to calm down and understand what Kore meant.
On the spur of the moment, someone who isn't like Narcissa, finally expresses her concerns for Kore's well-being. Unlike Narcissa who refused to apologize for her crude action, Caissa is currently trying to learn about her savior's condition.
'It looks like Kore is hoping for me to feel indebted to her. Even if I never asked for her help, I need to keep a low profile and give her a good impression before she gets the wrong idea about me.' Caissa comes to a decision.
"Lady Kore, are you okay?" Caissa asks worryingly.
"I'm quite alright. Did Lady Narcissa trouble you?" Kore turns around to glance at Caissa, ignoring Narcissa.
"Lady Kore, I appreciate your worries, but as you can see, I was having a delightful time with Lady Narcissa." Caissa replies with no changes to her smile and tone.
'Delightful?' Kore wondered with a sudden change of expression hidden behind her grin.
"Lady Kore! Focus on me! You shouldn't be involving a commoner during our conversation!" Narcissa rudely interrupts.
In an instant, Narcissa has the nerve to place her hand on Kore's shoulder tightly without the latter's permission. The audacity to touch a noble of greater caliber, including every citizen, is forbidden by laws and customs as it was established by the previous emperor after a horrendous incident happened.
The result of a distorted man who used his power to commit underhanded schemes upon an influential woman has gone down in history as the most gruesome outcome of this River Incident.
To this day, none will wish to mention this incident on any occasion since it'll save their stomachs the trouble of vomiting from the incident's detailed information, paintings, and monochrome photographs.
In any case, not only does it give a safety precaution to prominent nobles and even commoners, it'll serve as a threat to those who are eager to commit a sin when a 15-year sentence of imprisonment is beckoning behind their backs.
If the sentence is graver than usual because of the difference in the victims' noble statuses, some will be convicted to a lifetime in jail or sentenced to immediate death by beheading after going through appalling torture.
In this current situation, Narcissa has already contacted Kore's skin through an unintentional slap, leading to a bleeding injury. Whether or not it was accidental, the attacker should have a chance to appeal the case.
However, Narcissa's circumstances have worsened because of her aggressive touch on Kore's body for the second time! And as a consequence of Narcissa's thoughtless behavior, she'll now face a trial in court to ensure her innocence in this matter!
Be that as it may, only three people are present in this hallway. No one would be able to report this circumstance to the imperial knight or the authorities! That must have been the reason why Narcissa behaved this confidently.
Perhaps this is why Narcissa can touch Kore without feeling a hint of anxiety and fright!
—Whoosh!!!
"What?!"
After being replaced with distrust and doubts by a certain noble lady at the beginning of the tea party, these imperial knights were currently surrounding that said woman with well-taught postures and sharp-edged swords.
In addition to all of this, the commander of this squadron of knights is forwarding his steps toward the front of the terrified Narcissa!
"Somnus Lethe…?! The general?!"
The shaken eyes of Narcissa caught the full glimpse of the Imperial Knights' General, Somnus Lethe.
As his blue poppy-like irides illuminated with a glimmer, it sent a chilling goosebump to Narcissa. It's to the point where the ashen color of his hair isn't as daunting as his glaring eyes.
For someone with a busy schedule to arrive at this humble tea party as well as being the most important figure within the imperial knights, it's honestly unexpected for everyone if they were to catch wind of this!
"Marchioness Narcissa Leiron. By the law of the Olympus Empire, you're hereby arrested for the crime of assault."
"How dare you! I am a noble lady, and I demand to be released immediately! Remove your indecent hands from me!"
"My apologies. Noble or not, your social standing means nothing against the law. It's publicly established for all citizens of Olympus to adhere to, regardless of their rank."
"This commoner should be the one you knights need to arrest! Can't you see she's cheating during her matches?!"
"We have investigated Caissa Thea Skaki and she has committed no illegal acts in any of her matches. You, on the other hand, are guilty of dishonest conduct such as cheating and harassing your opponent's courage and spirit." Somnus holds out a ripped piece of paper in front of Narcissa, who seemed to have realized what it was.
Not lending a word for Narcissa to refute, Somnus continued without catching his breath while averting his glance at the maid beside the suspect.
"We have done a quick investigation of your matches and activities. As we had expected, we discovered your constant whispering to your maid and your maid's frequent trips to the trash can to dispose of these written papers."
"Aside from your maid, Hazel Rose Mary, who will spend her time in the interrogation room, Marchioness Narcissa Leiron is under arrest for damaging Kore Thesmophoros' face and seeking to harm an innocent Olympian."
"I—"
"Time is of the essence. And the law is no exception. For that, you must keep yourself silent before you are put into the Imperial Court to pledge your non-existent innocence."
"!!"
At that moment, Narcissa couldn't fathom how a mere knight was speaking down to her, a noble lady!
"Not only am I getting humiliated by a commoner, but I'm also now being detained by a former commoner knight?!" Narcissa bawls at the top of her lungs.
"I shall see you on trial, Marchioness."
—Rumbling!!
"Let go of me! I am innocent! I have done no wrong whatsoever! You fool!!!"
Without letting the knights have an easier time carrying her away, Narcissa was in a fit of rage when no words or actions could get through to her. The repeated phrase of her innocence was as blaring as it can ever be with her thunderous tone of voice!
Sooner or later, the atmosphere began to gradually shift into an unbearable situation where the innocents were watching the suspect being transferred to the Imperial Court.
From everyone's perspective, the sight of a crazed Narcissa is intolerable to be added to anyone's memories. Moreover, the outcry of her voice is heard by those who are closest.
What's more, some are seeking entertainment and amusement from the building's interior, only to hear Narcissa's foulest words with their faultless ears and witness the woman's misdemeanor.
—-------
After the suspect is out of everyone's sight, including the imperial knights, there's someone who hasn't followed along with his subordinates. It was Somnus Lethe who was walking towards someone.
"Are you fine, Lady Kore?" Somnus speaks with a subtle solicitude, taking his handkerchief out to lightly tap on Kore's bleeding cheek.
With a comforting and reassuring smile, before Kore was about to accept Somnus's handkerchief with a thank you, her attention shifted to someone else instead.
"Miss Caissa, I advise you to do what you were trying to do before the timer runs out."
"Yes, I will do so in a timely and efficient manner. Pardon me." Caissa responds and bows formally before she turns around.
Only within a moment, Kore walks up to Caissa after receiving Somnus's handkerchief. When Somnus watched as she was moving farther away from him, what kind of expression was on his face after having Kore's attention stolen by Caissa?
"I sincerely apologize for being unable to stop Marchioness Narcissa from ruining your day, and if there's anything I can do to compensate for today's event, I would gladly do so." Kore's words were spoken with clear sincerity towards the commoner, Caissa.
"I appreciate the apology, but ultimately, it was Marchioness Narcissa's responsibility to behave appropriately, and it's certainly not your fault that she failed to do so, Lady Kore. However, if there's anything I can do to help rectify the situation, I would be open to discussing it, considering how you defended me earlier."
"In that case, as you can see, I have matters to attend to. Rather than speaking of your compensation in this modest place, is it preferable for us to meet in the Shades Inn after this event?"
'This shouldn't do. I cannot help but exercise caution. It is only natural for every individual, including Lady Kore, to harbor hidden motives. Therefore, I must be vigilant to avoid any potential schemes that she may have concocted.'
'After all, Lady Kore would not harm herself without any hidden intention, especially if it were to protect a commoner like myself.'
'It's not a sound decision to allow me to fall victim to tactics and other masked agendas that would bring harm to me. In other words, maintain vigilance at all times, savior or not, Lady Kore.' With a firm mindset, Caissa ends her thoughts.
"I am willing to discuss the matter of compensation at any location that is convenient for you, Lady Kore. And I do admit that the suggestion of meeting at the Shades Inn is the best choice."
At that moment, Kore appears to be thrilled in hopes of witnessing the life of commoners or could it perhaps be a disguise of her emotion? Caissa will never understand the hidden motives behind Kore's behavior, and that's why it takes time to comprehend a person's truest personality.
'The possibilities of kidnapping or human trafficking activities are the things I must consider since time has shown the unfair happenstance of slavery in the poorest district a decade ago.' Being reminded of such tragedies, Caissa wasn't at all fazed by those thoughts.
'To ensure a well-informed decision, I'll do further research before proceeding with this rendezvous.'
When one's thought is to simply protect themselves from upcoming danger, Caissa is always the first to place her safety as her priority, no matter the circumstances.
'Oddly enough, Lady Kore and Sir Somnus exhibit something that is causing a disturbance in me for no apparent reason.'
Be that as it may, how can Caissa fare against Somnus Lethe and Kore Thesmophoros, who appear to be in a different league compared to a commoner like her?
"I'll excuse myself now, Miss Caissa. I have high hopes to have a valuable and memorable game of chess with you." Kore utters with an honest smile after folding the handkerchief.
After only a while, Kore casually walks over to Somnus to return his handkerchief to him, and after receiving the handkerchief, he had taken it upon himself to escort the esteemed lady to the garden nook where plenty of chess players were waiting patiently and impatiently for her arrival to resume her current match.