***
Finally!
It's finished!
My painting's finished!
I spun, danced, and sang in my head.
The last time I painted was when I was 7... Oh, no, 9 years old... right. I was forced to paint for a live exhibition at the Hillary's.
9 years of not painting and I can still make a masterpiece. If this is not a show of my genius, then what is?!
I stared at the painting with a smile, but it immediately turned into a frown. I had to look away.
There was that one tiny spot...
I'm tired...
But that tiny spot...
No... It's fine.
While I was having an interpersonal conflict, someone knocked on my door.
Ugh, doesn't he know how to knock properly?
"You can come in, blondie." I stood up and stretched.
"You're finally done?" Blondie walked over to the painting, he had a hand on his chin. It made me irritated, that someone was analyzing my painting. I kicked the back of his knee.
"Why are you here?"
Blondie yelped, but his eyes remained fixated on the painting. "If I'm not here, where am I supposed to be? Stupid."
Fine, that's fair.
I still kicked the back of his knee though, on the other side this time.
"Argh!" He finally looked away and glared at me. "You damn brat!"
I held my middle finger up and Blondie did the same.
"Whatever. The duke wants to talk after lunch."
"He's back?" I crossed my arms, shrugged, and said, "Why after lunch? Let's do it now. He's at his study right?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. By the way, store that painting away." Out of sight, out of mind.
"Huh? Aren't you going to display it? It's a shame."
My turn, dimwit.
"When it hasn't even cured? Stupid."
***
"Your grace," I called out, lightly knocking on the door. I looked at Blondie, this is how you knock the right way, dumbass.
Hearing the signal, I opened the door. "You may take a seat. Sorin, stand guard."
Blondie's mouth gaped, "Wha- but! Ha..." He rolled his eyes. "Yes, your grace."
Weirdo.
Mr. Butler was talking to him, we locked eyes and nodded at each other.
I sat down on the sofa, unfortunately, there were no snacks or refreshments.
"..." Archen put his pen down, he glanced at me, "Jerome..."
"I'll send someone. Then, I shall take my leave, your grace, my lady."
I waved at Mr. Butler. "I heard that you wanted to talk to me about something?"
As usual, Archen got to the point straight away. "That's right. I told you that I will let you live as the only lady of the Aillard but you will have to pay for it."
"Yeah?"
"I want you to study etiquette earnestly. I've asked Countess Friar to mentor you."
I choked on the non-existent liquid.
Bitch– Friar... Countess Friar, the emperor's godmother?! The literal legend of the previous generation?! The one who fought for slave's rights?
From the book, she was described as 'the definition of elegance and knowledge'. She helped Sienna Harlowe readjust herself to high society.
"The countess Friar?" Big emphasis on 'the'.
"That's right–" A knock sounded, "You may come in."
Two maids came in, one holding a tea kettle while the other brought plates of delicacies. They left as soon as they placed the trays.
I poured myself a cup of tea. "Would you like some?"
"No."
Okay, it's your loss.
I grabbed the crescent-shaped cookie because it was the only one that didn't smell like sugar. I hummed, signaling Archen to continue.
"Well, it's a shame. I was planning on having Lady Enver—"
I couldn't hear what he said next. What do you mean Lady Enver?! You want the mother of the ML, Azriel, the fucking emperor, ruler of this land to mentor me?!?!
"Kegh— agg—" I slammed and punched my chest, struggling to get the cookie out. Archen was too focused on his papers to notice my impending death.
Water, water, ah... tea.
I gulped down the tea, "ahhh..." Thank god, I thought was gonna die. I poured myself another cup of tea and drank it.
"–well, make sure to learn earnestly. Mistakes will not be tolerated as the emperor's fiancée."
Luckily, this time, I didn't choke. I spat a mouthful of tea on the table, it splashed on the table and soaked the cookies. Yum, tea-soaked cookie with a hint of saliva.
"...Are you alright?"
You're asking me that after striking me 3 consecutive times?! Just tell me if you want me dead!
"What do you mean the emperor's fiancée?!"
The only girl who ever stood beside the Azriel is Sienna!
Sienna Harlowe!
There was never a Raina on his side because if that happened, she would at least be mentioned in the story! Not one sentence talked about her!
In the first place, wasn't Azriel engaged to the only lady of Verena?! Why is he suddenly engaged to Raina—Me?!
This plot change just because I decided to leave that annex is too much!
"Sienna... Sienna Argerich!"
"I- I... Yes?"
"Are you dozing off?"
When I had the shock of this lifetime?! Well, granted, it has only been a few weeks.
"No... I'm just... Shocked."
He nodded.
Don't just nod! What happened to his fiancée!?! No choice...
"What happened to Lady Verena...?" I thought of an excuse, "the nobles said that he's already engaged to the Lady of Verena..."
"That's right. You're going to act as her while she's recovering."
Recovering my ass, she's on the run.
"I see... Az— His majesty agreed...?"
What a stupid question, of course, he agreed.
"Naturally."
I sighed and pulled myself together to face Archen. "Well, I shall uphold my part of the deal."
"Hmm. Your lessons shall start next week, and a tailor from Adite–"
"No."
"What?"
There's no way I'm getting clothes from that boutique!
"Your grace, you need not worry about my clothing. I'll handle it myself. Do trust me on this one."
Archen frowned. Bless the gods for they have given you superior genes. If this guy was normal, his face would be full of wrinkles already.
"I'm a very petty person, you see. Mistreating me and such, I'm not going to let it go. Adite grace, I'll bury them underground."
Archen sighed, "You are still young and as a scholar you must be unaware of how high society works. There are reputations to uphold and trends to follow. As a lady of a distinguished household, you must tread every decision you make from the way your hair is styled to how you conduct etiquette. A strand out of place or an error with how you sip tea is a thing to criticize and before you know it, you are shunned and isolated."
...
Unaware of how high society works... Me?
Quite the contrary, dear duke.
"I agree with your sentiments, your grace. But I'd like to add the fact that as of now, the one controlling the scene is Arabella den Ethel." I paused, that's not something I should be aware of! "Or so I've heard..." From who?!
"That's right. Your point is?"
"The current trends are set by the one controlling high society, but there will be no need to follow the unspoken rules she set because I will rewrite it."
"Nobody can tell me what I should do in order to fit high society's standards. I am the emperor's fiancée and I shall be the standard."
AHHHHHHH!!!! I got too into it! I am the emperor's fiancée, and I am the standard?! Wah! Wahhhhh! Dear female lead, sorry for saying such blasphemy.
Anyway, Archen agreed to let me do what I wanted. So, I should probably start preparing before I get busy with the lessons. It takes 5 days to travel from the land Countess Friar governs, Nevan to Rielta, within that timeframe I must design and find a tailor, jeweler, and shoemaker.
I took the newly bought sketchbook and pencil to start drawing the dresses I wanted to make. Every stroke I made was full of confidence, certain designs popping up left and right, some original, some inspired by the ceremonial dresses I wore as an honorary princess.
"What are you thinking about?"
"How I want to crush Adite Grace by setting up a formidable competitor for it."
"...Do it."
My head turned to the blondie beside me with a dumb look on his face, I put my pencil down. With a blazing desire to kill in my eyes, my hands flew towards his face.
"C-calm down!" Blondie quickly caught my hands.
"Tsk."
"What do you mean 'tsk'?!" He pulled his hair back, sighed, and smiled stupidly like always, "I'll lend you resources and connections, so you can get revenge!"
"Pfft! resources and connections from a-" mere knight... No, wait.
Sorin is someone I've been treating like shit all this time but he's the duke's personal guard, at least he used to be. He holds power in this household enough to have the authority to dismiss the annex's head maid, help in governing the region, have the steward follow his orders, and most importantly, Archen treats him as his equal.
He may actually have the ability to give me resources and connections.
"But that still doesn't make sense, why does he have so much authority."
"That's because I'm the duchess."
Oh, I said that aloud.
Processing the information, my head jerked up, staring wide-eyed at Mr. yellow eyesore. With disbelief, I let out a "huh."
Blondie gave a cheeky smile, "I'm the duke's husband."
...
Ew, what the fuck is wrong with him.
Sure, he seemed to fanboy over Archen a lot, but to pretend that he's the duke's husband? It's on a whole lot of deluluness.
"Get out." I stood up and pushed him out the door. I leaned on the door in order to fully close it, but Blondie, the persistent bastard that he is placed his hand on the door.
"What, do you not believe me?"
"I'm your brother! In law!"
"I'm rich!"
"Hey, I'm serious!"
Sarcastically, I said, "Sure, you are."
"You don't believe me!" He whined.
My eyes then went towards Blondie's left hand that was being horribly squished by the door, then it sounded, 'snap'. What followed was a falling yellow thing that landed on my feet.
"Ah! Fuck that hurts!" I immediately squatted down to look at my feet that was red and swollen from the gold bar's impact. "Gold?!"
Without me leaning on the door, blondie was able to open the door. He stood proudly, both fists on his waist, with a playful smirk and teasing eyes. "I have more." With his words, he placed more gold bars that were hidden in his pockets, forming a pyramid that reached my knees.
Was it logical that the gold seemed to appear out of thin air? No. But who cares?! It's gold!
My eyes twinkled in excitement and couldn't control my hands. Listen, I was a wealthy heiress in my past life, I could bathe in any material luxury that I wanted, so clearly, I shouldn't be as so excited with a mere 15 gold bars, after all, Uncle Kiel has an average of 50 in numerous safes.
But that was in my past life! I don't have any monetary freedom in this world!
As my hands touched it, 'pshhh', the gold bars vanished. It happened so fast that I couldn't see Blondie clearing out the gold bar pyramid distinctly.
Blondie smiled at me, "I'll give it back if you call me brother."
This motherfucker.
"Uhhhhh... Huuuuu." I calmly walked towards my empty easel and grabbed it. Raising it I lunged towards Blondie with all my might.
"Milady!" Kia, who just returned, tried to stop me by holding me back from behind.
"Give me back my gold!"
"Acknowledge me first!"
"What's there to acknowledge?! You delusional little shit!"
"I'm literally towering over you! The shrimp here is you!"
"Milady, please calm down, he's not worth your anger!"
"Hah?! Not worth her anger?!? I am completely worth it, excuse me!"
In the end, Blondie succumbed and gave me the gold without me having to call him brother.
The next day.
"Where are you going this time? And so early, at that." Mr. Nosy asked.
"Why do you care?"
"I don't know... Maybe it's because I'm your knight?!"
I sneered, "It's not like you're good at it anyways."
"Brat."
I tied the blonde wig in a braid and wore a white shirt, chartreuse pants, and emerald cloak. "How does it look?"
"Like you belong in a greenhouse."
Motherfucker.
I kicked Blondie's shin.
"What was that for!? Can't you let me finish?! A greenhouse that holds exquisite flowers!"
"Oh, my bad."
"Your face says otherwise!"
We bantered and bantered that I didn't notice something...
Before I realized it, the both of us were already riding on Leila, halfway through our journey. "Why are you going with me?!" I struck his chest with my head.
"Like I've said, I'm your knight."
"Wow! So dedicated."
"Hehe~ I know."
Shut up, I was being sarcastic!
"No, why are you suddenly being like this?! Didn't you hate me and not want to become my knight! What happened to that?!"
Blondie placed his chin on my head, "Oh. I still resent you for that."
"But... I don't know. I changed my mind about not wanting to become your knight. You... resemble my sister."
Right. He said he hadn't seen his sister for 2 years already. Why though? If he's really close to Archen, he could've asked him to have his sister live closer.
Unless...
She's dead?!
"Hmmm. You... well, my sister is the same age as you. Unlike the lady who's like the winter, my sister was like warm and sweet spring."
But you just said we resemble each other?
"Elaborate."
"Hehe~ Al is... stubborn, impatient, aggressive, bossy, manipulative..."
I thought he liked his sister, why is she cursing her? No... "Why are you cursing me?!" I struck him with my elbow.
"Ugh, stop striking me." I heard him mutter 'brat'. We're literally 1 inch away from each other. I struck him once again.
After recovering from the pain, he placed his chin on my head again, he laughed, seemingly a bit helpless. "Well, in any case, that negative traits of her are nothing but an exterior."
Blondie's voice seemed to mimic honey, sweet and sticky. I wanted to look up and see what this usually sarcastic bastard looked like when he had this tone, but the top of my head was firmly pressed.
"In reality, she's vulnerable. She would wake up at night, stare in a daze, and look melancholic. She trusts people easily but hates to admit it. She'd help others saying that others would be easier to control if there was a feeling of gratitude, really, she just wanted to help them."
Unexpectedly... Blondie is a doting brother.
"You... think I'm vulnerable?!"
We talked a lot on the way, and when we arrived at the Central Market, Blondie got down first and wanted to assist me.
I got down on my own though. I'm a great equestrian rider. I don't need anybody's help when dismounting from a horse.
I promised...
"I'm taking Leila to a stable first, you stay inside that pastry shop. It's crowded and It's going to be hard to find you."
"Okay." I rubbed Leila's head, "Bye-bye." She neighed in response.
***
I dipped the bread into the coffee. The bread's saltiness and the coffee's creaminess and bitterness complemented each other very well.
Tring–
The pastry shop was quite small, with only an estimated 30 square meters of space. So when the wind chimes sounded, it would be heard in the whole store.
I raised my head, it was only blondie. I threw a silver coin at him which he caught swiftly. An Aillard knight, indeed.
After a while he sat in front of me, gobbling up two banana pies with chocolate syrup whilst sipping banana milk.
Hey, isn't that sweet?
Fucking disgusting.
No wonder we don't get along well, it's like this. Our cores are far too different.
"Don't look at me like I'm eating shit."
"You are though?"
After finishing, blondie bought some pastries and drinks for takeout using the change earlier.
Weird...
I stared at a cup with a lid and straw, all made of metal.
"What are you staring that for?"
I mumbled unconsciously, "Isn't this too advanced?"
"Hmm? It's a product influenced by the 68th saint's holy artifact, the 'take-out cup'."
So creative~
"Apparently, Saint Daniel, ah- he's the 68th saint, by the way. He would bring his cup made of precious emerald and amber filled with bubbling black liquid everywhere."
Bubbling black liquid...?
Cola!
There's cola here?!
"Wh-where can I buy co- that bubbling black liquid?!"
Blondie shrugged, useless. "Saint Daniel would share to the people how to replicate his holy artifacts, but never how to make the drink he enjoyed so much. He did, however, invite people, aristocrats and commoners alike to his 40th birthday in the Verena duchy where fountains and water supplies were replaced with the bubbling black liquid."
"The people was so addicted to it that they begged and begged, but he didn't care. He said, 'even if I die, I will never hand over this recipe to anyone. If you really want to drink it, pray to the goddess that the next saint would know how to make it.', and as if honoring his words, he was stabbed and burned yet nobody cared and scrambled for a drop of the liquid."
What a lunatic. He died for cola?
But... It's strange.
Something's strange about that story...
"Is it real?"
"Yeah, it's a real story." He sneered, "Moral of the story, don't be selfish and don't be gree-"
"Help! Thief! Thief!"
"-dy... Hey! You greedy bastard!"
Blondie immediately ran after the thief. With the cup in my hand, I followed but quickly stopped.
"Hah... Haaaah..." Fucking hell! I can't breathe.
I turned to look at my original spot, it hadn't even been 5 meters yet! I thought I was already faring well! I just hiked a few days ago and now I can't even run?
"Hey..." Blondie looked back at me and froze. He cursed, "Fuck! I forgot!" He quickly ran towards me and lifted me up.
In a matter of seconds, I became a sack of potatoes.
"You fucking blondie! Put me down!!!"
"AHHHHHHHH!!!"
And so, that was a story that will be spread far and wide for a few months.
Where a stupid, idiotic, ignorant blond knight carried a frail lady while running after a thief who was caught by a tall, hooded man.
Right, that's right.
The hooded man was Len.
"Oh, we meet again, young miss!" It was the enthusiastic guard from back then.
I tried keeping a straight face and forced myself not to vomit, so I simply nodded. The guard handed a pouch to Len, said a few words, and left.
"Here you go..." Len took out a few copper coins and held them out.
Blondie pushed his hand away, "No thanks. We don't lack money."
This damn bastard! How dare you be so rude to Len?! A kick for you!
"Ahem! It's alright, Len. You're the one who actually caught the thief, this bas- hmm... guy didn't really help, so keep it to yourself."
"I see..." Len said and put the pouch in his pocket.
"Who is he anyway? Your acquaintance? How did you get acquainted? When did you meet? Is he even trustworthy? Why-"
I shoved Blondie's face away. "Sorin, this is Len. It's a long story but all in all, he's a friend of mine."
Sorin hummed and nodded. "Len, this is my co-"
"Brother."
"Brother..."
Shit.
'...You call me brother?'
I swiftly turned my head and cursed with my eyes. As it stands, Blondie was over the sun.
This fetishizing fucker!
"Oh... So he's your brother." Relief sounded in his voice and he offered his greeting to which Mr. arrogant n' rude lil' bitch ignored and crossed his arms.
I pinched Blondie's arm and whispered, "Greet him back." He did his signature 'tsk' but still followed me.
...
Wait, a minute...
Relief? Why are you relieved?!
Ah!
Ah!!
Ahhhhhh!!!!
I felt the blood rush to my head and I couldn't help but look away from Len, it was a cold windy day but the sweat on my palms and temple made themselves known. The two men probably saw my unusual behavior and in unison, reached out to my forehead.
"What's wrong?"
"This is why I told you to rest."
All of a sudden, warmth envelopes me and the fatigue immediately vanished. It was just like that time when I went hiking with Len. I was enjoying myself until I heard the sound of a hand smacking another's away.
Sorin just smacked Len's hand away.
To be continued.