As I made my way to the Stromcrest family mansion in the capital, I briefly reflected on the differences between this life and the previous one.
The event that had the most impact on this world, as I saw it, was Kylo's death.
Kylo died a month earlier, which triggered the survival of Arabella Celestia, who was supposed to die at the sword and magic festival held every year at the mainland academy.
Arabella's survival caused a great butterfly effect.
The first thing is that Anabella Stromcrest will no longer be able to use the resources of the Stromcrest duchy to support the hero, something I made sure of when I released the crystals with the hero's adulterous activities with Valeria Steele.
The second thing is that I will most likely not be able to be queen in this life, since in the event that the royal family should abruptly perish, Arabella would be the rightful successor due to her being above me in the line of succession.
Of course, in case she accepts, because if she doesn't, the next ones would be Anabella and my older brother.
There are also many survivors of the event that was averted by Kylo's early death, such as my father and brother, which will inevitably cause more deviations than I knew.
Now then, let's talk about the most dangerous: Temporal Entropy.
These are those events caused by time itself and destiny to correct deviations in history, or at least what I consider to be the pre-established.
These events are caused when a serious deviation is detected, which makes theoretically impossible events happen.
The best example is the survival of the vampire Carmilla, who was supposed to die when all her progeny died.
Temporal entropy ensured Carmilla's survival, causing an impossible event where an unknown vampire survived.
Couldn't it have been a butterfly effect? Did he cause this unknown vampire to survive?
No.
This is because Carmilla herself did not know of her surviving descendant, even after she was administered all sorts of elixirs to make her vomit up the truth.
It is impossible for a vampire not to know of the existence of their descendants, whether blood or turned, as all vampires descended from a bloodline have a unique connection to their progenitor, through which the progenitor can ascertain their whereabouts.
The reason Carmilla did not realize that her descendants were completely "eradicated" is because when the hero invaded her castle, she was in hibernation, awakening minutes before she was attacked.
Returning to the unknown vampire, it is very likely that she is a very strong or superior noble vampire, since she can avoid her progenitor's sensors.
It would not be a stretch to think that entropy has created another progenitor to keep Carmilla alive.
If that is true, then to eradicate Isabella Carmilla, you must kill her at the same time as the other progenitor , something very complicated, since it is not known how powerful it is.
Of course, it's just my guess, but if this is true, it could be the first catastrophe that the hero's group caused by changing history.
--
Arriving at the Stromcrest mansion, I came across a striking carriage with the Steele family symbol.
Yes, this is also one of the reasons I came to introduce my daughter to her grandmother: to prevent Arabella from starting a war with the Steeles.
While it is true that Valeria Steele is indirectly the cause of Kylo's death, she is quite an influential person as a lover of the hero, who is likely to join her in the war. Not to mention those of the golden generation, who follow the hero in an unhealthy way, which could result in Arabella's loss and weaken his forces.
(Something I must avoid, as it is not in my best interest for Anabella to inherit the dukedom and for the talents of the golden generation to die).
Now that Arabella is alive, I can secure an additional layer of security for Lumine and also request the private exercises of the Stromcrest family, famous for being quite powerful and destructive.
This is not to mention that, should Kylo's younger sister Sherry die (which I doubt), my Lumine could also inherit the dukedom. Very likely, since I don't think the hero is Arabella's cup of tea.
When Arabella learns of the hero's relationship with Anabella, she will probably decide to establish Lumine as heir.
(Anyway, that depends on how much Arabella loves Kylo).
"Welcome, Miss Lestia. Please come in," a maid said the moment we approached the entrance of the mansion.
I just nodded, and we were led into a garden where a couple of tables were set up for tea.
"The Duchess is currently with important guests, so apologies for not attending to her right away," the maid said with a bow and an apologetic gesture.
(She seems to be arguing with Countess Steele).
First, it is impossible for Valeria to face Duchess Arabella alone, so I assume she is meeting with her mother and someone else.
"Tell her that I have something very important to talk to her about, and that I don't mind the presence of the Steele," I said with a tone of urgency as if it were a rather delicate subject.
"I understand, I will convey it to her at once," said the maid and, turning away, she quickly withdrew.
--
It took about 15 minutes for them to agree to my request, but they finally did, so I made my way to the study, where the Duchess and the Steele County people were currently gathered.
When I entered, I could immediately sense a rather dangerous atmosphere, especially coming from that blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman, whose eyes had a dangerous glint in them as they looked at the two women in front of her.
Needless to say, they were Valeria and her mother.
As a side note, I also noticed an unexpected companion: the saint.
Everyone's expressions changed as they saw me enter, from deep bewilderment on the part of Valeria's mother, to the suspicious look the hero's two companions were giving me.
"Luna, you look great, but I wonder why you have such urgency," she said in a slightly more relaxed tone.
The reason she treats me so casually is that I am her niece, and when my mother died, she would give me gifts occasionally. Probably, she thinks it's not necessary to have a lot of courtesy between us.
"First of all, I'm so sorry about what happened to Kylo, Auntie," I said in my characteristic monotone voice.
"Thank you, but I'd like to know why you're in a hurry." Her expression changed a little when I mentioned Kylo, but she quickly hid it and urged me to hurry my explanation.
I could feel the curious looks from everyone in this room. I still had no plans to introduce my daughter, who is with a maid outside this room, so I pulled out a curious letter.
"Please read this, Auntie." I said calmly and handed her the letter.
What was in that letter? Well, it was a letter I forced Kylo to write in case he died, since he asked me for help in finding the elixir to cure his sister.
I simply used the excuse that this letter was necessary in case he died and the Lestia family was blamed for his death.
(He didn't agree right away, but eventually relented).
The contents of the letter were as follows:
[ Dear Mother Arabella.
If you are reading this letter, then I guess I have failed in my mission to get the elixir that could heal Sherry and save her from that terrible disease that afflicts her. My heart is heavy as I write these words to you, but I need to express all that I feel before I leave.
Mother, I love you more than words could ever describe. You are the force that has guided me through all my adventures and the light that has illuminated my path, even in the darkest of times. You have always been my rock, my protector, and my inspiration, and I thank you infinitely for all you have done for me and my sisters.
I deeply regret all the trouble I have caused throughout my life, the worries and sleepless nights I have caused you. My impulsive decisions and my desire to prove myself have led me to face dangerous adventures like this one, putting my life and those I love at risk.
I feel I was not talented enough to find the elixir we needed immediately, and it pains me to think that Sherry will continue to suffer without the relief we so desperately crave. I blame myself for not being able to find a better and quicker solution to her illness. Please forgive me for not being the exemplary son you always wanted and deserved to have.
I can't help but feel that I have also disappointed you by not living up to the expectations you had for me. You have always believed in me and encouraged me to achieve my dreams, but I feel that I never lived up to your expectations. It pains me that I did not give you the pride you so richly deserved, and I regret that I did not live up to the great feats you accomplished in your youth.
Mother, if this adventure has taught me anything, it is that a mother's love is unconditional, and although I am no longer physically with you, I want you to know that I will always be present in your heart. I ask you to take care of Sherry as you have always done, and tell Valeria how much I love her, and that my departure was not in vain, but that I did it in the hope of finding a cure for my beautiful little sister.
As for Anabella, tell her to forgive me for causing her so much trouble.
I hope you find the strength to overcome this loss and that my memory will give you comfort in difficult times. Remember that I will always be with you in spirit, supporting and loving you from wherever I am.
With all my love and regrets,
Kylo Stromcrest
PS: Don't blame the Lestia family if I die, as they helped me find the elixir.]
Sure, Kylo came out of this adventure unscathed, but after this, he went straight to the academy where he died some time later.
It is no exaggeration to say that this is probably the last interaction of Kylo and his mother.
As he read the letter, his eyes began to water and even a small tear came out of her blue eyes.
(It seems Kylo's death affected her more than I predicted).
It's quite rare for a stepmother to care so much about her stepchildren, especially the noble ones, who see them as a nuisance.
(If she keeps this up, this letter will achieve the opposite effect of what I came for).
Since that letter even mentioned his love for Valeria, his resolve to kill this adulteress might increase.
With a bit of haste, I told the maid waiting outside to hurry inside.
(I must take advantage of her unstable mood).
This was all planned to increase her ultimate affection for Lumine by taking advantage of her nostalgia.
"Thank you, Luna" I could see genuine gratitude on her face, but in her eyes there was quite a bit of determination, needless to say for what.
*Steps *Steps *Steps
When the maid entered, everyone in the room focused their attention on her, or rather the creature in her arms.
The maid handed my daughter to me and left, but not before bowing.
"Auntie, I want to introduce you to my daughter," I said in a slightly affectionate tone, very different from normal.
I could see how the uncomfortable atmosphere in the room turned into one of surprise, especially those who were part of the hero's group, who did not know of Lumine's existence.
Their faces became a little uncomfortable, and I could sense why.
"I'm glad you have a beautiful daughter, but.... Did you come to show off at precisely this time?"
When I made sure all was well with Lumine, I said to Arabella.
"Auntie, look at her eyes," I said and showed her straight to my daughter Lumine's beautiful little face.
Whoosh!
She immediately jumped up from her seat when she saw the baby's little face in my lap.
Her reaction was not exaggerated, for what her blue eyes reflected?
They were tender little purple eyes inherited from her son Kylo.