After that stomachache-inducing lunch, I throw a tantrum so that Aiko will be forced to bring me to the library. It's embarrassing, but it's the only way I can think of, so she won't suspect anything. Besides, this is an enormous house. It will be hard to explore alone. Moreover, based on Lyrica's character, it's better to give trouble to others if I don't want anyone to doubt me.
So, once inside the library, leaving Aiko outside, I marvel at the place. Duke Dunnett's library is like a small-town library instead of a private collection. In the Princess of Fate novel, it is mentioned that Lyrica's father is not a fan of books and mainly cares about strength. Despite that, Duke Lartius still collects books for his kids and wives.
And because Lyrica can't compete in physical strength, she studied all the spells they had in the library. And that allowed her to defeat her younger brother's achievement in the recent war. Unfortunately, the acknowledgment she wanted from her father never came. Worse, she even received her father's ire.
I look at the grandfather clock at the entrance of the mini-library, then on the calendar beside it. Thankfully, it is easy to understand. I trail my hands on it and find the current date. It's June now. Lyrica's birthday will be in November and the Queen selection will start in February next year. Hopefully, I still have enough time.
I go through all the library books and find out that they are in a different writing symbol. How am I going to learn how to fight if I don't even know how to read? My shift goes to the corner of the table. Can I just bang my head on the corner and act like I lost my memory just by a minor injury?
I stand up and slam my forehead on the table—not too hard, though. Then I fix my attention on the window that's overlooking the garden. I sigh. Maybe I should look around the area first and see if it can give me ideas.
Leaving the library, I turn around to see Aiko still following and observing me. I frown. "You don't need to attend to me," I say.
"But miss—"
"I will just walk around the house. Are you saying it's dangerous for me to do that? Are you questioning the security of a Duke's mansion?"
Aiko swallows and takes a step back. "If that's what you wish, Miss."
Hmmm, this is one of the instances that I am thankful they are afraid of Lyrica.
So, I turn on my heels and climb down the stairs. Since the house is huge, I need to map the areas out in my brain. I hope I didn't wear this long-ass dress, though. It's hard to move around with it. Still, I can't help but appreciate Lyrica's figure. I really need to get used to this beauty and not admire it every single time I catch my reflection on any surface.
It's already sunset when I'm finally done going around the rooms. I will visit most of the garden tomorrow. Right now, I just need to check the greenhouse-looking structure before I show myself for dinner.
From the back door, I walk towards the right side of the house. I've caught sight of a greenhouse earlier in the library. It is made of glass with a pipe metal frame. It is situated between trees and behind hedges that provide it some shade from both the sun and the people's view.
I open the door, and there is a subtle change in the smell of the surrounding air. I never got interested in flowers before, but now, I think I understand why people get excited over it. In winter, I'm sure this will be a very nice hangout.
"Lyrica?"
A voice. I whirl around to see a pleasant young man wearing gardener work clothes. He's got a messy face and curly black hair. But why is he calling me on a first-name basis? If he's one of the servants here, he should call me 'Miss' or something that will show our difference in society. And besides, aren't all servants afraid of me?
He then removes his shirt, revealing a well-defined set of pecs and abs. But when he realizes I am just staring at him, he stops and cocks his head at me.
"Do you want to do it with clothes this time? You don't like your clothes getting soiled, right?"
Realization hits, this is Lyrica's gardener lover! He's only mentioned once or twice in the story, as if he's an afterthought, just so the author can show Lyrica's sexual escapades! This is the same fallen noble who got defeated by Lyrica during Jonathan's first battle a few months ago. What was the choice given to him by Lyrica again?
"His pride or his subjects."
He's being blackmailed to become her whore! And where are his subjects? I try to remember again and trace the story events in my head. Oh shit! More than half of them are already dead. This Lyrica! How can she redeem herself now?!
"I just want to know. Do you have a place where you can live if I let you go?" I tentatively ask.
From a resting, stoic face, the man's face turns into that of anger. "What kind of play do you want now?!"
I take a step back and realize that he is taller than me! Lyrica is already a tall woman by average, but this angry-looking guy still towers over my height. In the novel, Lyrica could defeat him because of magic. If he knew I don't know how to use it anymore, what would he do?
Blood runs cold. I will be killed!
Suddenly, the man takes me by the shoulder and says, "Now, tell me what kind of sexual play you want and I'll do it!"
I gawk at him. He's furious. But who wouldn't be? Lyrica destroyed his hometown, took his subjects hostage, made him into her whore, and imprisoned him in the garden!
Is he in love with someone else? That vital information isn't mentioned in the novel!
"Unhand me," I say. In reality, I want to tell him it will be okay. I'm no longer the same Lyrica that he knows. He'll have rest. I can let him go. Besides, I don't need a sex slave.
The fallen noble is confused at first, but then a smirk forms in his mouth. "You have not been saying my name for a while now."
Well, because I am still trying to remember his name! He's just a side character in the story!
"Which means you like forced, rough sex this time."
My mouth opens wide. What the heck is Lyrica thinking!? Suddenly, the man's mouth descended on mine. It's rough, with his mouth devouring my lips. I struggle against him, but he only tightens his hold on me. I feel a shiver of disgust running through my body. This is unwelcome! No matter how good-looking he is!
Then the kiss turns nastier. His tongue pushes into my mouth, licking and almost swallowing my lips completely. I hate this! I'm not used to this! I push at his chest, but it's as if I am pushing at a solid wall instead. I raise my arm and pull at his hair so that he knows I don't like this. But he only presses his body against mine. His embrace is crushing me, and I repulse in distaste.
Then, his hands go up to my skirt, to my inner legs, and then I caught his hand just before he touches my privates. Shit! Shit! Shit! I have never once experienced this! Not in my thirty years of life! I've always wanted to do this with someone I love, someone I am certain of. But despite all the suitors, I never even once felt romantic love for someone!
Without magic, the fallen noble can overwhelm me with his strength. Before long, we are already on the ground. I scratch his face and everywhere my fingers can go. Then tears appear as his mouth goes down on my chest. He licks the part where my mole is and sucks on it.
"No! No! No!" I plead. No longer caring if I am no longer acting like Lyrica.
He stops at the same time that the door of the greenhouse opens. The fallen noble gets up and we both look at the one who just appeared—short dark blue hair that shines in the light. Tanned skin, and a muscular body that's visible even behind the simple white shirt that he's wearing.
General Calais! My mind screams. What is he doing here? Shouldn't he be here tomorrow? Is he excited to break off our engagement and be with Eliana that much?
Nevertheless, I feel relieved that he's here. General Calais will not condone this beastly attack! But he's frowning. Why? His eyes go to the half-naked fallen noble on top of me. Then on my tear-streaked face and my arms that are trying to keep the fallen noble away from me.
Instead of coming to my rescue, General Calais says in a deep voice. "Lyrica, if you want to do this, keep it down and do it while you have no visitors."