The carriage journeyed to the temple, my cousin Elizabeth by my side. House Aureliu had always maintained a close relationship with the temple, given our divine heritage.
"Your Holiness, greetings," I offered with a respectful nod as we met the High Priest, Samuel Fletcher. He embodied the quintessential image of a temple priest—gentle features, a warm smile, and pale gold eyes, the mark of divinity for those not of the Aureliu lineage.
"My lady, we're delighted to have your presence here again, and it seems you've brought a guest today," the High Priest remarked, giving a brief, courteous nod in Elizabeth's direction.
"Yes, indeed. This is my dear cousin, Elizabeth Aureliu," I introduced them with a polite gesture before we followed the High Priest to the sickroom, where commoners in need of care resided.
It had become a customary activity for me during my temple visits—helping heal the sick among the commoners. This served to improve my image among the common folk while also aiding in the enhancement of my magical abilities. Since I hadn't succeeded in manifesting Asclepius yet, I had to resort to alternative methods. Additionally, I had instructed Baron Solon to investigate the poison Elizabeth had used on my brother, Helly.
I had planned to visit the baron on this particular day, but Elizabeth's unexpected presence disrupted my intentions. I would need to send him a letter conveying my deepest apologies for my absence during our scheduled meeting.
The day was a mix of misery, as I was closely watched, and sly, backhanded comments from Elizabeth. I had grown used to such treatment.
"Viscount Amber, I greet you," I declared as I entered his opulent study. I attempted to radiate as much authority as my youthful appearance allowed, for being a child was the greatest challenge I faced in navigating the intricate world of nobility.
"Ah, Lady Aureliu, please, have a seat," Viscount Amber graciously gestured toward an ornate chair, and I gracefully took my place.
"I assume you've already received my proposal," I said with a confident air. My eyes remained locked onto his, assessing his reactions and maintaining an unwavering presence.
Viscount Amber hesitated briefly before responding. "Yes, indeed, I have received your proposal. It is quite detailed, and I must say, you have done thorough research." However, a hint of condescension lingered in his tone as he continued, "Yet, I believe this venture is more suited for the Duke, wouldn't you agree?"
It was clear that Viscount Amber did not take me seriously, dismissing me based on my age and stature. I suspected he was a supporter of my uncle, and his attitude marked him as one of my adversaries.
I refused to be belittled and took a firm stance. "Oh, is that so? In that case, I shall conclude that the Amber family is taking a stance against me. Am I correct?"
A self-satisfied smirk played across Viscount Amber's lips as he nonchalantly toyed with a quill. "I'd say the lady is expressing it somewhat more bluntly. The Amber family believes it would be more fitting to serve under His Grace than a child seemingly lost in their own fantasies."
My eyes bore into him, a silent vow to address him in due course once I had secured my brother's safety. Speaking of Helly, he was due to arrive in a day or so, and I had a proposition in mind that he wouldn't be able to refuse.
I had another pressing matter on my mind. In my previous life, I knew of a hidden magical crystal mine and a rare yellow diamond mine that had not been discovered by the empire. These resources were critical for gaining economic and magical power. It was crucial to act swiftly to secure these treasures before others caught wind of them.