Entara, a world where magic and swords were an everyday thing. 'Talent' defined a person's entire life.

Nobles suppressed the poor ,and few had the chance of getting blessed by Gods and Devils.

Somewhere inside a courtyard of a noble lady of high status two people could be seen giggling and chatting loudly like old friends. They were both sitting opposite across a table with fine carvings, a single teapot with two cups over it .

"I can see your skin glowing like roses, Alice," the lady with aquamarine eyes said softly while covering her mouth lightly. "You are so mean to not share your secret with your best friend. Even I want my skin to be young and fresh."

Though married, her innocent looking face betrayed her age. A Tiara with a sapphire in center adorned her head. Her dress fluttered with wind like calm waves. She was like a serene ocean.

Emilia's childish face belied her sharp mind and keen intuition. She had always been a clever and observant girl, even as a child.

Alice smirked as Emilia's eyes widened in surprise. She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, and stared back at her friend. "It's exactly what you're thinking, Emilia," she said in a low voice. She enjoyed seeing her friend flustered and curious. She had always been a daring and adventurous woman, even as a child.

Emilia gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. "Alice, you…you don't mean…?" she whispered, unable to finish her sentence. Her friend's weird dogma was not a mystery to her.

Alice laughed and reached out to touch Emilia's cheek. "Don't be silly, Emilia. It was just the usual you know.

And It's not like I'm expecting anything after spending a night of passion, though I won't deny how good he was at sex."

Emilia didn't need to really know, she could tell by her friend's fervent expression that it was anything but normal.

"...But still, don't you think it's such a waste. Why don't you just get married already? There would be a line of many Marques if you just say yes. " genuine concern masked her face.

Since childhood both of them were bestfriends and their beauty dazzled many. If she was called the ' Water Fairy ' , Alice was often referred as ' Silver Fairy '.

She was dragged around by Emilia in balls and the audience would admire these twin fairies from far not daring to approach because of Alice's temper which was well known.

Alice took a sip from her cup " Get married? Then what, live a lonely and isolated life yourself?" Her sharp tone made it clear how irritated she was.

Emilia's face stiffened and she dared not retort. She had married against Alice's wishes and got herself trapped in this cage.

Seeing her friend's state made Alice a little guilty but her annoyance just flared more. " That's your problem... you're so timid!! Only if you could have asked for help that time, how could you have been married to that bastard!! "

she slammed the cup hard but still controlling her strength not to break it.

An awkward silence followed as they both refused to say anything. Emilia regained her calm and just drank her tea in silence. Alice didn't bother to scold her anymore, she knew that Emilia was suffering the most.

Knock Knock

A maid announced her entry breaking the strange air inside the room. She had a well maintained figure with simple brown irises and small chestnut hair reaching her shoulders. But her chest was definitely the biggest in this room.

She could feel the tense atmosphere and wondered what happened, she knew how these two people were .. almost like sisters.

" Lady Emilia , Madam Alice" she gave a courteous bow before starting anything.

She was Emilia's personal maid, Diana.

She took care of her since Emilia was a kid and treated both Emilia and Alice as her daughters but still was respectful enough not to cross the line.

Diana stood straight not showing any signs of her being in forties. " It's time for dinner. I have arranged the table. " Her soft tone made Alice also relax. " Didn't I tell you before not to be so formal when it's just us? "

" I'll listen to Madam Alice if you also listen to me and get married soon." though her voice was soft but her words stabbed Alice hard. Diana dared to be so bold because she knew Alice well, bold and straightforward unlike other noble women.

" Well... I appreciate your words but I've already made plans for tonight's dinner so I can't join you, sorry. " She sincerely apologised since she was also looking forward to eat what Diana has prepared because she knew her taste very well and no other cook could get a higher rank in her mind than Diana.

While Diana was a little surprised Emilia narrowed her eyes. " Is that him? " " If yes, so what? " even though she knew she couldn't hide it from Emilia she didn't want to admit it.

" Hmph..! Didn't you say it was just a single night of passion and you didn't like him at all? Then why would you meet someone you slept with a second time when you've never done that before?.."

..her words made Diana visibly gasp " Alice, are you finally getting married? "

Her excited words and Emilia's scepticism made Alice uncomfortable.

" ....w-what are you guys talking about!! It's just because he's too good at sex...! Don't you listen to what people say?!.." she was getting flustered and left in hurry " Bye! "

Emilia and Diana looked at each other both with dubious expression. " ....Was he really that good? " Emilia asked absentmindedly. Diana saw the distant look on her face and her heart pained. ' Only if Lord Edward was alive ' she saw with her own eyes how Emilia's life had been hell since her father died.

" Let's go eat Emilia " she could only try to be a good mother to her in this hell and support her.

" Mhm " Emilia kept looking at Alice's back and wondered what it felt like to be so free and unrestrained.

"...Maybe?" She shook her head fiercely. " Huh , what's wrong? " " Nothing, let's go. "