Chapter 25: Marchioness Erica Macadam

*** WARNING: This chapter contains foul language and violence.

***Alright Now Continuation Of Chapter 25...

-Inside of Rainers dining room-

"You sure like meat" (Aurora, said)

Aurora had been watching Dorion eat his four plates of meat and this man was already on his fifth.

In fact, most time that they dinned together this man was eating meat.

"You want some Lady?" (Dorion, asked)

So Dorion smirked at her remark as he cut another piece of meat and extended the fork with the meat so she could take a bite.

'...' (Aurora)

"That's...an indirect kiss" (Aurora, said)

She said as her face remained expressionless.

'Smirk'

"It's not like we haven't kissed before" (Dorion, said)

Dorin teased her getting to her.

'Blush'

Finally, he had gotten a reaction from her as her cheeks had turned pink just remembering that kiss after the first meeting.

'Turn'

She turned to look at the windows trying to avoid eye contact however the noise she had heard a couple of days ago caught her interest.

'I was wondering what was being built...they said I couldn't step near there because of construction-' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"It's a surprise, so you can't go near there Lady okay?" (Dorion, asked)

As if Dorion had read her thought he told her making her turn.

'A surprise?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She unconsciously opened her mouth to speak again as she was turning but by the time she had turned, Dorion had placed the meat he was holding in her mouth.

'Chomp'

As soon as she took a bite from the meat that was already in her mouth the dining door burst open.

'Brust'

Making them turn towards the door direction as Dorion still held onto the fork that had the meat she was biting.

And the person who had burst in so disrespectfully was none other than Marquess Elex himself.

'Halt'

His steps unconsciously stopped at the scene of Dorion and Aurora sharing food.

"I already told you can't just come in like that" (Butler Benny, said)

Benny tried to say nicely as a sweat dropped near his cheek but unlike Benny Orland and Evan did not hold back on their words.

"How dare you?! What arrogance for you to come in like this?!" (Orland, yelled)

"I'm going to kick your ass no matter if you're-" (Evan, yelled)

Right behind Marquess Elex were obviously Benny, Orland, and Evan who had tried to stop Marquess Elex.

"Let the old man in" (Dorion, said)

Dorion's lips parted as he spoke over the yelling Evan.

"He must have had his reasons to barge in on un announced isn't it right my father-in-law?" (Dorion, asked)

Dorion called Marquess Elex an old man again speaking disrespectfully trying to tick the Marquess off.

'Frown'

Marquess Elex immediately frowned.

'So this is the bastard son' (Marquess Elex's inner thoughts)

Dorion added on.

"You seem as if you were in a rush to get here so how about you joining us for lunch?" (Dorion, asked)

"I don't associate with people that do not match my caliber" (Marquess Elex, said)

But instead he just plainly refused with a disgusted tone as if he were looking at two low-class beggars.

His heart felt anger indescribable anger just seeing Aurora be associated with Dorion.

"Hey you-" (Evan, yelled)

"Evan" (Dorion, said)

Dorion calmed Evan with a warning tone and gazed at him still sitting down.

'Glance'

He looked at Aurora who had closed her eyes and continued on eating with an expressionless face as if she was just unbothered.

'Turn'

Then he turned to look at Marquess Elex again.

"Father-in-law the way you speak does not match your caliber if I say you're more of a dog that barks without a back so let me put it in a language you can understand" (Dorion, said)

"Sit down. Dine with us." (Dorion, said)

He pointed to his left seat pointing his index finger down as if he was telling a dog to sit.

Then grabbed a piece of meat and shook it as if he were to give a treat to a dog if it obeyed.

"You might get a treat if you behave" (Dorion, said)

"..." (Marquess Elex)

His face grew dark and he began to frown even more.

'Eat'

'Swallow'

Dorion stopped shaking the meat and ate it himself then parted his lips again with a sly smile that provoked him.

"The meet is especially juicy today a dog like you could never get their paws on such a juicy meat so" (Dorion, said)

"Stay or Leave" (Dorion, said)

He spoke to him as if he was speaking to a dog again.

'...' (Marquess Elex)

"I see why the emperor rather rot than be associated with a filth son like you...just like a maid the language must have been inherited" (Marquess Elex, said)

Marquess Elex's lips finally opened as he said looking down on Dorion.

"Don't you ever think I came to see either of you especially a monster as a son-in-law like you and a bad omen herself" (Marquess Elex, said)

"I only came for one thing and it's to get back my daughter's neckless that was stolen" (Marquess Elex, said)

He finally raised his voice displeased.

'Look down'

Aurora who had not turned around to see him was wearing the neckless that matched up beautifully with a very light blue summer dress.

She showed no satisfaction or anger she simply stared at it and grabbed it gently.

"It's mine I never stole it" (Aurora, said)

Aurora's lips finally parted with a calm tone still not looking at him.

"What?" (Marquess Elex, asked)

Marquess Elex's attention finally turned to look at the back of Aurora's chair momentarily taken back as if she had talked back to him.

"If you came to disrespect the people of a higher position than you I suggest you leave before I call for your imprisonment for offending a noble from a higher house" (Aurora, said)

"The door is out so take your leave the cells here have rats" (Aurora, said)

'Creak'

Chair noises.

She stood up from the dining table and looked at him with an expressionless face and a calm tone.

"You are interrupting our lunch, if you want to greet us properly then make an appointment with notice" (Aurora, said)

"You..." (Marquess Elex, said)

He greeted his teeth in anger but this time Dorion had gotten up.

"It was unfortunate having my old dog father-in-law but you heard my wife, the rats down there might still want old meet, or who knows they might be generous and befriend you" (Dorion, said)

'Wave'

Dorion waved his hand as he saw that Marquess Elex remained silent greeting his teeth.

With a simple wave of his hand Orland and Evan approached the Marquess from side to side to kick him out.

'Swish'

But Marquess Elex swished his hand away to not be touched.

"If you think I'm going to leave it alone you are wrong" (Marquess Elex, said)

He turned to walk away furiously however Aurora's words stopped his steps.

"Tell your daughter if she has anything to say to me she could say it to me at today's party" (Aurora, said)

"Unless her father is to attend the only the ladies private party as well?" (Aurora, asked)

She said with a provocative tone.

'...' (Marquess Elex)

Marquess Elex frowned furiously at her provocation and left without no further words.

This was because Aurora had received a last-minute private invitation to the Marchioness Erica's tea gathering.

A tea gathering with Marchioness Erica's close friends, Adelina, and a very unpleasant guest.

-Macadam Mansion, outdoor garden inside Gazebo-

The Macadam estate was a large piece of land that the Marquess Michel and Marchioness Erica owned in the capital as their main estate.

They owned another territory near the South but the Marchioness and Marquess went there for vacation during very hot weather.

Usually, she would have left for the Southern territory after the hunting competition was over, which was taking place tomorrow but this year the couple had left before for a good month and had just returned two days ago.

Her friends wished to see her after the month they had been away so like customary Marchioness Erica always planned a private tea party for her friends.

Only her four friends from her closed secluded group were invited.

"Well I'm glad both of you arrived safe and sound" (Countess Lupis, said)

Countess Lupis age seventy-five.

"It must have been hotter in the over there but recently the capital's weather has been hotter than the past years" (Marchioness Telele, said)

Marchioness Telele, age seventy-eight.

"I can already imagine how hot it will be for tomorrow's competition, I'm just glad there will be tents although I'm a little worried since there are more people attending this year" (Baroness Ethel, said)

Baroness Ethel, age seventy-six.

"You're right, I wonder if it's because those two will be attending..." (Countess Lexia, said)

Countess Lexia, age seventy-four said as she turned to look at the individual sitting in front of her one sitting away from the Marchioness Erica.

'Twitch'

'Why is everything about that bitch, first the Marchioness Ercia invited her due to the Empress's suggestion, and now I have to deal with her tomorrow as well' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'As soon as I showed her the neckless she threw across the room' (Adelin's inner thoughts)

Just remembering when Adelina went to show the empress the necklace she had purchased the empress threw the neckless across the floor in a fit of rage and decided to come to the Marchioness Erica's private teat party to get a closer look at Aurora's neckless in hopes she brought it just to not draw attention.

"I think it's due to her majesties agile way of preparing for the competition don't you agree Your Majesty?" (Adelina, asked)

Adelina's lips twitched as she said with displeased eyes but an expression trying to control her face asking the person sitting next to her.

In between Adelina and Marchioness Erica.

"Yes" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

Her lips hardly moved.

It was clear that she did not want to give the word to Adelina in fact she looked quite mad from the start.

Especially now that none of the ladies had had a zip of tea because they were waiting for one person.

"Anyways why is the young lady from the prophecy so late-" (Marchioness Telele, said)

Marchioness Telele said with dissatisfaction, she hated people who made her wait and she and everyone here were quite displeased that Marchioness Erica had invited Aurora but they did not know that the fake Empress herself had asked for her.

But before Marchioness Telele could finish a familiar voice was heard.

"Madam, the g-guest has arrived" (Maid Hazel, said)

Hazel was quite young but very good at her job she was the maid in charge of serving them today and escorting Marchioness Erica's guests just like right now.

But unlike her calm respectful expressions maid Hazel normally wore her face was blushed up with a shy expression.

That was because she was definitely admiring someone's beauty.

A beauty she had never seen in her entire life.

"I apologize for my tardiness Ladies, Marquess Elex had paid an unexpected visit delaying my time but this Duchess Aurora Rainers greets Marchioness Erica" (Aurora, said)

"I thank you for inviting me to your private tea party" (Aurora, said)

She bowed elegantly and politely without a flaw grabbing both hems of her light blue dress and moving on to greet the rest of the guests.

"I greet your Majesty empress of the Rhone empire" (Aurora, said)

"..." (Fake Empress Paola)

Unlike the old ladies and Marchioness who unexpectedly had widened eyes and blushed cheeks the fake Empress was expressionless but her eyes were cold.

However, her eyes were not staring at Aurora in fact they were staring at her neckless.

As soon as her eyes laid on Aurora's neckless the fake Empres's eyes relaxed.

'Glance'

Adelina seemed to notice.

'So that wasn't the neckless after all...to think I was going to waste so much gold on such a trash' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

In a way, she was relieved that would ease the empress's anger however no matter what trash neckless it was, Aurora who wore anything made everything look so good.

The fake empress did not respond but the old ladies were only staring at Aurora couldn't help but speak up unconsciously.

"My good, I heard she was ugly and disfigured is that really the eldest Lepiliondel sister? She's absolutely the most gorgeous person I have ever seen in my entire living life" (Countess Lexia, whispered)

"Seeing her now there is just no way she could ruin this empire she's so beautiful, I'm afraid that my grandson might even fall for her" (Baroness Ethel, whisper)

"Hush Ethel how could you say such a thing, it's my grandson who might take a liking to her, she's a married woman remember that...I can already imagine the sir her beauty would cause at tomorrow's competition" (Marchioness Telele, whispers)

Marchioness Telele's words sometimes would come out rudely but she was definitely complimenting Aurora's beaut pissing Adelina off.

'Those dam old ladies, not long ago they were clearly looking down at her and complimenting me that I who always win the queen of the hunting festival would be me just look at them' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

She gritted her teeth in her inner thoughts however she had to play her gentle good caring sister part.

'Turn'

She turned to look at Aurora.

"Sister, I finally get to see you it has felt so lonely without you" (Adelina, said)

Adelina got up and placed her hands on top of the round table acting like a sister who truly missed her.

"As a sister, I'm glad to see you however as a member of the Lepilondel family you know it's not right to come late under that excuse" (Adelina, said)

"You made the Madam's and the empress wait I think it would be right if you serve today's tea as an apology for waiting for you" (Adelina, said)

"After all, sister has good serving skills" (Adelina, said)

She lifted her hand and placed her fingertips on her lips hiding her snicker and looking down at her with her dark blue eyes.

'...' (Aurora)

Aurora remained silent for a few seconds before parting her lips again.

"I'm no longer a member of the Lepiliondel family, how could I belong when there was no place for me to ever begin with?" (Aurora, asked)

Aurora asked with an expressionless face and a calm tone.

'What is this bitch saying?!' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

"Sister..." (Adelina, said)

She called Aurora sadly as the old ladies watched and the fake Empress only closed her eyes as if she was not interested.

'If I decline here it would be like I am not one least bit for being late, it was not my fault the Marquess showed unexpectedly but Adelina knows how to twist her words' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Glance'

Aurora ignored her and took a quick glance at the large cart.

'Turn'

Aurora ignored her and turned around and looked a the golden cart with a large white porcelain white teapot with dark blue designs alongside a porcelain white saucer, sugar bowl, kettle pots, and milk pitcher with dark blue designs.

The basic utensils for serving tea including some extra bowls with cinnamon sticks, a new portable two-mini stove to boil, and a new blender if needed.

In truth, it was a very hot day so it wasn't appropriate for hot tea but in the aristocracy world, this was quite normal.

'Turn'

She turned her attention back to Adelina after analyzing everything.

"We saw each other yesterday, so if you excuse me please take a seat while I serve this" (Aurora, said)

"..." (Adelina)

'Creak'

Adelina stared at her in silence then sat down.

'Fine you'll only make a fool of yourself' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

'Look'

Aurora looked back at the large cart after her attention had drifted away from Adelina.

'If I do this it would be like doing a servant job...but not everybody has the confidence to practice it effortlessly elegant' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Your regret will be not taking the pouring etiquette class because I perfected it with a perfect score' (Aurura's inner thoughts)

However, her eyes gazed upon the apples in the center of the table.

'They look sweet' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'Turn'

Aurora turned to look directly at Marchioness Erica who was staring at her as if she was studying.

"Marchioness Erica if I may...can I use some of your apples as well?" (Aurora, asked)

Aurora asked politely and elegantly.

'Open'

Again the Marchioness Erica's lips unconsioulsy opened and then closed again.

'Nod'

She only nodded and said no words.

Aurora could feel gazes around her but she ignored them and she concentrated on what she had to do.

She chopped effortlessly two apples into small slices.

'Plop'

She placed the kettle pot into one of the miniature stoves.

Then placed the cut apple slices inside, placed the cinnamon sticks, added syrup, mixed it together to cook for about twenty minutes then placed another pot from the milk pitcher with milk to warm up.

She wanted all the flavors of apple and cinnamon to infuse into the water and for the milk to be warm while she moved on a grabbed a small white porcelain bowl placing heavy cream that was used as another sweetener option.

However she did not use it as the other sweetener for the tea instead she poured it into the white porcelain bowl placing some powdered sugar, a tablespoon of vanilla extract, and began to whisk it until it became thick.

It had appeared like a very fluffy white cloud.

Everything she did was so effortlessly elegantly and beautifully that naturally all her attention was directed to her.

The old ladies couldn't help to be amazed even that fake empress and Adelina were taken aback.

'Place'

She placed the bowl down, the whipped cream.

She moved on and removed the apple and cinnamon boiling tea and looked at the tea cup sets.

'I noticed since the beginning but there are two different sets of tea cups from the rest' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

A noticeable difference from the markings and pattern design, these two teacups were different from one another too.

One was for the host of the party and the other was for a very high guest.

That was not known much in aristocracy but she had read many etiquette books including royal etiquette, only an amateur would not know this.

This also meant that the first to be served would be no other than the fake empress then the Marchioness Erica.

Thanks to all her hard effort to prove herself after all it had not been a waste of time.

When Aurora was small and there was no exclusion between her and her family she'd always make teas for her family.

They were sloppy with those little fingers of hers but they did not judge after all she was quite small.

As she grew she learned etiquette from all over including some from foreign countries to expand her knowledge and also understand ways to improve the pottery business she had helped her father create.

She liked to say it was all his father's good success but it was actually all thanks to her he had gotten even more fortune so she automatically recognized the different tea cups.

'Grab'

So she grabbed the fake empress tea cup and poured syrup on the bottom of the inside of the teacup on the bottom.

'Pour'

Then pour the hot apple cinnamon tea on top of the syrup as melting it into the syrup.

'Grab'

'Pour'

She grabbed the warm milk and poured it into the fake empress tea cup.

She held the pot with her right hand up in the air positioning it very well so it landed on the fake empress teacup but she was holding it with her left hand.

Aurora had placed a small plate on top of the fake empress tea cup that way she could hold it better.

'Wow' (The old lady's inner thoughts)

The old ladies including Marchioness Erica's expression were really amazed.

Once Aurora had placed the warm milk the color of the tea had changed into a light brown color.

'Pour'

And finally, she poured the whipped cream above sprinkling some small cinnamon pieces on top of it.

Quickly enough she took out the apple that had remained since she had only poured out the water for the tea.

Since there were bowls she placed them into the bowl and added some more syrup placing the whipped cream on top as and sprinkling powder sugar on top as well.

Now these apples looked as if they were baked, very deliciously.

'The most splendid thing is the movement how I showcase pouring the tea, that naturally draws the attention of the one's being severed' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'A maid could not do this without such skills, if Adelina wanted me to look like a maid pouring tea I'm afraid it only worked on her contrary' (Aurora's inner thought)

'Ah...and I really have missed this smell...how long has it been since I smelled this scent?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'My...father used to say it was my mother's favorite tea' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'I'm sure if she was alive she would have loved it' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'I could have enjoyed till my heart's content and mother would taste each tea I made' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

There were actually many hobbies and talents she had, painting was her favorite by far but making teas was another form of art for her.

'Smile'

Her lips unconsciously raised into an elegant small smile as her dark blue eyes softened up.

'Shalala'

She who had been without expression or emotion only in her eyes had finally displayed a gentle soft appearance that made her look extremely beautiful.

It didn't mean that she wasn't beautiful when she wasn't smiling but a smile like that, a face like this was really a national treasure that made the ladies somehow proud that they could only get to see this and the honor of being served like this.

They had heard the rumors but they were already old age they rather not be involved in politics just like Marchioness Eric but what was something about these ladies is that they were not as hateful as they seemed.

How could such a beautiful person district the empire they thought?

There was just so much doubt that someone as beautiful as her could even harm a flower.

'Place'

Aurora had finished pouring each tea cup and bowl.

Finally, she placed the apple cinnamon tea and the bowl of warm cinnamon apple in front of the fake empress.

"This is an apple cinnamon tea, it comes with many benefits" (Aurora, said)

Her smile had faded away and her face became expressionless but her dark blue eyes had seemed to look down at her.

"It's good for the gut, for the heart, it flushes toxins, aids in weight loss, boosts the immune systems, controls the blood sugar levels" (Aurora, said)

"I believe it's to know the benefits of this tea" (Aurora, said)

'...' (Fake Empress Paola)

"Hmm..." (Fake Empress Paola, said)

The fake empress raised her tea up in the air as she looked at Aurora displeased however said nothing else but took a sip of the apple cinnamon tea.

'Widen'

Her eyes unconsciously widened as if surprised by the flavor then her eyes eased down feeling the eyes of everyone that had also been served waiting for the fake Empress to say something.

'Smirk'

The fake Empress's lips raised with a smile that seemed to look down at Aurora who was still standing up.

"It's too good I might consider you to become one of my main maids to serve me some tea" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

Although that would sound like a great complement to becoming one of the empress's main ladies it was a she was treating Aurora just as if she were a maid.

Adelin's lips had raised in satisfaction but Aurora ignored them.

"I appreciate your offer but I'm a married woman my husband likes to stick by my side wherever I am" (Aurora, said)

Aurora plainly refused but she also hit the spot of the fake empress who clearly did not want this marriage.

'Twitch'

The fake empress's lips twitched as she tried to control her frowning expression.

But before she could say something Baroness Ethel had grabbed Aurora's elbow and with strength she made Aurora unciously sit down on the chair.

"Duchess Aurora at least please give me the receipt for this great apple tea it's the best tea I have tasted my entire life" (Baroness Ethel, said)

She had surprisingly no hostility and told her with expectant eyes.

"Ah...yes I wouldn't mind giving you the recep" (Aurora, said)

She said with a little flustered at this unexpected reaction.

"Thank you Duchess Rainers" (Baroness Ethel, said)

Baroness Ethel said gratefully as she took another sip of her tea.

But by calling her Duchess it not only meant that she acknowledged her as a Duchess but it pissed off two people.

Adelina could sense the gaze of the Empress had given Adelina to speak out.

"Sister Aurora the Empress has given you such a high position how can you refuse so instantly, are you sure that...mon-man is not threatening you?" (Adelina, asked)

Adelina almost said monster but changed to man.

The old ladies turned their attention to Aurora reminding themselves who she had married.

"Not at all young Lady Adelina, he's quite kind compared to what the world thinks of him" (Aurora, said)

"He's been very attentive towards me and has given me basic human respect and love that any human individual is allowed to receive" (Aurora, said)

"..." (Adelina)

"For instance, he's bought me whatever I have asked for and saved me from the kidnap attempt someone I knew tried to do to me" (Aurora, said)

The instant those words left the atmosphere quickly changed.

Aurora had called Adelina formally and ever since the start it seemed as if Aurora's and Adelina's relationship was not well.

Not only that but it was clear that Aurora had been mistreated and now unknown news that she had been kidnapped even news for the fake empress.

'Clench'

The fake empress clenched her teacup in anger.

'Did this useless girl kidnap her so messly that I was not informed...!' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

She thought in furry.

'If it would have been for me I'd have both of them killed but I cannot do that yet...that useless girl is so stupid, has his creations always been like that? So dam useless?!' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

'Flinch'

Adelina flinched at Aurora's words.

'How dare this bitch bring such a thing up in front of the Empress, in this tea party occasion?! I didn't have the opportunity to report it to her! What the hell am I suppose to...' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

As if she got an idea her lips opened again.

"Sister why do you have to be so cruel to us I understand that you're jealous of my powers and that I look like mother but how can you accuse your own family that we have mistreated you!" (Adelina, said)

She raised her voice higher as some tear drops fell playing her innocent act.

"Even brother Arian went to make sure you were okay but you were rude to him...he was so heartbroken" (Adelina, said)

"He didn't even want to talk about how bad you treated him, he had been crying all night long and went to train early in the morning...how can you be so cruel?" (Adelina, asked)

'As much as I hate it brother Arian seemed to be crying everyone in the mansion saw his eyes theres no way no one can say so' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

"We were just worried you had gotten kidnapped because of your beauty...but here you are...hic" (Adelina, said)

Adeling began to cover her face as if crying making the old ladies feel a little bad.

"Saintess please don't cry" (Countess Lupis, said)

"Perhaps there was a-" (Baroness Ethel, said)

"First you came late and know you're causing a scene if I didn't know any better you have only been out loose for a couple of days and you're already causing a disaster" (Fake Empress, said)

The fake empress's red lips finally parted as she spoke to Aurora displeased and with a cold voice.

Everyone went silent and watched them tow including Marchioness Erica who had been silent the whole time and observing them.

"Now I'm starting to think it was better that you decline to become my maid, I wanted to start fresh with you again even after all that incident..but it seems you haven't changed at all" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

She had suddenly brought the past, it was the direction this conversion was soon going to head.

"What? What...does your majesty mean by that?" (Countess Lexia, asked)

"She has not changed?" (Marchioness Telele, asked)

"What incident?" (Countess Lupis, asked)

The old ladies asked with hesitance.

'Smile'

The fake empress's lips raised up in a smile.

"Ah perhaps I forgot to mention ladies or my mother hasn't told you yet but this individual sitting across from me not only  accused me but physically hit me years ago all because she said that I was a maid that had taken the place of the real Empress on the day of the execution and in  front of my first son at the time as well" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

"!" (Old ladies)

"Oh my is that true?" (Marchioness Telele, asked)

'Turn'

"Erica?" (Marchioness Telele, asked)

Marchioness Telele turned to ask Marchioness Erica for a confrontation.

"Yes, it happened fourteen years ago" (Marchioness Erica, said)

She confirmed the fake empress word.

"Ah..." (Countess Lexia, said)

They turned to look at Aurora with disliked faces as if they had lost favor.

'See that sister watch how they eat you alive, that's the only reason you could ever dream of attempting to attend the Marchioness Erica's tea party' (Adelina's inner thoughts)

She tried hiding her smile at the same time Aurora's attention was only staring at the fake Empress with an unfazed face as if it did not bother her.

"To think such a beautiful lady like you wasted your looks with a personality and jealousy like that it's disgraceful...I am not at fault that your sister inherited the powers your mother had" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

"Such a dark heart from an early age could not be purified even the prophecy seems to say so" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

"I can already imagine how much worse it could have gotten being married to a bastard son-" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

'Creak'

But she stopped speaking with the noise of Aurora's chair.

She had stood up and placed her palms on the circular table.

'I thought I would sit down and take it but why should I?' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'I didn't know that the fake empress would be here...yet I sat for and came for the respect from the Empress Oralith who loved her mother' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'She was a kind woman...but all I see is an old lady willing to follow whatever that maid has to say' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'I thought she would have been different and wouldn't hold on social classes just like everyone, because Empress Oralith said' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

'I'm done taking mistreatment from others' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"Did I come as a guest or a spectacle?" (Aurora, asked)

She asked with an expressionless face but her lips asked with a snicker as if her dark blue eyes clearly stared down at the fake empress.

"Haa" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

An amazed scoff escaped the fake empress's lips as if she didn't expect Aurora to be showing her true colors in the open.

"I only came from mere respect to the Marchioness Erica ignoring my pride although I was to meet the person who not only physically but emotionally hurt me but the person who ordered for my kidnap...I let it go" (Aurora, said)

"There is only a portion of kindness I can give to people" (Aurora, said)

All the ladies were in shock to hear that Aurora said Adelina had been behind the kidnapping incident.

"Are you disrespecting a member of the royal family?" (Fake Empress Paola, asked)

Fake Empress Paola's face became cold and her voice had some anger to it because Aurora had also glanced at the fake empress as she said it.

'...respect...' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

"I have never respected you once and that will never change" (Aurora, said)

She said with a firm face this time, as a person who was not willing to be stepped on.

"The only person I respect from the Rhone royal family is my husband Dorion Von Rhone first and only son of Empress Oralith Von Rhone" (Aurora, said)

"!!" (Adelina, Marchioness Erica, and old ladies)

'Oh...so is this how you want' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

'Creak'

The fake empress got up from her chair and her lips parted again.

"Your words are utter blasphemy, do you realize you and the maid's son could be charged for treason?" (Fake Empress Paola, asked)

She asked as if that threat would work on her.

'Raise'

But unlike how the fake empress thought she would react Aurora's lips rose.

"If you wanted us executed you would have done so a long time ago" (Aurora, said)

"But we are here today, still alive" (Aurora, said)

"You have failed to kill my husband because he's a big threat to the throne because he's the true heir to the empire...he's an opponent you can't just simply touch" (Aurora, said)

"Not even a bloody battlefield killed him are you planning to turn the whole empire into your servants and capture him to execute him now because you couldn't do so for many years or are you planning on threatening him with me?" (Aurora, asked)

She provoked the fake empress as she continued to instigate more.

"How about me fake empress are you planning to execute me now? This early when you need my divine power for both your sake's" (Aurora, asked)

She turned to glance at Adelina when she said.

Showing it did not belong to her.

Adelina's face turned pale cold but furious in anger.

'Turn'

Aurora turned to look at the fake empress who was boiling in anger.

"I hope you know your place and where you stand, if you disrespect me or my husband any of you I won't simply stand by it" (Aurora, said)

"How can a maid be higher than me? So think before you speak to someone in higher ranks" (Aurora, said)

'Before I didn't have the power to use, I didn't use the power of my title, and now I will use it till the last day I die' (Aurora's inner thoughts)

She said clearly looking down and moved a little out of the way getting ready to leave.

But had noticed Rhone's imperial knight outside approaching the gazebo stairs with his swords up.

'Turn'

Aurora turned to look at the fake empress.

"What do you think my husband would do if you touch me here, if it will be my last day it will be your's as well so think wisely" (Aurora, said)

'Grit'

The fake empress gritted her teeth in utter anger.

Never in her life had she been this dam humiliated and angry.

She wanted to kill Aurora this instant but couldn't do so.

'Raise'

She waved her hand to hold the knight.

"I won't kill you because I'm a generous person even after the many false insults you have thrown me" (Fake Empress Paola, said)

She tried holding her anger in.

'Step, Step'

Aurora turned around and step down a few steps down the gazebo ignoring her and stopping to say a few words.

"Yes...only time will tell" (Aurora, said)

And with that, she left silence.

'Silence'

"Paola" (Marichioness Erica, said)

Marichoness Erica called the fake empress a little worried since she was staring at Aurora leaving.

"Empress?" (Marchioness Telele, asked)

Even Marchioness Tele asked if the fake empress was alright while the other ladies started in awkwardness and comfort.

'Stare'

Unlike the ladies, Adelina's eyes were raging in furry looking at the leaving Aurora.

.....

-Inside the carriage-

"Haah, so exhausting" (Aurora, said)

Aurora leaned her head back to the seat.

Of course, she was afraid a little to put out her life on the line and lie a little bit about Dorion's extensive lengths he was willing to go for her.

She didn't know him very well so if the rumors soured about that she hoped he wouldn't be displeased however something she had learned was that each saintess manifests their strongest power at age twenty-three.

Is that why she was kept her alive for all those years she thought.

She had taken the risk not knowing if the fake empress could really kill her or not but it was better than being weak.

She had to demonstrate confidence to survive.

If she became weak and fragile like before she would have broken again.

Know she had someone that would share the similarity burden.

She had been a little suspicious but it appears that the fake empress was searching for Yverene's necklace.

But the necklace she was wearing was nothing close to the Yverene necklace.

Although the necklace that she currently possessed had immense holy divine power she wanted to have it.

It was good that since both Adelina and the fake empress could not feel such a thing they wouldn't know that her necklace had holy divine power.

It would just be a simple trash neckless or so they call.

There was something else she could not figure out she couldn't really understand it was either because the neckless was infused with holy divine power that made her feel some sort of familiarity connection to if it was something else.

But the biggest factor was that this neckless had an unwakened holy divine power, meaning that someone with divine energy had to infuse the neckless with a little bit of their own divine power for the neckless to open and unleash their holy divine power.

For now, at least she wanted to relax and think about it a little later.

And that's when her fatigue had finally kicked in.

She had hoped to get an early night's sleep for tomorrow's hunting event.

....

-Fake Empress bedroom-

'Crash'

'Clangh'

'Crush'

"Aahhh!" (Maid, yelling)

'Press'

"I asked you to do one simple thing why couldn't you do it right?!" (Fake Empress Paola, yelled)

The fake empress had stepped harshly into a maid down on the red carpet ground with her sharp heel on the side of her head.

The fake empress yelled in anger staring straight at her two double doors at no one who stood inside her room.

A room that became a complete mess.

Her furniture was all over the place, somewhere even broken.

Her long tall tick curtains had been ripped as if an animal had ripped them off.

And a wine cup that she was holding was shattered and splattered next to the crying screaming in pain.

Adelina had found an excuse to leave with one of the ladies because she knew exactly what was coming for her angering the fake empress even more.

But Oralith's mother whom she always wanted as a mother had done nothing but simply side with Paola.

Paola wanted Marchioness Erica and her friends to make Aurora feel small but here they were charmed over a simple tea and her beauty.

"If I had the opportunity I would crush you in an instant!" (Fake Empress Paola, yelled)

'The only good thing that had gone right had been that Aurora had not taken possession of the Yverene neckless' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

Under no circumstances was Aurora allowed to get any of the items for two reasons but the most important one was because her master had warned her that Aurora could not get a hold of the neckless.

She yelled more pressing her heel onto the maid's bleeding head.

"Argh!" (Maid, yelling)

The maid continued to yell in pain but the fake Empress did not mind her only pressing harder as her anger had gotten worse.

'How dare that lowlife daughter of that bitch Aliana have the arrogance to speak to me like that!' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

'I had to make sure to get rid of Oralith and that Aliana...thanks to that useless shadow demon baby' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

'Press'

"Argh" (Maid, cried)

Because the fake Empress was almost digging her heel inside her head the maid was begging to breathe slowly as if she was fading to death soon.

'Just looking at that shadow demon makes me want to puck, her presence is so disgusting but her only daughter...that presence is by far the most disgusting and repulsive...I want to kill her so bad' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

'Press'

"Argh" (Maid, cried)

She pressed her heel finally digging into the maid's head who let out a last cry of pain before she lost her life.

'Smile'

Her red lips rose up staining her heel in blood as she continued to look at the front door.

'As long as I don't kill her and taint her' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

'I will make sure that I drain most of her holy blood just enough for her to breathe slowly...he cannot reprehend me when I didn't kill her' (Fake Empress Paola's inner thoughts)

"Tomorrow's competition sure will be interesting" (Fake Empress Paol, said)

She wickedly smiled with an expectant smile.