Chapter 17. Villainess in the Capital

I don't want to run into the Count, Cassia's father - or should I also start calling him my father as well?

Ay basta! Ayaw ko siyang makita or makasama. Makita ko pa lang ang pagmumukha nya hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko na mag-init ang dugo sa inis. Seeing his face reminded me of what happened days ago when he first got here. The way he averted his gaze, mukha bang may powers ako ni Medusa na kapag tinignan sa mata ay magiging bato sya? Gah! Kainis!

Sayang ang itsura niya. Gwapo nga pero ugali naman basura. Sarap nilang pag-untugin ng Crown Prince eh.

Tsaka isa pa, hindi ko pa rin magawang maisip kung ano yung reason bakit ganon na lang siya kagalit kay Cassia. If my memory serves me correctly, wala namang nagawa si Cassia sa past na sobrang sama para ganituhin sya ng ama nya. So it only leads to one conclusion, it must have been related to the late Countess' death.

But seriously? Hindi naman kasalanan ni Cassia na namatay ang nanay nya. It was unfortunate but it wasn't Cassia's fault. She's innocent with regards to that matter.

Wala na rin akong maisip na iba pang reasons that could be behind Cassia's abandonment. Imposible naman kasi na maging illegitimate child si Cassia. There is no doubt that she's a Clorance.

The striking hue of platinum blonde hair is an extraordinary characteristic that is exclusively associated with individuals who belong to the esteemed Clorance Family Bloodline. This rare hair color sets them apart from everyone else, serving as a definitive mark of their lineage. Throughout generations, the Clorance family has been renowned for their distinct platinum locks, making them instantly recognizable among their peers.

While in the world I originated from, black hair might be a common occurrence, however, it holds a distinctive significance in this realm. Encountering someone with jet black hair invariably evokes thoughts of the royal family. Their unique hair color serves as a distinguishing feature, allowing them to be identified at a glance. Such is the exclusivity of this trait that no other individuals possess this specific hue, further solidifying its association with the esteemed Lucrenze bloodline.

The logic may seem peculiar, but in this extraordinary world, vibrant and unconventional hair colors are the norm. It is not unusual to encounter individuals with a wide array of hues adorning their locks. From fiery red to lush green, captivating blue to enchanting violet, and even whimsical shades of pink, the spectrum of hair colors knows no bounds.

I can't help but let out a deep sigh. Napansin ko naman na napatigil sa pag-brush ng buhok ko si Mira.

"Is something troubling you, my lady?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

I shook my head, opened my eyes, and looked at her through the mirror.

"It's just... I'm feeling bored," I replied truthfully.

"Have you grown tired of reading books?"

I grunted. "Yes. I believe I've read numerous novels already, even history books about the empire and other empires in the Greeze Continent. I'm running out of ideas for things to do."

"In that case, if I may, my lady, I have a suggestion that might alleviate your boredom."

I quickly turned to face Mira, my eyes wide and my ears fully attentive, eager to hear what she had to propose.

"What is it? Tell me!"

Mira chuckled and excused herself momentarily, mentioning that she needed to retrieve something. I patiently waited, and true to her word, she returned within a minute.

"What are you carrying?" I raised an eyebrow as I posed the question.

Mira simply smiled and walked towards me. I was already seated on the sofa, finding it more comfortable with its backrest compared to the chair I had been using in front of the vanity area.

"Here, my lady."

Mira placed the tray she had been carrying on the table, and only then did I notice that it was filled with letters.

"These are all your tea party and parlor invitations, my lady," Mira said, a delightful smile gracing her face.

I couldn't help but grimace. Tea parties? Do I really have to attend such events?

"Yes, you do! It is a must!"

My eyes widened, and I jolt upright.

"Goodness! My lady, you scared me!" Mira exclaimed.

I couldn't pay attention to what Mira said because my mind was focused on the voice inside my head.

"Sigh. Stop looking so dumb, that is so not attractive. You're wasting my beautiful face. Just go and attend those tea parties. You are the lady of the Clorances, my dear. It is imperative for you to participate in social gatherings. Do I have to arrange etiquette lessons for you? Should I hire a reputable instructor?"

It took me a brief moment to recognize the source of the voice. I eased myself back into my seat, perplexed by why she was speaking to me at this moment. Hadn't she informed me that our communication was confined to my dreams? And now, she was exhibiting her attitude once more.

"That won't be necessary," I whispered under my breath, hoping she would hear it.

"My lady?" Nakuha ng atensyon ko ang boses na iyon ni Mira. Napabalik na lamang ako sa pagkaka-upo at saka inabot ang isang tea invitation letter.

Inabot-an ako ng maliit na knife ni Mira para mabuksan ang letter. Mayroon kasi itong wax at naka stamp din ang crest ng family na siyang pinanggalingan ng letter.

Tulips, a flower symbolizing a certain noble family in the Empire, were featured prominently in a scene from the novel. This family, known for their nobility, supported the faction aligned with the Imperial Crown Prince, who was the male lead in the novel Sky Full of Stars.

"Is this invitation from the House of Valentine?" I inquired.

Mira nodded in affirmation. "Yes, my lady. It is from Lady Estella Valentine, the only daughter of Marquis Valentine. She has been persistently sending you invitations."

I raised an eyebrow in surprise. Lady Estella Valentine and I were acquainted?

I couldn't help but wonder why she was so eager to extend tea party invitations. It wasn't just one letter; there were three. Mira also mentioned that this wasn't the first time Lady Estella had sent invitations and that I had consistently disregarded the content of the letters, choosing to toss them directly into the fireplace.

Seriously? Throwing her letters in fire, have this girl done something that had upset Cassia? There was no information about that from the novel.

"So we are not close, implying that we are not friends," I remarked.

"Yes, my lady," Mira confirmed.

"But why does she persistently send letters, even though I have consistently declined her invitations?"

Mira walked over to a nearby shelf, retrieved something from it, and returned to me, carrying a small wooden box.

"What is that box you're holding?" I inquired.

She smiled. "Perhaps you should find out for yourself, my lady," she replied, extending the box toward me. Inabot ko na lamang iyon kahit pa hindi ko maintindihan ang gusto niyang iparating.

I lowered my gaze to the wooden box in my hands. It wasn't particularly heavy, pero hindi ko mahulaan kung anong nilalaman niya. It had a padlock, but it was left unlocked. How strange.

Despite my confusion, I proceeded to open the box. As soon as I saw the stuffed bear toy inside, my eyebrow raised in surprise.

I looked up at Mira, my expression questioning. I couldn't quite grasp the message she was trying to convey.

"This is a gift from the young lady of the Valentine, my lady," Mira explained.

I directed my attention back to the bear toy. It was undeniably cute. I hadn't even considered the existence of stuffed toys in this world. If I had known, I would have bought some to cuddle with when I sleep. I love fluffy things.

I took the bear out of the box, and to my astonishment, a voice recording suddenly played. It startled me, almost causing me to throw the bear in my surprise. Well sino ba namang hindi magugulat?

"Greetings, Lady Clorance. I found out from my nanny, who has a relative working as a servant in your mansion, that today is your birthday. I would like to give you this stuffed toy as a birthday gift. I know it's not much, but please accept it. It would make me happy if you do. Happy birthday!"

It was the soft voice of a young girl. The sound came from a necklace tied around the teddy bear's neck.

"The voice recording comes from a magic stone, my lady," Mira explained, noticing my confusion.

So they have magic stones in this world... Wait, what? Hold on a second. Then does magic exist here? Is magic real? Holy moly! Walang namention about magic sa novel. How could this be?

"This magic stone was used as a recorder?" I asked Mira as I slightly rubbed the blue colored gemstone that was at the center of the necklace of the teddy bear.

"Yes, my lady. And I apologize," she paused and bowed her head. "I should have informed you about this before, considering that you don't remember," Mira added apologetically.

Ngumiti lang sa kaniya. "No worries, Mira. You can teach me all about it now. Or perhaps we can do it the day after tomorrow," I suggested.

"Why the day after tomorrow?" Mira inquired, looking puzzled.

"Because we are going shopping today. And tomorrow," I said as I retrieved the invitation letter from Lady Valentine. "I will be attending the tea party. Please fetch me some paper and a pen so I can write a reply letter to the Marquess' Daughter."

Mukha namang masaya si Mira dahil sa naisipan ko rin ang dumalo sa mga tea parties. After the day I got in this world hindi pa talaga ako lumalabas ng Clorance's Estate.

This would mark my very first visit to Laenteglos, the Capital City of the Lucrenze Empire. It holds a significant place in the novel Sky Full of Stars, particularly the Town Square during the Harvest Festival, a beloved scene loved by readers where the heroine and the male lead share their first kiss beneath the fireworks-lit sky.

Today, I will be visiting that place. If I had simply been reincarnated as the heroine, I wouldn't have to worry so much about going out and meeting people. Amoria's image is the complete opposite of Cassia's. Sigh.

"Then I shall do as you say. However, if I may inquire, my lady," Mira began.

"Go ahead. What is it?" I replied.

"When you mentioned shopping, did you mean having the merchants come to the estate, or..."

"I intend to go to the Capital, Mira. It wouldn't hurt to venture outside and explore new places apart from the Clorance Estate. So, prepare a carriage that can accommodate both of us for our journey to Laenteglos. Also, arrange some simple clothing for me to wear and a hat. I prefer not to draw too much attention from others," I explained at length.

"Only the two of us? But, my lady, shouldn't you bring knights to ensure your safety?" Mira suggested.

My eyes widened. "What? Knights? Why would I need them?"

"It is for your safety, my lady," she insisted.

"Is the Capital so dangerous that I, the Lady of Clorance, would require an escort of knights? Who would dare harm me?"

"Although that is your title, my lady, your safety is of utmost importance," Mira argued.

"But you will be accompanying me, Mira. Your presence alone will ensure my safety. Besides, I am not the type of girl to recklessly wander around unfamiliar places."

"But, my lady-"

"Please, Mira? Pretty please?" I couldn't help but resort to using my best attempt at cute puppy eyes. She left me no choice.

"M-My l-lady, what a-are you... F-Fine! I yield, my lady," Mira stammered, clearly embarrassed by my antics.

I couldn't help but smile, my joy evident on my face. I even punched the air in excitement, unable to contain my happiness.

"Yes! Mira is the best!" I exclaimed, my grin reaching ear to ear.

Mira simply pursed her lips, but her expression only made me smile even more. She's adorable, and I love teasing her like this. I should do it more often to see her reactions.

"You're cruel, my lady," she remarked.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? I'm just too cute for you to handle."

I playfully poked her, causing Mira to pout even more. She really is amusing.

"Why? Don't you want your young lady to buy a new dress for the tea party she'll be attending tomorrow?" I asked.

Her pout deepened. "My Lady, you're manipulating my feelings, aren't you?"

I acted surprised, placing my hand in front of my mouth. "Oh? Was I?"

"For a fourteen-year-old, you're really cruel, my lady!"

I couldn't contain my laughter at Mira's remark. Well, my behavior isn't that of a typical fourteen-year-old. While my physical body may be that of a child, my mind is that of a twenty-one-year-old.

"By the way, my lady, before I forget," Mira spoke up.

"If it's about Father, don't worry. I'll handle that, Mira. Just do the things I asked you to do," I assured her with a smile.

"Then I shall take my leave to attend to your requests, my lady. I will be back in twenty minutes," she said, bowing her head before leaving my chambers.

Now I took a seat at the study table in my chambers, where I could focus on my tasks at hand. Binuksan ko ang isa sa mga drawer ng table ko and pulled out a letter which I had written days ago.

Now, I'm feeling excited.

To be Continued...

❛ ━━･❪ 🌹 ❫ ･━━ ❜

T R I V I A T I M E

I just wanna drop some additional informations for the other readers who's first time reading this kind of genre. Just so you won't get confused upon reading and would also serve as a new knowledge for who knows when you'll be able to use it. Lol. I just want everyone reading understand the story. So yeah.

So let's start with the nobles. In an empire (or kingdom) there are these people we called nobles. Obviously, they are the ones who are above the commoners.

Nobility has titles that identify their rankings in high society. And for the others' knowledge, here is the list of rankings with an order of highest to lowest.

• Duke and Duchess
• Marquess and Marchioness
• Count and Countess
• Viscount and Viscountess
• Baron and Baroness

(Note: Count is equivalent to Earl in european nobility)

Of course, the ones whom are at the very top of the rankings are the Emperor and Empress. While the lowest are the commoners. But since we're only talking about nobility, they aren't included.

Now, for those who don't know what a crest is. A crest is like a logo that symbolizes of a noble family. Each and every noble family has their own crest to identify not just their rank in society but as well the achievements that their ancestors have brought to their clan.

Designs such as flowers are on the crest of every noble family of the Empire in this story. For example is the flower that represents the Imperial Family, the Lucrenzes - is the Purple Lily.

A Purple Lily represents pride, success, dignity, admiration & accomplishment. Purple lilies are also regarded as rare and exclusive. Purple is also a color that symbolizes royalty.

And that would be all for now. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter. I will see you again on the next update. Stay tuned!