(174) Where is hell? (4)
Rachel, having been kicked out by Victoria, was trembling in the hallway.
She couldn't believe what had just happened, so she thought it was all a nightmare, but the stinging pain remaining on her cheek told her that this was reality.
The maids glanced at Rachel strangely, and a lady-in-waiting asked if she was alright, but Rachel could neither see nor hear.
'Victoria...'
Given how much Victoria had anticipated this social season, Rachel understood her anxiety at not being the center of attention. After all, she felt the same way.
She understood why Victoria was fuming that Ariana had to take the lead role. Because she felt the same way.
But this seems strange.
'How could you... me... your mother...?'
Victoria was not a child who would express her emotions so intensely just because she was anxious and nervous. Rachel know very well what kind of personality the daughter she gave birth to and raised has.
'It didn't happen suddenly.'
Starting from a certain day, things began to change little by little. Especially since coming to the Empire this time, things have become completely strange.
'Ariana... that wicked thing...!'
She had witnessed Ariana giving Victoria a meaningful smile a few times at parties. Whenever that happened, Victoria would make a face as if her eyes were rolling back.
She has done something to my daughter.;
It is clearly because of Ariana.
'Right, Ariana is close with the Northern Lord, too. The Northern Lord doesn't have any good feelings toward the West!'
Rachel heard rumors that there are still many mysterious things remaining in the Northern Realm, such as ice magic. Among them, there might even be a medicine that changes one's personality.
If Ariana had gotten her hands on that medicine and secretly smuggled it into this villa, and Victoria had taken it without knowing anything.
It becomes possible to explain Victoria's change.
Rachel gritted her teeth.
'It's because of Ariana. She's ruining my daughters!'
She couldn't stand it.
She also forgot that she had once been kicked out of the White family's mansion.
Rachel strode down the hallway.
"Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. Consult with Little Lord and Little Duke of White if anything happens, and since I'm leaving Louis behind just in case, make good use of her."
Cyrus was already repeating the same words for the 13th time. And Ariana also gave the same answer for the 13th time.
“Yes, Sei. I understand everything else, but take Louis with you. She is an essential asset.”
"It’s not a big deal just because Louis isn’t here. Don’t worry about me, just take care of yourself. It seems like something is going to happen soon."
Last night, Cyrus received a report that the Lord of the West was moving secretly toward the eastern region. Since the letter came from a spy planted in the Western Regions, the Lord of the West must have already started moving a few days ago.
As soon as Cyrus heard the news, he came to Ariana and told her.
After staying up all night agonizing over it, Ariana was convinced that everything would be settled soon.
In their past lives, the Third Prince and the Western Lord were able to be at ease because they were still alive and well. They had solidified their honor and were prepared to ensure that they would not hear any ill words, even if they sat on the throne.
However, the Third Prince and the Western Lord had lost a lot and struggled to regain it, but their situation was not improving.
This is not a time to be complacent.
The Western Lord and the Third Prince likely decided that they had to seize the throne, even if it caused some chaos. After all, no matter what the world says, public opinion can ultimately be shaped according to the winner's wishes.
The rumor that the Northern Lord had recovered the 'Lost Knights' must have also made the Western Lord anxious. If the Northern Territory becomes stronger than it is now, then there will truly be nothing left to do.
Just as Cyrus's plan was accelerating, the movements of the Western Lord and the Third Prince were also speeding up.
When Cyrus came to visit a little while ago, Ariana shared her thoughts, and Cyrus replied that he shared the same thoughts.
“No, I think it’s better if I send Louis away and stay behind.”
Cyrus reached the same conclusion for the 13th time, and Ariana did the same thing for the 13th time. She spoke while soothingly rubbing Cyrus's firm forearm.
“Go, Northern Lord. You must not forget the great cause because of a woman.”
"You are my cause."
Ariana wrinkled her nose, finding it ticklish all over again despite hearing it many times.
“In that case, we must go all the more. If the Western Lord conspires with Paganus to do something, wouldn’t he attack the Eastern Territories first?”
“It would indeed be the most beautiful scenario to conquer the Eastern Territory, enter the Empire, seize the Imperial Palace, and then deal with the Northern and Southern Territories. However, it is hard to be certain of that. The Eastern Territory is strong. The Western Lord is a cautious man, so he must know that it will be difficult to bring down the Eastern Territory unless something extraordinary happens.”
However, the former East collapsed due to the schemes of the Western Lord.
“The situation was different back then. Baisen, who was the Third Prince’s right-hand man, is currently fighting Paganus with my subordinates, and the Count Gio family is too overwhelmed by grief over the loss of their son to even think about helping the Third Prince. On top of that, Victoria Bronte has long since lost her sense of purpose, having gone mad with you.”
Now that she thinks about it, that was true.
The situation then was very different from now. Western Lord had devoted a great deal of effort for a very long time to bringing down the East.
“It seems you don’t fully understand because you’ve only seen what the East suffered at the hands of the Western Lord, but think about it. After your death, even though the East had lost so much, he helped me and led the war to victory.”
"You're right..."
“So honestly, I’m not worried about the East. Actually, this place is more...”
A knock interrupted Cyrus. Lanster's voice was heard.
“Princess, the Duchess of Bronte has come to visit. She has been parked outside the door; what should I do?”
Ariana opened the door.
“The Duchess of Bronte? Alone?”
"Yes."
"Where are the brothers?"
"They left excitedly."
Recently, Geor and Averaster had been deeply immersed in the pleasure of capturing assassins who ambushed them whenever they went outside.
"Isabelle and Wiona?"
"They are staying in the annex; should I ask them to kick her out?"
“No. Don’t let the two of them come here. I want to see the Duchess of Bronte. Tell her to wait in the drawing room.”
Lanster's expression turned worried. However, he glanced at Cyrus, who was standing behind Ariana, and nodded.
"All right."
While Lanster called a servant to relay Ariana's message, Ariana chose the clothes she was going to wear and sat on the sofa.
"Are you really planning to meet?"
“I should have had a conversation with her at some point, and it works out perfectly now that Geor and Averaster aren't here. Those two would never have let me meet the Duchess of Bronte alone.”
"Can I take a look?"
Cyrus asked with curious eyes. Ariana pretended to ponder what to do, then nodded.
"As long as you don't get caught."
Rachel intended to enter the White family mansion by shouting to attract the attention of onlookers if she were refused again. However, the servant who returned a short while later escorted Rachel to the drawing room.
Rachel tried not to look around the mansion, which was vastly different in size from the one she was staying in. She could not appear vulgar in front of the servant.
This mansion is particularly expensive, so much so that the Bronte family could not rent it even when they were at the height of their success. However, the White family has been staying there for several months.
'Just how much money do you have?'
Although the Eastern Territory was relatively wealthy compared to other countries, the White family was on the frugal side. This is because they used most of their earnings to raise an army or relieve the poor.
Every single ornament and painting adorning the hallway was valuable, and the carpet on the floor was so soft that the sound of footsteps hardly echoed.
The drawing room was larger than the Duke of Bronte's mansion, and it had a gold-decorated piano and a tiger skin on the floor.
After telling her to wait, the servant closed the drawing room door and left.
Rachel waited for Ariana in the silent drawing room. She waited and waited, but no matter how much time passed, Ariana did not appear.
'It seems this is determined to get on my nerves.'
Rachel clutched her skirt.
In Rachel's mind, Ariana was still the outcast daughter of the Bronte family. Even though she had met Ariana, who was completely different from before, the place Ariana occupied in Rachel's heart remained unchanged.
It was just ridiculous to see her acting all high and mighty just because she sat on the Princess's throne, considering she used to just take the hits and listen to the insults.
How much time has passed since I waited, swallowing my anger?
"Princess Ariana White is entering."
The door opened with the servant's announcement.
Rachel turned around and let out a hollow laugh, dumbfounded by the sight of Ariana. Ariana was not dressed to welcome guests.
She appeared wearing a flowy dress with a robe loosely draped over her shoulders and shuffling her slippers, looking as if she had just woken up and come straight out.
However, the gown was embroidered with gold thread and densely studded with small pearls, and the slippers made of high-quality rabbit fur had diamonds set along the circumference of the soles.
Even the hairpin stuck in her roughly combed hair was made of very expensive jewels.
“Look at you... What kind of state do you look at?”
Ariana's gaze toward the startled Rachel was cold. Without answering, Ariana went to the sofa opposite Rachel, slumped down, leaned back, and crossed her legs.
Ariana lifted her chin slightly, twisted the corners of her mouth, and spoke softly.
“Duchess. If you responded kindly to such sudden rudeness, shouldn’t you show proper courtesy?”
Rachel just gaped.
She couldn't believe what was happening right before her eyes, and it felt like she was falling into a nightmare again.
What is this girl saying right now?
Rachel glared at her with eyes wide enough to pop out, but Ariana's arrogant posture did not change. Ariana even yawned as if she were bored waiting for an answer.
"I'm tired, so if you have something to say, just get it over with quickly. I just came from a deep sleep, so I want to go back and sleep."
“Ariana!”
Ariana raised one eyebrow at the sound of someone shouting.
“What kind of manners are you! No matter how much of a Princess you are, there is etiquette you must show to your elders! Where on earth did you learn such bad manners!”
Ariana answered languidly.
"To you."
"What?"
“I heard you were like this even when you were a Princess. That is why Duke Jacob’s mother really disliked you, isn’t it? Because you were extremely rude to the Duke’s mother back when you were a Princess.”
“Where did you pick up such nonsense...!”
“There are loose-lipped maids everywhere. There’s nothing more entertaining than chewing on your master’s filth.”
Rachel glared at Ariana with a pale face. Ariana yawned once more and then spoke.
“So, what is the reason you wanted to see me?”
Rachel, having been kicked out by Victoria, was trembling in the hallway.
She couldn't believe what had just happened, so she thought it was all a nightmare, but the stinging pain remaining on her cheek told her that this was reality.
The maids glanced at Rachel strangely, and a lady-in-waiting asked if she was alright, but Rachel could neither see nor hear.
'Victoria...'
Given how much Victoria had anticipated this social season, Rachel understood her anxiety at not being the center of attention. After all, she felt the same way.
She understood why Victoria was fuming that Ariana had to take the lead role. Because she felt the same way.
But this seems strange.
'How could you... me... your mother...?'
Victoria was not a child who would express her emotions so intensely just because she was anxious and nervous. Rachel know very well what kind of personality the daughter she gave birth to and raised has.
'It didn't happen suddenly.'
Starting from a certain day, things began to change little by little. Especially since coming to the Empire this time, things have become completely strange.
'Ariana... that wicked thing...!'
She had witnessed Ariana giving Victoria a meaningful smile a few times at parties. Whenever that happened, Victoria would make a face as if her eyes were rolling back.
She has done something to my daughter.;
It is clearly because of Ariana.
'Right, Ariana is close with the Northern Lord, too. The Northern Lord doesn't have any good feelings toward the West!'
Rachel heard rumors that there are still many mysterious things remaining in the Northern Realm, such as ice magic. Among them, there might even be a medicine that changes one's personality.
If Ariana had gotten her hands on that medicine and secretly smuggled it into this villa, and Victoria had taken it without knowing anything.
It becomes possible to explain Victoria's change.
Rachel gritted her teeth.
'It's because of Ariana. She's ruining my daughters!'
She couldn't stand it.
She also forgot that she had once been kicked out of the White family's mansion.
Rachel strode down the hallway.
***
"Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. Consult with Little Lord and Little Duke of White if anything happens, and since I'm leaving Louis behind just in case, make good use of her."
Cyrus was already repeating the same words for the 13th time. And Ariana also gave the same answer for the 13th time.
“Yes, Sei. I understand everything else, but take Louis with you. She is an essential asset.”
"It’s not a big deal just because Louis isn’t here. Don’t worry about me, just take care of yourself. It seems like something is going to happen soon."
Last night, Cyrus received a report that the Lord of the West was moving secretly toward the eastern region. Since the letter came from a spy planted in the Western Regions, the Lord of the West must have already started moving a few days ago.
As soon as Cyrus heard the news, he came to Ariana and told her.
After staying up all night agonizing over it, Ariana was convinced that everything would be settled soon.
In their past lives, the Third Prince and the Western Lord were able to be at ease because they were still alive and well. They had solidified their honor and were prepared to ensure that they would not hear any ill words, even if they sat on the throne.
However, the Third Prince and the Western Lord had lost a lot and struggled to regain it, but their situation was not improving.
This is not a time to be complacent.
The Western Lord and the Third Prince likely decided that they had to seize the throne, even if it caused some chaos. After all, no matter what the world says, public opinion can ultimately be shaped according to the winner's wishes.
The rumor that the Northern Lord had recovered the 'Lost Knights' must have also made the Western Lord anxious. If the Northern Territory becomes stronger than it is now, then there will truly be nothing left to do.
Just as Cyrus's plan was accelerating, the movements of the Western Lord and the Third Prince were also speeding up.
When Cyrus came to visit a little while ago, Ariana shared her thoughts, and Cyrus replied that he shared the same thoughts.
“No, I think it’s better if I send Louis away and stay behind.”
Cyrus reached the same conclusion for the 13th time, and Ariana did the same thing for the 13th time. She spoke while soothingly rubbing Cyrus's firm forearm.
“Go, Northern Lord. You must not forget the great cause because of a woman.”
"You are my cause."
Ariana wrinkled her nose, finding it ticklish all over again despite hearing it many times.
“In that case, we must go all the more. If the Western Lord conspires with Paganus to do something, wouldn’t he attack the Eastern Territories first?”
“It would indeed be the most beautiful scenario to conquer the Eastern Territory, enter the Empire, seize the Imperial Palace, and then deal with the Northern and Southern Territories. However, it is hard to be certain of that. The Eastern Territory is strong. The Western Lord is a cautious man, so he must know that it will be difficult to bring down the Eastern Territory unless something extraordinary happens.”
However, the former East collapsed due to the schemes of the Western Lord.
“The situation was different back then. Baisen, who was the Third Prince’s right-hand man, is currently fighting Paganus with my subordinates, and the Count Gio family is too overwhelmed by grief over the loss of their son to even think about helping the Third Prince. On top of that, Victoria Bronte has long since lost her sense of purpose, having gone mad with you.”
Now that she thinks about it, that was true.
The situation then was very different from now. Western Lord had devoted a great deal of effort for a very long time to bringing down the East.
“It seems you don’t fully understand because you’ve only seen what the East suffered at the hands of the Western Lord, but think about it. After your death, even though the East had lost so much, he helped me and led the war to victory.”
"You're right..."
“So honestly, I’m not worried about the East. Actually, this place is more...”
A knock interrupted Cyrus. Lanster's voice was heard.
“Princess, the Duchess of Bronte has come to visit. She has been parked outside the door; what should I do?”
Ariana opened the door.
“The Duchess of Bronte? Alone?”
"Yes."
"Where are the brothers?"
"They left excitedly."
Recently, Geor and Averaster had been deeply immersed in the pleasure of capturing assassins who ambushed them whenever they went outside.
"Isabelle and Wiona?"
"They are staying in the annex; should I ask them to kick her out?"
“No. Don’t let the two of them come here. I want to see the Duchess of Bronte. Tell her to wait in the drawing room.”
Lanster's expression turned worried. However, he glanced at Cyrus, who was standing behind Ariana, and nodded.
"All right."
While Lanster called a servant to relay Ariana's message, Ariana chose the clothes she was going to wear and sat on the sofa.
"Are you really planning to meet?"
“I should have had a conversation with her at some point, and it works out perfectly now that Geor and Averaster aren't here. Those two would never have let me meet the Duchess of Bronte alone.”
"Can I take a look?"
Cyrus asked with curious eyes. Ariana pretended to ponder what to do, then nodded.
"As long as you don't get caught."
***
Rachel intended to enter the White family mansion by shouting to attract the attention of onlookers if she were refused again. However, the servant who returned a short while later escorted Rachel to the drawing room.
Rachel tried not to look around the mansion, which was vastly different in size from the one she was staying in. She could not appear vulgar in front of the servant.
This mansion is particularly expensive, so much so that the Bronte family could not rent it even when they were at the height of their success. However, the White family has been staying there for several months.
'Just how much money do you have?'
Although the Eastern Territory was relatively wealthy compared to other countries, the White family was on the frugal side. This is because they used most of their earnings to raise an army or relieve the poor.
Every single ornament and painting adorning the hallway was valuable, and the carpet on the floor was so soft that the sound of footsteps hardly echoed.
The drawing room was larger than the Duke of Bronte's mansion, and it had a gold-decorated piano and a tiger skin on the floor.
After telling her to wait, the servant closed the drawing room door and left.
Rachel waited for Ariana in the silent drawing room. She waited and waited, but no matter how much time passed, Ariana did not appear.
'It seems this is determined to get on my nerves.'
Rachel clutched her skirt.
In Rachel's mind, Ariana was still the outcast daughter of the Bronte family. Even though she had met Ariana, who was completely different from before, the place Ariana occupied in Rachel's heart remained unchanged.
It was just ridiculous to see her acting all high and mighty just because she sat on the Princess's throne, considering she used to just take the hits and listen to the insults.
How much time has passed since I waited, swallowing my anger?
"Princess Ariana White is entering."
The door opened with the servant's announcement.
Rachel turned around and let out a hollow laugh, dumbfounded by the sight of Ariana. Ariana was not dressed to welcome guests.
She appeared wearing a flowy dress with a robe loosely draped over her shoulders and shuffling her slippers, looking as if she had just woken up and come straight out.
However, the gown was embroidered with gold thread and densely studded with small pearls, and the slippers made of high-quality rabbit fur had diamonds set along the circumference of the soles.
Even the hairpin stuck in her roughly combed hair was made of very expensive jewels.
“Look at you... What kind of state do you look at?”
Ariana's gaze toward the startled Rachel was cold. Without answering, Ariana went to the sofa opposite Rachel, slumped down, leaned back, and crossed her legs.
Ariana lifted her chin slightly, twisted the corners of her mouth, and spoke softly.
“Duchess. If you responded kindly to such sudden rudeness, shouldn’t you show proper courtesy?”
Rachel just gaped.
She couldn't believe what was happening right before her eyes, and it felt like she was falling into a nightmare again.
What is this girl saying right now?
Rachel glared at her with eyes wide enough to pop out, but Ariana's arrogant posture did not change. Ariana even yawned as if she were bored waiting for an answer.
"I'm tired, so if you have something to say, just get it over with quickly. I just came from a deep sleep, so I want to go back and sleep."
“Ariana!”
Ariana raised one eyebrow at the sound of someone shouting.
“What kind of manners are you! No matter how much of a Princess you are, there is etiquette you must show to your elders! Where on earth did you learn such bad manners!”
Ariana answered languidly.
"To you."
"What?"
“I heard you were like this even when you were a Princess. That is why Duke Jacob’s mother really disliked you, isn’t it? Because you were extremely rude to the Duke’s mother back when you were a Princess.”
“Where did you pick up such nonsense...!”
“There are loose-lipped maids everywhere. There’s nothing more entertaining than chewing on your master’s filth.”
Rachel glared at Ariana with a pale face. Ariana yawned once more and then spoke.
“So, what is the reason you wanted to see me?”
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