In the heart of the Marquess state, nestled amidst lush, rolling hills and surrounded by a dense forest, there stood a magnificent mansion.This opulent residence was a testant to both grandeur and elegance.
Upon entering the mansion, one ventured into a spacious foyer, its marble flooring polished to a mirror-like sheen. Above, crystal chandeliers hung from an ornate, towering ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the grand space. Opulent paintings and intricate tapestries adorned the walls, telling tales of the Marquess state's rich and storied history. It was a place of grandeur and prestige, all thanks to the current Marchioness, Thalia Crimwell.
In the mansion's beautiful garden, Thalia herself sat, accompanied by a man who exuded an air of professionalism – her butler, Sabestian. They engaged in conversation, a hint of tension in the air.
"Sabestian, didn't you tell Count to avoid consuming anything offered by 'that woman'?" Thalia inquired, her tone laced with exasperation.
"Apologies, Master. I did warn him, but it seems he either forgot or took my words lightly," the butler replied respectfully.
Thalia let out a weary sigh, fully aware that the Count's arrival at the Imperial palace would likely lead to further complications within the noble faction. She rested her chin on her hand in contemplation.
"Sabestian, move back precisely five ters from your current position, and create a mana shield around yourself," she instructed, her voice carrying an air of anticipation.
Without hesitation, the butler followed her orders to the letter, moving five ters back and erecting a protective mana shield around himself. Thalia's prescience had prompted this response.
*THUD*
Suddenly, there was a resounding thud as a demon abruptly materialized in the sa spot, seemingly thrown from a great height.
"Forgive , My Lady, but Master insisted on urgently delivering this ssage to you before launching here," the demon explained, offering his apologies as he kowtowed. His bruised and battered form bore witness to the ordeal he had just endured, all for the sake of conveying a crucial ssage – a ssenger who had been a commander in the army.
Before waiting for the demon to speak woman spoke as if her words sliced through the air, her voice carrying an air of authority that could send shivers down the spine of even the bravest souls.
Her eyes, gleaming like rubies, seed to pierce through the very soul of the man standing before her.
"Tell Brother," she began, her tone dripping with a mix of command and disdain, "to care about himself and protect his world. He best not involve himself in the upcoming war, unless he wants his head to be crushed."
The man, caught in the crossfire of this tense sibling exchange, felt his heart race. It wasn't the woman who made him tremble but the re ntion of her brother, a notorious and cruel figure of whom he had first-hand knowledge. In the presence of his own sister, he was nothing more than a submissive puppy, a stark contrast to the ruthless figure known beyond their circle.
This helpless ssenger, marked by two precious yellow horns atop his head, knew all too well the consequences of a single misstep in his duties. One of those horns had already been shattered by his own master for the slightest oversight, a harsh reminder of the unforgiving world he served, yet he didn't get shocked after knowing that the woman knows his reason to co as it always happened like this she is already aware of his reason to visit, soti he felt both siblings where making fun of him but after getting his horn broken he understand the severity of the whole situation.
"I understand, my lady" He spoke without lifting his head.
"Sebastian, give him so healing potions and tell servants to accompany him in a room"
She ordered aware to how to gain the favours as she saw the demon eyes filled with tear on rcy of the woman.
"T-thank you, my lady"
He thanked as he left the place, accompanied by so servants.
...
"Sebastian, what of the offer from 'The Obsidian Order'?" Thalia inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Master, I've already declined the offer from 'The Obsidian Order,' as per your instructions," Sebastian replied dutifully, though he couldn't help but wonder. "But if joining them could enhance our influence and power..."
"No need," Thalia interjected with a confident air. "I have plans to secure soone even more formidable than 'The Order' itself. Just keep inford of our surroundings."
Her estate was strategically positioned between two powerful kingdoms, the Hedrian Kingdom and the Vendal Kingdom. Understanding the dynamics in the region was crucial.
"As usual, Her Majesty Valeriana governs the Hedrians, leading them towards prosperity. Their kingdom has secured a significant portion of the capital market, exerting influence over both the Dariants and Cratens Markets. They've also ford foreign alliances," Sebastian reported. "In less than a year, it seems they'll have the resources to sustain their military and potentially stand against the Vendal Kingdom. However, there have been cases where many high nobles from the Hedrian lineage have been invited to banquets hosted by Her Majesty Alora. So, it's clear..."
"So, they've beco part of her faction," Thalia finished his sentence, fully comprehending the implications. "Valeriana still seems focused on developing her infrastructure. She'll learn the hard way."
.....
She gazed up at the sky, a subtle smile gracing her lips, as if she had just uncovered a significant revelation. Her eyes glead with determination.
"Pity, it appears the Professor is no longer available. Now, you are mine, dragon."
Her eyes sparkled with ambition and a hint of sothing more, as if she had set her sights on a new and powerful target.
"Sebastian, arrange tons of at and the strongest alcohol available, even if it's poisonous," she ordered with a calculating look in her eyes as she anticipated her plans.
"I will do that, Master, but may I inquire what it's for?" he asked, appearing sowhat confused about the excessive amount of at and alcohol.
"We are hosting a banquet," she declared, her eyes gleaming with a certain anticipation as she sent the butler on his way to prepare what her devious intentions required
User Comments
0 comments from readers