Chapter 21: They gave so much!

My gods, is this still the love-struck miss?!

Jenny, stunned by her lady, bowed solemnly.

“Miss, I misunderstood you.”

“Ouch!”

Predictably, Nora flicked her forehead.

“What do you take me for? Deserves a hit!”

“Hehe.”

Rubbing her head, Jenny whispered.

“How do we use the earring to trace her origin?”

Nora didn’t answer. Entered a city jewelry shop.

Handed the earring to the owner—dozing behind the counter. He perked up instantly. Magnifier out, examined closely.

Soon—shock, then delight.

“Heavens, this craftsmanship… master-level at least. Material rare—self-magical diamond. Worn long-term: beautifies, anti-aging.”

“Miss, you have the pair? Sell? High price!”

Setting it down, owner rubbed hands, excited.

No exaggeration. Decades in business—never seen such. Value: his whole shop under half this piece.

Wearer—exalted beyond measure!

Under owner’s reluctant gaze, Nora retrieved it.

“Just tell—most likely origin.”

Not selling?

Heat cooled. Interest waned—until two gold coins spun on the counter.

“Capital.”

He said.

“Master craft—almost only there. Capital mines the stone. Highest chance.”

“Thanks.”

Smiling, Nora exited.

As guessed—imperial.

Academies, mage towers—improbable. Vanessa imperial noble—low ties there.

“Miss—this matches your guess!”

Jenny stammered in awe.

“Heh. In Aust capital, status above mine, young… options few.”

Empress childless. Girl: high imperial noble—or Oracle Hall.

“To capital. Host soirée in my name. Invite all nobles.”

Smile.

“Hope she appears.”

Noble or Oracle?

Hard to guess.

…

Outside capital, Crimson Forest.

Greiro-crested carriage sped.

Inside, white-haired girl propped chin, gazed out. Maid beside.

“Miss, past this forest—capital. Rest one day, then to Marquess Vanessa’s domain.”

“Mmm.”

White-haired: Philly. Greiro-sent to assess/replace Vanessa. Elders’ top prospect.

Face impassive. Eyes ash-gray.

“Miss, your management superb. Replace Vanessa—govern her lands well.”

“Maybe. Vanessa… not simple.”

Tone envious. Maid missed it.

“Yes? Arrogant Vanessa—how compare? Elders adore you. Many ladies jealous.”

“Adore? Because I obey.”

Philly’s eyes dimmed.

“Who says? Many obey—but elders favor only you. Don’t you feel?”

She felt.

Elders ignored others—surface obedience. They had private rebellion.

She didn’t.

Orphaned young. Wings clipped. Only path: elders’ orders.

They liked her—easiest to control.

Life scripted from birth. Steps not her own. Meaning?

Neigh—!

Horses whinnied. Carriage halted. Philly looked up.

“What?”

“I’ll check.”

Maid opened door. Before descending—turned, terrified.

“Miss—bandits! Down!”

Face paling, Philly rose. Near door—chest pain. Warm flow soaked dress.

Looked down: dagger through heart. Held by—maid.

Incredulous, to maid.

“You… why…”

“Miss, couldn’t help. They paid too much.”

Fearing survival, maid smiled. Withdrew, stabbed again.

Until Philly tumbled from steps to ground. Blood pooled. Maid satisfied.

“Rest easy, miss. I’ll erect a monument. Repay your years raising me.”

They?

On filthy soil, consciousness fading. Philly knew—“they”: the “obedient” ladies.

Jealous of elders’ favor. Saw her as enemy.

Today—struck.

…Laughable.

No one truly cared. No one truly liked.

Born to such clan—tragedy from start.

Dying… fine.

Manipulated life… ended.

No struggle. Darkness claimed. Last sights: maid’s manic grin. Approaching black silhouette. Cool, soothing scent—moonlight and herbs.