novelraw Chapter 78
Chapter 78
Linda's cruciform sword hung limply from her hand, its tip pointed toward the ground. The snow-white blade was unstained by a single drop of blood. She looked up at her lady.
“For offending a noble, shall I take him away—”
Before she could finish, a small hand tugged at the corner of Thea's dress.
“Strip him of his standing,” Thea commanded.
“Yes, my lady.” Linda bowed, sheathing her sword. She would handle the rest.
Thea took the small figure behind her by the hand and continued on toward the academy.
On a branch of a large, overhanging tree, a figure stood in silence, holding a quill and a notebook.
Potential: √
Capabilities: √
Growth Progress: √
Personality: √
Majesty: ×
Disposition: X
The quill moved to the last item and drew a large, definitive: X
...
The day's lessons lasted only two or three hours.
“Alright, that is all for today's lesson,” Ms. Solana announced. “You are all dismissed.”
As she began to organize the teaching materials on her desk, her gaze fell upon two figures in the classroom. One in a black dress, one in white, holding hands. Isolde's cheeks were fuller now, and her skin had grown fairer. She seemed to be living very well, though Solana wondered why she had been so distracted during class today.
She was happy for Isolde's change in fortune. Thea was the future heir to House Valerius. With a friend like her, Isolde's life would only get better. Her materials gathered, Solana turned and walked out of the classroom. Isolde no longer needed her care.
“Let's go, Isolde. Time to head back.”
“Mmm…” Isolde's expression was a little dazed. She was still thinking about what had happened that morning.
Thea smiled, took her hand, and led her from the classroom. They walked out of the academy and to the main gate. Thea glanced at the girl beside her. Isolde's eyes were fixed on the spot where her uncle had fallen. The snow there was pure white again, with no trace of red. Perhaps if one were to dig, the red could be found again.
Thea led her onto the carriage. Inside, it was warm and comfortable. She looked over at Isolde, who still had that dazed look. It seemed she would need some time to process everything. Thea guided Isolde to a seat. She then lay down, resting her head in Isolde's soft lap and wrapping her arms around her waist. So soft, she thought, and only getting softer.
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Thea's mind relaxed. Politics, balls, socializing, the merchant guild—in that moment, all those tiresome things melted away. With her face so close, she could smell the faint, sweet, clean scent emanating from Isolde. Enveloped in the fragrance, Thea's eyelids grew heavy.
...
“Nngh…”
Thea blinked, her eyes hazy as she surveyed her surroundings. She was in her own room. When Linda saw her lady awaken, she stepped forward to help her change. Thea let Linda dress her, her gaze drifting to the window. It was dark outside. Is it the Endless Night already?
Her thoughts gradually cleared. “Linda, what time is it?”
“Seven o'clock in the Endless Night,” Linda answered without pausing in her task of dressing her lady.
Thea stared out into the darkness. Seven o'clock already. Her group would be getting impatient.
“Linda, where is Isolde?”
“Your friend has already had her dinner and returned to her room, my lady.”
“And her meditation potion for today?”
“She has already taken it.”
It seems the day's events haven't affected her too much. With the white dress now perfectly arranged on her body, Thea moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Linda knelt on one knee, took hold of Thea's black-stockinged calf, rested it on her own knee, and began to slip a small, flat leather shoe onto her foot.
After the shoes were on, she spoke. “My lady, your father has sent a reply. The letter is on the tea table.”
Hearing this, Thea's gaze shifted to the table. An envelope lay there, resting on the exquisite black wood. She slid off the bed, her feet landing softly on the floor. She walked the dozen or so steps to the table and picked up the envelope. Her fingers brushed against it. It felt a little bulky.
She tore it open. Before she could even read the contents, something tumbled out—silver and round. Staring at the object in her palm, the corners of Thea's small lips began to rise uncontrollably.
“Heh.” A light chuckle.
“Hahahaha!” A wild laugh escaped her. That hesitant father of mine has finally made his choice.
Hearing her lady's sudden, uninhibited laughter, Linda curiously glanced over. A silver ring rested in her lady's palm.
The Ring of Valerius. The sigil passed down through the generations of House Valerius. No wonder my lady, who so rarely loses her composure, is laughing so freely. It seems Lord Cassian has made his choice. As a servant raised by House Valerius since childhood, Linda knew exactly what that ring represented. It was the symbol of lordship. The moment her lady put it on, Thea would be the Head of House Valerius. Not even Lord Cassian's return could change that.
“Hahahaha…” The laughter gradually subsided. Thea's still-slender chest heaved with the exertion. She took the ring and slid it onto the middle finger of her left hand. The oversized ring immediately glowed with blue runes. The light appeared and vanished in a flash. When the glow faded, the silver ring had resized itself to fit securely on her slender finger.
From this day forward, she was the Head of House Valerius.
A flood of unfamiliar memories poured into her mind. The color drained from her face. The inheritance has begun. Her body went limp, and she pitched forward. A pair of hands gently caught her. Finding a pillar of support, her small body curled into Linda's full bosom. Looking at the curled-up figure of her lady, a smile touched Linda's face.
She slid her right arm around Thea's waist and her left under her knees, scooping up her lady and carrying her to the bed. It seemed the clothes she had just put on would have to be exchanged for a nightgown. Linda knew exactly why her lady had suddenly fainted. The sudden influx of inherited memories assaulted the mind, an agonizing pain that few could endure. Even the endowed would find it excruciating.
The next morning, Thea pushed herself up in bed. Linda, who had not slept all night, was immediately at her side.
“My lady, are you alright?”
“Yes. The inheritance is complete.” Thea threw back the covers, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and hopped down, her small feet landing softly on the carpet. She walked to the tea table and reached out.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Instantly, a figure in a black uniform and a white mask appeared in her room.