Darkness moved gracefully through the hallways, her sharp gaze casually observing the maids at work. They were busy cleaning, yet their hands faltered and their eyes couldn't help but follow her.
"Lady Darkness is so amazing."
"She moves with such elegance… like a real Queen."
"If I could have her, nothing else in this world would matter."
The young maids were captivated—not just by her beauty, but by her very presence. They admired her bold nature, her mastery of magic, her flawless weapon skills, her meticulous housework, and the delicate meals she prepared. Above all, they were drawn to her quiet yet overwhelming influence in society. The wealth she accumulated, the respect she commanded—it all fascinated them.
Darkness, of course, knew the hearts of these young women. But she said nothing. Admiration was harmless… as long as they didn't act on it.
Without pause, she made her way to Lord Elfred's chambers.
Knock. Knock.
The door opened to reveal an old man with a kind yet sharp gaze—Lord Richard, Lord Elfred's trusted friend and assistant. He was the man Lord Elfred had once saved, a debt that had turned into unwavering loyalty. Officially, Richard outranked Darkness, overseeing all of House Elfred's merchant affairs. But in reality, their influence within the family was almost equal.
"Good day, Lady Darkness," Richard greeted, bowing slightly.
"I also wish you a good day, Lord Richard," Darkness replied with a faint smile.
After their brief formalities, they entered the room and stood in their respective positions. Darkness stood tall, refusing to bow. Lord Elfred had ordered her long ago to never bow before him, and she honored that command.
Seated behind a grand desk, Lord Elfred met her gaze. His expression was calm, yet tinged with bitterness.
"Darkness, do you know why I summoned you here?" he asked.
"Yes, my Lord," she replied, pausing briefly as she noted the tension in his voice. "The upcoming international peace meeting with the Clastrus Kingdom. As one of the representing families of Alzeder Kingdom, you want me to ensure Lady Rubina's conduct is… appropriate."
A shadow passed over Lord Elfred's face. "Yes. That child… she's not in my control. She acts like a puppet but lacks direction. You must ensure she stays in line—by any means necessary."
"If you grant me full authority over her, I will see it done," Darkness replied, a dangerous glint flashing in her eyes.
Lord Elfred noticed the shift but did not flinch. Instead, a broad smile spread across his face, his expression softening with relief.
"Good. I expect nothing less from you. You may go."
"As you command, my Lord." Darkness turned and exited, her face devoid of emotion.
'This room may be soundproof, but the mansion's halls have ears. Some loyal to Lady Rubina, others—spies. I despise these games of whispers… but they do make life entertaining.' A faint smile tugged at her lips as she walked.
Her next destination was the kitchen.
She entered without hesitation, moving toward the storage shelves. With practiced ease, she selected jars of spices, herbal waters, fruit jams, and freshly pressed juices. A paper listing the tea party menu rested in her hand.
"Lady Rubina's tea party begins in a few hours. These are the items that need to be prepared," she instructed, handing the list to Ronald, the head chef.
"Don't worry, Lady Darkness. We'll have everything ready," Ronald replied with a respectful nod.
With her tasks delegated, Darkness left the kitchen and made her way toward the garden—the venue for today's tea party.
The Elfred Garden was her pride. Every flower, every herb had been personally selected and nurtured by her magic. Thanks to this, out-of-season fruits and rare magical blooms thrived under her care. The garden bore her essence; no one dared to touch it. Even Rubina could not pluck a single leaf without Darkness's permission.
Seven patches of enchanted flowers stood as the garden's centerpiece:
— The White Moon Lily
— The Red Blood Rose
— The Blue Water Lotus
— The Green Life Evergreen
— The Yellow Oasis Bloom
— The Purple Heart Flower
— The Black Life Flower
These magical blooms were not just for display. Their potent herbal properties were known across noble circles.
The maids worked diligently, maintaining the perfection Darkness demanded. Seeing nothing amiss, Darkness turned, intending to practice at the training grounds. Yet, she halted, recalling her next duty.
'I can train anytime. But right now, I need to retrieve the dress.'
She made her way to the estate's carriage station. As a merchant family, House Elfred always kept a carriage ready for urgent departures. The coachman, an experienced man, immediately recognized her approach and prepared the carriage.
"To Seratus Boutique," Darkness instructed, stepping inside.
The coachman nodded and the carriage rolled out. The guards opened the gates without question—it was part of their daily rhythm.
Seated inside, Darkness closed her eyes and began meditating. Currently, she was undergoing an intense form of training—her clothes and shoes were enchanted to weigh ten times more than normal. She had to maintain a constant energy barrier to prevent damaging her surroundings.
'I need power. Only through this silent path can I grow stronger… unnoticed.'
The carriage soon halted. Darkness disembarked, her posture unaffected by the unnatural weight she bore.
Before her stood the luxurious Seratus Boutique—a grand establishment with crystal glass doors and displays showcasing the latest noble fashion trends. The materials were top-grade, crafted for durability, comfort, and beauty.
As she approached, the boutique's magic-detection system activated, opening the doors automatically.
"Lady Darkness," greeted Jennifer, the boutique's owner and one of the finest designers in the Alzeder Kingdom. She approached with an air of elegance, yet her eyes revealed genuine warmth.
"Lady Jennifer, I've come to retrieve the dress," Darkness said.
"Yes, please wait in my private room. Only the final touches remain," Jennifer replied, motioning for Darkness to follow.
As they moved, the eyes of noble ladies and their attendants followed Darkness, whispers trailing behind them. Darkness, unaffected, followed Jennifer through the boutique.
Inside the private room, Jennifer closed the door. The atmosphere shifted. Without warning, Jennifer dropped to her knees.
"Master, I'm sorry you have to handle these matters alone. Please… forgive me."
Darkness's expression softened, though a bitter smile tugged at her lips.