Suddenly, Celestira fell into the water with a SPLASH! — completely soaked from head to toe.
Agh! This is so hard! she thought, frustration bubbling up.
Glancing toward Elfanso — who was barely holding in his laughter while pretending to act like a responsible teacher — Celestira glared.
"You did well today. Let's count—pffft—hahahaha—tomorrow," Elfanso said, half laughing, half choking.
"You're soaked completely; you did good, but you look so much like—"
He suddenly stopped mid-sentence, his laughter fading.
"No that's not possible" Elfanso muttered, "I should focus"
"What's happened?" Celestira asked, blinking in confusion.
Elfanso lifted her hand, his expression turning serious as his fingers brushed the glowing crest on her skin.
A silence hung as his voice returned—low and uncertain.
And then—he vanished.
What's happening?!
"Elfanso? Where did you go? And why didn't you finish your sentence?!" Celestira shouted.
A voice echoed in her head.
I'm in the crest.
"What?! Where are you?"
Don't panic. I can communicate with you through our thoughts now. I can't read your mind, but if you speak to me mentally, I'll hear you.
Huhu, this will certainly help me a lot Celestira thought, brushing her wet hair back as she stood.
Her lips curled into a smirk.
So let's start with our plan now that we are ready
First step of our plan: destroy Alicia's reputation in high society.
---
She rang the bell.
"Lina, help me change. I have a gathering to attend," Celestira said with that trademark villainess smile.
The maids dressed Celestira in a soft pink, flowy gown adorned with ribbons.
The maids stepped back, admiring their work.
"Oh my, you look like a water fairy, your ladyship!" one gasped.
Celestira glanced at herself in the mirror, her sapphire eyes glimmering.
I do look pretty, she thought with satisfaction.
"Thank you," she said, smiling gently. "Now, bring me all the invitations I've received."
Soon, a mountain of letters was piled before her.
Even though I have the reputation of a villainess, I'm still the Duke's daughter, Celestira thought as she sifted through them.
Her gaze stopped at one.
"Oh… an invitation from Madam Elarienne," she murmured. "She's famous for her strictness in noble etiquette. Many young ladies dream of learning from her, but only the late Empress ever did."
Making up her mind, she stood.
"Lina, prepare the carriage. I'll be attending Madam Elarienne's gathering."
Her eyes gleamed with mischief.
Let the games commence.
To be continued...