The morning after the ball, the palace still buzzed with gossip. Celestine's "sudden change" had become the favorite topic among nobles and ladies alike. Some doubted her sincerity, others were intrigued—and many simply waited for the next disaster the duchess would bring.
Ayumi, now alone in her chambers, stared at her reflection in the mirror.
— "No matter what I do… they already expect me to be the villain."
Her gaze drifted toward a pile of letters on her desk. Invitations, false alliances, and veiled attempts at manipulation.
Being Celestine meant living surrounded by serpents—one wrong move, and their fangs would seal her fate.
A knock at the door.
— "Come in."
It was Lira, her loyal lady-in-waiting. Small, with brown hair braided neatly and sharp, perceptive eyes, she carried a tray of steaming tea.
— "Milady, the entire palace is talking about your kindness last night. Some say you're plotting something… others believe you're pretending."
Celestine sighed.
— "And what about you, Lira? What do you think?"
The young maid hesitated before replying:
— "I think… you're trying to change. But that's dangerous. Those who already hate you won't forgive easily."
Ayumi smiled faintly. At least someone still believed in her—even if only a little.
---
⚔️ The Council of Nobles
A few hours later, Celestine was summoned to the council hall—a vast chamber lined with white marble walls and the banners of the empire. There, senators, generals, and high-ranking nobles gathered under the presence of the crown prince himself.
Leonhardt sat at the head of the room, as imposing as ever. Beside him was Emilia, listening intently to every word.
Celestine entered with steady steps, feeling every gaze pierce into her like blades.
One of the ministers muttered loudly enough for all to hear:
— "Is it truly wise to let the duchess be here? Everyone knows the d'Arnoir family once plotted against the crown…"
Others nodded, feeding the wave of suspicion.
Leonhardt raised his hand for silence.
— "I invited the duchess because I wish to hear her myself. They say she's changed. I want to know how much."
Celestine felt the weight of the moment. This wasn't a discussion—it was a trial.
She took a deep breath and spoke calmly:
— "If you wish to know my opinion, I believe the empire needs stability, not more intrigue. Continuing to feed hatred between noble houses will only weaken the crown."
A murmur spread across the chamber. No one had expected such words from the "arrogant villainess."
But before she could continue, a cold, venomous voice interrupted.
— "Lovely words, Duchess. But aren't they just a smokescreen?"
It was Lady Vivianne, a marchioness with icy eyes and a cruel smile—one of Celestine's fiercest rivals.
— "Everyone knows about your rivalry with Lady Emilia. And now, suddenly, you act so… gentle. Isn't that just another form of manipulation?"
Emilia's eyes widened in surprise at the accusation, while Leonhardt's gaze stayed locked on Celestine, waiting for her reaction.
Ayumi clenched her fists under the table but lifted her chin with dignity.
— "Lady Vivianne, if you truly believe that, then I ask only that you watch my actions. Words can deceive, but choices… cannot."
The room fell silent. Emilia, discreetly, allowed herself a faint smile.
Leonhardt, however, remained skeptical, as if trying to read her very soul.
---
🌑 Traps in the Shadows
Later, as Celestine walked alone through the palace corridors, she felt a presence.
— "You really do enjoy playing with fire, don't you, Duchess?"
Damien Corvus leaned casually against a pillar, wearing that same knowing smile.
— "First you shock the court, then you stand up to Vivianne… and now you dare preach peace before the prince. Fascinating."
Celestine narrowed her eyes.
— "I don't have time for your games, Damien."
He stepped closer, his shadow stretching over her like a dark veil.
— "But time is exactly what you'll have, Celestine. Enough to realize that, in this empire, everyone wears a mask. Even you."
He leaned in close, his voice brushing against her ear.
— "When you grow tired of fighting alone, remember this: I'll be waiting."
Before she could respond, he vanished into the corridor, leaving only the echo of his laughter behind.
Celestine exhaled deeply, her heart racing.
Between Leonhardt, who saw her as a threat; Emilia, who seemed to waver between trust and doubt; and Damien, the wolf circling his prey—she understood one thing:
The real battle had only just begun.
---