Ipomoea...?
My breath caught, and I stood still. A strange mix of warmth and excitement filled me, but right behind it came fear and nervousness. Everything around me seemed to quiet down as people's eyes turned toward her strong presence.
I didn't know whether to feel amazed or scared, and my body froze, unsure what to do.
Before I could think more, one of the ladies quickly walked over to Ipomoea, breaking the silence.
"Lady Gloire," she greeted warmly.
Ipomoea, the female lead of the novel, the woman Norielle despised. The same woman whose existence was part of the reason Norielle would meet her tragic end. I know it's not me, and that it hasn't happened yet, but the fear clinging to my heart refuses to loosen its grip.
Ipomoea looked troubled as she faced the noble lady who had greeted her. The distrust in her eyes told me that woman was either wicked or foolish. In the novel, Ipomoea was kind, smart, and deeply loyal to her noble beliefs, her discomfort spoke volumes.
As I watched them talk, Ipomoea's gaze suddenly met mine. The intensity took me by surprise, and I quickly looked away. Knowing she worked as a mercenary by night, her senses were sharp and alert.
I turned and walked back toward Evander and the jeweler, deciding it was best to keep my distance. Unlike Evander, who was a villain, Ipomoea was the story's heroine and a key reason for my looming death. For my own safety, I had to avoid her.
Evander's brow furrowed. "Where have you gone to?" he asked, curios but calm.
I swallowed nervously. "I was just looking around." I replied.
Master Leoric, having finished sizing Evander's ring finger, then turned to me with a professional smile.
"It's your turn now, my lady," he said.
I nodded and stepped forward, trying to steady my racing heart. He measured my ring finger carefully, finishing quickly.
"Then it's done," Master Leoric said with a smile. "It will take about a week to finish, Your Grace."
A week? That seemed so long. Was the adjustment really that complicated?
Evander handed over a check. "That's plenty of time," he said. "The engagement party is in three weeks at most."
The engagement party! Thinking about it make my spine shivers.
***
I looked up at the clouds drifting across the sky. The flowers around the gazebo were truly captivating rare and vibrant, their colors bright against the green. Even the birds and butterflies seemed drawn to this place. Graham's garden far surpassed the ones at Evander's estate in the capital or Deran's.
This new life is so wonderful, yet scary.
I know I am supposed to die by the male lead's hand, the crown prince. To avoid that, I just need to stay away from Ipomoea Gloire and not become the jealous, wicked villainess. But it's not that easy. I also need to prevent Zilda's death and deal with more problems. For that, I will need Mortem's help.
Then there's my engagement to Evander. Right now, he's not a problem, but he might be later. The problem is, I don't really remember what drove him to become the villain, or was he really just a straight up psychopath? That can't be right, it sounds too extreme.
He might be dangerous, but he could also be a great help in the future, so I need to keep him close. Becoming a Grand Duchess might also help. But would it really? I'm just a count's daughter, but someone is already after my life. What happens when I actually become a Duchess?
Everything is a double-edged sword. No matter what I choose or do, it could either help me survive or lead to my downfall.
What did Norielle do in her previous life for her to suffer like this?
"What's troubling you, my lady?" Zilda said, stepping beside me. "You seemed lost in your thoughts again."
I sighed quietly. "Too much on my mind," I whispered. "Has my probation ended? I need to go somewhere without Evander tonight."
With Evander constantly watching me, I couldn't do anything. If I slipped away at night to see Mortem, he might mistake it for running away, and who knew what he would do to me or everyone in this house. I couldn't go in the morning either, he would come with me, and then what? He might grow suspicious and do something.
"His Grace has already gone back to his estate, my lady." She replied plainly.
Is that, so? That's why I haven't seen his face since this morning.
This is such a good opportunity.
I sipped the tea that was in front of me, "Then prepare a carriage for me Zilda, I'll head to the market at once." I said with a smile.
Zilda bowed silently and turned away, her footsteps fading as she walked off.
This is probably the time to take action. I might regret it if I do nothing now.
A few moments had past, Zilda returned and led me back to my room. I changed into much simpler clothes, a modest dress paired with brown cloak. Once ready, we headed down to the gate where the carriage awaited. Standing nearby was a knight dressed in the uniform of Evander's order.
Why is he here?
Tsk. That Evander really left his knight to watch me?
"Greetings, My Lady." He greeted politely. "Revan Wilom, at your service."
I faked a smile, "I'll be in your care then, Sir Wilom." I said.
Revan nodded gracefully and helped us into the carriage. Without delay, the journey began. It wasn't long before we arrived at the marketplace.
As the carriage door opened, Revan assisted Zilda down first, extending his hand with a slight hesitation. Zilda accepted the gesture without a word. At first, I noticed the nervousness flickering across Revan's face, then, unexpectedly, a warm smile appeared.
Hm... what's this?
It seemed Evander's knights were unusually close to Zilda. Even Samuel often lingered nearby, striking up conversations with her. And now, Sir Revan too.
"My lady?"
I snapped back to my senses as Revan spoke, his hand extended patiently, waiting to help me down. I accepted it with a faint, dry smile.
Stepping out, I was immediately greeted by the mingling scents of fresh food and roasted skewers, carried on the lively bustle of the crowd.
It is much noisier and busier here compared to the capital.
Now what should I do?
With Revan's presence, everything would be more difficult. Should I head back and go back tonight?
"My lady, where are we heading to?" Zilda beside me, asked.
I can't decide.
"Zilda, you brought coins right?" I asked her, "Take one and tossed it in the air and catch it, tell me what side it landed."
Despite the confusion in Zilda's face, she so did what I asked her. She took a gold coin and tossed it into the air, both Revan and I watching intently as it spun and finally landed on the back of her hand.
I had already recognized their coins, one side bore a dragon's head, the other a human's. If it landed on the dragon, I would head back home, if it showed the human, I would proceed to Mortem.
There are only two sides, a dragon's head and a human's head. If it landed on the dragon, I'll head back home, if it showed the human, I'll proceed to Mortem.
"It's the founder's head, my lady," she said, showing us the coin rested on the human face.
Then, Mortem it is.
But where exactly was it?
I faced them both and said, "I don't know its exact location, but it's a tavern with symbol of lantern with a raven perched on top." I said.
"You meant the traven Veiled Lantern, my lady?" Revan asked.
I nodded then he led our way, both Zilda and I were closely following him. The narrow streets were busy with morning life as we walked behind him.
"Veiled Lantern should be just up ahead, my lady." Raven said, watching the people around us closely.
Does he know it as just a simple traven or as Mortem?
The Red Imperial knights of the empire under the command of House Valois are one of the great five Imperial knights of the Empire. Currently the Red Imperial knights commander is Evander, as the Grand Duke's past him the position in preparation for becoming the next head of Valios.
The Keeper of the Northern Territory also oversees a specialized secret organization tasked with managing the Empire's darker and more covert affairs. The Shadow Reacers, this shadowy group operates beyond the reach of conventional authority, focusing on controlling and containing threats that lurk in the Empire's hidden corners those elements that disrupt the delicate balance of power and stability, under the Emperor's orders.
They are well connected to the merchant groups and guilds, so, it's not a surprise for them to know about the Mortem Guild, I guess.
This is really a problem, I have to think about what to do with Sir Revan.