Not A Villainess Mother

"Wait! What do you mean by deceiving Duke Nicholas? Are you planning to break the marriage contract using that Crystal?" Aveline asked, her confusion evident as she struggled to comprehend her friend and master's words.

Aveline, she was a magical beast in her true form, she had forged a pact with Duke Oliver. Not only that, she and Jessica had developed a deep bond of friendship over the years.

Hence, Aveline felt at ease in the presence of the Duchess, allowing her to question her friend and master's intentions regarding Duke Nicholas.

"What? Do you truly believe that I would stoop so low as to exploit my own daughter as a mere bargaining chip to bring an end to the war, like some nefarious villainous mother?" Jessica retorted, her face displaying a mix of indignation and offense.

Ever since her husband's disappearance, the duchy had descended into a state of instability. Though she could have demonstrated her strength and authority to alleviate the turmoil, Jessica knew deep down that it would not suffice to halt the upcoming war.

Thus, she crafted a daring strategy, one that involved offering her own daughter as a sacrificial pawn to the Alstrain duchy.

In order to uphold her words to Duke Nicholas, she summoned Kathleen back from academy, and made contract through her blood.

However, little did Duke Nicholas know, that Duchess Jessica held within her possession the Soulbreaker crystal, capable of shattering even the most binding of soul contracts.

Located between the Alstrain and Black Dragon Duchies layed the small Bolfour County, it's lord, Cedric Bolfour colluded with Duke Nicholas to overthrow Duchess Jessica.

Cedric, driven by his big ambitions, sought to seize a portion of the crumbling duchy by joining hand with Alstrain duchy which became a huge advantage for Duke Nicholas.

She concealed her true power from the world as she possessed the capability to confront the formidable Alstrain Duchy just like her husband.

However, considering the additional threat posed by the influential Bolfour County, she devised a plan which was a carefully crafted scheme to counter the impending challenges.

As the contract was signed, the forces of the Alstrain Duchy immediately retreated, leaving the vulnerable Balfour County forsaken and defenseless even before the flames of war could ignite.

Everything is going according to her plan, her calculated next move involved taking down Balfour County before severing the binding contract between the Black Dragon Duchy and the Alstrain Duchy.

However, a frown appeared on her face as she observed the Soulbreaker crystal beginning to fracture.

She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, she had forged the contract using her daughter's blood, she had also intertwined the very essence of the stone with the contract, as it was a convenient method to break the contract when needed.

She simply didn't understand what happened to the stone.

Duchess Jessica explained everything to Aveline as she watched Aveline open her mouth wide in astonishment.

"Ah, it has been a lot of time since we last met, as I seldom come outside from my cave these days. I observed that you stopped spending time with your children following the mysterious vanishing of my master, which made me believe that your in distress. Little did I expect that behind that facade, you were orchestrating the downfall of your enemies." Aveline remarked, her face showing suprise and disbelief.

"However, according to the ancient texts that I have delved into, the Soulbreaker crystals were said to crack solely upon the death of their wielder or if their blood underwent a fundamental transformation. As they were bound to blood rather than the essence of the soul." As she said that a terrifying thought loomed in Aveline's mind. "Could something dreadful have happened to Kathleen?"

A change suddenly washed over Duchess Jessica's face before swiftly regaining her composure, her countenance returning to its usual state.

"Although the Magus Academy strictly forbids the presence of personal guards within its premises, rest assured that no harm will happen to my daughter." Jessica reassured, her voice emanating unwavering confidence.

"Hmm, have you imbued her with any form of protective magic?" Aveline inquired, her composure gradually restored.

Not answering Aveline's questions, Jessica

Started speaking.

"Furthermore, If Kathleen awakens her dormant bloodline, it would undoubtedly result in a similar predicament." She exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization, although these are just her thoughts, she have a feeling it might be true.

"Rest assured, the stone remains intact for the time being, so there is no immediate cause for alarm. However, I do wish to engage in a discussion with you." Aveline spoke, her gaze fixed upon Jessica, signaling the gravity of the matter at hand.

Jessica shifted her gaze toward Aveline, a silent invitation for her to speak her mind. "What do you want to talk about?" She asked.

"This matter is..... About you." Aveline began, her voice now bearing a stern tone.

"Since my master Duke Oliver's disappearance, you have seemingly disregarded your own children. Moreover, you neglected to inform Kathleen about the existence of the marriage contract, and made decisions solely on your own accord."

"Can you imagine how Kathleen will react upon learning this news? Duke Nicholas may have already begun to spread the information about the marriage."

Jessica went into an uneasy silence, unsure of how to respond to Aveline's pointed words. The war, as pressing as it was, was not the sole source of her concerns. The duchy's economy suffered greatly, with merchants shunning the Black Dragon Duchy and prices skyrocketing between the common people.

Although numerous individuals were working under her tirelessly to lessen these issues, Jessica found herself without any rest, unable to have any quality time to spend with her two daughters, despite yearning for it deeply.

"Ah, being silent will not suffice as an answer to this predicament. It would be good if you go and meet Ellia and play with her a bit and have conversation with Kathleen upon her return." Aveline advised, her tone carrying a hint of reprimand.

Jessica acknowledged her words with a nod, understanding the importance what her friend was talking about.

====================

Gradually, Kathleen's eyes fluttered open, her draconic form fading away. A radiant smile appeared on her face, sensing the newfound power coursing through her veins.

While she had not advanced to a higher rank, it provided a significant boost. With the ability to unleash her bloodline during combat, she could engage against her enemies who are higher level than her, albeit not much higher levels.

However, what brought her the greatest joy was not the power she had gained, but rather a newfound bloodline ability she gained upon her entry into the First Revolution of the Nine Revolutions Scripture.

After putting her new ability to the test for several times, Kathleen retired for the night, clad in her comfortable night attire. The following day marked a momentous occasion—the start of the final exams.

Every year, the final exams are conducted in different ways, and the students are kept in the dark until the last moment about the specific type of exam.

With her knowledge of the final exams arc in the novel, she know a lot of things.

However, she couldn't help but acknowledge the vast changes brought by her sol existence. It was uncertain they will go the same way a she read, because of that she also prepared a few Trump Cards for herself.

As the morning light bathed the land, Kathleen rose from her slumber and swiftly prepared herself for the day ahead. Determined not to be late, she moved towards the designated place where the final exams are being held.