Chapter 16 Visit

Hearing her melodious voice that seemed like cold water is flowing softly, embracing him in a motherly touch... and wind whispering faintly, he almost fell in daze again.

The look on her eyes is truly bewitching. The mysterious allure her shiny eyes emitted and those fluttering lashes that seem to take his breath away.

The small kid sitting in the bed while looking dazed towards the garden, then moved to follow the direction of a yellow butterfly...

Her every move and actions seemed to put him in trance.

'Pretty.'

His heart beat raced like horse hooves running around the training grounds.

Looking at her pale skin now with red marks seemed more captivating than ever. It looked so good and beautiful.

These marks proved how strong she had been and endured the harsh condition her body experienced.

He reached out to his sister and grabbed a few strands of her silvery-blue hair and brought it to his lips.

"Wh-what?!--"

Aillenne was startled and moved a few inches back, but Derrick held her waist with his strong arms and peered down at her.

"Shhhh... did you know that I was the one who brought Madam Cynthia's harassment to father? Now, if it weren't for me, you will still be studying under that old hag and you will continue with that endless torture. Isn't it all thanks to me?"

Aillenne was skeptical at her brother's change that were as quick as the flip of the hand.

What's with him?

"Uhmm... right?"

"..."

"Th-thank you then?"

"Well, I don't receive empty words. I know Aillenne is not sincere. Why not pay me in a different way?"

He said as he gently placed his right hand to her left cheek, his thumb moving in a motion as if petting.

Her cheeks were soft and white like soft buns. The light tint in her face tops it all.

'Hmm... if I haven't gotten close to her like this, would I be able to see her beauty more clearly?"

Aillenne on the other hand was confused at the character in front. He is so close that it is ridiculously inside her personal space.

She could feel his hot breath and she could clearly see the outline of his face. Derrick is also unrealistically handsome.

Just like the villainess, Aillenne.

'Is it a requirement to be a beautiful character when you're an antagonist? He may even be blessed because she's a sibling of the villainess. Isn't it thanks to me that he got that looks?'

She shook away her shameless questions and focused on the situation before her.

Derrick.

He is three years older than Aillenne and he is slightly taller since he was supported by their parents. He had everything he needed, unlike Aillenne who is neglected.

Since they were a child, he will play petty tricks towards Aillenne or bring with him some friends and bully her altogether.

Now, he is big already that his pranks and childish tricks didn't suit him.

And then... he's doing such corny thing?

"I'll have you join me for lunch three days from now. So be healthy by then, Aillenne."

He said as he strode to the door then stopped.

"Do you perhaps, wear a certain perfume?"

He inquired with a look of curiosity unbefitting of his usual calm or sly expression.

"I don't have that kind of luxury item. And for what use would it be for me who only stays at the mansion?"

He nodded belatedly after remembering her standing, then he continued and closed the door leaving Aillenne to question a lot of things until she felt tired and slept again like a log.

***

Three days after that conversation, Aillenne felt good and healthy, as if the pain she felt, from the beating and harassment she took from Madame Cynthia, were a lie. Even the blue marks and bruise on her pale skin were gone. The burn she had in her leg when the teapot broke and it's contents splattered the floor and some towards her.

The Imperial physician and healer were on another level. They were able to heal the seemingly impossible to heal injuries without leaving a scar. It was thanks to them also that Aillenne won't have a flaw when she entered high society.

"Should I think that it's great or something? Oh, well. As long as my body is fine."

Aside from wealth, prestige and fame, appearance is also one of the foundations of high society.

Even if you have all the wealth and power if you're ugly, no one's willing to befriend you aside from those with intention of getting surplus power and funds.

If you're a beauty but doesn't have money, you have nothing but be forced to be engaged to someone to fill the hole.

Like a synergy between people who wanted to reign the top.

High society is a tricky part of the society. The way the things work in there were still heavy to digest for Aillenne.

It's a battlefield inside a small room where knowledge and exchange of words were the only weapon used.

Fame, connection and power to rule over the information and people were the things needed to gain a standing.

Fights among ladies were common and it's one thing that Aillenne has to prepare. Soon enough, she's to be brought outside to perform her social duties, gain supporters and make a foundation to become an empress.

Thus, the Winston family who is aiming for the Empress' seat would do everything just to make Aillenne have no mark on her body and make her a perfect woman.

A woman so powerful that can wield power, money and resources and people will bow down on her feet.

Aside from learning theories, business, and other studies, she also had to learn embroidery, management of state of affairs and anything related to becoming an empress.

It is such a rigorous activity and she is studying constantly regardless of her will.

She didn't have time to play or relax. The number of hours of her sleep were also counted.

It is such a tiring life.

'Even though I had a nanny to manage me in anything I do, some things were still unbearable to a young body like having a strict diet. It is so ridiculous as the body is in the state of growth but the nutrients were cut short.'

'Should I just escape again? I'm tired with this. The numbers and letters seem to jumble and tumble inside my head.'

Knock! Knock!

"Come in."

The maid in a cute uniform entered.

Brown curly hair and cute face. She had something in her hand and brought it near Aillenne.

She naturally took the letter and read the contents while letting the maid do its thing.