Chapitre 17: Julius Amber
"I hate her. I hate her, brother," Countess Rosalie exclaimed, her voice filled with an intense bitterness that echoed through her brother's study. In her anger, she hurled a delicate teacup across the room, its fragile porcelain shattering against the wall.
Julius, the countess' elder brother, calmly set aside his papers, his gaze fixed on Rosalie. He had grown accustomed to her outbursts, understanding the depth of her resentment towards Lilith, the daughter of their shared husband, James. He knew he had to find a way to address her grievances and bring about a resolution.
"What am I supposed to do about it, Rose?" Julius asked, his tone tinged with weariness. "I granted your wish when you married James after your first marriage failed. Yet, you continue to come back, consumed by your discontent."
Rosalie's voice wavered as she pleaded with her brother, her eyes filled with desperation. "Please, brother, this will be the last time," she implored, her voice laced with a mix of anger and sorrow.
Julius paused, considering his sister's words. A thoughtful expression crossed his face as he spoke softly. "James' daughter, Lilith, has reached the age for a social debut. Perhaps it is time for you to consider this opportunity," he suggested, his tone gentle yet deliberate. "However, it would be wise to keep any plans for her marriage confidential from James, at least for now."
Rosalie's eyes widened, a glimmer of realization dawning upon her. "You're right, brother. How did I not think of that?" she exclaimed, a renewed sense of purpose coursing through her. "Arranging a suitable match for Lilith, perhaps even with a noble from a distant land, would be the simplest solution."
Julius nodded, affirming his sister's newfound determination. "Leave it to me, Rose. I will discuss the matter with the count and begin preparing potential suitors for Lilith," he assured her.
In the following days, Rosalie became fully engrossed in the preparations for Lilith's debut ball. With James unable to object, as it was a customary event for a noblewoman, Rosalie took advantage of the opportunity to orchestrate the social debut according to her own desires.
As Lilith surveyed the grandly decorated hall, a sense of unease settled within her. She couldn't help but sense Rosalie's underlying intentions beneath the facade of celebration.
"I'm not sure if I am fully prepared for this, Countess. Might we delay my debut for a little longer?" Lilith questioned, her gaze searching the opulent surroundings.
"Nonsense, my dear. A noble lady's debut is a pivotal moment in her life," Rosalie responded with a dismissive wave of her hand. She gestured to the servants to add more flowers, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. "Besides, it is an opportunity for you to mingle with potential suitors. You must begin considering marriage prospects."
Lilith's eyes locked with Rosalie's, her mind racing with thoughts and plans of her own. She refused to let this woman cast her aside so easily, especially when she had only just arrived. If Rosalie intended to play this social game, then Lilith would play it with her own set of rules.
"Of course, Countess. Your wisdom is evident," Lilith acquiesced, her voice holding a subtle hint of defiance as she retreated to her room.
As she closed the door behind her, a wicked smile played upon Lilith's lips. She knew Rosalie's true intentions and was determined to turn the tables on her. The debut ball would become the stage upon which she would showcase her intelligence, elegance, and cunning. She would seize this opportunity to secure her place in the household, ensuring that Rosalie could never dismiss her so easily.
With each step she took in her preparations, Lilith would carefully craft her image, presenting herself as a formidable and alluring presence. The game had just begun, and Lilith was ready to show the countess that she was no pawn to be manipulated.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone