Chương 22: smack in the face
After Alice had done such a thing, no one dared to stop her. The grandeur of the royal palace's entrance, with its towering marble columns and polished stone floors that glistened under the bright sunlight, seemed to amplify the silence that followed her actions. The air was thick with a mixture of shock and apprehension, as if a tempest had just passed, leaving everyone in its wake, stunned and wary.
After all, no one knew to what extent she had been enhanced after taking that magic potion. If one were to fight her and end up losing, they would surely become a laughingstock in the capital city! The thought of such public humiliation was as daunting as the prospect of facing Alice herself, especially with the imposing backdrop of the palace, its spires reaching towards the heavens like a warning.
Julie was still lying on the ground, unable to move. The once bustling area around her had now cleared, creating a strange void. The cobblestones beneath her were cracked and scattered, evidence of the violent encounter that had just taken place. Dust particles danced in the shafts of sunlight that managed to penetrate the now uneasy stillness.
The young girl Lilia, dressed in a pink long dress, stared intently at Alice's retreating figure, her brows tightly furrowed as if she were deep in thought. The gentle breeze that rustled through the nearby flower beds did nothing to ease the tension in her expression. The vibrant colors of the blossoms, which should have been a source of beauty and delight, seemed almost out of place against the backdrop of the recent turmoil.
The commotion at the gate of the royal palace spread quickly like a gust of wind throughout the streets and alleys. Both within the court and among the common people, it was known that Alice, who had once been regarded as a waste without any magic power, had obtained astonishing power by relying on some mysterious potion and was able to defeat Sullivan.Julie, a ninth-level magic apprentice, without any ability to fight back! The news traveled through the narrow, winding lanes of the city, where the thatched-roof cottages and bustling market stalls became the backdrop for whispered conversations and wide-eyed speculations.
Moreover, Alice had even stepped on Julie's face in a highly humiliating manner. The act seemed to echo through the palace walls, a stark reminder of the shifting power dynamics.
Irina, the legitimate daughter of the Sullivan Family, had previously been driven out of the Alva family's residence by Alice, this so-called waste, which had already become a major scandal for the Sullivan Family. Now, this had added an even more astonishing disgrace. The Sullivan Family's ancestral manor, with its sprawling gardens and imposing architecture, now seemed to cast a shadow of shame over the family name.
Each time was more shocking than the last!
At this moment, inside the magnificent royal palace - The vast halls were adorned with opulent tapestries that depicted heroic battles and mythical creatures. The walls were made of a rich, dark wood that seemed to absorb the light from the flickering torches, creating an atmosphere of both luxury and mystery. A middle-aged man dressed in a splendid golden robe embroidered with mysterious runes and dragon patterns was intently reading magic scrolls. The table before him was made of polished ebony, and the scrolls themselves were edged with gold and inscribed with arcane symbols that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. Suddenly, a shadow guard dressed in a black night suit and exuding a mysterious aura quietly appeared beside him. The guard bent down and whispered a few words in his ear, then disappeared like a ghost. The only sound was the soft rustling of the guard's clothing and the faint echo of his footsteps on the marble floor.
The man named Adrian's face changed slightly. His eyes, which had been focused intently on the scrolls, now widened in surprise, and a flicker of interest passed across his features.
Immediately after, a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. The smile seemed to hold a hint of anticipation, as if he were about to embark on a new and exciting adventure.
The old butler Lynn, who was serving beside Adrian, saw his 愉悦 expression. His cloudy eyes rolled around, and he asked in a shrill voice softly, "Your Majesty, is there something worthy of joy?" The room was so quiet that his voice seemed to carry farther than usual, bouncing off the walls and adding to the sense of intrigue.
"Alice defeated the girl from the Sullivan Family." Adrian shared with Lynn in a rather cheerful mood. His voice was tinged with a note of satisfaction, as if he had been waiting for something like this to happen.
"What?" Lynn was extremely shocked. "Alice, that w... " The word "waste" almost slipped out, but under His Majesty's death-like stare, how could he dare? Lynn's face paled, and he quickly averted his eyes, his body trembling slightly.
Lynn knew that in earlier years, His Majesty had paid some attention, whether intentionally or not, to Alice, who was regarded as a waste. However, in recent years, this attention had decreased. The corridors of the palace, which had once seen the occasional glimpse of the king's interest in Alice, had grown quiet in this regard.
Now, it seemed that His Majesty had once again focused his attention on her. The shift was as palpable as the change in the air currents within the palace.
Sometimes, Lynn couldn't help but secretly speculate. Could this waste Alice from the Alva family be His Majesty's illegitimate daughter? The idea seemed both absurd and yet, in the complex web of palace intrigue, not entirely impossible.
However, this was obviously impossible! After all, how could one marry one's own daughter to one's son? Wouldn't this be against ethics? The very thought made Lynn shudder, as if he had touched upon a forbidden topic.
Adrian saw that Lynn was lost in thought and tapped his finger lightly on the table, making a clear "dong dong" sound. The sound reverberated through the room, breaking the silence and bringing Lynn back to the present.
Lynn immediately came back to his senses and said tremblingly and fearfully, "This old servant is terrified. I just lost my concentration." His voice was barely above a whisper, as if he were afraid of disturbing the newfound interest that seemed to be building around Alice.
Adrian said in a deep voice, "It's all right. After Alice attends the Queen Mother's Grand Flower Banquet, you bring her to me. I have something to say to her." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
Lynn quickly nodded in agreement.
Alice actually seldom entered the royal palace because every time she came, she would suffer countless ridicules and despises. The journey to the palace was always a daunting one, with the carriage passing through the crowded city streets, where the jeers and sneers of the common people could sometimes be heard even through the carriage walls.
Fortunately, there was a special maid leading the way. The maid, dressed in a simple yet clean uniform, walked with a brisk step, her shoes clicking softly on the stone floors.
"Miss, you were extremely powerful just now. You defeated Julie with just one move! Seeing Julie's miserable appearance, Rose felt extremely happy." Rose looked at Alice with admiration in her eyes. Her face was flushed with excitement, and her eyes sparkled like the jewels on Alice's dress.
Alice couldn't help but smile and gently flicked her finger on Rose's forehead. The gesture was affectionate, a brief moment of lightness in the otherwise tense atmosphere.
Rose playfully stuck out her tongue and then leaned closer to Alice and asked in a low voice, "However, Miss, did you really take a magic potion?" Her voice was barely audible, as if she were afraid of being overheard.
"No."
"That's good." Rose patted her chest gently, and most of her worried mood dissipated instantly. The relief was visible on her face, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Alice, relying on the invitation in her hand, smoothly arrived at the garden in the harem. The garden was a veritable paradise of colors and scents. Tall, ancient trees provided a canopy of shade, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The flower beds were arranged in intricate patterns, filled with roses of every hue, from deep reds to soft pinks, and lilies that seemed to glow with an inner light. The air was heavy with the sweet fragrance of blossoms, a heady perfume that seemed to intoxicate the senses.
In the garden, a hundred flowers were in full bloom, vying for beauty, emitting charming fragrances and gorgeous colors.
Alice thought this scenery was really pleasing to the eye. The beauty of the garden seemed to have a calming effect on her, a brief respite from the turmoil that had preceded her arrival.
Hearing that the Queen Mother was still resting in the quiet Moonlight Temple and would come later, Alice took Rose and strolled leisurely in this vast garden. Their footsteps were soft on the grassy paths, and the occasional chirping of birds added to the sense of tranquility.
Many noble ladies recognized Alice, and they looked at her with various expressions, including contempt and disdain, full of sarcasm, curious exploration, and careful examination. Some of them whispered behind their fans, their eyes following Alice's every move as if she were a strange and dangerous creature.
Alice adhered to the principle of not attacking unless attacked and wandered around freely. She held her head high, her posture confident, as if she were immune to the stares and whispers.
About half an hour later, Alice saw a woman in a white long dress from a distance. It was Irina. She was secretly talking to a court maid in a furtive manner. The two were huddled in a corner of the garden, near a small fountain. The water in the fountain splashed softly, creating a gentle backdrop to their whispered conversation.
Alice secretly remembered the appearance of that maid. The maid had a plain face, but her eyes seemed shifty, as if she were constantly on the lookout for something.
Not long after, the Queen Mother arrived, and everyone went to greet her. The procession was a grand affair, with the noble ladies in their finest dresses and the servants scurrying about to ensure everything was in order.
Alice stood at the end of the line and pretended to be respectful and curtsied slightly. Her movements were graceful, but there was a hint of defiance in her eyes.
Rose whispered carefully, "Miss, you must always be vigilant about the Queen Mother's questions. She probably didn't invite you with good intentions this time." Her voice was so low that it was almost drowned out by the rustling of dresses and the shuffling of feet.
"I know." Alice nodded, and a mysterious glint flashed in her phoenix-like eyes. The glint was like a hidden fire, a sign of the strength and determination that lay beneath her seemingly calm exterior.
The Queen Mother was dressed in a dark red magnificent long dress, exuding a noble and majestic aura. The dress was made of the finest silk, and it flowed around her like a river of blood. She was well maintained and looked like an elegant noblewoman in her forties or fifties. Her face was carefully made up, with a touch of rouge on her cheeks and a hint of kohl around her eyes. Her eyes seemed gentle and kind, but in fact, deep in her eyes, there was hidden coldness and a hint of calculation. The way she looked at the noble ladies, with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, was a testament to her shrewdness.
How could a woman who could stand firm in this complex harem be stupid?
A group of noble ladies followed behind the Queen Mother and admired the flowers in the garden again. They praised the Queen Mother with all kinds of flattering words, as if their mouths were smeared with honey. Their voices were sickly sweet, a chorus of insincerity.
Among them, Irina affectionately supported the Queen Mother and from time to time whispered some intimate words. The two seemed to have a special bond, one that was perhaps based on more than just a simple relationship.
The Queen Mother was also quite satisfied with Irina. After all, Irina came from a famous and noble family, and her magic talent was sufficient to match her most beloved grandson Arthur. The Sullivan Family's reputation was well-known throughout the kingdom, and their wealth and influence were not to be underestimated.
The Grand Flower Banquet naturally included a grand banquet. The banquet hall was lavishly decorated with gold and silver ornaments. The tables were set with the finest china and crystal glasses that sparkled in the candlelight.
After the flower appreciation ended, everyone took their seats at the banquet one by one. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation, as if a new drama was about to unfold.
The seats at the banquet were not randomly arranged. Alice had not expected that her seat would be on the lower left side of the Queen Mother, and Irina happened to be sitting opposite her. The placement seemed almost too deliberate, as if someone had carefully orchestrated the scene.
Whether this was intentional or accidental was really thought-provoking.
The other noble ladies exchanged glances, all showing an expression of looking forward to a good show. Their eyes were bright with excitement, like children waiting for a circus performance.
"Alice." The Queen Mother, who was sitting in the first place, looked at Alice and said with a gentle smile, "It's been a long time since I saw you. You don't have to be too sad that Arthur broke off his engagement with you that day." Her voice was soft, but there was a certain edge to it, like a hidden dagger.
It seemed to be words of comfort, but in fact, it was like reopening her old wound. Each word was like a sharp blade stabbing into her heart! The pain was almost physical, as if the memories of the broken engagement were being forced to the surface.
Unfortunately, Alice was no longer the cowardly person she used to be. She had no attachment to that unfaithful scoundrel! Her resolve was as strong as the walls of the palace, unyielding and unbreakable.
Alice slightly raised her head, revealing her exquisitely beautiful and almost perfect face. She said with a bright smile, "Thank you for your concern, Queen Mother. I have no feelings for the third prince now. The third prince and Irina, the eldest daughter of the Sullivan Family, are a perfect match. If they don't get together, I, Alice, will be the first to object!" Her voice was clear and confident, ringing out across the banquet hall.
As soon as these words were spoken, not only did the Queen Mother's face change slightly, but even Irina's face instantly turned pale and changed several times. The color drained from their faces like water from a leaking bucket, leaving them looking almost ashen.
For the first time, the Queen Mother realized that this Alice, who had once been regarded as a waste, did not seem so simple! Her words were full of sarcasm about Arthur and Irina's affair. The realization was like a bolt of lightning, sudden and unexpected.
The Queen Mother sighed softly and said, "Alice, don't joke. I know you are sad. You don't have to say such things..." Her voice was tinged with a note of caution, as if she were trying to defuse the situation.
"Alice is really not sad." Alice shook her head. "The third prince and Irina are a perfect couple. Alice is happy for you, Queen Mother. You have such an excellent granddaughter-in-law!" Her words were like honeyed poison, sweet on the surface but deadly underneath.
"When the third prince was injured in the magic hunting ground, Irina personally visited him and stayed with him all night. Irina has deep affection for the third prince and is not afraid of worldly rumors. Such deep affection is beyond Alice's reach in this lifetime..." Alice's voice was steady, but there was a hint of bitterness in it, a reminder of the past she had left behind.
After saying that, Alice sighed a few times as if mocking herself. The sighs were soft, but they carried a weight of their own, a sense of resignation and newfound strength.
Hearing this, the others looked at Irina with eyes full of exploration, sarcasm, and disgust. Their stares were like daggers, cutting through the air and making Irina squirm uncomfortably.
On the day the third prince was injured in the magic hunting ground, Alice had not yet broken off her engagement with him. That is to say, Irina had already had an affair with the third prince in secret! The revelation was like a scandalous secret being exposed, causing a stir among the noble ladies.
Although Alice, who was regarded as a waste, might not be worthy of the third prince Arthur, such behavior of having a secret affair was still despicable! The sense of moral outrage was palpable, as if a dark cloud had descended over the banquet.
What's more, at that time, Irina still claimed to be Alice's good sister...
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