First Task, Done!

Madeline’s Ruby, a stolen magical artifact. The current emperor made efforts to locate this magnificent thing, but still failed.

Everyone in the dining hall dropped their silverware, drunken men suddenly became sober.

Reyner gulped his red wine in one go.

“Bethany, were you sure that was the real Madeline’s Ruby?” he asked.

“Your Highness, Duke Klein will answer all of our suspicions.” 

They all turned to him. Duke Klein, my father’s best friend, Miuerella’s biological father, most of all, one of the most influential Dukes in the entire empire. I shifted everyone’s attention to him because this guy is an expert with magical artifacts. One of his businesses was selling such things.

He glanced from left to right before we had eye contact. He heaved a sigh before turning to the Crown Prince.

“Your Highness, please allow me to examine the ring on the statue.” 

“Yes, I need your help. However, I want Count Viscar to resolve this misunderstanding first.”

This was the first time that I witnessed a sheeplike Prince turned into a deadly beast whose ready to devour us all. His Pikachu’s thunderbolt like gaze sent chills to my spine. 

Count Viscar wiped his cold sweat incessantly. I told you, laugh all the way because I would put you in a hot seat including your wife who just fainted.

Reyner ordered an investigation. He invited all officials to be the jurors. As for us, my mother dragged me to her room. 

She massaged her temples in a circular motion and asked for a bottle of wine. This woman must think why did she give birth to such a mischievous girl. 

“My dear daughter, do you want a sip of my wine?” 

Did I hear those words right? Why would she ask a ridiculous question?

“Mother, we know that my answer to your question is a big no.” 

In modern times, there were hard-headed people and Karens existed, but even in this very conservative world, there were types of people who could start a revolution. 

 “Aye! I thought you wanted to know what this drink tastes like? Why would you wait for 2 years if you can savor it now?”

I already tasted different wine in my world and technically, I’m an adult already.

I crossed my arms. My eyes narrowed too, because of her childish expression. I thought she was strict towards me, but why was she acting rashly tonight?

“Mom, what’s the matter?” 

She hugged or should I say squeezed me tightly, like someone would do when they are wringing clothes to remove excess water. I desperately gasped for air and thankfully, she noticed how I struggled.

“You did an excellent job in pestering that rude Count and her narcissistic wife! Where did you learn to trash talk people with class?” 

I spent the next 5 minutes of my life listening to my mother’s horror story. Thankfully, the wine in her bloodstream took effect. I ambled away from her bed.

Nora, who waited outside of my Mother’s room, understood what my nods meant. We made sure that no one saw us heading towards the Eastern part of the manor.

I hoped for booby traps or maybe we would meet some guards. Instead, you would have an impression that someone robbed this place, and it was impossible for you to not cough the moment you step your foot on the dusty acetate carpet. This place screamed how obsolete it was.

Finally, I reached the attic. I knocked thrice, hoping that she would immediately open the door for me, yet I didn’t get a response. Was she asleep? There was no way she could sleep in this kind of pigsty jail.

“Hi, I am Lady Bethany Grimaldi. I just want to be friends with you. Please, open the door for me.”

I grinned from ear to ear as I heard the eerie creak of the wooden door. 

The fleeting memory of when we lived in the slums came back when the unwelcoming atmosphere of the attic blanketed us. These frail, old wooden planks that already made gaps in between would not be enough to support the weight of two skinny young ladies, so minimal movements were required. I shook my head upon the stacked straws as her bed. 

“Nice to meet you Bethany, I’m Miuerella. Why would you want to befriend me?”

I laid the duvet and pillow on the fusty dusty floor. My gosh, why was she wearing a thin dress in this frigid weather? I can’t help but to give her my coat. We didn’t bring that much because it might raise suspicion. 

“Why? Is it bad to befriend a girl around my age?”

She shook her head. 

“There is nothing bad at all, but I’m an exception. Why would you give your coat to me? You’ll be cold too!”

“Please, just accept my help. As a friend, I was heartbroken seeing your condition. You were the Count’s first born but what kind of hell is this?”

The Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role goes to… Bethany Andalusia Grimaldi for shedding a gallon of tears in her performance as the protagonist’s best friend.

Miuerella rushed to my side to console me. She finally agreed to the friendship that I offered and even narrated the hardships she experienced under the Count’s care ( or should I say abuse). 

Well, before we part ways, I reported good news. Her “father” was under investigation for possessing a stolen artifact. Her jaw dropped upon hearing it. Before I bid goodbye, I gave her ointment for her wounds. Though she had healing abilities, if someone constantly beats you into death, of course, it would take time for you to heal your wounds. 

“Nora, did someone pass by?” I asked.

“No one, My Lady.” 

“I am sorry for bothering you.”

“It is my pleasure to serve you, My lady, ”

We walked back to my solar. I wanted to jump for joy when the system notified me of my completed task however, my attendant would think the screws in my head loosened if I did that.

Those happy moments didn’t last when a certain someone suddenly slammed the wall using his mighty hands and cornered me.