It was a story of a brilliant woman who chose to leave her beloved home to test her luck at the neighboring empire, in hopes of saving her bloodline from the danger of being extinct.My mother once told me about her sacrifices for the Maharlikas. Due to unfortunate events and the consequences of their rage, the Maharlikas has faced a threatening crisis – poverty. Because of that, my first aunt was forced to work as a maid of an old baron in the empire. Her skills were recognized by the queen and took her as a lady-in-waiting. The second aunt never gave up the farmlands and worked as a farmer of another baron. She never attracted a member of the imperial family like her older sister, but she cared for her sickly mother, who cried all her joy because of her husband’s sudden death. My mother, Lira Maharlika, studied hard and gathered all the scholarships she could pass to sustain living in the expensive state of Larunduquez, while having me. She suffered from discrim

Even under the dim light, I could see how disappointed my mother looks at me.Just a moment ago, my dinner date with Cai was interrupted by blue-collar men.“Lady Cassey Timmerhaus. The blue collar needs your cooperation.”I held my rage and answered politely.“For what cause, Sir?”I nervously stared at the officer’s eyes, an attempt to read the situation. But all I could sense is a vague danger. “Lady Cassey, you are mandated to cooperate in the investigation of the corruption and embezzlement within the County of Timmerhaus.”I burst.“Is the officer suggesting that I am suspected of embezzlement?”“Any attempt of retaliation is prohibited, hence, we request you to behave and cooperate silently, like your life is on the line.”The blue-collar men chained my hands behind and locked it with a golden padlock.I looked back at Cai one la

The scorching sun pierced through my skin.“I am regretting my choices now.”“I told you, Madame. You should have worn the one with longer sleeves.”I too think I was mistaken with my dress choice. I finally got freed from the opinions of my mother; however, I somehow felt my fashion sense really sucks, now that I’m without her.“Do I have enough time to change my dress?”Billie nodded enthusiastically and handed me a dress she prepared beforehand. It was a carefree green dress, light and without the unnecessary frills. It looks plain.“It’s stunning.”“You find it stunning Billie?”Billie gasped and kneeled in an instant.“This servant dares to desire her master’s dress... P-please punish me as you wish!”I sat on the chair in front of her.“Tell me, Billie. What makes you think this dress is stunning?”

I woke up due to an uncomfortable feeling.The soles of my feet are freezing. It was hard to lift myself up because I was tied to the bed. Who among those who loathed me made this?“I see that you’re awake, Cassey.”I heard a man’s voice. I could not recognize him because it was hard to see his face.“Can you please help me sit? I should at least greet you face to face.”“Why should I help you sleep, when I can just confirm my face this way?”He said and suddenly appeared in front of me, his hands on the side of my head, and his face... too close to me.“So, it was you... Gregor.”“It’s good that you still remember my name, Cassey. Although, I wish you die right now. That’s for betraying the family who fed you all your life.”I shifted my eyes away from his uncomfortable gaze.“Gregor, I don’t owe the Timmerhaus with ev

It has been a month since I started the therapy. Cai and Akoi has been visiting me frequently, while Markus and Lieughan only sent letters.“Miss Cassey, your cousin has come to visit you.”Akoi is here again.“What dish is it today, Akoi?”She smiled.“More than the dish, I brought something more interesting to you.”She handed me a newspaper. When I read the headlines, I finally understood the cause of her grinning.“It seems like your poetic plan worked.”I was right. Excluding the consequences, my plan is a perfect one hundred points. The court of Amara has finally noticed me.“Markus was so excited to give this to you. If only his mother is a good one, then he could have visited you too.”I grinned at her, resting the back of my head on the hard headboard, and raised my left leg slowly.“Oh, Sica! This is such great news! Grandmother wil