Mini Banquet

I looked at myself in the mirror. The maids did an outstanding job dolling me up. Even though I will only briefly appear at the mini banquet, it is enough to capture the noble's attention. I want them to look at me, and I'll show them how alive and well I am despite what they've done.

"How do you like your look, Milady?"

They all looked at me with sparkling eyes full of anticipation, waiting to be complimented on their hard work.

I gave them a genuine smile and complimented them. "I love it. Thank you so much for your help."

I feel like a princess in this off-shoulder elvish light-blue dress. As for my hair, they made it wavy and cute but elegantly messy with a crown of two chunky braids. I only wore earrings and a necklace as my accessories since I begged them to let me only wear a few. I also wore Beau's flower bracelet as my last accessory.

I look like someone who will attend a lavish banquet and not on a threatening mission.

"By the way, where's Haren? She's always the one who voluntarily helps when it comes to dolling me up," I asked, still looking at my stunning appearance in the mirror.

The maids looked at each other like they were hesitating to answer. Did something happen to Haren?

"Well, you see, Milady... Haren suddenly packed her things before Count Vanidestine and the knights arrived. She said her family in the countryside had troubles, but she didn't specify what kind of trouble they were having."

"Aside from that, she left hurriedly, so some of us haven't got to bid farewell. The countess knew about her absence, so we never thought about it that much."

Based on their explanation, I might think that Haren is the spy. I'm not stupid not to notice her actions recently, although I did look the other way because I hoped that wasn't the case. Days before the count arrived, she expressed signs of agitation, and kept staring blankly like she was in deep thought.

She was overly suspicious of the recent events, but I'll just confirm this with the countess later to be certain. The door in my room opened, and Eartha appeared.

"The countess wants to see you, Milady."

I nodded in response and thanked the maids again before following Eartha to the countess' office.

"Madame, this is Eartha. I've brought Adelaide just like you've asked."

"You may come in."

Eartha opened the door, and I went inside. I thought the countess was the only one here, but Count Vanidestine was also present, along with some knights and people wearing long robes.

"Reynold, you may put up a sound barrier," the count ordered, and one of the guys with a long robe chanted something, covering the entire room with a transparent-like globe.

These guys must be mages. Magic is so fascinating based on how he covered the room with a barrier. Can I also wield magic? I'm confident that I have mana, but I have no clue how to use it. Wielding magic may come in handy, especially when protecting oneself.

"Now that Adel is here, we may start reviewing our plans," the countess coached, and they all went silent.

I only listened to them as they started reviewing their roles in the plan. The atmosphere in this room is so heavy that it's hard for me to breathe. It's like we're going to bomb some country with this kind of air.

"Adel, you know your role, right?" the count asked.

"Yes, count. My role is to appear at the banquet for the nobles to confirm that I am safe under your wing."

"That is correct. The purpose of your appearance at the banquet is to lure them. They wouldn't even bother accepting the invitation if they couldn't confirm your presence at the banquet. It's a way for them to leave their mansions unattended, so it'll be easy for the Imperial Knights to search for evidence against their crimes."

"Lights in the mansion will flicker, which is the go signal for our plan. Adel, Beau, and Rupert will be warped behind the mansion, so two carriages will be waiting. The right carriage will be your ride, while the left carriage acts as a decoy. You will be safely transported to the Northern region, where the Viscount's influence doesn't reach."

The count placed a map on the table and pointed out a path beside the Witch's Forest.

"This will be your route, Adel. It's a little dangerous, but it can't be helped. This shortcut leads to a gate fortress that automatically transports you to the northern region. The path is quite steep since it's on a mountain, but a carriage can still go through without disturbances. We don't have the time to take the safe route, which is to go around the Witch's Forest, since by the time they know what's going on, they will act accordingly against our plans."

"Duke Augustine's Knights is safely guarding the gate fortress, so your safety is guaranteed once you arrive there." The count looked at me softly like he was looking at someone with unwavering trust. "My children's safety is in your hands. I hope you'll do well, child."

The countess grabbed my hand. "Remember the artifact I gave you? It will protect you according to your will, using your mana. We'll meet you in the northern region, okay?"

I nodded, and we ended our discussion. The time came for the banquet, and I headed to the venue first.

The doors opened, and all the nobles stared at me. The nobles invited here are the only ones suspected to be in cahoots with Viscount Usoro. As I looked into their eyes, they couldn't hide their shocked and confused expressions upon seeing me enter.

I confidently stood beside the banquet table as the other nobles started to converse with themselves. I can feel a prickly stare from where I'm standing.

I looked around, and I saw a man intensely looking at me. He looked ominous, and I could smell a weird stench from him—he smelled rotten. If I'm not mistaken, it was the same stench I smelled in that dream I had when I first saw Adelaide.

When our gazes met, I felt my headache. I see… this must be the man who started it all.

"Viscount Usoro, I hope you'll rot in hell," I whispered under my breath, avoiding his gaze.

He was about to go in my direction when the door opened.

"Count Favian D'ar Vanidestine and Countess Elspeth Heryhn Vanidestine have arrived!"

The nobles bowed except for those who were higher ranking than a count. They started to sit down at their respective tables, and I sat beside Beau and Rupert.

"Thank you for accepting our invitation, my valuable guests. In honor of the efforts of the nobles invited here today for a job well done in our annual subjugation, let's have a toast!" The count raised his glass. "To Empire Tellus!"

"To Empire Tellus!"

As they drank their toast, the lights flickered. This is it.

I held Beau and Rupert's hands, and a mana circle appeared below us. I looked in Viscount Usoro's direction and smirked when his eyes widened in shock when he saw us being transported.

Before we left the scene, I mouthed 'f*ck you' and showed him my middle finger.

After that, we were transported behind the mansion.