Chapter 32 - (Un)expected Visit

A few weeks have passed since my encounter with the Lady Vilahna, I couldn't enjoy my usual gossiping because of my fear of getting more unwanted attention.

Today the shop was calmer, we have been having a lot of delivery services, Kira was very excited to be doing it, I just need to lay low for while.

What happened that day made me more cautious, I need to think of way of keep getting information but without attracting attention. However I guess the problem is just the maids gossip between eachother and the gossip will be in the hears of their ladies.

As I clean up the store, I see some customer arriving, from the clothes I can see how elegant she was, she had two maids beside her.

She must be rich. " Welcome to our lovely shop."

As I look directly I get goosebumps to see Lady Vilahna in front of me, as she walked towards me, her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and her confident demeanor exuded a sense of power, I couldn't help but to take a step back her glamour was too much for me.

"Ah, Lady Vilahna, what a surprise," I managed to stammer out, trying to regain my composure. "How may I assist you today?"

She smiled, a wicked flicker in her eyes. "I was curious about your shop, Miss Stronghold, but I must say such successful shop I was expecting to find in the main street, but I still find it.... Interesting."

I glanced at her maids, who appeared just as composed and confident as their mistress. They stood silently, observing the surroundings with an air of superiority. I couldn't shake off the feeling that they came here for more than a shop visit.

"Oh thank you, my lady," I replied,"The main street is for any normal shop, on back streets is where you will find the special ones. "We have a variety of unique cupcakes adorned with most exquisite Ingredients and décor, perfect for someone of your exquisite taste." I think I am pulling my luck here, but I will try to suck it up a little bit here.

Lady Vilahna walked around the store, her eyes scanning the cupcakes on display with curiosity. She didn't seemed particularly interested in anything. As she examined it, her hands delicately brushing over the smooth surface of the counter. "It seems you've found a very good craftsman to do your furniture."

I smiled excited. " That was my father's work, my Lady."

Suddenly, Lady Vilahna turned towards me, her smile widening. "Tell me, my dear, have you heard any interesting gossip lately?"

My heart raced as panic coursed through my veins. She was indeed as the novel described her, she was very intense. But I couldn't let her know I was feeling tense, I needed to keep up appearances.

I feigned a casual tone, my voice steady as I replied, "Well, my lady, as you can imagine, working in a shop provides me with access to various conversations and rumors. Although, I must admit, lately, I haven't been out doing the delivery services, my younger sister is."

Lady Vilahna chuckled, her laughter sending shivers down my spine. "Oh dear, I hope our encounter did not scare you so." She caressed my face. If she wasn't a very powerful Nobel lady I would bite her finger off. "You are still young, prune to make mistakes. But I seem to come here for some other subject. "

I understood exactly what subject she meant.

I paused for a moment, carefully choosing my words. "There have been whispers of an upcoming grand ball, where the influential and wealthy will gather for a night of indulgence.

"Yes that's no surprise, since His Highness the Prince and Lord Ceaser will soon be done with the rebels, it's only natural." She says dismissing my information as uninteresting.

"Indeed, my lady, but what's different this time is, that this grand ball will be masquerade ball. And I also know that Lord Ceaser will be masked as a Raven."

I could see a peek of interest in her eyes, and I could tell she wanted more. However, I couldn't risk revealing any information that could potentially harm me or others."A masquerade ball? How can you know such thing?"

Without realizing it, I had backed myself into a corner. Lady Vilahna's she looked too interested. I had to play my cards right, always keeping one step ahead, while still satisfying her curiosity enough to maintain her interest.

I glaced at her maids, making clear I could not give anymore information with both of them there.

Lady Vilahna seemed to understand my silent request. "Marla, Anise, could you give us a moment alone?" she commanded.

Her maids exchanged a quick glance before bowing slightly and exiting the shop. As soon as they were gone, I felt a small sense of relief, but I knew our conversation was far from over.

We both took a sit at a table, I brought cupcakes and tea, it was good that noone was at shop, and mother and the twins were not around.

"Now, dear, tell me more about this masquerade ball and Lord Ceaser's outfit," Lady Vilahna urged, her voice dripping with curiosity.

I took a deep breath, cautiously choosing my words. "My lady, I have told you before, I possess an ability, let's call it that, to know what is may come, once I have certain informations, however, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the details."

Lady Vilahna leaned in closer, her eyes locked onto mine. "If you dare to trick me I will have your head." It was simple but very direct threat.

I hesitated for a moment, pondering the risks of sharing more. " I wouldn't dare to trick or lie to the Lady." I took a deep breath before continuing. "When Lord Ceaser's returns is outfit prepared will be the black Raven."

Lady Vilahna's eyes widened with anticipation, her grip on my arm tightening. "Are you certain of this? The black Raven. " She said almost like she was saying for herself. "If Lord Ceaser takes on that costume I shall be.."

" The golden peacock." We said at same time.

She looked at me completely in astonishment. "How... how did you know?" C'mon that was the outfit she choose on the novel, she wanted to impress Ceaser so much, she wanted to be center of the attention. She was indeed but not from Ceaser.

"Like I said my lady, I know things. However I would advise not to bring such outfit, if you desire the Lord Ceaser's attention." Her eyes grew even wider, I could see a small hint of a blush appearing in her face. She was a smart woman, but when it came to Ceaser she was just a mess. I laughed in my head, she reminded me of someone.

"What do you advise? " She said leaning forward.

"Something that will not cause too much attention, something discreet." I know she will be displeased with the idea, but if something goes wrong when she dresses as a peacock, she only will have herself to blame, I remember when I read that moment in the novel, I had the feeling of third hand embarrassment.

Lady Vilahna leaned back , her face a mixture of displeasure and calculation. "Thank you for your insight. You have proven to be a valuable ally, despite your initial hesitations. Rest assured, your loyalty will not go unrewarded."

I couldn't help but feel apprehensive. My ability, though murky and unpredictable, had garnered maybe more twists in the original storyline. I don't know if my meddle will have any effect on the storyline from Lady Bianca and Lord Ceaser, or if I made possible for Lady Vilahna to become a romantic prospect.

The thing is, she is still the vilaness of the story, she had no experiences that could have altered her into a better person, so she basically is a dangerous person with knowledge of the future events, thanks to me.

As Lady Vilahna got up to leave, I knew that I had to be more vigilant than ever. My interactions with her not only solidified our partnership but also placed me at the center of new complications, realised that I only delayed my demise.

As Lady Vilahna left the shop she, turned to say. "I shall take my leave now, but remember, dear, our little conversation stays between us. And if you happen to come across any more interesting tidbits, do let me know." And just like that she was gone.

Let my head fall on the table.