Late Introductions

"Welcome back, Your Grace. The lady is waiting for you in the garden. I shall escort you there," said the butler, who saw a familiar face and an unfamiliar face. "And this is?"

"Pardon my late introductions. My name is Adrian Cobwell. I am the secretary of His Grace," introduced Adriana.

"It's a pleasure to have you. Then I shall guide you."

They were escorted to the garden, where Adriana saw Leena Bryfiel and her bodyguard, Pierre Forestar. The truth was about to come, whether her disguise would work or not.

For most of the part, Adriana was worried about Pierre, who might discover her disguised. As the eyes of a knight are different from an average person.

While Astell took his seat, Adriana stood behind him alongside Felix. Leena noticed a new face and smiled at Adriana, who lowered her head. While Pierre was strangely staring at her as if she was hostile.

"It's been a while, Astell. How have you been?" Smiled Leena while pouring tea into their cups. "I know I'll apologize for the hundredth time now since I could not attend your wedding with the lady."

"Don't be. I've told you even my wife said it was fine, and it was understandable because of that incident," responded Astell, who thanked her after.

"Even if I told father about it. He won't listen to me. And I want to meet the lady… I'm sure that day she did that intentionally," frowned Leena.

"Leena, I told you what happened that day was no accident. A Belladonna does not joke around. You could have died!" Interrupted Pierre, who was sick and tired of Leena's kind nature.

"Pierre! As I told you, the lady is not like that! Lady Adriana wouldn't hurt anyone without reason!" Answered back Leena, which made Pierre click his tongue.

"I apologize. I'll step out for a while," Pierre bowed his head and walked out.

Leena worriedly watched his back disappear and sighed out loud. She knew Pierre hated Adriana but didn't know it was this much. But she meant her words. Leena had a feeling. Her instincts were telling her that Adriana was kinder than they thought.

"Astell, answer me. That day. After the incident of the lady pushing me into the fountain. You went missing. If I stayed there a bit longer without anyone. It might have been right?" Leena asked Astell, who was surprised by her sudden question.

Astell did not think Leena would think through this since she isn't the type to do so. But years had passed, and maybe she did learn one or two things about the world. Her kindness can continue, but evil will continue to grow. This is why one must learn how to stay cautious.

"You…" Astell paused and looked around before saying another word. He wanted to be sure that no one but them was listening.

"Don't worry. I've asked Pierre to cast a barrier. No one but us can hear."

Strange. Leena Bryfiel is not what she was in the past. To put it in other words. Leena is a lot stronger. She doesn't look afraid about these kinds of things. Her kindness and pureness still show. But she seems a lot stronger now. This might be the work of changing the past.

"I've pondered about it. The day before, I had a dream. A dream where I was abducted and tortured. Though I can't remember how they looked. All I can say is it was dark and felt so lonely," shivered Leena, who awkwardly laughed.

Astell glanced at Adriana, who pretended not to notice. She kept her straight face like usual. At this point, the future changing was starting to feel normal for Adriana.

It should be soon. For Leena to manifest the powers from the Great Tree. There is just one thing that is stopping her from doing so. And that is something for Leena to find out.

"The lady was just trying to protect me. I know it may sound absurd, but I want to meet Lady Adriana and have a proper talk. If things go well, I wish to befriend her," said Leena.

Friend. Adriana never had a friend in her past life. So hearing that word sometimes made her jealous. Yet, at the same time, she felt like she did not need it because she did not deserve to have one.

But it won't hurt to have one, right?

Astell glanced at Adriana for the second time, and this time her expression changed. In his eyes, he saw Adriana looking excited, but no one could ever notice it. It made him want to laugh, but he smiled it off.

"I'm sure Adriana would want to be your friend. It would be nice to see her bring friends into the Helene Mansion once in a while," replied Astell, who couldn't hide his smile.

Seeing Astell smile so bright. Leena knew that this man had fallen in love with her hard. Which made her curious about how Adriana did that. Well, that is a story for another time.

"You seem to be doing well," Leena changes the topic, not wanting to talk about herself.

"I am. Not really. You heard what happened recently," answered Astell while Leena frowned, seemingly looking anxious.

"I had a dream last week, and until now, I could remember every detail of it."

"Every time you have a vivid dream. It comes true. Looking at your face. It seems like it's something horrible and dangerous," deciphered Astell. At the same time, Leena brought out a notebook she had kept on her lap.

"I tried drawing, and this is as far I could get," Leena shows the notebook to Astell while Adriana takes a peak at it.

"This is…" Astell furrowed his brow.

"Lucifer," muttered Adriana, who pursed her lips. Astell turned her head, seeing Adriana clench her fist.

"Did you say anything?" Leena asked Adriana.

"The image you drew is called Lucifer, the god amongst the demons," answered Adriana.

"Sir Adrian, you seem to know about black magic," said Leena, who looked surprised.

"I was interested in it back then and read a few books. For someone who read about summoning. It's impossible not to miss Lucifer," answered Adriana, who kept her character.

"How surprising. If I may ask did you work for the Belladonna family?" Hesitated Leena. "Ah, well, you don't have to answer."

"I did for a while. But His Grace decided to hire me to stay by the lady's side," Adriana answered, though it was a lie.

"It sounds nice…I really want to learn more about the lady," Leena slouched and rested her arms on the table.

"Leena, don't sit like that in front of your guest," Pierre scolded, who had returned after clearing his head. He bowed his head, "I apologize for my rude actions earlier."

"It's alright. Every now and then, we tend to lose our cool," acknowledged Astell, then looked at Leena, "Right, Leena, I think there is something you need to know."

"I think I know what you are going to ask me," frowned Leena while Pierre glared at Astell. As much as possible, he wanted to avoid anyone asking that question.

"I know you may not like it, but your manifestation from the Great Tree is a bit late. It's concerning."

"I know, and I don't know why I can manifest it," frustratedly said Leena.

"Hey, stop it," argued Pierre. "She knows, so stop telling her."

"This is not like you. It seems like you need something from me," said Leena, who pushed Pierre's arm away.

"It's for her sake," answered Astell, who looked at Adriana. "Even if she did not tell me. I know she was slowly dying."

Adriana wanted to stop Astell. How does he know about it? She was planning to tell him about it soon. Adriana realizes Astell might have gotten this information from Raven. That boy. Adriana swore once she got back. She was going to give him an earful of scolding.

Adriana placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. Yes, she was slowly dying but not yet. He worries too much.

"The lady is dying?" Gasped Leena, who sat back up straight. "Why? How? What happened?"

"You seem to be more surprised than she is," Astell looked at Leena, then at Adriana.

Leen's eyes grew wide, and out of surprise, she stood up and knocked the chair off. She was speechless and was pointing her finger back and forth between them.

"Yes, my wife has been here since the whole time," admitted Astell.

"Sorry for introducing myself late. I didn't think I would reveal myself this early. It has been a while, Lady Leena."