The Princess On The Pedestal

It had been three days since Iris had arrived back home. Those days went by smoothly, no troublesome schemes, no meaningless bullying and no random third-rate villain showing up, ready to be killed. This peace was a rare occurrence. But it was only because all 4 of Iris's sisters were out on hunting expedition, though only as bystanders. With none of them home, the days were going rather peacefully.

Whereas with the matter with Libera, she was personally called and berated by Iris's grandmother. No matter how many tears she shed and wronged she felt, The Matriarch didn't listen. She had always thought of her as a snake-hearted woman, after all. The Matriarch even nagged endlessly at her son Azer, complaining on his choice of a wife. Azer who was already extremely angry at Riya, bottled all the anger inside while facing his mother, and finally exploded at Libera. For the first time in her life, Libera was scolded by him so harshly. She cried of grievance, but Azer didn't buy any of it.

The entire manor gossiped about this rare tale. Iris naturally laughed at this matter, this result was satisfactory.

Libera would never,ever suspect her 16-year-old self to frame her, especially when she was so supposedly kind to her. She just settled it off as a maid trying to go against her. She pushed a random servant as a scapegoat, and had her thrown out of the manor after a hundred flogs for trying to harm the young miss. This issue was successfully covered by her.

After this, the days carried the peace. However, it was short-lived.

Iris's four sisters arrived back home after four days of absence.

Iris didn't get to meet them at daytime, but she was called to dinner at night. Of course this was her grandmother's order.

At the dinner table, delicious and exquisite dishes were laid out, Their aroma was extremely appetizing. On the head seat sat Azer, next to him was The Matriarch and on his other side was Libera. On the other area, Azer's two concubines were sitting minus Riya, who wasn't invited. On the right side of the table sat 4 young beautiful ladies.

First was the youngest Tia, the fifth young miss born of the 2nd Concubine. She was 14, two years younger than Iris.

Next to her sat the fourth young Miss Lucia also born of the 2nd concubine. She was 15. There was an empty seat, that was presumably hers, the third young Miss.

Next to that was the second young Miss Athia, born of the first concubine. She was also 16, just months older than Iris.

And lastly, sat the most beautiful of the four, with brown hair and blue eyes with a face that could charm the Heavens, Aria. The first young Miss of the Silcia family, 17 years old.

As Iris saw her smiling face again, a myriad of negative emotions rushed to her eyes. She closed them, concealing her hate. When she opened them again, they were clear and indifferent.

When Iris approached the dinner table, all eyes were directed at her. She nodded her head and said:

"Greeting Grandmother, Father, Madam and Elder sisters."

After that, she elegantly sat down on her seat quietly. She got dismissive glances from the people around her but said nothing.

Aria kindly gazed at Iris.

"You are Iris, aren't you? Wah, my sister is so pretty! I'm your eldest sister Aria. I'll always be there if you need anything, okay?"

"Mhm." Iris faintly replied. Her hypocrisy was making her cringe.

Aria laughed a little and began eating.

Her other sisters didn't even bother to look at her, much less greet her as an elder. The dinner began in a warm mood. All the sisters were happily telling about the hunting competition. There was laughter and mirth. Only Iris sat silently and no-one bothered about her.

Tia was excitedly telling Azer about Aria's hunt.

"Daddy, did you know, First sister even went to hunt with all the Young Masters! Not only that, she even manage to hunt a rare bird! All the young Masters were in awe of her talent and everyone was praising her endlessly!" She said excitedly.

"Tia, stop!" Aria shyly lowered her head, looking very lovely.

Azer's lips curved up and her laughed heartily as he praised her. Libera was smiling as well. The family was harmonious. Iris sat alone, looking lonely and desolate. Her face was however, forever indifferent. She snickered coldly inside.

As if hunting a rare bird was a very big achievement.

In her previous life, she had hunted a tiger in two moves!

But as usual, the genius princess had always been the apple of everyone's eyes. A rare genius in the fields of literature, poetry, zither and whatnot, Aria had great fame in the capital. No-one knew how many people wanted to marry her in their family. Along with her talent and great looks, she had a very lovable personality. That was why she was the princess everyone put on their pedestal.

And then there was the past Iris. In her youth, she was famous as a good-for-nothing ignorant country girl. Everyone viewed her in scorn and disgust. High society had thoroughly ruined her. No-one befriended her and she was always alone. Of course, Libera was the one responsible for the rumors of her. She only overturned them after years and years of strive as a Military General, only to be branded as a traitor in the end...

Iris brought another mouthful of tasteless food to her mouth. Her time for revenge was here. She was hell bent on their defeat this time around. Ah, and the next hunting expedition was near too.

An idea surged in Iris's mind. She smiled slightly. This hunting expedition, she absolutely has to attend. For the sake of Aria's genius title, she absolutely has to attend!