Alarming Memories (1)

"So... you want to succeed me..." my father told me staring into space blankly. He faced towards the window, his back towards my face as he muttered something.

"Yes,"

"Do you know how much you have to prepare for to succeed me?" he asks me as he turns around. I took a light step back. Of course, I knew how much hard work I have to put through. All I knew was how to dance and sing. Pointless.

I needed to learn Law, Geography, War Demographics, History, Literature, and Cultural Association. Besides, all I have memorized was a brief history of how our country came to be. Nothing else. And a couple of things that would impact our future.

To be the next Duchess in line, I have to learn so many other things. Like Swordsmanship, and Archery. Besides this is nothing closer to the hellish training any normal aristocratic child was supposed to have. Especially of a Duke.

I knew I was an idiot. I hated reading and learning. I was a stubborn airhead who would yell at the maids constantly. I was an innocent child who wouldn't understand. I hated everything about me. All I cared about was that damned bastard who gave me hell. And now, I wanted Revenge. Something that only idiots can think and never do. People like me.

All I know is how to scheme to frame others. All I know is how to be jealous. All I know is to fall in love carelessly and give everything that I had away.

Right now, I wish I could grab my father and run far far away from the Land of Emperizia's borders and live in peace. And that is only selfishly idiotic of me. Everything comes in a price tag. Even the Revenge itself had a price tag.

"..." my father stared into my eyes. I stared back at him confidently. Yes. I was scared. Yes, I was stupid. Yes, I am a fucking airhead who still needs to learn. I was scared of that Bastard. I was scared that I would fall in love with him again in the future.

But. Blood is always thicker than water. And Love is stronger than fear.

This time, I wouldn't back down, regardless of how many scars that man gave me. How much hate I had gotten back in reward.

No matter how forgiving or nice that bastard turns into... it still won't change the future.

He will kill my father.

I know what he is capable of. He is dangerous. He can destroy my life if I won't stay careful.

I wanted Revenge for throwing away the lives of innocent people for a woman's misunderstood conspiracy.

"..." My father waited for my response. Yes. It won't change how much I loved my father. And I swear on my name that I will bring justice among those who have suffered on my mistakes. Especially of that bastard's.

I wanted Revenge. I wanted to turn sour that would only feed the snakes.

"Yes father, I am ready, I am ready for anything you throw at me,"

My father's eyes widened. His eyes turned out to be flooding in tears. Eh?? I guess... this was unexpected...

How in the world is the Most powerful Duke in the world supposed to cry this easily!!

***

"Young Lady! Here is the Invitation Card!" my nursery maid Lillia yelled as she came rushing over, handing me an envelope.

I stared stupidly onto the envelope. What the hell was this supposed to be?? I turned around to see the familiar, yet deadly color of red with a very hellish reminder of a phoenix seal. This... was the Royal Invitation card.

Ho... I sighed slowly as I turned it around carefully. This might be it... my only chance of victory that I was waiting for!

My hands were shaking as I pulled open the card. A very very familiar writing was written in the card. The Royal Ceremony Banquet for the Crown Prince's Seventeenth Birthday. The gateway to hell and heaven all at once opened.

This is the only thing that can save my life...

A foggy memory recovered on the surface of my head.

Hohoho... this is the only last resort of revenge I had. I gripped onto the letter tightly. I kissed the Royal Seal and pulled the Invitation Letter out of the Envelope and carefully placed onto the dresser.

I looked at the Envelope which had the Royal Seal on it.

"...the gateway to hell..." I muttered loudly. My nursemaid Lillia looked at me quizzically.

"What is it, my Lady?" she asked.

"...this..." I say as I put both of my hands around the envelope and rip it and Royal Seal. Lillia looked blankly as she watches the envelope in shred. The Mark of Royalty was also shredded.

"...is the only reason why I took two steps from hell,"