Arc 2: Chapter 40

Soon next year finally came and it was the day where the coming-of-age ceremony would take place at the royale palace ballroom. Elenor spent her new year's with her family together with Alec and the workers who didn't return back to their family that year. Lloyd did come over extremely last minute but it was after he celebrated with his own family.

When Elenor asked why he decided to crash over at their estate, he simply answered,

"Because the marquess household is very fun to be with."

Elenor let him go since he was her friend and she was in a good mood that day. The workers in the estate set some fireworks off at the perfect timing. It was bright and colourful but loud. Elenor tried to cover her ears but someone had already done it for her.

Glancing at the person, it was Alec who calmly watched the fireworks without batting an eyelid. Elenor couldn't help but stare in awe at his beauty, especially when the fireworks shot up in the sky and the colours shined on his skin.

If she hadn't been strengthening her mind and body, she would have easily got a nosebleed from looking at such a perfectly sculptured black haired man in front of her.

'As expected 10 out of 10 looks.'

After the celebration, everyone in the estate was still busy. If not, busier. All because of Elenor's coming-of-age ceremony. Elenor was forced to get up at the crack of dawn to be prepared by the maids. They gave her a facial and body massage, a scented bath and more. They also didn't give her any food, only water for her to drink.

Elenor already expected this beforehand so she secretly ate some snacks hours before they woke her up. Luckily it wasn't obvious and she was still able to fit into her dress. The dress was a blue ballgown dress with embroidered flowers around the dress and gems embedded into the chest area in a pretty pattern.

For accessories, Elenor wore simple rings around her fingers, gems around her hair, layered necklaces and matching blue earrings that went with her dress. She wore nude heels which were hidden under her dress. Her hair was tied into a low bun with curls and her makeup was light and natural.

"Milady, your family is waiting for you downstairs." Alec spoke as he came into the room.

Elenor turned towards him. He came just when the maids had finished retouching up everything before letting her off.

"We can't let them wait." she lightly laughed to herself before gently taking hold of Alec's hand.

Letting Alec lead her downstairs, her family members who were waiting for her noticed her presence and smiled brightly after seeing how she looked for the day.

"You look stunning Elenor," her father praised, engulfing her in a short hug before her mother pulled her away into her own arms.

"You grew up so fast but no matter what you are always our baby daughter." her mother said, lightly kissing her forehead.

"Thank you mother, father." Elenor smiled.

Elenor removed her hand from Alec's and into Richard's who had been waiting for her. He smiled and nodded.

"As expected of my sister, nobody can compare with your beauty."

Elenor chuckled but at the back of her mind, she knew the protagonist would rival her looks and win. Nonetheless, she accepted the compliments and headed off to the royale palace. Alec sat outside with the coachman while she and her brother sat inside the carriage.

Elenor looked out the window. The sun was setting when they headed off which left a beautiful ombre in the sky. However the only thing on her mind was that it was almost time for the story plot to begin.

One thing she wanted to confirm was whether or not this world will follow the plot since she came before it began, she didn't have a proper answer. She was confident Alec wasn't going to kill her but there could be other causes that will lead to her death.

"What are you thinking so hard about Elenor?" Richard asked, troubled by how she was frowning on a day to be celebrated.

Elenor shook her head, hoping to reassure his mind. "I was thinking about what to do after my coming-of-age."

Richard nodded, understanding her concern, "Most ladies would soon get engaged after their coming-of-age,"

'Marriage..'

Hearing the word marriage made her remember about her past lover. She did once thought they would be married in the future but who knew he would break up with her on their 3rd year anniversary with the excuse, "It's not you, it's me." and not long after that he had a new lover.

Thinking about that made her blood boil but thank god they did break up. He wasn't good looking anyway. His personality was also quite plain and boring.

"Engagements are quite troubling so for now I don't think I will be looking for one." Elenor brushed it off.

Richard nodded furiously before pushing the glasses up. "That's right, don't think about engagements now. You are still young so have fun until then."

Elenor agreed with her brother. She was still young so she was going to have fun and be single for as long as she wanted. (She also knew her brother didn't want to give her away to another man as well.)

Falling into a comfortable silence, Elenor began to drift into her thoughts again. Assuming she does return back to her original world after the story ends, what will happen to Alec? If she leaves then the real Elenor will come back and proceed to return back to her evil deeds, tormenting those around her.

She was concerned about Alec's future. Maybe she could ask the protagonist to take Alec in as her butler. Or maybe find him a lover?

Elenor shook her head. Finding him a lover has no point since Elenor had a very high position so she could still force him back to her. If she had to find him a lover, they had to have a higher status than her and it's rare for nobles to marry a butler. Then something clicked in her mind.

"Brother, if there is an illegitimate heir for- let's say a baron's household that fell into ruins. If there are still plots with their name on it, can they become a baron?"

"That's...hard to say," he mumbled.

"Why such a question Elenor?"

"I was just wondering." she laughed it off.

Richard pondered over her question before answering, "Even if they fell into ruins, they can come back up. It is a hard process and a lot of hard work but it is possible. Of course they need to be approved by his majesty."

Elenor's eyes sparked with new excitement. If she could get Lloyd to help her get the approval from his majesty, Alec would be able to become a Baron! Although, a marquess daughter status is still very high, it was better than him being only a butler.

But first, she needed to do a lot of research about the Baron's fallen household before she could continue with her plan. While Elenor was coming up with a plan for Alec's future, they finally reached the royale palace.

When the carriage came to a stop, the carriage door was opened by Alec and Richard stepped out first. The people around who saw him held their breath, admiring his beauty.

He paid no mind to people's eyes and extended his hand out towards Elenor. She lightly took hold of his hand and got out of the carriage.

Her expression was solemn and imposing. With no smile on her face, she looked villainous and no one could come close to her. The stares on her were in awe and fear. In one cold glance, she easily froze everyone in place as she walked inside. "Don't mess with her." was implanted in their head.

They gave their name to the attendee and waited for them to announce their arrival as they walked into the ballroom. With the doors opening for them, their names were announced loudly.

"The son of Marquess Hester! Richard Atlas Hester and daughter of Marquess Hester! Elenor Berry Hester has arrived!"

End of Arc 2.