Arc 3: Chapter 46

"Lady Elenor." Lloyd's voice was monotone as he called her name.

Without realising, Elenor had slightly flinched. She was already used to him not using 'lady' with her but now when he used it, it felt out of place.

She didn't want to look weak in front of so many eyes so she straightened her back up even more and looked him straight in the eye.

"Your highness." her voice was bold and strong yet it didn't reflect on how she truly felt.

Scared and anxious. She wasn't strong enough to protect herself. She wasn't strong enough to act like those powerful female characters in novels. She was only someone who is barely surviving in this new world where she can get killed any time.

"Is what Lady Mille said the truth?"

Elenor couldn't help but scoff at the question. Lightly tapping her chin, her sharp gaze fell on Lady Mille who unconscious shivered from it.

But she will do whatever it takes to prove her innocence.

"Of course not." her voice was strong and confident when she replied, her eyes never once leaving Mille as she spoke.

She wanted to see Mille slowly crumble and be filled with worry when she realises she could fail.

Lloyd stared at her for a couple of seconds before Rosina tapped on his shoulder and whispered something to him. Elenor briefly glanced over at Isabella who frowned at the interaction but kept her place.

"Lady Rosina there was something you like to say am I correct?"

Rosina looked up at him before at Elenor. She firmly nodded. Rosina swept her bangs away from her face as she made her way towards Elenor.

Elenor wished she could compliment how beautiful Rosina looked at the moment but she kept her ground, waiting for Rosina to speak again.

Rosina stopped in front of her. She raised her hand up which made Elenor involuntarily shut her eyes. Elenor then felt her grabbing her hands tightly.

"Lady Elenor did not push me into the river!" Rosina said, her voice and eyes showing determination.

Elenor opened her eyes in shock. She stared at Rosina then at her hands that were being held by Rosina. What was happening?

Rosina shot a smile over at her before turning her gaze at Mille. Her smile dropped, her face was expressionless sending shivers down people's spines. She was always cheerful and optimistic so seeing her with that kind of look was new.

"Lady Mille, I don't know if you think I am dumb to not realise what you did but I am quite offended." she sneered.

"Lady Rosina-"

"Lady Elenor was trying to catch me before I fell into the lake even when she wasn't close to me while you were standing behind me this whole time, could have easily helped me yet you didn't. Because you pushed me." she pointed out.

Mille wasn't able to answer back. She staggered back slightly before turning to Isabella, signalling for help. Isabella glanced before ignoring her.

"Lady Mille, remember what you previously said?" Lloyd said with a phlegmatic tone but there was a smirk on his face.

Mille instantly fell to the ground, down on her knees. "Please..please forgive me!!!"

"You have swore and agreed that if it wasn't true you and your family shall be stripped from your titles and be demoted."

"I-"

"It was the agreement is it not?" Lloyd smiled but it only brought Mille to tears as she was taken away by the guards.

But before she was taken away, Lloyd walked up to her and whispered into her ear.

"I must say you are quite lucky indeed to only be demoted," he whispered.

Secretly, he pointed towards Alec who had been silent, looking over everything that was happening at the moment. A devilish smile bloomed on Lloyd's face.

"If he got his hands on you..I'm afraid you wouldn't see another day. And next time, please learn how to lie properly, once you opened your mouth it was already established that all you have said was a lie."

Mille's face turned white as if she saw a ghost before she obediently let the guards drag her away.

Then, Lloyd glanced at the crowd that had formed. The air turned chilly as he spoke, "Leave."

With one word, everyone dispersed, leaving them all alone.

Elenor finally snapped out of her shock and spoke, "Lady Rosina you should hurry back inside your manor and warm yourself up."

Rosina turned to Elenor and nodded, "Alright,"

"But would you stay as well?" she asked, holding on to her hands, not letting them go.

She blinked a couple of times, "...Pardon?"

In the end she along with Alec and Lloyd stayed while Rosina ended the tea party earlier than it was supposed to be. The three sat in the waiting room, waiting for Rosina to dry herself up and change into a new set of clothes.

"Elenor," Lloyd spoke up.

She turned to him, waiting for what he wanted to say.

"Were you scared?"

The question caught her off guard. She stared at him before looking away. Elenor wondered if her emotions were obvious at that time.

"Scared of what?" she snickered, crossing her arms.

"That lady couldn't lie properly, what was there to be scared of?"

Lloyd hummed in response, "I trust you." he began.

"I know you wouldn't do such a thing. The you now wouldn't." he added on.

He grinned at Elenor, "So don't worry over something that won't happen."

Elenor stared at him before bursting into laughter. Hearing him say all that did however, calm her anxious heart. She believed in his words.

She felt hands touching her face, turning her gaze from Lloyd to Alec. He was silent, only looking at her.

"Yes?" she questioned, puzzled.

Alec removed his hands and shook his head, "No, I thought I saw something on milady's face."

Elenor touched her face, "There's nothing right?"

Alec nodded, "Nothing milady."

"Pft!-" Lloyd's laugh slipped out of his lips as he tried to hold himself back.

"What are you laughing about?" Elenor asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lloyd opened his mouth to speak but when he saw Alec's dreadful stare on him, he shut his mouth.

Sheepishly, he smiled and shook his head, "No it's nothing!"

"Doesn't seem like nothing.." Elenor mumbled but decided not to question further.

A while later, Rosina came into the room they were waiting in.

"I'm terribly sorry for taking so long to come back." she apologised.

"No it is alright Lady Rosina." Lloyd responded and sent her a reassuring smile.

Elenor nodded, agreeing with Lloyd. "We did not wait long as well."

Rosina released a small sigh of relief before taking a seat in a one seater chair. Elenor glanced over at Lloyd who had a sad puppy look on his face when she didn't sit beside him. She almost laughed out loud. Almost.

Elenor turned to Rosina and did a small bow, "I would first like to say thank you for defending me back there."

Rosina hurriedly shook her head, "This is nothing to thank me for! You were trying to save me yet you got the blame instead." she frowned.

"Do you think demoting her to a commoner was enough?" she mumbled but it was loud enough to be heard.

Lloyd chuckled, "You think she deserves more than just being demoted?"

She nodded, "Of course! She dares to bring down a marquess' daughter! And Lady Elenor of all people!!"

Elenor awkwardly glanced around. Why was she being so defensive when it came towards her? She has never properly met or talked with her until today. Did she do something so significant for her?

Dumbstruck at what was happening, Elenor spoke, "Pardon me for being rude but...did I do something for you to be helping me so much?"