False Rumor

The sound of the people chattering echoed around in the casino. The laugh-filled with happiness and sadness mixed together. Tine and Viola were stopped by a worker, asking for proof before entering. 

Tine and Viola looked suspicious because they were both wearing a mask. But Tine was ready, from her pouch, she got her fake ID out, showing it to the worker who nodded ad he moved to the side, allowing them to enter.

The security of the casino was relatively weak. Even a girl like Tine was smart enough to escape them. Tine had a goal in mind, and it was to attract more me to her side. As some say, men are the way to succeed in life.

Another plan in Tine's mind was to spread more nasty rumors about Laura. This, at least, would make Laura have a difficult time getting followers. 

"Tine, is it really alright to be here?" Viola asked, feeling uneasy as she stuck close to Tine. Very aware that eyes lingered at them. 

"It's fine Viola, trust me," Tine smirked as she sat on an empty seat. Waiting for someone to approach her. 

Viola was confused as she was suddenly called by Tine to accompany her somewhere. But never Viola had expected to be brought in a casino the last place she thought she would go.

Tine showed a letter, authorizing both to enter, and because of the weak security, minors, as such, we're able to enter. Getting a fake ID was a challenging task, but with some other nobles' connections, it was a piece of cake for Tine. 

While being busy waiting for someone to approach her, a young man looked like the second prince walked towards her bowing. Despite the similar features of the two, the aura he emitted was much more superior. 

The young man was well-dressed, his brown hair was fixed neatly, and he was wearing a mask. Brown, common hair color in the empire, and it was definitely not someone of royalty. That was what Tine had thought. 

Tine looked at the man suspiciously, not saying a word, waiting for him to start the conversation. It's not a woman's job to start the conversation but a man's job. 

Still not saying a word, the young man placed a hand on his chin, observing Tine quietly. 'Just what is she doing here? 'She's underaged yet coming to this place, is she finding a man?' With the young man observing her, Tine felt uncomfortable. 

It isn't every day a man would stare at you, and it was rather weird if one did. It's best if he stays away from her. In her eyes, Prince Winston is the only one for her. 

"Quit looking at me," Tine hissed, gripping her fan. 

"Then tell me, what's with you being here?" He asked, not flinching. 

"What do you know about me?" Tine shrugged it off with a snicker. 

"Tine Alvarado 15 and that other young lady is Viola Redmond 15 years old as well. I'm sorry to say, but you can't hide anything from me. Especially after sending that letter, Tine." Tine flinched, hearing his voice. 

The way he spoke and the tone he used was similar to Prince Winston. If she wasn't mistaken, it actually might be him, but in disguise.

"Just don't get into trouble, Miss Tine." Clenching her fist, Tine didn't like the way the young man spoke to her. 

It sounded insulting. Moreover, how did he even find out that it was her? But what gave her away was the way she sat on the chair. 

"Your Highness, where did you go?" Asked his aide.

"To someone who's a threat to me." 

"Yes? Should I call the guards to arre-" 

"No need. Let's do it next time," He said, removing his mask. 

There was a threat that Tine had sent to him. It was something only he and another knew about. He wondered, 'why is she so desperate to marry him?'It wasn't right. 

If only he knew a way out of it, but there was none. How can you avoid your special one and not be hurt? His chest dropped, thinking about it. Just when will this drama end? Do I need to really be engaged with Tine so that Serena will be safe?

Things went smoothly for Tine, a man approached her, and they both started to converse. She was satisfied when she told the man about the bad things happening in the Alvarado estate. 

The evil step-sister fighting Tine just to earn the love of the count. It sounded ridiculous, but knowing how nobles work, it would go well spreading easily. 

Especially when Tine had a chatterbox along with her.

"Hey, did you hear about the step-sister of Tine? So mean. She's just an orphan, yet she wants to take everything," Said a nobleman. 

"I can't believe she tried hurting our new saintess. It's weird how it's only out now. I knew that Laura was no one special," Agreed a noblewoman. 

Just in a flash, the new rumor had spread like a wildfire even reaching the ears of the maids in the estate. It was something Laura didn't really worry about because what they were saying was actually half-true. 

Mary hurriedly entered the room, telling Laura what she had heard. But Laura didn't look hurt nor did she look bothered. Let Tine do what she wants, it's going to backfire soon. 

What Laura was worried about was how she was getting out of the estate. Knowing that her appearance or her fake looks didn't deceive the public. She wouldn't know what to do anymore. It troubled Laura, just creating a plan for herself. 

"First, calling you a monster and next calling you a fake sister trying to hurt Tine. I can't believe that the nobles fell for it. It's just disappointing," Mary pouted, tapping her foot onto the ground. 

"Mary, it's not true anyway. Why are you angry about it?" Laura calmly asked, looking at her direction. 

"It's just unfair when you did nothing at all. Think about it, Miss, what did you even do wrong?" Mary puffed out loud.

 "Calm down, Mary. You know that Miss Laura wouldn't do anything like that," Lester said, standing in a corner, not moving an inch. 

"I sometimes wish you would rant," Mary said, booing, pointing her thumb down. 

It was just a false rumor, nothing to worry about. Even if it will affect Laura, she didn't care about it. It's just a rumor that would cool down soon. 

That's what Laura had thought, but it was a Sunday, and the townspeople still talked about it. Saying that it didn't bother her was a lie. The rumor started to become a pain in the neck for Laura. 

There was no way she could escape if she was seen with her black hair in public. Laura went to the church in disguise, and of course, she had not forgotten to bring the journal with her.

A priest welcomed Laura as she stepped inside the church and escorted her to the high priests' room. She never expected the church to look very extravagant and decorative, but it was full of life. 

Knowing how other churches looked like, she had thought for it to be the same. Each step she took, her heart pounded, and she felt like she was not ready to meet him. 

Not paying attention, she hadn't noticed that the priest had stopped walking. Laura bumped her head at the priest's back and apologized for not looking. 

The priest just nodded and looked forward once again and opened the door. As the priest opened the door, Laura passed a cool breeze, and she shivered from the sudden chills she felt. 

Right in front of her eyes, a man with long white hair was seen, but still, he wasn't showing his face. 

Before entering the room, Laura blinked twice then entered. She was greeted by the high priest who asked Laura to take a seat. 

Not knowing what the high priest was doing, Laura sat on the couch, trying to understand what he was doing. 

"Peeping is bad, you know," The high priest said, chuckling. 

"I'm not peeping," Laura denied as her face grew hot. 

"It has been a while, Laura. I'm happy that you are doing well," The high priest said, turning, showing his face to Laura.

Laura was surprised and confused at the same time. Knowing that the high priest wouldn't show his face to the public, yet he did, smiling. At the same time, she didn't understand what he meant. 

It's been a while? As if they had met in the past. Laura tilted her head, asking herself if she had met him before. It was impossible because recalling her memories, she had not met him before. 

Not wanting to be rude, Laura asked politely, asking if they have met before. Processing the words Laura had said to him, he laughed softly and sat right across her. 

"I'm Tiyane, the old lady, remember?" The high priest smiled, crossing his legs.

"Yes?" Laura asked once more.

 "I'm Tiyane, but I'm actually a guy in real life."