The White Hyacinth sat on my desk. After the festival last night, I kept recounting the events that had transpired. When Emory was chasing after me, I didn't know what was going to happen to me. The greatest mage in the kingdom chasing after a defenseless girl like me.
At the time, I didn't know if I'd come out alive. Though, the risk is well worth it. I cannot put a price on having the strongest image by my aid.
Knock knock
While I was staring down the necklace, I heard someone knocking on my door.
"Come in."
The door opens and I am greeted by Elliot.
"Lady Violette, Count Zephyr has accepted your invitation," He said, "He will be arriving within the evening."
"Perfect," I chirped.
Earlier this morning, I had sent Emory an invitation to the estate. I kept it vague, stating that it was a business meeting.
To be frank, I didn't expect him to accept the invitation. There was a chance he turned it down since he wasn't close to Violette in the novels.
Either way, this should be the next step of my plan. Though, there's one other thing I need to account for…
☆✧—-*--✪–*----✧☆
"Count father..!" A small girl was tugging at Emory's cloak, "I want some blueberry tarts."
This girl demanding sweets was Seline Zephyr. She was barely tall enough to climb up the couch on her own. Her dark blue hair was a short bob cut, framing her round face. Her grey eyes were locked onto her father's as she continued to pester him.
I can't help but giggle, he even has his daughter address him with a title.
Seline kept tugging at his cloak before stopping.
"Aha, anyways," Emory sighs as Seline went behind the couch, "What would you like to discuss, Lady Itzal?"
I need to be careful with what I say. Emory has both influence and powerful magic. His first impression of me has to go well, I can't afford to make an enemy of him.
"I find it strange that I didn't see you at the ball," I smiled, trying to start off the conversation light-heartedly.
"I assume you were tinkering with magic stones as usual."
I took a sip from my tea, staring at Emory as I did so.
"I did attend, but I left soon after the opening speech," he explained, "My research is quite important to me, after all."
"What a dedicated mage!"
He nodded to my comment, a grin creeping on his face.
"I'm sure anyone would be honored to have you as their mentor, right?" I added.
Emory paused, his smile dropping as he raised a brow. He lifted up his teacup, hiding his mouth as he sipped from it.
"Why yes, I do agree."
Clank
He placed the cup back down, not gentle enough to not make a noise though.
"Though, for me to mentor someone…the price must be high."
He glares back at me with those grey eyes that beckoned the air around us. Emory caught onto what I'm trying to get at, so he's already putting up boundaries.
"Don't you agree, Lady Itzal?"
Though I must say it's strange for you to put on a price, Emory Zephyr.
In the novels, you fell head over heels for Isadora in an instant. You spoiled her and mentored her while asking for nothing in return. I'm very glad I asked Isadora to stay away. If she were here, you would not have your attention on me.
"That's entirely understandable," My smile, although fake, never faded, "I already have payment prepared that will satisfy-"
"That won't be necessary," He cuts me off.
I had a feeling you would say that.
"While I am flattered, I'm afraid no amount of money will convince me. My research simply demands too much of my time."
So that's how you'll refuse me. I will admit, I was expecting something more demeaning given the prideful man you are. Though, that doesn't mean I will take your rejection.
"If that is all, I shall take my leave," He sighed.
However, before he could stand up, I leaned forward with my hands out.
"Count Zephyr," the sound of silver jingling caused him to pause, "Will this change your mind?"
I could see the reflection in his eyes. The White Hyacinth dangling from my hands, within his reach.
"How did you-!?"
Livid.
Emory looked livid.
"How did you get that?!"
"Goodness, why are you so angry?"
I knew he would be angry. However, I still feared how quickly his mood shifted.
Going forward, I need to make him cooperate. I have an excuse ready as to how I got this. That's what I meant when I said I needed to account for this. I need to keep his hands tied.
"You see, I'm working with a few private investigators to help solve a case. There's a suspicious auction that's selling counterfeits and stolen artifacts that was held not long ago…"
I made it seem like I'm working with an authority figure. It puts me into a position where Emory can't question me, else it'll be as good as questioning the law.
"I paid someone to go to the festival last night. However, she came running to me, crying that a man had threatened her because of an amulet she got her hands on."
"-!"
Emory's mouth curled into a large frown. His eyes were wide with anger and confusion.
"Just what exactly did you do to her?" I nagged at him.
"M-my lady," Emory stumbled with his words, "How can you be so sure that girl had your best interest in mind?!"
"She may not have mine, but she did what she needed to do. With the money I paid her, she's now going to flee the country due to fear of what the West Wind was going to do to her."
"Flee?!" Emory erupted.
I added that last part in because I need an excuse to avoid him asking to see her. I can't reveal that it's me, and I won't pretend to be someone just to keep up a lie.
Also, based on his reaction, it seemed like he wanted to track my other persona down. God knows what he planned to do. Guess it's a good thing this 'girl' doesn't actually exist.
It seemed like a good enough lie. Though, now I need to play the part of 'Violette Itzal'.
"Don't you think it's a horrible look?" I deadpanned.
"What would people think if Count Emory Zephyr went around participating in a suspicious auction, and threatened a girl working to uncover a mystery for the authorities?"
Emory's body went stiff. Deep down, I know he needed an argument to stand for.
"And..?! Are you threatening me?!" He fumed quietly.
I kept dragging him down. I can't let him have a say, if he questions any legitimacy, I can't show evidence for it. I need to back him into a corner before he even realizes.
"I hold appearances to the highest standard. A noble should act nobly, and a mage should act wisely," I spoke with a low voice as I held the necklace away from Emory.
I let out a sigh, facing straight forward. My black irises met his silver ones. I gave my stillest, blankest eyes to him. For a moment, I see the rage in his eyes flicker into fear.
"You aren't acting like either, therefore it is in my rights to call you out for it."
Just as quickly as the fear came, the anger returned to Emory after he heard what I had to say.
I'm playing with fire here. But this necklace is to extinguish it.
"This is discipline, my lord," I placed the White Hyacinth on the table between us.
There was a brief respite in Emory's anger. Once the necklace was laid on the table, it was as if the very sight of it calmed him down.
"Why…are you giving me what I want then?" He mumbled, loud enough for me to hear.
"My 20th birthday is coming soon. Appearance is important afterall, so I want someone to teach me magic."
Emory raised a brow to my response.
"A simple deal, no? You can keep free of trouble, and all you need to do is help me," I smirked.
"..Huh?" Emory muttered.
Why are you so confused, Emory? When Isadora got her magic at the age of 18, you were already there to offer your mentorship.
"Consider the amulet my payment," I said.
He turned his back to me, the White Hyacinth in his hands. He held it close, like one would hold the belonging of a long lost lover.
If there was any further significance to that necklace, the novel spoke nothing of it.
The two of us remained in silence for a moment. Emory stood stiff, only moving his hand to pocket the necklace. It was a silent agreement to my deal.
This is good, perfect even. I've secured someone who will be very useful. Though, I am sorry for using you this way, Emory. I need to ensure my survival, I hope you understand. Perhaps in a normal circumstance, I might have tried to befriend you in a more dignified manner.
"If that's all, then I look forward to having you as my student."
He didn't sound sincere.
"I'm truly sorry things aren't so…cheerful right now," I shook my head, "If there's anything I can do to help you with you, I'll be glad to help.
Emory seems hesitant about what I just said. Please don't have your guard so high, I don't want you to think I'm using you.
"Of course," He turns to me with a forceful grin, "I'll be off then. Come on Seline-"
Emory stopped in his tracks. The door to the office was left ajar. His daughter must have ran off during our conversation.
"Seline!" Emory walked out of the room.
Now I was left alone with my thoughts. At least that's over now. I turned my head to the window, feeling a small breeze fly into the room.
Strange, did I leave it open? Maybe one of the servants left it open to let some fresh air in. Though, it's too small a gap to be significant.
It's probably nothing. I should go help Emory find his daughter before she gets lost.
"Lady Seline," I hummed as I stepped outside.
The moment I did though, I peered down the hall to see three figures standing there. Emory's back was turned to me, and in front of him was his daughter and another.
Seline was holding a bunch of tarts. Standing behind her was someone wearing a light blue dress. Her black hair reflected the sunlight coming from the window
"Eh-? Isadora?"