After meeting the lady, Darkness resumed her work, preparing everything for the young Princess Rubina.
Rubina Aletcus Elfred was the cherished daughter of the noble Elfred family — the legitimate child of Lord Adrian Delter Elfred and Lady Royalle. At twenty-one years old, she had been found only three years ago by her estranged uncle, a man who had distanced himself from the family amidst power struggles and unresolved rivalries.
Darkness smirked.
"Those old stories written in books… Do they think Lord Elfred and Lady Royalle are blind? They're not weak; they're simply holding back. Their enemies are desperate for even a single misstep, a sliver of advantage. The Lord and Lady… they are protecting more than just their family. They are shielding their entire world."
Lost in her thoughts, Darkness entered the kitchen, her hands moving with elegant precision. She prepared morning tea and freshly baked cookies for Rubina, each motion smooth and practiced.
"They hold back because of duty… and because of me. My existence is a reason they restrain their power."
The thought echoed in her mind as she arranged the tray.
Darkness had long since mastered the art of working while submerged in her thoughts. Her body moved with instinctive efficiency; her hands knew what to do. When her thoughts cleared, the tray was filled, perfectly prepared and ready to deliver.
The kitchen staff, used to this eerie precision, continued their tasks without comment. Yet every newcomer couldn't help but stare in disbelief. They quickly learned not to question what they witnessed.
Placing a few cookies and a kettle on a side table, Darkness instructed, "Give these to Rosie and taste the rest." It was her routine to have the chefs sample the dishes — a silent safeguard known only to her.
With everything in order, Darkness left the kitchen and proceeded toward the grand main room of the Elfred Mansion. The mansion itself was a sprawling labyrinth of opulence, with dozens of rooms. Yet ironically, the most luxurious — and the most meaningless — was Lady Rubina's room. A hollow display of wealth, gaudy and devoid of real style, made for appearances rather than comfort.
Standing before the ornate door, Darkness thought briefly of Rubina. Then, she knocked.
"Come in," came a sweet voice, laced with artificial charm.
Darkness entered, her sharp eyes immediately falling upon a golden-haired beauty with mesmerizing violet eyes. Rubina, sitting lazily on her bed, exuded an innocent sweetness that cleverly masked the storm within.
"Darkness, as punctual as always. Come, have some tea," Rubina chimed, her smile sugar-coated but hollow.
Darkness raised her hand. "[Create Object] — [Hot Water]," she uttered. Instantly, a bucket of steaming water materialized in front of her, floating mid-air. As she worked, she caught the fleeting emotions in Rubina's eyes: jealousy, hatred, admiration. She masked them well, but not from Darkness.
Rubina hated her. She wanted to tarnish Darkness's reputation. But even she knew, as long as Lord and Lady Elfred were present, no one could challenge Darkness openly.
Setting the tea and cookies on the table, Darkness proceeded with her next task—helping Rubina prepare for the day. Though Rubina was capable of dressing herself, it was Darkness's responsibility to oversee her readiness. Yet, they shared an unspoken agreement: Darkness disliked touching others, and Rubina loathed Darkness's presence.
While Rubina bathed and dressed, Darkness tidied the room. She moved slowly, deliberately, giving Rubina time to prepare at her own pace.
Once dressed, Rubina seated herself before the vanity. "What's my schedule today?" she asked, a hint of satisfaction in her voice as she observed Darkness's reflection in the mirror.
Darkness approached and bowed slightly, noticing Rubina's pleased smirk. "Today, there's only the tea party you're hosting here at the mansion. However, tomorrow is the banquet hosted by House Zeldard. I must retrieve your dress from Seratus later today."
House Zeldard—a prestigious warrior house known for its Aura Arts and a century of unwavering loyalty to the Alzeder Kingdom.
Seratus—an elite fashion house, favored by the highest nobility, renowned for their craftsmanship and magical tailoring.
Rubina's expression soured. "Why haven't they delivered it yet? It was supposed to arrive days ago."
Darkness's gaze remained neutral. "I believe it's because of the brand you launched with the Prince. You've created a rival to Seratus, challenging their influence without proper groundwork."
"Stop," Rubina snapped, her tone sharp with frustration. "I know."
"As you command, my Lady," Darkness responded, stepping back.
"Go and check the tea party preparations," Rubina ordered, her voice regaining composure. "Then retrieve my dress."
Darkness bowed and exited. As she walked through the grand hallway, her thoughts drifted to Rubina's past missteps. The young lady had made several reckless moves, each time forcing Lord Elfred to intervene to salvage the family's honor.
'She's favored by the Prince not for her merits, but because she's the Heir of House Elfred—a puppet easily manipulated. If she weren't Rubina Aletcus Elfred, her past mistakes would have destroyed this family long ago.'
Darkness sighed deeply. "How foolish and powerless people can be."
Her thoughts were interrupted as a figure approached her. She halted, instantly aware of his presence—a knight in polished armor.
"Lady Darkness, Lord Elfred wishes to speak with you," the knight said, bowing deeply in respect.
"Chris, there's no need for that. I'm not a noble lady," Darkness said with a faint smile.
Chris, a young man with golden hair and kind brown eyes, straightened up. His face was striking, charming enough to make young women swoon. But to Darkness, he was still a child.
"I know, Lady Darkness. But a woman with your power, skill, and noble heart commands respect. Every knight honors you."
"Enough with the flattery. What do you want?" she asked.
Chris smiled sheepishly. "We have a few new recruits—arrogant ones. They need a lesson, and none would teach them better than you."
"I'll come to the garden after checking the tea party arrangements. Then, I'll handle them," Darkness said, already turning toward Lord Elfred's office.
"Thank you, Lady Darkness," Chris called after her, bowing once more.