It has been two months since I reincarnated in this world as Elara Viremont and dear I say I've been doing a pretty good job pretending to be her.
I'm slowly starting to enjoy being evil. It was fun replying foul-mouthed nobles at dinner parties and ordering people around. Right now I was in the library to expand my knowledge about this kingdom.
The library smelled of aged parchment and polished oak. Sunlight streamed through the towering windows, dust particles dancing like tiny spirits in the golden light. Rows upon rows of books lined the walls, each spine whispering long forgotten secrets of the history of countless Kingdoms and the delicate schemes of the nobles who thought themselves untouchable.
I leaned back in her chair, a sly smile tugging at my lips. Pretending to be the perfect noble had been fun, but this, this was the real thrill. Power hidden in ink and paper, waiting for someone clever enough to seize it and I'm not foolish enough to pass up on such an opportunity.
My fingers traced the spine of a thick tome titled "The Strategic Highlands of Calder: Mountains, Fortresses, and Defenses." My eyes brightened.
This world was divided into three continents.
Calder. A continent filled lots of mountains so most of their land is on high ground. Very useful during war. Their people are easily recognisable through their dark eye colours and even darker skin tones.
Calder's mountainous terrain was famed for being nearly impregnable, but the book hinted at narrow passes and neglected paths that few generals remembered. "Such a shame this book was forgotten here", I said speaking to no one in particular.
I picked up another book. This one talked about the second continent. The place where the story was based in.
Solmar. A continent with lots of sunshine and hardly any cold weather. They were famous for their beaches filled with different colours of sand from white to pink and is a major tourist attraction.Their people are easily recognisable due to their tan skin and blonde hair.
The pages of the book was filled with maps of sun-drenched beaches and notes on trade routes. Their wealth came from tourists, not soldiers, and that was just how I liked it. A few well-placed rumors, a whispered scandal in the right court, and Solmar's golden sands could become a political trap rather than a paradise.
I picked up yet another book. This one spoke about the third continent, Solder.
Solder was a breadbasket. Fertile fields stretched endlessly across the continent, producing enough food to feed armies. to starve them if mismanaged. My lips curved into a smile, sharper than any blade. "Food is loyalty," I whispered. "And loyalty… can be bought or forced.
I was reading another book on ancient diplomacy when I heard someone calling my name.
"Lady Elara? Are you there?"
It was Marianne with an invitation for me.
The invitation arrived like a gilded trap: a heavy, cream-colored envelope sealed with the insignia of House Valence, one of the most influential noble families in the kingdom. Though not as influential as Viremont. Inside, a single card bore the elegant script:
"The esteemed Lady Elara Vermont is requested to attend the annual Spring Masquerade. Attendance is highly anticipated by all members of the court."
I let a small smile graze my lips.
This was going to be fun.
...
I was back at my room and Marianne stood at the entrance of the walk-in closet picking out a dress and accessories for me when a dress caught my eye.
I stood up and reached out to the dress to caress it. It was made of a silk like material with lace black long sleeves, a corset and elegant yet simple designs. It was completely black. except from the gold patterns that ran down the middle of the dress.
I was in love.
Marianne eyed me as I admired the dress and I understood that the original Elara has always gone for revealing and elaborately designed dresses.
But I am not her.
The dress came with a headpiece with black and gold design on it.
Marianne tried to put some makeup on me but I refused to put any lead-based shit on my face. No thank you.
I simply used some crushed rose petals mixed with olive oil as lipstick and some crushed marigold mixed with oil for a hydrated look.
By the time I was done, I looked more like a witch than a duke's daughter, but I loved it.
"How do I look?" I asked Marianne while twirling around.
"Different"
"In a good way or bad way?" She paused for a second then handed me a black mask with gold designs that matched my look and responded.
"Good. Definitely good. The new look suits you"
"I think it suits me too" I smiled while checking myself out in the mirror. Dang I was hot. I had cut my hair after reincarnating on this world, so it didn't need much styling. I simply brushed it and called it a day.
I was escorted to be the carriage by my 2 bodyguards whom I later learned their names where Sebastian and Edward.
Sebastian was a tall, tan man with blond hair and the greenest pair of eyes I'd ever seen. They were carried Mother Earth in their irises but the gaze of fire. Looking into his eyes is like losingnyourself in the depths of polished emeralds. Simply put, they were hypnotizing.
Edward on the other hand was a complete opposite of Sebastian. He was a bit short but had a well defined physique. His skin was a delightful shade of caramel and his wise dark eyes seemed to hold all the knowledge the universe had to offer.
They both were how I liked my men. Handsome.
The carriage was a Cinderella style carriage complete with the pumpkin shape and everything. I chuckled a bit.
The author was so goofy.
Sebastian gave me held my hand as I walked up to the carriage and closed the doors.
Both Sebastian and Edward entered horses with Sebastian leading the carriage and Edward flanking the back.
On the ride I tried to recall some things about the book about the ball that I read in the book. After a while, I fell asleep and was soon awoken by a tap on the shoulder by Edward who escorted me down while Sebastian held the door open.
I adjusted my dress and stepped into the ball. I headed straight to the buffet to take some pastries, removed my mask and started eating whennsoon I heard some screams. I turned towards the door and saw the male lead, the crown prince entering the ball room. Despite his mask, he was easily recognisable due to his white hair and tall frame. He wandered off to talk to some of the council men and ministers without glancing at my direction.
Eh.
Who cares.
I continued eating until I felt it. A presence at my left. Sweet perfumes. Too sweet. Like flowers trying too hard.
"Lady Viremont", came a voice smooth as cream and twice as thick.
I turned.
Lady Veronica Valence stood before me, draped in layers of pale blue silk that shimmered with each delicate movement. Her smile was exquisite. Practiced. Poisoned.
I dipped her head politely.
"Lady Valence You look radiant this evening."
Veronica's smile widened just slightly.
"You are too generous. Though I must say, I am pleased to see you attending such gatherings with… more composure than you've ever had."
A few nobles nearby slowed their steps, pretending to admire the floral arrangements while clearly listening.
I tilted my head, eyes warm and unbothered.
"How kind of you to notice," I replied smoothly.
"Though I imagine change appears more dramatic when one is accustomed to looking down on others."
Her smile tightened just a fraction.
"I only mean," Veronica said lightly, "that influence at court can be… delicate. Some families are long established in guiding political affairs. Others are still finding their footing."
Ah.
There it was.
A reminder that House Valence had held court positions for generations.
Though she seemed to forget that House Viremont controlled the continent's port and that we were more valued in the council despite House Valence existing longer than us.
Well, a little reminder never hurt anybody.
I allowed silence to stretch between us. Calm. Unhurried.
Then I smiled. Soft, almost indulgent.
"You are absolutely right," I said.
"Legacy does carry weight."
I stepped half a pace closer, voice lowering just enough to turn intimate without losing elegance.
"Though power," I added gently, "is not always determined by how long one has stood in a room… but by who listens when one speaks."
Veronica's fan slowed.
My gaze drifted briefly across the ballroom toward the cluster of ministers speaking animatedly with my father near the grand staircase.
"My father has been quite busy lately," I continued, almost conversationally. "The council seems to value his counsel more and more with each passing month."
A subtle beat.
"I suppose when His Majesty seeks advice on continental trade or military positioning, he prefers someone whose authority and relevance is… unquestioned."
The implication settled into the air like falling snow.
Veronica's chin lifted. "Are you suggesting House Valence's authority is no longer relevant?"
My eyes widened ever so slightly. "Oh no. Not at all."
I smiled sweetly.
"I merely observe that when matters of true consequence arise… it is my father who is summoned first."
Silence.
Around us, the listening nobles suddenly found the chandeliers very fascinating.
Veronica's composure held but barely.
"How fortunate for you," she said coolly.
I inclined my head.
"It is. I am quite proud of him."
Veronica made a small 'hmph' sound and sashayed off with swayed confidence.
I simply smiled and took a sip of wine.
That was fun.