Duke King was stunned. He tried to speak, but immediately closed his mouth and turned away.
"Nobles who have come from faraway, the King family wishes you a safe journey back home. You may go!" Evelyn said and turned to Amber.
"I think you owe me an apology," Evelyn said with a sly smile.
"I owe you nothing," Amber replied and turned to leave.
"Amber," Duke King's voice resounded through the room. The nobles had already left the hall, so the family was free to do whatever.
"Father," Amber replied in a sad tone like she was about to burst into tears. "Do you expect me to apologize to this….this…this good-for-nothing of a daughter?"
"No," a soft voice echoed through the room. A young woman walked in wearing a purple silken gown. Her hair was tied in a bun with loose locks and adorned with a lot of jewelry.
"Mother," Amber said as soon as she saw the woman. The woman looked like her with fair skin and arctic blue eyes.
"Duke King," the woman called. "Amber cannot apologize to your unladylike daughter," she stated firmly.
"Oh?" Evelyn asked with surprise in her tone. "Unladylike, you say?"
"She's the oldest daughter of the family. I only married you because of your family's influence and His Majesty's persuading. Whether she's lady like or not has nothing to do with you," Duke King explained.
"I refuse to accept that," Amber and her mother, Bridget said simultaneously.
Duke King had a quick temper and was already angry. "From now on, Evelyn will take my place whenever I'm not around. She will be my substitute, and if you disobey her…." He paused and looked at Bridget. "You better not," then he walked out.
"What sorcery did you use on Father ?" Amber asked angrily. She was a lady and couldn't express her anger out loud.
Oh… let's see how much you can hold on. Sixty one hours left. Evelyn thought and walked past her sister.
She stopped beside her and smiled. The smile was beautiful, but it didn't reach her eyes. It was filled with mockery. "Look at you attempting greatness!" She said.
Amber turned to look at her, but before she could react, Evelyn walked to the door. "Pity it's just an attempt," then she walked out leaving Amber and Bridget sizzling in anger.
"That lady knows not her place. How could she!" Bridget exclaimed. "Where on Earth are your brothers?"
"They left for Diamond city yesterday," Amber replied respectfully.
"Oh. So they forgot not of their mother?" She asked, anger already creeping into her tone.
"Nay. They had come to bid farewell, but you wanted to see them not," Amber replied.
"Send a message to their brothers. I want to pay Her Majesty a visit," Bridget said and walked out of the hall.
Amber didn't want to accept the fact that her Evelyn was elected as Duke King's substitute.
What has she that I don't?! Amber thought. She was not going to back down easily, but what could she do?
She paused in her tracks as a brilliant idea popped in her head. She had met Duke Julius Aldrich that morning and had had a little chitchat with him. She didn't know if it was love or admiration she felt for the heroic Duke, but she was going to use him to secure her position.
🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
(What are we going to do now?) Bell asked as Evelyn walked back to her room. (Your father has made you his substitute.)
We'll leave tonight. Evelyn replied.
(And go where?) Bell asked in an alarmed voice. (The apocalypse has already begun. It just hasn't reached here. If you leave, you're courting death.)
I see. What do we do, then? Evelyn asked.
(We…ummm… how did you survive last time?)
I…
Amber knocked on her father's door. "Father," she called sweetly and knocked again.
"Come in," a deep tired voice came from the room, and she opened the door.
"Father," she kept her head low and spoke in a remorseful voice. "I understand your predicament, and I am deeply sorry for causing such a scene. A dignified lady of the Kings shouldn't be doing that."
Duke King: "...."
"Father must be feeling tempestuous, and it's all my fault. This daughter hopes she can gain her father's forgiveness," Amber continued.
"What do you want?" Duke King finally asked after clearing his throat.
"I…." She hesitated afraid she would make her father furious.
"Let me take a guess. You're here to ask after Duke Aldrich, aren't, you?"
"Yes," she replied.
"He came to me earlier. He'll be coming to ask for your hand in marriage," Duke King replied flatly.
"This daughter expresses her heartfelt gratitude," she said and turned to leave.
"Wait. I hope you'd remember that you need Lady Evelyn's approval before going ahead with this marriage," he said with a faint smile.
Amber smiled, but beneath that smile, was an unquenchable wave of fury.
.
.
.
The sun peeked from beneath the horizon painting the sky golden yellow. The birds chirped loudly and the stall owners placed their goods on exhibition.
Evelyn walked past the walls enclosing the mansion. The guards bowed in respect to her presence. As the giant gates closed behind her, Evelyn could feel a sense of freedom envelope her heart like a warm blanket in the winter.
She inhaled deeply and looked at the large trees that formed a thick canopy which only allowed streaks of sunlight in. The mansion was built on a mountain away from civilization. Therefore, it was always silent.
She walked down the mountain in a black dress and purple cloak. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders and was a bit scattered over her face making her look less recognizable.
Today was the day Duke Aldrich and his relatives came to seek Amber's hand in marriage. In her past life, Duke Aldrich had fallen for her immediately after his engagement with Amber.
This was a new chance to correct her mistakes, for Duke Aldrich was also involved in her death. She walked through flowers and trees until she finally stopped at the foot of the mountain.
She looked around for a while and let go of her breath she didn't know had been halted. She turned around and looked at their mansion on the top of the mountain.
(Lady Nightshade, what's the plan?) Bell asked softly. They hadn't any plans for the apocalypse and it was closing in on them very fast.
The apocalypse's coming from the north, so we go south. In my past life, Crystal city was the second largest city in the world and they withstood the apocalypse with courage and vigour. Evelyn explained as she walked to the market.
(True. Then we'll go south. Let's leave tonight.)
Yes. Evelyn replied as she walked through the already bustling market. The smell of food from restaurants filled the air, but Evelyn wasn't interested.
She had places to go and things to do, for the apocalypse was tomorrow night. The priestesses would summon the most powerful nobles tomorrow, and inform them about their impending doom.
Maybe I should wait till tomorrow so I can test know my superpower? She asked Bell.
(We don't even know your race. And, to top it all….. you're a level one dream weaver. You can only enter dreams…nothing more, you idiot. What were you thinking about?) Bell knew this was a real bad idea.
If she stayed any longer, she would be stuck in Emerald city and would sooner or later be killed by an S-rank beast who would break through a dungeon.
Evelyn walked cautiously through crowds of people until she reached a seed store. Although she hadn't any idea what to do with seeds, she trusted her instincts.
She walked into the large shop and saw a red haired young lady sitting at the receptionist desk.
"Hello. May I help you?" The woman asked in a professional tone.
"Yes. I'll need a delivery of all fruit, flowers and food seeds at the Kings' mansion by evening. It's urgent," Evelyn replied monotonously.
"You must be Lady Evelyn. I could recognize you anywhere… I am a big fan!" The lady squealed like some cheerleader captain.
Am I that popular? Evelyn thought to herself.
"Well… I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Lady Evelyn, the most beautiful lady in the whole of Emerald city. Skilled in the art of archery, swordsmanship and calligraphy. A woman worth emulating," the lady rapped on.
Evelyn's face turned blank as she stared at the lady. "Please make the delivery," she said and started to walk out when the lady said, "I was reborn."
Evelyn stopped in her tracks. "And you are, aren't you?" The lady asked.
"Last time, you died to save Duke Aldrich. I know you wouldn't make the same mistake. I know your mother, Lady Evelyn. She was revived by your father after your death. Please take me with you," the lady finished.
(She's telling the truth,) Bell said.
I know, Evelyn replied and walked out of the store. She will make the delivery herself, that …. I know.
She continued to walk until she got to a blacksmith shop. I suppose we'd need weapons? She asked.
(Positive.)
A huge thick bearded man walked to her as she entered the shop.
"Young lady," the man huffed. "Why are you here?"
Evelyn looked up at the man. "To buy weapons?"
What kind of weapons would we need for an apocalypse? She asked Bell.
(I dunno. Maybe…. You'd need a space to cultivate crops and a…) she paused as if trying to think of what to say. (I know! You can't get the weapons you need now until during the apocalypse, but you can get a dagger and a rod.)
For?
(I dunno. Anything would be useful though.)
My stats? Something there may help.
(Okay.
Name: Evelyn King
Age: 19
Race: ??
Attributes
Strength: 31/1000
Agility: 28/1000
Perception: 46/1000
Speed: 10/1000
Intelligence: 100/ 1000
HP: 45
Stamina: 13/ 1000
Class: Level 1 dream weaver
Exceptional abilities: none
Weapons: none
Daily quests: none
Merit accumulated: 1
Skills
Innate skills: none
Survival skills: ??
Passive skills: none
Active skills: ??
Inventory
Cannot display
That's all.)
Why has my strength reduced? Evelyn asked with a questioning eyebrow.
(I dunno.) Bell replied flatly.
"What do you need, miss?" the man asked grumpily.
"A rod," Evelyn replied with a subtle smile.
"Hahahaha!!" The man burst out laughing. "Okay. But, you have to pay."
"Yes," Evelyn replied blandly.
The man went into his shop and came back with a rod. "Seven pieces of silver."
She handed him two pieces of silver. "Keep the change," she said and turned to leave when the man grabbed her by the shoulder.
She turned to look at him…..