ALTGS 39

It was infuriating.

Everywhere Valerie went, it was always the same old gossip.

Today, she sat with the daughters of Marquises and Earls, but all they spoke of was that “Lily Maiden”, or whatever she called herself. How she had walked into Lady Bishmont’s banquet, looking like a beautifully shy flower and stealing everyone’s attention. It wasn’t that big of a deal. Snapping her fan open, Valerie sat back and attempted to subtly portray her lack of interest in the topic. But they just wouldn’t shut up.

“She danced with the Duke!! The very Duke that avoided social events and would only show up if ordered by His Majesty Eternal Grigori!”

“Yes! Then doesn’t that mean that he has fallen for that Maiden? I saw them dance, and it seemed to go well.”

”He was also only with her the whole time. Without a doubt, the Voltaine house will announce a betrothal to the House of Enteford.”

“What a stroke of luck, that Celestria. To catch a Duke...”

Yes, Valerie thought. That woman was indeed extremely lucky. Someone of her social standing would have never dreamed of even catching the eye of a Duke. But now, five years after her social debut, she was suddenly the talk of the capital! Lucky her.

“But is she really as lucky as we think?”

The voice that spoke was smooth and even, carrying with it an authority that nobody could ignore. The chattering ladies fell silent and turned their attention to the one who just spoke.

Sitting at the head of the table, long, beautiful blonde hair braided and beaded in an elegant yet simple style was Lady Baudille. Even on this dreary day, she somehow shone like a bright gem in the gray. Her eyes were large and doe-like, with small red lips and rosy cheeks. Even though she was lovely, nobody would be foolish enough to overlook her power and influence. Her family was powerful. Almost as powerful as a Ducal house. Ever since they had monopolized trading for salt, the Baudille family had risen to prominence. Everyone had been looking forward to her family announcing a betrothal to a Ducal house.

Until the tragic night the red fog rolled in.

“Many of us were present on the Night of the Red Fog. When that devil... no. When our King came down to us. None of us can deny that fear that sewed our lips shut.”

At the mere mention of that night, the mood turned bleak and heavy. The ladies shifted uncomfortably, electing to look elsewhere or fiddling with their jewelry or hair. That night was one they all tried actively to avoid discussing. The memory was distressing enough without adding discussion onto it.

“And yet... the daughter of the Voltaine family was somehow able to act. Able to speak and move even when trained knights were unable to. I find it... rather interesting. Her heart must be unwaveringly strong.” Lady Baudille sighed, then picked up her tea cup.

“Well, now that you mention it, it’s really very suspicious.”

“Yes, it is. And the way she seemed to so quickly take hold of the situation. It wasn’t long before she was parading the Lily Maiden of Fortane to the entire capital.”

“And didn’t you hear? She’s apparently going to allow those demons to work amongst people!”

“Goodness, no!! That’s not possible! How can one even fathom such a thing!”

Valerie shuddered with reverence at how quickly opinions had changed. From sheer envy to doubt and spite. That was the power a woman with high social standing held. Her words were the same as the truth. Sipping her tea, Valerie peeked at Lady Baudille from the corner of her eyes. She sat, ethereal in her light blue dress like an angel watching over them. Her pale pink eyes looked so clear and calm that it was hard not to get lost in them. As long as she breathed, Valerie decided that she would always follow Miranda Baudille. There was simply no other option, because she was the real pure, elegant and righteous maiden that the nobles would accept. And no haughty little Earl’s daughter could come close.

After the tea party that Lady Baudille held in her estate, Valerie wanted to go back home. She was tired from constantly socializing and simply wanted to return and rest. The carriage ride back to her estate was not long, but seeing as she dozed somewhere along the way, it was far shorter than it normally was. The jerk of the carriage stopping woke her up, and in a few seconds, she gathered herself. Smoothing her dress, gently fixing her hairstyle and donning the noble elegance expected from a lady, Valerie alighted the carriage with the help of a footman and entered her house.

And was greeted by turmoil.

Her father was screaming for a scribe to come immediately. Her mother stood by, fanning herself with a pallid expression, holding herself like something terrible had happened. Immediately, Valerie felt her limbs go numb. Something had happened.

“Mother, Father... wh...what has happened? What is going on?” She asked, her voice shaking as a cold sweat began to prickle her skin. Her mother turned to her, blue eyes round with terror, and she immediately rushed to her daughter and grabbed her shoulders.

Her grip was frighteningly hard.

“Valerie... oh, Valerie.”

Her father hurried to her too, his brown eyes firm but showing a hint of worry.

“Wh-why? What’s happening? Is something wrong?”

With a poorly concealed gulp, her father produced a piece of paper. The boarders were beautifully embossed with swirling gold patters. Oh.

Valerie felt an icy wave of realization freeze her body.

There was the Royal seal printed on it.

Her father finally found his words and began to explain. “Valerie. This letter... came in today from the Palace. You have been chosen to join the Order of the Lily Maiden. Both the King and the Lily Maiden of Fortane herself have called for you.”