ALGTS: 10

Fortane was lit with rumors of The Lily Maiden. After all, nobody could believe that someone could exercise charity to such an extent. Commoners rejoiced, and nobles scowled. However, despite their blatant scorn, they came to understand one thing. If one wanted to survive in this new kingdom, then it was clear that the Voltain family was one that you had to align with.⁣

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From that day, Celestria received many invites from other noble ladies for tea. People wanted Haelan, her younger brother, to be a playmate for their own sons. They had quickly turned from being a pariah to the most sought-after family in virtually one night.⁣

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That did not matter, however. What mattered to Celestria was the job. Lord was a fast learner, and had come to understand how to sort out many things in just a few days. But the paperwork. God, the paperwork. Celestria’s days at the palace became longer and longer. Sorting out budgets, managing other nobles, educating demons. Every day was becoming more and more stressful. When she would return home, she could barely eat or sleep from the anxiety. The anxiety of constantly being surrounded by demons that could snap you in half without a single thought. The anxiety of being in the presence of the True Lord of Demons. The constant fear. No matter how well she held up in front of them, she was tearing at the seams back in the safety of her home. Her body was beginning to ache all over. Her head always felt hot and stuffy. Sometimes, if ever she slept, she would wake up in a cold sweat because she couldn’t tell the terror of the nightmares apart from reality. After many weeks of this, Celestria was beginning to fall apart.⁣

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Her family did not know what to do. “Les, please. You need to slow down. Look at yourself!” Her father softly pleaded, his hazel eyes trembling. It was the weekend, and yet his daughter was up and busying herself with work. Had she not gone to bed just a few hours ago? And yet she kept her face set and hard as she picked up her skirts and began marching down the hallway. “Don’t worry father. I’m alright. I have to hurry to the palace but I’ll come home early today.” And with that, she left home with a strained smile.