Chapter 34: Chapter 20: Marianne
Kyle:
I jumped out of the window and released earth mana to bend the stretch a tree's branch to lift me carefully towards the ground.
I'm sorry Ivory, but it wasn't my secret to tell.
"Prince Kyle!" My fighting teacher called for me, "Where have you been, you rascal. It's time for class!"
"I'm sorry sir!" I grinned, ducking his playful punch.
***
Ivory:
Those scoundrels…
I sighed.
What could they possibly be hiding? I ambled out of the library; they would probably be at their classes by now. As I prepared to go home, I noticed a woman strolling in the gardens.
Ah… she must be going home after teaching Raven or Kyle her etiquette classes.
Lady Marianne.
A famous woman who was in a famously romantic relationship with her husband. Every girl knew about it and envied their beautiful love. Lady Marianne with her extreme grace and elegance, her husband being the successful and rich noble. A fruitful marriage.
Except, if I remembered properly, the otome game had included some important information about her.
"Lady Marianne!" I beamed with friendliness, "I've heard so may things about your elegance and gracefulness!"
I blushed shyly and clasped my hands together in awe.
"Ah… Lady Ivory." Lady Marianne nodded politely, "I've heard about your… successfulness in business at such a young age. Your parents must be proud."
"My accomplishments are nothing compared to yours!" I clasped her hands, smiling sweetly, "You and your husband are a beautiful sight together! Every girl wishes to be just like you!"
"That's nice. Forgive me, I must leave now. My carriage is waiting." Lady Marianne dipped her head before starting to walk.
I waited until she walked past me before,
"It's a shame no one knows about your affair with your servant." I smirked.
The clicking of her heels instantly halted to a stop.
"Ah…" Lady Marianne's face paled as she trembled with fear, "H-how did you know…?"
"There's really nothing stopping me from telling this little… secret to the whole world, is there?" I continued, inspecting my nails, "How do you think your place in high society will fare?"
"Please-!" Lady Marianne collapsed to the floor, "I'll do anything! Just please don't tell anyone!"
I knelt down beside her, adopting a gentle and charming expression,
"Oh no, Lady Marianne! You must be exhausted to collapse like this!" I clasped her hands, tears welling in my eyes, and I leaned in to whisper something in her ear.
Lady Marianne shivered before she stood up and walked as quickly as possibly away from me,
"Bye-bye Lady Marianne!" I waved tearfully, "Make sure to get some rest!"
***
_________________________________________________
Blackmail Lady Marianna with her secret [Completed]
Success rate [100%]
Reward [Survival rate increased]
__________________________________________________
Mission accomplished.
Now, I had to prepare a dress for the important ball coming up.
How tiresome.
The ball I was going to, was a time where nobles flaunted their wealth and beauty, and where many members of high society would be. An extravagant dress dripping with jewels and silk would be much needed.
***
"Pleeease?" I wept sorrowfully.
"No." Kyle refused.
"You owe me." I argued.
"No." Kyle shook his head, "You can ask me anything other than that."
"Why not?" I sighed.
"That ball is going to be swarming with sharks, ready to take advantage of anyone with a respectable amount of power." Raven widened his golden eyes at me, "Why would you even want to go there?!"
"Which is why I need someone to come with me to make sure those 'sharks' don't take advantage of me." I flopped onto the closest chair.
"We'll just make it worse for you, we're princes of this kingdom after all." Kyle tsked at me, "Don't go there. It's not a place for children."
"Fine…" I sighed, letting go of the argument for now.
"Okay then!" Raven beamed, "It's getting late now, you should go back before your servants start worrying."
"Yeah, your right." I nodded.
"Then let's go-" Raven turned around a whacked into a wall.
"Hah!" Kyle laughed his head off, ignoring Raven's glare.
***
A few days later…
I stepped out of the carriage, my hair styled at shoulder length and my dress created to imitate a sea of stars. The inky black fabric rustled against the floor, and the star of diamonds glittered and twinkled as I walked closer towards the ballroom.
On the outside, the raging party inside the ballroom looked like festivals and happiness, however, this was a battlefield.
And the perfect chance for me to taste high society.
Connections and power were everything in this world unless you were the heroine.
I looked around, and spotted Lady Marianne who was speaking to a few other ladies. I headed towards her, keeping an impassive expression as she noticed me, and her brown eyes widened in fear.
"Lady Marianne!" I smiled gently, "It's been a while. And who are these lovely ladies with you?"
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
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