Chapter 220 - Lilianne's Schemes

University hell week is over. Enjoy reading.

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Faustina doesn't know what to say. She stared at Lilianne Disfiegro, who was smiling with her chin held high. She was staring at her as if a winner looking at a loser. 

"Feuersturm's... next empress?" Faustina blinked.

"Yes," Lilianne Disfiegro smirked. "I am Alexander Octavius Ein Feuerkrieger's empress-to-be. So, watch your mouth when you're talking to ME."

"You do know that saying those claims could put you to prison, don't you…?" Faustina asked.

Is this how Lilianne was able to harness confidence that enabled her to think she's on a higher position than the daughter of a ducal house? If so, then she's clearly hanging around a delusion…

However, if what she says is real, then…

"It would be a matter of time before I become the queen of Feuersturm. And by the time it happens, you wouldn't be able to even talk back to me." Lilianne exclaimed, sipping red wine from the wine glass. She then leaned her back to the chair, a smug look on her face.

"…the king,"

Lilianne stares at Faustina, who now began to talk.

"Have you ever seen the king?"

Lilianne raised her brow. "Huh. Why would I?"

Faustina then smiled, which had irked Lilianne. It was as if she knew something she didn't.

"I see." Faustina exclaimed. "No wonder it sounded weird."

"What?" Lilianne asked darkly.

In Faustina's mind, Lovellia's lessons were now being put into effect as she follows the words she had left.

'When a lower noble tries to provoke you, throw them into confusion. And when they get frustrated and confused…'

Faustina then curved her lips.

'Just smile.'

**

Lilianne stares at Faustina who only smiled after she said those words.

Why?

Why in the world is she not intimidated?

So far, every noble lady that Lilianne encountered immediately knew their place whenever she would bring up her qualifications as the next empress of Feuersturm. 

Although she haven't met the king since his ascension, she was summoned to the palace from time to time. The summons were always initiated by the king's servants; she would have tea with herself into the imperial garden, but there was no Alexander Octavius IX that showed. Perhaps it was because of how sickly he was. Given how they are really pursuing Lilianne, she immediately understood that this marriage is being pushed through even if she won't make an effort.

It was as if the world decided she would be the queen of Feuersturm.

The king, who had no heir and was sick, is in dire need of wife. Sure, she could give him an heir. And after he dies she would be able to get a lover. Lilianne felt as if she had everything in the world. Position, fame, and beauty. There was nothing else she could ask for.

Only Ezekiel's heart.

She knew she was close to attaining Ezekiel's heart. No man could ever resist her. 

But then…

She saw him.

With her.

Lilianne narrowed her eyes, showing visible distaste.

Faustina Feuerlon.

She's a girl that appeared out of nowhere. She just came out and suddenly she knew her. It was odd, knowing Faustina despite not seeing even her shadow at tea parties. She only came out of the Feuerlon household when she was to go at Magierstadt to learn magic. They said she didn't have a good disposition, which isolated her to high society. Lilianne expected a skin and bones type of girl, but no.

She looked healthy, and Lilianne didn't like the look she had in her eyes.

"Huh." Lilianne arched her left brow. Surely this girl still doesn't know her place, given the fact that she wasn't exposed to high society.

Lilianne snickered.

Perhaps she should teach her a lesson.

**

Faustina didn't like Lilianne.

Because she hurt Maddie.

Faustina didn't mind being discriminated or being insulted, but what she doesn't like is to have people displace their anger to Faustina towards a person close to her. She didn't appreciate how nobles used dirty and cheap tricks such as abuse of authority among those who are powerless to defend themselves.

Faustina knew how the weak felt.

Because she was a weakling herself.

She knew how they bow their heads while waiting for the next blow—and those who see power in that doesn't earn her favor.

Lilianne Disfiegro lifted a glass of wine, and then suddenly—"Oops," Lilianne covered her lips gently, but the curve of her lips into a snicker didn't escape Faustina's eyes.

"I'm sorry about that," Lilianne exclaimed.

Faustina felt something wet into her skirt.

It was too obvious.

That she spilled the content of the wine to her dress.

"I'm really sorry!" Lilianne giggled. "I just thought of dumping this wine. I mistook you for a garbage can."

Faustina tried to maintain composure, thinking about Lovellia's words. Smile. That is how she should handle things.

"Oh!"

Liliannem once more, did something.

And this time Faustina didn't expect it.

She didn't expect she would go this far.

Lilianne had just discarded the leftovers from her plate to Faustina's lap.

"Oh, no," Lilianne covered her lips, trying to hide her smile. "I forgot you aren't a garbage can. Again."

Faustina stood up; the leftovers then clattered to the floor. The soup and the stain from the meat had marked on Faustina's pastel dress. Chatters began to flood the entirety as Faustina stood up. Lilianne smirked in triumph as she stares at Faustina's state with crossed arms.

There are many people here—and they were in Magierstadt.

A student causing a ruckus has a chance to be suspended or even expulsed by the academy.

Lilianne snickered once more. Everything is just too convenient for her. However, even if she had enacted her revenge by tarnishing this girl's reputation, she still wasn't satisfied.

This girl was with her beloved Ezekiel.

"I'm really sorry, Faustina," Lilianne exclaimed, conjuring fake tears. "I really didn't mean to. It's just an accident, I swear…!"

**

"My. Poor girl, she must not be eating well because she slipped her food."

"She's crying. Why isn't she comforting her?"

"How cruel. That is the dukedom of Feuersturm's youngest daughter, right? Doesn't she have sympathy over the crying girl?"

Faustina cannot believe what she's hearing. The people around her were defending Lilianne despite her being the victim. She doesn't mind the prejudice, but she knew very well that every action or her very image would reflect to the Feuerlons. She couldn't afford that to happen.

Lilianne had a bewitching and alluring face, so perhaps that was given already. Faustina clenched her fist, and then walked away from the restaurant with her dress all in ruin. 

--

Faustina doesn't know why she walked away instead of confronting Lilianne using Lovellia's tactics. She could have answered her with a deceitful smile and equally sarcastic words. She could have done what she intended to do at the start.

Yet…

Why?

Faustina sat down, burying her head into her knees. 

Perhaps it was because she was frustrated. Perhaps, it was because she was too tired to argue back. Faustina just doesn't know how to respond at that very moment.

This was her first time dealing with people like that.

Humiliating her.

Sheila was sensible enough, but Lilianne had gone to extreme lengths. Faustina doesn't know how to feel about this, given it was all too foreign for her.

"I'm not fit to be a noble."

She was a student in Magierstadt now. She would have to pay more attention to her actions. She couldn't afford to make a mistake, much less make a ruckus. She had to lay low to accomplish her task. She had too much to lose if she would make the slightest bad move.

"Eula…" Faustina murmured through her knee. "Why didn't you teach me these things?"

Faustina felt tears forming into the corner of her eyes. And she let them pour down. The music from the town was still loud and would only drown her sobs. She was in the alley, blending with the dark. On her side was the lively town brimming with tourists and mages passing by and fireflies drifting on about. Faustina didn't bother to wipe her tears. 

It's been a while since she have let it out.

She had held back for long, wanting to be strong. But bottled up feelings always comes out when people would least expect them to. If she comes back with a dress this dirty, then she would earn glances from the students. She would just attract unnecessary attention. Perhaps she should buy clothes. The night is still young, so Faustina guessed tailors are still open.

Faustina sobbed until she felt sleepy. This… is what makes crying good.

It induces sleep, like the body's own embrace to oneself. Perhaps it was a way the soul communicates. Like a pat in the back telling 'there, it's going to be fine. Rest. You need it,' or Faustina was just imagining things.

And just as Faustina was about to lift her head…

"My fair… maiden?"

Faustina slowly lifted her gaze.

And met his eyes,

"Your… majesty?"