Chapter 23 - What Is A Dream?

The small greetings ended with an icy path between the two. Emelia didn't want to repeat it twice, but Lady Malith and her aren't going to be in the same boat. The way her eyes spark with evilness, Emelia was ready for the worst.

"We should be grateful, Lady Malith didn't do anything to us," Vanessa sighed as she poured tea into the cup.​​

"Lady Malith is a Raiimond. Am I right?" Emelia asked as curiosity sparked in her since Ayfara had the same last name as her. Vanessa nodded her head then said, "If you are wondering about Dame Ayfara they are sisters, though…" Vanessa paused and looked side to side before she continued, "They are stepsisters."

It's weird, Emelia thought. One sister is to become the next empress, while the other sister is one of the emperor's most loyal servants. Emelia had speculations that Lady Malith is much favored than Ayfara. It is clear that their father is biased towards the two. Somehow this kind of situation reminded her of herself.

"I see," Emelia muttered as she looked down at the teacup which Vanessa had just brewed earlier. She knew herself there isn't time to drink tea and spend her time in the palace leisurely. Not only that, but how can she trust Vanessa that the tea isn't poisoned?

"Don't worry. It's not poisoned. I could taste the tea for you," Vanessa said as she placed the teapot onto the table. Is it alright to trust this person? Emelia asked herself, still looking down at the teacup, seeing her reflection.

"Or do you want me to try this first?" Asked Vanessa, who held the teacup, but Emelia stopped her. "No, I'll drink it. It's a waste if it would be thrown away," She said and sip the tea without any hesitation.

The warm tea was refreshing, and it wasn't heavy at all. It's a good thing she drank the tea instead of wasting a delicious tea. Vanessa is a skilled maid. She can almost do anything. Not only that, but she has a calming presence. Except for earlier when she unexpectedly bumped into Lady Malith.

Out of nowhere, Vanessa asked, "Miss Emelia, do you perhaps have a dream?" A dream? Emelia felt her stomach drop as she placed the teacup back on the table. Shaking her head, she answered, "For as long as I lived. I never once thought about it."

Vanessa frowned hearing Emelia's response, and somehow she felt guilty for asking a question. She had almost forgotten about Emelia. There isn't one person in this empire who doesn't know the treatment of women in the Redodel Empire. It's sad to the point a dream isn't found but is long gone.

"I might have one. But I do not remember about it," Emelia continued then asked Vanessa, "What about you? Do you have a dream?" Emelia only asked the question because she didn't want the tension to build between them. Not only that, but she wanted to know more about Vanessa. The more she learns about Vanessa, the more information she would have about her.

A glistening of light flashed in Vanessa's eyes. While nodding her head, she said, "I want to open my own flower shop. Have a family and live a life filled with happiness. Though I know, there will always be a hardship."

Hardship is something no one can escape in this world. The more a person runs away from reality, the heavier it will be on their shoulders. Even if Emelia hasn't escaped from reality, the burden was there on her shoulders. It was heavy, and she needed someone to lift it up for her.

"That sounds nice," Emelia muttered, then taking a sip of the tea.

There were many things in life she wanted to do. But those dreams were crushed ever since she was born. She didn't have much freedom to do what she wanted. All she did back in the palace was wishing for someone to bring her out of that place and kill her.

Death is the only thing she wished for now. Surviving is not on her list anymore. She would rather die, so the pain stored in her would be gone. But no matter how many times she tried getting herself killed, it failed. No matter how hard she tries running away from the dark. The dark will always be by her side.

"Then how about you make a list of what you want to do? You don't need to rush, making it," Vanessa said as she gave Emelia a smile, who nodded her head. A list of things she wants to do, she pondered about it.

Reading novels like any other noble ladies. She wanted to find out why it was interesting to read those romance novels when they are just unrealistic. The other thing she wants to try doing was to eat delicious sweets. The only time she started eating sweets was today and right now.

"Maybe, reading novels and eating sweets," Said Emelia, which Vanessa had not expected it. She thought Emelia wanted to do something more extreme. But it was just a simple list, which isn't impossible to do.

"Then do you mind if I recommend you some trending novels?" Vanessa asked while Emelia nodded her head and took a sip of the warm tea.

Despite not knowing it herself but today was her first time talking to a person with such kindness and gentleness.

She didn't hate it but liked it. Somehow today, all her worries were lifted.