Chapter 122: who will win

"Yes, our husbands are earning enough to fulfil more wishes than we already have," said Grace.

Staying dependent on their husband and showing off his wealth was ingrained in all our brains, since the start. I could not blame them if my relationship with Cassius had not turned sour and I would not have faced death, I would have been like them too, happy to get dependent on others all my life.

A few lessons of life were learnt the hard way. I could not depend on anyone else and I had to be strong, this I only learnt after my death. I wonder how I even got good marks in my study when I was such a fool. I learnt everything through books but never applied it in real life, maybe my family was so sweet and caring, far away from all that politics that I never realised of its existence.

And when I did, I was filled with anger and obsession, my wrath took better of me and used everything in the wrong way. But was I doing it in the right way, now? No, I was still a villain in red, it's just I have learnt to find my target properly.

"I am sure, your husband is earning more than enough even for the next generation to live happily," I said with a sweet and proud smile.

"But have you ever thought that having your own name and fame, people will praise and admire you for the dresses you make, people will plead to you, Grace, so that you can design a new jewellery for them, you would be the hero in your children eyes too.'' I knew things would not be changed in a single day, but small seeds needed to be sown so that they would grow with enough water and nutrition that I would keep feeding them from time to time.

They all looked at each other to see what reaction the other one had, I could see in their eyes that the idea had lured them, but their constricted thought and boundary were not letting them accept it, it's alright, soon their small steps would break it too.

"I thank everyone for waiting patiently, now the results are out.

The first among the lords is Marquees Essendon

And second is Duke Carl, Archduke Cassius

And third is his majesty, Charles and earl Gerard

Among the ladies, the first one is duchess Marianne and Monique Diana

Second is her highness, Katherine

And third is duchess Meredith." I was surprised to find Cassius in the second position given he did not know anything about me, I had never thought someone had that much good luck that even random answers turned correct to win a prize, but I was proud of my parents. They were my ideals.

But the best thing that I felt was Rosamund had not won any and Katherine was second. That was something I was not expecting, I could see the face of Charles, the way he was looking at Rosamond with disappointment.

"The worst three are…"

"I don't think it is needed to announce them, is it?" said Charles and I bit my lip to stifle my laughter. Didn't his objection already tell that his wife had performed worse.

"Of course not, your majesty, as I said that game was just for fun. 

So shall we go to another one?" I asked and he raised a brow.

"I think one is already enough, duchess." 'ah, so you are that much burnt from the failure, tch... It's my party, not yours to decide' 

"How is that so, your majesty, all the other eminent, who had come here to attend the party with so many expectations, would be bored in the gossip of women. And it is something I am sure you would like to do," I said and he raised a brow as if asking me to continue.

"Since the immeasurable time we have been proud of the valour and strength of our life partners, and men are smitten by the love we pour in our relationship, so why not I give all of you a chance to show and relive the moment again," I added and everyone looked at me with mesmerizing eyes,

"There is an archery show that is organised in the front part of the garden, each of you will be given 3 chances to shoot the arrow, three who would get highest scores would be given a love band to present their partner" I announced and they started whispering.

"What is a love band?" Carl asked intrigued, 

'Nothing but a bluff to hook you, so that you would not go against black pearls usage,' i mused in my heart. "It's a special black pearl bracelet, that is very rare in the empire, it is said that its black pearls protect your loved one with every evil spirit and energy.'' I bluffed, I could see wonder, questions and interest in their eyes, and knew that the jewel was going to be very popular... I would just give 3 pieces as a gift and the rest that I had made, I would later sell them at heavy prices.

After all, i had to cover the cost, i had spent a big part of the gold coins i had got in my marriage on it.

"Can we see the bracelet, I mean the love band you are talking about," asked Viscount Vincent, he was the one who was most interested in the jewels and antics in the whole empire.

"Where would be the surprise then viscount, why don't you try to win it for your wife," I added and he bit his lips but nodded.

"I request all the lords to come to this side, and all ladies can sit and cheer from there." announced Killian like a good host, I was glad that he was the one who stuck by me when Charles wanted to change it too.

"Roselia, as my knight, I want you to take part too." she glared at me as she said, 

"I am not here as your knight today Mari,"

"Then participate to win the gift for you mother.''i deadpanned and moved further before she could deny.

"Sir Edward why dont you also participate in the contest?"