Chapter 83 - First Step

Of course, the image of nobles had to be shown by the clothes and jewels they wore, they must be presentable every time they go out.

"I understand Amayra. But it does not mean we can not wear delicate jewels. In fact, my friend is making a few for me. We are just looking for a good artist, and jeweler to turn those designs into reality. I would personally wear and showcase them on my coming of age ceremony.'' I replied confidently and they looked at me with surprise.

"Oh, I never thought that you were so much interested in jewels. I would love to see a few designs. If you do not mind, can you tell me who is the friend that is designing jewels for you?" she asked, finally giving her all attention to me. That was how it was,

Everyone has a soft point, I just have to press it. And then I could befriend them. I have to be a famous noble, a strong knight and a powerful businessman, everything that Gerard was to snatch his position from him.

"Oh, what can I say, she is a shy person. But I would convey your message to her. And if she would agree I will definitely show you a few designs. But…" her smile that had formed just a moment ago faded when i dragged the word.. But

"Is there some problem, lady Abigail?" asked Amayra and even Sharron looked at me.

"Of course not, lady Amayra. I trust you. It is just the jewelry design that matters a lot. If it gets copied the original designer gets nothing, so my friend is a little sensitive. She had told me to only show the design if the jeweler or artisan is ready to work with us." my voice sounded so apologetic that they did not doubt my words.

"I agree with your friend, then i would not force you anymore." she replied and I gritted my teeth.

"Oh, it would be my loss since I was the one who wanted to show off, the designs were just perfect. Anyways, excuse me, i shall go and meet others too.'' I replied in the same nonchalant tone.

They looked hesitant but I turned to leave. 

"Umm, wait lady Abigail." called Sharron, while Amayra was holding her hand, as if trying to stop her.

I ignored the tension between them.

"Yes, lady Sharron"

"Umm, how about if I sign a contract with you. For a set of jewelry. Then I can see the designs, right?" she asked and I nodded with a bright smile.

"Of course, I would personally invite you to her tea house, we can sit and talk there" i offered and she nodded.

"That would be perfect. I will wait for your letter then.'' I nodded and we finally departed our own way.

"You have a friend designing jewels who also has her own tea house?" asked Noah with a shocked voice, his brows were raised as he looked at me, but I nodded seriously, making him even more confused.

"Why have I not seen anyone visiting you? Nor have I seen you going out to visit someone.'' He asked with surety this time and I smirked.

"You know Noah, in this life, your biggest friend is you. Everyone would leave you when the need arrives except yourself" he looked at me with widened eyes as he commented.

"You lied to all of them?" 

"No, I just told them the truth, like I told you. They wanted designs, I wanted an artist and trader. We both got what we wanted."  I looked at the other side, where a group of girls were laughing subtly and talking to each other.

"We have a lot of work to do, Noah." I added as I moved towards the girls but when I came closer I noticed why they were all laughing and talking like that.

William was standing in the middle of them and cracking some jokes. They all were listening to him as if it was their first time listening to jokes.

"Ah, lady Abigail. Come join us, his royal highness is sharing his coming of age experience. Your coming of age ceremony is near too." said Sophie, trying to include me in the conversation. She wanted me to fulfil the promise I had made with her there the other day.

William didn't even spare a glance at me again, did I do something that angered this man?! But our last meeting was in the forest and I did not remember doing anything that had upset him.

When he was not even talking how was I even supposed to make a conversation.

"Your royal highness"

"Sir Abigail"

"Oh, yes. I came to know that you are going to serve his highness in the academy." said another lady i didn't even remember yet i nodded with a smile.

"I must say no one had ever thought you would choose to be a knight in the end, but then what else could be expected from Essendson's family." 

"I agree" I smiled as their comments moved me. They were not actually praising me. In reality they were trying to know the reaction of the crown prince to me.

But he did not say anything except just nodding lightly.

"My lady, shall we take a walk now." I stiffened as I heard the voice of Gerard, he was standing just behind me.

My skin crawled as I realised the proximity we were sharing. I tried to take deep breaths to make my body relaxed, talking to him and keeping him in the dark was necessary. It was part of your plan Abigail, so try to hold yourself. I tried to assure myself yet I still felt nauseating when he came too close to me.

As if sensing my discomfort the man who was hellbent to ignore me, turned to look straight into my eyes.

"Why, are you forgetting you have promised to complete my task before doing anything else?"

"......"