Young Lady Eleonora Hillrose, sole daughter of the Hillrose Ducal House was seen by most students as a relatively shallow person.
She was the ducal heiress born with a golden spoon in her mouth, and she's actually little removed from the Royal bloodline.
She has the trappings of a noble young lady; beautiful long blond hair, heart-shaped face with pink lips, thin eyebrows, and slim figure with lean arms and legs.
Hence, many seen her as the airhead bimbo stereotype which some rich heiress often associated with. The sort whose Daddy's money and position demands respect.
Unfortunately, she is oft underestimated to her own consternation.
She might not be the best student academically or in her practical exercises. She does aware of her average skills, and she does strive to be better.
Unfortunately, her Papa's wealth and rank ironically restricted her social life.
As he is the leader of the Radical faction in the Royal Court, her eventual role at the academy ends up being the figure head of a female noble fraternity consisted of the daughters of aligned is a role she entertained to an extent, but she felt she's reaching her limit soon enough.
She dreamed of achieving more than such expected activities during her educational stint.
She wants to read and learn the various subjects unavailable in their family's library;
she desires to explore and experience more of the wider world beyond;
she hopes to attend lectures and discussions of wondrous new item and tools.
Meeting Ms Eumiella Dolkness today while she was on their way to lunch was sign of good things to come.
Despite being a senior to Ms Dolkness, they do share some class together such as the Accounting and Swordsmanship classes.
From her observations so far, Ms Dolkness was a taciturn person with close association to Adler Dietrich, third son of Count Dietrich.
They are an odd couple with polar opposite nature, at first.
Although most student tries to distance themselves from Ms Dolkness, Mr Dietrich helps her in bridging such gaps.
Although sparsely known due to limited interaction time, both Eumiella and Adler could be seen as to shared an unknown tight bond.
Bonds that the others oft overlooked due to Ms Dolkness' infamy duly shrouds many fair judgment of her.
As expected of a daughter of high nobility, Eleonora have some necessary social skill trained into her; and it tells her that both of them are beyond than what meets the eyes. The fact that Adler is still the only student brave enough to spar Eumiella spoke volumes of that.
As such, she must act promptly to invite Ms Dolkness to a proper tea party in order to interact with her target.
Eumiella tried to evade the Hillrose heiress due to Her Majesty's order, and the rumours surrounding the Hillrose's Young Lady.
The usual rumour was simply that Eleonora fits the Dumb Blond Rich Heiress stereotype to a tee.
Another was she's actually The tyrannical Queen Bee of the Academy behind closed door.
The less savoury ones said that she 'removed' her own sibling from their family's succession line, and that she bats for the other team; which both are pretty scandalous in their current society.
In Eumiella's opinion, as an Adventurer; these rumours may have a grain of truth within them. But, she also knew that looks could be deceiving.
Thus, she kept her guard up either way.
Now that Eleonora had seek out and found her, Eumiella decided to play along.
To rebuke the heiress in public view of her entourage and many more, is inadvisable as imposed by the gap in their families' court rank.
"Miss Eumiella" said the young lady with gusto, sparkling eyes and glimmering aura abound her.
"Yes. May I help you?" responded Eumiella as she could anticipate an invitation to tea from the famed girl.
"Actually I've wanted to speak with you for the longest time. I believe you should be free right now, right?" asked Eleonora almost giddy in accomplishing her mission of inviting Eumiella to tea for the sake of her faction, and other reasons.
"Yes. I do have some spare time on my hands" answered Eumiella.
"Thank goodness!
I have been making preparations for a tea party at the salon today.
You simply must attend! We have pastries from the famous Cinq Filles bakery, and imported tea leaves from the far-eastern Qina!" happily sang Eleonora when her invitation had been duly accepted.
As an Adventurer, and a transmigrated Gamer; Eumiella have little need for girls' gossip, fashion, and makeups.
Well… She leans towards casual fashion of the 21st century, and technically had outgrown her current counterparts.
Being an Adventurer also doesn't add to those needs, since blending in with nature is often the greater need when hunting.
And most Adventurers are men, whom gave even less care to girly gossip, and such.
Since she lack crucial intel for this gathering, Eumiella had to rely on her time-tested Three Conversational Treasures and the power of Listening Patiently.
"Hey Miss Eumiella.
You know. When it comes to perfume, Parfew Beauty's products are simply the best. It's the obvious choice, you know?" happily stated Eleonora as she started a conversation on her favourite brand.
"Is that so, Miss Eleonora?" replied Eumiella utilizing the first Treasure.
"It is true, you know. I was deeply moved by the scent. I was moved by its founders' philosophy too" responded Eleonora with conviction.
"That's amazing" Eumiella replied with the second Treasure.
"I know, right! Wait till you hear about how they started.
You see. The story behind the creation of their first perfume is awfully sweet and romantic" Eleonora giddily remembers that romantic story she heard.
"Please tell me more about it" asked Eumiella politely using the third Treasure, which often shifts her companion into high gear explaining their part and bountiful knowledge; and happily so shall they oft be.
All Eumiella needed done is simply listening patiently and agreeably nod at the right moments. Most times, she gains a lot more intel than she bargained for.
After explaining herself happily for near half an hour, one of Eleonora's friend (follower) carefully whispers something to her, which causes her to gasp in realization of the true reason she wish to meet Eumiella. She sat up straight in preparation to get to the actual business.
"Miss Eumiella. Please give up on Prince Edwin!" she forcefully state a grave concern.
"The second prince, His Highness Prince Edwin, you say?" asked Eumiella to confirm the request.
"Yes. If you oblige my request, I shall graciously allow you to join my entourage" blustered Eleonora.
Before Eumiella could even responded, she continued in similar tone "Pl-Please don't play coy with me!
I'm well aware that Her Majesty had proposed the idea of an engagement between you and Prince Edwin!
You are not suitable for my gallant Prince Edwin!
If-if you don't wish to make an enemy of me, please back down amicably! Please!"
Eumiella was half-stunned at that accusation since she had expected a confrontation.
But she also realized that most people don't have her insight on the Prince's future relationship.
It is possible that Eleonora yet to realized whom the Prince had truly favoured.
"Miss Eleonora. Regarding any potential engagement to His Highness, I've already conveyed my objections to Her Majesty" spoke Eumiella in appeasing the distraught girl.
"Liar! You've met with the Queen after your initial audience, didn't you?
Upon which you expressed your own desire to marry Prince Edwin, right?!" retorted the blond.
"No, that's wrong, Miss Eleonora.
As proof of that, there wasn't been any announcement to the effect of an engagement, even though a week had passed by, isn't that right?
In fact, His Highness and I hadn't even spoken nor met since" answered Eumiella as she discounted that lip service apology as what it truly is.
"That certainly sounds true… Perhaps you do know your place… That's good… Yes?" Eleonora grouse absentmindedly to that explanation.
"If-if you swear to stay away from Prince Edwin, I shall allow you to join my circle of friends!" declared the heiress generously.
"While I appreciate the offer, I would like to respectfully decline, for I would be a poor companion to you" Eumiella politely decline the offer.
"But why…?
D-don't tell me?! Y-you're just feigning disinterest, when in reality, you still have your sights on Prince Edwin, isn't it?!" the self-conscious girl alleged against Eumiella.
Eumiella is not happy with this hostile response. It took her a moment to reflect on how to properly respond.
That moment of contemplation however had allowed her to have an insight on why Eleonora acted as such.
Eleonora's assumption could just be as simply as such;
If she (Eumiella) don't want to be Eleonora's friend and joining the Radicals by association, thus she would be joining the Royals by directly enjoining them through marriage, most probably to her crush Prince Edwin.
-Simple young ladies and their naïve thought process. How annoying, and cute…- lamented Eumiella internally.
"No. I believe there's someone who's a far better fit for Prince Edwin than myself.
Lady Eleonora, I believe that you and His Highness are very much compatible" answered Eumiella to defuse Eleonora's accusation.
Eleonora gasp excitedly at the encouraging statement and happily she states her agreement.
She then continues extolling the gallantness of the Prince and how she is perfect besides him. Eumiella continues to entertain the young lady as they have more tea and pastries.
Eumeilla also felt much relieved as she realized that she was invited more out of the concern regarding her and the Prince rumored engagement, rather than a direct Hillrose House's demand to befriend her for the Faction.
"Miss Eumiella, is it true that Mr Dietrich is your actual betroth?" asked suddenly by one of Eleonora's friends (follower) as they joined the new conversation once the issue of her supposed engagement to the Second Prince was resolved.
Eumiella choked on her tea due to that unexpected inquiry, although she managed gaining back her swallowing capability in time. That question implies a lot to her in her current context.
Unfortunately, this invites the host to ascertain its truth.
"Is that true, Miss Eumiella?
Is Mr Dietrich really your fiancé?
…Is that why you're very, very positive that Her Majesty did not engage you to the Prince?
I see! That's why he is so close to you, you'd known each other already.
He wasn't surprised or scared of you and your magic, since he knew about it from the start!
That is great news, Miss Eumiella! Congratulations!"
Like the loyal minions they are, most of the present entourage members quickly congratulates Eumiella of her supposed betrothal.
This is neither the development she intended nor needed. It's in her best interest to dispel this misunderstanding in its infancy right now.
"Ahemm… Ahem… Ahem!
I'm sorry to contradict you, Lady Eleonora.
Unfortunately, you are mistaken. Mr Adler Dietrich is just my friend.
We first met here at the Academy, and he confessed his admiration of my high level and strength. Thus, he asked for my guidance reaching said targets.
He is an amicable person, and he helped me befriend others whom were anxious of my abundant magic.
I am thankful for his kind deeds. But he is no more than just a friend as he had been" answered Eumiella in her attempt to dispel the confusion.
Unfortunately, their collective curiosity overflows as her overwhelming presence mellows within their mind.
Eumiella couldn't manage to stem their continuous chatter afterwards.
"But… He's the one whom actively courting you isn't it, Miss Eumiella.
We saw him greet you at the first class kindly like if he was admiring you" ask one of them.
- Actually, he's pro-active in greeting me the first time since he had a good idea whom we both truly are – lamented Eumiella internally.
"Yes. That's true. I always saw him walking or sitting close to Miss Dolkness whenever it's lunch time" said another as to affirm their conclusion.
- I can't deny that looks suspiciously as they thought. I guess our 21st century friendship style could be read differently here – thought Eumiella regarding their behaviour.
"Yes. Yes. I always saw them closely train alone during the swordsmanship class too.
He gallantly showed her techniques, and helped and hold her hands when needed.
It looks oh so romantic too… Only if my Prince Edwin could join with me like that too…" bemoan hopefully the Ducal heiress of her observation on Eumiella in said class.
- Yes, he showed me the right ways of performing techniques.
No, I did NOT realised you were in our class too, Miss Eleonora,
And, NO. We did NOT do romantic stuff during sword training.
He's the only one helping me train since most of you guys were afraid I'd killed most of you by accident – Eumiella face-palmed internally as she hears such incredulous views of her and Adler straight from the Queen Bee here.
Her mental battery depleted instantly at that, despite the stoic face she shown that very moment.
She need some reprieve and especially rest back at her room.
But the gossip session continues on and on with little capable feedback from her.
It was a few hours later that she found the sweet, sweet release from that hellish tea party.
"Mmmm... Meals tastes exquisite when one is tired" softly said Eumiella as she enjoys the pancake she ordered for their evening tea.
Across her is her close companion Adler whom just have some tea, cooled tea to be exact. Somehow, he'd found a way to use his wind magic in achieving a small-scale near-freezing cooling effect.
As both enjoyed the calm clamor of the cafeteria post-class, Eumiella spotted someone she knew, someone important from the Game.
Someone crucial to Ms Enlyght. Someone whom should be best friends with that Light Mage, yet isn't.
Several instances of their interactions that Eumiella seen afar had shown that neither girl acknowledged the other any more than just classmates, and now truly have separate cliques of their own. It seems that Ms Enlyght's altered relationship trajectory with the Golden Trio had broken the Game's lore.
"A penny for your thoughts, Eumiella-san?" asked Adler as he saw the unusual stare of Eumiella towards another table across the cafeteria.
"Tis Ms Jessica Altman right there. She's supposed to be the first and best friend of our Ms Enlyght according to the normal play through.
I believe that since the second Prince took her in early, they barely met and interacted nor befriended one another" explained Eumiella as she continues looking at Jessica and her friends.
Adler responded "...Is that so? I guess my memories overlooked that crucial fact", and that let him ponders what other unexpected curve-balls might be thrown their way.
That mutinous thought had jinxed their evening, when someone appeared behind Adler and asked if she could seat besides him.
As both Eumiella and Adler were distracted, both had consented without properly realizing who she was. When they did, it was too late.
The new girl whom just sat beside them was none other than Ms Alicia Enlyght. And her face was grim with an inquiry as grave.
"Miss Eumiella. Are You the Demon Lord?" asked her bitterly strained with fear as she dropped the bomb on them.
Her arrival prior to their noticing had heralded some silence due to the actors involved, and the grave inquiry hence been heard far and wide duly.
[To be Continue]
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