Did you hear the latest gossip?

"Are you serious?" A voice asked in a dubious tone.

"She must be joking!" Another snorted in contempt for the other's gullible nature when it involves gossip.

The girl that had her honesty questioned puffed up her cheeks in irritation. "Do you doubt my dignity? I swear on my family's honor that I am not lying!"

The other two girls simply glanced at each other. They knew the girl before them quite well. Bruit Eaves. She always had the most recent gossip that was nearly always guaranteed to spread within a mere few days due to its absurdity and unbelievability, despite being true. As for how she got her hands onto the news of every interesting happening in the countries... it was best not to question it.

Her words were credible and reliable. However, due to her gossipy nature, she was an unpopular choice as a friend. Who knew if Miss Eaves would be able to dig up some secret of theirs and expose it? But, as an acquaintance in parties and gatherings? She would be the center of attention and the most popular one there. Every sheltered and curious noble youths would gather around her to listen to her outrageous stories, get a little excitement from a boring formal party, and then bid farewell to her till the next gathering.

Right now, the three noble girls were attending a simple tea party with only a few select people. Thus, only the two of the doubtful ladies were willing to associate with Bruit Eaves to lessen their boredom. The rest of the attendees, who were also fans of gossip, could only crank their necks to hear vague words as to not seem rude to the hostess of the tea party. But, it seems that the hostess was also curious, however did not want to be rude to the guests she had invited. Thus, a beautiful misunderstanding was born between the hostess and the guests, excluding the trio that was freely gossiping.

Though, everyone managed to be satisfied and interested in the talk of one of the most powerful countries: Olinthus.

The citizens of Olinthus are suffering from measles and demanded entry into other countries?

The emperor is kidnapping young women for his harem?

Is the country finally coming to a downfall?

That country is finally getting what it deserves for its engagement in sly wars! Everyone present inwardly pumped their fists in honor of their now weakened country, Bellicus. If that country had simply enjoyed its own riches, perhaps their own country would be more prosperous.

Bruit Eaves narrowed her eyes in delight when she noticed the eavesdropping ladies finally processed her information, while the two girls in front of her silently urged her to continue her gossip. She whipped out a silk fan to cover the lower face to make herself look more mysterious to her audience.

"I promise that I'm not lying! A few months ago, I saw large caravans of people passing through my father's estate and demanding entrance! Judging by their clothes, they were clearly from Olinthus. They seemed to be more well-off than peasants, but a little lower than nobles. As you know, we are in hostile relations with Olinthus. So, out of the kindness of my father's heart, he let them stay in his estate for a couple of weeks. Of course, they were grateful and told me the horrendous state that Olinthus was in!"

Bruit added a layer of credibility within her words, convincing her audience that she was speaking the truth. They, of course, heard of the rumors of how her father was sheltering the people of Olinthus, though it quickly died down as he was a loyal man to Bellicus and gave full disclosure to everyone else.

She went on about the incompetency of the upper class of Olinthus and the information she had gathered from its own citizens that fled the country. The reoccurrence of measles, the unhidden and disgusting nature of the emperor, and the sudden decrease in wealth in the past year or so. The clever little lady managed to insert a certain, but true, idea into everyone's minds: 'Olinthus is currently the weak one now.'

Their country would have a chance in rising up against them for revenge. Although they were still a little weak, with the help of their enemy's enemies, they were guaranteed success. Every single lady had decided to inform their fathers and their brothers, wanting to see such a formerly great country fall due to its own doing and own greedy nature. And perhaps, their country would be able to take a big piece of the pie if they actively support the other countries in attacking Olinthus.

The girl who initiated all of this silently smiled in satisfaction behind her pretty silk fan. In fact, her father was not left completely unscathed due to temporarily housing the ex-Olinthus civilians. His enemies are already eyeing the entire family, waiting for a chance to take a bit, yet dare not to. At least, just not now. What she was doing was redirecting everyone's attention to a different route to gaining better benefits and advantages.

Knowing the mind of her father's competitors, she could already predict that within days, they would be scrambling to urge the king to incite the other countries to attack Olinthus. Everyone wants some sort of benefit.

When she accomplished her intentions, she deeply bowed, apologizing to everyone that she must quickly leave. While also adding that if she hears more news of Olinthus, she would be sure to inform them at the next party.

This was occurrence was present in every country that surrounds Olinthus and even Olinthus itself. Everyone was spreading gossip of the misdemeanors of Olinthus and how they are no longer in their glory age like a couple of years ago. The information spread like wildfire, either from regular gossiping people or those with certain intentions to gather goodwill from their peers.

Either way, Nelumbo had accomplished its initial goal. As for the rulers of the other countries, they would be foolish if they had not known that this was all Nelumbo's doing to help incite war with a single, weakened country. However, they would also be foolish if they do not take that adversity down while it is weak. Thus, they secretly prepared to retaliate against the tyrannic and oppressive Olinthus.