Volume II: Chapter 12: Why me? (Valentine Special Chapter)

"No, I am not asking for it," Hidelga stated. She broke herself free from his hold.

"So, that's it? End of our conversation?" he asked.

"What are you hiding from me?" she asked, turning to see him. Of course, she didn't want to walk out the door, but the unspoken things triggered her.

"Who are you? What are you hiding from me, and why me? Why are you so infatuated with me?" She said these words out of distress.

Indeed, she was looking for him; she is fond of him but why is he fond of her? Is there any specific reason when all the reason he could have is found in Ricka? She doesn't have anything to offer at all if status, wealth and an influential family background are what Leon could possibly have and is looking for from a noble wife.

Leon remains very silent, which makes Hidelga bewildered. She never dared ask him about his background ever since they met. She was content with what they currently know about each other. A patient and someone who is helping a stranger. Is there any need to know him deeply?

However, right now there is. If there is nothing to hide, why is he not answering at all?

Hidelga finished preparing the food and went out. 

Meanwhile, in the center kingdom.

The two youngest officials were overjoyed. "We need to give this to the Honorary Lady but it needs to look as harmless as possible," Prince Orion stated.

The silent princess nodded her head as they proceeded to the next step. Princess Beatrice was taking good care of Duke Oliver, who is recovering from his injury from the last attempt to set themselves free from the central kingdom.

"We just need one more thing. It is the duke's contribution," Prince Orion stated.

A week later, the whole central kingdom celebrated the birthday of the Imperial Princess, the previous honorary lady who is now the living trophy doll of the kingdom. Nobles are invited to the grand banquet of the young lady but everything they prepare and host in public is showing only shame. The honorary lady now loses her power and becomes the garland of the castle.

Not attending the celebration is like going against the current tyrant so those who are invited can never decline the invitation. So, some of them looked away to not witness the downfall of their empire and their honorary lady.

Vladimir, who was beaten and locked up, has even granted the chance to take a peek at the young lady. However, all he felt was sympathy for his master. Even Duke Sheldon, who can't do anything to save her.

She is watching the good man look at her with pity in his eyes. He looked so helpless. The cold eyes of the princess looked around to her deligates and looked away from Duke Sheldon. Finally, a very important person came late and that is none other than her fiance, Duke Serpentine. The most powerful, influential and notorious dukedom in the whole empire and the heir is standing in front of them.

"Duke Ziel Serpentine, your Majesty," he greeted emperor Howard, the noble next to him and his fiance. "It has been a very, very long time since I last set eyes on you," he added as he pertains to the honorary lady. They never meet face-to-face; however, in the places that might cross their path, they never intentionally drop a minute to accept each other's presence. The place might be the jurisdiction hall, outside the palace, where there are problems and his people were there sneeking their noses for an important topic.

A few minutes later, the Duke asks to have the first dance. The venomous snake of the empire looks like a slithering snake hovering around the lady that may devoour her anytime.

Days before the horary lady's birthday celebration. Duke Oliver requested to have cosmetics delivered to the central castle. It was checked carefully before being taken to the storage and there the young prince sneaked to do the trick. With one blind spot he used, Jonathan, the first prince's butler, won't be able to find him and know their plan.

They manage to change one birthday gift into a luring weapon. 

When the princess and the Notorius Duke were together and alone on the balcony. Duke Ziel started to mock his fiance. 

As expected from someone who came from an influential family. He is very fluent in speaking gaslighting words and mockery. He is the ultimate reg flag among the rest.

This lit into an argument until it ended in combat. The duke obviously won. The honorary lady was pinned on the floor. "What prize should I attain by defeating you?" he said.

The honorary lady stretched her arms around his neck and kissed him.

It was very inviting; however, the young duke noticed something weird from that kiss; later on, he felt lightness in his head. He is falling under the control of the princess. His mind is fully aware but his body started to initiate.

"You will follow everything I say," says the honorary lady and the Duke, being puzzled, followed her.

Weeks before the celebration.

"Bewitching?" Prince Orion stated and the young princess nodded. Princess Shannon's idea was heard in between the officials of the previous emperor.

"That can be possible, I think. I am just not sure because you are asking me for a love potion. I never made one before," he said.

"But who are you planning to lure?" asks Prince Caster.

"That will be the honorary lady's choice," princess Shannon stated.

"If the honorary lady, there won't be any problem because she is wise indeed beyond prejudice and discernment," Princess Beatrice remarked.

Princess Shannon agrees. "Now, this is what we're going to do," she said.

They created the plan that night, covered by the blind spot.

Jonathan, on the other hand is uneasy.

"What seems to bother you?" The current tyrant asked.

As usual, he is doing his nightly surveillance of the castle and he notices a defected view in his sight. He started to suspect that his weapon might be in chaos or he might be unwell.

So, he decided to meet someone who could help him with his problem. First, he will consult a physician; second, a sacred weapon expert, which is a palace wise man; and lastly, he will see a sacred priest.

Back to Hidelga,

She met Ricka, who at the same time left the house that Leon took for the three of them.

"Ricka," she muttered.

"It was your fault why Leon is unable to accept and love me," she stated in hatred.

Her expression turns to abhorrence and at that moment she proceeded with her ulterior plan.