Chapter 24: Surprising Encounter

It's been a few days of grueling training and Selina has been getting used to it slowly but surely. As she woke up to another day, her maid told her about a new letter she had gotten. 

Lady Amelia was a socialite with a high standing, she was very popular, especially with the last seen Selina had caused during the royal ball. However, Selina's been neglecting these invitations since she got to this world. Too much for too little reward. Usually her maid just places in the pile of letters she had already received, but this letter was from Lady Evelyn! 

Ever since their last visit, Selina has been avoiding Evelyn. Her body reacts so strangely around her. It was clear that Amelia and her had a past together from her memories, but that wasn't any of Selina's problems.

Selina ignored the letter as per usual and got ready for training. She headed over to the training grounds, Reinhart monitoring her like a hawk.

"You're going to burn a hole through my head this point!" Selina complains.

"I'm simply doing my duty, Amelia."

"I feel like you're getting a bit too comfortable with me."

"...You're imagining it. But, since you have so much time to chitchat, clearly, you're not working hard enough, right?"

Selina shudders and curses Reinhart in her heart.

"Nope, right on it oh so generous and kind leader~" 

Some time had passed, and Selina was currently taking a break. Drinking water like it was a gift from god.

"My lady! Lady Evelyn from the count estate wants to see you. His grace wants you to entertain her." A maid ran towards Selina, conveying a message.

Evelyn?! There's no way she came to see her just because she rejected her message…right?

There was also no way she'll greet the fair lady dressed in rags. Selina enters back into the estate and heads the way to her room only to come across Evelyn daintily sipping tea while sitting down in the lounge. 

Selina tries to sneak away but ultimately got caught rather quickly.

"Amelia, it has been a while since I last heard from you." Evelyn's blue eyes stare right at Selina. Although she sounded calm, Selina couldn't help shivering slightly from her stare.

"I-it sure has. I've been a bit busy these days." Selina nervously answers. 

"I can imagine you must've been extremely busy, after all, there would be no other explanation as to why you haven't been responding to my letters." Selina could almost taste the passive aggressiveness.

Selina turns her head away in shame.

"Exactly. I would never leave my good friend unanswered. Maybe my maid must've lost your letters."

Evelyn's calm facade breaks, revealing a smug grin. She chuckles lightly.

"Lady Amelia, you're acting like I'm holding you hostage. I understand that such a popular socialite like you has been really busy these days, having no time to interact with a mere count's daughter."

"N-No! You're mistaken; I would never discriminate. You're a lot more fun to hang around compared to those presumptuous nobles!" Selina quickly responds.

"Amelia, watch your words, it wouldn't do neither of us good if someone overheard."

"Yeah, sorry."

In all honesty, Evelyn was a little mad, after all, the person she liked so much ignored her messages. But, if it weren't for that, then she wouldn't have saw the sweat-soaked Selina shivering below her. 

Selina was still in her leather tunic, not having enough time to change into a pretty dress. Her long silver hair was tied into a neat ponytail, fully revealing her fair face that had no blemishes. Her eyes were so expressive, Evelyn couldn't help but reveal a little smirk on her face seeing the nervousness shown in Selina's green eyes. Selina was truly a beauty.

Evelyn gently set down her teacup, the porcelain clinking softly against the saucer. Her expression betrayed none of the thoughts running through her mind, though the faint curl of her lips was enough to make Selina fidget.

"I must say, Amelia," Evelyn began, her voice as smooth as the finest silk, "your dedication to your... pursuits are admirable. However, I do hope you remember that friendships require nurturing. Neglect can be so terribly damaging, don't you think?"

Selina winced at the thinly veiled rebuke, her eyes darting toward the door as though it might offer her salvation. "I-I completely agree. That's why I'm so glad you came to visit. Really, I've missed you too," she stumbled over her words, her usual confidence seeming to vanish into thin air under Evelyn's gaze.

"Have you now?" Evelyn's smile widened, and for a moment, Selina couldn't tell if it was one of genuine amusement or calculated mischief.

"Yes! I mean it." Selina responds sincerely.

"Uh, Evelyn, did you really come here just to see me?"

"Well, that's part of it. Honesty, it was quite a coincidence. As a noble lady, you should know how disrespectful it is to barge into someone's abode, especially if they're of higher standing than you.

"My father simply had some business with your brother, and I just happened to tag along."

"What business is there to discuss?" Selina questions.

"My father's a merchant, he has invested into many successful businesses, one of them being a weapon shop. His grace is probably bartering for a better deal." Evelyn calmly explains.

"What for? I don't really know, I'm guessing for some kind of battle soon. Do you have any idea?"

"My brother…doesn't usually tell me anything about the dangers of outside. He just wants me to be safe and protected, like some sort of child." Selina lies effortlessly, sorry Evelyn, confidential information would be too risky to give to a merchant's daughter.