20- A simple solution - Part 2

Auriel waited for Priestess Lilith to leave before turning toward Carol to ask more questions. However, Carol did not seem to be in a good mood.

While her face and actions did not show it, something about her felt 'upset' to Auriel, so she decided to hold back her excitement and not ask her questions.

Finally, after five minutes of silence, Carol decided to speak first.

"Goddess Auriel, I apologize for my rude behavior. I didn't mean to cause you trouble. Also, if Priestess Lilith's actions caused you any trouble, then I apologize for that as well. She has… not been in the best of condition for some time…"

Carol was quick to make herself clear, but Auriel had a feeling she did not mean physical health when she spoke about Priestess Lilith.

Not knowing what to say, Auriel decided to keep quiet. And perhaps, that was the best decision she could make.

______

Auriel had managed to steal a quiet evening for herself, hoping to find solace in the town's bustling streets. 

Draped in a simple cloak to avoid drawing too much attention, she wandered through the marketplace, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the mortal world. Carol, as always, trailed close behind, keeping a watchful eye on the goddess.

The peaceful evening, however, was soon interrupted by the unmistakable buzz of gossip. Auriel's sharp ears caught snippets of conversations, and to her surprise, the talk of the town revolved around the upcoming duel between Princess Evelyn Greengrass and Lady Shelly Munero.

"Princess Evelyn will crush her," a gruff man said to his companions.

"Not if Shelly's clever enough," a woman countered, arms crossed. "She might not be strong, but she has a sharp mind."

"Bah, you just don't like the princess. Everyone knows she's too aggressive to rule properly."

"Well, Shelly's no saint either…"

Auriel paused mid-step, her curiosity piqued. She hadn't expected the duel to cause such a stir. Shelly Munero, as far as Auriel had observed, didn't have the charisma or reputation to command public favor. She turned to Carol, her expression one of mild disbelief.

"Shelly Munero has supporters?"

Auriel asked, genuinely puzzled.

Carol nodded, her expression neutral but her tone slightly exasperated. "It's not about Shelly having genuine support, my Lady. It's about people disliking Princess Evelyn. For many commoners, the princess represents the worst traits of nobility—arrogance, entitlement, and violence. Most of these people have never met her. They've only heard the rumors."

Auriel frowned, thinking back to her interactions with Evelyn. The princess was brash and sharp-tongued, yes, but she had also shown loyalty and a sense of duty. "The princess isn't that bad," Auriel said, her voice light but firm.

Carol glanced at her, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "It's easy for you to say that, Goddess Auriel. You've spent time with her. But the common folk? All they know are the stories."

Auriel hummed thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense," she admitted, gazing at the cobblestones beneath her feet. After a beat, she shot Carol a sidelong glance, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "You're rather perceptive, Carol. Perhaps more than you let on."

Carol flushed instantly, the redness creeping up from her neck to her cheeks. She cleared her throat awkwardly, avoiding Auriel's amused gaze. "That's… That's not fair," she mumbled, flustered.

Auriel tilted her head, her brows furrowing in confusion. "What's not fair?"

Carol only shook her head, her blush deepening. "It's nothing. Just… forget I said anything."

Auriel blinked, perplexed by the sudden shift in Carol's demeanor. She opened her mouth to press further but decided against it, sensing that Carol wasn't ready to explain. Instead, she let the matter drop, her focus returning to the murmurs of the crowd around them.

The evening continued, but Auriel couldn't shake the unease growing within her. The upcoming duel wasn't just a test of strength or wit between two candidates—it was becoming a symbol of the people's hopes and grievances.

The weight of expectation hung heavily in the air, and Auriel knew that, whether she liked it or not, she would have to navigate the aftermath of whatever transpired.

______

Lady Shelly Munero sat in her opulent study, the heavy velvet curtains drawn against the prying eyes of the world. A cup of tea sat untouched on the table before her, the delicate porcelain trembling slightly as she tapped her fingers against the polished wood. 

Anxiety gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the duel scheduled for the following day. The clash with Princess Evelyn Greengrass loomed like a storm cloud, and Shelly knew all too well that her chances of winning were slim.

Physically, she was no match for Evelyn's battle-hardened form. The princess had spent years training with weapons, honing her body and skills into lethal precision. 

Magically, Evelyn's prowess was no less intimidating, her raw power a testament to her noble bloodline. 

Shelly, on the other hand, had relied on her wit and charm to climb the social ladder, traits that would do little good in an arena meant for strength and sorcery.

Her usual allies and family connections were useless now. Shelly understood that any public interference from them would only tarnish her reputation further. 

She had to face this challenge alone, or risk being labeled a coward and a manipulator—a reputation she couldn't afford. The thought made her stomach churn, and for a fleeting moment, she considered fleeing altogether.

Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Shelly straightened, her mask of composure slipping back into place.

"Come in," she said, her voice firm despite her inner turmoil.

Her butler entered, bowing deeply before speaking. 

"My Lady, you have a visitor."

Shelly's initial reaction was irritation. Who would dare visit her unannounced at such a critical time? "I'm not accepting guests," she snapped, her tone sharp.

The butler hesitated, his gaze shifting to the floor.

"The guest claims to have come to assist you, My Lady. They insist it is of great importance."

Shelly's irritation morphed into curiosity, though a flicker of suspicion remained. She studied the butler's face for any sign of deception but found none. After a moment's deliberation, she sighed. "Very well. Show them in."

The butler nodded and disappeared. Moments later, he returned with a figure cloaked in a dark, hooded robe. Magic shimmered faintly around the visitor, obscuring their identity. Shelly's unease grew, but she maintained her composure, gesturing for the guest to sit.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Shelly asked, her voice measured.

The figure chuckled softly, the sound low and gravelly. 

"I've come to offer you a solution, Lady Munero," the guest said, their tone laced with intrigue. "I understand you are facing a daunting challenge tomorrow—a duel you cannot afford to lose."

Shelly's eyes narrowed, her suspicion mounting. 

"And what solution do you propose?"

The guest leaned forward, the hood of their robe casting deeper shadows over their face. "A contract," they said simply. "I will grant you the power you need to defeat Princess Evelyn. In return, you will owe me a favor—a small price to pay for victory, don't you think?"

Shelly's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of hope and dread swirling within her. This was too convenient, too perfect. It reeked of manipulation, yet the promise of power was tantalizing. 

"And how exactly do you intend to grant me this power?"

The guest reached into the folds of their robe, producing a delicate bracelet adorned with intricate runes that glimmered faintly in the dim light. "Wear this during the duel," they instructed. 

"It will enhance your abilities, both physical and magical. As long as you wield it, victory will be within your grasp."

Shelly stared at the bracelet, her mind racing. Everything about this situation screamed of danger—a contract with an unknown entity, a piece of enchanted jewelry with unclear consequences. Yet, the alternative was equally grim: humiliation, defeat, and the end of her ambitions.

"I don't suppose you'd tell me who you are," she said, her voice laced with skepticism.

The guest chuckled again, their tone amused.

"Names have power, Lady Munero. Let's leave mine out of this for now. Consider me… an ally who wishes to see you succeed."

Shelly frowned, her reluctance evident. 

"And this favor you'll ask of me? What guarantee do I have that it won't ruin me?"

"You have my word that it will not jeopardize your position or reputation," the guest replied smoothly. "I merely require your cooperation when the time comes."

The ambiguity of the response set Shelly's nerves on edge, but she knew she had little choice. Her options were limited, and the thought of losing everything she had worked for was unbearable. 

After a long moment of silence, she reached out and took the bracelet, her fingers brushing against the cool metal.

"I'll accept your terms," she said finally, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist.

The guest's smile was audible in their voice. 

"Wise choice, Lady Munero. Wear it with confidence, and you shall emerge victorious."

Without another word, the guest rose and bowed slightly before turning to leave. Shelly watched them go, a mix of relief and trepidation coursing through her. She glanced down at the bracelet, the runes pulsing faintly as if alive.

Victory seemed within reach, but at what cost? Shelly pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the battle ahead. She would deal with the consequences later. For now, she had a duel to win.