Determination

I know how ridiculous this sounded. The crown princess was my aunt? Or rather she changed her appearance to look differently. The vial I had with me turned red as well.

“Why would you call me aunt, lady Chronum?”

“It’s lady Vermonde now! And don’t think you can trick me! Even the crown prince told me all about how you took control over him. Tell me, where is the real fiance of his highness? Where did you hide her?” I asked.

“Seriously, acting all highly and mighty, no wonder they call you devil of the blood mansion. I always wondered what Teiran found in you, that he just blatantly said he would get engaged to you, it didn’t make sense at all!" She scoffed.

“I don’t care what you think about me and I also would appreciate it if you stopped putting on an act and showed your real appearance!” I firmly stated.

“My lady, you should be careful!” The lady whose hand I tightened with my mask before seemed to be worried, as she tucked on me from behind. It’s rather unusual for other ladies to even come close to me yet worry about me. What should be said in a situation like this?

“Don’t worry! I will deal with all of this, so just stay hidden and out of sight, so they won’t hurt you any further!” I said proudly.

Was that good enough? As I gazed behind me the young ladies seemed rather flustered but determined. They clenched their fists like Mica does when he gets excited.

“D-dont worry about us! We will take care!” The woman said and they stepped away a few steps.

“So, would you like to show your true self now aunt Calista! There is no reason in denying it anymore, everyone knows! Your act won’t work!” I stood there firmly as I turned back towards her.

“Huh? I guess you leave me no choice fine!” She sighed.

She stood straight with her pink colored dress and blond long hair fluttering in the wind that emanated out when she briefly waved and snapped her fingers. The snap reminded me of Seymour and made me feel a deeply rooted disgustment. A glowing black matter appeared that was similar in texture to black clouds. It also looked similar to Seymour's shadow teleportation.

“We could fight here or we could fight in a separate realm, the realm of dark dominance. It’s beyond this portal that I created, only those I allow, can enter. If you follow me without resisting I won’t drag anyone else into this matter, since it’s you I am interested in. The choice is yours, you have ten seconds.” She explained.

“There is no reason to refuse, let’s go” I answered honestly.

“Good, that’s the best choice you could have made. Follow me” She said and went inside the black foggy clouds. Just as I was about to reach inside I could feel Teiran’s panicked gaze on me as he still continued to fight. He might have realized what happened. I uttered the words, even though you wouldn’t be able to hear me from such a distance, but I was sure you would still understand them.

I will be fine,

I will be back,

Wait for me.

I offered him a smile and could tell that his eyes were filled with fear yet understanding. I let a single flower spread from my hand. It was a light blue colored flower. The common chicory.

Carina told me that flowers have meanings and would be used as messages in faraway kingdoms. Wait for my safe return is what I want to tell you. This flower carried such a meaning. I looked at the lady from before and waved at her to come over to me. She rushed towards me.

“Lady Vermonde, you!” She said worriedly.

I simply handed her the common chicory over.
“Would you do me the favor and give this to my fiance. He will probably soon rush over here and would want to know what happened. Just give him this flower instead, he will surely understand the message behind it.” I explained.

“My lady, I will make sure to deliver it to him!” She said adamant.

“Thank you lady Esrela Snow” I responded.

“How do you know my name, my lady?” She looked stunned.

“ I studied hard so I would recognize all of you. Since I am the hostess of this ball it would be a grave insult not to know you all. I know all of your distinct features that differentiate you and your names. Typical for theViscounty Snow is the light silver colored hair and the shining golden colored eyes, such as yours Milady. Also it is said that Viscounty Snow has two daughters, you must be the oldest one for you to be present here, am I right?”

“T-that’s true!” She seemed touched by my words. All the other ladies also looked at me intrigued.

“Well you can just call me Sheryansha instead of my lady. If this all is other I promise to hold another ball or maybe a tea party? A proper one with no battles like these, would you care to join me then?”

“Absolutely! Sheryansha I will definitely come!” Esrela held onto my hands. Then I nodded and left for the other realm. 

I took one last look at the ladies, 

one last look at Teiran 

and finally one look straight ahead of me. 

Then I stepped in.