Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Aileen Silver peacefully drank her tea after finished her breakfast Seem the goddess of fortune is in her side.

After Cecilia's resignation, she is the strongest candidate to be the future Queen. So far, everything went so smoothly.

"Yesterday, that stupid Duke's daughter is leaving the Capital." Marquess Hermann Silver said when he read the first page of the newspaper.

Marchioness Silvana Silver sighed before shook her head, "That troublesome girl! If only her father isn't that Duke, we don't need to embarrased ourselves by sending that expensive gift. I mean, Aileen is the victim here!"

"My, my. Father and Mother, please calm down," Aileen said with innocently smile. "I think it's not wise to talking about an annoying topic in this beautiful day."

"Ah, my pefect daughter, you are correct." Silvana elegantly sipped her cup of the tea. "So, tell me what is your schedule today?"

"Nothing special. I've to attend at the Hagrache's tea party and I do have a painting class today."

"Ah, do you mean daughter of Earl Hagrache, hmm, what is her name again.. Ah, Melisa. Isn't it?"

"You're right, Father."

Hermann wrinkled his nose, "Can't you just cancel that party?"

Aileen's brow raised, "Oh, is there something wrong?"

"They were involved into a big debt. Seem like they starting to lend the money to several bank. And only a fool who can't see the reason why they held a tea party."

"Aw, that's too bad. But, I still want to attend it, Father. As the future Queen, I can't ignored the people who needs me, right?"

"Oh, Hermann! Did you see it? Our daughter are perfect!"

Hermann nodded, "Be careful, Aileen. They might bite you just like that stupid Duke's daughter. I'm glad she was exiled at middle of nowhere!"

Silvianna's gasped, "She was exiled?!"

"Maybe. Since Duke can't handle her attitude."

"This is a good news! I should write a letter and can't wait to see what the nobles think about it!" Silviana then rose from her chairs and run to the coridor.

"Are you sure about it, Father? Duke must be not that stupid to exiled his sole heir,"

"Well, to be exact, the one who will inherited the title is that girl's husband. Or he can asked his younger brother, Grant Lancia to take over his place."

"Younger brother? I've never heard about him."

"Yes, of course. They were fight for two decades because of a woman but I heard Grant is became an Earl in some other place."

"What? So they was in love with the same person?"

Hermann nodded, "I heard that woman was married with another man. And the rest is history. "

"What a surprise! I thought Duke is a romantic man since he choose to remaining single even after the death of the Duchess."

"Duke Lancia did loved her."

"I see. So, he is a man who easily fell in love."

Hermann folded the paper, "Past isn't an important thing. Just focus on your upcoming debutante. We have to gather so many supporter to help you in this election."

Aileen's eyes glinted and she smiled like a fox, "Do not worry, Father. I have a plan to win this game."

***

"Miss, please get out of here!" Theo said when the fire is spreading on the first floor. He tried his best to remaining calm, "This way, please."

Mary, just like usual, followed her from behind, "Be careful, Miss."

The three of them walk faster to avoiding the fire. The other knights help the inn's owner to tame the fire.

Cecilia feel a little bit scared because it reminded her about the fiery river in Underworld. She closed her eyes and start chanting spell that everything is gonna be okay.

Despite of the pouring rain, the entrance of the inn was crowded by citizen of Pine Town.

Theo and Mary are perfectly guarded her.

"There is something wrong with the fire," said someone from the crowd.

"It is raining so hard but they are failed to flick it off."

"Indeed, it's so terifying! Do you think they will make it?" Said another person.

"It is useless. The fire is getting bigger!"

The voices from the crowd are getting louder and Ceciliia feel dizzy.

"Miss," Cecilia look down and saw an unknown child who keep pulling her robe and she is asking for a coin.

Cecilia felt touched when she saw that little girl who didn't stop to shivering. Her clothes was drenched in rain. But, unfortunetaly, she didn't bring any money.

When Cecilia want to borrow Mary's money, that little girl was running away.

Reflexively, she ran after her, "Hey! Wait, little girl!"

"Miss, wait! Where are you going?" Mary screamed and ran behind her, with Theo too.

But everything is too late. Just one second later, their employer is vanished in the air!

***

Cecilia gasped when she saw that everything has changed into a mist.

The world was blurred for a second. Cecilia feels like she was blind!

"Hello." Said someone whe she regained her vision again.

A tall man with black charcoal hair was smiling on that small room with dimmed light. He has a pair of gray eyes and sharp facial feature.

Cecilia gulped and feel a strangely familiar situation. A black cloud is the first thing she can thought of.

"So, does this mean that I was failed?"

That man's wrinkled his forehead. Surely this isn't a reaction he expected. Instead of being scared or panicked, Cecilia look sad and tired.

"What do you mean with failed? I'm just gonna asking you a question."

"Wait, you are not a Black Cloud?"

"Huh? What's that? Is it a name of an organization?"

Cecilia then sighed in relieve because this mean that she is alive!

But that feeling is quickly turned became an anxiety mixed with horror. Who is that guy? she asked to herself. Where I am? Why did he brought me here?

"That's it! That was an expression I was looking for." With an evil smile, that man said, "Where is your manner, Young Lady from Lancia? Why don't you say hello to your uncle?"