Chapter 25: Elizabeth Starlight
They stopped before the entrance of a colossal mansion.
Luxurious cars lined the parking lot, each one costing more than a citizen of the Middle Sector could hope to earn in their entire lifetime.
"Your invitation, please."
They were halted before entering the estate for yet another inspection. This time, however, there wasn’t a trace of mockery, only absolute respect for anyone who had ventured to the heart of Eternia City.
"You may proceed."
The gatekeepers bowed and stepped aside.
"Let’s get this over with." Leonard took a deep breath and pushed open the doors.
Inside the mansion, the grand ceremony was already taking place. Prominent guests, nobles who had been invited out of consideration for their influence, and warriors due to their bloodlines were chatting lightheartedly.
This gathering had been organized primarily to honor the deeds of Leonard’s father and solemnly discuss what could have led such a man astray, ultimately ending in his execution.
Leonard himself was meant to gather with those who had a direct connection to Gideon, but since he had arrived early, he had some time to spare here.
He wasn’t surprised to find out that the ceremonial funeral had turned into an elite social gathering. Nobles made use of the rare opportunity to have so many influential figures gathered in one place, using the occasion to strengthen their connections with fellow aristocrats.
Today was one of the few rare instances when he was glad for his illegitimate status. His existence had been kept largely under wraps, and few people knew that he was Gideon’s child. As a result, he expected that no one would bother him throughout the evening.
No disturbance occurred during the first few minutes, until the entrance doors creaked open, bringing every conversation to a complete halt.
Beyond the doorway, a woman entered.
Her long hair was the shade of deep blue, more vibrant than the ocean itself. Her icy blue eyes carried a piercing coldness that seemed to keep the world at a distance, while her full red lips were pressed into a thin, emotionless line.
Remaining utterly unfazed by the countless gazes directed at her, she moved through the crowd of elites toward the main stage.
As she advanced, those in her path instinctively stepped aside, parting before her like a sea divided.
"That’s Elizabeth Starlight, the Ice Queen of House Starlight. Under no circumstances should you get involved with her." One man whispered.
"Why? Amidst everyone here, she has the most stunning figure, and according to rumors, she carries a Mythical Bloodline. Surely there is no shortage of admirers who wish to take her hand in marriage?" Another whispered back.
"You buffoon! The outside may see a mesmerizing jade, but inside she is colder than ice! She doesn’t possess emotions, and her house is a billionaire-level power, practically running the city in coalition with a few others. One wrong glance toward her, and you, along with everyone you love, would be erased!"
Ignoring the chatter happening around her, Elizabeth rose to the stage. The world seemed to freeze, waiting for her words.
"It is truly a shame how the legacy of our king, the hero who inspired a whole generation, was brought to an end." Her voice carried a faint resemblance of regret.
"Yet in moments like this, we must not despair but strive to be better. We must rise to fill the hole left behind. Which is why I wish to announce that, just like you all, I will be participating in the entrance exam of the awakener’s academy and rightfully earn my place. I hope to see you there and may only the best qualify."
Without uttering another word, she left. Her actions instantly sparked debate among the elites, their conversations shifting subtly as they discussed whose heirs would be participating in the entrance exam this year.
Leonard was beyond impressed. It was obvious that Elizabeth’s stance had been made solely to boost discussion about the upcoming academy entrance and raise the number of potential candidates... and she had succeeded.
"I wonder what it’s like to have a family that actually treasures you." He murmured out loud.
***
Without pausing in her stride, Elizabeth reached House Starlight, where she immediately headed to her father.
"Lord Damon." Elizabeth greeted, her eyes remaining fixed on the ground. "As ordered, I have made my stance regarding joining the awakener’s academy officially. That should increase the public interest."
The man lifted his head. As the black strands of hair fell away from his face, his eyes came into view. His left eye was a mesmerizing shade of blue, while his right was clouded white, blinded by a scar that ran across his face.
"These are but trivial matters." He spoke calmly. "More importantly, how did your last dungeon expedition go?"
"Regrettably, I didn’t manage to find the required materials." Elizabeth answered.
Quietly, Damon rose from his seat and stopped before his daughter.
Hitting with his palm, he slapped her across the face.
"First, you killed your mother with your birth."
The next slap carried more weight.
"Second, you came out a woman. Without your brother, do you know how much of a headache I would have had finding a proper heir?"
He turned his palm sideways and struck more forcefully.
"And now you return to me as a failure despite the Mythical Bloodline you bear? Do the sacrifices of this family mean nothing to you?"
"..."
Feeling a stinging sensation in her cheeks, Elizabeth didn’t dare speak. She had not been granted permission to do so.
"Why do you make me do this to you?" Her father asked in disappointment. "You know I don’t want to do it, but you’re forcing my hand."
Elizabeth’s eyes remained glued to the floor. "Forgive me, Lord Damon. I won’t repeat this mistake."
Damon’s eyes narrowed. "No... you won’t."
Growl!
Suddenly, Elizabeth’s stomach growled in hunger.
"Are you hungry, perhaps?" He was intrigued.
She bit her lower lip slightly. "Yes... the monster meat in the dungeon is deadly. I haven’t had the chance to eat in a week."
With a scoff Damon shifted his gaze to a standing butler.
"Bring food."
Bowing deeply, the butler complied. Less than a minute later, herb-roasted lamb was presented on the table, the enticing smell of the meat rising in the air.
"If my memory serves me correctly, this is your favorite dish." Damon walked to the table, picked up a knife and fork, and began to savor every bite.
The whole time, Elizabeth remained standing on her feet.
When Damon finished, he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"It was delicious."
He placed the cutlery on the empty plate, which had been wiped clean, and studied his daughter.
"Food is reserved for those who have earned the right to eat." He declared coldly. "Fail to meet expectations, and you will not taste a single bite. Become a worthy heir to our House. Until then, we will watch your figure in case we have to use you as a political bargaining chip in marriage. Either way, you will contribute to this family... whether you like it or not."
Damon paused, letting the silence settle.
"Hopefully, you have learned your lesson. Dismissed."
With a bow, Elizabeth left the chamber of the family head and went to her room.
Going over her secret food stash, she took out the last piece of bread she had.
Gyaa?
Suddenly, a small blue lizard climbed onto her table and stared at her in anticipation.
Elizabeth smiled faintly and gave her last portions to the creature.
"Eat a lot so you can grow big and strong, okay?" She gently caressed the lizard’s head while it consumed the bread.
She examined the status of the creature.
[Familiar: Ice Dragon (Hatchling)]
Comments