Loraville had been assigned to a room right next to Liana’s.
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Although Liana had mentioned the room might be simple, with only basic furniture, stepping inside revealed that "basic" in this context meant furnishings that ordinary people could hardly dream of touching.
Loraville lay on the massive bed, unable to sleep.
It wasn’t because the bed was uncomfortable. Quite the opposite—this was undoubtedly the softest, most luxurious, and most expensive bed she had ever slept in.
But if it came at such a cost, she would have rather slept on a straw mat on the floor.
As she reflected on everything that had happened recently, it all felt surreal, like a dream.
About a month ago, she had finally gotten the chance to attend the magic academy. A friend who accompanied her had given her a beautiful outfit and an invitation to a banquet. But upon arriving, her friend was nowhere to be found, leading to the events of today.
Looking back, it was clear that her so-called "friend" might never have considered her a friend at all. The invitation, too, was undoubtedly orchestrated by Liana.
The chill of the wine and the terrifying look in Liana’s eyes had been enough to convince her of this reality.
Now, though she was wrapped in a warm, soft blanket, what would she face when she opened her eyes? The thought filled Loraville with fear.
She wasn’t sure when she finally drifted off to sleep, but next door, separated by only a wall, Liana was having a difficult night herself.
“Ugh,” Liana sighed, sitting at her desk. She went over her memories once more, her expression growing darker.
According to the original story, her parents wouldn’t return for another three years, while the main plot was set to begin in two. But at this rate, she wouldn’t even survive until her parents’ return.
The current situation was grim: Loraville’s favorability toward her was already in the negatives. Countess Ruth, her son, and Kalen Laurent were guaranteed to target her.
And thanks to her past years of arrogance and cruelty, most of the family members either despised her or outright ignored her. There was no one she could count on for support.
Her only remaining card was the eldest princess, who had been entrusted by Liana’s parents to look after her. However, the princess was already deeply disappointed with her and was only one incident away from giving up on her entirely. Liana had to take advantage of this last chance.
Reaching out, Liana flicked a switch to cut off the magic power to the light crystal illuminating the room.
If only she could use magic, she wouldn’t even need to get out of bed to turn off the lights.
But due to Countess Ruth’s meddling, she was completely unable to use magic.
To find out what drug Ruth had given her and how to cure it, she’d have to search her mother’s study.
Having arrived in a world where magic was real, she was determined to wield it—she refused to accept otherwise.
Pulling a velvet blanket over herself, Liana slowly drifted to sleep.
***
The next morning, Liana woke up early. After a quick wash, she sat on her bed, examining two pairs of stockings.
Black?
White?
She didn’t have any particular preferences, but since she had worn black stockings the day before, she opted for white today.
Stretching the fabric carefully, she slid her legs into the stockings, the material clinging to her skin as she smoothed them up her thighs. A faint sound accompanied the motion, and with a soft snap, the stockings settled snugly, creating a small pinch of flesh at her upper thighs.
After slipping on a pair of leather shoes and draping a jacket over her shoulders, Liana stepped out of her room.
“Nabet,” she called, spotting the head maid in her black-and-white uniform.
“Well, this is rare. It’s unusual to see you up so early, Your Highness.”
“Waking up early isn’t so bad every now and then,” Liana replied with a smile. “Though it seems I’ve risen earlier than the servants.”
“I understand. I’ll prepare breakfast for you immediately.”
“Make it two portions,” Liana added.
“Two?” Nabet paused for a moment but quickly resumed her usual demeanor. “Understood.”
Preparing two portions likely meant Liana intended to torment some poor soul, Nabet thought. As head maid, she had to consider everything carefully. If there was anyone she could help in the process, she would.
“I’ll get to it right away.”
Liana watched Nabet walk away. The head maid was responsible for evaluating new maids and deciding whether they were fit to remain in the Venus household, which was part of why Liana had summoned her.
But more importantly, Liana needed to build some goodwill with Nabet. Currently, the head maid didn’t serve her or Countess Ruth but rather Eirina Venus, Liana’s half-sister and the future head of the Venus family.
If she didn’t want to face a total purge in the future, earning Nabet’s favor was essential.
Liana moved to the next room and knocked on the door.
It quickly opened, revealing Loraville, who stood nervously before her.
“Once you’re ready, come to my room,” Liana said.
“I’m ready, Your Highness,” Loraville replied reluctantly. Defying Liana now was not a wise decision.
“Follow me, then,” Liana said, nodding without further comment.
Trailing behind Liana, Loraville avoided looking directly at her. She had no idea what this devil might have in store for her.
When they entered the familiar room from yesterday, Loraville’s unease deepened. The memory of what had happened there filled her with fear.
Liana could clearly sense Loraville’s terror. She sighed inwardly.
Loraville was like a frightened kitten, easily spooked by the slightest movement. Given how harsh she had been, it was only natural for Loraville to be terrified.
As Liana pondered how to regain even a sliver of Loraville’s favor, Nabet appeared in her line of sight.
Loraville visibly tensed at the maid’s sudden presence, her fear obvious.
Liana noticed this reaction. It seemed yesterday’s maid had said something to frighten Loraville further.
But Liana was used to it. After all, it was Nabet’s job to make everyone—even a stray dog on the street—loathe her.