[ Lady Evelina Van Skyler, we are sorry to inform you that your engagement to our family's young master, Chase Casspan, is broken. This engagement was meant to be advantageous for both families, however due to many unfortunate reasons, this doesn't seem to be the case.]
Silence swept over the room as even Lia was too afraid to even let out the faintest sob. She almost didn't even dare to breathe. She could see how turbulent and unstable her master's heart is after reading the letter bringing catastrophe. Evelina's eyes were locked on the piece of paper, her gaze burning with the blazing desire to rip the letter apart! But no trace of strength appeared in her now frail and pale arms. All she was capable of doing that moment was just to sigh. She had already expected this day would come, but it was still hard to accept it.
Shortly after. the sound of something grazing the wooden floors sounded in the two ladies's ears. It was another letter. Unwilling to keep her irritated master waiting, Lia quickly grabbed the letter that had been slid in from under the door and handed it to Evelina. This new letter was much different from the previous one, as this particular one had the imperial seal. Someone belonging to the royal family sent this, and it wasn't hard to guess who.
Evelina took out the note inside the envelope and read the words handwritten on it carefully. This turned out to be an invitation. An invitation for princess Lilith's first royal tea party that will be held the next day. Ridiculous. She has just received the news that she had been abandoned by her fiance and now she was being invited to some tea party...
Evelina wanted to refuse, however, how could she? The distance between their standings are so far apart now. It would only be deemed as disrespectful if she refuses this 'kind grace'. Thus, with a heart full of reluctance and resentment, Evelina wrote and sent a letter informing of her attendance.
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Under a clear blue sky and the shining sun, an extravagant garden was being prepared for the tea part of the second princess. The morning's atmosphere was just right. The birds sang amusingly for the upcoming guests and the flowers in the garden of the Eternal Rose Palace were in full bloom. The scent of freshly baked pastries and fragrant tea hung over the table of delicious goods. Standing amongst the eye-catching scenery was a rare beauty with an angelic face
Lilith watched closely as the servants obediently worked with much care. Lilith smirked with satisfaction at the sight, how could they not be obedient after she had gifted them all money?When Lilith heard the voices of the arriving guest, she stood up to greet them with a smile. Of course she had carefully arranged who would attend her tea party. All the noble ladies that have been invited to attend are either noblewomen from influential families, young ladies that are easy to be persuaded, or women that share the same hatred for Evelina.
"It's an honor to be able to attend, thank you for inviting this subject, princess Lilith." Countess Salvania spoke after giving Lilith a respectful bow.
"This humble one greatly appreciates your highness's grace." The one who spoke was Viscountess Arielle. Though she is merely the wife of a baron, her name is known throughout the capital as one of the most cultured and educated women. This woman is famous for her many skills such as being able to play twelve musical instruments.
"Princess, this humble subject greets you. Thank you for inviting this one." Harper smiled sweetly with a modest appearance.
"Your highness!" Alice wore a big grin as she curtsied before giving Lilith a gentle hug.
"So nice to see you again, Princess Lilith. It is this subject's greatest pleasure to be accompanying you today." Arianna entered, a dignified air surrounds her as always.
"What a pretty sight! Lily, what a pretty setting this is! You're so lucky to be residing in this palace!" With a burst of laughter, Rienne walked in with confidence. She didn't seem to care about the questioning gazes of others or the fact that she had addressed Lilith quite intimately and not using the proper courtesies.
Following behind Rienne was a beautiful woman with long red hair, Duchess Balloria herself. With a huge grin stuck on her face, Duchess Balloria bowed and shook hands with Lilith before saying, "Thank you for inviting this subject and this one's daughter. Do forgive my daughter if she speaks rather inappropriately, it's this subject's fault for not educating her properly."
"Of course, your grace. Lady Rienne is a dear friend of mine after all." Lilith laughed and nodded. After the usual formalities were exchanged, all the invited guests took their arranged seats, except for one as this one hasn't even arrived yet. This particular guest was of course the main target of today's tea party, Evelina.
"Hm, isn't lady Evelina supposed to attend? Why haven't I seen her?" A young lady from a baron family asked.
"Lady Evelina must just be running late. We shouldn't blame her, her family is in the middle of a very busy situation recently..." Lilith answered, her words carried what seemed like a defence for Evelina but if you listen closely, isn't this just insulting her family's poor situation?
"Damn right they're busy, busy losing their money!" Rienne played no part in trying to make her insult not obvious. Fortunately everyone present was already aware of her reckless personality and didn't make too much of a fuss about it. The Skyler family, though still a duke family, is now below the Balloria family. Why would they defend a not very prospering family and offend a powerful one instead? If one did, well, they'll just have to blame their awaiting misfortunes on their foolishness.
Everyone there knew that turning up late to any member of the royal family's event, especially a favored princess, is a great disrespect. By now, everyone in the capital was aware of the Skyler family's troubles, even commoners', but lady Evelina still had the boldness to show up late?
"Lady Evelina must have forgotten her etiquette after years of being pampered by those lovesick men around her." One spoke out.
"Indeed. With such a stunning beauty, many overlooked her sometimes rude behavior. Even my husband is charmed by her!"
"Life is easier for the ones who hold a pretty face..."
Lilith, as if completely unaware of what they're saying about her former sister, smiled harmlessly. She had purposely written the time of arrival a little later in Evelina's invitation. Even if Evelina did tell the people present of Lilith little trick, none would believe her and merely think of it as her trying to make up an excuse. All the noblewomen here are planted by Lilith. They are all not the fondest of Evelina, thus none would even want to believe her even if they did.
After a few minutes, Evelina finally arrived. She was visibly shocked and embarrassed when she saw how she was the last to arrive. Not only that, they all already started chatting and drinking tea without her! Now she looks like a poor intruder that was desperate to join!
"Oh, lady Evelina! You have finally come! We've all been waiting for you!" Harper was the first to stand up to greet Evelina, her every word and action was very docile but it sent shivers down Evelina's spine.
"So glad you could come, lady Evelina." Lilith stood up and gave Evelina a welcoming hug. After Evelina had been seated, the tea party continued on. The conversations were carried out with harmless topics, until Alice had brought out a certain matter.
"Today is so delightful. I think the last tea party I participated in was Lady Evelina's tea party and it did not end well..." Alice mentioned.
"Hm? What happened?" One of the noblewomen grew curious and asked. What happened in Evelina's last tea party wasn't concealed thus some in the capital were already aware of what had occured, but some didn't and this noblewomen was one of them.
"Well her highness, Princess Lilith, experienced an allergic reaction to the tea that was served during lady Evelina's tea party. Fortunately it wasn't a fatal reaction but it did cause me fright when it happened so suddenly!" Alice explained, her eyes slightly moist with tears as she recalled the memory.
"What? How could that be!" Countess Salvania turned to Evelina and advised, "Lady Evelina, a matter like that could only happen due to recklessness and ignorance. If you were to hold a tea party and serve the guests food, you must be sure that everything that is presented is safe to eat! Next time you hold a tea party, this one advises you to pay more attention to people's preferences and restrictions."
"... Yes, thank you for your wisdom, Countess." Evelina accepts her words with a crooked smile. Of course she knew that! She simply had unknowingly falled into one of her good sister's tricks! It isn't her fault! Why must she be the one held accountable!?
"Indeed Lady Evelina, you must be more cautious in the future when serving things for people to consume. Hmph, I would be terrified to attend one of your parties if I knew how negligent you are of your guest's condition and safety." Duchess Balloria scoffed. Today was a good opportunity to seek vengeance for her daughter, she will not let such an easy chance slip!
"..." Evelina endured the humiliation in silence as she knew no one here was on her side. When no one was looking, she would secretly glare at Lilith with deep hatred surging in her fierce eyes. Lilith didn't shy away and only responded with a naive smile. This only irritated Evelina further.
"For me, the most memorable thing tht happened during lady Evelina's tea party was the sudden appearance of large insects that crawled up our feet." Harper laughed as if it was a silly matter but her words scared the guests into silence. But this silence didn't last long as one couldn't help but question with fright.
"In... insects crawling up the guest's feet!? That's horrendous! How in the world did the servants of the Skyler family manage the garden!"
"I'm never attending any tea party of the Skyler family! Just thinking about it makes me feel faint!"
"That's disgusting! Lady Evelina, is this how you hold your parties!?"
Evelina was appalled at how quickly they turned against her and was about to speak out but was interrupted by Harper.
"Don't worry everyone! I'm sure it was just some sort of misunderstanding! In the end, no one was harmed." Harper defended Evelina but her act of kindness only enraged Evelina. Who is she trying to act like a saint for!? Evelina knew better than anyone who this Harper truly is.
"Lady Harper is right. Now, we should put this all behind as it is a matter of the past." Lilith successfully put down the little ruckus. Evelina, however, didn't want to stay here to chat with them and wait for another humiliation, thus she pulled the pure Harper away to talk to her privately. After separating themselves from the rest, Evelina didn't hesitate to confront her.
"Dear sister, what are you planning? Out for revenge? Acting like a pure maiden to pull other's heartstrings? I knew you were just an attention seeking brat! You'd play innocent ever since we were children!" Evelina accused, her eyes mad with hatred and frustrations that had been built up the past years.
"Are you talking to me or are you talking about yourself?" Harper was unbothered by her words and responded calmly. Though her answer was short, it stunned Evelina. Seeing her usually speechless appearance, Harper sneered. While taking a step forward to the stiff Evelina, she said, "Why are you accusing me, big sister? Playing innocent? Me? Isn't that your speciality? I never did anything to purposely provoke you as a child, your the one who keeps on provoking me."
Harper watched as Evelina's face darkened a shade with every word she said. She was pleased by this and didn't stop, but continued. Her words grew more provoking as the closer her steps got to Evelina.
"Do you not feel ashamed? Poisoning your youngest sister to death and putting our eldest sister to death. I wonder, you have put on this perfect act for so long, is this merely because you know how unlikeable your true self is? Well if so, at least you're self aware. Heh, you would follow father behind like a little dog, begging for affection. It's pathetic to look at it honestly. Aside from your face, you don't have any redeeming qualities. Your personality is unbearable, your temper is uncontrollable, and you're talentless. It's no wonder why that Chase left yo-"
"Pap!" Harper's words were cut off by a hard slap on her face. Evelina's eyes were red with rage as she glared at this unruly younger sister of her's. Harper stared at the face before her before slowly curling her lips to form a grin. It was only then did Evelina realize the sounds of footsteps approaching.