"Ophie, is this really necessary? This feels a bit excessive."
"What do you mean excessive? Look at your palm! It's as if an animal attacked it! And when did I authorize a punishment?!"
"You didn't, but I did. And you didn't need to call THREE doctors here."
"You're right. I should've gotten five!"
I could only let out a long sigh at Ophelia's theatrics. She was always so over the top with these types of situations. All I needed was an ointment and bandages, at most. But she went ahead and called three high-class, expensive doctors here to look at my hand.
Though her concern is appreciated, it is not encouraged.
"I apologize for my rash behavior."
"That didn't sound very sincere."
"I'll admit that it wasn't."
Ophelia pouted at me for a moment before pinching my cheek. Not to get confused with the other cheek which was slapped yesterday evening, which was still a bright red. Carole must have hit me with a lot more force than I remember. As of current, the two of us were sitting on her comfy bed.
"I hate it when you lie."
"I know."
"Does your cheek hurt anymore?"
"Hm... No. It just stings a bit. I'm quite alright."
Ophelia began to caress my slapped cheek gently but applied no pressure. I suppose that it'd be plain cruel to just pinch my cheek after it had been slapped, and Ophelia was in no way cruel.
"... Ava."
"Yes?"
"Practice."
I sighed softly before I felt a familiar softness on my lips. I think I've become a true pushover, as I just let Ophelia practice kissing with me whenever she wants. However, this is quite a strange moment to want to practice kissing.
Ophelia eventually stopped kissing me and instead gave me a quick peck on my cheek. She could easily change her mind apparently. Practice often lasted longer than a minute on average.
"Ophie seems to be getting better at it." I commented casually, standing up from the bed before feeling myself be tugged back down. I had chores I needed to do this morning, but Ophelia was clinging to me.
"Ophie, I have work to do."
No reply.
"Ophie."
Still nothing, I was getting a bit annoyed.
"Ophelia, let go of me."
She only tightened her grip on me. Okay, this was a bit ridiculous. Ophelia had never been this clingy.
"Don't wanna."
"We are not doing this right now."
"Yes, we are."
I let out a sigh and soon found myself on my back with Ophelia laying on me, head to my chest and arms tightly wrapped around me. This reminds me of those times when Ophelia would cling to me at bedtime and force me to share the bed with her. She was so tiny.
But now she's big and kind of heavy so this can't continue. Not very heavy, but heavy.
"Ophelia."
"Hm?"
"Remove yourself from me."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because you're comfy."
"You're crushing my bust."
"But they're soft."
My eye twitched at this and finally, I'd had enough.
"Then you leave me no choice."
"No choice in whAAA-"
Effortlessly, I picked up Ophelia into a princess carry (god that sounds weird out loud) which caused her arms to move from my waist to around my next to eventually off me as I dropped her onto the bed again.
"I've really spoiled you too much! Understand that I have work to do! I'll see you in an hour for tea!"
With that said I stomped out the door with a look (I'll never admit it was a pout) on my face.
--------
The bedroom was left in silence after the door was gently closed behind Ava, its only occupant completely still until she let out a squeal of delight.
"As expected of my Ava! She was so cute! That pout was the cutest!"
Throwing away her ladylike and childish demeanor, she began to bounce on her bed while tightly squeezing her pillow. There was a marginal gap between the normally seen Ophelia and this one, who seems to have lost her mind.
"She actually let me kiss her again today! The best! Ava's just the best! Hehehe~"
Ava's scent today was good too. Laundry soap and a little bit of sweat, most likely from doing laundry early this morning and her daily workout routine. Her face flushed a bit at the mental image of Ava doing her stretches in those workout clothes. . .
Before she could fall any deeper into illusions, Ophelia remembered those damn blemishes left upon Ava's body. All because of that bitch. Her grip on the pillow tightened.
Ava's red cheek and scarred palm, both of them were because of that wretched Millstone bitch! The pale girl began to tremble and an ugly, contorted expression came onto her face. Her teeth grit and feathers began to fall from the pillow, ripping as Ophelia pulled on it.
The potted plant resting upon the far windowsill began to grow at a dangerously fast pace, losing its original small appearance and turning more and more venomous looking time. It's originally bright green leaves turned a dark purple and dripped with some type of liquid, making it look sinister instead of cute. The pot even began to crack from the weight.
Ophelia's trembles stopped all of a sudden and a pretty, but a chilling smile appeared upon her face. How silly of her, getting so worked up over someone so pitiful. Not knowing their place in the school.
She'd teach her a lesson, she would indeed teach her one she'd never forget. Ava always did say she was the smartest. Teaching would be a breeze.
Especially. . . Her piercing gold gaze slowly turned to a wooden box on her desk, small and unassuming. The grin on her face grew wider
Especially if it was over tea.
--------
Thankfully, Ophelia tried nothing else over the next few days, seeming to be quite happy for whatever reason.
When I asked she simply said,
"I am to have tea with Miss Millstone on Wednesday, why shouldn't I be happy?"
And nothing else with a smile on her face and a strange look in her eye. It was quite concerning. What would make having tea with the protagonist so exciting? Unless. . .
Perhaps Ophelia had fallen under the protagonist halo's spell! That would be terrible! But she never said anything about Carole, barely shared any classes with her. It surely didn't happen during the Introductory Ball either. Strange.
Speaking of the Ball, it seems I've become a bit of a campus celebrity. Anytime I'm doing chores or using the school kitchen to prepare Ophelia's meals, staff would always talk to me with such respect and admiration.
"I think you gave those children a good lesson to learn at that Ball and carried yourself beautifully! If they want respect they must earn it! Would you mind teaching a class with me?" Had been said by the Etiquette Teacher, known for being quite rude to other servants. And I don't believe servants have ever helped teach a class before. . .
"Miss Simmonds! Before you leave, take a pastry for the road. It's the least I can do after what you did at the Ball. Those kids have been so polite lately." Had been said to me by the Head Cook, having shoved a puff pastry into my arms. And another couple. That cook had never even spoken to me before. . .
Even the dorms were catastrophic, maids and butlers alike thanking me for reining their masters and mistresses in a bit. Some had even professed their adoration of me. It was so very strange.
I didn't even dare show myself in front of the other students.
On the other hand, I received two letters from home. One from Mother and another from a Merlin. Who was that again? Oh, that knight's child who I trained for a short while. I completely forgot about him.
Mother's letter was long and detailed, talking about antics that Ophelia's younger brothers had gotten into and how the room was a bit lonely without me here. She had also mentioned a surprise and sent me a small amount of money, which I immediately wanted to send back. I had no use for money in this school, but I had a feeling that Mother would only send it back to me again as she was just as stubborn as I was. So, I kept it.
Next was the letter from Merlin, which was interesting. His handwriting was quite bad so I couldn't read it all, but I could read the important parts.
Dear Ava,
Hello. I don't know if you remember me or not, but I'm that boy you helped out a couple of years ago. Merlin. I just wanted to send you a message and tell you that I have finished my squire training and officially become a Knight for the household.
I was wondering if when you came back from the Academy with Lady Ophelia if we could perhaps have a sparing match or talk. Whichever you prefer if you'd like to.
Sincerely,
Sir Merlin
There had been a third paragraph, but the handwriting was so shakey looking that it was illegible. So I ignored what its contents could be. I hadn't had a good spar in quite a while, so perhaps that would be an offer I could take. As long as it was hand-to-hand and not swords. I can't use swords.
To get back to important matters, it was currently Wednesday. Which meant that Carole would be joining Ophelia for tea this afternoon. Ugh. I'll fully admit I was not looking forward to having to serve her anything that Ophelia would also have to touch. Cross-contamination is a serious thing, but I'll have to be civil with her. However, Ophelia had a strange request for me.
After I had finished setting up the tableware and snacks in a secluded area, as Ophelia had mentioned wanting privacy, she called me over with a strange little wooden box in her hand which I soon recognized as a tea box.
"Ava," Her lovely face had a small smile upon it. "I'd like you to use this brew of tea for this afternoon." Ophelia then handed me the tea box.
I made a curious face and looked at Ophelia. "You wouldn't like the usual tea leaves I use for you?"
Ophelia shook her head lightly with a smile still present on her face. I was a bit hurt. She normally loved my tea.
"Don't misunderstand, Ava. Mother sent me this tea when I mentioned wanting to have a tea party at school in my last letter. It's for entertaining guests." Her smile suddenly widened. "Ava's tea is just for me."
I do remember bringing in a package for Ophelia when the mail arrived. This must've been what was in it. Lady Ysabelle was truly a woman who knew social etiquette. It was normal to have tea specifically set aside for guests. I would think nothing more of it.
And I will not admit hearing Ophelia say my tea was just for her made me happy.
Carole would be arriving soon, in around ten minutes if she was to be punctual. A lady always arrives a bit early, but I digress. I left to brew the tea but couldn't help but be curious about the tea.
Unlike the many tea boxes I've seen in my life, this one had no label of the brand of tea or type of tea it had within it. It was simply a plain wooden box. When I opened it, I wasn't hit with the scent of tea whether it was floral or strange. I smelt nothing.
The teabags were simple, not fancy like I would expect from tea for guests of nobles. It was a bit concerning. Maybe Lady Ysabelle was simply trying not to make a show of the Dubannes' wealth. That would be the proper thing to do, as showing off your wealth to guests would be seen as cheap in etiquette. I read a book or two about maid and noble etiquette, so I know what I'm talking about.
I brought one of the bags up to my nose and sniffed, finally smelling something. It was a faint floral scent, meaning it must be herbal tea, but I couldn't place what the flower could be. It could be a foreign one I hadn't seen or smelled before. I decided to no longer fret about it and brew the tea like I was taught to.
Carrying the teapot out to where I had left Ophelia, Carole was there. Right on time. Good. They were chatting amicably, some of the sweets I prepared being gone. Everything seemed to be going well. Silently, I began to pour the tea into their individual cups, being so surprised at what I saw that I nearly dropped the teapot.
The tea was purple in color, something I'd never seen in all my life. Sure, this was a fantasy world, but nothing like this had ever happened. Had I prepared the tea the wrong way? I could not voice my inquiry and let Ophelia lose face though. A maid not knowing about the tea being served to her lady and guest? That would ruin her reputation. I had no choice but to stay quiet.
"Would either of you like honey or sugar in your tea?"
Carole nodded. "Honey for me please."
Ophelia only took a sip from her cup, so that was a no.
A little honey was added to Carole's tea and I took my place behind Ophelia as the two began to chat again. Rachael, who I had just noticed, gave me a small smile which I returned. Ophelia gave out a small gasp after a bit.
"Oh, silly me! I forgot to grab my handkerchief! Ava, would you be so kind as to go get it for me?"
Strange. Ophelia never left behind her handkerchief. I had embroidered it myself for her. But accidents do happen, even to Ophelia.
"Of course, Young Miss. I'll be back soon."
Right when I was about to leave Carole giggled.
"I forgot mine as well. It seems even Miss Ophelia can forget things. Rachael, accompany Ava to the dorms to get mine."
Rachael nodded and curtsied before walking to me. We soon set off together.
"Does Miss Millstone often forget her handkerchief?" I asked, expecting exactly what Rachael said.
The blonde girl nodded. "Constantly! We've had to buy so many this month alone. If the Millstone fortune is spent dry on anything, it's handkerchiefs for their Young Miss."
I couldn't help but giggle at that.
--------
"I truly misjudged you, Miss Ophelia," Carole admitted, giving the black-haired girl a genuine smile. She had expected the perfect lady revered by the school populace to be just as perfect at a tea party. But just like her, she had forgotten her handkerchief. She always saw Ava running around doing something. Maybe one of those things was fetching her lady's handkerchief.
It was quite comical to see a flaw you have shared with another.
Ophelia smiled back at Carole, eyes shining. "I was wrong about you as well, Miss Carole. You know how to have a good conversation."
Carole's smile widened as she took a sip of her tea and surprise became evident on her face instead.
"This is tea is excellent. Where did you get it?"
Ophelia's eyes took on a strange glint, like cold steel. "I'm not sure, my mother sent it to me. If you'd like I can ask her where she got it from."
"That would be much. . . "
Carole's sentence was cut short as she felt her throat tighten. Was she having an allergic reaction to the tea? Her hands instantly went to her throat.
"Miss Carole? Are you alright?" Ophelia's worried voice came from across the table, hearing her chair squeak as she stood up.
Carole would've replied if she didn't feel something crawling up her throat.
The brunette began to panic, blue eyes begging for assistance. Was she going to vomit? Not here! Not now!
When the crawling finally reached her mouth, Carole opened it to reveal. . .
A flower. Stem and all. The petals were purple and thin, something she'd never seen before. Somehow she could still breathe around it, but she could not speak or make a sound. She turned to Ophelia for assistance only to see a strange expression on her face.
One of morbid joy.
"Oh my! It was mentioned that the tea would bring about a surprise if something was added to it, but I didn't expect this." She giggled behind her hand.
"It's a pity that such a pretty flower is wasted upon someone so ugly."
Carole's eyes became fierce and her face red. Had Ophelia planned this?! She was going to kill her! The force the brunette used to stand up would have sent her chair flying backward. But she did not stand. In fact, she felt quite tight.
Looking down, she was surprised to see wines wrapped around her torso and legs, slowly tightening to keep her in place this was obviously the use of magic. An extremely ugly expression came onto Carole's face as she glared at Ophelia.
The other young lady only cruelly smiled at her.
"You know, Miss Carole. I had every intention of leaving you to your own devices." Ophelia began to leisurely walk around the bound girl. "But you simply had to push my buttons."
She slowly came to a stop in front of Carole and sized her up. They stood in silence for a short while before Carole felt a stinging pain in her cheek and her head swerved to the side.
Ophelia had slapped her. Hard.
"What do you think-"
Slap.
"Gave you the right-"
Slap.
"To touch her?!"
Two slaps occurred in succession, leaving Carole's mind reeling and tears brimming in her eyes. Her face hurt so much. What was she even talking about?
Ophelia was panting a bit now, golden eyes gleaming with somewhat restrained rage.
"That hurts, doesn't it?"
A weak nod.
"Don't you think it hurt when you hit Ava?"
Another slap had Carole's cheeks looking cherry red. That was what Ophelia was so mad about? A maid?
Another slap resounded into the air.
"Don't you think it hurts when you slap Rachael?"
Tears actually began to fall down Carole's face, having never been hit like this in her life, not even by her adopted family. How did Ophelia even know about what she did to Rachael? Another slap had all her thoughts sent straight out of her head. When this was over she'd have this bitch's head!
"As your superior, it's expected that I keep you in line." Ophelia's black hair had come out of its bun due to her intense movement, splashing over her shoulders like black waves. "Teach you how to behave."
Carole glared and a harder slap was her reward. How her skin hadn't broke wasn't known.
"But your problems stem from one place. Lack of discipline and no consequences for your actions!"
Carole was backhanded instead and more tears poured out.
"Firstly, ever touch Ava again and I'll kill you."
SLAP
"Secondly, ever abuse your servants again and I'll pay you back every single injury."
SLAP
Ophelia took a deep breath and giggled eerily. "This is the final lesson I'll teach you, and remember it well."
She leaned in close to Carole so they were eye to eye. Crazed yellow met teary blue.
"No one will ever believe a word you say against me. You are despised and can easily be disposed of. Who even knows if you're truly an Earl's daughter? You look nothing like the rest of the family. Imagine what an investigation could do to your status."
Carole flinched away, expecting another slap. Ophelia only laughed and pinched her cheek.
The young miss took a step back and released Carole from her binds. The girl fell to her knees from her chair, trembling as the flower wilted out of her mouth and onto the floor. She had to get away.
She had to get away from this psycho.
The brunette's legs could barely work as she stumbled back when she stood up.
"Y-you're a monster. . ."
Ophelia truly looked like a demoness to her when she smiled.
"I'm more human than you."
Carole grit her teeth and stumbled away from that place as fast as she could, haunted by the giggling she could hear from behind her.
When she was finally out of sight, Ophelia got to work.
--------
Rachael and I arrived back at the tea party with handkerchiefs in hand only to see a shocking sight.
The table and all on top of it were overturned onto the ground, strewn about like a hurricane. Various sweets and finger sandwiches were destroyed on the floor, some damp with water. Shattered china was also prevalent.
The thing that sent me truly into shock, however, was Ophelia lying knocked out cold upon the ground.
[ 👀 Y'all. It's here. Official Yandere Ophie. And I published when I said I would! That's more of an achievement. Anyway, while I was writing this I thought of like 20 other AUs which means I have a problem-
But I also read all of your guy's comments and can I just say, you guys have way more creative power than me. I also adore reading your comments so please leave more! As always, vote and add this story to a reading list! Love you ❤❤❤ ]