The Crimson Throne - A Grimdark Tale

The aristocrats drifted back to their carriages, returning home. After a while, only a few guests remained. Among them was Count Michel, fidgeting in a nearby corner. Though the early morning weather was crisp, large sweat droplets poured from his forehead. His eyes hovered between Elaine and the Duke, fighting an invisible battle inside his mind. Finally, he approached Elaine.

"Lady Estella," Count Michel inclined his body.

"Count Michel, how may I help you?" She asked, feigning ignorant.

"Regarding yesterday's incident," he began.

"I do not know what incident you are referring to." Elaine stopped him before he could continue. "But I will not tolerate those who offended me twice." She smiled, though it lacked warmth, sending chills throughout the Count's body.

"Yes, milady." The Count took out a handkerchief and dabbed the sticky liquid from his face. "I will make sure it will never happen again."

"I'm glad we came to an understanding." Elaine nodded. She did not want to destroy a noble family because of an ignorant remark, but as Estella, sitting still while others insulted her would be more out of character.

"Thank you, milady." He again bowed and dismissed himself.

Elaine watched Count Michel leave and returned to Gerard's side, curtsied. "Father."

The Duke did not look at her, watching the departing guests. "I heard about last night. You handled it well, though I prefer a more effective method."

"What is the method?"

"Cut off her tongue. Then she can never speak those words again."

Elaine fought to contain her trembling voice. "But isn't Lady Marine the eldest daughter of his legal wife?"

"The man has many offspring from several mistresses. A mute daughter will not damage his lineage." Gerard glanced back at her. "Plus, it will set a potent example."

"Won't he resent us and switch to the other faction?"

"I see you still have not memorized the intelligence." The Duke turned around. His silver eyes were like a winter night, deep and unfathomable. "Count Michel has no affiliation and cares more about money than family. A mere daughter will not deter his interest in doing a lucrative business with us."

A mere daughter. Elaine lamented. Just like her. Although Marine and Estella had different social status, they shared the same fate, weak and dispensible dolls to the whims of their families. The Count preferred money over his daughter. Then what about the Duke? Did he care for Estella? Or was she another tool to further his ambition? Elaine knew the answer, though admitting it would be too depressing.

"I understand, father. Thank you for your guidance."

"Good. Let us return." Gerard nodded and strolled to his carriage.

"Yes, father." Elaine again curtsied and also returned. The ride back to the estate was short, but it gave her ample time to contemplate yesterday's event. The book never mentioned the ceremony, taking her entirely off guard. Elaine realized her insufficient knowledge about this world. Even the characters she once thought she knew now seemed foreign.

How naïve of her to believe she could navigate to the finish line without trouble by blindly following the plot. The story centered on the protagonists, but Estella was only a mid-level villainess who died halfway through. Thus, the storyline glossed over many details about her. Worst, she came here two years before the beginning, making her limited knowledge even more prohibited. Suddenly, Elaine remembered Elias' comment.

Those Devil Beasts. If Elias did not kill them, then who did? Elaine recalled the Devil Beasts' relentless attack on the ice barrier, fatally wounding her. What happened after she fell unconscious? Who killed the monsters and saved her? Questions piled inside her head, but solving them was another problem.

"Milady, we have arrived." The coachman informed her.

Elaine stepped out of the carriage, then she saw him. Cecil was still kneeling at the entrance. His face was pale, yet his eyes remained determined.

"Sir Ascania, I order you to stand up!" She felt hot lava rush through her head, boiling over. He had never defied her before. What changed? Cecil had not fully recovered, and Elaine wanted him to rest. Instead, he strained his body, waiting for her outside in the cold.

Cecil stood up, inclining his body. "Milady, welcome back."

"Why did you disobey me?"

He did not reply, only gazed at her with his heterochromia.

"Answer my question." She demanded.

"I did not want you to suffer alone."

His response shocked her. How could he tell? Elaine thought she hid her feeling well, but maybe she was wrong. "Sir Ascania, I do not tolerate insubordination and will dismiss your service if this situation happens again." She glowered. Though touched by his concern, Elaine preferred Cecil not to grow attached. One day, their path would divert. And knowing Cecil's loyal character, if she could keep a concrete distance between them, then leaving would be easier for him before she destroyed the Geris dukedom. Elaine, too, did not want to develop strong bonds with the inhabitants of this world. It would make her departure more complicated.

Cecil knelt and kissed her hand. "Your safety is my only concern, milady."

Why are you being stubborn? I am doing this for your sake. She sighed, shaking her head. "No, Sir Ascania, what I need is an obedient subordinate. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Lady Estella."

"Good, now return to your quarter and rest. You have been out here long enough." His reply satisfied Elaine, though she suspected he only agreed to calm her. But at least she laid out her expectations and limits.

"As you wish, milady." Cecil stood up and bowed, then retreated to his room.

"Milady, you should also rest." Mariam reminded her.

"Yes." Elaine nodded. "Take me to my chamber." The ceremony drained her mentally and physically, and she would need a long rest to recover.