The Orphan Crown

Resonance Ceremony

Inside the Chapel, there was only one young woman, about Franziska's age.

She was tall, thin, and slender, yet every feature exuded the supple, graceful quality characteristic of a leopard. This allure didn't seem deliberately displayed, but rather ingrained in her very being, a natural part of her every gesture. Rebecca tilted her head slightly, gazing intently at the intricately carved face of the Moon Goddess on the wall before her. Below the statue was a single-piece leopard head cast from yellow diamond. Two pale amethyst irises coiled around it, reflecting the pale white light of the Chapel.

Rebecca's glossy black hair was meticulously styled. The curls fell just enough to cover almost her bare back, revealing only glimpses of her strikingly pale skin.

"Has she arrived?"

Rebecca didn't turn, calmly asking the maid who had led Franziska in. The maid stopped five steps away from her, immediately bowing and lowering her head respectfully. This absolute obedience was in stark contrast to her rude demeanor on the way.

“Yes, Your Highness. Miss Franziska has arrived and is awaiting your summons.”

“No need to waste time. Let her come in. You wait in the hallway.”

Rebecca’s voice remained calm, showing no sign of anger. However, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, revealing her displeasure at the maid’s slowness.

That small change was enough to make the maid’s face turn pale.

“I apologize, Your Highness! Please forgive me. I will immediately bring the young lady in.”

Trying to keep her voice from trembling, the maid quickly turned and opened the heavy door. Without another word, she grabbed Franziska’s wrist and pulled her along.

Caught off guard, Franziska stumbled and nearly fell. She could only try to follow, through the outer rooms to the innermost chamber, where thick curtains were drawn, blocking out the light.

“Lady Rebecca is waiting inside. Please come in, young lady.”

The maid dared not take another step. Too afraid of Rebecca’s authority, she only managed a forceful push on Franziska’s back.

Franziska lost her balance and fell face down onto the hard stone floor.

Her palms and arms were immediately scraped. Her knees hit the ground so hard that for a moment, she almost lost all feeling in her legs.

Franziska took a deep breath, biting her lip tightly, not daring to cry out in pain.

But even that small sound reached the ears of those inside.

“Hmph.”

A cold, soft laugh echoed.

The blood in Franziska’s body seemed to freeze. She dared not sit down again, immediately propping herself up and hurrying inside, ignoring the pain spreading from her knees to her hips.

“Good morning, Lady Rebecca.”

She bowed, lowering her head.

Absolute loyalty. Always putting Rebecca first.

That was the first thing Franziska was taught upon entering the Crozier mansion.

“Remember that your life, your very being, and your heart all belong to Rebecca.”

Lady Catrina had said so.

Duke Crozier and the Grand Prince remained silent, but their eyes made it clear she had no right to object.

“You are late.”

Rebecca’s cold voice cut through her reverie.