The Evil Ladies Form An Alliance

CHAPTER 23:The Lady Is Frustrated

Back at present, Valerie's heart is pounding, Emma delicately applies makeup to the lady's face. Her soft snow-white skin blushed with a powder of blush-on. Her delicate soft lips are covered with rosy pink lipstick. Her natural beauty glows even better with the make-up Emma applied. Her jewelry is strictly chosen by the lady. Dangling blue topaz earrings, matched with a simple yet elegant silver necklace with blue topaz gemstone, those shimmering blue jewels matched her aquamarine dress.

Valerie clearly remembers Akari's memory while playing the game. There was a time when the heroine, Cindy, asked Ashton what his favorite color was. He raised his head and said 'Blue'.

She wants to look simple but elegant, with the shimmering color of blue that Ashton likes. A sudden knock on the door captured their attention. A maid opens the door to convey a message. "My lady, the butler calls you at the entrance to welcome the Marquess."

"I'm coming." She said, her voice quite shaking, nervous as this was the first time she'd met the Marquess.

Valerie stood at the grand entrance of Henstone Manor, surrounded by the Madam, the butler, and a line of servants. Her heart raced in a swirling storm of joy, excitement, and an undercurrent of nervousness. The moment she had long anticipated since transmigrating into the world of the game was finally here. The man she had tirelessly waited to meet, the character who had captured her attention in countless playthroughs, would soon arrive.

Her sky-blue eyes shimmered with expectation, reflecting the sunlight as it danced across the courtyard. In the distance, a column of figures emerged, their faces concealed beneath thick hooded cloaks. The Marquess had insisted on a discreet return, ensuring that only the estate's inhabitants knew of their arrival. The sight of the approaching troops filled the air with quiet anticipation, and Valerie’s fingers twitched with anxious energy.

The horses drew to a halt, their breath steaming in the cool air. The man at the center dismounted first, his movements fluid and confident. As he lowered his hood, Valerie’s breath hitched. The man who stood before her was a striking figure—a towering presence with the strong, chiseled features of a seasoned warrior. His hair was a radiant gold, reminiscent of wheat fields at harvest, and his amber eyes glimmered warmly as they scanned the crowd gathered to welcome them.

But for Valerie, this was not the moment she had imagined. Her smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of confusion. This man—clearly someone of importance—did not match the image she had meticulously built in her mind. Her turquoise eyes darted across the group, searching for the familiar face of the Marquess. The unease began to coil in her chest like a serpent. Where was he?

“Corn head!” The Madam’s voice cut through the tension, sharp and filled with frustration. She stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she addressed the man. “My son—where is he?”

The golden-haired knight offered a self-assured grin, his tone calm and composed. “Oh, Madam,” he said with a slight bow, “the Marquess took a different route. He wished to pay his respects to his grace before coming here. He’ll arrive shortly.”

The Madam huffed, her lips curling into an exaggerated pout, her frustration barely masked by her playful, almost childish demeanor.

“Welcome back, Vice-Captain,” Alex, the ever-composed butler, greeted him warmly.

“It’s been a while, Alex,” the knight replied, his amber gaze sweeping the gathered crowd until it landed on Valerie. His expression shifted to one of curiosity as he pointed toward her. “And who might this be?”

Valerie stepped forward with poise, her voice steady despite her lingering nervousness. “Greetings, I am Valerie Hawthorne.”

The name hit the Vice-Captain like a bolt. His posture stiffened, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face. Though he had heard of the young lady of the house, she had been somewhat of an enigma to the knights—a shadow in the manor, rarely seen. Her reputation, though unkindly earned, had painted her as aloof.

“G-Greetings, my lady,” Enoch Benette stammered, quickly recovering his composure. “I apologize for not recognizing you sooner. I am Enoch Benette, Vice-Captain of the Black Wolves Knights.” He bowed deeply, his golden locks catching the light.

“W-Welcome back, Sir Benette,” Emma stammered from Valerie’s side, her cheeks flushed pink as her hands nervously fidgeted with her apron.

Enoch turned to her, his grin softening into something friendlier. “It’s good to see you again, Emma,” he said warmly.

Valerie’s eyes flicked at Emma, noting her reaction with a growing sense of frustration. The sight of the knight clearly flustered Emma in a way that made her giddy with excitement. But while Emma seemed to beam under his attention, Valerie’s unease only deepened.

“Let us go inside,” Alex interjected smoothly, sensing the need to shift the moment. “We’ve prepared a feast in honor of your return.”

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the knights gathered in the grand dining hall, their voices echoing as they laughed and toasted about their survival. Months of dangerous subjugation battles had forged bonds among them, and tonight, they celebrated with the finest wine and richly seasoned meats prepared by the head chef. The air buzzed with camaraderie and relief, the tension of past battles momentarily forgotten.

Vice-Captain Enoch lifted his plate, his grin wide and infectious. "Hey! Head Chef, this meat is divine! Can I get more?"

The head chef’s booming laughter filled the dining hall, his chest puffed with pride. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Of course, Vice-Captain! Eat to your heart’s content. There’s plenty to go around!" He eagerly motioned to the serving trays, practically glowing with satisfaction at the praise.

Enoch leaned back, savoring the last bite. "I’ve never tasted meat so tender, so perfectly seasoned," he said, his words dripping with admiration. Another night of compliments showered upon the chef. Later, with his enormous cup raised high, Enoch declared, "And the wine, what a masterpiece! It’s like drinking liquid gold!"

The chef’s eyes sparkled, his smile stretching ear to ear. "Naturally! Our supplies come straight from Synaze, the finest source there is. That meat you’re devouring? Fit for royalty, the same quality served at the royal table. And that wine?" He leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice just enough to draw their curiosity. "A personal gift from none other than Duke!"

Enoch froze mid-sip, his expression shifting to one of puzzled surprise. "The Duke?" he echoed, his brow furrowed.

"Who else but the magnificent Duke Hawthorne!" the chef replied with dramatic flair, clearly relishing the attention. "It’s all thanks to the lady’s connections. Because of her, we don’t have to scrape by on bread and soup anymore. We feast like kings!"

The group of knights exchanged uncertain glances, the chef’s words hanging heavily in the air. Could it be true? Their skepticism bubbled up in muted chuckles, but none dared press further. After a moment of awkward silence, laughter broke out, and the hall returned to its raucous revelry, the wine flowing as freely as the camaraderie.

The laughter hushed, however, as Valerie entered the hall. Draped in her elegant aquamarine gown, she carried herself with quiet dignity. The servants flitted around her, their arms laden with trays, but it was Valerie’s presence that commanded the room. Conversations tapered off as eyes turned toward her, the lady of the manor stepping into the heart of the knights’ feast, her gaze calm yet resolute.