The Virtuous Dark Witch

Chapter 45

"It's been so long since all that happened," Brett Hall gently patted Roxane Mullin's stiff back. "Whether it was real or a dream, nothing can be undone. If that's the case, Lord Elara, why must you cling to it?"

He looked down at the fragile woman hiding in his arms, frightened, and said coldly, "You've scared her."

Elara reacted as if she'd heard something absurd, and let out a laugh—but it never reached her eyes, which remained dark and deep. "Is that so?" She watched the two leaning against each other as if no one else existed, and thought they suited each other perfectly. "If Duke Brett knows it was real, then why do you always keep her living in a dream?"

"Aren't you afraid that if the dream lasts too long, she'll forget what she really is?"

Brett Hall's expression turned cold and stern. He pressed his lips slightly, staring at Roxane Mullin in his arms—her body rigid, no longer trembling—as if deep in thought.

Roxane Mullin was panicking. She had been by Brett's side for five years, yet she had never truly seen through this noble Duke of Andros. On the surface, he doted on her, indulged her in everything; even her mother thought Brett loved her. But only she knew she could never enter his heart.

Now Elara Dessey had provoked them in public. She didn't know if he would still spoil her. Her mind flashed back to those beautiful eyes, like congealed-blood glass. She could never forget him…

Lisandra Stirling, who had been watching for a long time, liked Elara even more now. She had long disliked this pretentious Rozin woman. She suppressed the urge to snap her neck and shot a glance at Becky Cotton across from her.

The situation didn't favor her—she had to consider Fisher. Even though she was disgusted, she had to give them an out.

"I came to get the money for the two deer you had me order," Becky Cotton spoke up at the right moment, breaking the tension. "Why are you here at this time too?" she added inwardly. And why did you have to bring this fake woman with you?

"I was planning to go ride horses at your manor to pass the time, but Hank said you were here, so I came to join the fun." Brett Hall calmed his expression and let go of Roxane Mullin. She didn't dare cling to his ornate collar anymore and immediately bowed her head, stepping back behind him.

Seeing there was no more drama, Alexander put an arm around Thea, tilted his chin toward Elara, and said, "I'll show you around Stirling Manor, then we can go to my and Thea's place."

"Alright." Elara didn't refuse. She nodded to the Stirling couple standing together. "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll take my leave first."

"Very well." Duke Alexandra Stirling didn't insist, though there was a hint of apology on his face. "There will be a banquet at Stirling Manor tonight. I hope Lord Elara can attend." When Elara nodded, he turned to Alexander. "Take good care of Lord Elara."

Alexander didn't treat Elara as an outsider. Holding Thea's hand, he walked ahead. "We'll go to East Fir Forest first, then to Sunset Mountain to watch the sunset."

Elara followed, holding Cinderaven. As she passed Roxane Mullin, she paused and asked teasingly, though she already knew the answer: "Miss Mullin must be thirty this year, right?" Without waiting for a response, she walked away.

Once they were outside the central castle, Cinderaven immediately struggled to fly out of Elara's warm embrace. After that intentional bout of "tenderness," he didn't even dare to think about perching on her shoulder anymore. He flapped his wings excitedly and followed her.

"Did you jab at Brett Hall like that because you're in a bad mood?" Alexander put an arm around Thea's shoulders and glanced at the young woman walking beside them.

Elara glanced at him. "Seeing Roxane Mullin living so freely does put me in a bad mood. But I wouldn't be bored enough to provoke Brett Hall." She had just spoken up to remind him not to forget his identity.

Excessive indulgence would only turn him into Roxane Mullin's pawn—and both Fisher and Brett Hall were undeniably proud men.

"I think you want Brett Hall to turn Roxane as soon as possible," he said. He wasn't guessing blindly.

"Is that so?" Elara chuckled softly. "That might just be your illusion."

Alexander was right. Compared to Roxane Mullin, who was weak on the outside but strong inside, she wanted to see what she would be like without that fragile shell. She might become even more dangerous, but it would also deepen the bond between her and Fisher.

Besides the central castle, Stirling Manor had seven other castles. As the son of Lisandra Stirling and Alexandra Stirling, Alexander owned an independent castle in the manor—something none of Duke Alexandra's other children had.

They had their own territories and mostly lived there. They could stay at Stirling Manor when they returned, but only shared one castle with their siblings. If they found it inconvenient, they could buy land and build their own manors in Andrea Capital.

Elara visited East Fir Forest to admire the silver firs, then went with Alexander and her aunt to the top of Sunset Mountain for a while. They didn't wait for the sunset before returning to Alexander's castle in Stirling Manor.

Lady Gigi, the steward of Duchess Lisandra, was waiting outside the castle with a wooden box. She hurried over when she saw them, curtsying while holding the box and lifting her wide skirt. "Lord Elara, Count, Miss Thea."

"Why are you here? Did my mother have something to say?" Alexander frowned at the wooden box, thinking of the evening banquet.

Steward Gigi stood up and offered the box. "Her Grace said you didn't have any tea bags, so she sent me with a box."

Alexander took it and casually asked, "Has Duke Brett left?"

"Not yet," Steward Gigi replied with a smile. "Her Grace has already begun preparations for the banquet. I expect Duke Brett and his companion will stay until after it ends."

Alexander nodded. "Thank my mother for me." After watching Steward Gigi leave, he took Thea's hand and led Elara inside. "Make do here for today. Once Thea and I are married, we'll move to my own manor, and I'll invite you over then."

Elara glanced at the interior furnishings and thought lives shouldn't be compared. She sat down on the long leather chair. "I didn't want to ask earlier—what's the occasion at Stirling Manor today?"

"It's not really an occasion. I brought Thea back, and there was some unpleasantness before. My mother wanted to hold a banquet to smooth things over and ease the tension between the dukes." Alexander took a tea bag from the box. "Originally, it was just going to be a small dinner, but since you're here, it won't stay low-key."

"Where is Ana Stirling?" Elara understood the Stirling Clan's awkward position. "Did she return to her territory?"

Alexander scoffed. "Do you think they'd let her go back easily after losing so much face?" He handed Elara the brewed tea. "Once her wounds heal, she'll almost certainly have to endure the burning sun at the Sun Pillar for a few days."

Thea looked Elara up and down, a bitter feeling rising in her chest. "You haven't gotten any new dresses in all these years, have you?" Hayden was thoughtful, but he was a man. He could handle shoes and boots, but women's dresses were complicated. "The Duchess sent over several new dresses a couple of days ago. Pick some for yourself."

Alexander only just remembered. "When you were ten, I promised you two ruby forehead ornaments." That Rozin woman, Roxane Mullin, was wearing a ruby crown tonight. His little friend was no longer young and deserved to be dressed up. "I'll have the steward fetch them from the count's manor later."

"No need." Elara took a sip of tea and touched the weight on her head. "I don't want to take off the Silver-Stamen Black Mandala Crown for now." Wearing it kept her clear-headed. "As for dresses," she looked down at herself, "I think this one is fine—clean and neat."

Thirty years in this world, and she still wasn't used to wide, long skirts. They hid weapons well, but they were cumbersome.

“Pick some anyway, just in case.” Thea helped adjust her mandala crown, then gently combed her black curly hair with her fingers. “I'll do your hair up for you in a bit.”

Her older sister was in a deep sleep, and their mother had passed away early. Little Elara had been forced to grow up overnight. For twenty years, this aunt had been avoiding West Sea Forest. Touching the soft hair, her eyes glistened.

Noticing the strange tone, Elara turned and saw the overwhelming affection and guilt in her aunt's eyes. She smiled helplessly and agreed, “Alright.”

Night fell, and the bright moon rose. One luxurious carriage after another entered Stirling Manor. Roxane Mullin waited outside the castle early, her heart pounding under the gazes of the Andros nobles passing by.

Although she had been with Brett for five years, she rarely attended Andros banquets—especially not one filled entirely with nobles. She was nervous. When she saw Anthony Horein's carriage enter, she let out a breath and stepped forward to greet him.

Anthony Horein was one of Brett Hall's most loyal followers. Four years ago, at Redney Manor, he had seen Hana Mullin, delicate as a blood gardenia under the moon, and immediately felt pity and affection. He soon confessed his feelings, and with Duke Brett's approval, took her and took her home.

For four years, Hana Mullin had been deeply loved by Anthony Horein. With proper etiquette, she had risen above his many companions and attended various Andros noble banquets as his wife. Naturally, she was at Stirling Manor tonight too.

“Mother,” Roxane Mullin said, seeing her. The ** she had held back all afternoon welled up. But this wasn't Redney Manor, so she didn't dare act out. Her eyes filled with tears as she hurried forward.

Seeing her daughter, Hana Mullin—still beautiful, nourished by blood—was overjoyed. She opened her arms and embraced her. "My dear, what's wrong? Who's been mean to you?" She apologized to Anthony Horein beside her, then comforted her daughter tightly in her arms.

"I'm fine." I just missed you." Roxane Mullin blinked hard to hold back her tears. She let go of her mother, turned, and bowed to Anthony Horein. "Papa, Duke Brett is inside the castle." May I stay with Mother for a while?"

Anthony Horein, with his white-grizzled beard, smiled and nodded. "Of course." He turned and walked toward the castle.

Once he was gone, Hana Mullin looked at her daughter and wiped a tear from her lower lash. "What's wrong?" Her daughter had never been wronged since she joined Duke Brett.

Roxane Mullin forced a smile and pulled her mother to a quiet corner. "Mother, Elara Dessey is coming to the banquet too. I saw her this afternoon. She remembers me." And not only remembered—she remembered clearly, with full malice.

After Brett heard what Elara said, he was no longer gentle with her. He hadn't spoken to her all afternoon.

Elara Dessey? At the name—or rather, the surname Dessey—Hana Mullin thought of the humiliation twenty years ago. That rainy night, she cried until she had no tears left, crying out to heaven and earth with no answer. Thankfully, her baby had come back safely.

"Why is she here?" Hadn't West Sea Forest just fallen out badly with the Stirling Clan? Hana Mullin squeezed her daughter's warm hand. "And I heard the banquet was only for the Ancestral Dukes. Why did they change their minds?"

Roxane Mullin leaned on her mother's shoulder. "Originally, it was only for the Ancestral Dukes. But Elara Dessey suddenly visited Stirling Manor, and the Stirlings wanted to make amends. So the banquet is no longer low-key. As for why Elara Dessey came after insulting the Stirlings… I don't know."

"Poor Viscountess Ana Stirling," Hana Mullin blinked softly. "And why are you so upset?"

The question hit Roxane's breaking point. The tears she had held back flooded her eyes again, and she quickly looked up.

Seeing her like this, Hana Mullin understood. "Didn't Duke Brett say anything?"

"What could he say?" Roxane Mullin stared at the night sky, asking herself what she was still clinging to. "Elara Dessey is Lord of West Sea Forest. She dared to offend the Stirlings, so she naturally fears no Redney Manor. And I'm just a weak Rozin, like an ant. If she wants to step on me, I have no choice but to smile and take it."

Hana Mullin held her sorrowful daughter in her arms and kissed her forehead. "Roxane, Mama still wants to tell you—let go of what you need to let go of, and do it soon. It was all a dream. Don't keep clinging to it because of a dream."

"Was it a dream?" Roxane Mullin's eyes were distant. "Mama, do you know? Those eyes are more dazzling than the most beautiful, purest glass in the world." Brett's eyes were beautiful too, but not even a fraction as stunning. How could she forget? How could she erase them from her memory?

"But Roxane, you have to understand—countless women want to be Duke Brett's companion. You can't waste your youth." Hana Mullin urged her. "Listen to Mama." Let Duke Brett turn you." Only after becoming Andros had she truly felt the joy of living.

No more humiliation, no more weakness, no more fear of aging. Every time she looked in the mirror, she stroked her tight, smooth skin. And no matter where she went, she no longer had to lower her head. She was Andros—a noble of the Andros.

Roxane Mullin fell silent for a long time. When music came from the castle, she whispered, "I want to go outside Anastas City." It was her last obsession. If she still couldn't see him, she would willingly offer her blood to Brett and agree to be turned.

Alexander and Thea were the center of tonight's banquet at Stirling Manor. Under Duchess Lisandra's arrangement, it was no secret that Thea had been called upon by the Ancestral Dukes for her bloodline yet had not grown fangs.

So, when the Andros nobles saw Alexander enter with Thea and her blood-red eyes, they showed no surprise.

Duke Alexandra Stirling and his wife officially announced Alexander and Thea's marriage to everyone. No one was shocked—Thea Dessey was from West Sea Forest. The Dessey Witches didn't have the best reputation, but their power was undeniable.

Alexander led Thea to the dance floor and danced the opening dance to cheerful, beautiful music.

Elara, with her black hair styled up, held Cinderaven like a pet to avoid embarrassing her aunt. Watching the perfectly matched couple on the dance floor, feeling their sweetness, she channeled witchcraft into her free right hand. Her fingers twisted, forming a Silver-Stamen Black Mandala.

She brought it to her nose and smelled it. A hint of peace entered her calm eyes. She loosened her right hand and flicked the flower gently. It floated toward the dance floor and landed softly. Its dim light faded, and in an instant, black mandalas sprouted across the floor. In ten seconds, they were in full bloom.

The Silver-Stamen Black Mandala was noble and mysterious, a symbol of the Dessey Witches. It was Lord Elara Dessey of West Sea Forest's blessing to Thea Dessey. Thea felt it, and happy tears rolled down her cheeks. Alexander bent his head and kissed them away.

Duchess Lisandra, who had been holding a wine glass, was delighted. "This is so romantic, so beautiful." She put down her glass and, ignoring that the opening dance wasn't over, pulled Duke Alexandra Stirling onto the floor.

Amy Miller wanted to dance with Becky Cotton, but Becky Cotton was clueless. She grabbed a good-looking Andros woman and walked past Amy.

Amy Miller stamped her foot angrily and complained to her sister. "I thought it was just dinner! I didn't even bring a partner!"

But Eliza Miller's attention was fixed on the Rozin woman with the ruby crown that Brett Hall had pulled onto the dance floor. She paid no attention to Amy's frustration.

The lively dance floor didn't affect Elara. She stood quietly in a corner holding Cinderaven, showing no desire to join.

"Beautiful lady, may I have this dance?" A handsome man in a silver-gray tailcoat held out a red rose.

Elara didn't look away from her aunt's graceful dancing and smiled faintly. "Old Wolf King. How did you sneak in?"

It was Wilson Macadam, King of the Macadam Silver Wolf Tribe. When little Dessey didn't accept his freshly picked rose, he awkwardly pulled his hand back. "I really like you Dessey Witches." The Dessey Witches never needed invitations—they came and went as they pleased, and no one stopped them.

"I'm not flattered." The opening dance ended, and Elara saw her aunt walking over. "Don't forget you owe me ten thousand gold coins." With that, she left him and went to meet her aunt.

Owe her ten thousand gold coins? When? Wilson Macadam didn't follow impolitely. He looked at the dance floor covered in Silver-Stamen Black Mandalas, then at his own flower, and muttered with a smile: "Mine is really uglier." He squeezed the rose gently, and it turned to ash.

Thea wasn't surprised to see Wilson Macadam. She pulled Elara to the resting area. "I told you not to bring Cinderaven, but you insisted. Now you have to hold him the whole time." He could sit on her shoulder, but the bird was just too ugly.

Elara smiled faintly. At Stirling Manor, she couldn't rest easy without him nearby—all seven Andros Ancestral Dukes were here tonight.

After settling Elara, Thea went to the dining area and brought back some of her favorite foods. "Put Cinderaven on the table for a moment." She handed her a knife and fork. "I just saw Wilson Macadam. Are you close?"

"Not really. He owes me ten thousand gold coins." Elara set Cinderaven on the table, took the utensils, and tore off a small piece of white bread for him. "He still wants to enter West Sea Forest. I won't allow it."

"After all these years, he's still hung up on that." Thea took a small bite of bread and chewed slowly. "If he wants to sneak into West Sea Forest, why doesn't he just barge in like Austin Corell?"

Austin Corell had been invited into West Sea Forest—there was no need to mythologize him. Elara chewed on beef, looked at Cinderaven, who was now used to human food, and smiled slightly. She tore off a few more pieces of bread for him.

When they had almost finished eating, Thea was about to take Elara to find Alexander, but Duchess Lisandra pulled her away first.

Elara tapped her fingers lightly on the table, feeling a little bored. "Want some water?"

Cinderaven pecked at the bread slowly and said in an extremely low voice: "You're only thinking of water now?" The bread was so dry that his throat was burning.

"Alright, wait here. I'll get you some." Elara headed for the dining area. Cinderaven was about to follow when he looked up and stumbled. A trace of blood trickled from above his right eye. His eyes sharpened, and he vanished instantly, reappearing in East Fir Forest of Stirling Manor.

"Brett, would you really kill me for this woman?" Eliza Miller, wearing a blood-red dress, dug her fingers into Roxane Mullin's neck. Meanwhile, Brett Hall's right hand had pierced deep into her chest, blood gushing out and soaking her red dress. His intent was clear—he was going to tear out her heart.

Brett Hall's face was dark. He didn't want to kill Eliza Miller. "Let her go. She's just a Rozin. She's no threat to you."

"She's no threat to me, but she disgusts me." Eliza Miller tightened her grip slightly. "A lowly Rozin dares to wear a blood-red dress and blood-red jewelry like me. Did you allow this?"

"Don't push me." When Brett Hall saw Eliza Miller wouldn't stop, his hand pierced deeper, reaching for her heart. But before his fingers touched it, his body stiffened uncontrollably. The Sapharaya Mother Tree Flower bloomed in his congealed-blood eyes without being summoned. “Ugh…”

Eliza Miller was shocked. She kicked him away, then looked at Roxane Mullin. After a moment of hesitation, she reluctantly grabbed at the air with her free right hand. A pale-eyed Andros noble knelt before her.

Before he could speak, Eliza Miller released her grip. The unconscious Roxane Mullin fell in front of the Andros noble. "Turn her," she ordered.