Chapter 118 - [Bonus ]How Can I Help?
Chapter 118 – [Bonus ]How Can I Help?
Later that night, in the monastery, Adelia was sent to reflect after her attempt to kill Rinnie. A loud scream bounced across the four corners of the small room.
CLANG!
Adelia panted as she threw everything on the small desk to quench her frustration. Her eyes glinted, grinding her teeth in anger. This room was so small, unpleasant, and old. It was unlike her princess-like room back in their home. And yet, she was being held in here like a prisoner. Although she was free to roam around the temple, she couldn't step outside.
Her father already visited her and scolded her, telling her she nearly killed her family with her actions. Balthazar also told her about Hugo's decree and warning to stay out of his way if she cherish her life. And yet, nothing went through her head aside from that it was Rinnie's fault.
"What is so wrong with what I did?" she questioned through her gritted teeth, balling her hand into a fist. "It's all her fault! I am simply putting that witch in her place!"
To her, Rinnie was a terrible person. She never believed that Rinnie was what she portrayed to be, but rather a cunning witch that was deceiving everyone. Adelia wanted to expose the real face of this angel-like Rinnie that looked as if she wouldn't hurt a fly.
Adelia had been in love with Hugo since she was young. Hugo loved her as well romantically — that was what she believed. So, she had lived her life, thinking she was the future duchess. She was confident she would be the future grand duchess because of a certain memory in the past.
That was when she asked Hugo about a particular bangle that he was staring at for a long time. She asked him about it, and he said it was something his mother gave him. It was a jewelry he would carry and keep with him at all times; it was his lucky charm. And then Hugo added he would give it to the love of his life.
So, Adelia told him to give it to her. Hugo laughed while patting her head. He told her that time if Adelia grew taller than him, he would reconsider.
Although Adelia wasn't taller than him, how could he give it to Rinnie? The latter was small in physique, weak, and too soft to become a luna. Adelia was 'better' than her, in many aspects. But all she had been hearing was Rinnie was this and that, painting her as an angel that descended straight from heaven; it was annoying. On top of Hugo's affectionate words and actions towards Rinnie.
That bangle she saw in that jewelry box was the last straw. The reason she lost it days ago, and all she saw was red. Even until now that she was confined in the monastery, Adelia couldn't see what was so wrong with her actions. If anything, it only fueled her desire to ruin Rinnie.
"I will expose her," came out a threat through her gritted teeth, looking around the small, old room. "I just have to leave this filthy place. She is blinding everyone…"
How could she leave this place, though? She was forbidden to go out or step foot in the grand duke's castle. Adelia was certain she would get dragged back into this place if she attempted to leave.
KNOCK KNOCK
Adelia turned her head towards the door, slightly ajar. They did not forbid her to accept guests. Who could it be? Her brother? Father? Her mother, Emily, wasn't allowed to see her daughter. So that didn't cross Adelia.
"Who is it?" came out a stern voice, hearing the door creak loudly. Her brows furrowed as she narrowed her eyes, sizing up the person by the door. He was tall and clad with a cloak, the hood covering half of his face.
"Who are you?" she took a careful step back, sensing malice from her visitor. "You're not from Belcoot."
"I am not." An eerie voice of a man sent a chill down her spine, holding on to his hood and carefully pulling it down. As soon as he did, her eyes studied this unfamiliar face. Pale skin, red eyes, and a pair of short canines.
Adelia hadn't seen a vampire all her life, but she instantly knew he was one.
"Please. I am not here to harm you, my lady. You're too beautiful that even a vampire will fall for your beauty." The man smiled but didn't reach his eyes. "How come the Grand Duke couldn't see that you are the most beautiful woman in Belcoot?"
She raised her brows warily. "What do you want?" she inquired, lowering her guard as this person's words were nothing but facts. Yes. She was the most beautiful lady and a noble one — someone fitting to be the grand duchess.
"Your help, my lady." The man replied without a second hesitation. "You are here because you are framed and you cannot get out. Why don't you work with me, my lady?"
"Work with you…?"
The man nodded slightly. "Since you cannot get out of here, I can expose that person who sent you here. Everyone is blinded by her facade, but she is a very cunning woman. Did you know that she killed her family because she wants everyone to only look at her?"
"What?" she froze, wide-eyed.
"My lady, Belcoot and His Grace are in danger. That woman deceives everyone by that face of her. Did you think she chose you as her lady-in-waiting out of the goodness of her heart? I'm certain she simply wants to get rid of you."
For the unstable and emotionally stirred Adelia, his words made sense. Or rather, that was what she wanted to believe or hear. Everyone was telling her Rinnie was kind, but with someone who shared the same opinion as her, she believed it.
"To me, you're… even better in every aspect. More beautiful, smarter, and.. fitting to be the grand duchess. We just need to get rid of that woman in that castle." The side of the man's lips hooked up, watching Adelia fall for his words even without trying. "That woman had brought terror and pain to our home, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Belcoot will share the same tragedy. Will you help us get our revenge while saving Belcoot?"
There was a moment of silence after the man's remarks. Adelia pondered about it, breathing in and out before raising her head.
"How can I help?" she asked and his smile this time finally reached his eyes.