Under this damn contract
Summary: Ariadna was just your average college student that suddenly found herself in a tight situation: she woke up inside her favorite novel! Well, isn’t that nice~? WRONG! She reincarnated as a support character whose fate is to end up dead, victim of the novel’s villain Kino, who’s thirst for blood and power makes him extremely dangerous! Right now, she’s one year ahead from the tragedy so Ariadna’s only choice is to find a way to survive. Ari must do anything in her power in order to avoid the destiny that was given to her. The question now is: will she make it?
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, […]
Chapter 5: Let the show begin
Mun Ari: You don’t have any idea how happy it made me reading all your lovely comments, you lovely people! I can’t describe how much it encourages me to keep on writing! I’m giving my all in this story, I love it so much that I think about it 24/7! When I write it I get excited and I’m equally excited when I post it, waiting for your reaction and comments! >///< With all this said, I hope you like this chapter as well!
Anyway, enjoy~
Right in the center of the attention, Ari felt drained. The overwhelming feeling of being cheered about something that put her and everyone lives she cared about in the line was the worst feeling. She wouldn’t wish such feelings, not even to her worst enemy. That’s why she felt so drained afterwards. After such an extravagant show, Kino ordered for the ozlet to be prepared for Ari to take with her back home. Everyone then moved to the tent area in order to enjoy the grand banquet held afterwards.
Ari stayed behind, hoping to skip it when she spotted Isaac. When their eyes found each other, he smiled and approached her.
“Lady Ariadna” he said.
Isaac’s smile was warm, which made Ari’s heart hurt. She must have made him feel hurt or humiliated by not accepting his gift and choosing Kino’s gift instead.
“I’m so sorry your Highness” she bowed apologetically “I hurt your feelings by not accepting your gift, I hope you’ll forgive my offense”.
“Don’t worry my lady” he replied in a soft voice “A lady has the right to accept or deny any gift that’s offered to her. Especially in this kind of event”.
(He’s so kind… if he only knew I wanted to accept his gift genuinely, but instead was forced to accept Kino’s) she felt guilty by his kindness.
“Still, I apologize,” Ari insisted.
There was a small silence, where Ariadna thought he might get annoyed by her insistence.
“You’re so thoughtful and caring for other’s feelings… that’s incredible” he said in a sweet tone.
Soon Ari raised her eyes and then Isaac offered her the foxiner already clean.
“You can take it, it’s going to be cold on your way back home. It’ll keep you warm.”
Ariadna wanted to refuse, mostly because she was worried about Kino's reaction. Still, she wanted to accept it as a way to remember him.
(That’s right… I need to stay away from me. He was in danger once, if he keeps getting in contact with me I’ll place him in danger again) Ari thought.
Still, she extended her hand and took the foxiner.
“Thank you, your highness” she smiled and Isaac seemed pleased with Ari’s decision.
They finally parted ways, however as much as Ari wanted to leave as she initially intended… There was a change in plans.
After all: by accepting Kino’s present, the winner’s present, she became the winner as well. Therefore, she was obligated to attend the banquet after the exhibition as they were the guests of honor.
She made her way to the carp where the banquet was being held. Before entering, she gave Sir Twain the foxiner to keep it safe until the banquet was over. As soon as she entered, she was greeted by nobles who were basically strangers to her. When she was able to make her way to her table, Kino was already there waiting for her. He looked at her disapprovingly.
Ari made a huge effort not to turn her eyes in annoyance. She took place next to him and almost immediately were served by the servants.
“It took you some time to arrive” he mentioned in a whisper, loud enough for her to listen to him.
“I’m already here, so there’s nothing to worry about,” she replied as she contemplated the food, not really hungry.
A small silence followed and Ari couldn’t help, but feel uncomfortable about the situation.
“Your acting skills were good enough, but you need to work on them for the future,” Kino commented.
“I-I did my best, but I could have done better if–”
“If?”
“If I knew the plan beforehand”.
Ari managed to say it and by the corner of her eye, she tried to see what kind of reaction he had. His expression was serious, as if meditating on whether he should answer or not.
“I’ll let it go this time, but next time you better work harder” he simply replied.
“I will, but I’ll need better instructions next time,” Ari said cautiously.
“I’ll take care of it” Kino simply replied, seemingly more interested in eating his food than their conversation.
(That won’t do. I need to know just what exactly he is planning) Ari thought as she grabbed her skirt between her fists in nervousness (Why does he need me? What is my role in his plan?).
Ari gathered all her courage and spoke once again.
“What are you planning?” she whispered nervously.
He finally looked at her, his expression serious and somehow Ari felt he was analyzing her. Ari held both her breath and his gaze. After some minutes, he returned to his gaze to his food.
“That’s not something you have to know”.
“B-But!”
“However,” he interrupted her protests, “taking into consideration your performance today… I guess it can’t be helped”.
“T-Then…!”
“But not here. It is not information to discuss in public” he replied.
Ari nodded, but she felt relieved she managed to convince him.
The banquet continued without incidents. Ari couldn’t manage to take her fill having Kino nearby due to her nervousness. The debut event officially came to an end and Ari couldn’t be more relieved. She wanted to go straight home, back to the safety of Iberitia and to rest. Because Ari had experienced a state of stress all trip long and wanted to charge her battery and think of another plan to fix the problems she got herself into. As her personnel hurried to prepare everything to get on their way, Ari heard someone calling for her. When Ari turned around she found herself with the butler that accompanied Kino at the beginning of the hunting exhibition.
“Lady Ariadna, can you please spare a minute of your time?” he asked her.
“I’m really in a hurry…”
“It won’t take long. I came on behalf of my master to deliver a message from him”.
Ari tensed, but she knew it was better to listen to his message at least so she simply nodded.
“He ordered me to deliver this letter and…” he proceeded to hand her an envelope as he continued “he says that you'd better be ready, you’ll hear about me very soon”.
Ari felt a goosebump travel through her body, but limite herself to simply thank him and went inside her carriage. As soon as she did, all her people started their journey back to Iberitia.
(I shouldn’t have come… everything ended up worse than it already was) Ari looked outside the carriage’s window sadly (I wonder if the original Ariadna encountered Kino in her debut… or is something I caused).
Ari felt vertigo, her heart beating on her chest and having a hard time calming her breathing. She couldn’t have a panic attack now, she had to clear her mind in order to come up with another strategy to solve it. She had to think of something, to protect her family and the people in Iberitia.
Some days have passed since Ari came back from the Imperial city. She tossed and turned trying to come with a back up plan to get away from Kino. She had to stay away from him, but at the same time to avoid him to destroy Iberitia and everyone living in it. Her peace only lasted those days since the debut, because a raven then came to her home. She was in her room by her desk studying, when she heard a knock by her window. She raised her eyes and found a crow trying to get her attention. She got up and went to open the window and as soon as she did the raven entered her room.
“Hi, little one” she greeted the raven “What are you doing here? Are you lost?”
She found the raven curious and the raven allowed her to pet its tiny head. The raven then pulled a piece of paper from its claws. Ari took it and just as she was thinking how marvelous ravens were for being so intelligent, she felt her heart dropping to the ground. It came from no other than Kino himself.
“Ariadna: Get ready, because I was invited to see Marquisess Jennevieve. Naturally, you’ll come with me as my partner. In the way, I’ll give you the details. See you in three days from now.
P.S: I think I don’t have to remind you that you can’t refuse, do I? And burn this letter as I don’t want to leave evidence of our agreement.
Kino.”
(WHAT A JERK!) Ari blurted as she threw the paper to the floor (WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS!? AND THE WAY HE REFERRED TO ME!!).
She grabbed the paper once again and threw it into the fire. After all, he was right that it would be an inconvenience for their agreement to be discovered. How would she be able to explain it to her parents? Or worse…
She looked at the paper turning into ashes, taking their secret with it.
(He could accelerate his killing spree if I open my mouth carelessly) she thought.
She grabbed another piece of paper and wrote:
“I understand. Send me the address and details to prepare myself. I’ll see you there when the time comes.
Sincerely,
Lady Ariadna.”
She rolled her letter and tied it in the raven’s foot. She then saw the raven parted and wondered: just what exactly was Kino planning and expecting from her?
The next day, the raven (she deduced it was the same from the previous day) returned with a bigger paper this time. It contained information from Marquisess Jennevieve and most importantly the essential of how Kino was expecting her to look and behave. Ari wanted to burn that last part from the message, but she had to obey in order for things to go smoothly. She studied hard and investigated on her own about the marquisess as she didn’t want to ruin things. Finally, the day came and in a specific spot Ari met with Kino once again.
“Oh my~ I didn’t expect for my lady to accept my invitation with such a short notice~"was the first thing he mentioned once they were face to face “not to mention coming with her bodyguard as well”.
Ari could sense his disapproval, but she felt safer with Sir Twain by her side at a party with total strangers.
“I apologize, your Grace” she said in a faked apologetic tone “My parents insisted I was accompanied by Sir Twain as I just recently made my debut and I’m still new to social gatherings”.
It was true that Ariadna’s parents wanted her to be constantly guarded, but if they hadn’t suggested it last night she would have still brought him with her.
“Sir Twain from Ilgor, your Grace” Sir Twain bowed respectfully as he introduced himself “At your service”.
Kino bowed, but looked with disapproval at Ariadna.
“Shall we go?” Ari said, ignoring his glance.
Sir Twain rode his horse, joining the guards Kino brought himself. Kino helped Ariadna enter his carriage and as soon as they closed the door, they continued their way.
“Just in time~ If you had delayed a minute more, it would have cost you~" Kino said in the privacy of the carriage.
“I supposed as much” Ari sighed “So… c-could you please explain to me what is going to be this party strategy?”
“Eager, are we?” he mocked her “It’s quite easy actually: I was approached by Marquisess Jennevieve when you left and I was getting ready to leave myself. She was so impressed about my performance at the hunting exhibition and the prey that gave me the victory, that she invited me to her home. She wants to get to know me and introduce me to some of her friends”.
“I see” Ari nodded “Anything else I need to know?”
“Yes: she allowed me to invite someone over, but I never mentioned who. That’s where you come in. I’ll bring you as my partner and introduce you as such. They think I’m just a lucky man that won the competition and it was impressive I stole the victory over that pathetic prince, but if I arrive with a remarkable partner… the story changes”.
“Me? But I just made my debut, so I don’t understand what role I play in this…”
“You are not just some noble lady: you are the daughter of Marquis Kozumi. Although he is a noble that keeps his profile low, he’s still well known and respected in the high circles. By bringing you along, it’ll cause quite the commotion and that’s exactly what I’m looking for” he said as he raised a finger, pointing at himself “I also made my debut recently and my name as well as my land is unknown, but yours comes from a long history. Your family specifically may not be very influential in the nobility, but at least they’re known. The influence in this kingdom comes mostly from popularity rather than money or title… so we need exactly that”.
“Popularity? And how we’ll…?”
Kino smiled as he proceeded:
“By giving them exactly what they like: entertainment. The nobility lives for rumors and they pay special attention to good stories that will provide them with material for rumors to flow”.
Ari opened her eyes. She understood now, why he insisted on making a ‘credible performance’ specially in front of everyone at the hunting exhibition.
“What is better than a story? A love story. A love story that was born in no other place than the debut event itself. We’ll make it so credible that all nobles will hear about it. We’ll make them talk about it so much that even higher circles will want to have even a small taste of the story WE’LL provide them. They won’t be able to resist”.
Ari was impressed at how he came up with such a plan in such a short amount of time. It was true that the more popular you were in the Makai, the more influence and therefore power you’ll get. It soon made even more sense: Kino was aiming to be so popular that he’ll get access to the highest circle of them all… the imperial family. Just as the nobles, they also were fanatics of juicy rumors.
(By having everything they want, their lives must be so boring they crave to distract themselves with rumors. It didn’t matter what type: a rumor is a rumor) Ari thought (After all… that’s somehow the exact same thing he did in the novel. He charmed everyone and earned their trust to work on his plans in the shadows. No one suspected him until it was really too late).
This time, however, it was going to be harder. Being a prince allowed him to enter the palace easier, but now that he didn't have Isaac’s title, he had to start from the bottom of the popularity ladder. At least, he got himself the daughter of a marquis to begin with…
“We have arrived” Kino took her out of her thoughts “Now, just follow my lead and let me handle everything, ok? One wrong move or incoherence of information and is game over… for you I mean~”
Ari gulped. Kino would make sure he won no matter what: even if that meant taking the lives of not just her, but everyone in Iberitia if he had to. Ari braced herself as the carriage came to a stop. The carriage door opened and Kino was the one that got out first. From one moment to the other, his villainous facade changed into that of a charming duke as he offered her his hand to help her get out of the carriage.
“My lady,” he said, almost mocking her right in front of everyone's faces.
Ari wanted to slap his smile right there, but she simply smiled.
“Thank you, your Grace”.
She took his hand and prepared to enter Marquisess Jennevieve’s mansion where a small party was being held, although for Ari it felt more like a battlefield. And Ari thought that it was going to be the first one of many to come…
The living room from Marquisess Jennevieve’s mansion was exquisitely decorated with refined furniture and paintings in every wall. Ari was impressed that no matter where she looked, there was a fancy detail in every corner. Yet as soon as she zoned out, Kino pulled her from her arm to guide her across it, following the butler that received them by the entrance. As soon as they found themselves by a door, the butler opened and they saw a small table set in a terrace. There was a small group of five people gathered by the table and by the head a middle aged woman looked their way. Soon the small conversation came to an end and everyone was looking at them. Ari felt tensed and nervous by their stares. She froze, intimidated as she had never been someone good at socializing. She wanted to retrieved and as she was to back up, she felt Kino’s arm stopping her and slightly pulling her closer to him. She felt that action as a warning to behave and follow him in every action.
“Your grace” the middle woman greeted them “I’m so glad you accepted my invitation”.
Ari guessed that the middle aged woman at the head of the table was Marquisess Jennevieve and those around her must be some close friends of hers.
“The pleasure is all mine my lady” Kino greeted.
“I didn’t know his grace would bring someone along with him” Marquisess Jennevieve continued curiously “And who might the young lady be?”
Ari knew she had to present herself as any noble lady should, she could also feel how Kino discreetly tightened her hand before releasing it so she could do so. As she swallowed her nervousness, she proceed:
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Marquisess Jennevieve. My name is Ariadna Koizumi, I’m the youngest daughter of Marquis Koizumi. I hope I’m not intruding on your lovely reunion” she managed to speak without stuttering.
“My my~ the youngest daughter of Marquis Koizumi? The pleasure is all mine!” Marquisess Jennevieve seemed pleased with Ari and urged them to enter “Let me welcome you to my humble home!”
Marquisess Jennevieve urged them to take a seat. As Ari was about to take hers she remained standing up, looking at Kino. He looked at her puzzled and she made him a sign with her eyes towards her chair. He caught the sign and pulled her chair and she seated while he pushed it to its place once again.
“Such a gentleman” Ari heard someone whispering and she almost wanted to face palm herself.
(Wait… did I just help him earn points with these people!? I’m such an idiot!) she sighed and simply let it go.
“I would like to take this opportunity to present to you my guests here present: countess Soladier, viscountess Je’r, baron Hift, marquisess Le’round and baroness Delirè”.
They both greeted them all and soon Marquisess Jennevieve made a sign for her staff to start serving the tea and desserts for the event.
“Your grace, your performance at the hunting exhibition was magnificent” Marquisess Jennevieve continued talking.
“You’re exaggerating, my lady,” Kino replied, apparently humble, but Ari knew better how this attitude was part of his strategy to win nobles in his favor.
(It was the same in the novel. He always knew what to say to charm everyone) Ari thought as she focused on the tea she was being served. (I’ll remain in silence until I’m spoken directly).
Marquisess Jennevieve and her friends kept talking and focusing their attention towards Kino. Just as Kino had told her earlier, he was the center of attention thanks to the hunting exhibition and he caused more intrigue as he just debuted and almost none was known about him. Besides, Ari thought, he truly was charming and sociable on his own. Ari only limited herself to munch her cookies and sip her tea.
“You’re so interesting, your Grace!” Marquisess Jennevieve exclaimed “Please excuse my intromission, but I was wondering: what kind of relationship do you have with Lady Ariadna?”
Ari almost choked on her tea, but quickly composed herself as she had only concentrated on the conversation until she heard her name.
Ari decided to allow Kino to handle things.
“We met at the debut dance and so we danced together” he started explaining “We parted ways and the moment I saw her at the hunting exhibition I knew I had to find a way to talk to her once again”.
Ari noticed how all the women present giggled and squealed in excitement from Kino’s story.
“When I got the victory I made my way towards her and offered her my prey” he said and then took Ari’s hand in his “I'm so glad she accepted it and I took the opportunity to bring her with me to this lovely reunion. I need to take advantage of every opportunity that presents to me to get to know her even more”.
All the ladies seemed delighted by his story and Ari had a hard time not to scoff at the excess of cheesiness in his story.
“Oh~ young love! I remember when I met my husband back in my debut…” Marquisess Jennevieve sighed dreamily.
All the women were commenting their own thoughts regarding the story or personal experiences and Ari took a glimpse at Kino. He was hiding a mocking smirk behind his teacup.
(Of course… These ladies have quite a reputation for spreading rumors in social circles. He accepted this invitation to start building expectations towards ‘our relationship’) Ari thought annoyed. He was very clever. (It’ll be a matter of time until we’ll get invited to more social events… even if we aren’t officially named a couple).
‘What is better than a story? A love story’ Kino had said before arriving at the tea party and he was very right.
In a few more hours, the party came to an end. Ari was drained from all the social interaction that required for her.
“That wasn’t that bad, was it~?” Kino commented on their way back.
“If you say so…” Ari replied uninterested in his sarcasm.
“I think it was a success, of course it was expected from my plan after all~"
Ari didn’t bother to reply this time and only stared out of the window.
“So… what’s the next step?” she asked.
“Wait until we receive another invitation” he replied “If I receive one, you’ll come along and if you do I’ll go with you, easy right?”
“It’s easier said than done…but, for how long?”
Ari heard him chuckle and she finally turned around. When he looked at her, she felt a goosebump run down her spine.
“Easy: until I say so. Until you have served your purpose, that is”.
(I should have known…) Ari sighed and the carriage came to a stop.
The door opened and Kino went out first. As Ari took a step out, her heel slipped and she could only close her eyes waiting for the impact. Yet, she felt how two strong arms caught her before falling. She opened them and found herself embraced by Kino. She would have expected him to let her fall as there weren’t any witnesses to see such an event, but she was wrong.
“You have to try and be less clumsy” he mentioned and he lean into her ear “At least try to be when other people are watching~"
Ari blushed ashamed from her accident and she stood up straight, getting away from him.
“Thank you very much your Grace” Ari bowed “for the evening and for this little incident just now”.
“Don’t mention it, I’m looking forward for our next date”
Ari nodded and turned around, ready to depart into her own carriage.
“There really wasn’t anything enjoyable for you, my lady?” she heard him asking behind her.
Ari paused and after some seconds she replied:
“I dare to say… that the cookies weren’t bad at all”.
She continued and finally settled in her carriage.
As Ari left with all her servants back to her home, Kino stood there.
“It's time to go, master Kino” a guard informed him.
Suddenly, he was startled by the sound of Kino’s laugh.
“I can’t believe she said that,” he said as he returned to his carriage “Oh Lady Ariadna~, you're one of a kind, aren’t you?”
The carriage also made its way to its own destination as Kino was left with his thoughts.
(This is going to be interesting, I can’t wait to see what you can offer to me next time Ariadna).
It took some days for Kino’s plan to start having effect. It was when Ari has having lunch in her garden that she received an invitation for another tea party, this time by one of Marquisess Jennevieve’s friend: baroness Delirè. Later that day, Kino’s raven arrived giving her direction on his behalf to assist together.
The day of the tea party, they once again were presented to other nobles and were once again the sensation for being a lovey-dovey young couple borned in the debut. Ari was impressed how these people were so absorbed by their story and the lies in between that Kino was making about the two of them. Those guests from baroness Delirè also start organizing other reunions with other guests, seemingly to have an excuse to get to know them more… just like Kino had predicted. The biggest proof of this was one time Ari was having breakfast at a cafe in Sutzig city and heard a group of young friends talking about a new rumor circulating.
“Have you heard?” one girl said.
“About what?” the other girl replied, curious.
“It seems that a new couple is causing interest”.
“Really? Why?”
“Apparently, it was formed in the debut event. It was a young duke that fell in love with a young marquisess when they danced at the ball and looked for her the next day at the hunting exhibition!”
“That’s so sweet!”
“But that’s not the best part! He was the winner of the hunting exhibition and he made his way towards her! Imagine this: he spotted her among all that crowd and went to her and dedicated his victory to her! Isn’t that romantic?”
“Oh my God! It sounds like a fairytale!! I want a love story like that!”
“My aunt already met them! She says they look very in love! Although they haven’t officially announced their relationship, everyone is anxious to see how it develops!”
“You have to keep me updated! And if your aunt gets an opportunity to meet them, tell her to invite us so we can meet them too!”
Both girls laughed excitedly, but Ari felt uncomfortable so she decided to leave and go back home.
(I never thought his plan would work so fast. From a small cafeteria, I’ll dare to day that from 10 tables 1 is already talking about us. I have to do something!) Ari thought on her way back home.
When she arrived home, again Kino’s raven was waiting for her by her window. She scoffed and opened it.
“Little one… can you tell his grace to be prudent and stop sending letters every day?” Ari tried to joke to hide her annoyance.
The raven seemed ashamed, but Ari felt it only followed orders after all.
“This can’t continue like this… he can’t summon me everytime he pleases!” she said as she finished reading Kino’s letter. “Now that I think about it… I didn’t get a say in the contract terms! I have to change this”.
It was Sunday in the morning. Ari felt that Kino could have another adjective added to his description: thoughtless. Ari was never a morning person and to make things worse: Sundays were exclusive for her family. They looked at her disapprovingly when asked permission to go out. She had to make an excuse of meeting a friend she made at the debut from another country and telling them it was the only day he would be in the Makai. She apologized and felt guilty for lying.
Kino was waiting for her in a small restaurant in Sutzig city. Ari didn’t want to relationed Sutzig city with Kino, but she couldn’t help it. She arrived and when he greeted, she took advantage to whisper into his ear.
“I need to talk to you about the contract, it is urgent”.
Kino looked at her and he spoke to her loud enough for only her to hear.
“Then tell your guard to leave us alone”.
Ari nodded and she turned around to speak to Sir Twain.
“Sir Twain, could you grant me some minutes in private with his grace?”
“Very well, my lady,” he agreed. “But only for a little while, I’ll be waiting by the door”.
He bowed and left to guard the entrance door.
“What is it?” Kino asked as soon as Sir Twain left.
“I want to ask you to please be more considerate about our reunions”.
“How so?”
“You made me come today to meet you”.
“And?”
“It’s Sunday and it’s 9 am!”
“Your point?”
“I can’t keep meeting you on Sundays and even less so early! Please, try to do it the other days, but not on Sunday”.
“Give me a good reason to do it”
“Sundays are very important for my family. I almost got in trouble for coming to meet you, plus I’m not an early riser so I had a hard time getting up”.
“I can’t believe you just put your laziness as a reason”.
“Then take my family as the main reason”.
Kino looked at her annoyed, but didn’t say anything.
“I know I really don’t have a say in this but, I would like to review the terms of the contract”.
“Not a chance”.
“B-But!”
“I don’t know what gave you the wrong impression, but you don’t have any right to discuss it”.
“I’m not asking you to break it, I’m aware I can’t do it. But there’s no need, I just want to negotiate the terms”.
“You don’t have that right either”.
“Please? I think we can get an agreement that benefits us both!”
Kino sighed annoyed, but made Yuri a signal to bring their contract.
“You brought it with you?”
“I had a feeling this day would come”.
“Then why…?”
“Don’t get me wrong, I have no intention of deleting any term, but as you said, we can both benefit from it”.
“Not delete, but modify perhaps?”
They unrolled the contract, and Ari read the terms carefully.
In general, the contract stated that Ariadna had to obey Kino’s every order. She also agreed to help him achieve his plan to gain popularity by taking advantage of the Koizumi’s family reputation. In other general terms, Ariadna couldn’t reveal their agreement to anyone as they had to cover it up and make the performance ‘credible’. If Ariadna didn’t get to fulfill these main terms, the life of her servants as well as her own lives were on the line as guarantee.
“I understand what you want and why you need me to achieve it, but I would like to add a new term”.
“And that is…?”
“I want to please leave Sundays as a ‘free day’ for the reason I told you”.
Kino stared at her and finally sighed. He took out a pen and wrote it down.
“Thank you” Ari said as she read it in the contract.
“That's it?” Kino asked, somehow suspicious.
“Well… Can we please gather after midday? It’s really hard for me to wake up early and travel to meet”.
Kino looked at her skeptically.
“Please?” Ari insisted in a sweet tone.
“I’ll think about it” he sighed.
Ari smiled. She was content she managed to convince him.
The rest of the reunion they simply get some tea. After some time, they both left in different directions. On her way home, she felt like she had accomplished something big. Being able to convince Kino to leave Sundays free was a big step. After all, the Koizumi family gathered to spend quality time together. And she was asked to join, with no exceptions. And she was already late to it…
The marquess greenhouse was a tiny-like capel in the middle of the land that could be considered their mansion backyard. Made out of crystal and iron that made her look like an elegant bird cage. When she entered, she couldn't help but gasp in amusement, everytime she went there it was the same reaction. Ari felt as if she was entering a fairy kingdom with all the flower pots and trees. Fresh green grass grew in the floor and in order to avoid stepping on it, there was a pathway in the middle. Clear and fresh water flows across the greenhouse by a beautiful waterfall that ends in a fancy fountain. The budget that was given to the marchioness, she destined it mostly to her greenhous, since she loved flowers.
In the center of the greenhouse, the marchioness set a table with multiple chairs to attend her guests, if the weather allowed it. By the table, the marchioness was already waiting for Ariadna and a young lady. Ever since Ariadna came to realize her new reality, she also came to accept everything that came with it, including her new family. Lady Morena Koizumi, the marchioness had medium length light brown hair and almond shaped dark brown eyes. She was chatting with another young lady whose skin was light brown like cinnamon, long black hair that reached her lower back and her almond shaped dark brown as her own. The young girl she saw during that nightmare and who saved her life: Lady Akane Koizumi. After all, they were her new family, her mother and older sister.
“Ari! Come here dear!” Morena waved at her as she entered.
“Mommy!” Ari answered in a childish tone.
Morena came from a viscount's family from a far away land. She met the marquis in their own debut event and was the sensation in their own time. Ari found their story quite dreamy and to think she accidentally “replicated” their story… yeah, Ari didn’t want them to know. She’ll keep her current situation a secret as much as she could.
“What took you so long?” Akane asked, somehow annoyed.
“I’m sorry, my reunion lasted more than I expected” Ari shrugged so that she wouldn’t ask further questions.
“Don’t worry dear~ Did you have fun?” Morena replied reassuringly.
“Y-Yeah!” Ari lied.
Akane seemed to calm herself and focus instead on her tea.
Ari took place at the table and was served a cup of tea as well. As shee savour it, they all talked about anything that came to their minds. Ari enjoyed this small moments with the Koizumi family, as their relationship was very similar to her own family on her previous life. The marchioness was kind and attentive with her daughters, just like her own mother. Akane, she was tough and could be perceived as mean, but she was caring with her family. It made Ari feel at home, even if she still had those contradictory feelings towards them.
Ari felt her heart warm and calm, spending time with family always did that to her.
As they kept talking, suddenly a maid arrived at the garden carrying a small tray.
“Marchioness, the mail arrived,” the maid announced.
The marchioness then sorted out the letters mostly directed towards her and to Akane. As Ari was focused on her drink, suddenly heard a gasp.
“You scared me mom! What is it?” Akane commented as she looked at the marchioness questionably.
“S-Sorry… is just that” Morena started talking, still looking at the letter she had on her hand “this shield”.
Akane stood up and saw the letter and her eyes widened in surprise.
“The Wolfgang family? Why would they send an invitation to their father?” Akane asked.
“It was not sent to your father” Morena finally answered “it’s directed to Ariadna”.
Ari almost spilled her drink.
“T-To m-me?” Ari said as she cleaned her mouth in astonishment.
Ari didn’t understand how that was possible. Ari hadn’t had the chance to speak to higher ranks besides Naomi, so how was it possible for her to receive the invitation from the dukes of the wolf clan?
“Ari… how did you… when did you?” Morena had so many questions that she muttered many at once.
“L-Let me see,'' Ari said as she took the envelope from the marchioness’ hands. As she opened it and read through the contents. When she finished it, it was clear to her. Although she already had an idea… it was confirmed to her that no other than Kino had to be behind it.
“What is it dear?” Morena asked, seemingly anxious about the letter.
“I-It seems I was invited to have dinner… with the Wolfgang family at the wolf’s territory next month” she finally answered.
A small silence was made afterwards. Ari was already thinking about any sort of solution to her current situation. She was worried how in a matter of a month approximately they had managed to attract the attention of the Wolfgang family.
“Wow… those are great news,” Morena finally said with a smile on her face.
“I must admit I’m surprised Ari got such an invitation honestly…” Akane replied thoughtfully.
“I’m surprised as well,” Ari admitted. Her idea of going unnoticed surely was over at this time.
“I’m worried now,” Akane said.
“Why?”
“Akane, she’ll be fine”
“Mom, is Ari who we are talking about”
“What does that mean?” Ari then asked, somehow offended.
“The thing is that the Wolfgang family is quite strict when it comes to certain rules to follow,” Morena explained calmly.
“Is that so…” Ari’s voice trailed off. That sure was a problem, considering that even a Marquis family like hers were well aware of those rules. Then again, Ari wasn’t sure she was expected to know them… then what would happen if she wasn’t the real Ari? Who should she go to ask for help?
Suddenly, an exasperated sigh was heard and when Ari raised her eyes, Akane was now looking at her.
“I will help you, don’t worry Ari” she finally said.
Ari felt her heart lighter as she was not expected to know it. Ari smiled at her.
“Thank you Akane!”
Once back to her room some hours later, Ari sighed in relief and changed into her nightgown. She went to sleep with her mind at peace. The fact Akane knew what exactly to do or behave in those kinds of events made her feel much more at ease. Turned out that Akane had gone to Wolfgang's residence herself once in the past. Apparently, they had invited her over for dinner since she was the heir to the Koizumi family. This dinner was slightly different, Ari had the feeling it was regarding the popularity they were getting.
“I can’t believe Kino’s plan is working… and so soon…” she spoke to herself. “I need to work hard so this goes well”.
The three members from the Koizumi family, were the family of Ariadna and after some time with them she came to adore them and feel them like her own. Ari had more determination to protect them as well as the march… her people
And with that thought she went to sleep.
The next day, Akane tutor Ari into all the basics she needed to have success at the Wolfgang dinner. Things so simple as the presentation and punctuality to more complex ones such as the color palette to fit in made it a huge list of things to study. The Wolfgang family were well known to be especially fond of the fine arts, so Ari decided to learn the basics to be able to hold a conversation. So many details she had to go through made her feel very tired by tea time.
(There are so many things to remember… I’m having a headache) Ari thought as she massaged her head (How was Akane able to learn all these things so quickly?).
Ari looked at her surroundings, lately she found herself hidden in the greenhouse to find peace.
(So many things… I wonder if I’ll be able to learn them all by the end of the month) just as that thought went through her mind, another one popped into it.
(Wait: if I didn’t have that information… what about Kino?).
Ari stood up and went to her room. With a small whistle, Ari called the raven she had been using to communicate with Kino. After some minutes, the raven arrived.
“Hi! I’m sorry I’m bothering you on a Sunday, but I need you to deliver an urgent message to your master” Ari explained to the raven.
The raven nodded as if understanding Ari. Ari smiled and wrote a small message:
Kino, I need to talk to you.
Can I see you at the “Green Cafe” in Sutzig city today?
It’s urgent.
Ariadna K.
Finally she tied it to the raven’s leg. The raven then went flying, until it disappeared from Ari’s sight.
Some hours later, Ari sat at the farthest table in the cafeteria to have more privacy. Finally, Kino arrived and took a seat in front of her. Ari always felt nervous in his presence, but especially that time where she had to board the topic.
“So, what do you need?” Kino asked straight to the point.
“It is regarding the dinner at the wolf clan” Ari started, trying to sound as calm as possible “I investigated a little about it and we have to be very careful there”.
“I see” he said “And?”
“Kino… let me ask you some questions”
“What for?”
“I want to find out something”
Kino sighed and only nodded. Ari then started.
“Have you thought about what color you’ll use on your clothes?”
“What kind of question–”
“Please answer me”
Kino scoffed, but then replied.
“Red”
Ari bit her lip, but continued.
“Silver or gold?”
“Gold”
“Opera or theater?”
“Theater”
“3 main dishes or 5?”
“3… where are you trying to get?”
Ari tightened her grip on her dress, but finally took a deep breath before speaking.
“Kino… you got all answers wrong”
Kino looked at her puzzled.
Ari stood up and went to where Sir Twain was standing at the entrance of the cafeteria. When she came back, she was carrying a somehow thick book in her hands. She then took her seat, handling the book to Kino. He looked at the book and noticed the Wolf clan’s shield in it.
“The Wolfgang family is well known to be the most accessible from the main clans regarding contact to the lower circles. They are especially keen on art, but also on rules of etiquette. They are quite prideful in these matters” Ari explained “When it comes for them to hold an event on their territory… they expect their guest to act accordingly: do as the Romans do mentality”.
Kino opened the book and passed his sight through the various pages.
“For example: the color red is reserved only to them as well as the gold accessories decorating their outfits. Then, the wolf clan has a clear preference for opera since they used them to transmit their culture through them. Finally, they like to show off their wealth in any way they can, even in food. Gastronomy is considered an art of its own too, so they always offer 5 dishes when they hold their exclusive dinners and similar events”.
Ari finished the explanation and looked at him. He had his eyes wide open, clearly confused or even lost in this knowledge.
(As I expected… he had no idea like me) Ari thought.
“I-It’s ok! I mean… I had to investigate it as well!” She tried to comfort him.
“Are you trying to make fun of me?” Kino answered in defense.
“Not at all! In fact, I was told by my sister about them! A-And while I was studying I thought that maybe I-I could ask you” Ari explained, worried she might have offended him in any way.
“How am I supposed to know?” he was getting angry, Ari could sense it.
“I-I didn’t know it either! I-I mean… am the daughter of a marquis. I’m not educated to attend these types of exclusive events by dukes!” Ari kept explaining to him “plus you being a duke I thought you–”.
“Well, I didn’t know,'' Kino cut the conversation, clearly annoyed by it.
There was a short silence and Ari was wondering if she had done or said something to offend him.
“W-Well… how about I teach you?” Ari finally said.
“Excuse me?” Kino said.
“Y-Yes… I mean… I’m still learning, but if we learn together we can both be ready for the event” Ari insisted.
“Are you making fun of me?”
“I am not!”
“This is ridiculous” Kino was about to stand up, but Ari was faster and stood in front of him.
“Kino, listen to me: I want you to understand that if we fail at this dinner it will be our end. I didn’t make the rules and honestly I wished they didn’t exist, but that’s how things are. The wolf clan is the most ‘accessible’ in terms of the main clans, but also if we were to fail… it would be almost impossible to reach higher social circles. This dinner will determine how we’ll be seen in the future and how much we will advance!” Ari said so quickly she almost ran out of breath.
Kino looked at her with widened eyes. Ari found it understandable since she always tried to keep her words to the minimum. Not to mention how fast she moved to stop him, she sure felt quite bold.
She took a step back and she took her seat once again, afraid she might have made him angry.
“If there is no other way…” Kino finally said, and Ari raised her eyes meeting his.
Ari nodded, she felt relieved he agreed.
(If this dinner is a success, it will be a matter of time for Kino to achieve whatever his plans are. Then, he will most likely let me go and spare everyone's lives!) she thought as she enjoyed her tea.
After they finished. They headed towards the Constelatia library and Ari started teaching him everything she knew so far of the Wolfgang family’s strict rules and etiquettes. Session after session, Ari learnt in the mornings and taught Kino in the evenings. These sessions went on for around a month and both worked hard for the big day.
Until it finally came…
Ari stood in front of the mirror contemplating her reflection, still somehow foreign to her. Although she was splendidly dressed with a beautiful blue navy and her modest silver accessories. Her hair was neatly done in an elegant bun tied up in a bow. However, no matter how beautiful she might be, she was a mess inside. She kept muttering everything she had studied so diligently this past month, her nerves betraying her. She could feel her hands shaking and her heart beating like crazy.
“You look beautiful my lady!” Mia cheered for her as she finished preparing her “Are you ready?”
Ari only nodded and walked slowly towards the entrance. For Ari, the rest of her trip to the meeting point was a blur, somehow she felt her mind in a trance.
“My lady, is everything alright?” Sir Twain asked her, making her go back from her trace.
“Y-Yes! I’m ok!” Ari answered.
“Are you sure, may lady? You look rather pale” Sir Twain insisted.
“N-No, I’m ok really!” Ari said as she proceeded to get out of her carriage.
She managed to enter Kino’s carriage and so they were on their way to the wolf territory. Yet Ari couldn’t help but try to calm herself all the way there. She fidgeted her fingers, played with her dress skirt and tried to keep her breathing steady.
(Come on Ari, you can do this. You have studied for a month and you have practiced. You have this!!) She tried to encourage herself.
This event had to go perfectly and Ari had to do her absolute best. She has to, otherwise other people will be at risk because of her.
“We’re here” suddenly her thoughts were interrupted once again, this time by Kino’s voice.
The carriage came to a stop, soon Kino stepped outside and once there he offered his hand for Ari to take.
The big day had come… and Ari braced herself to the battle ahead.
Ari took a deep breath and she took with one hand her skirt while with the other one took his hand in hers. Just as they had prepared and planned, they had to do their respective part, many lives depended on their performance tonight... and the success of it.
Mun Ari: This is a chapter was quite tedious to write to be honest. I’m not sure if it turned out shorter than the previous ones though. Many aspects had to be checked many times for me to be convinced to make it to the final shot. Not to mention that at this point of the story the progress will be a little slow since we have to see development between these two ^^'. Not to mention that school kept me busy these past weeks ;-;. ANYWAY! Shout out to slothy since she helped me to sort out my ideas thanks to her guidance!! Thank you dear and thank you all for having read until here! Stay tuned to the next chapter and see you around!!
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