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IGIWS FIRST DRAFT: Ch.394 Gossiping With Friends.
🕑 Added 2025-09-26 18:56:47 +0000 UTCThe carriage moved down the streets of the Capital, and the commoners looked with curiosity as they spotted the elves in the opulent carriage. The rumors about Rya were finally spreading through the capital now that she's made more appearances outside of the palace walls. Sure they've the Dark Elf's praises from the priestesses and clerics of the Temple of Balance. And the seeing all of Iyomelka's idols with the two kneeling goddesses, Nils and Nebulus, have brought intrigue to the masses about this Dark Elf. However, she hide inside the palace for three months since she's arrived in the capital.
It's only been this last month that she's finally exposed the outside of the palace that they could see what she looked like. And those lucky enough to see her up close couldn't believe how wrong the rumors were. Her beauty was on a level that words couldn't describe, and everyone who gazed upon her face could only compare her to the Goddesses.
This had started the gossipers that the Dark Elf was a goddess in disguise when she helped a group of orphans discover their Mana Veins. The few commoners who knew the children couldn't believe that one of the boys who was missing a leg saw him standing in the plaza with his newly healed leg. It was a miracle. And word was this boy had a Demi-god level Mana Vein.
It wasn't long before more positive rumors spread drowning out the ones that called the Princess a monster. And soon the whispers turned into the truth. Rya's reputation was slowly improving, and people were finally getting a chance to see the real her.
This was one of the reasons that the Revelias were desperate to stop Rya's plans. However, it was a lost cause at this point. People have seen the goodness in the Dark Elf and there finances were hurting too much to continue the smear campaign.
"Um? Hey? Why is everyone staring at us?" Elaine whispered nervously.
"I guess word has finally spread about us. But they seem more interested in, Rya. I guess we better get used to it. The more Rya becomes popular, the more attention will fall on us," Nieren pointed out to the young half-elf.
"Why are you so nervous? You had no problem dealing with the Ladies of the Court? And I'm sure the people won't bite," Rya teased.
"I-It's not that. It's...well...I'm not used to people looking at me, especially since regular people didn't care to pay attention to me when I lived in the orphanage. A-And I don't know why I had no problem in the ballroom. I was too caught up in the moment and didn't even think about the other people staring at me. It's not like I had time to be nervous when I was trying to help you and the Queen."
"Hmmm. Well, you seemed like a natural, Elaine. Just remember that you are Nobility now... But never forget where you came from," Rya encouraged.
Elaine smiled, "I know. And I'll try my best to represent our family well."
"We're here," Jill shouted.
The carriage stopped and the knights surrounded the door. They opened it and the three girls were helped out of the carriage by the knights.
Captain Rachel walked over to Rya, "My Lady. Cafe De Millie. I believe your guests are waiting in the VIP rooms on the second floor."
Rya nodded her head, "Thank you, Captain. Please find a spot near the front of the cafe."
"Understood, my lady," Captain Rachel bowed and returned to the other knights.
'Lady Rachel has come along way since we first met. I'm glad she's eased up around me. It beats having to deal with her pointing her sword at me,' Rya thought.
"Shall we?"
Rya, Nieren, and Elaine walked into the cafe.
***
In the VIP room on the second floor had seven young noblewomen from both Major and Minor Houses were sitting there patiently. All of them would be gossiping about the upcoming party or drama or who was interested in whom. This is what most the young noblewomen did when they got together. However there was an awkward silence as everyone's attention was aimed at Johan Dule's younger sister, Amelia who was using a hand fan to act break up the tension.
Amelia before the Coming-of-age party was just a forgettable 24 year old brunette with a pretty face. But after Rya noticed that her mana vein was inflicted with the same blood contact curse that prevented it from developing. The princess had cured her of the curse and then all the dormant mana from all the monsters she slain during her childhood was released. This caused her brown hair to turn into a vibrant sandy blonde color. She has the look of a mature and sexy woman, with the perfect body and bust size that matched the Queen's. Her skin was a perfect pale complexion, and her face became far more striking that she could rival any noblewoman.
Aris, and Julia took a health sip from their tea cups, while Serena, and Jenelle were glancing around the table to see what the other girls reactions were.
Constance Montclair kept sneaking a peak at Amelia's massive chest with envy and then she would look at her own B-cup breast with disappointment before taking a sip of her tea.
Melanie Ingham was the only one who was analyzing Amelia as if she was solving an enigma. Her stoic face didn't reveal any emotions as she studied the woman who had a sudden change, but her eyes were filled with intrigue.
'Hahh... The princess and Melanie invited me here. So, why is she doing nothing but staring at me? Hell! All of them are doing it' Amelia couldn't help but feel self-conscious and she was tired of all this awkward silence.
"If you have something to say than say it!"
Melanie's eyebrow rose slightly in amusement, "I just getting a good look at you, Amelia. We didn't really get the chance to talk after the party."
Amelia was skeptical but decided to ask, "So? Do you have anything you want to ask?"
Melanie took a sip of her tea and gave Amelia a rare smile, "Yes... I don't know if the other ladies noticed, but you have a glow to you... Have you finally take the last step into womanhood?" She asked with a hint of playfulness.
Aris almost snorted the tea out her nose while Julia's eyes went wide in shock. Serena and Jenelle felt second hand embarrassment for Amelia, and Constance was curious too.
Amelia's cheeks reddened, "Y-You're imagining things, Melanie. I don't know where you get such ideas." She was caught off guard by the question and she started fanning herself more vigorously.
"Oh? So you did take the next step," Melanie continued.
"W-What!? T-That's ridiculous! How would you know?" Amelia protested, and her face grew more flushed as memories of two days of secret meetings with Ben came flashing back.
"Because you didn't deny it," Melanie smirked.
Amelia's mind went blank. She had walked right into that. She didn't even know what to say.
"Ugh! Can you please not talk about such vulgar topics? Why should we pry into each other's love lives. It's no one's business," Serena stated with a huff.
"Because I haven't made that last step and I would like to know what the experience was like, was it worth it, and how can I use this information to help me land my future husband?"
Serena tried to come up with a counter, but the only daughter of Count Sebastian Ingham was very much like her father. She could find a weakness in the opponent's argument and make them fold, while being analytical and calculating. She was a force to be reckoned with when it came to negotiations and her mother was proud of her, until she sided with Rya. But it can be hard to have a conversation with her sometimes.
"Well... W-We should talk about it later. Princess Rya and her sisters will be arriving soon," Serena quickly deflected.
"Ah, but they are not here yet. And I never invited Amelia to many gatherings in the past due to my parents lack of support for the Vellanax's. But now that the Princess Rya is at the doorsteps of officially marrying the Crown Prince, I wanted to get to know Amelia better," Melanie countered.
"So, now I am of importance? Why didn't you have such thoughts before, Melanie?" Amelia asked the blonde with a hint of irritation.
"Because my parents thought you and your family were nothing more than a background characters unworthy of being a Major House. My mistake was believing them," Melanie confessed.
"But... Are you... Apologizing to me?" Amelia was stunned by this revelation.
"Yes... Your brother is best friends with the future King, and he is marrying one of the most powerful and influential women on this planet. And Princess Rya has taken interest in you and did something to make you... Well, let's say you are a rival to the other noblewomen and men. They might not like you at first. But they will see the advantages of being in your good graces, and I wish to become good friends with you," Melanie said honestly.
Everyone at the table was stunned at how open Melanie was being. Normally, the blonde would be cold and calculated, and she would hide behind her mask as a cunning Noblewoman. But this was a side of Melanie they have never seen. And she was giving a genuine smile to Amelia.
"Wow! I-I... I don't know what to say..." Amelia was lost for words.
"Oh, come now, Amelia. All you have to say is thank you," Melanie then brought her tea cup up to her lips, "And maybe disclosing some of your knowledge about sex. That would be greatly appreciated."
Some of the girls grimaced at Melanie's persistent bluntness. Amelia sighed, "You really are... odd with some things, aren't you, Melanie?"
"Yes. I was told I have a unique personality. But my father believes I have a natural gift with reading people. But I'm still working on it. My mother says I'm socially inept and that I have no tact. She says I need to learn to be more subtle about certain things, but I prefer to be straight forward sometimes," Melanie smiled. "So? Was he terrible? Or do you wish it was someone else?"
Amelia blushed at the question. She tried to ignore it, but her mind had already answered the question for her. And she wasn't happy about her subconscious betrayal.
"He was the one I wanted. And... No, he was quite good."
The other noblewomen were stunned at the news.
"I-Is he a noble? Do we know him?" Julia asked as she couldn't hold back her curiosity.
Amelia became nervous. She couldn't tell them that she's in love with the stable boy and would have her reputation ruined.
"I-It is a secret! Constance!? Why do you keep staring at my chest!?" Amelia questioned the daughter of a Baron, in hopes of diverting the conversation.
All the girls expected Melanie turned to look at Constance Montclair who looked like she was on the defensive. However, Melanie smirked on the inside as she started putting the pieces together.
'Oh? So, Amelia is philandering with a lowly commoner. And judging by her reaction and how she was trying to evade the question... He must be something special... Interesting. I wonder if I should look into practicing with a commoner as well.'
Constance was flustered by the accusation, "T-That's not true. I-I wasn't staring at you. I was looking behind you," she lied.
"Oh, please. Constance, we all know you want to have bosoms like Amelia's or Princess Rya's. Just ask your questions. Amelia will answer them or not. We are all friends here," Melanie said, while she waved a server over to refill her cup and offered some biscuits.
"By the Balance! Do you always have to be so blunt and straightforward?" Constance exclaimed.
"Yes. I find that being honest is the best policy," Melanie retorted.
"I don't know why I'm friends with you," Constance rolled her eyes.
"Because I am one of the richest girls in the city and we grew up together. Plus, my father is the Minister of Foreign Relations for the Fiafyr Kingdom. I've learned that you have to be honest with yourself if you want to achieve your goals," Melanie pointed out.
Constance had a deadpan expression on her face. Melanie had a point.
"I hate it when you are right," Constance admitted.
Melanie took a sip of her tea. It was her way of saying 'I know'.
Constance reluctantly asked, "H-How do they feel?"
Amelia was confused, "What do what feel?" She parroted.
"Y-Your bosoms. How do they feel? Is it annoying, or uncomfortable? Do you bump into things? Are they fun to touch? Are they sensitive?"
It was so silent that they could hear a pin drop. Even Melanie was caught off guard by Constance's bluntness.
Amelia's lips were agape as she was trying to process Constance's questions. She wasn't expecting to get integrated about her big breasts and she's only had them for a couple of days. However, Ben always seemed to focus on them during their secret rendezvous. And she couldn't deny that she loved it when he sucked on her nipples. The thought of having Ben coming in this cafe out of nowhere and ripping open her blouse and sucking on her breasts in front of everyone was turning her on.
"Ahhh. Oh. Mmm."
Amelia was snapped out of her fantasy when she heard a voice that wasn't hers.
She noticed the rest of the girls were looking at her with confusion and awe.
Amelia had an awkward look on her face.
"Ummm... I'm still getting used to them. And so far, they are a bit uncomfortable. And yes, I have bumped into things a few times. They are... a bit sensitive and sometimes the fabric of my dress and undergarments rubs against them in a pleasant way."
Amelia blushed and didn't know why she revealed all those personal details about her body to the other noble girls. She squeezed her thighs together. Her vagina was leaking fluids onto her panties and it was starting to become uncomfortable.
'Ah, damn it! I'm not a pervert! Ben has turned me into one. I-I'm just going to ignore these feelings and hope they go away,' Amelia mentally screamed at herself.
Constance was looking at Amelia with a mixture of doubt and hope.
"S-So you wish you could go back to being... Smaller?" Constance asked.
Everyone waited for Amelia's answer. The young lady wanted to lie to Constance and say yes. However, with the few drawbacks her large breasts were giving her, it didn't compare to how much fun she was having with her new man. The way the squished around only to bounce back after he removed his hands from her. The way they swayed when she moved. The way he stared at her. How his eyes were glued to her chest when she would move in ways to tease him. She loved how her cleavage looked in the mirror. And the way the top of her dress felt. She had been rubbing her tits through the fabric, and she couldn't help herself. It just felt good.
'No. I'm not a pervert. I'm not a pervert. I'm not a pervert. Damnit. Why does thinking about it make me so wet? Crap! They're staring at me'
Amelia tried to put on a poker face, "Yes... No. I don't know."
Constance was confused by Amelia's answer, "What does that mean?"
Amelia started playing with one lock of her hair and looked away, "I-I guess they are fine in some scenarios. B-But I can't see my feet as easily, and I had to get a whole new wardrobe! And it's not in vogue for a noblewoman to have such a sizable bust. A-And it's hard to find clothes that can properly cover my bosoms. They are very sensitive, and you get way more attention from others. I think they are a hassle," she said so quickly that it was almost impossible for the others to catch all of her words.
"So you do or don't like them?" Aris asked.
"Yes. No. Maybe," Amelia answered then she opened her fan and started waving it frantically.
Constance looked over to her friend Melanie for help.
"Hm? Oh. She loves them," Melanie said casually.
Amelia glared daggers at her new friend, "No, I don't. You can't know that," she denied.
"I'm pretty sure you love them. I saw the way you looked when Constance asked the question. And I know how you act when you lie. It's quite obvious and your two mountain peaks are... protruding," Melanie pointed to Amelia's top, which had her nipples fighting the satin material for freedom.
Amelia blushed and grabbed her shawl, and wrapped it around her shoulders to cover her breasts. She was embarrassed that Melanie had figured out she was lying. And she didn't like that she had been exposed so easily.
"Oh thank the goddess," Constance sighed in relief.
"Why are you relieved?" Amelia asked.
"Because she wants to get a big bust like yours, Amelia," Melanie answered for her friend who looked at her with accusatory eyes.
"Really? B-But isn't it frowned upon for a noblewoman to have a huge bust," Amelia asked.
"Please! That's some garbage rule that some flat chested noblewomen spew out just to make themselves feel better or to make sure they have less competition to grab the men they hope to marry. And we all know that many women in high society wish they had bigger breasts. It's not like our mothers didn't do the same thing," Constance said with a hint of annoyance.
"Wait, you all want bigger busts?" Amelia asked.
Melanie chimed in first, "Don't lump me in with Constance. I'm fine the way I am."
"Oh, quiet you!" Constance snapped at her friend before turning her attention back to Amelia. "Melanie is in a different spot than us. She's the only heir to the Celestria Hollows Domain. She doesn't have to worry about being married off to some pathetic man to gain an alliance for her parents or brother. We unfortunate souls who do have brothers that are next in line to their titles and need to be married off for the sake of the family, have a hard time finding a good man who doesn't see us as an transaction. I plan to find a good man, even if he's from a Minor Noble, and get him to marry me before my parents do it for me."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Aris nodded.
"I agree with Constance," Serena said.
"I'm sure we all do," Julia added.
Melanie sighed, "Constance... You want a bigger bust because you want a bigger bust. Don't use it as an excuse to catch Lord Mitchell Bramwell III. But I do think he prefers women of Amelia's size."
Constance panicked when Melanie outed her secret crush, "Shh. Not so loud," she whisper shouted.
Melanie rolled her eyes and sipped her tea.
Jenelle had been sitting there quietly for most of the conversation, but she's had enough of staying silent.
"All this talk about private matters seems inappropriate and wrong," Jenelle pointed out.
"She speaks," Melanie teased.
"What am I supposed to add to conversations like... Like these. It's so... improper," Jenelle was trying not to raise her voice.
"I've never seen her so out of sorts," Constance said.
"It's not her fault. Her parents rather keep the poor thing locked up in their barony before marrying her off to some disgusting old man," Melanie pointed out.
"Melanie! I-I'm not that sheltered," Jenelle defended herself. "M-My father let's me walk freely between my room and the living room and the library. A-And he lets me have tea with him, my mother, and my siblings."
Melanie sighed and shook her head, "Princess Rya was right to keep you away from your parents. You need this more than you realize, Jenelle. It must be odd living in my mansion having all the house, including the outside grounds, and the gardens. It must feel like a prison," she said sarcastically.
"Melanie... You don't have to be so mean," Constance reprimanded her.
"It's okay. She is right. I am not used to the freedom I have here. I can't say that I'm unhappy with this arrangement. But how am I supposed to explain this to my parents?" Jenelle asked with a bit of worry in her voice.
Melanie sipped her tea and waved her hand dismissively, "It doesn't matter. All you have to do is write a letter and send it to your parents saying that you are fine, and they can't take you home when the Royal Family demands to have a daughter of a pristine family under their protection. You are here to help build the future Queen's network of friends."
"That doesn't sound too hard," Constance said.
"And that doesn't seem dishonest," Aris pointed out.
Jenelle looked unconvinced, but she couldn't deny that ever since Rya took her to the palace after the party, she's been having more fun than she's ever had. And it helped that her new friend group was nice, and they treated her like she was an equal, even if they poked fun at her lack of life experience.
"W-Well, I don't know if it is worth my time to develop my mana vein like Princess Rya has suggested. It seems like a lot of work and I don't know how long it will take to do," Jenelle said.
"She says you have a mana vein worth developing, Jenelle," Melanie pointed out. "If we didn't have so much fun talking and gossiping during the after party, Princess Rya would have brought out the monsters for us to slay. It's a shame. I would have liked to get a start on growing my mana vein too. But I'm sure we will get another chance soon... Speaking of which, it looks like our honored guests have finally arrived."
All the girls followed Melanie's eyes out the window to see a carriage with the Vellanax sigil pull up surrounded by four knights.
The driver jumped off and opened the door and the three sisters stepped out.
"Oh, look at the crowd forming," Serena pointed out.
Everyone's eyes were on the three elves that exited the carriage. A crowd of civilians gathered around the group. The guards did their best to keep the crowds at bay, and the elves were escorted inside the cafe by the knights.
Soon the wait staff escorted Rya and her sisters to the second floor of the cafe where the private rooms were.
When Rya came into view all seven ladies stood up and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Lady Rya," everyone greeted.
Rya smiled warmly, "Hello... I hope I didn't keep you all waiting. I had some wardrobe issues."
"Not at all. We just gossiping, Princess," Melanie replied.
"Oh? About what?" Rya asked.
"Nothing much!" Amelia jumped it to preempt the other ladies from telling Rya about her fling with Ben.
Rya eyed Amelia curiously and turned her attention back to the others, "I see. Well, let's not waste any time. We have a lot of shops to—is that lemon cake I smell?"
"Yes. This cafe specializes in lemon cakes," Melanie answered.
Rya told herself to be strong but the sweet aroma of lemon cakes was starting to get to her, 'M-Maybe one bite couldn't hurt. Then we will go shopping. Y-Yes. Just one.'
After a few moments of internal struggle, Rya finally gave in and walked over to the table and picked up the pastry, "I-I'll try it and... see how it tastes," she said weakly.
Nieren shook her head and sat down, "Just eat the damn thing, Rya."
"You're supposed to be supporting my resolve," Rya pouted.
"I'm your retainer and lady-in-waiting, not your mother," Nieren retorted.
"Ugh. Fine. But I won't be happy about it," Rya sat down and picked up a small slice of cake. She told herself that she needed to be more disciplined but her she goes again.
And taking that first bite made her forget why she was even fighting these urges in the first place.
"Mmmh! It's soo—um!? Hey! Where's Tayna?"
"She's having a date with my brother. She sends her regards and promises to make the next one," Amelia answered.
Everyone sat down but Melanie nearly did a double-take when she saw Rya stomach. It wasn't obvious to others but it was very noticeable to a trained eye like Melanie's. She joked around in the after party about her belly bump and thought it was nothing more than elven weight gain. But Underneath Rya's dress was a corset and it was fighting a losing battle with Rya's tummy. But if it was fat then the corset should have easily concealed it.
'Is she... Pregnant? I think I read that it takes them two years to go through a full term... But maybe I'm overthinking things. Let's see if I can get her to admit it.'
Melanie smirked inwardly and decided to probe her new friend, "Well, Princess Rya... You seem lovely today," she said as she walked over to her new friend and sat next to her.
Rya looked confused but nodded, "Thank you?"
Constance rolled her eyes thinking that Melanie was trying to butter Rya up to move up the social hierarchy, but she noticed that Rya wasn't really paying attention.
Melanie continued, "You have a certain glow about you. It's very becoming," she complimented.
Rya blushed, "What are you getting at, Melanie?"
"I'm just pointing out that you have been looking a lot happier. Have you and the Crown Prince been trying to conceive an heir?" Melanie asked, making it clear her intention.
"C-Conceive an heir?" Jenelle stuttered. "Why are you so... So, forward, Miss Melanie?"
"It's just a question," Melanie answered.
"Well, you shouldn't be asking such a question. It's impolite. You shouldn't be asking people about their personal lives. It's improper," Jenelle chastised the older girl.
Rya raised her hand signaling that it was all right after finishing the dessert, "It's fine, Jenelle. I would shut Melanie down if I found her questions offensive," she assured before looking at Melanie with a serious look, "If you are wondering, I guess the answer would be yes. But who knows when that's going to happen," she sighed in frustration but then a waiter brought a new plate of lemon cake slices. Rya picked up the piece and ate it in record time, "Thank you for the delicious cakes."
The waiter nodded and left.
"That was very unprincess-like," Elaine pointed out.
"You try them and tell me that these things aren't the most delicious cakes you've ever eaten," Rya replied with her mouth still full.
A few of the girls couldn't help but laugh at Rya's antics, which caused the princess to blush.
"Sorry about that. But I can't deny that the cakes are good," Rya said with her face turning a deeper shade of red.
"Indeed. So, when do you think you'll carry our Crown Prince's child, Princess Rya?" Melanie asked again as she wanted to see if her instincts were correct.
Rya stopped eating and thought for a moment before replying, "I can't be certain. I supposably have a five to ten year menstrual cycle. So your guess is as good as mine."
Melanie nodded, "I see."
"You seem oddly interested in Princess Rya's personal life," Aris said.
"It's not weird. I think it's a common occurrence for noble women to discuss this sort of thing," Serena defended.
"We aren't the only ones," Julia said, "There were many ladies during Lydia's coming of age party gossiping about Rya and her relationship with the Prince."
Melanie wasn't paying attention to them and cut in, "So you don't know when your menstrual cycle is and that's seems odd for you not to know, correct," she said as she tried to gauge Rya's reaction.
Rya looked a little surprised, but she couldn't tell them that she was born a human man on another planet that was teleported to a Dark Elf Tribe and quickly transformed into a female Dark Elf. There wasn't many stories or records of this happening to others before. It must be something that could only be achieved through the full body summon that Nils and Nebulus used that allowed them to change Hiro's and Rya's bodies. That was the only hypothesis that Rya could come up with until all other options were exhausted.
Rya nodded, "I suppose it would seem strange. But I am really young for a elf and I haven't experienced my first cycle yet. So, that's why it is anyone's guess. But I'll be ready whenever it happens."
Melanie could tell that Rya wasn't hiding anything from her and a part of her was a little disappointed, 'Ah... I forgot she's 27 years old. It's rare to meet such a young elf. And her adopted half-elf sister is younger than her. I'll let it go for now. But I think our Crown Princess is growing something inside of her. I better ease up on teasing her weight.'
"Well, maybe there's an artifact that can indicate when your period is. We'll have to ask someone from the Mages Guild or maybe a high-ranking Priest," Melanie suggested.
"Oh I'm way ahead of you there. I have my golems sifting through all the books in the kingdom's libraries and guilds. I just trained them how to read human basic and for the languages that can't breed they bring to me. As of right now, there isn't anything like that yet. I don't think it is something that is useful for humans because your menstrual cycles are usually regular. And you can just track the dates and use the right protection. But with elves, it could be a real problem. I think it could become a booming industry if we can create such an item," Rya replied.
"Oh, so you can teach them complex ideas like that. That's good to know. What else can they do?"
"Well, before I learned that I could use Time Space Magic, I was creating different golems for other utility purposes. Like I made a Speed Steed which is just a horse golem and I was working on a flying golem that could be launched from Baron Zellin's airships. But I'm struggling on creating the right alloys to craft them so they don't fall apart when pulling off some evasive maneuvers at mach speeds—"
Rya paused as all the ladies were giving her a blink smile and occasionally nodding along as if they understood her technobabble, "Sorry. I went a bit overboard. Anyway, I have a bunch of ideas that need some time to test... So, have any of you ladies received the letter from Duchess Leandra Revelia?" Rya asked as she wanted to change the subject to something her friends could engage with.
All the girls perked up and were interested in what Rya had to say.
"I haven't heard anything from my mother about it. Have you Julia?" Serena asked.
"No. Maybe it is a Major Noble's event. Miss Jenelle? Miss Constance? Have you two heard anything?" Julia asked.
"I've been staying at, Melanie's house so I'm out of the loop," Jenelle answered.
"My mom has received a letter. I think it's only a select group of women being invited," Constance said.
Melanie looked like she was on to something, "My mother hasn't spoken to me since the party. So, I don't know the details. But if it is true that the Duchess has request the presence of only the Major Nobles and their daughters, then the party could be a potential political move by the Duchess."
"A political move?" Jenelle asked, sounding a little nervous.
"She must have an ulterior motive. But why is it only our mothers and Rya were invited," Amelia wondered out loud.
"Is it a trap?" Aris asked.
"I doubt that. It has something to do with repentance by receiving judgement on a neutral site. I be surprised if Leandra could pull off a double cross in such a short notice," Constance said.
Melanie nodded, "I agree. She's using herself as a decoy," She answered.
"But who is she being a decoy for is the question," Rya pointed out.
"Trying to get in the mind of the Duke or Duchess is a tell order, My Lady," Melanie said with a pained expression.
"Do you think it is to give the Duke a chance to run?" Nieren asked.
Melanie thought for a moment and shook her head, "Princess Rya. You have your golems watching their manor, correct?"
"Yeah, there isn't anything that can escape my golem's eyes without them notifying me," Rya replied.
"Then it is for someone else. Do you think it is for Princess Hilda?" Melanie asked.
Rya thought for a moment and was running through the scenarios in her head. However, in the end she shook her head. "She seemed to be against the Duke now. She didn't help him during the party and she's been quiet for the most part. I've only had to put one golem to tail her and her maid. And it doesn't look like she is communicating with her half-brother either. She low priority."
"So, we should focus on the Prime Minister," Nieren concluded. "He's fighting for his station and he might use whatever distraction Leandra is going to give him to win back the Major Lords."
Melanie shook off that idea, "I heard my father speak about the alliance that the Prime Minister has with the Duke. It's strenuous at best and Duval seems to be the one who is trying to keep it together against my father's advice. It's for someone else. Someone who must be in a hole and a corner. Someone who isn't being monitored," she deduced.
Rya was annoyed that she couldn't come up with a possible suspect. But in the end, whoever it was will fail was they come out of the shadows.
With that Rya finished a third slice of cake and drank some tea before standing up.
"Well, there's no reason to continue banging our heads against the wall. So, shall we go and have some fun," she asked as she stretched.
Nieren sighed and stood up, "Yeah, it's probably for the best" she said as she followed Rya.
"Alright girls... Let's do some shopping and let's help Jenelle get a better wardrobe," Rya suggested, causing Jenelle to blush in embarrassment.
"W-what's wrong with my wardrobe," Jenelle asked.
"Your family doesn't let you choose what you wear, and you look like a librarian. We are going to find you a cute outfit that you can show your stuff," Rya teased.
"She does have a point," Amelia agreed.
"But is it wise to buy knew clothes if my body might change after slaying monsters?" Jenelle asked.
"Oh? It looks like it isn't only Constance who wants a bigger bust," Melanie said with a smirk.
"W-What!? No! It's just what happened to Amelia might happen to—Guh! Forgot it! I'm going to die from embarrassment before we develop our Mana Veins," Jenelle yelled.
"You won't. Just keep calm," Serena assured.
"Yeah, it's only clothes," Julia added.
"That's right. It's only clothes," Melanie chimed in.
"Clothes," Aris repeated with a sly smile.
"I'm sure we can find something that suits her," Elaine said.
"Indeed," Nieren agreed.
"B-But then you are going to say I need jewelry," Jenelle pointed out.
"Oh! That's a good idea! I think rubies would look great with your hair," Constance said excitedly.
"Really? I think emeralds would go with her eyes. It makes it easier work guys to notice her," Amelia pointed out.
"I think platinum would be a perfect match for her complexion," Melanie added.
"You can get platinum necklace encrusted with rubies," Julia said.
"Oh... I can see that," Constance agreed.
"We have to get the right clothes so they don't clash with the jewelry," Serena said.
"But what is the budget?" Nieren asked.
"We'll just start a tab for Jenelle," Melanie suggested.
Jenelle's face was redder than a tomato, "Huh!? But I can't let you all pay for my things. I can't afford such a lavish lifestyle nor do I think I can pull it off! It's not necessary," she protested.
"Don't worry, Jenelle. I'll spot you this trip. My treat," Rya assured as she came up from behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Jenelle sighed in defeat as all her excuses were met with rebuttals, "Alright. But nothing too fancy! I'm not that type of girl."
"You heard that Ladies!? Jenelle agreed to let up doll her up. But nothing too fancy. Understood," Rya shouted.
All the ladies cheered and hugged the blushing girl.
"Alright. Enough, let's go," Nieren said with a sigh.
And with that the ladies of the Crown Princess's party set off into the city, and were all chatting away as they went from store to store with their security detail following behind.
***
As the Ladies were having their fun, the western outskirts of the city was eeriely silent around the Divalo Manor. Many female figures were all staring as the building from the fence line. They were like statues as the stayed in their place. Waiting to see what the Duke might do.
Comments
Micheal Kennedy
Thank you for the chapter
Marek Gwalt
TFTC
