Tayna looked at the four female humanoids and frowned, "Let's go to the parlor. I'll have the servants bring some tea and pastries."

Dalia got excited about the sweets while Yuliana looked unamused. Nieren was trying to be the proper guest, and Rya stood up and said, "That would be nice... Percy, would you like to join us?"

Percy looked at all the women standing up before him.

"I think I'll go exploring. Maybe talk to some soldiers. I don't want to intrude on your time together. Besides, I'm sure you want to talk about things without a man listening in," Percy said.

Rya rolled her eyes. 'Of course. Leave the girls to have some girl time. Typical... I hope I can control Dalia without him around... Who am I kidding? Dalia's going to be Dalia... Well, let's see what is up with this chick.'

"Fair enough. Go and explore. We'll try not to get into trouble," Rya said.

Percy saluted her, "Aye, aye. My lady!"

"Hehehe," Dalia giggled at her mate's behavior.

Rya shook her head, and the party of five walked out of the dining room. They followed Tayna into a large parlor, where a couple of couches and a large table with four chairs were.

Rya sat down on the couch. At the same time, Yuliana and Dalia took the couch across from her. Whereas, Nieren picked a chair next to the window. The servants came in with tea and snacks. Tayna took her time to sit in a chair across from Nieren and was in between the couches. Rya was to her left while Dalia and Yuliana were to her right. A servant came up with a freshly brewed pot of tea.

"Ma'am, I chose the Corialis Green Tea with the Honey Citrus and the Lemon Curd Pastry."

Tayna nodded her head, "Fine. Put the teapot and pastries on the table."

"Of course," the servant replied.

Tayna was still annoyed about having to entertain a bunch of people out of the blue. And she had to use her better manners because Rya was going to be marrying into royalty.

"So... Tell me. What is it like to be a dark elf? All the stories I've heard don't paint your kind in a good light from what I remember," Tayna asked as she took her cup of tea and had a sip.

Nieren and Yuliana seemed to have a guilty conscience as they recalled how badly they acted towards Rya when they first met her on different occasions.

Rya smirked and took her cup of tea, "What is it like to be a scarred woman?"

"Excuse me?" Tayna said angrily.

"You heard me. I'm a dark elf. And you are a woman with scars... Do you fear what will happen when the other nobles find out? You'll be shunned and cast out... Unless your husband protects you. Or maybe you want someone else to protect you," Rya said.

"Wh-what?" Tayna was shocked by Rya's words.

"You fear not knowing how someone will react to you. Will they treat you with kindness, disgust, or murderous intent? You have the same fears I do. But the difference is that I have the power to change people's minds. And I have a powerful family backing me up... But here you are, insulting your husband... He seems like a good person from what I've seen. You're a fool if you let his kindness go to waste. If I were your husband, I wouldn't take this treatment...," Rya said before giving her a sly glance while sipping her tea.

Yuliana and Nieren didn't know how brutal Rya could be when she needed to. While Dalia was too hyper-focused on the sweets to care about anything that was happening around her.

Tayna was shocked. Her face turned red. Her hands started shaking, and her eyes were wide open. She knew Johan didn't have a mana vein. Meaning the nobles would see him as a commoner and wouldn't respect him or worse, they would try to strip his title. And she was nothing more than a trophy. A damaged trophy.

"If you think he's so good then why don't we trade places? Hmm?" Tayna asked.

"Ha-ha. As tempting as that is. I'll pass," Rya said.

"Then I think you shouldn't be so rude. Dark Elves are the enemies of mankind," Tayna stated.

"Says who?... Yuliana, can you tell me who spread all these stories about dark elves?" Rya asked.

Yuliana was nervous about answering that question. She took a cup of tea and sipped it before trying to change the subject, "Well... This is some lovely human tea. Where is Corialis again? I think I would like to buy some."

"Yuliana?" Rya asked.

"No. No. I'm fine. Don't mind me, Lady Rya. Just enjoying this human tea," said the fallen Wood Elf Princess.

"Come on, tell me," Rya demanded.

Yuliana froze before replying, "I-It's the High Elves of the White-Wing Kingdom. They spread rumors."

"So... As you can see. Not only have the Wood Elves and the Dwarves been brainwashed into believing that all Dark Elves are evil, but the Humans, too. And since I have been hunted down by the Divine Three, I know how hard it is to escape from them. Luckily, I found the Prince and saved his life. And then he saved mine. He is more important to me than anyone else in this world... And if I can give him the support he needs to make this world a better place. I will. And I'll make sure my family will be at the top of the food chain... Then I know I can live in peace with him and my closest friends," Rya stated.

"So, you say the High Elves are spreading rumors? How am I supposed to know if you are speaking the truth with only your words alone? It's nothing but hearsay," Tayna said.

"Well, I just have to show everyone by my actions," Rya replied.

"I still think you are lying. Dark Elves are not good. You're all monsters. It's written in history books. You are the offspring of a dark god," Tayna said in a bold manner.

*Clink*

Yuliana almost dropped her cup of tea. While Nieren glared at the human who was insulting her friend. Dalia cracked into a quiet laugh.

"Hehehe... She's a bold one or she's dumber than a rock," Dalia whispered as she sat back on the couch wondering how Alpha was going to discipline this one.

"Is that so... Tayna? Is it?" Rya said in a low calm tone.

"Yes," Tayna said proudly while staring her down.

Then out of nowhere two of Rya's golems grabbed Tayna from both of her sides and forced her up with ease.

"T-There are more Dark Elves!? W-What is the meaning of this!" Tayna yelled as she dropped her cup.

The servants didn't know what to do, and one tried running towards the door to call for help, but another golem formed from the ground in front of the door and blocked the exit.

"Hey, cloney! It's way funnier to watch someone else being handled by them instead of me," Dalia laughed while grabbing a pastry and scarfing it down in one bite.

"What is the meaning of this? Why are they practically naked!?" Tayna yelled.

"Lady Rya is one of the most powerful mages I have ever seen in my life. Those are her earth golems. I've seen them wipe out the Black Rose army with only a couple of them," Nieren informed the panicking woman.

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Tayna struggled as she was brought closer to Rya. She didn't expect Rya to be so powerful.

"Y-You! Unhand me this instant!" Tayna yelled.

Rya took another sip of her tea as 2C moved Tayna's left hand closer to her. Tayna was confused about what was going on. Then she felt her left glove being pulled off and then the second one with the fake ring finger revealing her disfigured hand.

"What is this!? What are you doing!" Tayna shouted.

"Tell me, Tayna... How did you get these injuries?" Rya asked.

"It is none of your business. That is private information. Let go of me—Aunh!" Tayna moaned in pain as she was forced to lean over the table.

"Hmm. You made it my business once you insulted me. Which is also insulting the prince through me... So answer the question," Rya demanded.

"No! Stop this!" Tayna yelled.

"I can do this all day. Answer the question," Rya demanded.

"Y-you!... You already humiliated me! What more do you want?" Tayna cried out.

"An answer would be nice," Rya replied.

Tayna couldn't break free, and after a minute of struggling, she gave in.

"Fine! I'll tell you!" Tayna said.

The golems eased up a bit, but she still was trapped in their grasp.

"M-My brother... When we were young. He wanted to prove he could be a great warrior... So he ran out to the nearby forest outside the village we lived in. We were forbidden to go into the forest because of how many slime monsters would roam around there. But he didn't care. And I tried to stop him before he could run away. But he got away and I was lost deep inside the forest. Before I knew it. I ran into a slime and it got my hand and it went up my arm. I screamed for help, but no one was there to help me. It took 20 minutes for the villagers to find me. When they found me, the slime was trying to eat me. And I had already lost feeling in my left arm... My family was disappointed in me... And I had to hide this arm from the world and make a fake finger," Tayna cried as she wished she could hide herself.

Rya put down her cup of tea and looked at the woman. She could tell it was the truth and looked like someone who was pitied and shamed.

'So, maybe she acts the way she does, because of the pitying eyes of the others. She's trying to act tough... But she's fragile and is masking a lot of issues.'

Rya slowly reached her hand up to grab the acid burn hand of Tayna.

"W-What are you doing!? L-Let me go!" Tayna tried to fight against the golems but it was no use.

Rya grabbed her hand and before Tayna could say anything. She felt a tingling sensation that spread throughout her body.

"Ah! Ah!" Tayna moaned as she closed her eyes.

She felt a warmth starting to grow inside her while a calming wave swept throughout her body. It was like she was in heaven. And soon her skin started to repair itself. The missing finger was restored. She could feel the finger move and bend. Her face healed and her skin became softer. And lastly, some padding came out of the left cup of her dress as her breast was healed and restored.

"Ahh!?" Tayna gasped as her eyes shot open.

She saw her healed hand and the missing finger was now restored. And then her face didn't hurt anymore. Her cheeks were smooth and soft.

'W-What happened?'

The golems released her and she was able to stand up straight. And then she felt her chest. Her left breast was restored and she pulled out the padding. She had a mix of disbelief and astonishment.

'How did this happen? Did she heal me? Or am I hallucinating?'

All the servants were dumbfounded at what they just witnessed. Nieren and Yuliana smiled at Rya's kindness. While Dalia pouted in disapproval. The wolfkin thought this human needed to be punished for her sharp tongue.

"H-How? Why?" Tayna asked.

"Because I know how it feels... To be hated, judged, and bullied... But you better watch out, Tayna... I hear that Dark Elves are evil and will do anything to kill mankind," Rya said in a sarcastic tone.

"But... How did you fix my body? I was told the damage was permanent," Tayna said.

Rya smirked, "I'm a healer, Tayna... Now, how about you apologize to me and the prince... Hmm?"

"Oh! O-Of course," Tayna said while nodding her head.

Rya waved her hand and the golems moved back before they morphed into the ground.

'I was wrong about her... She's merciful and a healer... Wait! SHE'S A HEALER!?!'

It hit Tayna like a brick and she looked back at her. She saw the smile on her face and couldn't believe how lucky she was.

'She's a healer. If the prince marries her then he will have access to healing magic and then he will be one of the most powerful people on the planet! She healed me! And I've been nothing but rude to her! You idiot, Tayna. What were you thinking?!'

Tayna got down on her knees and bowed her head to the Dark Elf.

"Lady Rya, I am so sorry for my actions and words. P-Please! Forgive me! For I have acted foolishly," Tayna begged.

Dalia's ears perked up and she was amazed by this woman's 180.

"Oh my, Alpha. I guess you showed her who's boss. I didn't think that would work," Dalia joked.

"Don't needle her, Dalia... She's been through a lot," Rya smiled.

Tayna looked up at Rya and had a pleading look in her eyes. She really didn't mean to insult the Dark Elf. But she was blinded by her ambitions to see the prince, in hopes of breaking her marriage. Even if it was a long shot. But now she wanted her forgiveness.

"Don't give me those sad puppy dog eyes... I get enough of that from Dalia," Rya teased.

"Hey!" Dalia said.

Nieren chuckled while Yuliana sighed in relief. Tayna felt a little better and the servants were still shocked that their lady was forgiving and healed by the dark elf.

One of the maids walked up to Tayna.

"M-My Lady?... Do you wish for me to call the—"

"No... It's alright... Just a little misunderstanding on my part... Can you bring another pot of tea?" Tayna ordered the maid.

"Right away, My Lady," the maid replied.

The maid quickly went to the kitchen and came back with a new pot of tea and set it down on the table.

"Thank you," Tayna said and the maid nodded and went back to her position.

'Now that I know the truth about Lady Rya. She's a person to become friends with... And her power could be very useful to the Prince's cause,' Tayna thought.

Rya poured a cup of tea and handed it to Tayna.

"Here," Rya offered the tea to Tayna.

"T-Thank you, my lady," Tayna took the cup and slowly drank the hot tea.

"Oh, you can sit, Tayna... You're welcome," Rya smiled.

"O-Okay," Tayna replied and took her seat.

"Wow! She's so obedient. I wonder what tricks she could do," Dalia snickered while eating another sweet.

Yuliana and Nieren furrowed their brows at the wolfkin's comment. Tayna didn't say anything, she didn't want to offend Rya or her friends.

"Oh? Then you could learn a thing or two from Lady Tayna, Dalia," Rya chuckled.

"Hey! Don't bring me into this, Alpha. She was the one who said it, not me," Dalia pouted.

"Yeah, yeah. Keep eating," Rya replied.

"Oh! I will do as you obey, Lady Alpha," Dalia teased with a wink.

Rya rolled her eyes and went back to drinking her tea. Tayna was quiet and she felt a little awkward.

"Gods and Spirits... Lady Fyrella would be scolding us for being so informal with Lady Rya," Nieren groaned while grabbing a cup and filling it with tea.

"I fear this wolfkin will be the end of you, Lady Rya," Yuliana commented while sipping her tea.

"Pfft," Dalia muffled her laughter.

"Dalia? Behave yourself. This isn't an etiquette class. And I think I will be fine. Maybe I was a bit forceful at the beginning but we are getting the hang of things," Rya smiled while pointing her pinky finger out as she took another sip of tea.

"Yes, Lady Alpha. We are totally getting the hang of things," Dalia replied while cramming another pastry in her mouth.

The more the others talked with each other the more Tayna started to feel comfortable. And she didn't notice the servants whispering about her.

'This Dark Elf is like nothing I have heard. Maybe the other races were wrong about her kind. And if I can get on her good side then I can be her ally or better yet her friend. The prince would reward me if I could gain the favor of this Dark Elf. Both of them will surely see how useful I can be. And then we can rule this kingdom how we see fit.'

Tayna was scheming as she sat there, watching Rya and her group talk and enjoy themselves.

"So, Lady Tayna?" Rya called out.

"Y-Yes," Tayna answered.

"You seemed displeased to be married to Johan... Care to tell me why? Is he a bad person?" Rya asked.

"N-No... He's a... Fine man and he is very... Thoughtful," Tayna said.

"Then... You don't want to be his wife?"

"He... He's going to be ousted... He can't defend himself with no mana vein and odds are, our children won't have the mana veins either. And it is not like anyone else will marry him," Tayna answered.

"Then why don't you become the alpha?" Dalia asked.

"Huh?"

"You've been healed. And you were born into a noble family. So get stronger and protect your mate," Dalia said.

"But it's unladylike to fight..." Tayna answered.

"Who said? Women are allowed to fight," Dalia argued.

"Dalia... She doesn't have the drive to do what we do," Rya said.

"B-But..."

"Lady Rya is right, Dalia. Don't force people into doing something they aren't suited for," Nieren spoke.

"Alright, Wood—I mean, Lady Nieren," Dalia said.

Rya looked at Tayna, "So your only issue is that Johan has a weak mana vein? Is that right?"

"Yes, Lady Rya... I would find him acceptable if he had a stronger mana vein... But I doubt we could ever be compatible," Tayna answered.

"Hmm. Understandable," Rya said before taking another sip of her tea.

'She's a bit shallow... But I think I can make her fall in love with Johan. I'm sure he slayed a bunch of monsters while growing up. And if whatever is affecting his mana vein is similar to what happened to Nieren's vein. Then he'll have a case of the "Mana Lust". She'll be fucked so well that she'll be hooked... Hell! Maybe she'll love him if we're lucky.'

Rya was busy thinking up a plan. She was going to help these two even if she needed earplugs for the night. They were stuck together and even though Tayna is a bit of a shallow bitch. Rya was sure that deep down, Tayna wasn't that bad.

"Hmm, I'm sorry for all of that, Lady Rya," Tayna said.

"We all make mistakes... Just make sure you learn from them and grow," Rya replied.

"I will, Lady Rya," Tayna said as she looked at Rya as if she had a question.

"Something on your mind, Lady Tayna?" Rya asked.

"Yes... Someone had mentioned that you met Prince Quinus in his travels?... How did that go?"

Rya smiled, "I don't know if you have enough tea, but I could tell you the story..."

Tayna smiled and was very interested in this story.

"Please do," Tayna answered.

And with that, the ladies began chatting away about how Rya met everyone over the past month.