Elise has been staying away from the manor since Eric’s brother and his family arrived. At first, Lexi had thought it odd, until the red haired commander told her why.
She’s sensitive around children and families.
It turns out the older sage had had family twice in Terra. The first time, she’d even had grandchildren, but not only had her husband and one child died of old age, the other child and both grandchildren had perished in war or dungeons.
The second time, her husband and all three children had passed on under mysterious circumstances - the youngest dying about seventy years ago in the capital while Elise had been away helping the empire’s troops deal with a surge of demons at the Wall.
“That’s why she doesn’t leave the capital anymore.” Those brown eyes are grim, but there’s something in them that tells Lexi their talk isn’t over.
“What is it?”
When he blinks, then looks satisfied but sad, Lexi wishes once more that the system didn’t exist.
“Nothing good ever happens when players and Terrans fall in love. Remember that.”
I see.
No wonder you were always concerned I’d fall for Jordan. He has enough people trying to kill him as it is.
It also explains why Lexi’s been told that Eric had been against Ray’s courtship of Summoner Selena from the start. From what she’s heard, it’d started off with the redhead first making his displeasure known verbally, before disagreements descended into fights that the now-commander always won.
Eventually, after Ray had been rejected enough times, Eric had simply chosen to distance himself from the situation, refusing to say a word of comfort to his second-in-command whenever the blonde player refused the Shield of the Empire once again.
I guess Ray loves her enough not to care if he dies in the process.
Ordinarily, Lexi would wonder why such a brilliant, brave, strong, kind, and wise person would fall for someone so obviously mercenary and wrong for them.
But she only has to remember black hair and ruby eyes to understand.
I’m nowhere near as nice as Ray, but I can understand having crap taste in people. If we were all like Eric, would things be easier?
The commander doesn’t believe in romance or associated feelings, seeing them as distractions at best, and weaknesses at worst. Instead, all he cares about with his partners are their appearances and ‘skills’.
Man’s got a point. We all die alone anyway, no matter how many people are around us.
Still, she’s looking forward to seeing Elise again at Eric’s 37th.
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Since the birthday party of the Hawk Legion’s commander - who’s also the youngest child of Duke Tridentia, and the crown prince’s best friend - is such a momentous occasion, the duke has had to promise to block all players’ powers given concerns raised by some quarters about ‘invasions of privacy’ by Lexi and Elise.
We’re not the ones you should be afraid of.
The amount of new information the secretaries and servants have been bringing Lexi is ridiculous, though she has a good laugh when she reads about the latest entry to the ‘Nanny Diaries’ - notes from the regular gathering of noble heirs’ caretakers - containing mentions of “how to avoid W-gate”.
Guess they read about what I said at Parliament.
Though the count’s alleged deviant behavior had remained only a rumor until then, the nannies must have assumed Lexi deliberately alluding to it in such a setting meant that Tridentia believed it true, while the reactions from everyone else - including the emperor - had been taken as further proof of legitimacy.
Serves you right, sicko.
If the nannies have their way, Count Wyngate can now no longer go within 100 feet of any noble child below the age of eighteen. Aside from the fact that nannies - like many servants who interact directly with their noble masters - hold great power behind the scenes, this means an entire generation of aristocrats is being raised to view Wyngate with disdain at best, and as a threat at worst.
I don’t feel the slightest bit sorry for the pregnant Countess Wyngate getting some of the blowback. Not only was she snarky to me at the ball, it was her own choices that were exposed - she made her bed, now she can bloody well lie in it. Plus that ungrateful bitch didn’t even bother thanking me for proving she didn’t kill her lover.
According to the dossier she’d been given before Parliament, the countess had been sent to the remote countryside due to ‘weakening health as a result of pregnancy’, but everyone knows the count had kicked her out for infidelity, since divorce is prohibited under the religion observed by the empire.
Count Dromhuigh stepping up his schemes to become heir to the Dromhuigh duchy instead of his older brother makes for an amusing read as well, since - according to the notes - his father and sibling are well aware of his intent and plans, and simply waiting to entrap him.
I’d call this a messed up world, but plenty of families pulled shit like this back home too.
Lexi is lucky her inheritance had been protected by an ironclad will - a final gift from her beloved father, and source of major conflict in the family, since he’d left her the manor and most of their assets, including the conglomerate.
I’m sure mother threw a huge party when I disappeared.
With Lexi out of the way, that cold woman would now control everything, since Lexi’s younger brother is nothing but a puppet of the person who’d given birth to them.
It’s going to get dirty when I go back, if I ever manage to. Hopefully she hasn’t spent everything or run the companies into the ground by then.
While Lexi stayed away from interfering with the day-to-day management of the entities she owned - partly due to her father’s advice to “let the experts handle it”, partly because she wanted to build a reputation for herself in other fields - her mother enjoyed flaunting authority by meddling as much as possible.
...maybe it’s better I don’t go back. I don’t want to see dad’s, grandfather’s, and great-grandfather’s hard work ruined by that woman.
“That’s inefficient! You just wasted three precious seconds!” The sounds of the maids’ ‘dress rehearsal’ pull her out of her thoughts, and Lexi chuckles. Deidre is making her colleagues run through everything they’ll be doing when getting Lexi ready for the party in three days, and she can’t help laughing when the blonde servant goes full drill sergeant in the dressing room.
Since they’re all working so hard for me, I guess it’s only fair I do my part.
She has less than a thousand pages left to read and memorize before the celebration.
...I’d better get a ton of EXP for all this cramming.
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What the hell’s this guy up to?
Shade Raphael has sent her another gift, to congratulate her for achieving something no other player in history has (complete tax exemption for life), and though Lexi is curious about what’s in the box, she’s more concerned about the shade’s motivations.
I know he’s not interested in me THAT way, since Dhampir Lily is drop dead gorgeous and I’m this bulky weakling who needs to rely on others to survive. So why’s he playing nice? I heard he likes accumulating money, but also that he’s not afraid to spend as an ‘investment’. What’s he trying to use me for?
It’d been embarrassing as hell when Elise had gently broken the news to her before. Though most people had been focused on the murder at the emperor’s ball, and then Lexi’s invitation to Parliament and her actions there, eventually word had spread about her reaction to the dark haired shade.
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He knows I like him. Everyone knows I like him. I’m lucky that Jordan doesn’t treat me any differently.
While she likes the crown prince as a friend, the fact remains that she needs to stay in his good books because he’s someone the system says is important to her journey.
All these gifts are attempts to manipulate me - make me fall even more for him and do whatever he wants - since as Eric said I’m Jordan’s biggest weakness.
Fury buries the pain in her heart as it rages through her veins.
You piece of shit. I’ll make you regret trying to use me for your own gain, when you’ve done absolutely nothing for me. Did you think I’d be grateful for your stupid presents? Jordan and Elise give me priceless items constantly, the duchy provides me with anything I could need or want free of charge, and I’m making plenty of money from my side business.
Anger is good. Anger is a shield, a fiery protection against emotions that weaken resolve.
Since Duke Tridentia invited that waste of sperm to Eric’s party, I’ll have to find a way to put him in his place in front of everyone.
She’s pissed off, formulating and discarding plans while speed reading through the notes she’d been given.
You messed with the wrong woman, asswipe. When I graduated from being known as ’The Bitch’ back home, my other nickname became ‘Tsunami’.
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The party is even more gorgeous than the emperor’s 30th anniversary celebrations, though maybe Lexi is biased because she dislikes that power-hungry Terran and personally prefers simplicity now that she’s older.
From the decorations to the food, everything is tasteful and elegant, though no less luxurious.
Wow.
It’s a packed ballroom, other noble families seeking access to Tridentia’s wealth and influence through marriage or alliances, and not for the first time Lexi is glad for the protection she receives from so many powerful individuals.
They’d decided in advance for Ray and Elise not to leave her side while Jordan sticks close to Eric, who’s doing his best to avoid requests to dance and not-so-subtle hints for marriage. While the group does their best to remain near each other, they’d also prepared for the possibility of the Hawk Commander getting pulled away.
Lexi is sorry not to have Eric’s cold glowers helping her out as much, but she has to admit it’s fun to watch the redhead’s attempts to sidestep the cackle of aristocrats trying to corner him on his birthday.
The way Eric grits his teeth constantly when simpering fools pant around him is hilarious.
Focus. Remember your mission.
She’s not leaving the ballroom until she makes it very clear to Shade Raphael that she’s not his tool.
Fortunately, her simmering rage fortifies her against the shade’s appearance - since he looks like everything she’s ever wanted - and her tone is cool when she greets him.
“Lady Alexandra, it’s good to see you again.” Must you have the perfect voice too?
“A pleasure as always, Shade Raphael.”
That handsome face doesn’t change, not even the slightest twitch of an eyebrow, and Lexi’s competitive nature rises to the challenge.
You’ll regret thinking of messing with me.
“Congratulations once again on so many groundbreaking achievements, my lady.” I hate you because I want you, even though I know you’ll never want me for me. “You’re a beacon for all players.”
Ah ha. Here we go.
“How dare I claim such a lofty role?” Her omission of honorifics is intentional, because she doesn’t want to consider using a possessive pronoun with the shade, and because she generally hates speaking as though others are above her. “If anything, Elise and Dhampir Lily are the living embodiments of what players should aspire to be.”
> Translation 1: As someone who hasn’t confirmed my class publicly, I’m acting like an alchemist who hopes to become like Elise. It’s clear we’re good friends, so I’d obviously never hurt her.
>
> Translation 2: Elise herself has never hurt a higher ranking player than her because she’s never needed to. So I could be wanting to refrain from the promotion battles out of respect for her.
>
> Translation 3: Elise and Dhampir Lily have survived the longest in Terra, and I aim to walk in their footsteps.
>
> Translation 4: Dhampir Lily is your lover, and everyone knows it. Don’t think you can act nice to me and have me come panting in desperation, not when I already know you’ve stayed somewhat true to that woman for more than twenty years.
>
> Translation 5: While you might think I want to be another notch on your bedpost, remember that Elise doesn’t get involved that way with other players. So who do you think I’m trying to emulate here?
That smile is dangerous.
It’s distracting, doing things to Lexi, and once again she’s glad for the anger she feels towards the shade.
Enough running in the shadows.
“I agree that both Elise and Lily are wonderful individuals.” While Elise insists on every player addressing her without a title, his omission of Dhampir Lily’s title is telling, and Lexi ruthlessly stomps on the stupid twinges in her chest. “But you’re the only player in history to have achieved what you have, my lady.”
Stop with the ‘my lady’ shit, asshole. I know what you’re up to.
“Time will tell, I’m sure.”
At her refusal to react like a besotted fool while continuing to fire off loaded words, a slight glimmer of something appears in those ruby eyes.
Stand your ground, Lexi. He’s powerful but the duke activated the player suppression tool earlier. This shade can’t hurt you right now, at least not physically. So you just need to be prepared to deal with his words.
“I look forward to what the future holds.” He’s quick, grabbing her hand and raising it to his lips before she can react. “My lady.”
The brush of his lips against her glove almost makes Lexi blush, but she bites her inner cheek and remembers her resolution.
I know you see me as a stupid girl you can use to manipulate Jordan, Eric, Ray, Elise, and everyone else. I won’t let you.
“May it be filled with more light than dark.”
How’d you like that?
Though her statement can be taken at face value to mean she hopes for more good than bad, or even an allusion to the Empire of the Sun’s success, it’s a clear dig at him given the shade’s abilities to control shadows.
Go to hell.
It’s better to hate him, to wish for his demise, because otherwise Lexi wouldn’t be able to do anything but fall deeper for the man she’d always dreamed of.
I’m nobody’s pawn.
“Lexi.” Startled, she yanks her hand back, turning to see Eric and Jordan standing barely six feet away.
They look pissed.
Though it probably isn’t obvious to most, Lexi’s spent enough time around them to notice the subtle signs. And it’s clear as day to her that the redhead and blond are furious with the shade for approaching her and initiating physical contact without her permission.
Thank you.
With the crown prince and the Hawk Commander around, Shade Raphael has no choice but to greet them unless he wants to cause a scene.
You think we’re all stupid, don’t you? Everyone here knows what you’re truly like. There’s no need to act all gentlemanly and polite in front of us.
It’s hard for Eric or Jordan to dismiss the shade, since they know he’ll take offense and then end up working more closely with the emperor and grand duke against the crown prince. Which means they have to wait for Elise to finish her conversation with Summoner Arif and Saint Natalia, so she can intervene given her status as the oldest player alive.
All the more opportunity for me to stick it to this piece of shit.
He even hands her the opening on a silver platter.
“I must confess, my lady, I’ve been wondering if my gifts aren’t to your liking.” Oh, you mean those things you sent me in order to twist me around your little finger? ...That hair pin is nifty but I’ll only wear it when I’m on quests or raids, and I’ll try to hide it in my hair.
“How odd of you to think that way.” She cocks her head slightly, furrowing her brows and acting confused, before repeating the same words that had rendered the emperor speechless. “Just as those with more have more to give, so should actions be judged for their intent.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she sees that neither Eric nor Jordan are able to cover their smirks in time, though Shade Raphael probably doesn’t notice because his scarlet eyes are trained entirely on Lexi. There’s something about his gaze that makes a little tingle creep down her spine, but she pushes the feeling away and focuses on the dangerous man before her.
Unless you’re a complete idiot, there’s no way you didn’t catch my drift.
His slow, appreciative smile is absolutely devastating, and Lexi struggles hard to shield her mind and heart against its effects.
Don’t fall for it. He knows he’s gorgeous, he knows you like him. He’s doing this to get to Jordan and everyone else through you.
“I’m glad we’re aligned, my lady.” That low, husky timbre probably affects her more than others due to her sensitive hearing, and she tries to imagine it’s the emperor speaking to her now in order to hold on to her loathing.
Before her tenuous grip on self-control can break, Elise swoops in to save the day.
“Rafa, how lovely to see you again.” Those purple eyes aren’t smiling, even though pink lips are. “Have you been very busy lately?”
Thank God for you, Elise.
Also, nice shot.
For someone so gentle and kind, the dark haired sage knows exactly what to say to put other players in their place.
At face value, Elise appears to merely be enquiring out of courtesy, as a senior to a junior. But underneath the innocuous question are layers of subtext - ranging from an insult (“do you even work, or do you just spend all your time sleeping around?”) to reproach (“are you too busy to see me outside of these events”) to a warning (“I know what you really do, and I know the underground trade is flourishing thanks to Lexi - don’t forget who’s in her corner”).
“Good evening, Elise.” Interesting. The shade seems to be standing straighter, with shoulders squared and tone mildly deferential. “I haven’t been on a raid in awhile, but I intend to do so soon.” Sidestepping and trying to change the topic like that doesn’t work on Elise, dumbass. How could you not know after all this time?
“As you should.” Elise’s brilliant smile is both beautiful and vicious, since the older sage is incredibly protective of Lexi. Meanwhile her words, though delivered in a light tone, pack a punch.
Get it now, you two-bit wannabe mafiosi?
It’s already a complete victory on their side, when Summoner Selena appears and puts the nail in the coffin for some odd reason.
“Hello Raphael, it’s rare to see you at an event like this without Lily. I wonder where she is.” There’s no way the grand duke’s lover doesn’t know that the dhampir had gone to the Wall at the emperor’s request last night. Bringing the infamous temptress up like this is simply to remind everyone of the rumors that Shade Raphael had had to rely heavily on the second oldest player in order to survive and reach his current rank. It also serves to emphasize the fact that it’d been the dhampir who’d been his ticket into noble and imperial parties, back when the shade had been a lower ranking player with limited knowledge of upper-class etiquette and word games.
Why are you helping me? Or do you have beef with him too? I thought you were working with him to target me, or find a way to get into Jordan’s pants.
Regardless, I’m grateful. I like the look in those red eyes now that he knows beyond a doubt that he’s messed with the wrong woman. Or women.
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CHAPTER 30 END