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The Hidden Jewel of the Dukedom
Chapter 75: The Scarlet Interlude

Chapter 75: The Scarlet Interlude

The somber mood had barely settled as Lilian and her entourage approached the foreboding gates of the royal palace. With the skies above still flickering ominously with remnants of the divine wrath, the urgency of their mission weighed heavily upon them. Yet, before a word could be exchanged with the royal guards, the world around Lilian spun into a kaleidoscope of scarlet light.

In an instant, the clamor and chaos of her world fell away, replaced by an ethereal silence. Lilian found herself standing alone in a realm that defied earthly bounds. The landscape around her shimmered with celestial brilliance, and the sky, a canvas of vibrant hues, stretched infinitely. At the heart of this divine realm stood a figure of awe-inspiring beauty and power—the Scarlet God. Her long, flowing red hair framed a face of glowing, otherworldly grace.

Before Lilian could gather her wits to speak, the Scarlet God’s voice, resonant and commanding, filled the space. "This is not the end but the beginning—a mere warning. You shall not marry into the hands of those who wield dark magic. Save your kingdom, save your family. This path is yours to forge."

As quickly as the vision had enveloped her, it dissolved, whisking Lilian back to her own reality. But not as she had left it; instead of standing at the gates of the royal palace, she was in her bedroom, the morning light spilling through her windows as if no calamity had ever occurred.

Lilian sat up, a sense of surreal calm washing over her. She was alone with this monumental knowledge, and the weight of her experience was hers alone to bear. No one else remembered the catastrophic events, nor the dire prophecy. Even more disorienting, Lilian realized she had been thrust back in time by exactly one month, well before the royal marriage was to take place.

With the clarity of one given a second chance, Lilian knew she had to act subtly and wisely. The Scarlet God’s warning was clear: the marriage could not proceed, but how to prevent it without revealing her supernatural encounter or the reasons behind her objections?

The days that followed were a delicate dance of manipulation and strategy. Lilian revisited each decision and each relationship, working to subtly influence the court and her own family. She strengthened her alliances and sought out more information on the dark magic that lurked within the royal family, all without revealing the true impetus for her actions.

She also intensified her training under the guise of personal growth, not just in swordplay with Rylan but in statecraft and diplomacy. Each step she took was measured, each decision layered with the dual purpose of fortifying her position and averting the impending disaster.

As Lilian reoriented herself within the confines of her familiar bedroom, the surreal nature of her experience with the Scarlet God hung over her like a vivid tapestry. She had been given a monumental task, a directive that seemed both impossible and irrevocable. The divine warning echoed in her mind: prevent the dark marriage, save your kingdom, save your family.

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Standing alone with this knowledge, Lilian felt the weight of destiny pressing down upon her. She was back in time by one month, the skies above her home clear and peaceful as if the foretold disasters were nothing but a distant nightmare. Yet, the memories of destruction and divine intervention were fresh and palpable. No one else remembered; no one else knew the peril that loomed just beyond the horizon of time.

Lilian paced her room, the morning light casting long shadows that seemed to play tricks on her eyes. The reality of her situation was overwhelming. She had to navigate this precarious path alone, armed with nothing but the cryptic admonitions of a god. How could she prevent a royal marriage steeped in dark magic without revealing her supernatural encounter? How could she subtly influence the course of events to avert a catastrophe?

The questions swirled in her mind like leaves caught in an autumn wind. She approached her window, looking out over the estate that had been her home and sanctuary. The tranquil scenes of daily life, so at odds with the apocalyptic visions she had witnessed, provided a stark contrast that fueled her resolve. She realized that her actions over the next month would not only shape her destiny but also the fate of her entire kingdom.

Lilian knew she needed a plan that was both subtle and impactful. She would start by strengthening her bonds with those around her, fortifying the trust and alliances that could prove crucial in the days to come. She needed to be watchful, observant, and most importantly, strategic. Every conversation, every decision, and every alliance had to be carefully weighed and executed.

As she prepared for the day, dressing in a gown that seemed too normal for someone who had just conversed with a deity, Lilian steeled herself for the challenges ahead. She joined her family for breakfast, her demeanor calm and composed, giving nothing away of the turmoil that churned beneath her poised exterior.

Throughout the meal, she listened and engaged, her mind working tirelessly to discern any undercurrents of darkness that might hint at the influence of dark magic within the kingdom. She watched her family, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what might come if she failed.

After breakfast, Lilian walked through the gardens, her thoughts a complex tapestry of strategy and fear. The vibrant blooms and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze seemed to whisper secrets and warnings. Could she be the leader her kingdom needed? Could she navigate the political labyrinth to prevent the impending disaster?

The day passed in a blur of activity. Lilian met with her advisors, discussed plans for upcoming events, and reviewed reports from various parts of the kingdom. With each task, she felt the dual pressure of her normal duties and the extraordinary challenge bestowed upon her by the Scarlet God.

As dusk fell and the estate settled into the quiet of the evening, Lilian stood once more at her window, looking out at the starlit sky. The peace of the night was a sharp contrast to the storm that raged within her. She knew that the coming days would test her in ways she had never imagined.

In the quiet solitude of her room, Lilian made a vow to herself and to her kingdom. She would do whatever it took to uncover the truth, to steer her world away from the brink of disaster. She would find a way to thwart the dark marriage and protect her people from the unseen forces that sought to destroy them.