Ophelia slowly opened her eyes. The sunlight that faintly illuminated her lighting made the girl become more aware of her surroundings.
"......."
Her position was still the same. What was different from last night was the absence of Madam Lin in the room.
Realizing that, Ophelia felt more relieved. The girl turned her head to the side and spat in the corner of the room. Her mouth tasted bitter from earlier. Clearly, what Ophelia spat out was not saliva, but blood. Blood that had started to turn black because it had been sitting in her mouth for too long.
Ophelia pulled out her tongue, which was still stinging.
"It hurts..."
"I knew it, that method is too barbaric... But I can't think of any other way," she complained.
Ophelia remembered clearly, last night, the real reason she fainted. It wasn't because of the Aphrodisiac effect, fatigue, or any other reason. What actually made Ophelia faint was anemia or lack of blood. She bit her tongue as hard as she could until it almost broke off in order to force herself to faint. Of course not without reason, Ophelia felt that the next scene would be too dangerous for her, that's why Ophelia was forced to do that.
TOK TOK TOK
The door of the room was knocked, without waiting for an answer from whoever was inside, someone opened the door.
Ophelia could see a cold-looking modern dressed female elf entering the room. The elf was carrying a tray with food on it.
Slowly, she walked towards Ophelia.
".... Your appearance is really messy."
"Please don't make fun of me. There's no way I can stay presentable after that incident," Ophelia replied somewhat annoyed.
The elf, Lenarya let out a small sigh. She placed her tray on the table and approached Ophelia to untie her. Lenarya also briefly glanced at the blood spot Ophelia had released earlier.
".... You did it, huh."
"Yes, there was no other choice."
After Ophelia's bonds were untied, the girl was able to correct her sitting position and lean back more comfortably. It felt like her back was hurting from having to stay in that position for so long.
"..... Thank you," Ophelia said softly.
Lenarya just nodded.
"No problem."
"Can you eat? I was told to make sure you eat."
Ophelia glanced at the food Lenarya had brought. To be honest, the food looked very delicious and luxurious. But annoyingly, it was served on a dog plate.
"........ I'll eat it later," Ophelia replied forcefully.
Ophelia looked at the elf in front of her with a tired expression.
"Forget about me. How's your plan coming along?"
"It starts today, right?" asked Ophelia.
Lenarya nodded again.
"Yes. I sent Zeta to meet the person I chose in person."
"But for the ones in the Northern region... It looks like it will take some time. The Northern Region is being guarded more heavily these days now that Lord Envy has arrived."
"I see," Ophelia said regretfully.
"Even though the biggest help is in the Northern region."
Lenarya noticed the change in Ophelia's expression.
"Is something wrong?"
".... No, just do as you plan," Ophelia replied. She thought that if it was Naeva, Naeva would definitely do whatever she wanted. Even so, Naeva wouldn't be on the wrong side, so she didn't need to worry (worried that Naeva would be on the other side).
"........"
Lenarya did not understand the thoughts of the girl in front of her. She often thought Ophelia's thoughts were complicated because she was raised as a Lady of a noble family.
"If there's nothing else, hurry up and eat. I have to tie you up again and leave. I still have a lot of work to do."
Ophelia's gaze became a little annoyed.
"I know. Just be patient for a while."
Although reluctant, the girl's hand reached for her food bowl and started eating what was there. The look of it was annoying, but the delicious taste made it even more annoying.
Lenarya waited for Ophelia to finish eating as she looked at her. There was a thought running through her head.
"I'm still surprised that someone as smart as you could end up like this."
TAKK
The spoon Ophelia was holding was slammed onto the tray. Ophelia's face actually looked annoyed.
"Smart and cunning are different."
"I won't lose if it's a battle of wits. A bitch who uses underhanded methods like that can't possibly beat me fair and square."
"Yes, yes. There have been many victims like you," Lenarya replied unfazed.
"I've told you this before. But be patient. You, we, will win if we survive these three weeks," she continued.
Ophelia sighed heavily. She spooned more food into her mouth.
"I know."
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****OOO****
Character Information
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Name: Ophelia CalliopeNova: II OrangeRace: UnknownAge: 17Status: Lady of the Calliope FamilyAffiliation: Calliope Family [https://img.wattpad.com/0ff8b2361d0038f67c3b4f42d71ebaee31b15643/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4f52466f513670534836494538773d3d2d313334303932373938312e313739316435663263616232613364363333343331363936313734312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Ophelia Calliope
Nova: II Orange
Race: Unknown
Age: 17
Status: Lady of the Calliope Family
Affiliation: Calliope Family
-------------------------------------------------
Name: LenaryaNova: UnknownRace: ElfAge: UnknownStatus: Madam Lin's AssistantAffiliation: Eastern Region 3rd Floor [https://img.wattpad.com/eaf0b5ffb83acb3231fc1c40bf26cfef3a1b7239/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f46722d7a35655831442d582d37773d3d2d313334303932373938312e313739316435653661376138326136353933343438303934393034342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Lenarya
Nova: Unknown
Race: Elf
Age: Unknown
Status: Madam Lin's Assistant
Affiliation: Eastern Region 3rd Floor
****OOO****
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Some may be curious about Ophelia and Lenarya's relationship. Actually, their relationship is not that deep. They only got in touch when Madam Lin told Lenarya to look after Ophelia yesterday.
Yesterday
"..... What should I do now?" confused Lenarya in front of Madam Lin's bed.
On the bed, lay a beautiful girl with long navy hair who had been beautifully dressed by Madam Lin's employees earlier.
"Nggh..."
At the same time, the girl began to moan. Her eyes slowly opened.
Not panicking in the slightest, Lenarya just silently waited for her to wake up.
Ophelia, who woke up in such a state, was immediately shocked and cornered looking at Lenarya warily. Her hand grabbed anything around that could be used as a weapon and pointed it at Lenarya.
Lenarya herself did not flinch. She looked like a cornered rat.
"......"
"Who are you!? What are you trying to do to me!?" snapped Ophelia.
"Lenarya, Madam Lin's administrative assistant," Lenarya replied quickly.
"I was told to look after you until Madam arrives."
"...What?"
Ophelia couldn't believe that someone on the opposing side would divulge information so easily.
Lenarya sat down into one of the chairs in the room. She ignored Ophelia who was still wary of her.
"Hey, I'm not good at small talk."
"Get on with it."
Lenarya looked at Ophelia.
"Do you want to be free?" she asked bluntly.
Ophelia, "?"
"Wh-What does that mean!" asked Ophelia.
"Why are you asking me that too!?"
Lenarya was too lazy to explain. But it seemed that the girl in front of her would not let down her guard if she did not explain anything.
"Simply put. Not all the employees here are on Madam's side. Some even hate her."
"3 weeks. If you can survive for 3 weeks and stay 'sober', you can be free."
"Hu-Huh???"
Lenarya's explanation made Ophelia even more confused.
"What's wrong with three weeks?" Ophelia asked again.
Lenarya looked the other way.
"There's no reason for me to answer. You know enough to know that your time is three weeks."
"Madam will be busy during that time, so she shouldn't come often. I will also try to distract her from you under the pretext of work during that time. But there is a limit. If you want Madam's attention to be less and less, you'll have to work on it yourself."
Ophelia did not understand the elf in front of her. Her overly straightforward but mysterious nature and flat expression reminded her of Naeva. Plus, Ophelia could not understand either of them at all.
"Why did you say that? Why are you helping me!?"
Ophelia was still suspicious. After all, the elf was not Naeva. There were many suspicious things here.
Lenarya did not answer.
"......."
At that moment, she thought of someone.
"Maybe because... I don't want your fate to be the same as her."
Ophelia, "?"
Lenarya got up from her chair, she walked over to Ophelia.
"If you don't believe me that much. Do you want to take the Nova Elf Oath?"
"Nova... Oath?"
"Yes, you know the Nova Elf Oath?" asked Lenarya in confirmation.
Ophelia nodded, it was common knowledge. Of course she knew it. Actually, a long time ago, this oath was called the Mana Oath. An oath that existed long before the elves entered the Tower. In this oath, the elves and their contractors would risk their mana/magic circles to promise something. And if the oath is broken, then the mana/magic circle/Nova inside the violator will explode. In the mildest case, it could cause death.
"But why, why did it go to that extent?" asked Ophelia, still suspicious.
Of course she was suspicious. In her current situation, could she trust someone from the enemy just like that? Especially after she was deceived before.
Lenarya understands that, but is too lazy to respond.
"What a complicated girl."
"The point is, do you want to or not? I'll help you get free if you want. And you can help me with my plans in return. Just answer, quickly. I don't have much time."
"If you don't want to, that's fine. I'll finish my work and leave right away."
"W-Wait! Why are you in such a hurry!? You didn't even give me time to think!!!" exclaimed Ophelia, she was still trying to understand her current situation.
Ophelia had never met anyone like this. The elf mocked her as complicated, but to Ophelia, it was the elf's mind that was too complicated.
"Uhh..."
One thing Ophelia understood, the elf in front of her was really going to leave if she didn't accept her offer now. It was possible that the elf's offer was her only chance to escape from here.
"A-Alright! Let's do it!!! Let's do the Nova Elf Oath!"
Lenarya's faint smile appeared.
"Good."
The elf gave her palm to Ophelia. She channeled the Nova inside her into her right palm. After the Nova was collected there. A symbol appeared that formed a tree with a beautiful blue-green design.
Understanding the procedure, Ophelia placed her palm there. The two of them maintained that position for a while until the tree symbol penetrated Ophelia's hand.
"Daughter of the Guardian of the World Tree, Lenarya swears before you, risking all the mana within this self together with..."
"...Daughter of the Servant of the Dragon God, Ophelia Calliope who stakes the same oath," Ophelia continued.
Lenarya's smile widened, it turned out that Ophelia really understood the procedure. She didn't need to bother explaining.
"We hereby swear to help each other fulfill each other's wishes for three weeks. Karma will come to the violator of the oath without leniency."
[ Klyanus ]
-I swear-
The tree symbol that glowed through Ophelia's hand from Lenarya's hand enlarged enough to cover their surface. A cool, forest-scented breeze blew from there, sending their hair flying.
The symbol slowly subsided and seemed to enter their bodies. Then, a smaller version of the same symbol was engraved on each of their left upper arms. The symbol could also dim and camouflage to be invisible.
"......."
Although she had heard of this before. This was Ophelia's first time doing it in person.
Lenarya understood that look of awe. She had often seen it on the faces of those who swore with her.
"Okay, I'm going," Lenarya said, walking away from Ophelia.
"!"
Ophelia immediately chased after her.
"Wait a minute!!! Don't just leave like that!!! You haven't explained anything to me!!!" Ophelia exclaimed, unable to understand this elf.
Lenarya gave her a lazy look.
"I already explained. You have to survive for three weeks if you want to escape. I'll help you."
"But you didn't explain the important points!!!" Ophelia snapped dizzily.
Ophelia forced Lenarya to sit next to her.
"Explain it properly! I don't know what you're talking about right now! How can I possibly help you!!!"
Seeing Ophelia's hand that had no intention of letting go, Lenarya had no other choice.
"Why do you want to know things that are none of your business?"
"There is no good without reason in the Tower," Ophelia replied.
"......."
Lenarya glanced at the clock, she still had a few hours until Madam Lin finished her work.
"Didn't we take an oath? I won't betray you, so tell me the truth!" said Ophelia.
This time Lenarya was really cornered. Her original intention was just to help the poor, unlucky girl a little. She don't know why it ended up like this.
"........"
After much consideration, Lenarya chose to cooperate with Ophelia. Although her current situation was quite desperate, there was no denying that getting help from the Lady of Grand Families would be useful.
"....... Okay."