The Author And Her Protagonist

Ambiguous voices echoed in every corner of a luxurious room lit by the dim light of a red candle. Movements made by two people struggling on the bed can sometimes cause subtle vibrations. Under the red candlelight, the beautiful face intoxicated with lust became increasingly seductive, enthralling the man above her.

The exhausted woman leaned against the man’s chest for a long time after. She would occasionally trace the imprinted muscles on that strong body, admiring how strong they were.

“It’s time for you to go, Elena.” Edgar rebuked her with a cold voice.

Elena raised her head and pecked Edgar’s chin as she squirmed spoiledly. Her entire expression was clearly one of reluctance. Her soft fingers moved down, mischievously, under the covers. She reasoned that if she could rekindle the Marquess’ lust, the beautiful night would last longer.

“The morning has not yet arrived, and the night is still long. Elena is more than willing to spend some more time in the clouds with her beloved Lord.” Elena stated. A lovely voice with a coquettish tone, like a seductive siren singing.

However, in front of her stood Edgar Baldwin, a man of great self-control. He would only get one if he only wanted one. The disobedient soft fingers were caught in Edgar’s big hand. He raised her hand and looked at the person who held it.

Elena sighed in dismay as she noticed Edgar’s warning glare. She, on the other hand, was unable to refute. She was just a prostitute, and being with the Marquess all night was an honour for her. So she wasn’t going to cross the line and ask for more right now.

Elena complied with a smile on her lips. She rolled out of bed and dressed. She had to return because the pleasures of a honey-sweet night had passed her by. Elena turned to face Edgar, who was still sleeping.

“Elena is packing her belongings.” She excused herself, hoping that the man on the bed would reconsider and hold her for a few moments longer.

Despite Elena’s expectations, Edgar only gave her a faint nod before cleaning himself up and re-putting his clothes on.

Elena emerged from the luxurious room that had been specially prepared for Edgar to spend the night in. With a thoughtful expression, she stroked the carving in her hand.

“What’s the problem, Elena?” Lady Gloria inquired. She was still a stunning middle-aged woman in charge of looking after all the ladies of the night in the Xander El Nix building.

Lady Gloria suddenly appeared behind her. Elena was taken aback. But the surprise was short-lived. Elena grinned. “There is nothing, Lady Gloria.”

Lady Gloria focused her attention on the door. She knew who was in this room because she was the caretaker. The only room prepared specifically for the Marquess to spend the night in. And Elena was the only woman with whom the Marquess chose to spend the night. That’s why Elena could be arrogant and feel special at times, because she was the only woman permitted to warm the venerable Marquess’ bed.

Elena’s dreams were known to Lady Gloria. She didn’t want to interfere at first. Elena, she thought, knew who she was. But it appears that the root of the desire has grown stronger. Lady Gloria smiled as she extended a gentle hand to Elena.

“Come on, go back and rest. You must be tired.”

Elena gave a shy smile. She didn’t argue and went to the restroom with Lady Gloria.

Lady Gloria asked Elena to sit in front of the makeup mirror after she had freshened up.

“Come on over here, and I’ll comb your hair.” She inquired.

Elena agreed. She took the seat directly in front of Lady Gloria. Lady Gloria’s hands were deft. Her fingers are astute and trained, taking some of the hair to be styled while leaving the rest free to form a loose but comfortable hairdo.

“It’s very lovely, Lady Gloria.” Elena grinned.

Lady Gloria, who stood behind her, also smiled. Elena spoke while applying scented cream to her hair.

“That’s because you’re so lovely, Elena. Being beautiful, however, isn’t enough to make you a Phoenix. People like us should appreciate what we have right now.”

Elena’s smile became frozen. Lady Gloria’s meaning was clear to her. But she was also hesitant to let go of her wishful thinking.

Lady Gloria may have noticed Elena’s silent rejection. The woman made the ruthless decision to sever hope.

“Elena, the King plans to marry the Marquess of Northland as his son-in-law. Stop wishing for the moon, I warn you. Your hands lack the qualifications to get there.” Lady Gloria’s final words were rather cold. Regardless of Elena’s reaction, the woman left immediately after she said that. Elena would not have taken Lady Gloria’s side if she had dared to think further.

—

Morning arrived quickly. Some people will awaken feeling revitalised, while others will awaken feeling depressed. Cheryl is among the last. She hadn’t slept all night and was feeling particularly depressed this morning. It possesses absolutely no power.

“Ouch, it’s so sluggish… So, why don’t you just go to a party?” Cheryl muttered, burying her face in the pillow. The pillows were hard, not soft like hers at home, and thus a little uncomfortable.

Cheryl’s clothes, which she had struggled with all night, were ready at the end of her bed. Although it could not be compared to fancy dress, it was far superior to before.

Cheryl’s eyes were heavy with tears. But her stomach rumbled as well. She was exhausted and hungry.

“Aaah, I’m starving…” Cheryl desired to cry once more.

Because the hunger was unbearable, the drowsiness eventually vanished on its own. Cheryl dashed into the kitchen after washing her face.

Cheryl used to go to a kitchen reserved exclusively for cooking maids. While the main kitchen is built into the palace. Perhaps because the banquet was approaching, all of the maids became extremely busy. They all went to the palace, where they were busy with decorations and such. There was no one on guard in the maid’s kitchen in the back.

Cheryl walked freely into the kitchen. Cheryl prefers ready-made meals because she cannot cook. She is bringing as much as she can to her small house. Before Cheryl arrived, several maids began conversing with one another.

“What are you doing walking like that?”

“My back aches. It was exhausting to stand for hours putting on the decorations.”

“You’re still cool with it. What about me, as the person in charge of food delivery? Imagine having to walk back and forth from the hall to the main kitchen!”

“It’s pointless for you to complain right now. The banquet’s main event is still tonight.”

“That’s right, tonight is the main banquet. So we’ll be twice as busy, right?”

“Did you know that this banquet is specifically for wife selection?”

“Huh? Whose wife is she?”

“On behalf of the Marquess of Northland!”

“Who? Northland, Marquess of? Did I understand correctly?”

“There is only one Marquess of Northland, and you did not misunderstand me.”

“Oh, so tonight, whoever catches the Marquess’s eye will be his wife, I see?”

“Not at all. Only the princesses can be chosen in particular.”

“The Third Princess is the most suitable for marriage age among our Princesses, right? Oh, I see! As a result, this banquet should serve as a matchmaking event for the Marquess of Northland and the Third Princess!”

“You are correct.”

Cheryl made a loud noise when she accidentally knocked the spice jar on the floor. The few maids who were gossiping abruptly stopped.

“Is anyone there?”

Cheryl, of course, did not appear. With her hands full of food, she desperately defended her hiding spot. They would definitely confiscate this food if they were caught.

The maids were apparently suspicious. They moved slowly closer to Cheryl’s hideout. A rebuke came from behind them as they were about to find Cheryl.

“It appears that you are lounging around here. Return quickly and assist in the main kitchen!”

The voice was ferocious. The previous maids didn’t dare to argue with them, instead following them back to the front palace.

Cheryl sighed in relief as she hid.

***

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