Devil's Trap

A couple of days have passed since the Lord and Lady of House Adolphus left leaving Athena on her own again.

Since then Athena was left alone to do what she wished since her parents to stopped all her lesson. That fact she almost dies they feared it might happen again.

As Athena buried herself in piles of books, the servants would glimpse at her time after time curious about what she is reading at the same time anxious that she might collapse again.

“What should we do, the Young Miss has been reading since this morning?”

“Silvia is not back yet and I’m too afraid to bother her.”

“She hasn’t eaten as well.”

Athena who was busy scanning some books overheard the servant's concern. As she looked up the wall to check the time on the clock. She understood why they were so anxious about her.

“Mary, Laura…”

“Yes, Miss..” They both said as they step inside the room.

“Have the food ready, I’ll be eating outside in the garden for some fresh air,” she explained

It brought a smile to the servant after hearing what Athena said, they quickly did what they were told.

Whilst Athena enjoy her lunch in the garden, she started recalling the books she read about magic.

*...From what I learned everyone has an Aura in them. Every person Aura is different in colors and appearance for it depends on the person's personality. Magic has its downside** as well**. Like machines and devices back in my world, they would need a power source or a battery. Just like magic, it relies on a person Mana. Since Mana normally takes time to recover, they have different* *types of **potion and an elixir to boost once mana or restore it for a while.*

“My Lady…” the old butler said, as he handed an envelope to her, “An invitation has arrived from House von Fray.”

As Athena check and read the invitation, she recalled that House von Fray one of the Count in the empire but his wife is a daughter of marques. They have three daughters all lining up hoping to be the future empress of the empire.

*..**.**Since my family is away, it is my job to attend this* *sort of **gathering. However, since I am only 14 years of age. I* *am not allowed to* *stay too long since I have not yet debuted in society yet. Also, the fact everyone knows how weak and sick I am I would normally not stay long.*

“Prepare the carriage Sebas,” Athena said as she got up and headed back inside the house.

On the way to the House von Fray.Estate.

*..**.**I realize that the previous owner of this body does not visit noble houses at all, the fact she was so weak that she hardly goes out. So why did I just accept this death trap they laid for me? Gosh, to think I* *was called* *a prodigy back in my world yet I* *was unable to* *escape this trap. Nevermind, whatever happens only heaven knows.*

“Athena are you alright?” Silvia asked noticing the girl was in deep thoughts.

“I’m fine…” she smiled

Inside the grand hall, noble ladies and gentlemen gather around. Everyone was well dressed and decorated almost like a flower vase.

“I heard that the Young Lady of House Adolphus is better.”

“Rumors said the family changed after the accident.”

Athena sighed hearing all the topic about her.

*..**.**Why was I the center of attraction? I really want to survive this new life I have and don't want any enemies.*

“Lady Athena Adolphus.”

Everyone's attention then turned towards the fragile little girl, to them she was a treat for power. She was just a bug but was too difficult to crash.

“Lord von Fray, thank you for inviting me,” Athena said as he greeted the old man

“Welcome, Lady Adolphus. I’m glad you could come,” he replied

*..**.**To think this bug is the only hindrance for one of my daughters to be the future empress.*

As Athena continue to greet the rest of the elders, everyone's attention gathers as the royal family arrived.

“Athena, Your here…” startled the Queen

“Greeting to the sun and the moon of the empire, may your grace live a prosperous life.” Athena greeted them

"Such an ugly bug to be my future daughter-in-law," the Queen thought whilst glaring at Athena.

“My dear, child how are you feeling?” the Empress asked

“I am well, thank you for your concern, Your Grace,” she replied

Then suddenly the whole room was in an uproar, it confused Athena as she went and search for Silvia.

“Silvia, what going one?”

“The Duchess of House Caelestis has arrived, she hardly attends such gathering. Since they sent her son to war, she has been upset with the Royal Family,” she explained

“Why?” she asked

“You see my lady… The Duke suddenly died then they sent his son to war. The fact House Caelestis is the strongest family and much more powerful than the Royal Family. They said; the current duke is rumored to be a treat to the Royal family.”

*..**.**I see the Queen must be the one who planned everything since* *the Duchess is said* *to be the older sister of the Emperor. I’m sure he won’t dare harm his sister's family. The fact, she gave up the throne for him. Also, the Empress does not have a son, mean the Grand Duke son is next in line. Since the Queen does not hold strong power in* *society* *his son is not a good candidate to be the emperor that why the marriage with me is his biggest trump card.*

“Silvia, let’s head home,” Athena said as she felt something awful is about to happen.

As Athena headed out to the door, she accidentally bumps into someone which ended up in chaos.

“Look what you’ve done.” the young girl screamed

“How dare you ruined the Princess dress?” her servant yelled

“I apologize for your gr-”

But what happened next caught everyone's attention.

Athena was taken aback from the slap she received from the princess, Silvia panic as she checked her cheeks.

“To think his Holiness think so highly of you want you can even properly walk. I can’t bear the fact you’ll be my future sister-in-law.”

“Anastasia, what happened?” The Queen asked

“Mother, look what she’d done. Not only that, I cut my hand…” she said causing everyone to feel pity for her.

...Wait? What did she say? She cut her hand when I just bump into her. Girl aren’t you a bit exaggerating. What the hell are you talking about?

“Your Grace, it was an accident,” Silvia said

“Who are you to get involve?” The Queen shouted

“Enough…” The Empress said as she approached everyone

“My dear sister, she has harm one of your children. I beg you for justice, she is not fit to be the future Empress of the Empire.” The Queen cried

Hearing the Queen plead started a commotion as everyone soon speaks out there mind.

“She should not be the Empress.”

“Punish her for hurting the Princess.”

Athena stays calm and did not say a word, she dare not say a word for she has already stepped into the devil's trap.

“Then what do you wish to happen.” The Empress asked

“Give up the marriage between her and our son, at the same time sent her away. She is in no use in our empire.” She explained

“Sent her to the cold west of Zaeris Empire.”

“No, to the Bulgarian Kingdom.”

“Send her up North…”

The whole room was in silence after someone mentioned North.

“She is the daughter of House Adolphus you all should be careful of what you're saying.” The Empress declared, “As Lady Athena punishment, I put her engagement with the prince on hold. I cannot approve of it without the Emperor words. She is not to see the prince as well and step out into society and attend any gatherings. She will only be allowed to join us once she reaches her coming of age.”

Everyone then started murmuring to each other.

“Are you please?” The Empress softly asked

“Thank you, dear sister.”

“Thank you, mother.”

“Now, Lady Ath-”

However, to their surprise the fragile and weak Athena they thought was sudden so different in front of them. They suddenly felt such a strong aura, and the room felt cold and eerie.

“How dare you all gang up on me? I who have done nothing from the beginning. Due to the fact, his Holiness blessed me with such name all of you day by day threatened my life. To think one of you even dare send me up North.” Athena then looked up and gave everyone a cold glare. “If that is what you wish for... then I shall leave the Empire and go up North. I’ll rather leave there than be with any of you.”

Despite the Empress calm and sensible manner, she felt upset hearing Athena's words, “Then you shall be sent to the North with no servants. You shall only return once you reach your coming of age.”

“I don’t even wish to return at all..” Athena said as she left the room leaving everyone speechless.

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