A bucket of cold water splashed my face.
Her temperature kept me from falling asleep, because soon I would have to face the Tokkabi-like creatures again. I doubt that this encounter would bring us any pleasure.
And why am I still here? I have no idea where we're going or what I should do next. Usually, novels don't have this problem. The author writes all the episodes and scenes, and the characters don't get bored. Perhaps it's because I'm not a key character in "The Empire's Flower." Although many moments revolve around Ilissa's involvement, the novel only featured a single chapter written from her perspective in its two hundred-plus chapters.
"It was really scary at that moment. There were some ladies from different families standing next to me, and they all looked like dolls. They were all beautiful and neat, but... damn it, they were all the same. They were standing there with their mouths open, surprised by what had happened. It was as if they were not used to me being bad. As always.
But this time, the Count was different. Instead of being satisfied with a luxurious dress, he made me overturn a table of snacks on a lady... Fyrenver, I think. It makes me sick... Now even she, Lady Catherine, is looking at me with disgust... Once again, I'm at the center of the incident. If I'm lucky, I'll be taken outside, and the Count will promise to take care of my upbringing..." - this moment took place at a banquet celebrating the main character's return from the academy. Speaking of which, I need to find out what period I'm in. Otherwise, I'll end up like in the original.
- I hope they haven't started making murderous faces in my honor yet?
- I can't guess, lady.
Sighing, I tied my hair into a messy ponytail and headed out.
There I was met by Daddy and Sonny. It was clear that another minute and they would have been ready to harness me instead of the horses.
It was already quite dark, so it was difficult for me to make out their faces. I think they put them in gardens. They say they keep birds away.
- Come on, if you don't want to get a black eye, - a young man's voice said from the darkness, and I raised an eyebrow and narrowed my eyes. I was eager to see his expression at such an important moment. Unable to make out his face, I climbed into the carriage.
***
The Cinderella carriage shook after twelve, as if we were being driven into the woods on potholes. But maybe it was,because I didn't even have a thought about our future location. I can say with 99.9% confidence that no family will accept our crew. They simply don't need it. One of the most troubled families in the empire is asking you to smoke: what's your reaction? I would have sent it. The Emperor himself seems to have got rid of the Vanos clan at every opportunity. But this son of a blood also manages to "faithfully" serve the imperial family. Yes, so true that when he visited, he sent Ilissa to seduce the Crown Prince and steal something. This is fucking crazy! After all, he didn't even need this "something", but only to set up his daughter again. By the way, one of the reasons why the emperor agreed to her execution.
While contemplating the twists and turns of life, I sometimes caught Geraldine's gaze. It was another moment that left me just as anxious. I thought they would at least keep me away from them.
I wonder how I can find out about the time chain. It's very important, and I don't know much yet. What if the guards come for me tomorrow because of the changed circumstances? They'll come for my head. They'll say I've done too much, or that my grandfather has done something again. I need to be careful, even though I don't plan to live within the confines of the story. I'm here to break those confines and create my own rules, not to curry favor with the main characters.
As I stared out the window at the disappearing species, the Count sat with his sausages in his almost-gray hair. Geraldine glanced between him and me. Then the elder grabbed my blue-purple hair and pulled me closer.
- You don't have to try to hide it, you've either done it or been involved in it! You're a dirty bitch, I raised you, and now I've got a snake in my bosom!- I cringed, glaring at the Count. - I don't know what's happened to you, but trust me, I'll make sure you get your head screwed on straight.
"Damn puppy!"
He shook me and let go, and we ended up bumping heads with the glass.
I was overwhelmed with emotions, but I held back. It wasn't the right time.
But it will come.
Necessarily.
My already careless tail was even more disheveled. The Count and his offspring turned their backs on me, making hateful faces.
I looked at them from under my brows and breathed heavily, trying not to say everything that was on my mind.
***
I had a hunch, and it turned out to be correct.
We settled in a hunting lodge in the forest, within the empire.
It wasn't too big, but it wasn't small either. There were two floors, but let's ignore the fact that they were abandoned. There were holes in some places, dilapidated sections, and it was a mess. However, this was exactly what I needed. I couldn't find many servants, so I dismissed most of them. Only a few maids, Karina, and a couple of knights remained. You know, I also work as a tarot reader. I can see that they will soon leave as well.
Upon arrival, the Count immediately dismissed the servants to clean up. However, since there were few servants and the knights were not skilled in cleaning, his son demanded.
- Let your girl wash the house too, what are you standing there for? And you with her, damn bitch!
-Hm,- I playfully rubbed my chin and pretended to be thinking about it, - What about your maid? Let her go too, it wouldn't be fair.
He pinched the edges of his trousers.
"Don't just have a private party here, please. I can't stand the sight. Better in front of your beast."
In fact, Geraldine's personal maid is his mistress. She spends her nights fooling around, which is why she often skips work. All she cares about is having fun with a young boy. In the novel, it was mentioned that this made her feel like she was in charge and gave her orders to the maids. She was aiming for the position of the future Countess. It seems that she was responsible for Karina's dismissal.
"Well, good luck."
- Shut up, Ilissa,- Wow. He remembers my name? -Do as you're told! Don't forget that you're nobody here, and my father's favor is definitely on my side."
Huh-uh-uh.. What do I care about your count? He's going to die soon, drowning the whole family. And you're still worried about your inheritance. You should do something yourself, maybe you'll achieve something. Although, if you were raised by that devil, your chances are slim.
- Geraldine, you speak of the Count's favor, but is it so?- He paused, -Are you sure that it is as you think?"
- You.
-And besides... What if the Count loses his... - it was ridiculous for me to say this word, which did not suit him at all - his greatness? Will anyone need you? Will anyone take your side?"
Every second, he felt worse. He bit his lip, clenched his fists, and made faces.
- Go away. Go away if you don't want to die here!
"Yes, sir."
- Think about it.
Once I entered what looked like a room, I relaxed.
I've managed to avoid cleaning myself and Karina, I've touched the puppy, and the day has gone well. I think I can celebrate with a good sleep. Although I highly doubt I can achieve it in this shithole, I'm extremely tired. My eyes are heavy.
I yawned, pleased with myself, and at that moment Karina approached.
- lady..
- What?
She was looking at the floor, thinking about something. That was always the case. But she was usually calm and composed.
- Can I ask you a question?
- You've already asked it.
- ...
Okay, I won't bother her anymore. But I like how she loses her seriousness and becomes more distracted.
- Ask questions.
- ... - the girl sighed, choosing the right words, - Why are you covering for me? I should have been working with the others.
Strange questions.
She should be happy.
Well, okay. Everyone has their own skeletons in the closet, right?
- Because I wanted to,- she nodded, clearly not expecting this answer. - You'd be working until morning, and they'd be dirtying everything. Rest up, babe.
It's not for nothing that they say that being a sycophant pays off. Let her think that I'm being absurdly naive, but she doesn't need to know the whole truth.
Our rooms were cleaned first, and after sending Karina to bed, I went to lie down myself.
I fell asleep quickly because I was very tired.
[The next day.]
[Evening.]
I spent the day cleaning up my shabby room.
Of course, the last one wasn't great, but it's definitely better in comparison.
Everything creaked. The draft came in, and I had to wrap myself in a warm blanket.
I also thought that I should use the money I've been saving for a rainy day to buy a couple of books. The library is going to be closed, and I'm sorry to see it go. I need to keep up with the latest fashion and trends this year to better understand the world. I might even find a romance novel to read. I need to keep myself occupied, as I won't be committing evil deeds every hour.
I found a tattered cloak in an old closet, put it on, and left the pillows and other things under the blanket, as if I were there.
"Well, if they look in, I'll tell them later, the canteen whistles."
There was a rope in the closet, and it was just my chance to climb out the window. So I did.
After climbing through the window frame, I moved the rope slightly, hiding it just in case, and left. Karina doesn't even know. I hope she doesn't find out.
The forest was quite large, and it took at least twenty minutes to walk to a store, as I discovered during my afternoon walk.
In fact, I'm very glad that I burned down this "quiet pool." The abode of the devils has been destroyed, and I feel more at ease despite the challenges.
Next up is dealing with time, as well as the Count and his son.. There's also Ottles, for crying out loud.
So I fiddled around for a while.
The store was small, but comfortable and cozy. There was no one here except me and the salesman - naturally, who would be crazy enough to go to a bookstore at night.
There was a wide variety of magazines on the shelves, and even in this tiny room, I was able to find the magazines I was looking for.
I paid my bill, and you should have seen the look on the salesman's face when he was given a gold coin, and I walked back.
I don't have much time, because at any moment someone might open the blanket and see this.
The grass and twigs rustled under my feet, and perhaps because of this, I didn't immediately notice someone grunting. Stopping, I shook my head, searching for the source of the sound.
huh.-
- ?
I saw the tip of a boot.
This can't be happening..
Corpses? Is the Count a cannibal?
When I got closer, I saw a very interesting and eccentric picture.
In front of me, leaning against a tree trunk, was a man. Red stains adorned his clothes and the grass around him.
- Ho-ly sh-it.
Hearing my surprise, he looked up. His face was... radiant? Although covered in blood and bruises, it was perfect. The beauty was mesmerizing, inviting me to touch it.
I looked around to make sure there was no one else around, and then I crouched down. I began to examine his face, his deep blue eyes that were half-closed, his blond hair, and his clothes, which were certainly not the kind of clothes that poor people wore. All of this allowed me to put two and two together and realize that he was the crown prince.
That's it.
In the novel, his striking appearance was repeatedly mentioned, overshadowing the others. But... what happened to him? Why is he covered in blood?
Looking closer, I noticed a deep wound on his stomach, oozing warm liquid.
When I pulled the hair out of his eye, he made a face and tried to grunt something.
- W-what are you d-doing? - He could barely speak, barely staying conscious. - What are you doing, woman?
A cough followed. With sputum, in the form of red drops.
I don't remember such a scene in the novel. Mm-m.
I feel uneasy. On the one hand, I'm not a saint to save the wounded. But on the other hand...
Rubbing my temples and smearing my cheek with blood, I closed my eyes.
If I leave, he will die.
- Yeah, you're out of luck, kidda. - While he was in a state of disarray, i could get away with it.
-...
Why should I help him?
But..
I may be suspected..Or I may get his support..
I looked at him.
...If he survives.
Okay. Damn. Right. I'll just keep my face hidden.
- Come on, get up.
After barely lifting him up and putting my hand on his wound, I half-carried the crown prince closer to the city. Then, when I started screaming for help, people gathered. Even knights and a doctor arrived. They took him from my arms when he was barely breathing. As they carried him, he only looked at me, trying to piece together a blurry image. The thugs helped to hospitalize the crown prince, the people gasped and ohed, and the other two knights tried to detain the girl who became the main suspect - me. In the confusion, I got lost and disappeared into the forest.
"I wonder who did that."