It was at that time of the week that the Marquis would summon his wives and children to his hidden meeting room where they discussed all their important pns or matters. He expected everyone to be there except for Matteo and Lady Crissa, as they took no part in the family’s grand scheme to become the new ruler of Northnd.

  Lady Crissa, who was Matteo’s mother, was different from the other two wives of the Marquis. Ophelia spoke with her on several occasions, and she could tell that Lady Crissa was an intelligent and reserved noblewoman. She raised Matteo very closely with warmth and love, which was the reason why he was very different from the rest of his siblings. Lady Crissa wouldn’t want to see her son grow up to become cruel like Theo and Eleanor.

  Ophelia had a feeling that Lady Crissa was aware of many things that transpired in the family, and she was wise to feign ignorance of Chevalier’s cruelty…. If she didn’t, then she wouldn’t st this long in this pce.

  “Oh my, I’m gd I came early today. How are you, Ophie?”

  The long pink-haired beta took a seat next to her sister with that signature angelic smile of hers. Ophelia showed no enthusiasm to talk to Eleanor because she knew her sister’s personality was sick and twisted behind that bewitching beauty.

  “Do not call me by that name. I told you before that I detest that.”

  “It is such a cute nickname though, what a shame.”

  “…Let’s cut to the chase. What do you want?”

  The way Ophelia talked to her was brusque, but that was the way the Chevalier siblings would speak to each other. They treated each other more like coworkers rather than loving siblings. Especially someone as devious as Eleanor, she wouldn’t strike up a conversation with Ophelia if she didn’t have an ulterior motive.

  “Nothing. Can’t I just catch up with my sister? We barely have time to talk to each other nowadays. You’ve always been busy with your toy and our useless brother.”

  “That is because I have Professor Oliver’s csses to attend, unlike someone here who diligently skips all the csses when we’re soon to return to the academy in a few weeks.”

  “You know I excel in other things instead. It will be a waste of my time to do well in something that I could never be number one in. After all, you’re the smartest one among us.”

  A soft chuckle escaped Eleanor’s lips, but the pink-haired omega knew that was an empty compliment. Eleanor was just like Theo, imperious and arrogant, but instead of being on the violent spectrum, she was more of a maniputive spider. She knew exactly how to say words and how to behave to reel people into her game and gain their trust and affection like it was a mere child’s py.

  “Don’t say that I didn’t warn you. Make sure to not make yourself a clown and be beled as an attractive vacuous dy before you realize it.”

  “How cruel of you! The way you treat me and your pet is like night and day. At this rate, you’re going to make me jealous.”

  “…”

  Ophelia btantly ignored her, but that wouldn’t stop Eleanor from using her words to elicit a reaction out of the omega. Her smirk grew wider before she propped her chin on her hand.

  “There is something that I’m curious…what would you say if I would like to take your puppy on a walk sometimes?”

  Eleanor noticed the sudden change in Ophelia’s demeanor as those green eyes shot daggers at her. This was the pink-haired beta’s true intention all along. She made an effort to strike up a light-hearted conversation with Ophelia because she wanted to borrow Stel for whatever reason she may have.

  “What business do you have with her?”

  Judging from her passive-aggressive tone, Ophelia was clearly not happy with her. However, that made Eleanor even more interested in getting to know the alpha that Ophelia was obsessed with.

  “So possessive, aren’t you? She piqued my interest after she put on a good show a few days ago and I’m interested to get to know her in person.”

  “…”

  She must’ve meant the time Stel humiliated Theo in front of the Marquis in the dining room. Ever since that incident, Eleanor’s interest kept growing to the point that she decided to approach her elder sister. This may sound harmless and reasonable, but the omega had zero trust in her words. She knew that someone like Eleanor would never approach anyone without an ulterior motive.

  “I know you would be extremely hostile with me if I were to approach your puppy without your permission. I simply want to invite Stel to my early birthday party in a couple of months from now.”

  Even though Eleanor was the 3rd child of the Marquis, she was just a couple of months younger than Ophelia. Since the omega’s birthday just passed, it would soon be Eleanor’s birthday in a few months from now. As she was such a social butterfly, she always organized a grand birthday party a few days before her birthday to invite all her acquaintances and friends from different noble families.

  “If you are worried about your fiancé, you’re more than welcome to join too. I’ll even do you a favor by permitting you to invite our little brother too.”

  “It is still quite a long while from now so we will see by then. It will depend on my mood.”

  “Well, I hope you will be in a good mood. If not, then I’ll just invite just Stel over to my party.”

  Even if Ophelia brushed off the invitation, Eleanor was persistent in getting closer to the young bck-haired alpha and that was making the older omega agitated. Thankfully, Eleanor was just a beta, so she had one less thing to worry about, but it didn’t make her less paranoid about what was going on inside her sinister mind.

  Thankfully, their conversation was cut short when the others and Marquis arrived. He took his seat at the head of the table before he cut to the chase. He was only interested in hearing his children’s updates on their assigned tasks.

  “Let’s not waste any further time and update me on your progress.”

  “I’ll start first then. There are quite interesting things going on at the Albrecht manor.”

  Theo was the first to raise his hand to speak. Each one of them was assigned a job to do by the Marquis and Theo was tasked to infiltrate into the Albrecht family by befriending Anthony and Duchess Yvette. This expined why he was away most of the time since Theo was attending the majority of the social events that the newly appointed Duke Albrecht went to.

  “Several days ago, they officially concluded the investigation on Duke Cedric’s death as an unfortunate accident.”

  “Are they still quite wary of you?”

  “Not anymore since they’re in debt to me for destroying all evidence that could be traced back to them. It is very easy to please Anthony, unlike the Duchess. It is going to take some time for that woman to lower her guard down.”

  “Hm, that’s fine for now. So, how was that secretary Cedric appointed?”

  “Uninterested in everything aside from work. I can even count how many times I’ve seen her outside Anthony’s office.”

  Theo didn’t just monitor Anthony and the Duchess, but Bke as well. According to the Albrecht servants he spoke to, the blonde-haired omega worked like a machine as the family’s secretary and would only leave the manor on a rare occasion if it was reted to the academy as she was also a guest lecturer. Even though she seemed to not be a threat to their pns yet, Marquis would not allow any detail to slip past his watchful eyes and ordered his son to keep a close eye on Bke’s every move.

  “Keep an eye on her whenever she leaves the manor and report to me every single individual she interacts and speaks with.”

  “Huh? Isn’t that a little bit unnecessary? What can that omega do anyway?”

  “She was appointed as the family’s secretary by Cedric himself before he died. We still do not know what secrets she is holding, and it wouldn’t surprise me if she is aware of who the true successor of Albrecht is.”

  “Tch…sure, if you insisted, father.”

  Even if Theo was uninterested in monitoring the boring omega, he reluctantly agreed to it. To what extent he would put effort would be a different question.

  “Now that Cedric’s case has closed…it is time to focus on a different matter and clear out any unneeded pawns from the board.”

  Everyone could tell from the Marquis’s coldhearted green eyes and tone what he meant, and that was everything that Theo needed to know before he proudly informed him that the Marquis had nothing to worry about.

  “I’ve proceeded with the cleanup right after Anthony made the public announcement. I’ll even personally wipe the board clean myself. Please do look forward to my updates next time.”

  There were a couple of mercenaries they hired that were involved with Duke Cedric’s assassination. To maintain a spotless background where no one could track back to them, they needed to make sure that no one could speak of Chevalier’s name. The Marquis was quite pleased with his son’s prompt response before it was Eleanor’s turn to share some good news with her family.

  “As for myself, I got great news to share with you, father.”

  Eleanor was a sweet talker and the most social butterfly among all the siblings, so she was tasked with establishing connections with other powerful families of Northnd. During the past summer vacation, she hosted a party and invited several young dies to one of Chevalier’s extravagant vacation vils. It would be exceptionally beneficial for them to form retionships with the current young lords and dies early as they would soon become future influential or authoritative figures in a few years.

  “Everything went well as pnned! I’ve befriended Lady Eine of Schwarzenberg during this vacation, and now I’ve been invited to her tea party this weekend.”

  “If I recall correctly, isn’t she engaged to Lord Bernard who is the eldest son of Marquis Chaplin?”

  Eleanor’s biological mother, Baroness Florence, pointed it out and Eleanor smirked firmly before she continued to share her pn. She intended to use Lady Eine to forge a strong retionship with the House of Schwarzenberg and Chaplin, the two notable and influential families of Northnd.

  “I believe that’s what people called two birds in one stone… As Lady Eine will become the future Marchioness of Chaplin, my primary objective as of right now is to put my best effort into becoming her beloved friend. This would make sure both the House of Schwarzenberg and Chaplin will be within our influence in the future.”

  “Well done, Eleanor. This will immensely benefit the family in the future when we rise to power. Do turn her into your usable puppet and get close to Lord Bernard at all costs.”

  “Don’t worry, Father. I never once let you down, don’t I?”

  Eleanor happily giggled and leaned back against the backrest before it was Ophelia’s turn to make her report. Ever since Stel moved into the manor, she had been working on establishing the family’s positive reputation in public while many civilians were grieving over Duke Cedric’s death. Hence, Ophelia proposed to use Stel to boost their favorability in public through a ‘good show’. Any ordinary civilians would be touched and moved by the notion that the Chevalier took care of the previous Duke’s youngest daughter with great care after his death. Initially, they were not on board with it and wanted to make their life easy by just locking her up somewhere that no one would find. However, Ophelia managed to prove to them that her pns would bring astronomical benefits that would be hard for her father to even refuse.

  “I must say, I did not expect Ophelia’s pns to work this marvelously. I’ve noticed quite a change in attitude among my acquaintances at the afternoon tea as well.”

  Marchioness Shannon openly complimented the success of her daughter’s grandiose strategy. For the past month or so, everyone noticed the significant increase in Chevalier’s fame in the public crowd and how it was also reaching the ears of other aristocrats as well. This fruitful result gave Ophelia the power to make suggestions that her father could hardly refuse.

  “Stel has been letting her guard down around me much more often compared to before, so I suggested that we maintain the ‘good family’ act around her to not arouse her suspicion.”

  “Tch, why so much effort on just a mutt even though her use to us is to just get you pregnant.”

  “It is disappointing how shortsighted you are with our pns, Theo. I would at least appreciate you have some self-control and cooperation with my pn.”

  Ophelia looked down at him from the corner of her eyes in his direction before giving him a disappointed retort. Nevertheless, Theo was quick to argue since it was evident how much he hated the young alpha Ophelia took in.

  “What’s wrong with what I said anyway? I just think it is a waste of our effort to act nice with that pawn.”

  Theo was the one who suggested locking Stel in one of their basements and keeping her alive until the time they needed to use her as a breeding horse.

  “When will you stop acting so childish, Theo? Do you think our pn is a mere child’s py?”

  This time, the Marchioness intervened and did not hesitate to put her son in his pce immediately for the childish attitude. He pursed his lips and fell silent immediately and showed better control of his attitude and temper.

  “…Tch.”

  Without further ado, the Marquis signaled Ophelia to continue. Confidently and calmly, the pink-haired omega eborated that their family would benefit more from maniputing Stel to like them and use her wisely to build Chevalier’s reputation in public.

  “The more Stel falls for me, the easier it is to use her as our pawn whenever we want. Furthermore, she is Lady Alicia’s only daughter. Publicly showing the Valens that we’re keeping Stel alive and well will make sure that would not try to bear their fangs at us or act in a way that would put Stel’s life at risk. It is indeed a long game we’re pying, but I do see this as a win-win situation for us.”

  “I see…so, you’re saying that Stel is the perfect leash to keep all Valens at bay. ”

  “That’s correct.”

  Everyone knew Lady Alicia as an exceptional knight of the Northnd Reconnaissance Division, but she was also the elder twin sister of the current Earl of Valens. This certainly added more value to Stel than just being the true successor of the Albrecht bloodline as she was also the Earl of Valens’s precious niece. The bck-haired alpha was the main chess piece to give the Chevalier full control over the guardian wolves of Northnd.

  “Even if we can technically force the Valens to submit to us if we wish to, I don’t think it is worth the effort we must put to tame them.”

  Ophelia’s impeccable suggestion was irrefutable, even the Marquis himself was amused and nodded quietly in agreement with his daughter.

  “…You are correct. People of Valens are born warriors and fear is never in their dictionary. It would take a considerable amount of effort and resources to defang them.”

  What Marquis meant was that there would be bloodshed if they wished to csh directly with the Valens. If their goal was to become the new ruler of Northnd, it would be a wiser approach to use Stel as a hostage to make them submit instead. As he listened to Ophelia’s suggestion thoroughly, he leaned back against the backrest with those coldhearted green eyes and unreadable expression.

  “…I must say I’m impressed with your growth, Ophelia. I’m intrigued with your meticulous pn to prioritize the longevity of Chevalier’s reign after we succeed with removing the Albrecht.”

  “I’m truly honored by your praises, father.”

  “It is a wise move to send her to the academy then. I initially had my doubts when you asked me previously…but now it seems to be the right move. Make sure you have that mutt wrapped around your fingers, Ophelia. As an omega, this should be an easy task for you.”

  “Don’t worry father. I won’t let you down.”

  Theo and Eleanor weren’t surprised with how Ophelia received more praise from their father as she was the most intelligent one among the siblings. The Marquis was satisfied with the updates he received from his children before they were all dismissed.

  At st, the meeting was over and Ophelia was able to let out a silent sigh of relief. After two full months of meticulous pnning and execution, she successfully convinced her father to make slight adjustments to their original pn.

  The omega simply just wanted to avoid as much bloodshed as possible. She knew that if anything were to happen to Lady Alicia and her family, it would break Stel’s heart and will to fight. Even if her suggestion was merely prolonging the inevitable…it was better than nothing.

  At the very least, the Marquis and Marchioness would be more willing to put on the kind parents-in-w act with Stel for as long as they constantly showed that they were useful to them…

  “There you are, Ophelia. I was looking for you.”

  That cheerful voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and the moment she looked up her eyes met with those mesmerizing clear blue orbs. Ophelia was completely occupied by her own thoughts and didn’t notice the bck-haired alpha approaching her. As Stel came in closer, it felt like someone suddenly had just lifted the heavy weight off her chest. The gentle fragrance of smoky pinewood embraced her and brought warmth and comfort to her cold heart.

  “Hm? You looked tired. Did you sleep enough st night?”

  “…I’m fine, and we’re heading to the library now. It is about time for Professor Oliver’s css.”

  Ophelia walked past her to avoid making eye contact with Stel because she felt like if she stared into those blue eyes for too long, she would be too drawn to them to the point she couldn’t pull herself away. In this cold and dark prison, Stel’s presence was like a heartwarming campfire that brought light into her colorless world…

  …and showed how beautiful the blue sky above her was.

  -

  A new academy year was about to start in a few weeks, and all the young Chevalier nobles had been receiving introductory lessons from Professor Oliver and Sir Jayson every day since the start of the month. Stel received special permission from the Marquis to take lessons as well since she’ll be going to the Academy as a first-year student. It was like how it was in her previous life—Stel was isoted in her corner and Professor Oliver would find every chance to criticize any minuscule mistake she made while others were showered with compliments and words of encouragement.

  “Stel, your expnation cks crity and a couple of essential details are missing as well. Make the necessary corrections and show them to me before the end of css. You will redo this chapter again as your homework.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Stel nonchantly took back her assignment and made the necessary corrections while she could hear other young Chevaliers chitchatting in the background. The professor would criticize the alpha multiple times every day during the lesson, which made her the main topic of their gossip. After the first week of css with the professor, he increased the difficulty of the lesson especially just for the alpha. These texts he gave her were much harder and more complicated than the ones she had read before.

  “…Aren’t these books a little bit too difficult for kids my age to learn?”

  Once the css was over, the Professor made the young alpha stay back to discuss her reading assignment for the week. All these books on Northnd’s Geopolitics and international retions would be far too difficult for even the seniors at the Academy to study.

  “I’m merely adjusting my lesson to your level. Also, Lady Ophelia specifically requested me to make sure you do not humiliate her once you attend the Northnd Academy. As my reputation is on the line, I must make sure you’re ready with your evaluation exam.”

  “Huh…I see.”

  After he was done going through her corrections, he pced her paper down on the table before he made eye contact with her. Stel could tell from those eyes that the professor had a couple of questions for her.

  “I have always wanted to ask you… how do you know this much, Stel?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know what I mean. I’ve taught and encountered many students during my career as a private tutor, and I can tell this is not something kids your age would know.”

  “You’re giving me too much credit, Professor Oliver.”

  “You’ve learned most of the things ahead of time, haven’t you? Who taught you all of this?”

  He could tell from her writing that she knew much more than the kids her age. Stel expected that the professor to catch on to this sooner or ter, seeing how he taught her different things from her previous life. Thus, she was prepared with an indisputable answer for this perfect moment.

  “When I was younger, I often spent time with my older sister while she was studying. She often taught me during her free time between studies.”

  “Your sister…Are you referring to Bke Albrecht?”

  It seemed the professor seemed familiar with Bke since he was quick to mention her name. Then again, it wasn’t surprising since both siblings carried shared the same famous family name.

  “Yes. Do you know her?”

  “If you meant by knowing her personally, then no. We’ve worked a couple of times in the past and she used to be my undercssman back at the academy.”

  Bke wasn’t known just for being an Albrecht only, but for also her intelligence that made her stand out among her peers. She was known to be a genius of her year, graduated with the highest honor award, and was often invited back to the academy as a guest lecturer. The professor nodded silently and no longer questioned Stel’s extensive knowledge anymore.

  “Since Bke personally taught you…then perhaps you can handle challenging topics that I’ve personally prepared for you.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  Stel took this chance to learn more things that could become useful in the future. The more she gathered information, the more she could prepare herself for any unforeseen events that could arise at any time. Even if she had received another chance to make things right for all of them, she had only one chance to do everything right.

  -

  Once the morning css was over, it was about time for sword training in the afternoon. Just like how it was with Professor Oliver, Sir Jayson had prepared the nostalgic monstrous regime just for her. When Stel arrived at the training ground, the instructor told her to get started with the warm-up before she could join the rest of the group.

  “Hey you, finish your warm-up jog in 30 minutes. Got that?”

  Sir Jayson brusquely ordered her to get started with the special warm-up while others were doing their usual easy training. Stel had worked on improving her strength and stamina for over a month for this very moment. So, she looked forward to seeing the fruit of her self-training.

  “Understood.”

  She started by jogging around the field 50 ps while other Chevaliers were watching her from the corner of their eyes ready to ridicule her any moment she might show any weakness. The Albrecht alpha paced herself to finish her ps without a break before she proceeded to do 100 push-ups and sit-ups immediately. Even though she was far from achieving her previous top form, at least she was impressed that she could finish Sir Jayson’s warm-up properly in the first week of training. If she recalled correctly, it took her at least 2 to 3 months to even start becoming accustomed to this.

  When she was finished, Sir Jayson still couldn’t believe that she adapted this quickly to his training within a week. Stel walked up to join the group, soaked in her sweat, with a wooden sword in her hand.

  “I’m done with the warm-up. What would you like me to do now?”

  “We are just about to start sword training. You’ll pair up with Matteo then.”

  Both alphas exchanged gnces at each other before the corner of their lips lifted as they couldn’t ask for a better pairing than this. Sir Jayson went through the fundamentals of wielding a sword properly, which Stel had learned from Alicia ever since she could remember. She didn’t mind revisiting the basics but her alpha nature would prefer something more challenging than this.

  “Matteo, focus on using your pinky and ring finger to grip onto the sword. You’re gripping too hard that it makes your shoulder tense up.”

  “R-Really? Okay…like this?”

  “Yup, that’s much better. How about you strike again?”

  “Okay!”

  The practice and training were suitable for beginners, which was as expected. Most children from the noble family would only learn to wield a sword ter when they turned 12 unless they came from a family of knighthood, such as the Valens. Sir Jayson went through the basic strikes and parries for over an hour before it was about time for a sparring session. Each pair spread out before starting their sparring session upon the signal from the instructor.

  “Don’t hold back, Matteo. Try to strike me down with everything you’ve got.”

  “Okay!”

  The young boy charged and swung his sword at her, but Stel could easily see his incoming attacks. She took a step to the side to dodge his first strike before he charged right at her again with another quick upward diagonal ssh. The bck-haired alpha parried his strike to evaluate Matteo’s physical strength.

  “…Hmm, you got solid strength and speed, but your upper body is too tense. Rex a little bit more.”

  “O-Okay!”

  Stel could easily win the fight if she was serious, but there was no point dispying her full strength in front of the Chevaliers. Instead, she could use this opportunity to teach Matteo how to protect himself. He could immensely benefit from this sword training and prepare for the future.

  After 5 minutes went by, Matteo sweat profusely while trying to nd a hit on her, on the contrary, the older alpha was nonchantly evading and parrying his strikes like it was a child’s py. The younger alpha could sense the huge gap in their skills, but that wouldn’t stop him from trying to nd at least one hit on her.

  “Hah!”

  “Oh? Not bad.”

  Stel was amazed to see his improvements in such a short amount of time. He was taking in her advice and adjusting his movements accordingly in the middle of sparring. She saw a spark of unpolished talent in the younger alpha and felt that he become strong much more quickly with some proper training and guidance.

  “That’s enough for today!”

  Sir Jayson ended the sparring session and Matteo was finally able to catch his breath. That was the end of their afternoon training, and everyone was dismissed except for Stel who was told to stay behind. This was just the start of her private sparring session with her sword instructor and he called her out to the middle of the training ground with a wooden sword in his hand.

  “I can see that the training is far too easy and boring for you, isn’t it?”

  “…You can say so. I prefer something more challenging.”

  Stel was waiting for this moment to have a real sparring session with Sir Jayson once again. She had been practicing her sword skills in secrecy since the first day she came back to the past and this was a great time for her to see the fruit of her hard training.

  “Come at me whenever you’re ready.”

  “I won’t hold back then.”

  Without hesitation, Stel unched her first strike at him. The young alpha was faster than he anticipated but it wasn’t fast enough to catch him off guard though. He casually parried her strike to see how strong she was but then he was caught by surprise instead.

  “—!!?”

  His sword was pushed back as he wasn’t prepared for such a heavy strike from someone with a smaller physique than himself. With a fluid motion, Stel twirled her sword and went for a stab right at his face without hesitation. The instructor deflected the incoming attack immediately and pnned to disarm her. However, the nimble alpha pulled her sword back just in time and leaped back to maintain a safe distance between them.

  “You seemed surprised. Did I manage to catch you off guard, Sir Jayson?”

  “…”

  The man acknowledged that he underestimated Stel since she was much younger than him. However, what surprised him the most was how clean her movement and strikes were as if holding a sword was her second nature. Even if alphas were gifted with a strong fighting instinct, that wouldn’t be enough to replicate such a fluid motion like that unless she had been training at such a young age.

  “Hmph…not bad, kid. Who taught you to fight like that?”

  “That would be my mother.”

  The moment she took on a unique sword stance, his eyes widened as he instantly recognized the Valens family’s unique swordsmanship. Stel knew that this was a great opportunity to hone her Valens swordsmanship while she was confined here so her skills wouldn’t get rusty. Out of all the people, Sir Jayson would be her best sparring partner.

  “Please don’t hold back with me, or else you’ll lose to me before you realize it.”

  “Don’t get so cocky just because you might’ve caught me off guard earlier.”

  Initially, he pnned to test the water first but he took it back. They resumed their sparring session and it was brutal. It went on for one full hour before he called an end to the session. It was obvious that Stel was far from being able to fight him at an equal level. He was far superior to her in terms of skills and fitness, but at least she was able to keep up with him for an hour.

  “I didn’t expect you to keep up for an hour without a break.”

  He expected the young girl to be on the floor after 30 minutes, but she was still standing after receiving numerous strikes from him. Stel was drenched in her sweat from head to toe and she could even feel the muscle fibers in her arms trembling from the fatigue. Even with bruises all over her limbs, this felt so exhirating for her. The st time the young alpha fought at her fullest was perhaps when she sparred with her mother.

  “If I keep this up…I’ll regain my past life’s top form very soon.”

  The hue of vivid orange overtook the fading blue as the sun was soon to fade away into the horizon, and Stel needed to get ready for the usual dinner time with the Chevalier family. Before she took her leave, she didn’t forget to turn around and thank Sir Jayson for a great training session today.

  “Thank you for your guidance today, Sir Jayson. I will see you tomorrow!”

  “Huh? Right.”

  She bowed to him before she took her leave immediately. In bewilderment, he stared at her running back to the manor, and couldn’t help but crack a grin across his face. The young girl was able to thank him with a genuine smile after he obliterated her in their sparring session. Nevertheless, he looked forward to seeing her tomorrow and wondered how long she could wear that smile.

  -

  Many Chevalier youngsters including Stel were all occupied by the tight study and sword training schedule. Nowadays, rather than going on an afternoon tea in the garden with her two favorite Chevalier siblings, Stel and her two favorite Chevalier siblings often spend time in the library studying instead. However, they still made time to come to the horse stable together.

  “Just like that. Keep it up, Matteo.”

  “Okay!”

  Despite their tight schedule, they would make time once a week to come by to the horse stable where Stel would secretly teach Matteo and Ophelia horse riding. After a couple of lessons she gave to them, the alpha was impressed with how Matteo was able to absorb Stel’s advice immediately like a sponge.

  “I think I might’ve just discovered Matteo’s hidden gift…”

  His gift as a fast learner with amazing adaptability might be his hidden gift as an alpha. His riding and sword skills made significant improvement each time Stel gave him pointers and tips. Now as the alpha boy was galloping through the fields on his horse, it was time to pay attention to the pink-haired omega next to her.

  “Okay, it’s your turn now. Are you ready?”

  The omega next to her wore a white long-sleeved shirt, bck tight trousers, and her hair in a high ponytail. She recently ordered a custom equestrian outfit for this occasion so she wouldn’t have to worry about dirtying her dress. Ophelia certainly exuded a different presence compared to when she was wearing her usual luxurious dress.

  “We have only 50 minutes before we must return to the manor. Let’s get started already.”

  “Then let’s start with one p of trotting around the field first before you learn how to canter today.”

  “Isn’t that too early for my level?”

  “Not at all. You’re a fast learner so I believe you’ll improve much quicker with a challenge.”

  Stel was aware that Ophelia was the one behind the harsh treatment from her two instructors. She knew that the omega secretly paid them to give Stel the cruel task …so she could have all the necessary skills and knowledge she needed to succeed as the ruler of Northnd. Stel couldn’t deny that she didn’t benefit from that immensely once she became the Duchess, but it still didn’t sit right with her though. When she read through Ophelia’s diary in her previous life, It felt like she was just a puppet that the Chevalier omega nurtured to become the ‘perfect main character’ in her pn.

  “Also, I think it’s fair you get some challenge as well since you’re putting me through brutal lessons and training.”

  Ophelia wasn’t surprised by now if Stel found out that she was the one responsible for all the brutal treatment from her instructors. She stared back at the alpha who was also on her horse next to hers.

  “Oh, so this is your way to take your revenge against me?”

  “No, I’m just being petty. At least unlike you, I’m nice enough not to subject someone to ruthless challenge.”

  Stel stuck her tongue out like a child as she openly expressed the pettiness she carried for years. After all those years she went through, the alpha at least deserved this moment to bully the omega. Ophelia blinked a couple of times before retorting back with an equal amount of bluntness.

  “Hmph, I didn’t expect you to be this petty and childish.”

  “I can be sometimes. Anyway, I’m certain Lady Ophelia wouldn’t run away from such a small challenge from me. Since you’re so adamant about making me a perfect alpha that wouldn’t embarrass you in public, it’s fine I expect nothing less than that from my fiancé too, right?”

  “You little…!!”

  Ophelia muttered under her breath and shot daggers at the alpha, but that couldn’t hide her reddened cheeks and ears. Even when she was visibly fuming right now, Stel couldn’t find any part of her to be terrifying in the slightest. Unfortunately, alphas and omegas share one weakness and that is that their pheromones don’t lie. How could Stel take the angry omega seriously when the scent of vender in the air was this sweet and soothing?

  “Watch your mouth, Stel. Do you think I wouldn’t be able to complete this facile challenge? I’ll make sure you know your pce…!”

  “Oh? I look forward to that. How about let’s make a bet? If I win then I can get to tease you more.”

  “Why must I entertain you when you’re my property?”

  “C’mon. It would motivate me to work hard as well. I think it is a win-win situation for us.”

  The night of Ophelia’s birthday broke the first wall between them. Ever since then, the only time when they would have a blunt squabble like this was when it was just the two of them together. Stel had to admit that she liked this side of the pink-haired omega the most. Every single facial expression of hers was genuine, and Ophelia had some adorable moments that would make the corner of Stel’s lips lift.

  She hoped that one day she’d get to see Ophelia smile openly and live the free life she desired with her little brother. That was her only wish she wrote in one of the entries in her diary.

  Perhaps that would be the day that Stel’s quest for requital would come to an end.

  ...

  “I couldn’t care less of this bloodied nobility and wealth my family possessed…If there is one thing I could wish for is a free and peaceful life quietly with Matteo……and away from everything that is tied to ‘Ophelia Chevalier’.”