Chapter 6: Pretense and Deception
4169words
"Father, my mother was indeed killed by an assassin. I was wrong to misjudge you, father. Your daughter has been unfilial, and I beg for your punishment." Elena pleaded tearfully, with faint energy flickering in her tears—a natural manifestation of the bloodline power within her.
"There are only heartless children in this world, never heartless parents. As a father, how could I bear grudges against my own child? Rise quickly." The Count's face showed kindness, but his eyes remained vigilant, with the glow of his scepter diminishing, indicating his guard had not completely lowered.
"Thank you, Father." Elena stood up, wiping her tears, which formed brief symbols when they fell to the ground before disappearing. These symbols were another manifestation of the ancient bloodline within her, capable of influencing the surrounding energy field under specific conditions.
"Sister, although our stepmother is gone, you still have Father and me. From now on, let's live well together as a family." Isabella approached with concern in her voice, surrounded by a gentle white light, the manifestation of the elven bloodline within her.
"How could I forget? And what about you?" Elena suddenly smiled, hugging Isabella, but her gaze gradually turned cold, with a flash of red light in her eyes, revealing that her true emotions were completely different from her outward appearance.
"Good, help Elena back to her room to rest." The Count said with satisfaction, pointing his scepter toward the upstairs, releasing a subtle guiding force to direct them away.
Isabella supported Elena as they left. Where the two made contact, Elena's red energy briefly merged with Isabella's white energy, forming a peculiar purple light, before separating again, demonstrating the fundamental difference between the two types of energy.
"My lord, has the young lady changed her temperament?" the attendant asked in a low voice, the detector in his hand flickering unstably as it analyzed Elena's energy fluctuations.
"Just pretense. If only legitimate daughters could become duchesses, hmph, why would I be so indulgent to her? If only Isabella's status could be legitimate, that would be good." The Count sneered, his scepter emitting a faint light, revealing his true thoughts.
Elena sat alone by the window, recalling Isabella's words. Outside, an unusually large blood-red moon flickered in and out of view, casting an eerie red glow into the room, creating unnatural shadows. This blood moon was known as the "Eye of Fate" in noble circles, typically foretelling a major turning point in one's destiny.
In the flashback, Isabella said gently: "Sister, although our stepmother is gone, you still have father, and you still have me." A white light surrounded her, indicating her sincerity.
"Pretentious act, clearly a viper, yet constantly in my sight." Elena sneered, gathering red energy in her hand, forming a miniature vortex.
The door opened, a servant brought in a potion emitting a faint pink glow, set it down and left. This pink glow was characteristic of specific potions, usually related to emotions and desires.
"What is this?" Elena asked vigilantly, sensing the energy fluctuations in the potion.
The servant ignored her and left directly, obviously just executing orders, unaware of the potion's true purpose.
"What is this." Elena asked the air, her finger lightly touching the rim of the cup, sensing its ingredients. A faint red light flickered on her finger, the power of her bloodline analyzing the potion's components.
"Spring of Desire. An ancient charm potion that can drive people into mad infatuation." The voice of the magic book resonated in Elena's mind, explaining.
"Despite being nothing but a lowly aphrodisiac, they've given it such a beautiful name. One cup is for Isabella. So who is this other cup for?" Elena mocked, her finger passing over the potion, causing ripples on its surface, indicating the energy within was responding to her bloodline power.
"For the Duke's son. The potion will make him fall intensely in love with the first woman he sees," the magic book explained, with a hint of anticipation in its voice, as if waiting for Elena's decision.
"I resent Isabella, so deliberately drugging her to ruin her purity would be a good method," Elena suddenly realized, rising to take action. "Where are they? I'll go right now." A flash of red gleamed in her eyes, showing her determination.
"The Rose Hotel. Fate has arranged everything," the magic book replied with satisfaction in its voice.
Elena looked at the medicine cup, hesitated for a moment, and finally poured the potion directly out. The potion fell to the ground, forming tiny symbols before disappearing, indicating that its energy had dissipated.
"No matter how much I despise Isabella, I would never stoop to using such underhanded means to ruin a woman's reputation," Elena said firmly, gathering red energy in her hand to dispel the remnants of the potion. Her decision showed that deep inside, she still maintained certain moral principles, despite her hostility toward Isabella.
"Going against fate will not end well. The ancient power of bloodline will backfire because of your defiance," the magic book warned, its voice carrying a threat.
At the Rose Hotel, Isabella and William sat across from each other drinking tea. The tea water sparkled with faint light, a sign of premium tea leaves that could enhance the sensory experience of those who drank it.
"Thank you for pleading with Father on behalf of my sister, you're actually quite a nice person." Isabella said gratefully, the teacup in her hand emitting a soft white light, the result of her elven bloodline resonating with the tea.
"Hand it over." William suddenly demanded, extending his hand, the amulet on his wrist flickering, indicating his emotional fluctuation.
"What?" Isabella asked in confusion.
"The handkerchief you embroidered for me." William explained, the amulet's light growing stronger, showing his anticipation.
"Who said I embroidered a handkerchief for you?" Isabella asked in surprise, clearly not knowing what William was talking about.
"I've been feeling strange lately." William said somewhat awkwardly, the light of his amulet flickering unstably, as if resisting some influence. This phenomenon suggested he might have been affected by some charm magic, although not from the potion that Elena had offered.
"What's wrong?" Isabella asked with concern.
"I've been thinking about you a lot lately. I might—" William hesitated, as the amulet's light grew dimmer, indicating the increasing influence of the charm magic.
"Your Highness. My sister's beauty is unmatched, Isabella cannot compare." Isabella hastily replied, gathering weak white energy in her hand, attempting to resist the possible charm effect.
"Silly girl, the more you talk like that, the more I—" William said tenderly, as the amulet completely went dark, showing that the charm magic had fully taken control of his emotions.
"Feel sorry for you?" Elena suddenly appeared, interrupting William's words, a flash of red light in her eyes indicating her vigilance.
"Why are you here?" William asked with surprise, as the amulet suddenly lit up again, showing that Elena's appearance had broken the influence of the charm magic.
"Elena is willing to withdraw and give way to Your Highness and Isabella. This bracelet should be given to the Duchess whom Your Highness desires," Elena said with a smile, removing the crystal bracelet and making a gesture to hand it to Isabella. The light on the bracelet flickered unstably, indicating it was sensing changes in the surrounding energy field.
"Sister, please don't misunderstand, Isabella cannot bear this burden," Isabella said in panic, white energy waves showing her nervousness.
"Is that so?" Elena sneered as the bracelet "accidentally" slipped from her hand and shattered into multiple pieces. The energy from the fragments scattered, creating tiny explosions and releasing light of various colors.
"Oops," Elena feigned surprise, then smiled and said, "But these shattered bracelet pieces seem to suit you quite well." A red flash passed through her eyes, revealing her true emotions.
"You broke the crystal bracelet bestowed by the Queen herself, how dare you. I will—" William said angrily, his amulet glowing brightly, revealing his emotional fluctuation.
"You want to report me? Or perhaps ruin our engagement?" Elena interrupted William, red energy condensing in her hand, forming a silent threat.
"Your Highness, my sister has feelings for you, you mustn't." Isabella hurriedly said, releasing soothing white energy, trying to defuse the conflict.
"I have feelings for him?" Elena laughed, pouring tea for herself, her red energy mixing into the tea, forming a peculiar mixture.
"In the treacherous world of court politics, you two are truly pure, like lotus flowers rising unsullied from the mud. You think that by breaking off your engagement, the Empress will allow you to marry her?" Elena sneered, "Don't forget. You may be of royal blood, but you're still just a pawn in the imperial court's game." Her words carried profound political insight, revealing her understanding of court politics far exceeded that of ordinary people.
"You!" William shouted angrily, his amulet flickering with light, revealing his emotional turmoil.
"So-called marriage is nothing but a transaction for your wealth and glory. Are you even a living person anymore? Pathetic." William mocked, his amulet glowing stronger, displaying his determination.
"All living beings bow for a loaf of bread, lose their lives for a few gold coins. You think everyone is as fortunate as you. Does love and affection matter? You need a duchess with a good family background, I need wealth and glory, we are merely taking what we each need. Your Highness, don't be so naive. Do you think, do you think you are the prince and princess from a bard's ballad?" Elena said coldly, red light flickering in her eyes, showing her determination.
"Your Highness. We are the same kind of people. Either win. Or die." Elena approached William, her voice carrying a subtle pressure that made the air slightly distort.
"Even if you succeed. Control me. I can make you wish you were dead. In this life, this world, my eyes and heart will only hold one person. As for you. What right do you have to negotiate with me?" William counterattacked by lighting incense, which contained certain herbs that could resist energy influences. The amulet's glow interacted with the energy in the incense, forming a protective barrier.
"Because I am Elena." Elena answered confidently, the red light in her eyes intensifying, releasing a powerful aura of authority.
The two locked eyes, neither willing to back down. Elena's red energy and William's amulet energy canceled each other out, forming a peculiar balance where neither could overpower the other.
"Isabella knows her place is too lowly to deserve Your Highness. Isabella will take her leave now." Isabella said with lowered head, the white light around her diminishing, showing her submission.
"Hey Isabella!" William called out anxiously, the light of his amulet flickering, showing his concern.
"Your Highness need not worry, those who truly want to leave never announce their departure." Elena sneered, red light flickering, revealing that she had seen through Isabella's ploy.
"Sister, why must you be so harsh? Isabella never intended to compete with you." Isabella said with grievance, her white light faint, showing her sadness.
"Isabella. I dare to admit what I want, do you? Playing hard to get, feigning reluctance while actually consenting. Your tactics work well, what a pity. No matter how many tricks you use, no matter how much father loves you, you will never surpass me to become the true duchess." Elena stared directly at Isabella, the red light in her eyes neutralizing the white light in Isabella's, forming a strange confrontation.
"You've gone too far." Isabella said angrily, suddenly throwing her handkerchief in Elena's face to display her fury. Then she turned and left.
"Isabella, wait for me!" William rushed after her, the amulet's light flickering, showing his anxiety.
Elena walked alone on the small bridge, feeling pleased. The wound on her palm had scabbed over but was still glowing faintly, a manifestation of the ancient bloodline within her.
Suddenly, her face changed dramatically as she clutched her chest and violently coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood. The blood was an unnaturally dark red color, forming tiny symbols when it hit the ground before disappearing. This was a manifestation of the ancient bloodline's backlash within her body, which typically occurred when she defied the arrangements of the Book of Fate.
"What's happening to me?" Elena asked weakly, the red energy in her hand becoming unstable and forming small vortices.
"You've been poisoned. The power of the ancient bloodline is retaliating because of your disobedience." The magic book's voice echoed in Elena's mind, carrying a hint of satisfaction.
Elena recalled the scene of William lighting incense. The herbs in the fragrance seemed to have conflicted with the energy within her body, causing this backlash phenomenon.
In the flashback, William said coldly, "I can also make you wish you were dead." He lit the incense, releasing a power that resisted her energy.
"Is it William?" Elena asked confusedly, coughing up blood again, her body swaying, almost falling. The energy fluctuations in her blood grew stronger, forming complex symbols, indicating that the backlash was intensifying.
"You refused to drug Isabella, defying fate. You will not meet a good end. The evening bird perches on the blood oak throne, the arrow of divine judgment shatters illusions, the heart of beauty coils like a venomous snake, death in the wilderness is inevitable. The ancient power of bloodline will devour you for your disobedience." The magic book warned, its voice carrying a threat.
"Alexander, save me..." Elena called out hazily as her body fell toward the bridge, red light flickering in her eyes as she tried to resist the backlash.
Through the blurry vision, Elena saw Alexander running quickly toward her, extending his hand. His hand glowed with golden light, seemingly able to neutralize the backlash force within her body. The powers of two ancient bloodlines were interacting, forming a peculiar balance.
At Alexander's residence, Elena lay in bed while a healer checked her pulse. Various herbs and runic stones were arranged beside the bed, auxiliary items for treatment that could enhance the healing effect.
"The poison this young lady has contracted is extremely dangerous. Had she not expelled some of it after nearly drowning, I fear she would already be dead. This poison conflicts with a certain ancient power within her body, making the situation very unusual," the healer said, green diagnostic energy flickering between his fingers—an advanced ability that could detect the flow of energy within the body.
"What kind of poison?" Alexander asked, golden light flashing in his eyes, showing his concern.
"This poison looks strange and requires further investigation. It seems to be an ancient curse targeting specific bloodlines." The healer answered, diagnostic powers forming complex symbols over Elena, revealing abnormally complex energy flows within her body.
"Can you wake her up?" Alexander asked, golden energy condensing in his hand as he prepared to assist with the treatment.
"There is a temporary solution - making small incisions on her chest and throat with a silver knife to draw out the poisoned blood, which can temporarily preserve her life. Silver can neutralize the ancient power within her body." The healer explained, taking out a silver knife covered with ancient symbols. This type of silver knife, known as the "Purification Blade," was a tool specifically designed to deal with ancient bloodline-related issues.
"Do it," Alexander commanded, golden light flickering in his eyes, showing his determination.
"This acupuncture point is at a sensitive area on the young lady's body. This young lady appears to be unmarried, and I... I am not appropriate for this task," the healer hesitated, as the symbols on the silver knife began to glow, sensing the ancient power fluctuating within Elena's body.
"You do it," Alexander handed the knife to his assistant, showing that he too was unwilling to personally perform this sensitive treatment procedure.
"I'm not appropriate either," the assistant turned his head in refusal. He also sensed the ancient power fluctuating within Elena's body and was unwilling to get involved in such a complicated situation.
"Young man, you must be resolute. If she wakes and makes a fuss, you can simply marry her. Time is of the essence. I'll take my leave first," the healer said with a shake of his head, withdrawing his diagnostic powers as he prepared to leave.
"The door is outside. Let me show you out," the assistant said, leaving with the healer, leaving Alexander and Elena alone.
Only Alexander and Elena were left in the room. He sat down on the edge of the bed, gazing at Elena, hesitantly extending his hand toward her chest. His hand glowed with golden light, allowing him to sense the flow of energy within her body and determine the best position for treatment.
Elena suddenly opened her eyes, which flickered with a faint red light, looking warily at Alexander.
"What are you doing?" Elena asked weakly but vigilantly.
"Helping you neutralize the poison," Alexander withdrew his hand and answered calmly, his eyes flashing with golden light, showing his sincerity.
"How will you do that?" Elena asked, sensing the energy fluctuations on the silver knife and understanding the treatment method.
"Chest, throat, bloodletting with the silver knife," Alexander explained concisely, showing the symbols on the silver knife that could guide specific energies to help expel toxins from her body.
"Are you coming?" Elena asked, the red light in her eyes resonating with Alexander's golden glow, forming a peculiar harmony.
"Do you want your life or—" Alexander asked hesitantly, the symbols on the silver knife glowing stronger, sensing the intensifying energy fluctuations within Elena.
"Do it, what are you waiting for?" Elena said firmly, unfastening her garment to reveal skin with faintly visible energy flowing beneath, forming subtle red patterns like veins. These patterns were the external manifestation of the ancient bloodline power within her, usually only appearing when the energy was extremely active.
"This will hurt." Alexander warned, holding the silver knife, golden light flickering in his eyes, preparing to begin the treatment. The symbols on the silver knife began to resonate with the patterns on Elena's skin, forming a peculiar field.
"Be gentle, I'm afraid of pain." Elena whispered, the red light in her eyes flickering weakly, revealing her nervousness.
Alexander began the treatment. The silver knife cut across Elena's skin, and the blood that flowed out was an unnaturally dark red color. Within the blood, tiny symbols seemed to be flowing, a characteristic of ancient bloodline power. The symbols on the silver knife absorbed some of the energy from the blood, emitting a faint glow, indicating that the treatment was taking effect.
After a moment, Elena's breathing became steady, and the red markings on her skin gradually faded, showing that the treatment had been successful and the backlash force within her body had been temporarily suppressed.
"Done," Alexander said, putting away the silver knife. The symbols on the knife dimmed, indicating that the treatment was complete.
"Thank you, Lord Alexander," Elena said gratefully, adjusting her dress. Her fingers lightly touched the wound, around which a faint red light flickered—her bloodline power repairing the wound.
"It's getting late, you should go back. I'll escort you," Alexander said, the golden light in his eyes responding to Elena's red glow, indicating some special connection between them.
Alexander and Elena walked side by side on the way back to the mansion. Under the moonlight, their shadows seemed clearer than normal, with faint light flickering around the edges - a natural manifestation of the ancient bloodline power within them.
"Impressive that you've stayed, but you'll never escape. The power of the ancient bloodline has begun to awaken, and the web of fate is tightening," the magic book's voice echoed in Elena's mind, carrying a hint of unease.
"How did I suddenly get poisoned? Fortunately Alexander happened to pass by. Was it really William who poisoned me? Or perhaps... is it this power within me causing trouble?" Elena pondered, her fingers lightly touching the wound on her chest, feeling the flow of energy, trying to understand the ancient bloodline power within her body.
From a distance came the sound of a child crying, seemingly mixed with faint energy fluctuations, a natural phenomenon that occurs during extreme emotional disturbance.
The scene shifts to a street corner, where Isabella is holding a shivering woman. Isabella is surrounded by a soft white glow, trying to warm the woman—a manifestation of the healing ability from her elven bloodline.
"Madam, why are you so cold?" Isabella asked with concern, as white energy flowed toward the woman, attempting to provide warmth and healing.
"Cold? In this weather?" Elena wondered inwardly, sensing an unnatural cold energy in the air, the remnant of some powerful ice-based force.
"Hang in there, I'll take you to see a healer," Isabella pleaded, the white light intensifying as she tried to enhance the healing effect.
Alexander stepped forward to examine the woman, golden diagnostic energy flickering between his fingers, capable of determining life status.
"Dead." Alexander announced after examination, the golden light extinguishing, indicating the diagnosis was complete. "The life energy in her body has been completely absorbed by some kind of cold force," he explained, identifying the cause of death.
"Froze to death in this hot weather? What does that mean?" Elena asked in confusion, sensing the unnatural energy fluctuations around them, the residue of some powerful force.
Golden text appeared in the air, formed of blood, flowing slowly, foretelling the direction of fate.
"In some stories, as long as the protagonist needs it, the entire world must comply, and the life or death of others doesn't matter. The laws of this world will create suitable scenarios for the protagonist," the magic book explained, with a hint of mockery in its voice.
"You mean this woman's death is just for Isabella's romance? This was a living, breathing life." Elena thought angrily, her eyes flashing red with rage, showing her dissatisfaction with this arrangement.
Alexander took off his robe to cover the deceased, and a flash of emotion appeared in Isabella's eyes. The symbols on the robe emitted a faint glow, offering a final blessing for the dead—an ancient tradition that helps souls find their resting place.
"All beings are mere ants, and only she, Isabella, stands above them all. How utterly absurd." Elena sneered, unconsciously gathering red energy in her hand, revealing her anger.
"Stop crying. You need to eat something to have the strength to go on." Isabella said to the child in her arms, gently handing the child a pastry that sparkled with a faint healing power, capable of easing pain and providing energy.
"Isabella fell in love with Alexander at first sight. What about Alexander?" Elena pondered in her heart, observing Alexander's reaction, trying to understand the relationship between them.
In the dead of night, Elena flipped through the Book of Fate, searching for Alexander's storyline. The words on the pages were formed of blood, flowing slowly as if alive, displaying fragments of the past, present, and future.
"After his mother died, ten-year-old Alexander was once homeless on the streets?" Elena was surprised to discover. Her finger lightly touched the text, which transformed to reveal more details, showing Alexander's tragic childhood.
The Book of Fate revealed Alexander's past with Isabella. In the scene, young Isabella provided food and shelter to the wandering Alexander. A faint white light flickered in her hands, an early manifestation of the elven bloodline within her.
"So Isabella saved Alexander when they were children. How cliché! These days, can't you write a story without adding some childhood connection?" Elena mocked, her finger sliding across the page. The blood text on the page rippled in response, displaying her dissatisfaction with this arrangement.
Elena recalled the scene on the street earlier. Isabella's white light and Alexander's golden energy seemed to have some kind of resonance, the two energies forming peculiar harmonic patterns in the air.
"Oh~ So the next plot development wouldn't happen to be Alexander recognizing his lifesaver and becoming utterly devoted to Isabella, would it?" Elena had a sudden realization, a dangerous red light flashing in her eyes, revealing her dissatisfaction and jealousy.
"This plot, I do. Not. Like." Elena contemptuously closed the Book of Fate, red energy condensing in her hand. The book struggled to escape her control but was forcibly suppressed by her.
The candlelight flickered as a determined light flashed in Elena's eyes. The wound on her palm began to glow again, resonating with the Book of Fate, indicating that she had decided to change the course of fate, regardless of the cost.
