Chapter 323: The Brave Woman Arrives

Chapter 323

The Brave Woman Arrives

Ellie understood everyone’s intentions, but their words were useful to her as well. She lifted her tea and sipped as if nothing was amiss, but her eyes gleamed involuntarily. It seemed that “Grace” still hadn’t given up. She had the skill to make others think that she had no ill intentions, that it was all just a misunderstanding, especially with men who were often slow to catch on to women’s subtleties. No wonder they fell for her tricks so easily.

“If you’re unhappy with her, why not deal with her directly? With the Setter family’s power, sending her back wouldn’t be difficult,” Vida said flatly. She too felt indignation on Ellie’s behalf. Since she considered Ellie a friend, she felt angry when someone tried to harm her friend.

Hearing Vida’s words, the young ladies who had been gossiping merrily were taken aback. They were only speaking about the other woman in jest, but it seemed Duchess Vida was serious.

Ellie was also taken aback. Vida was always like this, which was why she was often cast as the villain. Meanwhile, Ellie still held the role of the “best friend” of the heroine, even though she should have been the biggest villain in the story. She wasn’t sure why this role was always given to her. Was it because they feared that if there was another “villain,” the heroine’s path would be too difficult?

The conversation circle fell silent. It took a long time for another topic to arise. The eldest young lord didn’t want Ellie to stay too far from him. He allowed her to chat with the ladies for less than an hour before coming over to say he would take her for a walk in the palace garden.

His actions reassured everyone. The rumor that the eldest young lord had created a leisure garden for Ellie to please her might be true after all. It was heard that the young ladies of the Setter family bragged about the beauty of the garden everywhere, making many people envious. However, no one believed it at first. They thought Ellie had coaxed the eldest young lord into making the garden for her.

However, after today’s display, the truth began to unfold. Ellie hadn’t been separated for long before the eldest young lord, protective of his woman, stepped in to offer to take her for a walk in the palace garden.

Even though the women wanted to keep Ellie a bit longer to chat and build camaraderie, no one dared to defy the eldest young lord’s invitation. In the end, they could only watch as Ellie was gently taken away, wrapped protectively around the waist.

"Isn’t the Eldest Young Lord too infatuated with Her Highness?"

"Exactly, but I noticed it from the moment Her Highness arrived. His gaze never strayed from her."

"Does he...really love her that much? It’s hard to believe."

"The Setter family is known for their loyalty to one woman. Especially the main Setter family, they don’t usually have many women in their household. So, it’s not surprising that he acts this way."

"Sigh...I’m deeply saddened. If I had known the Eldest Young Lord would recover, I would have had my father propose a marriage alliance. I wouldn’t have let him meet Princess Ellie. Perhaps by now, you all would be calling me “Princess Menis”."

"Haha, you dream too big," the women laughed.

They felt a pang of jealousy towards Ellie. Their view of Ellie had risen even higher since she had become the eldest young lord’s true beloved. She wouldn’t have to fear abandonment. Especially if she married and quickly bore the eldest young lord a child, he would undoubtedly be even more devoted to her!

As Ellie walked with Owen out of the banquet, a sense of peace gradually returned. She took a deep, contented breath while Owen simply guided her slowly forward. The atmosphere between them was very special. They spent their time together until the banquet concluded successfully. However, the significant day of the storyline had finally arrived.

The first day’s banquet was for the prominent figures of the Ares Kingdom. The second day, however, allowed other nobles to join. Naturally, this was the day the "Fronda" family, now part of the Ares Kingdom, would attend. The beautiful young lady "Grace" appeared today as well, along with the "demonic toxin user" from the original storyline.

Ellie was fully prepared to confront her opponent. That’s why she chose a deep red dress for today, exuding power and beauty. Similar to the previous day, everyone chose outfits that suited them. Even Steven, the head of the family, wore a deep maroon color.

The young ladies chose either light or bright red. The attendants of the family were fewer than on the first day. They had all received invitations but could choose whether to attend. This wasn’t the first-day banquet, which was mandatory to meet the Ares Kingdom’s high-ranking figures.

Seeing them arrive in powerful flaming red only increased the respect from the courtiers. The head of the Setter family was seated alongside the Emperor. However, today, the royals and the Setter family’s descendants didn’t have to sit tensely. They could sit and eat in different corners as they pleased.

Ellie couldn’t use spores to track Grace, but she used the spores’ vision around the area to keep an eye out. Eventually, she spotted the girl in a pale yellow dress, almost white. “Grace” truly knew how to present herself.

This woman didn’t want to use "white" to show her purity excessively as it would become dull. She was entirely different from Nara.

If Nara were still here, she would wear a plain white dress, evoking pity but also purity, an angelic figure that everyone could easily approach and be fascinated by. Grace was not like that at all. Her difference didn’t make her more outstanding than Nara, but looking at her over time, she wouldn’t become boring.

Grace didn’t choose pink because she didn’t want to reveal immediately how charming she was, creating a sense of mystery for people to explore. She avoided overly bright colors that would blend in with others competing for attention. Pale yellow, pale green, pale orange—these were the colors Grace favored to use. They didn’t catch the eye at first glance because she wanted to show she wasn’t greedy. But after proving her sincerity, many people would eventually be drawn to her!

Ellie found herself admiring the other girl somewhat. If it had been before confirming everyone’s thoughts, Ellie might have been worried. But now, with the firm hand wrapped securely around her waist, she felt a renewed sense of confidence. This time, she would never lose!

“What amusing thoughts are running through your mind?” Owen asked softly after noticing the smile Ellie couldn’t suppress. Ellie nodded and told him.

“It’s about what I requested from you last time. Today, I plan to reveal the weapon that can counter the demonic toxin. I believe it will be useful today,” Ellie explained. Owen pondered for a moment.

Since he couldn’t use his power to monitor when Ellie was sent to receive her reward, he didn’t know what content had she read. Moreover, Ellie hadn’t told him what would happen today; she only requested to reveal the Setter family’s miraculous weapon.

He saw no issue with it, and since it was Ellie’s request, he had granted permission. He hadn’t expected it to be used today. It seemed today’s banquet wasn’t just an ordinary gathering!

Even though Ellie said she could handle it, Owen never let her face danger alone. Knowing that danger lay ahead, he also prepared to step in if needed.

Sitting quietly, Owen could scan many people. His skill was similar to Ellie’s, except he didn’t use bonded plant’s power but his own lightning of life power.

The electrical currents in everyone’s bodies were something Owen had sensed since birth. Because of this, he knew he would be in pain soon. He could predict his own future, which led him to form his own group at a young age.

His initial goal wasn’t to have them work for him but to give these skilled individuals a final command before his death—to help his younger brother manage and take care of the Setter family. Fortunately, he met Ellie first, allowing him to use them himself.

Owen could monitor heartbeats with great precision. If he wanted to...no matter how many secrets someone had, he could easily uncover them.

Ellie didn’t realize that after she hinted at her plans, the eldest young lord beside her would immediately take on his role as her guardian. In comparison...Wint, who proudly proclaimed himself as Ellie’s protector, was far less effective. It was no wonder he was just a regular follower. At least he didn’t abandon Ellie when problems arose; otherwise, Owen wouldn’t have let him survive.

Eventually, after the event had been underway for a while, a familiar-faced girl entered with Professor Lucien. Instead of coming as part of the Fronda family, Grace chose a different approach...

She claimed that Professor Lucien would be lonely if he attended the event alone and feigned surprise upon seeing that he was already accompanied by Professor Medik. Both professors couldn’t dismiss her, so they could only let her tag along.

Following the two professors served no purpose other than to show she had integrated into the Ares Kingdom. While her father was still viewed as a member of the Rhea Kingdom, Grace had secured a better position for herself.

More importantly, the main reason was yet to come.

“Professor, is that Duchess Ellie? She looks exceptionally beautiful today.” And yes! Following the two professors made it easier for her to approach Ellie than coming with her family!!

“Duchess Ellie is as beautiful as ever today.”

Hearing Grace’s remark, both professors looked at their student, who was required to attend the banquet for all 7 days. Medik was more worried about Ellie than anyone. He was concerned that she wouldn’t have time to study. During these 7 days, others could learn and practice a lot even if the institute wasn’t in session. But Ellie had to waste her time like this, causing her professor distress.

Lucien lightly patted the beautiful young professor on the back, signaling him to stop looking so sad and to approach his student. Professor Medik nodded and slowly walked over, with Professor Lucien and Grace happily following behind. Grace’s eyes showed admiration, but when observing Ellie’s attire, deep down, she felt a strong sense of derision.

In Grace’s eyes, Ellie’s attire seemed like that of a woman flaunting her wealth excessively. Such behavior would easily bore other men over time. Grace wasn’t entirely wrong in her thinking, but she didn’t know that Ellie had already protested against the outfit. Otherwise, it would have been even more extravagant.

Moreover, the Setter family never skimped on money with their women. No matter how much they earned, they could spend it on their own pleasures. This meant that the eldest young lord had vast resources, and he was more than ready to let Ellie use his share of the wealth.

Grace didn’t only observe the golden leg who was positioned as her “best friend”. She also looked at others, her gaze first meeting the menacing eyes of the second young lord, Aman. This man had a truly intimidating gaze as described in the novel. He seemed cunning and unsafe. It was no surprise that, despite being the top noble, he wasn’t the main hero but just a supportive character.

After observing Aman, Grace’s eyes turned to the eldest young lord, “Owen,” who wasn’t frequently mentioned in the novel. It only said he was the fiancé and lover of the best friend, and many of the gifts from the best friend came from him. However, it didn’t describe how exceptionally handsome he was, nor did it mention the noble aura that surrounded him.

Owen was different from Aman, who enjoyed challenging others with his gaze. Owen only had eyes for his beloved little lover, using his powers to assess others. He quickly found the newcomer’s thought processes complex and chaotic...which he found irritating.

“Professor, please come this way.”

Ellie didn’t wait for them to greet her first. She knew her manners well and promptly stood up to invite the two to join their conversation circle. After all, everyone in the group was close, with Vida, Aria, Zoey, Wint, Aman, and Owen. There was no one else, so the professors joining wouldn’t make anyone feel uncomfortable.