Chapter 4
1457 Words
(Esmeray POV)
"Flash News: Is there some strain between the eldest daughter of the Dalerin family and the eldest son of the Ascorter family? The two of them had been known to be engaged since they were young. While the eldest daughter is one of the trending women in the kingdom, known for her beauty and brain, his fiancé was considered handsome and the perfect bachelor. The two were considered a perfect couple, but yesterday at the turning of age ceremony of the daughters of Dalerin, the eldest daughter paid no mind to him! Her response shocked not only the people but Sir Ethan himself. The re-"
"Sarah, honey, please burn that thing," I said as my maid stopped and looked up from the paper.
"This is such a trending topic now, Lady Esmeray." She said as I rolled my eyes. I was lying in the sofa eating some grapes when she decided to bring in the newspaper. Of course, I knew something would come out of last night.
Maybe what I did was reckless, but I was not ready to be engaged to that man! I would rather run away!
"For now, I heard that Master and Sir Ethan are doing damage control. They told me that you were not well."
Sarah was one of the new maids that were assigned to me when I was 15. In my previous life, she was the eye and ear of mine. She loved to gossip. Any news that spreads through the kingdom will reach her ears and it has helped me reach high in society. Although now I know what will happen in the future, I will need her for other investigations, so I keep her close.
In the afternoon, I finally decided to get out of my room and face my parent's wrath. My 'innocent' sister looked at me and then at the parents, who were silent.
"Don’t scold her daddy. She must have a reason."
Yes. I have. That bastard and you teamed up and killed me in my previous life.
I gave her a bland smile before sitting on my seat. The cook served my food and I didn’t speak, knowing it wouldn't be long before they started.
"Esmeray, are you OK?" Mom asked as I looked up at her.
"Yes I am"
"Can you tell me what happened yesterday?"
"I don’t want to get married"
"You won't be married right now, dear. Just an engagement and we can have the marriage when you like" my dad decided to speak.
I couldn’t help but sigh as I put my fork down.
"Dad, Mom. I am sorry, but I need time. I…. I have an uneasy feeling and I want to settle it before deciding."
I knew it was something they would never accept. The fact that I got married to Ethan was something our parents planned a long time ago. Of course, they will not listen to such a stupid excuse their young daughter says.
"Of course"
My head snapped up to my father, who smiled. He put his hand on my head. "It is about your life and I will never force you. Sir Ethan is your best friend and I know how obsessed you are with him. Anyone will be shocked and freak out at a surprise proposal. Eventually, you will decide that you will be ready in your mind and we will wait until then."
I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. I thought they would completely reject me, but I guess this is good.
Now my next aim is to set the two of them up. To show people that I can never be with this man because he is a cheater.
The dinner went by smoother than I thought. They let go of the topic, which made me happy.
"Where are you going, lady?" Cassy, my personal maid, asked as I took out a dress from the closet.
"I want to go to the town. Some purchase" I said as she nodded her head. She helped me get dressed up and even arranged a few refreshments since I told her we would come back only late in the evening.
It didn’t take long, as we took the carriage to the township. The local market, like always, was crowded.
"What do you want to buy?" Cassy asked, as I shrugged.
"I just need some fresh air"
In reality, I was going to a local bar. I wanted to hire an investigator to look into both of them so I could find the perfect way to trap both of them.
I looked at Cassy who was looking at the broaches in the jewellery shop we entered.
First I need to get rid of her. And for that, I had the perfect idea.
After getting in a few more shops, we sat down on the bench.
"Cassy, would you get me some drinks from that shop?" I pointed at the bakery, which was really crowded.
"But it will take some time."
"Don’t worry. I will wait here"
Cassy looked hesitant but she nodded her head. "I will be right back," she said before running to the bakery.
I waited for 5 minutes before getting up from the bench. I made sure I wrote a note so she wouldn't be worried before taking out a long hoodie and covering myself.
I walked in the direction of the nearest local bar.
I have heard how investigators were found in the bar and if we ask the bartender, they will introduce them to us. I know it’s very little knowledge, but I had to move with it.
I covered my face more as I walked into an alley leading to the bar I wanted to go. There were many people standing along the way, 90 percent of them being males. Well, the other 9 percent were brothel girls.
I wore the most inexpensive dress I have but seemed like it was still an extravagant one in this area.
When I reached in front of the door, I looked up to make sure I was in the right place.
'Time off' was written on the top and I took a deep breath before entering the place. As soon as I walked in, I was hit by a strong scent of booze and cigars. I tried my best to tolerate it as I walked past people. It was difficult considering there was a live dance and almost everyone was involved in it.
But among everything, one smell seems to stand out. It was strange as it felt a bit familiar.
I pushed through everyone and jumped in excitement as I finally saw the countertop.
Yes!
I started to struggle more, wanting to reach my destination, but my legs stopped and I froze in the spot as I saw a familiar face. Even with his hood on, I could recognize the man.
What the hell is Ethan doing here? My parents told me that he would not come today because he had some work.
"What a liar" I muttered, but then quickly hid as I saw him start to scan around. He took a sip from the cup before looking at the corner, nodding his head. I reached my head to see who it was and, to my surprise, they were the royal guard.
Huh, guess he was really here was work.
I stayed hidden as I watched him and his team quickly catch a person.
"You are arrested by the order of the crown prince," Ethan said as he put the sword on the man's neck. I can see how skilled he was and I can't deny he is handsome as well.
But what can be done? He is rotten on the inside. A cheater and a bastard.
Once he left, I sighed in relief. Now I can continue with my mission.
I once again started to make my way to the counter but I was stopped as a hand fell on my shoulder.
"Hey", I turned around to see a man smiling at me. "I was watching you earlier. Hiding from the royal guards." He then looked at me up and down, raising one eyebrow as he did so. "Looking at your dress, I can see you're not around here. What is the great nobility doing in the slum area?"
"Please let go of me. My business has nothing to do with you", I said as I tried to get his hands off me. But let's face it, no matter how hard I tried, I can't win against this buffed up guy. "Let go"
But just in a quick second, I was released and he was thrown to the ground.
"Didn’t she ask you to let go?"
- Writer
