The Transmigrated Empress

Evil Plot

"I called you all here today for we have received an invitation from the Travis family. A few days from now, it will the birthday of the young miss of their manor. All the misses shall be attending the said event with me and the First Madame," said Ree's father, Romeo.

The First Madame and her daughter immediately looked at each other in alarm the same way that the Second Madame and Luna did. Meanwhile, Claudia only listened to her father's words as if what he said did not bother her at all. Ree and her mother, on the other, hand was taken aback with her father's words.

"You mean to say that everyone will be going?" asked Celestine.

"Yes. When I said all, I mean all, and that would include Esmeree. It would do her good if she would be exposed to social gatherings so she can get used to it. She can also interact with the people of her age and make friends with them. I heard the young miss of the Travis family is of the same age as her. Establishing a good relationshio with the Travis is not a bad idea."

"But don't you think it is too early to do this? She has just been in the manor for a week, and she has not even started to receive her lessons yet as it will start next week. I do not think she is ready for it. Why don't you reconsider it?" said Celestine.

Ree's brows raised as soon as she heard the First Madame's words. This woman seemed she wanted her to rot in her own courtyard. She was not even allowed to go anywhere she wants in the manor without the permission of that evil witch. For the past week, she had been so bored to death, doing nothing. She wanted to explore the kingdom but the servants as well as the guards of the manor would not even allow her to leave. How could she expect this woman to allow her to attend her first public event? If she could, she would have already chained her to keep her from going out.

"I know you have your concerns. But you and Selena would be around at that time. What could go wrong?" replied Romeo. Further, as he observed this youngest daughter of hers, she has a calm demeanor that pleased him. It was too bad that she lost her memories. Thus, it was understandable and justifiable in his opinion that she went wild the moment she opened her eyes with her lacking her own memories. His mother also reached out to him for the first time as it was hard for him to even talk to his own mother. And this was with regards to Esmeree. She wanted him to give his attention to this youngest daughter of his as she found her very satisfying which caught him off guard. He observed this daughter of his before him. She had an elegant aura around her. If he did not know the truth, he would not even believe that this girl grew up in the countryside. He concluded that the Old Madame might have groomed her to this state.

"But husband..." Celestine tried to convince him otherwise but before she could even start, she was interrupted by him.

"No buts. This is final. Also, I want everyone on their best behavior. The Travis are one of the influential families in the kingdom. I do not want to offend them. That is why all of you..." he said as he looked at all his daughters. "...should know what to do and what not to do. Do you understand me?" As soon as the three answered him, he looked at Celestine and continued. "Prepare the best dresses for these three. We cannot fall short on this matter. Influential people will be there. I heard that his highness might also go. Also, as this is Esmeree's first public event, make sure to make enough preparations for her. I do not want any single mistake when I introduce her to people," Romeo said, making Celestine grit her teeth in anger.

Why would she have to prepare things for another woman's daughter and not hers, especially now that she knows that the emperor might be present? But she cannot voice out her thoughts, can she?

"I will do as you say then," with no other choice, she replied.

As soon as they left, she ordered her servants to go and prepare for the event. They brought out the best silk they have that were hidden in their storage room and invited a seamstress to make beautiful dresses for the event. And because she has to maintain appearances, she allowed for the Fourth Miss to choose a silk as she pleases as well as allow the seamstress to make a dress for her despite her chagrin. She was actually boiling inside.

A night before the event, a young man appeared on the First Madame's courtyard.

"Is everything ready?" asked the First Madame.

"Yes. I just saw the maid of the Fourth Miss go out of the bathing area after she prepared the Fourth Miss' bath. I have poured everything inside the tub. As soon as it gets in contact with the miss' skin, she will feel soothed and would not expect the consequences she will see the next day."

The First Madame then had a satisfied look on her face. She cannot be blamed for resorting to these underhanded means. That girl could only blame herself. If she did not reappeared in their lives and have not threatened her daughter's position, she would not even take a glance at her and even place so much attention with everything related to her.

"Good. You did well. You can go now," she replied.

She then smirked as she watched the young man leave.

"Let us see then if you will still insist to attend the event with an appearance that if anyone has would have chosen to kill themselves instead. Let us see if you would not go berserk and show your true colors as soon as you see yourself in the mirror tomorrow morning," she said. She was infuriated with the fact that the country bumpkin was trying too hard to act like she was some sort of an elegant royalty.

On the other side of the manor, Ree was walking together with Anne towards the bathing area. She was, as usual, bored to death the whole day and wanted to somehow relax herself by soaking in a tub.

As soon as she entered the bathing area, she immediately smelled a subtle aroma. If it were an ordinary person, they would not be able to smell this. However, the owner of Ree's body is an apprentice to an elusive master back at the countryside. Her master has a famous herbal store, but he travels a lot. Thus, she was entrusted with the store to look after it for him, and knew all sorts of herbs and even poisons.

Ree did not know this, but all of a sudden, a bunch of information entered her brain. It was like a trigger. She suddenly had an expanse knowlege about medicine.

When she recovered after the initial shock, she slowly went near to the tub and the aroma started to become stonger. And when she was in front of the tub, as she breathe in the air, her assumption was confirmed.

Ree then smirked. If these people think that they could destroy her easily, they should think again. She remembered the initial reaction of the First Madame when her father announce that she will be joining a public event. It seems like she does not want her to attend the event. And for that very reason, she was willing to go all the way to destroy her. If she likes playing like this, then she would be very much willing.

A few moments later, a scream was suddely heard all over the bathing area. As soon as the young man heard this, he smirked before leaving. He had to report back to the First Madame. His mission was a success.

The next morning, the Levines started to gather up to eat their breakfast. A few momentes later, there were still two seats that were left vacant.

"Where are the Third Madame and Esmeree? Are they still sleeping at this time? The sun is already up," said Romeo to no one.

The First Madame silently smirked before she told one of the servants to get the two immediately, and not let the master of the manor wait any longer.

"Maybe they are lazy like this back at the countryside," Luna murmured to herself before she was smack by her mother in the knee. She bit her lips as she tried to hide the pain she felt. Her father sent a disapproving look at her, making her mother glare at her even more.

A few moments later, the servant who the First Madame told to call upon the third branch came back.

"Reporting to the master, the Fourth Miss had suddenly have a relapse of her illness last night. The Third Madame is now taking care of her and would like to send her apologies for not being able to join the master in eating breakfast."

The First Madame and her daughter exchanged look of understanding before they silently smiled to themselves. This did not escape the observant eyes of the Second Madame, however.

"What?! What happened?" asked Romeo.

"I am also not sure what happened. I was just told that the Fourth Miss went ill."

"I wonder if Fourth Sister will be able to join us in the event later. It is her first public appearance. Mother has toiled just to prepare her for today's occasion," said Selena.

Romeo looked at his wife before caressing her hand that was on the table. "You have suffered."

Celestine then shook her head. "No, this is what I should do." She then innocently looked at his husband.

The Second Madame gritted her teeth as such act of the First Madame. She knew that the latter had done something to the Fourth Miss yet she was thick skinned to receive praises from their husband as if she did not do something evil behind their backs.

"If she would not be able to attend, then let her rest. She is still on her way to recovery. I did not take this into account when I announced her first public appearance. It must have took a toll on her. It must caused her too much pressure." He then looked towards the servant who delivered the news. "Tell the kitchen servants to cook more nutritious food for the Fourth Miss and ask for the imperial physician later to check on her. Make sure to report to me whatever the findings of the physicians are," he ordered before dismissing the servant

The First Madame had a look of disdain before it immediately fade away. Give that country bumpkin more food? What a waste of resources, she thought. Ask for the imperial physician? She was not some sort of a royalty to receive the care of people from the palace. She was annoyed with how this husband of hers is treating that girl. But she could not say so openly. Instead, she acted like a good mother.

"Poor girl, she has just arrived in the manor and she already had experienced such setbacks. I have prepared her for this day and she was also so diligent. It is such a pity that she would not be able to attend the event later tonight. I am sure she must be looking forward of going. It really such a pity and it breaks my heart," said Celestine.

The Second Madame almost choked at her words. This First Madame sure is a good actress, she thought.

The First Madame silently smirked at her reaction. It was somewhat true the she "prepared" the Fourth Miss. She did so by shoving books to her. She was so busy herself. Why should she waste her precious time for a nobody? That girl might not even know how to read. What a waste of time would that be for her to tutor a hopeless case?

"It is okay. There are still a lot of opportunities out there in the future. She will get to experience being in a public and social event soon enough. With you by her side, I am quite sure that she will feel more confident once she attends one. For now, let her rest."

Celestine just nodded before she continued eating. Deep in her thoughts she was mocking her husband. What opportunities? What future event? Who would dare bring her once someone saw her appearance now? A satisfied smile on her face maintained until she finished eating her breakfast.

When the night fell, the facade of the Levine's manor was buzzling as carriages lined up on the side, waiting for the ladies and the master of the manor to ride.

When the Levines went outside, a few people flocked to see one of the most influential families in the capital.

The ladies were wearing flowy, long dresses that accentuated their beauty. Luna was wearing an extravagant baby blue dress that seemed like clouds. When she walks it seemed like she was walking on air. It was mesmerizing. She also had sparkling trinkets on her hair and body. They were too sparkly that one might go blind in envy. Beside her was Claudia, who was wearing a sophisticated lavender dress. She had lesser ornaments on her body as well as lesser make-up on her face. And lastly, out came Selena who was wearing an elegant and classy pink dress. There was a belt strapped on her waist which accentuated her curves. She was like an innocent yet alluring lamb who everyone could not take their eyes off of her. She had a sultry make-up and the jewelry she wore were rare jewelries not even found in the kingdom.

"Lady Selena is indeed the most beautiful woman, not only in the capital but also in the whole of the kingdom," said a young man.

"I cannot belive how blessed my eyes are now that I am seeing an angel on earth," exaggerated the other one.

Selena, of course, heard all the murmurs of the people around and she felt so pleased with their praises. Yes, she is the most beautiful woman im the kingdom, and she would not allow anyone to snatch this title away from her.

She then smirked. Poor Esmeree, she said to herself. That is what she gets when she revealed herself to the public. That is what she gets when she stepped inside the manor which was her territory. She can only blame herself for the things that happened to her.

A few moments later, the carriages moved and began to travel to the Travis' manor. Soon enough, they arrived at the humongous manor, even bigger than the Levines.

Before they could even go inside the manor, their father had a few reminders that he wanted them to keep in mind.

"You three, be cautious of how you act. Be mindful of your words and do not offend anyone. Try to make some friends so that later on we can establish connections to their families. Be smart and think your head, not with your mouth," he said before turning towards Luna. "Especially you woman. Make sure you know your place and shut that mouth of your when you have nothing good to say."

He then turned towards his eldest daughter who he was so much pleased about. "I am leaving them to you, Selena. I know I could trust you with them. Keep their reigns and know when to interrupt if they are causing trouble, especially your Third Sister. Take a good look at her at all times."

Selena was pissed deep inside her as she was asked to look after her sisters. But indeed, because they could affect the family's reputation, she could only agree. Why was she given such useless and troublesome sisters?

When Romeo was sure that all was said and dome, they finally eent inside the manor. And as soon they did so, everyone looked at their direction.

Afterwhich, a man who looked like he was at the same age as Romeo approached them.

"Minister Levine, thank you for coming and taking some of your precious time to celebrate my daughter's birthday with us."

Romeo carefully observed the person before him. This person is the most trusted aide of the emperor and is known to have clean hands. He never accepted bribes. He never did despicable things. This is the reason why a lot of ministers like himself are intimidated as well as on the depths of their hearts, silently hated him. He was an honest man, serving the emperor wholeheartedly. This is precisely the reason why he has always been so cautious of his presence. His family always had a closed knitted tie with the royal family. The Travis has been serving generations of emperors, and has remained loyal.

Realizing that the man before him has been waiting for his reply, he finally said, "It is nothing. It is instead our pleasure to attend one of the Travis' treasures' birthday." Looking behind him, he started introducing his wife and his daughters to the man.

"What a lovely family you have, Minister Levine. My daughter would find them a lovely acquaintance.

They were still exchanging pleasantries when there was a sudden commotion at the facade of the manor.

"What is going on there?" asked Minister Travis to one of his lackeys.

"I am not sure, Master," replied the boy. He soon saw one of the servants in the manor approaching them. "Remedios is coming this way. We might get answers soon."

As soon as Remedios were in front of them, Minister Travis immediately asked what the matter was.

"Master, there is a lady in front of the manor, saying that she is a Levine. The Levines had just arrived though. We were not sure if she was indeed telling the truth so we just wanted to make sure first of her identity. However, as soon as she revealed her face, people started to flock over her, saying that she is a fairy. I did not know what to do. That is why I immediately ran towards master to judge the situation.

"Oh, I see."

The minister then turned towards Minister Levine who had a look of surprise on his face.

"Why don't we both see if it is indeed you daughter who is outside?" suggested the former. The latter just agreed since he has no other choice. He was dumbfounded by the information he heard. Was it Esmeree who was outside, he thought to himself. He thought that she was feeling unwell and had a relapse? Why did she suddenly appear at the Travis' manor without letting him know? What kind of situation is this?

Soon enough, they reach the facade with the four ladies in tow. When they looked at the girl who was at the center of the crowd, her back facing them, they had curiousity in their eyes.

In both of the First Madame's and Selena's mind, they did not believe that Esmeree would show herself tonight. Her skin, if not, her whole body should have been peeling now. But when they looked at the woman standing before them and interacting with the crowd, nothing was peeling on her skin. Instead, she had a flawless and glowing skin.

"Who are you?" suddenly said Minister Travis to their shock.

If it was indeed Esmeree and nothing happened to her as what they assumed, they have to stop her from going to the event. These were the thoughts of the mother and daughter pair. However, before they could even concoct a plan, the girl before them slowly turned to their direction.

The crowd forming behind the Levines were entranced when the girl faced them.

The First Madame almost dropped to the ground as soon as she saw the face of Ree. If not for her daughter's support, she would have fallen to the ground already. How was this possible, she thought to herself as she saw the girl before her still with intact skin.

When she saw their reaction, she immediately smirked before she turned back towards the crowd.

"I need to go. See you when I see you! Make sure you reach your homes safe and sound, okay?" she said. They then noticed that she was talking to a bunch of street children who looked ugly and dirty. Despite that, she did not look disgusted at them but she even looked happy interacting with them.

Soon enough, she started to gracefully walk towards the direction of the person who asked her the question.

"The Fourth Miss of the Levine manor greets Minister Travis. I hope you are well and healthy," she said before bowing to the man.

The man then gave her a fatherly smile. "Thank you for your well wishes but I am not the one celebrating the birthday."

"Of course, this I know. I apologize for arriving later than my family. I was a little sick last night. But I realized how it would be a pity if I would not be able to attend the birthday party of your precious daughter."

"Sorry to hear that you are sick. I hope you are feeling better. Anyway, why then should you attend this party of my daughter no matter what?"

"Because I would not get to see this humongous manor of yours. Don't you know how your manor is so famous in the kingdom? I was so curious of how big it is. And finally, I have now a chance of seeing it! It would be a pity if I miss this opportunity, right?" said Ree. The man before her suddenly laughed out loud, quite endeared with the lovely personality of this little lady.

This scenario was seen by Selena, and it took all the control that she had to not attack and punch the living daylights out of Esmeree. She was filled with anger as she turned towards her mother.

"Mother, what is she doing here?!"