Once a week, the Marquis would summon his wives and children to his hidden meeting room, where they would discuss all crucial matters. He expected everyone to be there except for Matteo and Lady Clarissa, since they had no involvement with the family’s grand scheme.
Lady Clarissa, Matteo’s biological mother, was different from the other two wives of the Marquis. Ophelia had spoken to her on several occasions, and she could see that Lady Clarissa was an intelligent and reserved noblewoman. She raised Matteo very closely, nurturing him with warmth and love, which was the reason why he grew up different from the rest of his siblings. Lady Clarissa wouldn’t want to see her son grow up to become cruel like Theo and Eleanor. She was certainly aware of things transpiring in the family, and she was wise to feign ignorance of Chevalier’s cruelty. If she didn’t, then she wouldn’t last this long in this place.
“Oh my, I’m glad I came early today,” Eleanor smirked as she took a vacant seat next to Ophelia. “How are you, Ophie?”
The long pink-haired beta approached with her signature angelic smile, but Ophelia showed no enthusiasm to speak to Eleanor. Behind that sweet, bewitching beauty of hers lay a sick, twisted personality.
“Do not call me by that name.” Ophelia glared, shooting daggers at her. “I told you before that I detest that.”
“It is such a cute nickname, though,” Eleanor shrugged. “What a shame.”
“…Let’s cut to the chase,” Ophelia said. “What do you want?”
This was the way the Chevalier siblings spoke to each other. Cold and indifferent. They treated each other more like coworkers rather than blood-related 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?” Eleanor said, the corner of her lips lifted higher. “We barely have time to talk to each other nowadays. You’ve always been busy with your puppy and our useless brother.”
“That is because I have Professor Oliver’s classes to attend,” Ophelia said. “Unlike someone here who diligently skips all the classes when we’re soon to return to the academy in a few weeks.”
“You know I excel in other things instead.” Eleanor chuckled softly. “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.”
Ophelia knew that it was nothing but an empty compliment. Eleanor was just like Theo. Imperious and arrogant. Instead of having violent tendencies like their elder brother, she was more of a manipulative vixen. She knew exactly how to speak to control others, how to reel people into her game, gaining their trust and affection like it was mere child’s play.
“Don't say I didn't warn you.” Ophelia's smirk turned colder, more contemptuous. “Make sure you don't make a clown of yourself, or get labeled a brainless beauty before you even realize it.”
“My, how cruel of you. The way you treat me and your pet is like night and day." Eleanor said, feigning offense. "At this rate, you're going to make me jealous.”
“…” Ophelia responded with silence, blatantly ignoring her.
Unfortunately, silence wasn’t enough to stop this woman from using her words to provoke Ophelia. Eleanor’s smirk grew wider before she propped her chin on her hand.
“There is something that I’m curious to ask…” Eleanor said. “What would you say if I wanted to take your puppy on a walk sometimes?”
Eleanor noticed the sudden change in Ophelia’s demeanor. Her green eyes turned colder, as though she were ready to strike the moment Eleanor said the wrong word. This had been the beta woman's true intention all along. She had struck up a light-hearted conversation with Ophelia, hoping to borrow Stella for whatever reason she had in mind.
“What business do you have with her?” Ophelia said, her tone sharp.
Facing Ophelia’s aggression, Eleanor became even more interested in getting to know the alpha that Ophelia was obsessed with.
“So possessive, aren’t you?” Eleanor continued. “She piqued my interest after she put on a good show a few days ago, and I’m interested in getting to know her in person.”
“…”
Eleanor was referring to the time Stella humiliated Theo in front of the Marquis in the dining hall. Ever since that incident, Eleanor’s interest kept growing to the point that she decided to approach Ophelia. This may sound harmless and reasonable, but the omega had zero trust in this vixen’s words. She knew that someone like Eleanor would never approach anyone without a motive.
“I know you would be extremely hostile with me if I were to approach your puppy without your permission,” Eleanor said, chuckling softly. “I simply want to invite Stella to my early birthday party in a couple of months from now.”
Eleanor was considered Ophelia’s younger sister, by just a few months. Since the omega’s birthday had just passed, it would soon be the beta woman’s birthday. As Eleanor was known to be a social butterfly, she always organized a large party a few days before her birthday to invite all acquaintances and friends from different noble families.
“If you are worried about your fiancée, you’re more than welcome to join too,” Eleanor said, kindly extending her invitation to Ophelia. “I’ll even do you a favor by permitting you to invite our little brother too.”
“We will see by then.” Ophelia said. “It will depend on my mood on that day.”
“Well, I hope you will be in a good mood.” Eleanor smiled. “If not, then I’ll just invite Stella over to my party.”
Even if Ophelia brushed off the invitation, Eleanor was persistent in getting closer to the Albrecht alpha, clearly making the woman agitated. Fortunately, Eleanor was just a beta, there was one less thing to worry about. However, it didn’t make her paranoid less about what was going on inside her sinister mind. 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. The middle-aged man 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.” The Marquis commanded the room.
“I’ll start first, then.” Theo leaned into his seat, reporting his update. “There are quite interesting things going on at the Albrecht manor.”
Each of the Marquis’s children was assigned a task. Theo’s job was to infiltrate the Albrecht family by befriending Anthony and Dowager Duchess Yvette. This explained why he was away from the estate most of the time, since he was busy attending social events that the newly appointed Duke Albrecht went to.
“It was several days ago that they officially concluded the investigation into Duke Cedric’s death as an unfortunate accident,” Theo said.
“Are they still quite wary of you?” The Marquis asked.
“Not anymore, since they’re in debt to me for destroying all evidence that could be traced back to them,” Theo said, shrugging his shoulders. “It is easy to please Anthony, unlike the Dowager Duchess. It is going to take some time for that old woman to lower her guard.”
“Hm, that’s fine for now.” The Marquis continued. “So, how was that secretary the former duke appointed?”
“Uninterested in everything aside from work,” Theo said. “I can even count how many times I’ve seen her outside Anthony’s office.”
Theo didn't just monitor Anthony and the Dowager Duchess, but Blake as well. According to the Albrecht servants he spoke to, the blonde-haired omega worked like a machine as the family's secretary and rarely left the manor, except on occasions related to the Academy. Even though she did not yet seem to be a threat to their plans, the Marquis would not let any detail slip past his watchful eyes, and he ordered his son to keep a close watch on Blake's every move.
“Keep an eye on her whenever she leaves the manor,” The Marquis said. “Report to me every single individual she interacts with and speaks with.”
“Huh? Isn’t that a little bit unnecessary?” Theo said, sighing softly. “What can that omega do anyway?”
“She was appointed as the family’s secretary by Cedric himself before he died.” The Marquis said. “We still do not know what secrets she is holding. It wouldn’t surprise me if she knows who the true heir to the dukedom is.”
“Tch, fine,” Theo sighed, clearly uninterested in monitoring her. He wouldn’t want to go against his father’s orders, but to what extent he would put effort would be a different question. “If you insist, Father.”
“Now that Cedric’s case has closed,” The Marquis continued. “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 icy 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.” Theo smiled. “I’ll even personally wipe the board clean myself. Please look forward to my updates next time.”
There were a couple of mercenaries from a foreign nation they had hired for Duke Cedric's assassination. To keep a spotless background that no one could trace back to them, they needed to make sure no one spoke the Chevalier name. The Marquis was quite pleased with his son's prompt response, and then it was Eleanor's turn to share some good news with the family.
“As for myself,” Eleanor continued right after Theo. “I got great news to share with you, Father.”
She 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 Northland. During the past summer vacation, she hosted a party and invited several young ladies to one of Chevalier’s extravagant vacation villas. It would be exceptionally beneficial for them to form relationships with the current young lords and ladies early, as they would soon become influential or authoritative figures in a few years.
“Everything went well as planned!” Eleanor happily shared her progress. “I’ve befriended Lady Elaine 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, Lady Florence, chimed in.
Eleanor smirked firmly before she continued to share her plan. She intended to use Lady Elaine to forge a strong relationship with the House Schwarzenberg and House Chaplin, the two long-standing and influential families of Northland.
“I believe that’s what people call killing two birds with one stone,” Eleanor continued. “Lady Elaine will become the future Marchioness Chaplin. So, 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 Schwarzenberg and House Chaplin will be within our influence in the future.”
“Well done, Eleanor.” The Marquis was impressed with her progress. “That 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,” Eleanor said, chuckling with her sweet smile. “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 Stella moved here, she had been working on establishing the family’s positive reputation in public while many civilians were grieving over the former duke’s death.
So, Ophelia proposed using Stella to boost their public favor through a carefully staged show of kindness. Any ordinary civilian would be touched, moved by the notion that the Chevaliers had cared so tenderly for the former duke's youngest daughter after his death.
At first, the others were not on board and wanted to make things easy by simply locking her away somewhere no one would find her. But Ophelia managed to prove that her plan would bring such extraordinary benefits that even her father could hardly refuse.
“I must say, I did not expect Ophelia’s plans to work this marvelously.” Marchioness Shannon said, her smile carried a touch of joy and pride. “I’ve noticed quite a change in attitude among my acquaintances at the afternoon tea as well.”
The Marchioness openly complimented the success of her daughter’s 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. This fruitful result gave Ophelia the power to leverage and make suggestions to the Marquis.
"Stella has been letting her guard down around me much more often than before," Ophelia said. "I suggested we maintain the 'good family' act around her, so as not to arouse her suspicion."
“Tch, why so much effort on this mutt?” Theo was quick to express his disapproval. “Her only use to us is just to get you pregnant.”
“It is disappointing how shortsighted you are with our plans, Theo.” Ophelia sighed, sounding disappointed as she looked at him from the corner of her eye. “I would at least appreciate it if you had some self-control and cooperation with my plan.”
“What’s wrong with what I said anyway?” Theo shot back. He never hid how much he hated the young alpha Ophelia took in. “I just think it is a waste of our effort to act nice with that pawn.”
It was Theo’s idea to lock Stella in the basement and keep her alive until they needed to use her as their breeding horse.
“When will you stop acting so childish, Theo?” The Marchioness exhaled sharply, reprimanding her son for his childish attitude. “Do you think our plan is a mere child’s play?”
The Marquis then signaled Ophelia to continue. Confidently and calmly, the woman carefully elaborated that their family would benefit more from using her to build Chevalier’s reputation in public and manipulating Stella to like them.
“The more Stella falls for me, the easier it is to use her as our pawn whenever we want.” Ophelia continued. “Publicly showing the Valens that we’re keeping Stella alive and well will ensure that they wouldn’t dare bare their fangs at us. It is indeed a long game we’re playing, but I do see this as a win-win situation for us.”
“I see.” The Marquis had his undivided attention on her. “You’re saying that Stella is the perfect leash to keep all Valens at bay.”
“That’s correct.” Ophelia nodded.
Everyone knew Lady Alicia as a phenomenal knight of the Northland Reconnaissance Division, the war heroine, and the elder twin sister of the current Count Valens. This certainly added more value to Stella than just being the true heir of the Albrecht bloodline, as she was also Count Valens’s niece.
Stella held the key to give the Chevalier full control over The Fangs of Northland.
“Even if we can technically force the Valens to submit to us if we wish to,” Ophelia said, delivering her explanation with quiet confidence. “I don’t think it is worth the effort we must put into taming them.”
Ophelia’s impeccable suggestion was irrefutable. Even the Marquis himself was amused and nodded quietly in agreement with his daughter.
“People of Valens are born warriors and fear is never in their dictionary.” The Marquis said. “It would take a considerable amount of effort and resources to defang them.”
They could subdue the Valens by force, but it would certainly be a bloodbath. If their goal was to become the new ruler of Northland, it would be a wiser approach to use Stella as a hostage to make them submit voluntarily instead. As the Marquis listened to his daughter’s suggestion quietly, he leaned back against the backrest with those coldhearted green eyes and unreadable expression.
“…I must say I’m impressed with your growth, Ophelia.” The Marquis glanced at her. “I’m intrigued by your meticulous plan to prioritize the longevity of Chevalier’s reign after we succeed in removing the Albrecht.”
“I’m truly honored by your praise, Father,” Ophelia said, smiling softly.
“It is a wise move to send her to the academy then.” The Marquis continued. “I initially had doubts when you asked me, but now it seems to be the right move. Make sure you have that mutt wrapped around your fingers. As an omega, this should be an easy task for you.”
“Don’t worry, Father.” Ophelia lowered her head slightly. “I won’t let you down.”
Theo and Eleanor weren’t surprised by Ophelia receiving more praise from their father, as she was the most intelligent one among the siblings. After everyone shared their progress, they were all dismissed from the room.
Once Ophelia stepped outside the room, walking down the quiet corridor, she was able to let out a silent sigh of relief. After two full months of meticulous planning and execution, she had successfully convinced her father to make slight adjustments to their original plan. The woman simply wanted to avoid as much bloodshed as possible. She knew that if anything were to happen to Lady Alicia and House Valens, it would break Stella’s heart and will to fight. Even if her suggestion might just be 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-law act with Stella for as long as they constantly showed that they were useful to them…
“There you are, Ophelia.” A cheerful voice called for her. “I was looking for you.”
Stella's voice snapped her out of her train of thought. The moment she looked up, her eyes met those mesmerizing, clear blue orbs. Ophelia had been completely lost in her own thoughts and hadn't noticed Stella approaching. As the alpha came closer, it felt as though someone had suddenly lifted a heavy weight off her chest. The gentle fragrance of smoky pinewood wrapped around her, bringing warmth and comfort to her cold heart.
“Hm? You looked tired.” Stella said, noticing the fatigue in her eyes. “Did you sleep enough last night?”
“…I’m fine, and we’re heading to the library now,” Ophelia said, brushing off her fiancée’s concern. “It is about time for Professor Oliver’s class.”
Ophelia walked past her, avoiding eye contact with Stella, because she felt like if she stared into those blue eyes long enough, she would be too drawn to them to the point she couldn’t pull herself away. In this cold and dark prison, Stella’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 Chevaliers had been receiving introductory lessons from Professor Oliver and Captain Jayson every day since the start of the month. Stella had received special permission from the Marquis to attend lessons, since she would be joining the Academy as a first-year student. It unfolded exactly as it had in her previous life: the alpha isolated in her corner with Professor Oliver, who found every chance to criticize the smallest mistake she made, while others were showered with compliments and words of encouragement.
“Stella, your explanation lacks clarity, and a couple of essential details are missing as well.” Professor Oliver said sternly as he slid the paper across the table toward her. It was covered with red notations and comments. “Make the necessary corrections and show them to me before the end of class. You will redo this chapter again as your homework.”
“Yes, sir.” Stella took her assignment back and made the necessary corrections.
The professor would criticize Stella multiple times every day during the lesson, which made her the main topic of their gossip. After the first week of class with the professor, he increased the difficulty of the lesson, especially for Stella. These texts he gave her were much harder and more complicated than the ones she had read before.
Once the class was over, the professor made the alpha stay back to discuss her reading assignment for the week. All these books on Northland's geopolitics, governance, and diplomacy would be far too difficult for even the seniors at the Academy to study.
“…Aren’t these books a little bit too difficult for people my age to learn?” Stella muttered softly.
“I’m merely adjusting my lesson to your level.” Professor Oliver said. “Lady Ophelia specifically requested that I make sure you do not humiliate her once you attend the Northland Academy. As my reputation is on the line, I must make sure you’re ready with your entrance examination.”
“I see.” Stella nodded.
Once he was done reading through her corrections, he placed her paper down on the table and met her gaze. From those eyes, Stella could see that the professor had a couple of questions for her.
“I have always wanted to ask you,” Oliver said. “How do you know this much?”
“What do you mean?” Stella asked, feigning innocence.
“I’ve taught and encountered many students during my career as a private tutor,” The professor continued. “I can tell what the expected level for your age is.”
“You’re giving me too much credit, Professor Oliver,” Stella said.
“You’ve learned most of the things ahead of time, haven’t you?” He continued to press further. “Who taught you all of this?”
He could tell from her writing that she knew much more than those of her age. Stella expected that the professor would catch on to this soon, seeing how he taught her different things from her previous life. She came prepared with an indisputable answer for this perfect moment.
“When I was younger, I often spent time studying with my older sister,” Stella said. “She had been my second private tutor growing up.”
“Are you referring to Lady Blake?” Oliver asked.
“Yes,” Stella said. “Do you know her?”
“We’re colleagues,” Oliver said. “Lady Blake is my underclassman back at the academy.”
Blake wasn’t known for just being an Albrecht. She was one of a kind. A prodigy with rare gifts and talents. She graduated with the highest honor and became the youngest diplomat to earn 1st Grade Envoy qualification at the age of 25. The professor nodded quietly before he had any further questions.
“Since Blake personally taught you, then perhaps you can handle challenging topics that I’ve personally prepared for you.” Professor Oliver said.
“I’ll do my best.” Stella nodded with a smile.
Stella decided to take this chance to learn more things that could become useful in the future. The more she built, the more she could prepare herself for any unforeseen events that could come. Even if she had received another chance to make things right for all of them, she had only one chance to do everything right.
In the latter half of the day, Stella had arduous sword training in the training grounds. Just like it was with Professor Oliver, Captain Jayson had prepared the nostalgic, grueling physical conditioning just for her. When Stella arrived, the instructor told her to get started with the warm-up before she could join the rest of the group.
“Hey you,” Captain Jayson said, glancing at her. “Finish your warm-up jog in 30 minutes. Understood?”
Captain Jayson ordered her to get started with the special warm-up while others were doing their usual easy training. Stella had been working on improving her strength and stamina for over the past month for this very moment. So, she looked forward to seeing the fruit of her self-training.
“Understood.” Stella said, doing her light stretching.
She jogged around the field, fifty laps, while other Chevaliers watched her out of the corner of their eyes, ready to ridicule her at any moment. Stella paced herself to finish her laps without a break before proceeding with three sets of one hundred push-ups and sit-ups. Even though she was far from reaching her former top form, she was impressed that she could finish Sir Jayson's warm-up regimen properly within the first week of training. Previously, it had taken her at least two to three months just to start becoming accustomed to it. When she was finished, Captain Jayson was bewildered. He was surprised to see Stella adapt so quickly to the pure physical conditioning within a week. Stella approached the group, completely drenched in sweat, a wooden sword in her hand.
“I’m done with the warm-up,” Stella said confidently. “What would you like me to do now?”
“We are just about to start sword training.” Captain Jayson said. “You’ll pair up with Lord Matteo then.”
Both alphas exchanged glances before the corners of their lips lifted. The captain went through the fundamentals of swordsmanship, which Stella had learned those basics from Alicia ever since she could hold a sword. She didn’t mind revisiting the basics, but her alpha nature would prefer something more challenging.
“Matteo, focus on using your pinky and ring finger to grip onto the sword,” Stella said, correcting him sternly. “You’re gripping too hard. It makes your shoulder tense up.”
“Oh,” Matteo promptly corrected his grip. “Okay, is this correct?”
“That’s better,” Stella said. “How about you strike again?”
“Okay!” He nodded firmly.
The training was suitable for beginners. Most children from noble families would learn swordsmanship when they had turned 15, unless they came from a family of knights and warriors. Captain Jayson had gone through the basic attack moves and parries for over an hour before they started sparring. Each pair spread throughout the field, waiting for Captain Jayson’s instruction.
“Don’t hold back, Matteo.” Stella smiled. “Come at me with everything you’ve got.”
“Right!” Matteo nodded and charged right at the older alpha.
Stella could easily see his incoming attacks in slow motion. She took one step to the side to dodge his first strike before he charged right at her again with another quick upward diagonal slash. Stella then parried his strike, evaluating Matteo’s physical strength.
“…Hmm, you got solid strength and speed,” Stella commented, her tone remaining steady and calm. “But your upper body is too tense. Relax.”
“Yes, ma’am!” He nodded before attacking her again. The source of this chapter is g.com.
Stella could easily win the fight if she were to be serious, but there was no point in displaying 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 10 minutes had passed, Matteo sweated profusely while trying to land a hit on her. On the contrary, Stella nonchalantly evaded and parried his strikes like it was child’s play. The young man could sense a massive gap in their skills and fitness, but that wouldn’t stop him from trying to land at least one hit on her.
“Hah!” Matteo charged in, swinging his sword with full strength.
“Oh?” Stella was impressed with his improvements in such a short amount of time. “Not bad.”
Matteo was absorbing her advice and adjusting his movements accordingly in the middle of sparring. She saw a spark of unpolished talent in the young man and felt that he could become strong much more quickly with some proper training and guidance.
“That’s enough for today!” Captain Jayson called an end to the sparring.
At last, the afternoon training officially ended. Everyone was dismissed from the training ground, except for Stella. The captain called her to the center of the field with a wooden sword in his hand.
“I can see that the training is far too easy and boring for you, isn’t it?” Captain Jayson said.
“…You can say that,” Stella said, warming herself up. “I prefer something more challenging.”
Stella was waiting for this moment to have a real training session with Captain Jayson once again. She had been practicing her swordsmanship in secrecy since the first day she arrived, and this was a great time for her to see the fruit of her hard training.
“Come at me whenever you’re ready.” Captain Jayson said, aiming the tip of his blade at her.
“I won’t hold back then.” Stella smiled before she lunged forward.
Swift and instantaneous. Stella launched her first strike without hesitation. The alpha was faster than he initially anticipated, but wasn’t fast enough to catch him off guard. He parried her strike to see how strong she was.
“—!!?”
It was heavy. Jayson’s sword was pushed back in that fraction of a second. With one single motion, Stella twirled her sword and went for a stab right at his face. The captain deflected the incoming attack immediately, planning to disarm her. However, the nimble alpha pulled her sword back just in time, creating a safe distance between them.
“You seemed surprised,” Stella smirked confidently. “Did I manage to catch you off guard, Captain Jayson?”
“…”
The man quietly acknowledged that he underestimated Stella since she was much younger than him. However, what surprised him the most was how clean her movements 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 fluid motion unless she had been training at such a young age.
“Who taught you to fight like that?” The captain asked.
“That would be my mother.” Stella smiled. “Commander Alicia Valens.”
The moment she changed her fighting stance, his eyes widened instantly. No one in the Knight Order of Northland wouldn’t recognize the House Valens’s unique swordsmanship. Stella had no plans to hold herself back. If she wanted to get stronger as quickly as possible, she mustn’t hold back.
“Please don’t hold back with me,” Stella said, her voice stern and calm. “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.” Captain Jayson said before something flickered in his eyes.
At first, Jayson intended to take it easy and test the waters, but it seemed that wasn’t necessary. The moment they resumed their sparring, it was brutal. He held nothing back, trying to cut her down, but Stella would always find a way to recover. The alpha was far from fighting him at an equal level, but her fitness and swordsmanship sense were undeniably impressive.
“I didn’t expect you to keep up for an hour without a break,” Jayson said, complimenting her perseverance.
He didn’t expect Stella to be able to keep up for the entire hour. She received numerous strikes, but was still able to stand. The alpha was drenched in 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, it felt so exhilarating for her. The last 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. Stella smiled quietly to herself.
The hue of vivid orange overtook the fading blue as the sun began to sink into the horizon, and Stella needed to get ready for the usual dinner with the Chevalier family. Before she took her leave, she didn't forget to turn and thank Captain Jayson for a great training session that day.
“Thank you for your guidance today, Captain Jayson.” Stella lowered her head. “I will see you tomorrow!”
“Huh? Right.”
In bewilderment, he watched Stella run toward the manor and couldn’t help but crack a grin across his face. The young woman was able to thank him with a genuine smile after he had brutally beaten her down. Nevertheless, he looked forward to seeing her tomorrow and wondered how long she could wear that smile.
With just a few weeks before the Academy would open, many Chevaliers, including Stella, were occupied by the tight study and swordsmanship schedules. Instead of spending their afternoon in the garden with the Chevalier siblings, they stayed in the library studying together. At least once a week, they would find time to visit the horse stable for horse riding practice.
“Just like that,” Stella said with a widened smile. “Keep it up, Matteo.”
“Okay!”
After a couple of lessons she gave them, the alpha was impressed with how fast Matteo was able to absorb Stella’s advice, like a sponge.
I think I might’ve just discovered Matteo’s hidden gift… Stella thought to herself.
Being a fast learner with amazing adaptability might be his hidden gift as an alpha. His riding and sword skills improved significantly each time Stella 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 her fiancée.
“Okay, it’s your turn now.” Stella beamed with excitement. “Are you ready?”
The omega next to her wore a white long-sleeved shirt, black tight trousers, and her hair in a high ponytail. She had 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 wore her usual luxurious dresses.
“We have only 50 minutes before we must return to the manor,” Ophelia said, walking past her to her horse. “Let’s get started already.”
“Then let’s start with one lap of trotting around the field first before you learn how to trot today.” Stella nodded firmly, watching her fiancée mount the horse at ease.
“Isn’t that too early for my level?” Ophelia asked.
“Not at all,” Stella said, almost chuckling. “You’re a fast learner, so I believe you’ll improve much quicker with a challenge.”
Stella knew that Ophelia had been secretly paying Professor Oliver and Captain Jayson to give her special attention, giving her the necessary skills and knowledge needed as the ruler of Northland. The alpha couldn’t deny she benefited from that immensely, but it still didn’t sit right with her. It felt as though Stella was a puppet for Ophelia to nurture to become the ‘perfect main character’ in her plan.
“I think it is fair, you know,” Stella smiled, cheekily. Her tone laced with pettiness. “It’s fair you get some challenge as well since you’re putting me through brutal lessons and training.”
At this point, Ophelia wasn’t surprised if this cunning alpha were to find out that she was the one responsible for the special attention she had been receiving from her instructors.
“Oh, so this is your way to take your revenge against me?” Ophelia said, staring at her with narrowed eyes.
“No, I’m just being petty,” Stella said, mounting the horse beside Ophelia. “At least unlike you, I’m nice enough not to subject someone to ruthless treatment.”
The alpha stuck her tongue out like a petty child. After all those years she had endured, Stella deserved this moment to bully Ophelia.
“Hmph, I didn’t expect you to be this petty and childish.” Ophelia retorted with equal bluntness.
“I can be sometimes. I’m certain Lady Ophelia wouldn’t run away from such a small challenge from me.” Stella shrugged, wearing that mischievous smirk. “Since you’re so adamant about turning me into a perfect alpha that wouldn’t embarrass you in public, I expect nothing less than that from my fiancée too, right?”
“You little…” Ophelia muttered under her breath and shot daggers at the alpha.
Even when she was visibly fuming, her cheeks and ears burning, Stella couldn't find any part of her that was scary. Unfortunately, alphas and omegas shared one common weakness: their pheromones couldn't lie. How could Stella take the angry omega seriously when the smell of lavender in the air was this sweet and soothing?
"Watch your mouth, Stella," Ophelia said, her tone carrying a warning. "Do you think I wouldn't be able to complete this facile challenge? I'll make sure you know your place."
"Oh? I look forward to that." Stella's smile widened. "How about we make a bet? If I win, I get to tease you more."
"Why must I entertain you when you're my property?" Ophelia shot back.
"C'mon. It would motivate me to work hard, too." Stella said. "I think it's a win-win for us."
The night of Ophelia's birthday had broken the invisible wall between them. Ever since, the only time they'd have a blunt squabble like this was when it was just the two of them, alone together. Stella had to admit she liked this side of the omega the most. Every one of her expressions felt genuine, and Ophelia had these small, adorable moments that never failed to lift the corner of Stella's lips.
She hoped that one day she'd see Ophelia smile openly, living the free life she desired with her little brother. That was her only wish, Ophelia had written in one of her diary entries. Perhaps that would be the day Stella's quest for repayment finally came to an end.
“…I couldn’t care less about this bloodied nobility and wealth my family possessed…
If there is one thing I could wish for, it is a free and peaceful life quietly with Matteo…
…and away from everything that is tied to ‘Ophelia Chevalier’…”