"I visited a confectionery shop in the city last weekend and thought of you immediately, Lady Ophelia."
The man positioned himself at the building’s exit, waiting to greet the omega. He stepped forward and presented her with a lacquered wooden chest lined with silk, filled with luxury confections. His name was Luke Vernon, the eldest son of Count Vernon, and he was as bold as the rumors suggested.
Over the past two weeks, several alphas had been pushing their luck, each taking their turn to court Ophelia with varying degrees of boldness. It was clear that the upperclassmen didn’t regard Stella as a threat. Hence, they resumed their conquest of one of the academy's most sought-after omegas without a second thought.
"You really didn't have to go to such trouble," Ophelia said, her smile perfectly rehearsed. "Judging by the presentation alone, I would guess this is from The Ivory Patisserie."
“As expected of Lady Ophelia, you are correct.” Luke's smile widened, eager to lavish her with praise. “Someone as special as you deserves nothing less than perfection.”
“I appreciate the gesture, but I’m afraid I cannot accept this,” Ophelia replied. “It wouldn't be appropriate to accept a gift from another alpha, particularly in front of my fiancée.”
The omega glanced at Stella, who stood beside her in composed silence, almost bored. Luke deliberately ignored her existence as he courted Ophelia so openly, as he had every intention of humiliating the other alpha.
“Oh, I hadn't even noticed you standing there,” Luke said, his smirk edged with contempt. “Your pheromones are so weak I didn’t realize you were here.”
His words didn’t manage to leave a hairline crack in her composure. Stella let out a long exhale as her eyes narrowed. As the Duchess living within a young adult’s body, it was hard to feel provoked by a child.
“Are you not ashamed of yourself? Courting an engaged lady in broad daylight. It’s a matter of basic etiquette,” Stella said. “Though perhaps that is something you were never taught.”
“Hah! All talk as ever.” Luke’s voice carried faint derision. “I’ve noticed you have a habit of avoiding confrontation. Frankly, it’s almost impressive the amount of noise one can make while tucking their tail and running.”
When it came to asserting dominance at the top of the hierarchy, some alphas had grown so bold as to openly ridicule Stella. Over the past weeks, she had been challenged to duels more than once, but accepted none. At a certain point, they had drawn their own conclusion: Stella was simply afraid of embarrassing herself.
“I’m afraid I don’t make a habit of bullying children,” Stella replied, crossing her arms. “Do yourself a favor, take that back and leave.”
Standing between the two of them, Ophelia wore a quiet smirk. With a nudge, she pushed the gift back toward Luke. As Stella made it clear, Ophelia expressed no intention to accept any alpha’s gift unless it was from her fiancée.
“What a shame.” He turned to the omega, his full attention on her alone. “Allow me a word of advice, Lady Ophelia. A woman of your standing deserves nothing less than the worthiest of alphas. The one beside you hardly qualifies.”
His gaze drifted briefly towards Stella, laced with disdain, before he departed.
On the way back to the Chevalier estate, Ophelia initially thought that today’s confrontation would stir Stella’s emotions, one way or another, but it wasn’t enough to affect those deep, serene blue eyes. Composed, like still water that no stone could cause a ripple.
“I'm quite surprised you managed to stay so calm through all of it,” Ophie said, leaning back against the seat. “Did none of it bother you in the slightest?”
“They annoyed me, but I simply chose not to show it,” Stella replied, her expression perfectly composed. “Truthfully, I'm not as patient as I appear. Years of training have made it easier to control myself.”
Ophelia had known Stella to carry herself with poise, unaffected by provocation, unmoved by mockery, and had come to believe her patience was a gift. However, it seemed that wasn’t the case. Beneath her composed façade lay a prideful beast, the innate aggression gifted to every alpha, successfully reined in after years of strict discipline.
"Why should I entertain them just to prove myself superior?" Stella sighed, her gaze drifting to the window. "My sword is not a toy for their amusement. It is my pride and honor."
"I can see how deeply you regard your swordsmanship." Ophelia tilted her head with faint curiosity. "Would you care to share the reason?"
“I don’t mind telling you,” Stella said. “It's only fair that you know.”
The atmosphere inside the carriage shifted, the familiar pinewood fragrance lingering quietly between them as Stella opened up. To many nobles, swordplay was a means of displaying superiority. Blades swung around with arrogance, rather than a purpose. But to Stella, it was something else entirely. Inheriting her Valens' swordsmanship from her mother, which she had spent years mastering, was her greatest pride and honor.
“My sword technique has been passed down through the House of Valens for generations,” Stella said, a faint smile of pride touching her lips. “The same technique used by our predecessors who protected Northland from every threat and every invasion for centuries, and so I have no intention of drawing it for mere recreation.”
“…”
Ophelia found herself fully absorbed, listening with profound respect. Stella was still a young adult, yet she carried herself with a dignity that far surpassed her age. In that fleeting moment, her presence strongly carried a striking resemblance to that of the former duke. Gentle, dignified, and unwavering. Like father, like daughter.
“If I were to lose my temper over hollow threats from such imbeciles, I would bring shame to my mother and father’s name,” Stella said. “No matter where I am or what I face, I will always be an Albrecht and must carry myself as one.”
The alpha recalled her father's hand, warm and steady on her head. Her father, Cedric Albrecht, wasn’t just a well-respected leader whom everyone admired and honored. Stella absorbed every lesson she learned from him, always keeping them close to her heart. Even if he was no longer with them, he would continue to live in her heart.
“…Those are the things that my father taught me,” Stella said.
Carry herself with grace and honor. Truly, a mark of a true leader. Today had shown Ophelia a side of Stella she had never seen before, and with it came a deeper understanding of the gentle soul beneath this alpha. However, the issue remained that the upperclassmen had no intention of respecting their engagement.
“I understand and respect your decision,” Ophelia replied as her green eyes fixed on hers. “However, I'm certain you're aware that ignoring them will not make them stop.”
“I know,” Stella said.
“It is tiresome to keep refusing gifts and deflecting advances from boys whose names I can’t even be bothered to remember,” Ophelia said, nearly sighing.
“Who asked you to be this popular?” Stella smirked, throwing a playful jab at her. “I do wonder sometimes what it is that draws them all to you so persistently…”
"Because I am a Chevalier, and really, who could resist me?" Ophelia replied, her tone as imperious as ever. "I have everything an alpha could ever desire in a mate. You’re the only fool here who has yet to notice just how fortunate you are to be mine. Many would kill to be in your place."
Ophelia wasn’t wrong. Wealth, beauty, and intelligence. She possessed all those qualities, which was precisely what made her the most sought-after omega in the Academy. Viewed objectively, Stella could see how she fit the description of an ideal mate.
“Nonetheless, I expect you to do something about the rumors circulating with that friend of yours.” Ophelia exhaled as her gaze sharpened. “It damages my image to have my fiancée entertaining the advances of some lowly omega in public.”
“Lisette and I are just friends,” Stella replied hastily. “She never once made advances toward me in that manner—”
“Do I look like I’m asking for an explanation?” Ophelia callously cut her off. “I couldn’t care less about the nature of your relationship with her. What matters is that you are mine, so conduct yourself like one.”
“…” Pressing her lips together, Stella chose silence.
“I’ll be kind enough to let you know one thing. Rumors are a poison, gradually rotting from the inside out long before you ever notice the damage they cause,” Ophelia continued after a brief pause. “If you cared so much for that omega, I suggest you act quickly. It would be a very ugly mess to clean up afterwards."
“I know that already,” Stella shot back. “You needn't lecture me on common sense.”
“Yet you chose to do nothing.” Ophelia silenced her, not a trace of hesitation in those cold green eyes. “If you're not part of the solution, then by default, you are part of the problem.”
“…”
Truth hurts, but Stella knew that Ophelia was right. If silence were enough, it would’ve resolved itself in the first week. But two weeks had passed, and there was not a sign of de-escalation. If anything, the situation had only grown bolder in the absence of her action…
As Ophelia had predicted, people were bound to retell the story with a new twist. One moment, Lisette was an oblivious sycophant desperately climbing the social ladder. The next moment, she was a shameless opportunist, leveraging her charms as an omega to steal Ophelia’s fiancée openly in public.
Whichever hallway Lisette walked into, countless pairs of eyes would find her. Followed by the soft, inaudible ripples of whispers haunting her in the background. She was no stranger to those looks from high-ranked nobles, but that did not make it hurt any less. Lisette was fortunate to have friends who saw her for who she truly was, but the main question was how long she could bear it.
Neither Stella nor Astrid knew the full extent of the harassment Lisette had been enduring. The deliberate shoulder-to-shoulder knocking into her in the hallway, her textbooks torn to shreds, her previous written notes stolen and discarded in the bin, and the list goes on. The only one who knew everything was Kenric, but that was only because he stumbled upon Lisette gathering torn pages of her textbook.
“Lisette…” Kenric’s voice was low and heavy with concern. He had bought her a new book to replace the destroyed one. “Why won’t you let Stella and Astrid know? We're all worried about you.”
“I know,” Lisette said. “That’s why I don’t want to trouble them further.”
No matter how many times her friends told her it wasn’t her fault, part of Lisette couldn’t agree with that. Wearing a faint, weary smile, she knew she was the source of this discord. Kenric had tried to persuade her not to face it alone, but it was far from reaching Lisette’s heart.
“I’ll stay quiet as you asked, but only under one condition.” Kenric exhaled. “If this escalates any further, I will tell them myself. I refuse to watch you accept all those false accusations when you did nothing to deserve them.”
“Thank you, Kenric.” Warmth bloomed in Lisette’s chest as she smiled.
Walking in a group offered a moment of peace where no noises or whispers could be heard in the background. No one dared to speak ill of Lisette within Stella’s presence. It was then that Lisette's hand brushed against her satchel and stilled—her textbook was missing.
“Please go without me,” Lisette said. “I think I left something in the classroom!”
“I'll come with you.” Kenric offered.
"I'll be quick,” Lisette said, shaking her head. “Don't worry."
She retraced her steps quickly, with anxiety building up with every stride. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing the brand-new textbook Kenric had so generously bought her. He even got her the latest edition. To her relief, it sat untouched on her desk, exactly where she had left it. Held tightly in her arms, she made her way back toward the dining hall. Her pace quickened as she strode through the corridor. Rounding the corner, she collided with another student before she had any chance to stop herself.
“M-My apologies!” Lisette apologized profusely, words tumbling out from her lips. “I was in a rush—!”
When she raised her head, her eyes met with Dahlia’s, and her expression shifted immediately. Out of all the people she could bump into, it had to be her: the red-haired alpha who never hid her disdain since the very first day. Without knowing the precise reason, Lisette had a hunch it was regarding her noble status and friendship with Stella.
"My apologies, Lady Dahlia,” Lisette said, lowering her voice. “I wasn't watching where I was going…"
"Are you okay?" one of the ladies fussed, hovering close as Dahlia deliberately brushed down her uniform, especially the areas where she came in contact with Lisette.
"I'm fine," Dahlia replied, her voice flat and indifferent. "Fortunately, she didn't manage to rub any of her unpleasant pheromones on me."
“…”
Lisette pursed her lips. What else could she do but swallow the insult and remove herself from the situation as quickly as possible? She bowed, offered her apologies, and stepped to the side to pass, but Dahlia was far from finished with her.
"Who gave you permission to leave?" Dahlia said, seizing her wrist and yanking her back before she could take another step.
Caught off guard, Lisette found herself being forced to face the alpha directly. When she tried to pull away, the grip only tightened in response. When her eyes met those razor-sharp red ones, something in her body cowered instinctively. Before the dominating fragrance of vetiver thickened in the air around her, gradually sapping the strength from her arms. Indeed, Dahlia deliberately used her pheromones to subdue the omega.
Her resistance was futile. Dahlia did not explain, only that cold gaze of contempt that swept up and down, inspecting her figure.
“Hm, I suppose one could call your appearance adequate,” Dahlia smirked, comfortably voicing her cold verdicts. “I almost feel sorry for Stella. It's a shame how easily she's been deceived by a pretty surface. Perhaps she’s too distracted to notice the cunning fox underneath.”
“…Speak ill of me as much as you wish. I won’t stop you.” Lisette glared back at Dahlia, keeping her tone steady and firm. “Leave Stella out of this. I won't stand by and allow you to speak of her that way.”
Lisette had no intention of staying silent while someone disrespected her friend in her face.
"Watch your tongue!” one of the ladies raised her voice, drawing attention from nearby, and the argument became the center of attention. “Do you have any idea who you are speaking to?"
Whispers rippled outward, as a stone dropped in water, drawing nearby gazes towards them. Unease was mounting with every second.
“I must say. I commend the audacity to pursue someone of Lady Stella’s level,” Dahlia said, releasing her grasp as her tone shifted. “I’m certain if you know how to use your body well enough, you might at most manage to secure yourself a mistress title.”
Though she wore a smile, not a single trace of warmth could be found in those crimson eyes. It was the same expression nobles and alphas had worn around her, that undisguised superiority.
“Stella and I are simply friends.” Lisette held her ground, putting effort into correcting her. "There is nothing between us beyond that."
“That’s what they all say.” Dahlia scoffed. “Denial is such a common habit among your kind. Throwing yourself into an alpha’s arms is how lowly omegas like you claw your way up the noble ranks.”
Those words cut deep, and Lisette couldn’t refute that. Was Dahlia wrong? She wanted to say yes, but the truth was more complicated than that. This was exactly how most alpha nobles here viewed omegas beneath them. For every omega who carried themselves with dignity, such as Blake and Ophelia, there were just as many who had learned to weaponize their charm to secure a wealthy noble and everything that came with it, even if it meant being the mistress.
“I suggest you learn your place,” Dahlia said. “After all, Lady Stella is engaged to Lady Ophelia.”
It didn’t matter what Lisette said. Instinctively, people were inclined to side with the alpha regardless of who was truly at fault. Despite many generations having passed, alphas remained the superior kind in the eyes of the world.
“Then may I suggest that you mind your own business, Lady Dahlia?”
A stern voice cut through the noise, accompanied by the familiar scent of pinewood that drifted through the air, demanding everyone’s undivided attention. Stella’s pheromones quietly erased the scent of vetiver as she stood by Lisette’s side. Followed right behind her were Astrid and Kenric, who came to her side.
"Why does everyone feel the need to comment on who I choose to spend my time with?" Stella sighed loudly. Her voice was sharp and low. "Apparently, not everyone is quite so open-minded, or finds it natural for people to simply be friends, regardless of gender."
The instant her glacial blue eyes swept around, the nearby audience tensed up. No one dared to make eye contact with her, except for Dahlia, who seemed entirely immune to her intimidating presence. The two alphas locked eyes. The atmosphere grew heavy, and people were unable to take their eyes off them.
"There's no need to get so worked up," Dahlia said. “I apologize if my comment upsets you. I'm simply looking out for a fellow alpha, ensuring that you don’t entangle with someone of... questionable character.”
"I don't recall asking for your concern." Stella snapped back.
Dahlia’s friends drew back instinctively, one by one, sensing the air between them grew heavier. The red-haired alpha remained unbothered, the corners of her lips curved up as she stepped forward.
"Surely that reaction isn't necessary,” Dahlia said, shrugging. “You have heard the rumors going around, haven't you?”
“…”
“You haven’t?” Dahlia’s voice rose, feigning surprise. “Some people are saying they saw Miss Lisette in one of the capital’s alleys over the past weekend.”
"And your point is?" Stella replied. Her tone carried a hint of annoyance.
“That particular alley has quite the reputation,” Dahlia continued. “It is known for establishments catering to more… indulgent tastes. I trust you don’t need me to elaborate.”
The effect was immediate. Whispers broke loose, louder and less restrained than previously. Everyone understood the implication without the red-haired alpha having to say it outright.
“That’s not true!!” Lisette’s voice rose sharply, protesting with desperation. It was a blatant lie, a deliberate attack against her name.
"That said, the choice is yours, Lady Stella,” Dahlia said, maintaining her perfect smile. “Regardless of your decision, I trust you’ll exercise wise judgment.”
The Montclair alpha had nothing left to stay for, withdrawing from the scene with her followers quietly. In this moment of silence, Stella’s eyes cut to Lisette briefly before she swept back to the watching crowd.
“I trust I won’t have to repeat myself. I will befriend whomever I choose.” Stella’s voice took on a sharper edge. “My patience is wearing thin with these baseless accusations. If anyone takes issue with that, they are welcome to bring it to me directly.”
The scent of pinewood bled through the air, sharp and borderline pungent. Stella was annoyed, and she had no intention of hiding it. The past two weeks had taken their toll on her quietly, whether it was about upperclassmen alphas vying for Ophelia’s attention or false accusations targeting Lisette. No matter how composed one is, there is bound to be a limit.
Stella’s expression softened immediately as she turned to her friends. Lisette was still insisting, her voice visibly shaken, pleading with her friends to believe her. Nothing that Dahlia said was true.
“We know you’re not like that!” Astrid said firmly, close to losing her temper on her friend’s behalf. “I swear, when I find out who’s behind this, I’ll make sure they pay—!”
“Lisette, your wrist…”
Stella noticed the redness on her wrist, taking the form of handprints. With no words needed, she knew exactly who had done that to her. Lisette pulled her hand back to hide it, but the alpha reached out to hold her hand gently.
“The color looks okay. It won’t bruise.” Stella murmured. “Does it still hurt?”
“Not anymore,” Lisette said as she withdrew her hand. “Thank you, everyone. I don’t know what I would do if you hadn’t come. I’m sorry for the trouble…”
“Don’t,” Astrid said, reaching out to take her hand. “That’s what friends are for. We look out for each other.”
“Astrid’s right,” Kenric added with a firm nod. “Also, you haven’t eaten yet. Let's go before they clear everything out.”
Their walk back to the dining hall was quiet as tension hadn’t left Stella’s face yet. She knew many individuals like Dahlia to recognize their patterns. Behind her pretentious performance and rehearsed smile, a tint of triumphant malice gleamed through those red irises. Perhaps she had no intention of hiding them in the first place.
"I heard you caused quite a scene at lunch," Ophelia said, arms crossed. She smiled from across the carriage as they were traveling back to the estate. “Well done, I’m impressed.”
News travelled fast at the academy like wildfire. Once ignited, it's impossible to stop. The time in the carriage after their long day was a perfect time for Stella and Ophelia to catch up on everything that had happened.
“…Spare me your sarcasm.” Stella exhaled and looked away. "I acted because people seem incapable of respecting boundaries or keeping their opinions to themselves. That's all."
“Be sure to act with moderation,” Ophelia said. “Otherwise, people will start to draw conclusions about you and your friend that you may not intend.”
“You don’t need it explained to me like I’m a child,” Stella said, still visibly irritated from the incident earlier. “I know what I am doing.”
“If you said so,” Ophelia said, shrugging.
Stella’s curtness only seemed to entertain Ophelia. Watching the wise, mature alpha lose her patience made her wonder how far it would go. The days that followed were quiet. No one spoke ill of Lisette, nor of the rumors Dahlia had set loose. Things slowly drifted back toward normal, lifting the tension from their chests.
However, Ophelia didn’t share her optimism, and she was right to think that way.
"I don't even know what that is! It doesn't belong to me!"
Lisette’s voice cut through the hallway, carrying a mix of frustration and fear. The crowd had gathered with confusion and curiosity, surrounding both Astrid and Lisette. By the time Stella and Kenric heard it, they pressed through the crowd to reach them.
"Then perhaps you could explain how it came to fall out of your satchel."
In the center, Lisette and Astrid were visibly rigid and confused, as they were being confronted by a group of beta classmates. One of the ladies, a tall brunette, held what seemed to be a small vial containing colorless liquid between her fingers. Stella made her presence known the moment she stepped forward, gaining attention from her classmates.
“What perfect timing, Lady Stella.” A brunette’s voice was composed, inviting Stella to join in. “I’m glad that you’re here. You should see this for yourself.”
“What is going on here?” Stella’s eyes narrowed.
"I think that's a question for Miss Lisette.” A beta woman said. “It's hers, after all."
She eagerly passed the vial to Stella to appraise. Judging from its label, it was a scent enhancer. It was commonly used by omegas to amplify their pheromones, making their presence more known, especially to the alphas. Certainly, it wasn’t an illicit substance to have in one’s possession. However, bringing such a controlled substance onto the academy grounds, in the midst of rumors about Lisette, in front of witnesses, made it the perfect ammunition to do serious damage.
“Lisette. Astrid. What happened?” Stella turned to her friends, wanting to hear their side of the story.
“We've been asking ourselves the same thing.” Astrid exhaled sharply before retelling from the start.
They were on their way to the library together when one of the girls came around the corner and walked straight into Lisette. It was a genuine accident, and their belongings were scattered onto the floor. Rolling out from Lisette’s satchel was a mysterious vial, an item they had never seen before. Amidst the confusion, it was this exact moment that a beta classmate nearby picked it up before either one of them could reach it. Taking one look at the label was enough to spark this commotion in the hallway. Lisette insisted that it didn’t belong to her, as she had never seen such an item before in her life.
“Then how did it roll out from your bag?” The brunette beta was far from convinced. “Many eyes witnessed what happened earlier.”
The discussion was coming from all directions, growing louder, while they were busy stitching different rumors together to create different versions of the same story.
"The rumors about the alley, they're true, then…?" a woman whispered to her friend.
“I’m aware she was shameless for chasing after Lady Stella, but…” Another voice was heard from somewhere in the crowd. “I didn’t think she’d be this desperate.”
“What a fool,” a woman muttered with disdain. “Did she really believe she could compete with Lady Ophelia?”
Rumors didn’t need to be true to spread. People love a good twisted story to gossip about, even at the expense of another person’s feelings. Stella glanced over to see Lisette cowering in silence, lips pursed, as she pressed herself close against her friend. Even Astrid, who never stayed quiet, was visibly frustrated. Seeing her friends in this state made Stella’s heart tighten with unease.
“It must be disappointing to witness someone you trust reveal their true nature like this.” The brunette stepped forward, arms folded across her chest. “I don’t usually get involved in matters that aren’t my concern, but I couldn’t stand by while seeing my classmate being deceived.”
Stella said nothing. She examined the vial in her hand closely again. The label was intact, seemed recently purchased, and only lightly used. She brought the nozzle close to her nose before a quick inhale. As expected, it carried the signature hollow sweetness with a subtle hint of a mild aphrodisiac.
“It is indeed a scent enhancer.” Stella held the vial between her fingers. “But how does this prove it belongs to Lisette?”
“I—Pardon me?” The beta faltered. Sometimes, those blue eyes sent a chill down her spine. “It rolled out of her satchel. Every person here witnessed that. Surely that alone is proof enough that it—"
“That is your only evidence, is it not?” Stella interjected smoothly, almost effortlessly. “Sure, I will not dispute that it fell from her belongings, but that alone proves very little.”
Perhaps it was the way Stella carried herself, dignified and composed, which naturally swayed the crowd. Some exchanged glances of confusion with each other, while some managed to grasp her point immediately. Read the latest chapters at g.com.
“As everyone often leaves their belongings in common areas, items are bound to be misplaced, or in a rare instance, deliberately planted.” Stella tilted her head slightly. “And yet you've already decided it belongs to her."
“H-Huh—that's—” The brunette faltered for a moment.
“If I were in your position, I would choose my words more carefully before making a claim without concrete evidence,” Stella said, wearing a smile of quiet confidence. “What interests me more is how you reached that conclusion so confidently in the first place. Please, enlighten me.”
Stella didn’t give her the space to think. Cornered mercilessly, the brunette's anxiety built up after her logic was dismantled piece by piece. This forced the beta classmate to swing a desperate response.
“Can you truly say your judgment isn’t being clouded?” The woman said, lifting her chin slightly. "Given your friendship with Miss Lisette, or whatever it is between you two."
It was a mild accusation, but it left no mark whatsoever on Stella's composure.
“I'm not being defensive. There’s a difference between asking for evidence or opinion,” Stella said, remaining unperturbed. “If you have any evidence, present it. If you don't, I suggest you reconsider what comes out of your mouth next before making baseless claims.”
The brunette fell silent. All her claims were effortlessly dismantled. It was a piece of rhetoric, so clean and so confident, that the audience hadn't noticed themselves being swayed, arriving at Stella’s conclusion. She knew she couldn’t prove Lisette’s innocence. What she could do was dismantle the accusation itself and let it fall apart on its own.
“…If you insist on defending her, then so be it.” The woman muttered. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Fortunately, I never asked for your warning,” Stella said, shrugging with a delightful smirk.
Stella watched them withdraw as she made no effort to hide her pettiness. Next, she turned to the remaining audience before her expression shifted. Shortly after, she glanced over at the audience nearby, who were witnesses.
"I believe I've made myself clear,” Stella said. “Any questions?"
"N-No. None at all, ma’am," one of the voices in the crowd murmured.
The crowd dispersed quickly before Stella returned to her friends. Lisette was still visibly shaken, out of frustration. The stress and burdens accumulated over the past two weeks had significantly eroded her mental health.
"Honestly, where did you even learn to argue like that?" Astrid broke the silence first. "Sometimes I think you're too wise for your own age."
"I agree." Kenric laughed softly, easing the tension in his shoulders. Until today, he was still amazed by how the Albrecht alpha carried herself with the grace of a grown adult. "That’s the Stella we know."
Technically speaking, I’m the Duchess in my past life… Stella thought quietly.
"…I'm sorry," Lisette murmured, barely above a whisper. "I keep making you do this. Protecting me, over and over again."
"We're friends, Lisette,” Stella said. “You are not a bother. Not to me, and not to any of us."
Stella tried, but no words could reach her. Lisette couldn’t begin to describe the guilt she carried, the helplessness of having needed someone else to step in to save her. She wanted to stand beside her friends as an equal, but that felt impossibly far from where she stood now.
The incident in the hallway became the only thing anyone wanted to talk about. A scent enhancer was not illegal to own, but in upper society, it carried a particular stigma. Such an item conveys ‘desperation’ for attention from whoever wealthy alpha the omega could grab onto. To own or use one was quiet acceptance of one's incompetence.
“So, what do you intend to do next?” Ophelia asked, watching her alpha frowning from across the carriage.
"Find out who's behind the accusations against Lisette," Stella said, her voice stern.
“You’re quite certain it’s fabricated,” Ophelia said. “More often than not, the one closest to you is the very one capable of betraying you.”
"I know that," Stella said, her tone laced with stubbornness. "Call me naïve if you'd like, but I know sincerity when I see it, and Lisette is not that kind of person."
"At this rate, you're going to make me jealous for defending that omega so adamantly…" Ophelia sighed, putting on such an exaggerated performance.
“Don’t get it wrong,” Stella’s brows furrowed, seeing through her acting. "I'm not the kind of person who can stand by while someone innocent is accused of something she didn't do."
“…You trust people too easily, Stella.” Ophelia exhaled, crossing her arms. “You should trust no one, no matter how close they are, if you don’t wish to be betrayed.”
Beneath her choice of words lay a weight that Stella couldn’t quite describe, as if she were speaking from personal experience. The emphasis Ophelia had placed on no one didn’t go unnoticed.
"Are you implying I shouldn't trust you either?" Stella asked.
"Of course." The answer came without hesitation. "I don't recall ever asking for your trust to begin with. Have I?"
"…"
What caught her off guard momentarily was the detachment she noticed through those eyes. Despite being this close and the progress she made, Ophelia still felt so far out of her reach. Something about those eyes was telling Stella to keep her distance, and that the omega may slip through her fingers at any given time.
The warmth of the day receded, night settling in with a familiar chill. Ophelia sat with a hot cup of tea her handmaiden had prepared, and the table lamp cast a pool of warm light around her as she read. This was how she preferred her evenings before bedtime, until a knock broke the silence. A knowing smile formed as she set the book down, as she had been expecting a cute visitor. Once she called for the guest to enter, the alpha stepped forward.
"It seems you were expecting me." Stella crossed the room toward her study table.
"I knew you'd find a way to disturb my evening,” Ophelia said, smiling. “I hope you're aware that my assistance doesn't come without a price."
"I wouldn't have come if I weren't prepared for that." Stella took out a small vial from her pocket and set it on the table between them. “With your extensive connections, I was hoping you could find where this was purchased and information about the buyer.”
The alpha had taken it during the commotion, quietly slipped it into her pocket before anyone could erase the only evidence to prove Lisette’s innocence.
“Oh? Why do you think I can help you with that?” Ophelia asked, her brows rising slightly.
“Commercial Law of Northland of 1437 AE, Article 21A.” Stella folded her arms to her chest. “Every controlled substance sold under Northland’s jurisdiction requires a legitimate serial code, which includes scent enhancers. Every sale is recorded, which means every record has a trail.”
It was a recently passed law at the start of the year, and Stella could recite it at ease. Under the new legislation, every store and distributor was required to log each transaction: the date of sale, the store it was purchased from, and a description of the buyer. Any item found without a verified serial code was considered unlawful to sell or distribute. The purpose was indemnity. No merchant wanted their name tied to a legal case they had no hand in. Upon noticing the serial code at first glance, something told Stella that the culprit was unaware of how this evidence would easily disclose the buyer’s identity.
“Oh my,” Ophelia’s gaze drifted to the vial, and a flicker of surprise could be seen across her face. "Someone has been educating herself on the latest commercial regulations."
“…It seems you have as well,” Stella said. “Judging from how unsurprised you are.”
During their conversation, Stella was forced to remember that the person sitting across from her was just 22 years old. It felt as though her intelligence, maturity, and graceful presence belonged to someone far beyond their years.
"Even if the law is as you say,” Ophelia said. “What makes you think I'm capable of getting my hands on that kind of information?"
In truth, Stella didn’t need Ophelia’s help when she could’ve reached out to Viscount Lemaire, the head of Lemaire Company. Their paths had crossed more than once, and it was deliberate. The Viscount made his presence known to her, simultaneously maintaining a safe distance. If Stella wanted his help, all she had to do was ask. With his network of informants and elite mercenaries at his disposal, no information in Northland was beyond his reach.
But Lemaire wasn’t the right choice at this moment. Doing so around her would only create an already large rift between them. Ophelia was no fool that could be easily deceived. She’ll eventually figure out that Stella made contact with the viscount.
“Well, I’m certain someone of your caliber doesn't go without connections, or at least, the means to pay for the right information,” Stella replied, keeping her expression neutral. “If I can identify the buyer’s identity, there is a good chance to prove Lisette’s innocence.”
Stella had a hunch the omega was already in contact with the Viscount in secret, so she intended to use that to her advantage. Going through Ophelia was the best choice to make, allowing her to keep her hands hidden.
“I must admit…” Ophelia leaned back, her green eyes reading every change in her facial expression. “I find myself growing rather jealous of how fiercely you fight for someone.”
“I fight for what I believe is right,” Stella answered without hesitation. “I refuse to stand by while others find it acceptable to degrade Lisette simply for being born an omega, or for being in a family of lesser rank than their own.”
“…”
“I wouldn’t ask for your help without proper compensation.” Stella continued. “Just name your price, whatever it is. You have my word I'll fulfill it."
Ophelia knew her alpha well. Once Stella made up her mind, nothing could change her mind. A brief moment of silence passed before she smirked, hinting at amusement. Then she reached out and took the vial, holding it between her fingers with ease.
“…You’ll regret saying that. I knew you were stubborn, but not to this degree.” Ophelia said. “Also, I don’t promise the result will be as you expected.”
“Thank you, Ophelia,” Stella said, wearing a genuine smile of relief.
“Now, you have me wondering…” Ophelia murmured to herself, her eyes still on the vial. “If it were me in your friend’s position, would you fight this hard for me?”
“…Huh?”
That question stopped her. Stella hadn’t seen it coming and wasn’t sure how to respond. She didn’t know if Ophelia was even being serious or not. Her blue eyes widened as she uncovered something hidden within the omega’s eyes. A subtle flicker of emotions beneath the surface of that unreadable façade.
“Ophelia—”
“I’m not interested in your answer.” Ophelia cut her off without raising her voice. “Leave now. Before I change my mind about all of this.”
“What?”
“I’m tired. Get out.” Ophelia snapped at her, ushering her confused fiancée out.
“O-Okay!” Stella responded, returning to her room through the connecting door between their chambers.
Once the door closed firmly, silence descended. The night grew colder as it was accompanied by the occasional crackle of the fireplace in the background. The warmth of the woody fragrance gradually thinned until nothing remained but Ophelia’s lavender scent. The bone-chilling cold had been building up over the past weeks, creeping through the small gaps of the windows. It was a sign that Northland’s harsh winter was coming soon.
Glancing at the fireplace, she wondered why she had let those words out. It was careless of her to let her inner thoughts slip past her lips before she could stop them. What answer did she expect from Stella? Did she honestly want to hear it? It didn't matter what Stella would have said.
Ophelia didn't want to hear it, as it would only make her heart ache.