Chapter 674: Tea, Talk, and Turmoil ( 674 )

"They better not try matchmaking me with another elf man again," she muttered under her breath. "If they do... I’m running away. Again."

Her voice was calm, but her eyes were serious. The memory of her thirteen-year-old self bolting out of the house still lingered—how she ran off rather than marry a ’suitable suitor’ handpicked by her father. That freedom, the adventure, and the path that led her to Armand... she never regretted it.

With a soft sigh, she began adjusting her hair in front of the mirror. She brushed it out and tied it gently into a side braid, leaving a few elegant strands to frame her face. Simple, neat, and elven.

Just as she tucked the last braid behind her ear—

Knock knock.

"Miss Liana," a voice came from the door, pushing it open slightly. One of the housemaids stood there, polite and calm. "Madam Viessa is calling."

Liana raised a brow. "Hmm? Okay."

"She’s waiting in her room."

Liana nodded. "Got it. Thanks."

As the maid quietly left, Liana took one last look in the mirror. She gave herself a small nod and headed toward her mother’s room.

When Liana arrived, the room was filled with the lively chatter of her sisters. Azariah, Qamara, Enania—they were all there, including the glowing bride-to-be, who was busy getting teased by the others. Dresses, jewelry, and fabric swatches were scattered across the room like a colorful storm.

At the center of it all stood Viessa, hands on her hips, inspecting a pile of ornate ceremonial dresses. Her sharp eyes immediately locked onto Liana the moment she entered.

"Oh?" Viessa tilted her head with a faint smile. "That looks good on you. Much better than wearing that maid uniform."

Liana sighed, crossing her arms. "What now, mother?"

Viessa turned back to the garments, speaking as if the answer was obvious. "Hmm? Everyone who’s still unmarried will be the bridesmaids, of course. You didn’t forget our tradition, did you?"

Liana’s eye twitched.

"...You’re joking."

Viessa raised a brow without looking at her. "Do I look like I’m joking?"

The other sisters giggled, already imagining Liana in one of those overly detailed bridesmaid gowns with vines and lace.

Viessa huffed, picking up a shimmering gown with delicate leaf embroidery.

"Just because you’re more beautiful than Qamara and Enania, doesn’t mean you should refuse to be a bridesmaid," she said bluntly, glancing sideways at Liana with narrowed eyes. "It’s not like I’m going to force you into another suitor meeting."

Liana froze mid-sigh.

Viessa continued, folding the dress carefully. "Besides... your aunt already warned your father."

Liana blinked. "...Aunt Mylezra?"

Viessa nodded. "Yes. The Queen herself. She told him specifically—if he tries to arrange something again, she’ll personally drag him by the ear."

Qamara and Enania burst into laughter while Azariah smirked, folding her arms. "See? Even Aunt Mylezra knows how stubborn Father can be."

Liana’s shoulders dropped in visible relief, but she tried to act indifferent. "...Hmph. Good. I didn’t run away just to come back and get leashed."

Viessa smirked. "Still such a handful... Just be a good bridesmaid. No one’s marrying you off... yet."

"Mooom!" Liana snapped, cheeks puffed.

Viessa turned on her heel gracefully, her long robes swaying with quiet authority as she strode ahead.

"Now everyone to the dining room, now!" she said again, voice firm but still serenely composed.

"Yes, yes~" Azariah replied playfully, linking arms with Qamara as the two giggled their way out.

Enania bounced behind them, humming some random tune.

Liana blinked, glancing at the others.

"Mother? Why the dining room?" she asked, stepping closer, puzzled.

Viessa didn’t even turn back. "Stop asking questions and follow me, young lady."

"...I’m not a child anymore," Liana mumbled, trailing behind.

Viessa, still walking, raised her fan slightly. "What was that?"

"Nothing, Mother!!" Liana replied quickly.

Azariah laughed from up ahead. "Still scared of Mom’s fan, huh~?"

Liana sighed. "Who isn’t..." she muttered, falling into step beside her sisters as they headed toward the dining room.

Once they were all seated, the household maids quietly stepped forward, elegantly placing down delicate plates of snacks and cups of fragrant, herbal elven tea.

"Now, Liana," Viessa began calmly, sipping her tea gracefully.

"Yes, Mother?" Liana asked cautiously, eyeing her mother warily as she reached for her own cup.

"You’ve been working as one of the Armand family’s maids, correct?"

"Yes..." Liana replied slowly, already suspicious. "Why?"

Viessa waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing, really. It’s just... your aunt Mylezra mentioned that one of the Armand heirs recently came here, assisting our kingdom in some mysterious quest—and she wouldn’t even give me details. All we know is he was accompanied by a dark elf—the daughter of Harny, no less."

Liana blinked, setting her tea down gently. "...What about it?"

Viessa smiled lightly. "Oh, it’s become quite a huge topic among the elven girls here. Even your sister is curious." She turned toward Enania. "Right, Enania?"

Enania nodded immediately, eyes bright. "Yes, mother!"

Liana tilted her head, confused. "Talk? About what, exactly?"

Azariah leaned forward, eyes sparkling mischievously. "About that young Lord Marcellus and his... special relationship with his dark elf companion."

Liana sighed, resting her chin on one hand. "I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a human having a relationship with an elf... or a dark elf."

"No~ no, that’s not the issue," Viessa said with a graceful wave of her fan. "The elf girls in this kingdom have been whispering nonstop. Apparently, a very handsome human noble was spotted—noble posture, refined manners, powerful magic. And guess what? Your sister here..."

Viessa turned to Enania, who tried to hide her face behind her teacup, "...was quite interested in him."

"Mother!" Enania whined, her cheeks flushing. "I was just curious..."

"But sadly," Viessa continued with a hint of drama, "that Armand heir only stopped at the dark elf village... and the rumors about his relationship with Lithia—Harny’s daughter—well, let’s just say some girls were happy, some were jealous."

Liana raised an eyebrow. "You mean jealous that he chose a dark elf over someone from the elven capital?"

"Mou~ of course!" Qamara giggled. "It’s not every day a noble human enters elven lands. And instead of courting one of our graceful elven ladies, he settles down with a dark elf girl—and her mother, no less!"

Liana nearly choked on her tea. "...Excuse me!?"

Azariah burst into laughter. "See? Even you didn’t know! It’s all over the gossip circles. A mother and daughter pair! It’s outrageous... but somehow kinda hot—"

"AZARIAH!!" Viessa snapped with a sharp glare.

Azariah quickly looked away, stifling her laughter.

Enania pouted again and turned toward Liana. "Since you work in the Armand household, tell us the truth. The human named Marcellus... he’s not the only son, right? There are more?"

Liana let out a long, slow sigh.

"...You girls are hopeless."

( End Of Chapter )