Choose Me Instead (UNDERGOING RE-PLAN AND REWRITE)

Act 1, Scene 14: De Rass household

You could only stare at where Philotes was once standing, "When that girl appears? ...Jieun? Is this something to do with her? Urgh haven't she cause enough trouble?" you thought to yourself angrily.

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"I've heard about you two, Lady Aristia and Lady [Y/N]."

You sit on the chair nervously, eyes darting around every few seconds. Unable to look at the duchess's eyes. You feel her gaze changing between you and Aristia, as if trying to get a scan of your inner thoughts and feelings.

"I heard the marquess hoped we would help you with your training." she says, unbothered but perhaps she was feeling annoyed.

"Yes that's right." Aristia answers smoothly. Smiling kindly as she does. While you gave a wry smile.

The duchess picks up her teacup and sips on it. "Well then. We won't need to talk for long, I see. I've sent someone for my little boy. He should be here soon." she says coolly as your nervous slowly turn into awe at her coolness.

"...Thank you, Duchess Ernia." Aristia thanks feeling awkward at her blatant way of speaking.

"Lady [Y/N], I've heard the marquess left the house state in your care while he was gone. How have you been faring?" she suddenly asks you.

You nervously chuckle at her question, "Well it's been tough but with the help of my sister I was able to do my job quite well."

"I see, do not hesitate to ask me for guidance. I will gladly be of help to you." the duchess tells you.

You fumble with your dress looking at her shyly, "It's an honor to have you guide me." you say as you nod.

"Ahh- why do you keep calling for me?" A familiar male voice resonate through your ears. "Can you please just forgive me? I've been quite the whole day." Carsein walks in slouching as he does.

"Take a seat. We have guests." the duchess orders.

"Oh? Huh? It's you!!" Carsein happily asks as he notice Aristia. He quickly walks over to her, "Ooh- you're the one from before! Good, good! I knew you would come!" he happily cheer. Completely ignoring you he gave Aristia shoulder pats, "Look at that! You're stuck right? You need this genius don't you?!"

You stare at Aristia jealously as Carsein continuously gave her the shoulder pats. "Did he not notice me? Is my presence that much of a background character?" you thought to yourself, crying inside as you sigh.

"Carsein." the duchess angrily says making Carsein pause in his movement. Gasping as he slowly moves over to the side.

"Looks like you and Lady Aristia have already met. Well the, formally introduce yourselves the three of you. Lady Aristia if you would start." the duchess states. As Carsein finally looks towards your direction, eyes widening as he didn't notice you earlier. While you just smile at him awkwardly.

Carsein then look towards Aristia's direction questionably. "What?" he asks. As response to this Aristia stands up to introduce herself as per the duchess request. "My name is Aristia la Monique. I've come today to request your help. It's an honor to meet you."

Seeing Carsein stand still not moving Aristia didn't know what to do as you, yourself were unsure if you should stand up to introduce yourself. "...Sir?" Aristia finally asks looking up.

"Monique...?" Carsein mutters unsure of what he just heard. "Right...you have silver hair. Among the nobles, only those of House Monique have silver hair." he continues as you felt the tension rising with every word Carsein mutters.