𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋. ( wmmap )

17. the devil

A lot happened by the time Jennette turned fourteen.

Ijekiel left for Arlanta despite Jennette trying to ask him not to six years ago. Ijekiel visited the Alpheus Mansion every six months though, and he would bring the girl stuffed animals every time he came back.

It was obvious that she looked forward to his visits the most.

Your business, Margarita, kept flourishing ever since they publicly saw Claude de Alger Obelia wearing one of your works. When he first wore it years ago, you were nothing but confused, but since it helped you grow financially anyway, you learnt to take advantage of the situation.

Claude continued to wear the topaz ring without explanation even after several years, and you never bothered to question him.

Speaking of the Emperor... Both you and Roger were trying to find the correct timing to introduce Jennette to him — and you knew exactly when to do it.

The Debutante. 

You already brought it up to Roger to keep the plot going, and he agreed with your decision. It was going to be a special day for Jennette.

Six and a half years passed, and Jennette already celebrated her fourteenth birthday a few months ago. That meant that Athanasia would soon turn fourteen not long after her — and on the day of the celebration, Jennette's good life was about to begin.

After spending more than a decade in the world of a novel, you were beginning to forget details about the storyline. Although you could still remember most of the important parts and what you were expected to do, so everything was fine.

Bullshit.

You groaned.

The day of the debutante was growing closer, but you weren't sure if you could even introduce Jennette on that day. Of course, you were going to bring her along and let her celebrate fourteen years of existence, even more so now that Ijekiel has returned from Arlanta, but...

To introduce her when practically everyone in Obelia knew just how much Claude treasured Athanasia? That girl alone, based on rumors, held ownership of at least two treasuries and has four rose gardens in her name because Claude gave them to her.

And Jennette?

Jennette had a natural affinity to pull people towards her, but you weren't sure if her charms would work on Claude now that he had Athanasia by his side.

Athanasia's presence was too strong. Unlike the novel, where Roger managed to easily introduce Jennette as the Princess, Athanasia stood in the way.

You frowned.

Really, if I just kill her—

You paused. 

As the years flew by since the first time you thought about killing Athanasia, the plot's influence on your thoughts grew stronger. The first time, you were certain it only happened because of the novel and that weird dream you had years ago, and not because you had a personal grudge against the girl.