5 Trying to Stop A Tragedy (1/2)
Lying down defeated on the couch, Maria tried to resist the urge to cry or bang her head against the wall. Why was she upset? It was because tomorrow was the Archduchess's tea party, having just remembered earlier today about her agenda for saving the woman's life. ”I suck as a hero,” muttered Maria when a presence entered the room.
”Something on your mind, imoto?” Sitting up, Maria saw the one who entered the living room was none other than her brother.
”Just deciding on what dress I should wear to the Archduchess's tea party tomorrow,” she lied, seeing how she just couldn't confess out of the blue how the archduchess's and her family's lives were in great danger if something was not done.
”Hmm, is that so.” He took a seat next to her, and he pressed the top of a decorative glass vase, that displayed a blue crystal butterfly inside. Once activated, a large holographic screen appeared, showing what looked to be some daytime drama.
'I almost forgot, Crystal Butterflies is how this world can communicate and even receive visual aids thanks to the Crystal Butterflies' clairvoyant abilities.' Watching her brother flip through the channels, Maria was reminded of her world's modern-day television.
Maria was about to ponder on other ways she could probably save the archduchess when her mother suddenly barged into the room. ”Maria-chan, now is not the time to be lazing around. We need to find you the perfect dress to wear to the tea party, and while we're at it, we need one for you to wear to Diamond Academy's Welcome Back Banquet. My Maria must look the cutest at all times,” proudly stated her mother, dragging her back to her room to try on the endless pile of dresses she picked out.
'Someone save me from this woman!' cried Maria, not wanting to go through such torture.
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On the day of the archduchess's tea party, Maria played her role of introducing herself to the archduchess and guests. The other ladies complimented Maria's adorableness and manners before they started discussing the latest drama that was unfolding around the capital city. While the ladies talked, Maria used this chance to ask one of the serving staff for the location of the kitchen. Once at her destination, Maria crouched down by the door and began observing those working inside.
'If I can't get the antidote, then I'll stop the poison from reaching the archduchess. This is the only plan I have and the only way I know how to stop her death from happening. I can't fail! Even if I have to starve!' Maria commented to herself, oblivious to all the strange stares she was receiving.
Some thought that after a few minutes the girl would leave but were proven wrong. Even after an hour had passed, the girl refused to leave, not even when her stomach started to growl. They wanted to approach the girl but were scared off by the vicious look in her eyes that reminded everyone of a guard dog. Luckily one of the staff, who just couldn't watch the girl starve herself, set a plate of food down in front of her. Seeing this presented to her, Maria smiled and thanked the maid for her kindness.
Once the food was finally placed in her stomach, Maria was ready for the second hour of watch duty. Closely watching everyone, she had to make sure that no poison was placed in any of the refreshments or food. By the time the third hour came, Maria was beginning to feel restless, but once she thought about the tragedy that awaited this family in the future, she steeled her resolve and mentally began cheering herself on.
”Why are you guarding the kitchen door?” This sudden voice, that appeared in close proximity, scared Maria, who almost screamed out in fright.
”Richard-sama?! What are you doing here?” The boy took a seat right next to her, looking at her curiously.
”I needed somewhere to escape to.”
”Escape?” Just as Maria was about to question him, they heard footsteps coming their way. Quickly, Richard reached for her hand and dragged her into the kitchen. Once inside, they both pressed their ears against the door.
”Richard-sama~!” They heard a girl called out his name, followed by another female voice.
”I'm almost positive I saw him come this way.”
”Maybe he went another way. Let's go and try to catch up with him.” Hearing the sounds of their footsteps fading, Maria now knew who Richard was escaping from.