Chapter 88 The Accidental Maid (4)

Velcy's POV"I'm sorry for being presumptuous, my lord," Virelle said, addressing the dragoness but keeping her gaze on me.

"May I ask who this little girl is?"

Her tone was polite but the curiosity and confusion in her eyes were undeniable. Beneath that, I caught a flicker of pity. I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze and was fully aware of what had drawn her sympathy.

The jagged scars on my face that marred both sides of my cheeks were a grotesque reminder of my past. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire

They made me stand out in the worst way and I often invited pity, disgust, or avoidance from anyone who saw them. Even among the other imprisoned girls, I was treated as an outcast and mostly shunned by nearly everyone.

I had grown accustomed to living in isolation without any real friends or confidants to talk my heart out or share my secrets.

The dragoness glanced at me briefly with a thoughtful gaze, before she turned back to Virelle. She leaned in slightly and whispered something to her but it was too soft for me to hear.

Her lips moved, forming words I couldn't decipher and it left me to wonder what they were actally discussing. Is it about me? What is the dragoness saying?

Intense curiosity burned within me but I knew better than to interrupt.

Instead, I lowered my gaze to my tattered shoes and their worn appearance seemed to remind me to not get too dependent on the dragoness or get complacent after I had encountered a little attention and care from her.

As I stood there in silence, my thoughts drifted to the uncertainty of my future. What lay ahead for someone like me? I had once planned my escape from that hellhole but now there was no need for that.

I glanced down with my mind being a storm of conflicting thoughts.

My eyes flicked toward the young man named Ethan whose actions had led to my eventual freedom and the revenge I had long desired. While I remained lost in contemplation, a sudden, sharp voice broke through my stupor.

"Velcy, come here."

I jolted at the sound and quickly walked toward the dragoness with my head bowed low and my thumbs nervously twitching against each other.

Virelle's POV

On hearing my question, the dragoness turned her gaze toward the strange girl standing on the other side of the room. A soft sound transmission traveled into my ears. It was the dragoness's in her voice calm voice that carried a hint of gravity this time.

"She is a descendant of a unique ancient bloodline family originating from the beastmen. What's most extraordinary is that she has awakened her bloodline though she is still unable to control it.

I rescued her from the Blackwell family's castle after destroying the entire household along with their fortress.

They were the ones who attacked you three, especially the Blood Countess who was vanquished through Ethan's and Victor's combined efforts. She was the head of the Blackwell family."

I froze in my place as I processed her words. So much had happened during the night and I hadn't even known about it.

Now that I thought back to the night, I vaguely recalled feeling a tremor that resembled an earthquake while I sat beside Ethan. At the time, I'd dismissed it but now I realized it must have been tied to their battle.

What truly shocked me, however, was her revelation about the girl. This ordinary-looking child... a bearer of an ancient bloodline?

Bloodline abilities were exceedingly rare, even among all the ancient families and only a handful of individuals ever managed to awaken them.

For this frail little girl who appeared to lack even a trace of magical power or physical prowess to achieve such a feat seemed utterly unbelievable to me.

But since the confirmation came from the Nightshade Dragoness herself, I wouldn't doubt it.

She continued her transmission in a serious tone.

"What I'm about to tell you is a secret, and you must not share it with anyone except Altheria, who will learn of it soon. I hadn't planned on telling you but seeing your genuine concern for my precious disciple, I feel it's necessary.

"I intend to make this little girl Ethan's Heartshadow."

What?! My mind reeled at the casual delivery of such an immense decision. She couldn't be serious! How could she decide something so crucial for Ethan without even consulting him?

A wave of anger and frustration rose within me and I felt a tightening in my chest. I took a deep breath and tried to steady myself.

"Calm yourself, child," the dragoness's voice chided gently as if she sensed my turbulent emotions.

"Do you think I don't know what I'm doing? Do I not know what is best for my disciple?

This girl is an exceptional find and a treasure most beings could only dream of having by their side. Even beings of grade five would fight to claim her as their subordinate for her potential alone.

Being Ethan's Heartshadow is the best path for both of them. You already know my disciple's extraordinariness and as for this girl Velcy... you will see her greatness in time."

The dragoness's expression softened into a smug smile and I could see her unshakable confidence in her plans. She seemed almost proud as she described the potential connection between her disciple and the little girl.

Her words unsettled me and it stirred an inexplicable discomfort deep within. A bitter heat spread through my chest and for the first time, I felt as though something precious to me was being taken away.

Before I could respond or collect my scattered emotions, the dragoness beckoned the girl forward.

"Velcy," she said, her voice calm yet firm, "from this day forward, you will stay with Ethan. You are to remain in this room with him, travel with him, hunt alongside him, accompany him on all his ventures, and fight his battles with him.

You will care for all his needs and demands. In return..."