Second Life's Revenge

"The priestess has finally been revealed! Now, we the people will be saved! Praise the priestess!" The people roared, raising their hands up in the air.

Once the news about Tine being the priestess was released into the public, the townspeople couldn't help but rejoice. Finally, a new leader and hope are here to help them. 

A priestess's job is to help people who can't afford to buy food, especially for the people who live in the slumps. They were known to heal the sick and provide blessings for them. But is Tine really the priestess? 

"I'm back Miss. I thought it would take me a while to buy the chocolate mousse, but it was just the crowd that slowed me," Mary said, placing a chocolate mousse plate on the table.

An air of trouble lingered around Laura, she did not expect Tine to have a plan like that. She was indeed evil, but faking the townspeople about her being a priestess was a bad idea. 

Yet Tine still did it. Laura took a bite of the chocolate mousse, and her face lightened. The texture, taste, and presentation were perfect. Every time she took a bite from the mousse, the flavors would just melt in her mouth. 

Laura hummed, not caring what she was thinking earlier, and decided to enjoy the mousses. 

"What do you think about it?" Laura asked after devouring the sweetness as she put her fork down.

"I honestly don't know. I mean, I am happy, but somehow I feel uneasy," Mary said, rubbing her arm. 

"I understand. We may not know what that girl will do, but we need to stop her." 

"Yes?" Mary asked in confusion.

"Oh, that's right. Lester told me to give you this letter from Viscountess Andrea," Mary said, pulling an envelope out of her pocket. Laura took the letter from Mary and opened it. It says: 

"Dear Laura, I have informed the high priest about you. He said he was willing to meet you if you bring the journal with you. Though I do not understand what journal he was talking about, he told me about the journal and that you'll understand it. Also, it would be better if you go out wearing a hood and keep your head down. I've heard bad rumors about you. They were calling you a monster, bullying Tine in the estate. Perhaps Tine herself had started this rumor. I know this will not offend you, but there is only one person in the empire that has black hair. Once they see you, they'll attack you. Just be careful. The appointment is set on a Sunday, just reminding you, but hide away from the people and be careful."

Laura placed the letter down the table, and her mouth morphed into a frown. Just why do people believe in Tine? What's so good about her? There's nothing but her beauty.

It was frustrating to hear nasty rumors about her when she thing have just started to get better. It was a downfall for her, there's nothing she could do. Even if she states the truth, no one would believe her.

Still, Laura didn't know if Tine was a true priestess or not. Right now, she needed more information, whether it was true or not. A child of Septus was only revealed to Laura and Erwin. 

However, hearing of another one worried Laura. What if Tine was also saved? If so, she would curse the god for bringing Tine back. It was unfair. 

Running away was not in Laura's dictionary, but she didn't have much but to listen. Though Laura had a plan of stopping Tine. 

In this town, black hair is a super rare hair color. Most people had lighter hair color, and grey hair was normal since all the royals had it. It was weird, but that is how the world was. Just because they were different from the others, they get criticized. 

"Mary, inform Lester that I'll be going to the church on Sunday. Bring out my old clothes and a wig." 

"Yes, Miss." 

Tine adored the bracelet given to her by the count. She raised it up to the sun, letting it shine and admired the way it shined. All her hard work had paid off. 

It was hard for her to gather followers and to bribe one of the leading priests of the church. For sure, the priests needed money and fame, which led him to help Tine.

Ever since Helga was killed, Tine didn't feel lonely at all, but she was annoyed when no one was there to serve her. Sometimes she would throw a fit and hit one of the servants. How can that be an image of a priestess? 

"Miss Tine, may I enter? Lester asked behind the door.

"Please do," Tine smiled, making her tone change. "

I'm sorry if I'm disturbing your rest, but let me introduce your new maid, Vivian." The girl in her teens entered shyly, looking at the furniture, and her eyes landed on Tine. 

Vivian looked down the floor, rubbing her hands together as her eyes wandered across the floor. A young, weak girl was what Tine saw in her eyes. 

Internally she wanted to scold Lester and throw a tantrum, but she needed to keep her image. For now, she'll act kind in front of her. 

"Hi, I'm Tine. It's nice to meet you. What is your name?" Tine asked, putting a smile on.

"M-my n-name i-is V-Vivian," Vivian stuttered, avoiding contact.

"Master found a maid who's your age so that you'll be comfortable around her. If you would excuse me, I still have some unfinished tasks to do," Lester said, bowing before leaving. 

The door shuts, and Vivian nervously plays with her fingers. Vivan was experiencing a new world, and it was her first time working as a maid. Tine kept her face lit and walked towards Vivian. 

Tine touched a strand of Vivian's hair, twirling it around. Vivian's eyes had reminded her of Laura. But with a different personality. She wished Laura was just a weak girl, but she wasn't. Laura was a threat to Tine. 

"Vivian... such a beautiful name for a lady like you," Tine said, still twirling her fingers on Vivan's hair. 

Vivan stood uncomfortably, shaking, unable to move. There was an unpleasant aura that surrounded Tine, and Vivian didn't like the feel of it. It was intimidating as if she was possessed by some dark spirit and to be exact a devil. 

"Treat me well, Vivian," Tine giggled, removing her fingers of Vivan's hair. 

Vivan watched Tine sat on a chair beside a window. When Tine turned her head and met Vivan's eyes, Vivan felt chills behind her back as she felt an ominous aura around Tine.

Laura closed her book after hearing a knock from the door. She turned her head and entered Lester. Lester was back after bringing the new maid to Tine and reported it to Laura. 

It was a shame that the new maid was for Tine. The innocent young girl will become corrupted and will fall together with Tine. 

"I'm back from my job Miss Laura. Is there anything you would like me to do?" Lester asks, lowering his head. 

"Lester... what if I told you I'm older than what you think?" Laura asked and showing a severe expression. 

"Yes? You look young, but you're mature. If that's what you're asking about." 

"Never mind that was a stupid question," Laura laughed it off. Laura's eyes then turned cold as she looked out of her window. 

The peacefulness of her life will never return to her again. It was a shame, but this is how life was—full of holes and mysteries. Laura blinked twice before her eyes widened. She slammed both of her hands on the table, startling Lester. 

Why has she forgotten about it? 

Laura felt troubled as she was thinking of a plan to win against Tine, but she couldn't think of one not until the high priest's idea had popped inside her head.

If she can convince the high priest to be by her side, then everything will be solved. On the other hand, Tine would be called a liar, and Laura would be called the savior.

However, there was still a feeling of uneasiness in Laura. Because she may never know, Tine could be a child of Septus. Still, Tine having mana? It was impossible because it never showed in the past. 

Tine was just a normal girl who lived an everyday life. No mana, no powers. 

"Lester... what if Tine has mana in her?" Laura asked once more.

"Then doesn't she become the priestess?" Lester questioned himself. 

"I think so, but what if she got mana by force? It's possible right?" Laura asked, looking straight, with all seriousness at Lester. 

"If she's associated with Silence, then there is a possible chance. But how can Miss Tine be associated with that group if Master is also against them," Lester asked, putting a hand on his chin.

Silence, was not only known for their assassination skills, but they are also a group of people who are known to get mana by force, not by awakening. 

It was instead a big issue for the people because it was not normal mana. It was black magic.