The sweet venom Chapter 30: 29

Read chapter 30 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

A few days later, Helia had just finished preparing for her departure to the borderlands. Lucille, having disposed of all her former gowns, had left her with no choice but to summon the tailor once again in great haste, so that he might fashion garments that were simpler and more comfortable, suitable for travel and life within a military camp. Yet even these new outfits, despite their deliberate simplicity, had been chosen to enhance her figure. Cool tones that flattered her complexion, a cut both understated and refined, perfectly suited to her movements. She took one last look at herself in the mirror before heading toward her brother’s chamber, where she intended to bid him farewell. Upon entering the room, she had to watch each step carefully so as not to shatter one of the many flower vases crowded around the bed. Lucian’s chamber had become a veritable museum of support: bouquets upon bouquets, letters of encouragement, gifts in abundance. The attack had dominated the headlines, and her brother was now regarded as a hero, one who had bravely sacrificed himself to save his sister. She was relieved to see that he had suffered no serious aftereffects. He was merely confined to bed for a time, but he would recover. In recent days, the manor had been transformed into a constant stream of visitors and offerings for him. Every hour brought a new arrival: journalists, family members, friends, acquaintances, all eager to salute his courage. A spectacle that seemed to displease him very little. It marked a positive conclusion to the affair. Even if justice could not prove that Adrian had orchestrated the attack, he would not, in any case, have achieved what he desired. It was the marquis, the true master of the game, who had taken matters into his own hands, summoning journalists to sell them the heroic narrative of his son. His objective had been fulfilled: to prove to Adrian that his attempt at vengeance and humiliation had failed. Lucian was lying on his bed, reading yet another letter with a satisfied smile, when Helia entered. His face still bore the marks of the attack: a broad, freshly stitched scar stretched across his forehead, partially concealed beneath his silver locks, and faint bruises marbled his pale skin. His right arm, fully encased in plaster, rested motionless against a pile of cushions. Despite his condition, he lifted his gaze toward his sister with an exaggeratedly dramatic expression, punctuating it with a theatrical sigh. "So, you truly intend to leave? And abandon your poor, bedridden elder brother?" he asked, pressing his left hand to his chest as though standing on the edge of despair. Helia rolled her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Stop pretending, Lucian. You adore this, lying in bed all day, surrounded by flowers, gifts, and letters from swooning admirers." Lucian raised his arms in protest, feigning indignation. "Is that truly how you see me?! It wounds me deeply," he replied, shaking his head with mock offense. She fixed him with an amused look. "I merely came to say goodbye. Try not to exhaust the servants too much with your whims." At the same time, she handed him an object. Lucian took it instinctively and lowered his gaze: it was his invisibility bracelet. "I had it recharged with mana," she added. "That way, you’ll once again be able to use it to escape your responsibilities." He exhaled softly, a slight smile curving his lips, before turning his head away. Receiving no reply, Helia turned on her heel and headed for the door. As she opened it, Lucian’s voice reached her from behind. "Take care of yourself…" With her back still to him, she simply raised a hand in response before disappearing into the corridor. Without wasting a moment, she made her way to the front courtyard, where the carriage awaited her, ready to take her to the imperial palace. Her four escorting knights, Sir Aldric among them, were already prepared. With a swift glance, she ensured that everything was in order