Frontier’s Redemption: The Unexpected Rise of a Villain

In the opulent surroundings of the Whitewood Manor, Helena and her brother, Marquis Edmund Whitewood, indulged in an afternoon tea on the elegant outdoor terrace. The manor itself exuded an air of aristocratic refinement, with sprawling gardens that stretched beyond the terrace, adding a touch of natural splendor to the scene.

The outdoor tea party offered a picturesque view of the meticulously landscaped garden. A vibrant tapestry of colors unfolded as flowers of various hues bloomed under the gentle sunlight. The fragrance of blossoms wafted through the air, creating a serene atmosphere that complemented the refined setting of the Whitewood estate.

The tea served during this sophisticated affair was a rare and exquisite blend, carefully imported from the East. Its journey involved caravans traversing multiple countries before finally crossing the border from the Caliphate into the Aurelian Empire. The sweet aroma of the tea leaves and the complex, nuanced taste reflected the meticulous craftsmanship and the extensive journey it had undertaken.

As they sipped the tea, delicate porcelain cups cradled in their hands, the siblings enjoyed the symphony of flavors dancing on their palates. The tea was accompanied by a selection of fine pastries and dainty sandwiches, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the affair. The delicate clinking of porcelain against saucers and the rustle of leaves in the garden provided a soothing backdrop to the conversation between Helena and Marquis Edmund.

Amidst the refined atmosphere of the tea party at Whitewood Manor, Helena and Marquis Edmund engaged in a candid conversation, their voices carrying the weight of recent events.

"Did you hear what happened?" Helena inquired, her eyes reflecting a blend of concern and inquiry. Edmund responded with a solemn nod, indicating his awareness of the tumultuous events surrounding the duel, including the impactful words uttered by Vivienne that stirred a significant uproar.

"To think that such a thing would happen," Edmund remarked, a note of disbelief in his tone. Helena, understanding the gravity of the situation, responded, "Then I guess you know why I'm here."

The siblings delved into a more personal aspect of their family, and Edmund revealed his longstanding concerns about Clarice, who had chosen a path different from the conventional expectations of a lady. "She had long since given up on being a lady and joined the squadron. It's still shocking to think that father's and grandfather's skills had passed on to her instead of Luke or Adrian," he admitted.

Helena, fiercely protective of her niece, retorted, "Hey! Don't talk about my niece that way. She's making all of us proud. If it weren't for the engagement that was suggested by His Highness a decade ago, I would have had Luke tie ropes around her."

Amidst shared laughter, Edmund remarked, "Luke tying ropes on her? Luke would be lucky if he was able to hold her off from tying him down, let alone getting hold of her." He then revealed his intentions concerning Clarice, acknowledging the complexity of family dynamics and the recent revelations about Vivienne's role in manipulating Luke.

As she had now reached the pivotal age of 24, Clarice had found herself standing at the crossroads of tradition and uncharted territory, a realm where societal norms collided with her unyielding spirit. In a bold departure from the conventional timeline that typically dictated the roles of noble ladies, Clarice's journey had been anything but ordinary. The decision to shatter expectations by enlisting in the squadron at a very young age and dedicating herself to honing combat skills not only swelled the hearts of her family with pride but also propelled her on a trajectory that defied the well-trodden paths of her noble lineage.

Remarkably, Clarice achieved a milestone that set her apart within the military ranks. Rising through the echelons with unwavering determination, she became the youngest to ascend from a mere knight to the esteemed position of a commander. This exceptional feat underscored not only her tenacity but also her unparalleled prowess in both close combat and military strategy. Her skills were akin to a finely crafted blade, honed to perfection, standing unchallenged by any except her illustrious father and revered uncle. As whispers of her exploits echoed through the halls of military prowess, Clarice emerged as a formidable force, a testament to her unyielding dedication and the legacy of martial excellence passed down through generations in the Whitewood family.

"Since she is already 24 years old, and later, she will become a spinster. To be honest, the only reason why I was holding off from sending her to your house as Luke's second wife is because I was concerned about how Luke was being manipulated by Vivienne. Even now, if it weren't for the fact that she blatantly blurted out her thoughts, hurting Luke, I would have reconsidered. But with this, I'm sure Luke now realizes who is family and who is not. I will send Clarice in disguise as his knight. Let's keep this a secret for now to protect Luke in case they secretly try to assassinate him. They better make me grandfather in a couple of years, or I will get mad trying to find a partner for her."

Helena concurred, acknowledging the delicate balance they needed to maintain. "What you say is true. If it weren't for the fact that Vivienne showed support for Serge, I wouldn't be here either. But now let's hope things go smoothly from here on," she added, a shared understanding weaving a bond of solidarity in the face of the challenges that lay ahead.

Just then, a loud sound approached them. Sound of armor clanking. It was Clarice herself.