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ariadnassecretdiary · 2 years

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Under this damn contract

Summary: Ariadna was just your average college student that suddenly found herself in a tight situation: she woke up inside her favorite novel! Well, isn’t that nice~? WRONG! She reincarnated as a support character whose fate is to end up dead, victim of the novel’s villain Kino, who’s thirst for blood and power makes him extremely dangerous! Right now, she’s one year ahead from the tragedy so Ariadna’s only choice is to find a way to survive. Ari must do anything in her power in order to avoid the destiny that was given to her. The question now is: will she make it?

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, […]

Chapter 6: Appetizer for wolves

Mun Ari: I apologize that the last chapter may have been a little boring ;-;. I need to go slowly, since it is for development ;-; Also! It was kind of funny that you all kind of hate Kino lol xD I mean… I have some bad news for you… you might hate him for a little longer ^^’.

I’ll do my best to make these chapters the most enjoyable and (if school allows it) I’ll go a little faster this time! Thank you once again for all the support and the patience as well!

Anyway, enjoy~

The battle that Ari had to confront was just ahead of her. The mighty mansion that was in front of her was breathtaking: it screamed the luxury and the exquisite taste of their owners. Ari was no construction expert, but she could almost swear that this mansion was twice as big as her own back in Iberitia. It sort of reminded her of the Buckingham palace back in her previous life… and the Wolfgang family were dukes! No wonder they were above in terms of wealth and status.

Ari would have admired the inimaginable amount of details… if and only if she wasn’t on the verge of a panic attack.

Her heart was beating out of control, she was shaking so bad she felt like her legs would give out at any minute. Ari tried to cheer up, to encourage herself or at least to calm herself down, but she was helpless.

As her brain was trying to send the signal to move, Ari felt an arm pulling hers. When she looked up ahead, Kino wasn’t looking at her: he was looking up ahead. Ari had to admit that he always looked so sure about himself, each step he made and everything in his body language screamed security. Not to mention, his selection for tonight’s event was on point: an elegant and classic royal blue with silver details. Perfectly matching her navy blue dress.

Ari tried to follow his steps, hers trembling like jelly but she forced herself to do it. The mighty entrance doors opened as they got close, almost by magic. Yet, there’s a limit for a delicate and anxious body like Ari’s. Her steps along behind his rhythm and soon her throat closed avoiding air to fill her lungs.

(N-No Ari! You can’t have a panic attack now! Not now!) Ari thought, desperate trying to get herself together.

But it was useless… it was already happening. She was already hyperventilating and soon her sight felt blurry, even everything around her was spinning. She had to speak up, or else…

“What is wrong with you?” Ari then heard Kino speak, somehow distant considering he was just next to her.

“N-Nothing” She managed to say, but he stopped.

“You’re clearly not” he stated as he looked at her questionably.

“M-Must be your imagination…” she tried to excuse herself, but he didn’t move.

“I think I already mentioned it, but…” he started as let go of her arm and moved himself in front of her. “I really hate liars. Now tell me, what is wrong with you?”

Ari tried to speak, tried to walk, but it was useless. Her intention was to dismiss the subject, but as she tried to take a step her legs missed her. But Kino was faster, grabbing her by the shoulders to stop her from falling.

Ari tensed, clearly she was commiting mistake after mistake.

(He must be angry, I’m ruining this before starting) Ari lamented and as she desperately looked for an explanation to give to Kino, she felt he guided her to the nearest chair.

As soon as she took a seat, she felt a little better as there wasn’t any risk of falling and embarrassing herself.

A short silence followed, Ari was trying to calm herself and she had to be fast: every minute counting.

“Better?” Kino then interrupted her thoughts.

“I-I’m sorry…” she apologized.

“What happened to you? You are trembling and pale”.

“I-I…It w-won’t happen again” Ari stated “I’m doing better now”.

“Answer me,” Kino warned her.

Ari opened and closed her mouth. Then she looked down to her hands on her skirt.

“I-I…I’m very nervous” she admitted “It’s very hard for me… doing this type of thing. I-It’s simply too much!” She admitted as she closed her eyes in defeat.

It was true: Ari was never good in any type of social gathering. Lately, she forced herself to do it and it was manageable since they were small and somehow insignificant reunions with a few people. But tonight it was different: it meant the difference between ascending to higher social circles or social suicide. If it was only her life at risk, she would have been able to handle the pressure much better… but she had to carry the weight of other lives as well. It was simply too much. And she couldn’t expect Kino to understand it.

“You’ve been studying for a month now. You have practiced a lot, what is it that is making you nervous?” Kino asked.

“I-I can’t help it…!” Ari replied “I-I’m not good at socializing as you”.

Ari knew she had to recover, each minute passing by was going against them.

“If you can't do it naturally, then fake it”.

At his words, Ari finally looked at him. He looked determined as if what he stated was obvious.

“F-Fake it?”

“Yes, you have to fake it”

“W-Why?”

“Even if we both know that this is false” he said as he pointed between them, referring to their contract “you are here now as the partner of a duke, therefore you have to act as such”.

“I-I!”

“You have to fake it. Fake it until you believe it” he stated “Act as a duchess, as tonight you are not the daughter of a marquis but my partner”.

Ari’s eyes wided. He meant every word he said and he was right in a way.

(Is he… trying to cheer me up?) Ari thought, but soon discharging the idea (Somehow it makes me remember the phrase that says ”tell a lie many times, until it becomes a reality”).

Ari lowered her face and closed her eyes for a moment. Lately, she has become good at pretending… she just had to continue as she had been doing so far.

(I can do this… they all depend on me… I can’t let them down!) she thought.

Ari opened her eyes and finally stood up.

“Good” Kino said as he saw her “Let’s go”.

Ari nodded and took his arm just like before. They walked towards the entrance and entered as soon as they heard they had been announced.

The dining hall, where the dinner would be healed, was just as beautiful as the exterior and even the hall they had come from. A long table with gorgeous flower centerpieces and tableware. Hanging by the rook, elegant chandeliers that gave light to the room with subtable music playing in the background. Many guests were chatting between each other eagerly, passionate conversations could be heard everywhere especially regarding art. Soon a voice announced the newly arrived guests and everyone turned their attention to them.

Ari looked at the considerable amount of people gathered and she felt observed. All their eyes were on them and she felt they followed their every move, judging them or even grading them. Ari gulped a knot that formed on her throat and tightened her grasp on her lifted skirt. They entered the room and soon a group of nobles surrounded them.

“I’m so glad you decided to join us, your grace and my lady!” a young lady was the first one to exclaim.

“I agree! You are the guests of honor tonight!” someone else exclaimed.

“I’m so grateful I was invited tonight! I knew I had to come when I heard you were joining us!” some other said.

Ari smiled and greeted each one of them and by the end she felt drained. Ari wanted to disappear in an isolated corner of the room and go unnoticed, but she couldn’t. Kino was keeping her by his side at all times, she could imagine herself like those children that keep their favorite toy with them at all times under their arm. However, Ari was sneaky, especially when it came to getting away from situations she doesn’t want to be in. At one point, all some started discussing the best strategy to hunt as some guests invited were having their debut next season. Naturally Kino was the center of the attention and was giving out some advice to them and some uninterested guests in the topic decided to excuse themselves, Ari took that chance to escape. Ari felt drained and decided to take a seat to charge the social battery. As if a magnet, soon another group of ladies join her and started to attack her with many questions.

“Lady Ariadna! Please tell us, what you felt when his grace dedicated his victory to you?” ask one.

“Lady Ariadna, what was the first thing you liked about his grace?”

“Lady Ariadna, what is your favorite thing to do with his grace?”

“Lady Ariadna, has his grace given you any present?”

“Lady Ariadna, have you…?”

Ari felt overwhelmed with some many questions. She answered them as she had practice so the story was credible. Yet, somehow she felt annoyed that every question was centered on Kino and not her, they were more interested in him rather than her. However, Ari thought it couldn’t be helped, after all he had made sure every time he was the star by assessing his best qualities… it was when they were alone he showed his real self. So Ari decided to continue and answer the most naturally practiced those answers that they had established. Just as Ari was worried they might ask something that might require a deeper or different type of answer, the butler at the entrance announced the arrival of the Wolfgang duke and duchess.

The couple were in their 40’s, however they looked well conserved. The duchess was elegant in both the way she moved and the way she dressed. Her dark brown hair with strains of white hair neatly tied in a long braid and her wine dress. Her hazel almond eyes, although they started showing signs of the pass of time, were sharp and captivating. She wore a modest smile as she descended the stairs by the arm of her husband, the duke. Just like his wife, he wore a crimson suit with his golden medals adorning it. His already gray hair also neatly arranged for the occasion, wore a small smile and his brown eyes focused on his guests now present in his home. Ari was impressed at their appearances, but regarding their beauty she could sense the strictness that she has heard about them. When they arrived at the bottom of the stairs everyone bowed in respect, and as part of the protocol the dukes greeted their guests one by one. Ari stood next to Kino, the difference was that Kino was perfectly calmed and Ari was a nervous wreck. She was trying to hide how she trembled, constantly drying her sweaty hand on her dress skirt and concentrating on the greeting she had to give. Kino must have sensed her nervousness and simply grabbed her hand, making Ari interrupt her tormented thoughts. Just in time for her to notice the dukes had just arrived in front of them to greet them.

“Your graces” Kino was the first one to greet them with a short bow of his head.

“Your grace” the duke Wolfgang did the same.

“Your graces” Ari followed with a bow.

“Lady Ariadna” the duchess then answered with a short bow of her head, showing the difference in status.

“We’re really grateful to be invited to your presence, your graces” Ari said very politely.

“Thank you for coming” the duchess replied.

“We have heard a lot about you two, so naturally we wanted to get to know you better” the duke commented somehow with a humorous tone.

“The pleasure is all ours,” Kino replied with a charming smile.

“Well! Now that we are all gathered, shall we get dinner?” the duke announced, this time for everyone.

All the guests took a place in the huge table already set. Once everyone was seated, the servants started serving the first dish and filled the glasses with sparkling champagne. Ari was never fond of alcoholic beverages, so she ignored her drink. Instead she focused on her food and followed all the set of rules she had to for the night to be a success. As she was focused on her food, soon the guests started talking and soon the table had a lively atmosphere. The duchess made time to have a small chat with all the guests, making sure no one felt excluded. Soon, she heard the duke was chatting with Kino about hunting. Although the conversation had happened before, Kino didn’t seem to care to repeat it and Ari guessed it was because he wanted to earn the favor of the duke. The duke was impressed by Kino's ability to hunt an ozlet and so Kino shared his technique for the next time the duke decided to hunt himself. In the meantime, Ari felt bored and anxious. She was surrounded by strangers and was worried people might ask her things she couldn't answer and ruin all the process they have made so far in the event.

“Say, Lady Ariadna” soon Ari’s nightmare became true when she heard the duchess directing her attention to her.

“Yes, your grace?” she answered.

“Are you having a good time?”

“Oh! Very much your grace!”

“It doesn’t seem like it, Lady Ariadna”

Ari felt the air soon turned serious. Ari wondered if she had accidentally offended the duchess and soon turned her attention to her.

“I-Is not like that, your grace!” Ari felt herself stuttering, a bad sign since it meant her control was fluctuating.

“I comment it, since you haven’t spoken at all” the duchess pointed out, her tone always serious not fully revealing what she might be thinking.

“Oh… I mean, I prefer to listen first and then express my opinion” Ari tried to excuse herself.

“So you haven’t found the need to intervene? Could it be that you might find this dinner boring?”

Ari felt she was stepping into a minefield. She found herself in a situation where everything she might say would be used against her… but she had no idea how she got herself in that situation.

“Not at all! It's just that I was very concerned about the delicious food, that’s all!”

“Lady Ariadna Koizumi. The youngest daughter of Lord Koizumi, youngest sister of Lady Akane Koizumi” the duchess started talking “I had the pleasure of meeting you sister”.

“Y-Yes, some time ago”

“Your sister… She's such a brilliant lady. Her conversations were very delightful, her vast knowledge in the fine arts was impressive”.

“I agree, your grace!” another lady by the table soon interfered “Each time she spoke, everyone listened to her! No matter which masterpiece we spoke of, she had a brilliant observation regarding it!”

“She mentioned herself that her favorite art was that of paintings. Her grace herself showed her her personal collection and she enriched us with all she knew about each piece!” someone else said.

“I-I see…” Ari commented, feeling a little weird.

“To think that her younger sister is all the contrary to her…” suddenly the duchess mentioned.

Ari’s eyes widened, feeling a knot on her stomach.

“It would seem like Lady Ariadna is more reserved” the duchess said “that or she isn’t fond of arts like her older sister is”.

Ari felt like her heart went cold. Somehow, it made her remember that sensation she hadn’t felt for a while now. It was a small pain that went unnoticed for her, but it was still there. The feeling of being compared.

Ari remembered that this pain, she had been carrying it even from her past life. That strange feeling that you are constantly compared by your oldest sister, even if it wasn’t openly or directly said it was implied. She remembered that Akane, her sister from her previous life, was just like the actual Lady Akane. They both were brilliant, always eager for more knowledge and therefore constantly studying to acquire it. Both were so smart, that those that had the chance to meet them, would be impressed. They weren’t afraid of expressing themselves, not caring if their opinions would be liked or not. Passion overflowing their interests, making everyone that listens to them be enchanted as well. They were highly respected as well, because they had good grades and also a strong character. They were strong, independent, logical… and even prettier than her. Everyone praised them, and indirectly expected the same from her. Ari was all the contrary to them and felt that once they knew them both, they compared them and always prefered Akane over her. Not to mention, the fact that in this life, Akane caught more attention since she was the heiress of Iberitia while her not. Ari couldn’t help but feel devastated.

“It can’t be helped then” the duchess ended the conversation and turned her attention to another guest. Ari felt she had ruined everything, she felt like everyone was staring and making fun of her. She even refused to look towards Kino’s direction. She could imagine his expression: surely he must be angry that she messed up her opportunity. She felt she had to hide, so she stood up and discreetly left to the toilet. Once she was there, she crumbled on the floor as soon as she closed the door. She hugged her knees to her chest and concentrated on her breathing and heartbeat. She had to compose herself, but she felt so humiliated. This was the first time she felt explicitly compared with Akane and surely she didn’t know what to do about it.

(Surely Kino must have realized his mistake by choosing me as his partner…) Ari thought (I just made my debut, but before and after it I’m not somebody in this empire to be useful for him. Thanks for tonight’s failure, all people’s lives are more in danger than before…).

Ari wanted to cry, to leave and ran home and locked herself in her room. Hopefully, she would be able to wake up back to her previous life: safe and in peace. But she swallowed her tears, since they wouldn’t fix anything plus they could ruin her makeup and that would be another problem.

After what she felt like a long time, she stood up and breathed in and out to calm herself. Even if she felt desperate, she had to make it till the end of the dinner. She had to, otherwise…

She soon stepped out of the restroom and walked slowly back to the dining room. As she was making her way back, mentally preparing for the rest of the dinner, she saw a room slightly open and light coming from it. Ari was going to ignore it, but suddenly a small melody was heard and she recognized it immediately. Ari stopped in front of it and after a minute she doubtfully opened the door and found it empty. She could have sworn that she heard a melody, but just as she thought it was her imagination, she saw what seemed like a small music box by the table at the center of the room. Ari got closer and found it extremely curious and pretty. It looked antique, but that didn't stop it from being lovely and delicate. Ari wanted to listen to the melody once again, but couldn't find the key or any mechanism for it to work. Just as she was about to leave, she heard a small sound coming from behind her and saw that the curtain suspiciously looked bulky. Ari looked down and saw that behind the curtain a pair of shoes could be seen, it was when Ari understood that someone was hiding… or more like trying to hide.

Ari didn’t know if she should act as she didn't notice the person behind the curtain, call out that person or simply leave the room. Ari simply chose the last option and decided to leave, when she noticed a different sound: whimpers. Ari could hear clearly that the person behind the curtain was sad and possibly crying. She felt her heart tightening, she couldn’t possibly leave and act as nothing has happened when clearly someone was crying. At least, she could ask this person if it was ok.

Ariadna took a deep breath and hesitantly reached where the bulge curtain was standing.

"E-Excuse me… is everything alright?" Ari asked in front of the person.

She heard the person gasping and trembled as if they were discovered and were scared.

"I-I won't hurt you! I was just wondering if there's anything I could do for you! T-That's all!" She tried to explain her intentions.

The person kept trembling and Ari thought it could have been best to leave the poor person alone. Ari thought that the least thing that person might have wanted was to be discovered if it was hiding.

"I-I'm sorry for the intrusion…" Ari said with a small sigh and turned around to leave.

As she was making her way outside, her foot stepped on what seemed like a tiny key. She picked it up.

“B-Before I leave, I think I found a key,” Ari mentioned.

As if she had said the best news in the world, the hidden person soon uncovered and ran to her encounter.

“Y-You found it!” the person said “Oh! I thought I had lost it!”.

Ari finally got to see the face of that person. It turned out that it was a young lady, Ari could even dare to say she was younger than her. Her small complexion made her look frail and gave a shy aura. Her straight red hair was neatly tied in a half ponytail and it reached up to her waist and had almond shaped hazel eyes. She wore a dark red dress with tiny black details and she wore a simple necklace with a teardrop-like pearl.

(She’s definitely a noble, but I wonder what she was doing here by herself) Ari thought as she saw her excitement over the tiny key she gave to her.

“Thank you miss… I really thought I had lost it” the girl shyly explained as she calmed down.

“It must be something really precious to you ma'am” Ari commented.

“It is… my grandma gave it to me…” the girl said. She turned around as if realizing Ari was still there, instantly blushed and going silent.

Ari didn’t know what to say either, but her eyes laid on the little box on the girl's hands.

“Is it a music box?” Ari asked shyly.

“D-Do you know them?” the girl asked, seemingly surprised.

“Yes, I liked them a lot” Ari said as she smiled “I used to have some, but I don’t anymore”.

Ari thought back on her previous life when she used to collect some music boxes she brought back during some of her trips. She used to enjoy watching them and make them play their melodies, it was such a sweet sensation.

“Some people,” the girl’s voice interrupted Ari’s thoughts, “think these kinds of things are not fit for a lady. That is a granny thing and so… I get embarrassed when someone finds it out”.

Ari looked at her and saw her sad face. She knew that sensation quite well, some people don't like what you do and tend to tease you about it.

“I see… Well, I like them” Ari said with a kind smile.

“Y-You do?” the girl asked, surprised.

“Yep! Although I don’t have one anymore, I used to enjoy seeing them and listening to their melodies even before going to bed!”

The girl smiled.

“Would you mind letting me listen to the melody?” Ari asked shyly.

The girl looked at her and nodded. She inserted the key and slowly lifted the lid. The melody was sweet and tender, it had a romantic tone to it and the effect of the mechanisms of the music box gave it a jingle almost like a fairytale. Once the music ceased, Ari saw that the red-haired girl looked calmed, she looked dreamingly and adoringly to the tiny box on her hands, as her treasure.

“Absolutely beautiful! I bet you sleep soundly every night!” Ari commented with excitement.

“I do…” the girl answered Ari.

Their little conversation came to an end when Ari heard at the distance how the orchestra started playing. Ari knew she had to go back to the dinner, but she rather stayed where she was.

“I think we should go ba–” Ari didn’t finish when she saw the poor girl had a scared face

The girl took her hands to her chest as she trembled.

“A-Are you ok?” Ari got close to the girl just in time as she almost lost balance. Ari caught her and helped her sit on the nearest chair.

“I-I don’t like b-being around so many people,” the girl said. “B-But I’m expected to do it constantly. M-My mom… s-she expects me to act properly a-and I-I don’t want to d-disapppoint her”.

Ari nodded, encouraging her to continue.

“E-Everyone is so good at interacting, b-but I’m not!”

Ari nodded, understanding.

“Well… I’m not good at it either”.

The girl opened her eyes in awe.

“Just like you, people expect me to act according to the situation. To be a proper lady at all times” Ari explained “I understand the pressure you feel”.

The girl seemed like a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders, like she was finally understood. Ari also understood that feeling: being heard without being judged. To find out that you are not the only one going through something. That girl must have needed to hear that she wasn’t alone.

“B-But people will talk!” the girl said, anxiously “I can’t afford to let people down”.

“Not everyone is good at everything. Besides, it’s impossible to please everyone… if you try, there will always be one that you won’t please”.

“W-Who?”

“You. You’ll bring yourself down, by pleasing everyone else” Ari stated.

The girl opened her mouth, but no words came out. She seemed to understand Ari’s words.

The girl’s eyes filled with tears and some tears fell for them. Ari placed her hand as a sign of comfort, allowing her to cry. Ari could try to guess she felt a weight being lifted from her shoulders.

(She thinks she has to be perfect. I don’t know how much pressure is put upon her, but I hope she can work on it).

After some minutes, the girl seemed to have calmed down and then asked.

“Then… what should I do?” the girl asked, defeated.

Ari thought for a moment and then answered.

“That depends on what you want: if you want, you can work on yourself to be more comfortable in social gatherings or you can stay the way you are and use it in your favor” Ari finally stated.

The girl seemed less tense after Ari’s statement. She also seemed deep in thought, but somehow calmer that a few minutes ago. Ari kept her company until she was ready to decide what to do next. They kept each other company, no pressure nor hurry to make a decision. Ari felt the girl needed time to put her thoughts in order or just to calm down and Ari had no hurry to go back. Besides, the girl seemed to just need company and someone to listen to her, that’s all.

“I-I want to work on my social skills. I want to be someone to be comfortable around people… that’s what I want” the girl finally stated with resolve.

“Sure! I’m sure you’ll make it!” Ari cheered for her.

The girl felt Ari’s excitement contagious and finally a tender smile appeared on her face. Ari didn’t insist on returning to the gathering, instead allowing the girl to continue talking about more trivial things for a while. Ari was enjoying their conversation, but she knew she had to go back to the dinner and make Kino company.

“I’m sorry ma’am, but I have to go now. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance” Ari said her goodbye with a proper bow.

“T-The pleasure was all mine” the girl almost jumped to answer her bow. “I-If you’ll allow me”.

The girl then took a tiny bell from her pocket and made it ring. After some minutes a light knock was heard at the door and soon a maid appeared.

“Did you call, ma’am?” the maid asked.

“P-Please scort her where she needs to go,” the girl ordered the maid.

“Of course. Where do you have to go ma’am?” the maid asked Ari this time.

“Back to the dining room, please” Ari answered.

“Understood. I’ll ask another maid to guide ma’am back to her room then” the maid said, but then the girl spoke.

“I-I want to join mother’s dinner t-this time!”

Both Ari and the maid opened their eyes in awe at the girl’s words.

“A-Are you sure ma’am?” the maid couldn’t contain her surprise as she asked her.

“Y-Yes! That if I-I’m allowed of course” the girl answered.

“You're more than welcome ma’am! Your graces are always hoping for ma’am to join!”

Ari was still in shock, so she had to interrupt to ask.

“S-Sorry, but… did you say ‘mother’s dinner’?”

The girl spun around and nodded.

“Yes, my lady. Ma’am Amelie is their graces’ only daughter” the maid answered on the girl’s behalf.

“A-Amelie? A-Are you perhaps…?”

“That’s right: Ma’am Amelie Wolfgang, the wolf’s clan only hairess”.

Ari felt panic. Did she just spend time with the dukes’daughter!? She was worried she might have offended her in any way or maybe broken some sort of protocol by spending time without permission with a member of the Wolfgang family.

“I-I’m so sorry! I had no idea! I apologize for any disrespectful action on my behalf or words I may have said towards you, your grace!” Ari bowed deeply ashamed she didn’t know the girl that turned out to be a future duchess.

“P-Please don’t be! I thought you knew!” Amelie replied also panicked “However… I’m glad you didn’t know”.

“H-Huh?”

“Y-You didn’t treat me diffently and t-that made me happy” Amelie stated.

Ari didn’t know what to say.

“You see my lady, ma’am Amelie is quite shy. She never joins her parent’s reunions due to this, no matter how hard she tries. She always tried to gather enough courage to join everyone with no success.” the maid continued explaining “She was struggling in this room when I left to get ma’am some water. When I came back, she was having such a lively conversation with you my lady that I had no courage to interrupt you. Thank you very much to give her grace Amelie some company”.

“A-Also… t-thank you for treating me with no protocols! I get so nervous when people refer to me so formally!” Amelie added.

Ari raised her face and saw both the maid and Amelie smiling at her. Ari felt relieved and smiled as well.

“Thank you then, your grace” Ari said.

“N-Now… i-if you don’t mind, c-could you please a-accompany me…to mama’s dinner?” Amelie asked.

“Sure! We’ll give each other mutual support!” Ari agreed excitedly.

They both exited the room following the kind maid. Ari felt more sure having Amelie by her side, as knowing at least someone else was going through the same thing.

(Being an introvert sure is hard… she must feel so pressured as the next heiress…) Ari thought.

Soon they arrived and the doors opened. Everyone stared with shock on their faces at the newly arrived ladies. Ari felt her nervousness again forming at the pitch of her stomach, however she felt Amelie next to her tighten her grip on her. Ari knew she had to stay strong in order to bring comfort to Amelie, she was older and she was the one that encouraged her in the first place back in the room.

“It’s ok. We are in this together” Ari told Amelie only loud enough for her to listen.

Amelie nodded and they both entered the room one next to the other. The guests moved aside as they advanced and Ari could hear them whispering. But she ignored them, trying to stay strong for Amelie.

“Amelie?” they heard someone calling her.

When they turned around, there they were the duke and duchess. Behind them was Kino as well and Ari felt a knot forming at her throat not sure what he might be thinking. The dukes looked surprised, surely due to Amelie’s presence. Ari was looking for anything to say to help Amelie, but Amelie spoke first.

“Mother… father…” Amelie seemed unsure on how to react or say.

“You came! Amelie, you finally decided to join us!” the duchess broke all etiquette and approached Amelie, soon hugging her. Amelie didn’t oppose resistence and seeked her mother’s comfort. Ari smiled and she saw them expressing their love. Ari’s felt reliev her suspects of the duchess being hard on her daughter turned out not to be true. The duchess seemed more happy for Amelie’s presence than anything else. Even the duke was smiling at the developing escene and even the environment seems somehow warmer.

“Mom is so proud of you my dear Amelie” the duchess praised Amelie as they broke their hug. She even petted Amelie’s head in a soft and loving way.

“T-Thank you mommy… I’m sorry it took me so long” Amelie said worriedly.

“You’re here and that’s all that matters” the duchess reassured her “What made you decide to join us tonight dear?”

“T-This lady here… found me and gave me good advice. S-She also made me company until I gathered courage” Amelie explained, referring to Ariadna.

The duchess looked at Ari and with a grateful smile, she said:

“Thank you… I don’t know how to repay you”.

“T-There’s no need! It was all Lady Amelie’s merit, I just happened to pass by! E-Everyone would have done the same!” Ari said as she felt her face blushing.

The duke then took a step earning the guest’s attention towards himself.

“My friends, some of you may not know, but my beloved daughter is quite shy. She had not made her debut as she’s still young and so she didn’t join any event… until now. As you can guess, this is a very important event for us as a family and for that we are grateful you were all part of this joyous event. Please may you have patience towards my daughter, asking you as a father rather than the wolf’s clan leader. Now, shall we continue to celebrate?”

Everyone cheered and soon the music started playing once again. Ari felt less pressured not having everyone’s stares on them, feeling grateful for the duke’s intervention.

“Lady Ariadna” soon Ari heard someone calling for her. Finding the duchess in front of her.

“Y-Yes, your grace?” Ari cautiously said.

“Would you join my daughter and me to take some tea somewhere more private?”

Amelie behind the duchess had expectant eyes waiting for Ari’s reply.

“Sure!” Ari agreed and they made their way to a more private corner in the dining room. The duchess mobilized some servants to arrange a small table and three chairs for them to have some tea in private. They were extremely fast and soon the three of them sat enjoying a steamy cup of tea.

“Would you like some sugar, Lady Ariadna?” the duchess asked.

“Yes, please”.

“I think the tea will go just nicely with some cookies, mom” Amelie commented “I’ll tell a maid to bring us some”.

Amelie stood and went to do as she said, leaving Ari alone with the duchess. Ari felt tense, but soon the duchess broke the silence.

“I want to thank you once again for what you did today, lady Ariadna”

“O-Oh! Please, there’s no need, your grace”.

“I must insist, Lady Ariadna. I’m afraid that what you accomplished tonight is something really remarkable”.

“I-It’s not like that. I just happened to pass by really”.

“Yet, you decided to do something. Someone else might have continued minding their own business” the duchess pointed out “And you managed to establish a conversation with my shy daughter and you even convinced her to join us, you did what I have been trying to do for years now”.

Ari went silent. She really didn’t have any idea it meant that much.

“My daughter… gets so anxious regarding social gatherings to the point that she panics and is even unable to breath or move” the duchess continued “No one since the day she was old enough to assist, have had the opportunity to see even a glimpse of her since no one was able to suceed to convince her to join us…until now. As the future heiress of the clan, it is very important for her to create contacts and relationships and build a good image as well. However, she always struggled and it got into a point where I almost gave up trying”.

Ari then understood: the duchess tried pushing Amelie to open more for her own good, but Amelie had it hard being so shy. Amelie might have thought she was being a disgrace or making her parents ashamed due to her inability to properly socialize.

“I wonder if I failed as a mother…”

Ari gathered her courage and spoke.

“I don't think you failed as a mother, your grace”.

The duchess looked at her.

“You tried to encourage her grace Amelie to open more in your own way. You did so for her well being, but maybe there was a tiny misunderstanding between you two”.

“How did you do it? How were you able to convince her to join us?”

“To be honest… Her grace Amelie, is similar to me”.

The duchess’ eyes widened slightly.

“I also have a hard time interacting in social gatherings… to act accordingly and it means a lot of effort on my behalf to attend. I’m expected to do so and I force myself to act like a lady of my age and status. Of course, I’m slowly getting used to it, but it is still hard. So I understood her grace Amelie a little more. I just told her what works for me”.

The duchess closed her eyes and smiled, understanding the situation.

“I see… then I’m glad she found someone that could understand her situation and help her. Thank you”.

Ari smiled and this time accepted the duchess’ words.

“Also… I’m sorry. A while ago, I think I placed you in an uncomfortable situation. I hope you believe me when I tell you that it wasn’t my intention. I saw you so silent that I thought talking about your sister might help you join the conversation somehow. I think I caused you some grief since you retired almost right away. My sincere apologies”.

Ari felt moved. So the duchess wasn’t trying to compare her with Akane, rather trying to make her join the rest.

“It’s ok… thank you, your grace”.

“Mom! My lady! I bought the cookies!” Amelie came followed by a maid with a tray of cookies.

The three sat and talked a little longer, like having a party on their own. Not so far away, the duke observed the three ladies. He looked pleased looking at his daughter and wife having a good time after so long with Lady Ariadna.

Soon he was approached by Kino who saw the developing scene as well.

"I must admit I wasn't expecting anything from this dinner, your grace" the Wolfgang duke said. "Yet the young lady achieved something we couldn’t. I'm impressed".

"I'm sure my lady will be pleased when she listens to this," Kino replied.

There was a brief silence and the duke one again added.

"You got yourself a nice lady" he commented "you should take care of her”.

“I’ll take your advice into consideration, your grace” Kino agreed.

“Someone like her is always a good influence for those around her” the duke commented.

Kino smirked.

“I think that her grace Amelie and Lady Ariadna, would greatly benefit from being around each other, don’t you think your grace?”

The duke looked at him, interested.

“Indeed, a friendship between them would be really beneficial. What do you have in mind?”

“How about we discussed the details in private?”

The duke nodded and both gentlemen exited the room, without anyone noticing.

Ariadna was tired. As soon as the dinner was over, the dukes announced the end of the event and graded it as a great success. They personally said their goodbyes and once the carriage door closed, Ari laid in her seat. Her feet were killing her due to her high heels and she was feeling undigested due to all the cookies she ate as she enjoyed her own private reunion with Amelie and the duchess. Sure some people gave their greetings and she saw many guests looking her way with somee respect. Ari was only greatful everytthing was over.

“Did you have fun?” Kino asked, somehow amused by Ari’s reaction.

“I did… but it’s no fun afterwards. I feel all the tiredness hit me as soon as we went outside” Ari explained.

“Is that so?”

“Do you extroverts never get tired of socializing?”

“I never get tired actually”.

“I can hardly believe that”.

“Do you get tired? What a shame~ You must be jealous then”

“Not at all. Even if what you say is true, you would never know what it feels to enjoy a good rest after a hard day's work”.

“Talking about work… you did a good job back then, I’m pleased”.

Ari straightened up and looked at him with surprise. He sure looked pleased, a smile was visible in his face and his eyes matched it. Ari felt somehow relieved and happy.

“You proved to me you're worth keeping alive, keep it up” he said as he turned around with an arrogant smile towards the window.

Ari pouted, why did he have to ruin the mood? But… taking that unnecessary comment aside… It was the first time Kino actually praised her. She was glad that her small accident turned out to be a good thing, for not just Amelie, but for her and all the lives that depended on her.

When they arrived at her usual destination, Ari felt a string of pain due to the blisters that formed due to her shoes.

Ari whined silently as she took a step outside the carriage, but she wanted to leave as soon as possible to rest. Yet Kino was perceptive and he looked at her, Ari bit her lip and hoped he wouldn’t mention it.

“Is something the matter?”

“Not at all!" Ari almost rushed to the carriage that was waiting for her "See you next time, your grace".

Kino didn’t seem convinced, but only nodded.

Both carriages parted ways and soon Ari was back home.

Once in her room and ready for bed, she was finally able to relax.

(Such a tiring day. Thankfully it all turned well) Ari thought as she sighed (Still… I can't let my guard down. I bet this won't be the last event of this sort I'll have to attend).

Ari then looked at her desk and saw a letter resting by it, ready to be sent.

(I don't think this is working. So far I haven't received any type of reply and most of my letters were either lost or were never returned. This is not an efficient way… I have to think of something else).

So far, things have been working for Kino, so he saw Ari as useful, which is exactly what she intended to keep those innocents involved safe. Yet, Ari couldn’t help but think, just for how long will she be able to protect them this way? When will it be that Kino will stop needing her and dispose of her and the rest of her people? Once that happens, will the story repeat itself like in the original novel and he'll dispose of not just her but all Iberitia?

As these thoughts invidaded, suddenly an idea popped into her head.

(Wait a minute… Now that I think about it: in the original novel, Kino managed to earn everyone's trust with his charisma. He first 'helped' his brothers and his plans worked perfectly. Then, at a certain point he plotted against his own plans to ruin them and nobody was able to suspect him. He basically managed to build his plan from the inside, within the heart of where the story developed. He took the phrase: 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' to the extreme… The difference was he never saw his brothers or anyone really as his friends, not even as allies).

Ari soon stopped her tracks.

(What if… I do as Kino did? If I managed to earn Kino's trust by helping him with anything he needs… I might be able to know in advance what he's planning. Then, I can ruin his plans just like he did! Of course it is risky and I have to be very careful and sneaky for Kino not to find out… but it is the only plan I have so far. But for that… I need to make Kino trust me and for that I need to obey him. I need to make him think I'm not a threat. That way I'll know his plans and stop him! I think it is a good plan…).

Ari went to her bed and after laying down and tucked under her covers. She then saw the tiny calendar she had by her night desk.

(There’s still time until the Star’s festival. I need to be able to change the fate before the oracle gives the prophecy… before the crimson moon festival. Things need to change by then…).

Ari slowly closed her eyes and hoped next time she sees Kino, she’ll be able to put into action her new plan, before it’s too late.

Mun Ari: Oh dear… this chapter sure took some time. College felt so heavy these past 3 months. I felt so tired and the only thing I wanted was to have a tiny moment to rest. Believe it or not, whenever I had a tiny break or I got slightly bored during class I would write a little bit. Sadly I only managed to write a couple of sentences in the best scenario. Anyway, I hope you like it and see you soon!!!

#ariadnassecretdiary #under this damn contract #inside ariadna’s diary #ariadna koizumi martínez #ariadnaxkino #manhwa inspired story #thanks for reading!!#mun ari's crappy writing #diabolik lovers latino #diabolik lovers oc

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