Chapter 143: The Maiden of Thorns
The ride back to the Moore mansion was silent, as Edith kept sulking incessantly. She was displeased with Isabella, who showed no hint of regret or remorse for what she had done to Edmond, and seemed almost proud of her actions.
The Blacks and the De Clares have always been bitter rivals, and even though every noble house fears the Blacks, the De Clares are the only ones who openly defy them. The lore of each house states that they have always been so for no apparent reason, and like any traditional house, what was once an enemy will forever remain an enemy. Even the relationship between Isabella and Edith was only smoothed by Vivian’s wholesome friendship.
This explains why Edmond started trouble with Isabella when he was trying to prove himself, and why Isabella took it too far to humiliate him in return. Still, Isabella’s actions were highly criticized once they were discovered, and her father compensated House Black personally by sending them a few sets of masculine suits fit for Edmond in a mocking gesture. As for Isabella, she was sent on a vacation to study fashion in Velleux.
The De Clares, however, were too noble to turn this into a scandal, and the Blacks decided not to cause a scene in order to keep it a secret. Even Edith, Edmond’s younger sister, was unaware of such events.
Edith was greatly angered to learn, after all that time, that Edmond had largely avoided attending the academy in his first and second years because of the situation with Isabella. However, there was nothing she could do or say, as her brother was in the wrong for getting himself into serious trouble with someone as cunning and ruthless as Isabella.
Eventually, the ride had to end. They arrived back at the Moore mansion and met with Vivian, who was sitting alone in the drawing room, relaxing with a book in her hand, seemingly enjoying the past couple of hours, as they somehow seemed more peaceful than before.
Once they walked in on her, Vivian pushed herself up to meet them, but her stomach started cramping, and she almost lost her balance before hurriedly supporting herself on the chair’s armrest.
"Hey! Are you alright?" Edith said as she supported Vivian from the right.
"I am. Don’t worry! Just some damage that hasn’t healed yet."
Isabella helped Edith sit Vivian down and looked intently at her, examining her face with concern. As she was stretching some of Vivian’s skin with her thumbs to check for any wrinkles, she spoke: