[Ding—]
[Warning! Due to malicious tampering by the current character, the main plot has severely deviated. A new narrative chapter is being generated for you.]
[Warning: Current main plot deviation is at 51%.]
[Warning: To protect the integrity of the Narrative Realm, if the plot deviation exceeds 60%, the Narrative Guardian Protocol will be initiated.]
Narrative Spirit?
Those two long-lost words made Vivienne feel as though she had been transported back several years.
"Vivienne?"
She looked down at The Ritual Brazier by her feet, her eyes reflecting the vibrant orange flames.
Talia looked confused, a touch of concern breaking through her beaming smile. "What's wrong?"
Vivienne slowly snapped out of it, looking up. Inside Obsidian Estate, everyone was smiling. Even Dorian looked uncharacteristically warm and approachable.
"What are you waiting for? Step over the brazier to wash away the bad luck and bring peace."
Caspian had specifically signed The Twenty-One Point Accord on Bilateral Relations before returning, and had even highlighted The Flora Initiative just to protect Vivienne. This unparalleled favoritism had once again shattered the Ravenshire family's understanding of just how favored she was.
The moment the international broadcast ended, Dorian, Leander, Lucian, and Benedict immediately rushed to the courthouse to pick her up.
It took ages to clear the massive crowd outside. Ultimately, the media captured the entire Ravenshire dynasty turning out in full force to welcome the official Princess of Stormhollow home.
The group returned to the estate in high spirits. The managers had prepared The Ritual Brazier and Pomelo Leaf Water exactly as Dorian had ordered, ensuring every tradition was honored.
Vivienne smiled and stepped over the tongues of fire.
Dorian was about to speak, but Talia smoothly cut him off. "Marissa, Vivienne is exhausted. Take her back to Vellmont Lodge to rest. Grandpa will be home tonight, and if he sees his precious granddaughter looking this drained, we're all going to catch hell for it."
Dorian's expression stiffened slightly, but he forced a smile. "Since you're home, don't dwell on the past. Go rest up."
Everyone claimed the Ravenshire daughters were precious, but aside from Caspian, the secondary branch only saw them as pawns for political marriages.
Bianca looked toward the Main Hall again. The Doors of the Twelve Flora Maidens had been firmly shut from the inside.
No one cared if they were missing.
Aurelia turned her wheelchair around. "We'll get there. Someday, we'll walk through those doors with our heads held high."
*
Inside the Main Hall, the scent of rich tea filled the air.
Dorian sat at the head of the table. "Talia, why did Vivienne's courtroom defense completely contradict what we agreed upon? If you were going to change the plan, shouldn't you have informed the rest of us?"
Talia couldn't be bothered to engage. She smiled silently and took a sip of her tea.
Seeing her ignore him, Dorian turned to Alaric. "Alaric, don't blame me for nagging, but your father's golden gun is an honor of the highest magnitude. One wrong move, and his lifelong legacy could be dragged through the mud. You should have consulted with us before making such a massive decision."

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