C2 Her Request

"You look so stunning, Lady Elizabeth," Melrose complimented Sophia.

They both stared into the whole body mirror. Sophia looked like one of those Disney Princesses. Her tube gown is purple with black laces—but she's having trouble breathing because of the corset. She is wearing black gloves, which are up to her elbow in its length; her earrings and necklace's pendant are black tourmaline; her shoewear is silver stilettos.

'Should I just call myself a villain princess? I am closer to look like one.'

Almost all of Elizabeth's dresses and gowns are in dark colors, and Sophia doesn't like them especially its designs. Maybe because she is from the modern era, her fashion standards are completely different from the ladies of medieval times.

"Does this family hired a designer?" She asked Melrose. The way she speaks, you can easily tell that she is not in a brighter mood. While examining her reflection in the mirror, Sophia's mood only worsens.

"Yes, milady," Melrose answered her question.

"Set an appointment to that designer. Tell him we are going to have discussions regarding the designs I wanted to change into new ones."

"I will, milady," she responded reverently.

They walked out of the room. Many servants stopped on what they were doing to give their respects to Elizabeth. They could not look at her eyes out of trepidation. Sophia feels a little weird but she can't do anything about it. She can't blame them either, they were once victims of Elizabeth's exasperation.

'I guess I needed to fix things everything in here first. I will take care of them after finishing my engagement problem.'

Sophia feels uncomfortable if someone is afraid of her. She decided to shall earn their trust so that they can be at ease whenever she's around.

"Announce my attendance," Sophia told the head butler standing in front of Duke's office.

"Duke White is expecting for you, milady," he replied as he bent down to her afore opening the door.

"Thank you." The old man's expression was shocked as he stared at the young lady. He couldn’t believe that Elizabeth was grateful for his assistance.

Melrose was left outside the door to wait for her lady's return.

Duke White is currently diligent with his paper works.

"I greet you, milord," she greeted him while slightly bowing her head.

Fortunately, she owned the memories of Elizabeth. With all the etiquette edifications she learned, Sophia was withal capable of doing it impeccably.

Duke White halted his work then looks in her direction. Sophia still can't get used to his appearance. Even though he's in his mid-30s, his younger looks don't match his age.

Elizabeth's father, Felixander White Sr., has ebony black hair like hers, dark blue eyes, a pointed nose, and natural pinkish lips. He let his hair down and slightly messy. His sharp look and cold aura make him more captivating.

"What do you want to discuss with me?" he asked her while wearing his usual cold expression.

His tone can make anyone reluctant to speak. If Sophia were the real Elizabeth, she might already get into her cold feet, standing there like a scared cat. The difference between her and Elizabeth, Sophia has the confidence to convey her thoughts and opinions, loud and clear.

According to the novel: Beatrice's Love, Duke White neglected his daughter—Elizabeth—ever since she was born. His wife died because of complications during labor. He never showed love and affection towards his daughter. Even though Elizabeth makes an effort for her dad to acknowledge her achievements, all he does is give her cold shoulders. He only fulfilled his obligation by giving her money for a living, that's all.

No one treated Elizabeth like part of their family, even her older brothers. They were the ones at fault that Elizabeth does not learn to value herself. No one made her feel how to be loved and cherish.

"I am here to suggest the cancellation of my engagement with the Crown Prince," Sophia said straightforwardly to the Duke.

The man silently stares at her. He seemed to be checking if she was determined or not.

Later on, he took an envelope from the drawer then he laid it on the table.

"Here," he said.

The lady approached him to take the envelope and look at it inside. As Sophia scans its contents, she's grinning because of satisfaction.

'I thought It would be hard to obtain these papers. It will become easier for me to move forward, thanks to his quick cooperation.'

"I don't have extra time to take care of that matter. Work it on your own, talk to the Crown Prince by yourself and ask for his cooperation," he said.

"I will. Thank you, milord." She bowed her head to pay him respect.

"You may go," he said without looking at the lady.

Sophia departs immediately to go back to her room.

"Woooh!" She lies down on her bed while looking happily at the documents.

The signature and stamp of the Duke were visible in the papers. It was also granted by the Emperor. All that is left for her to do is to sign it. Lawrence's signature is also needed to begin the process of annulment.

Even though she doesn't want to see him, she can’t do anything about it.

"I am pretty sure this is favorable for him too. I need to send a request letter to the Crown Prince," she mumbled to herself.

"Melrose, give me the prettiest paper we have there to write on," she commanded her with a smile.

The satisfaction never left her face, It was as if a thorn had been pulled out of her chest. If her engagement with the Crown Prince came to an end, Sophia's remaining issue unresolved is Elizabeth's connection with the antagonist, Killian Shou Adir.

"Yes, Lady Elizabeth," Melrose said. She shortly provided her the paper that the lady is asking for.

—

His Highness, the Crown Prince

To: Lawrence William

I greet the future sun of Asterin Empire, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Lawrence William. I hope you have a great day today. I, Elizabeth White, the only daughter of Duke White, requesting your permission to be your audience. We are going to have an important discussion regarding the annulment of our engagement.

I need your cooperation as soon as possible. Thank you!

Sincerely yours,

Elizabeth White

—

"Melrose, please deliver this letter to Imperial Palace. This is for my dearest fiancé." She hands over the letter to Melrose. The lady carefully takes it from her grasp. Then she left the room to take care of it.

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief. If her plan goes smoothly, then that's a good sign for her survival.