The sound of my hurried footsteps echoed in the hall. I kept my spine straight, my head held up, walking down the hall with undeniable confidence. Aria trailed behind as we headed to the meeting room where the baroness was waiting.

"Aria, can you brief me about the baroness?" I said without turning to her.

"Yes, of course." She quickened her steps, catching up to me. "You wouldn’t need to worry about the rest, but three of the women I think you should be aware of. One is Baroness Lianex. She would be the one who stands out the most — golden scales, intimidating mana, possibly rivaling the queen’s magic strength."

I turned, holding a stunned look. "A baroness that can rival the queen? Who else?"

"The half-breed. Elf ears. She can smell your fear even if you tried to hide it."

"What? Elves exist?"

"Yes, in our former world."

"Hmm. Now I think of it — what happened to your former world?" I paused mid-hallway so I could read her face while she answered.

"It’s destroyed." She didn’t stutter. Straightforward. It showed certainty.

I held eye contact, looking into her orange eyes, but I didn’t catch anything. So I took her answer for the truth — for now — continuing down the hall while Aria followed behind.

"Shall I inform you of the last?"

Aria paused, waiting for my consent to go further.

"Sure. Who’s last?"

"Baroness Lilia. She’s the baroness of the Heart House — this very mansion. She was present yesterday but didn’t come out of her chambers."

’She might be my first suspect.’

Eventually we reached an oak door with two guards stationed at either side. I paused before it. Behind it the baronesses were seated. Just as I was about to push the door open, Aria touched my hand. She pulled out a letter — a red stamp sealed it. I could recognize the crest. It was from the queen.

"What’s this?"

"The queen won’t be able to attend the meeting, so she sent a message."

I took the letter from her, unsure why she had handed it to me. "Why are you giving it to me?"

"It’s an ultimatum from the queen. It will help you."

I broke the seal and opened the letter, reading through the lines. I smiled, then pocketed it, thanking Aria. Just reading this letter — this was my final play. If all doesn’t go my way.

’Lucky me.’

I pushed the door open and walked inside like I owned the room. I studied the baronesses seated at the round table — all formally seated, except the queen’s spot was empty. But upon seeing me walk in, their expressions shifted. The air of the room shifted to pure hostility. Their stares — I could feel them cutting me.

I closely observed their mana levels. Most were heavier than the last, their power levels decent. But among them, one eclipsed the rest. The mana around her was so dense the air crackled. She was the most relaxed — seated, unbothered. That had to be her. Aria might be right. The way mana filled the room, so heavy. Yes, she could rival the queen.

[Mana Scan: Lianex (SSS)]

’SSS? Hmm the highest potential a dragon can carry. She have already hit her ceiling’

Our eyes met. I did my best to keep a straight spine and avoid looking insignificant. The golden scales reflected the bright light of the room, giving her an ethereal glow.

I exhaled sharply.

Then a voice rose. "Aria, where is the queen? You gathered us here for a brief meeting with the queen — why is there an insect standing before us?"

’Insect?’ I frowned, but I didn’t react openly for now. Besides, the hate is mutual.

A baroness stood from the table. She had short dark hair decorated with ornaments, a fur coat over her noble dress wrapping her slim, curvy build. Her wings were a mix of white and black, claws resting on her hips.

"The queen unfortunately won’t be attending the meeting—"

Aria stepped forward to address the room, but before she could finish her sentence the baroness interrupted her.

"Then my presence here isn’t needed." Her heels clicked as she walked out of the room. ’Funny how they adopted our fashion and life but treat us like we’re the worst.’ I shook my head watching her leave. I didn’t stop her.

Aria stepped before the baroness and the door, blocking her exit.

Her eyes narrowed on Aria. "Step away."

"Lilia." Aria’s voice was level. "The queen sent a message to be delivered to the table. Even if the queen isn’t present, show some respect. And get seated."

My ears perked. ’Lilia?’ That’s the baroness of this house. I didn’t meet her on my arrival.

She didn’t yield to Aria’s advice. Her presence and demeanor alone radiated pride and arrogance. So I slipped the envelope from my pocket containing the letter. I raised it enough for all to see the seal printed on the paper.

"Inside this letter from the queen doesn’t just contain a parting message — but an ultimatum that affects every baroness present in this room. Wouldn’t you like to hear about it, Lilia?"

Her face twisted in disgust at hearing her name from my lips. "Fine. Then as the messenger, what are you waiting for — open and read it." Lilia crossed her arms.

I walked up to the table, dropping the letter, resting both hands on the surface. I scanned their faces — mixed reactions.

"First, I’m not a messenger. I’ll get to the letter after I’m done addressing you all."

"Do you know who you’re talking to?"

Lilia. The temperature in the room spiked. I felt a heavy heat pressing my back.

"I’m not asking you. That’s an order. Read the letter. Now."

I looked over my shoulder. Lilia’s aura shifted red — heating up. Fire surfaced around her, the room lit red from her flames.

[Flaming Aura (S rank)]

But I wasn’t intimidated. Activating my adapt ability. I walked up to Lilia.

[Adapt: Flame magic(S rank)]

[-9% Damage Reduction]

Each step I took, the heat increased. If not for my power to adapt to magic, my skin would have been burnt. Sweat trailed down my forehead. But the further I stepped forward, the less the heat affected me.

[-10%]

[-25%]

[-30%]

I stood face to face with Lilia — no burns, the sweat against nothing but mild heat. My mana flared in response. Blue, contrasting with the heat mana of Lilia. The room held their breath as they witnessed the confrontation. Lilia’s brows arched, seeing a mortal human unaffected by her flames.

"Lilia." I said coldly, hands folded behind my back. "Are you surprised?" I tilted my head. "I’m not an ordinary human."

[Flame Magic (S rank): Fully Adapted]

[Damage Reduction: 100%]