The Saintess Who Rose Again

Despite her quiet progress, Alessa knew she couldn't delay for long. The court was a viper's nest, and her enemies would move against her the moment she revealed her powers. In her past life, Lady Seraphina had begun her schemes shortly after the announcement of Alessa's sainthood.

The timing was crucial. Alessa remembered that Seraphina's rise to power had started with an alliance between her family, House Avante, and several influential nobles. Their wealth and influence had drowned out any protests Alessa had raised, painting her as a liar and a fraud.

This time, Alessa planned to strike first.

Two weeks later, she attended her first formal gathering since her return—a small tea party hosted by Lady Adeline Montreau, one of her mother's oldest friends. The Montreau family was powerful, and their support would be invaluable.

As Alessa arrived with her mother and Theo, she scanned the room. Familiar faces from her past life greeted her, though none yet bore the marks of the betrayals to come. She had to remind herself that these people didn't know her as she knew them.

"Alessa, darling," Lady Adeline said warmly as she approached. "How lovely to see you again. I hear you've been unwell?"

Alessa curtsied gracefully. "I was, my lady, but I've recovered. Thank you for your concern."

Lady Adeline studied her with a sharp but kind gaze. "You seem… different. More mature."

Alessa smiled faintly. "Time has a way of changing people."

As the gathering continued, Alessa made her way through the crowd, carefully observing the nobles around her. Her goal was clear: to identify those who could be swayed to her side before Seraphina began her manipulations.

She spotted Lord Edwin Varien, a mild-mannered man who had once been among Seraphina's staunchest supporters. In her past life, he had turned against her after being promised a lucrative trade deal by House Avante. This time, she would ensure his loyalty.

"Lord Varien," she said as she approached him, her tone friendly but measured. "It's been some time since we last spoke."

The older man turned, his brow furrowing slightly. "Lady Alessa. Yes, it has. How are you faring?"

"Well, thank you. I've been thinking about your trade fleet," she said, tilting her head. "It must be challenging to manage such an enterprise with so many new tariffs being imposed."

Lord Varien blinked, caught off guard. "Yes, it has been… difficult."

"I imagine it's only a matter of time before someone proposes a solution," Alessa continued, her voice smooth. "Someone who values fairness and mutual prosperity."

His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her, and Alessa smiled.

This was only the beginning.