{ Seraphine Vale, queen of Floravane, had been close to the Elenhart family since childhood, sharing sibling-like bond with Victor Elenhart, Grace's father. Through moments of joy and sorrow alike, she was always present— celebrating every birthday of Ray, Rui and Grace, and standing by the family during their hardest times. She was among the few who wept genuine tears at the loss of their parents, and over the years her bond with the three siblings grew into one of deep love and respect. To them she was more than family, and she cherished them as if they were her own. }
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Sera glanced at Welfred and said lightly "So, how'severythingwithyou,Welfred?"
With a small, flustered smile, Welfred answered, "Everything'swonderfulMrs.Sera." His lips spoke courtesy, but his heart whispered something far less restrained.
Though his words were formal, his eyes told another story— one grace understood.
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The group fell into a long exchange, weaving stories of the past and its joys.
In midst of their conversation, Sera suddenly exclaimed, "Ah,Inearlyforgot." At her signal an attendant stepped forward carrying a small chest. Taking it in her hands, she offered it gently to Grace.
Grace glanced at the chest and whispered with a soft smile, "Letmeguess—anothercream?" But when she opened the chest her gentle grin vanished. Inside the chest were neatly stacked papers— wills. Her fingers froze over the top sheet, heart thudding in her chest. As she read the words, realization dawned: Sera had willed everything to her, leaving her entire legacy in Grace's hands after her own passing.
Grace fingers tightened around the chest as she turned toward Sera, but before she could speak, Sera gently interrupted. "Grace,don'trefuseme,youaretheonlyoneIcantrust.When I'm gone, I need you to take Floravane into your care. I'm entrusting everything to you."
Her heart heavy with emotion, Grace murmured, "Okay,I'lltakeoverFloravane,andI'llprotectitasyou'vealwaysdone."
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The coronation concluded, and the royal attendants began leading the guests to the grand hall.
"Ican'tfeelmylegsanymorefromsittingonthisthrone," Rui groaned.
"Samehere," Ray murmured wearily.
Alongside Welfred, Grace reviewed rest of the proceedings with the royal council. Once all matters were addressed, she dismissed them to their appointed duties. Turning to Rui and Ray, Grace said warmly. "Shallwegochangefortheimperialgala?" she asked.
Both nodded in reply.
Grace teased "Welfred, you are permitted to tread the royal carpet now, are you not?"
"Yes madam," he responded with a light, good-natured laugh at her comment.
"What, the same way again?" Rui groaned to Ray.
"No choice. Come on," Ray replied.
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As they walked side by side along the royal carpet, Grace's eyes drifted toward Welfred. There was a softness in his expression, a quiet smile tugging at his lips, as though he were carrying a secret joy too precious to put into words.
Noticing it, Grace's own lips curved in amusement. Tilting her head slightly, she teased, "Well, well... looks like somebody really enjoyed their gift."
At once a faint flush crept across Welfred's cheeks. He stumbled over his words, flustered, "Oh, it's not like that, it's just— ahh..." He tried to weave an explanation, some excuse that might sound convincing, but the truth betrayed him. His face gave everything away. The lingering glow in his eyes and half-hidden smile spoke louder than everything he could say.
Grace chuckled softly, her laughter warm and light, watching him wrestle with his own embarrassment. Welfred, realizing how transparent he was, quickly tried to compose himself. He straightened his shoulders but then shrank a little, almost curling into himself— an awkward mixture of sulking and bashful delight. His gestures carried the air of someone caught red-handed, embarrassed on surface yet quietly overjoyed inside.
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{ "And this is for you Welfred," Sera announced, presenting him with a delicately adorned box.
"For...me?" Welfred whispered, his tone hushed with disbelief, his cheeks tinged pink.
"Open it, Welfred," Ray pressed, curiosity bright in his eyes.
"Yes, please do!" Rui chimed in eagerly.
Welfred hesitated, his gaze flicking toward Sera. the unspoken question lingered in his silence.
Sera nodded with a gentle smile. "Go ahead, it belongs to you now."
With careful fingers, Welfred opened the box to reveal a brooch of exquisite beauty. The children leaned in.
"It's so beautiful" Rui gasped.
Ray's eyes narrowed thoughtfully before he remarked, "Its color... it matches your eyes perfectly."
The brooch was beautiful, its teal-green hue shaped into a delicate flower pattern.
"It was crafted with you in mind— that's why it matches your eyes," Sera explained gently.
"But, you don't have to—" Welfred began, only to be cut off by Grace's playful voice.
"He would be more than delighted if you put it on his coat yourself."
Welfred flushed crimson, shooting Grace a helpless look, but before he could protest, Sera answered with quite eagerness, "Really? Then I'd love to."
He turned toward her, lips parting as though to say something, but the words faltered. Sera had already stepped closer, lifting the brooch with careful hands. At five foot ten, Welfred found himself lowering his gaze as she reached up, standing close enough that her fingertips brushed lightly against his coat.
As she fastened the brooch, his eyes were drawn to hers— warm, hazel, and shining with a gentleness that made the world around them fade.
"There" she said softly once she had finished, stepping back with a radiant smile. "It really suits you."
Welfred stood froze for a moment, captivated— not by the brooch itself, but by the image of Sera smiling at him, her compliment lingering in his heart far more than the jewel pinned to his coat. }
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He touched the brooch gently, thinking, "Thank you, Mrs. Sera. I'll cherish itforever."
At the very sight of him, Grace's smile broadened.
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Retracing their path, they entered the hallway again.
"I'vebeenconsidering...perhapsweshouldholdtheceremonyanew,dedicatedtoourpeople." Grace spoke up as their steps echoed along the hallway leading to the dressing room.
"Thatsoundswonderful,especiallyifit'sforourownpeople," Ray agreed.
Rui followed with a small nod of her own.
"Howdoesitsoundtoyou,Welfred?"
"I couldn't agree more— it's a splendid idea."
"Very well, then may I suggest we hold it next next month?"
"Indeed, that span will suffice for the preparations," Welfred responded.
"Since it isn't possible to let everyone in, the responsibility falls on us to choose and extend the invitations personally," Grace spoke with quiet certainty.
"May we invite all our friends?" the two inquired.
"Certainly, there is no objection on my pa—" she froze mid-sentence, a sudden sharp gaze burning into her from behind.
She cast a quick glance back, but aside from the silent guards at the doors, there was nothing— only the unsettling hush of the hall.
"Issomethingwrong,sister?" Ray asked, worry clear in his tone.
"Oh,it'snothing," she replied though her thoughts swirled in confusion.
"(Itfelt as if someone was watching)." She thought to herself.
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Reaching the dressing room, they put on their chosen attire.
Within the chamber were six royal wardrobe attendants, guiding the final touches of their appearance.
The grand imperial dressing room glowed under the cloudy night, lit by two crystal chandeliers that cast a warm golden light over thousands of royal outfits. Gowns woven with silver and gold shimmered softly, their glow dancing across velvet carpets. The two curved windows stood dark against the clouded sky, while six private sub rooms lined the chamber, their carved doors dimly lit by oil lamps. Filled with the scent of perfumes and the hush of night, the room felt like a silent treasury of imperial splendor.
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Grace's outfit was much similar of before, a white ruffled blouse cinched with a black corset, paired with fitted trousers and tall lace-up boots. A flowing black train trailed behind, while gloves and her tied-up black hair gave her an air of commanding elegance.
Rui wore her royal gown as Ray donned his rococo attire.
After finishing, they stepped out of the room.
Outside the door, Welfred stood waiting for them.
Welfred looked at Grace and asked, "Madam, will you not put on your regalia?"
"I left them in the dressing room— they felt too heavy. I'll get them afterward."
"As you wish, madam," Welfred replied.
Grace cast a fleeting glance at Welfred and thought, "Back to his ageless routine, I see," letting out a quiet, amused laugh.
"Is there something wrong, madam?" Welfred asked, unaware.
"Nothing" she replied lightly, "I just remembered something."