Chapter Twenty
_ Out of the Ordinary
" .. She possesses a sacred power, but it hasn't fully manifested yet ... "
' What now?! '
" It hasn't manifested yet, and you know she possesses sacred power, Aya! Are you a seer who knows the future?! "
"..."
I felt her hesitation, and that she was still wavering, so I laughed and said cheerfully:
" Never mind that for now, we will first look for a way to win Duke Silvano to our side, don't occupy your clever mind with that .."
" Thank you "
She looked at me with complex gazes interspersed with gratitude; I smiled at her confidently, which made her smile gently. I felt my heart beating fast, stood up quickly, and looked at the clock rapidly out of nervousness ...
" I must leave, I'm late.. Ah Aya, last time... did you like the flowers I gave you?! "
Before leaving, I caught sight of the vase holding white daisies, and the question crossed my mind. Ariana tilted her head in confusion, then smiled and answered with a bright face:
" They were beautiful, I really loved them.. Were they your favorite flowers?! "
It was a sudden question I didn't expect; they weren't flowers I loved, as I had never cared for flowers before. But I remembered flowers I admired in my childhood—it was a sweet memory of my childhood when my mother placed white flowers in my hand. They were beautiful and distinctive flowers with three leaves; I remembered their name:
[" Mother, they are beautiful ..."]
[" Little Rav is the most beautiful of all, do you want to know what they are called?! "]
Enthusiastically, I spoke:
[ " Of course "]
[ " They are white Snowdrops, they are special, do you know why?! "]
["..."]
She had a bright and excited face:
[ " When Rav was born, they were the first flowers to bloom in the palace garden ..."]
I ignored her question and said:
" What are your favorite flowers first?! "
She looked at me in confusion but smiled and said:
" Brunnera flowers, they are spring flowers.. and yours?! "
" Is it okay to give you flowers?! "
She pouted cutely and said:
" It's fine, hehe... tell me your favorite flowers "
" The Snowdrop, it reminds me of memories with my mother "
Her face brightened with a gentle smile. I felt my heart beating madly from seeing her radiant face. I returned to say:
" Fine, I will bring you flowers every day... Goodbye "
And before I left, Ariana stood up and approached me with a gentle smile:
" Safe travels, Rav "
This time, my hand moved on its own, and before it reached her face, I restrained myself and took her hand. She looked at me with a puzzled face. I took a deep breath and kissed the back of her hand as a noble greeting and said with a sly smile...
" Let's meet soon ..."
I saw the trembling of her eyes and the burning of her ears; I felt refreshed and left quickly ...
* * * The days go by smoothly. Ariana, who had grown accustomed to a busy routine of helping manage some palace affairs, studying, and reading her books. Elliott was supporting his sister significantly. The Marquis, who didn't care much about the matter as long as Ariana hadn't recovered her health, continued his life as if nothing concerned him. The palace servants, who didn't used to consider Ariana their lady, began to respect her as a daughter of the Silas family ...
Ariana didn't care much about the servants, for she knew that no matter her power, she could not change human hearts ....
Raphael used to visit Ariana two to three times a week with various excuses, such as discussing political matters and the plans they were working on. With the excuse that the day designated for treatment had become the time he spent casting healing magic for thirty to forty minutes—the process being very delicate and exhausting—he would be forced to leave immediately and come on other days ...
Raphael, whose pace of work increased; the new academy plans, new tax laws, and comprehensive reform plans shook the empire as some corrupt nobles were put on trial ...
Winter has passed, spring is at the doorstep, the social season will begin, and the capital will flourish as usual. The work was intense, and signs of conflict erupting in the empire were also appearing. A cold war had begun between the Temple and the Emperor. Raphael was not trying to suppress the conflict, nor was he fueling it. Raphael, who had regained a large part of his rationality, began manipulating everyone, moving them like puppets under his hand ...
As for the misunderstanding that occurred between the Emperor and the Duke, which remained unresolved despite the spread of rumors deepening this misunderstanding, Raphael and Philip remained in a state of stillness without showing any friction ...
The reason Raphael did not take the initiative was to avoid showing weakness; the first reason was to protect the Emperor's pride, and the second was something related to his heart.
* * *
" My Lady, shall I bring you tea?! "
" I want to take a bath first, it's fine, you may rest ..."
I felt an intense stare at my head and looked at the maid who had been speaking to me a moment ago. I raised my eyebrow inquiringly, but she stammered and lowered her head. I knew the maids wanted to have some authority, even if small; being the favorite of one of your masters gives you some power and favor. But I don't wish to give anyone anything, especially those who treated Marian with contempt ...
Marian might think I don't know, but I knew everything that was going on, yet I did nothing because I was unable to help her, even my memories confirm it to me ..
" My Lady, your bath is ready .."
" Thank you, Marian "
I looked at the flowers that had begun to bloom confidently in the garden. I set down the writing quill from my hand, arranged the papers well, and passed them to the maid standing before me:
" Deliver these to Mr. Wise ..."
Even though I spoke lightly, I couldn't remove my arrogant tone—something deep-rooted in this body. A child born of high lineage and great wealth, arrogance was something innate ..
The other maid left at a signal from my hand to depart, and I looked at Marian, who smiled more brightly. I stood up, dusted off my dress, and walked alongside Marian:
" I am happy that my lady is being treated in the appropriate manner, but it is exhausting .."
Perhaps because of being together for a long time, our relationship was comfortable. I laughed cheerfully:
" I agree with you, but I am a person who can adapt easily ...."
" Humans by nature have the ability to adapt to varying degrees, but my lady is wonderful at turning things in her favor.."
I laughed softly at her response, then pouted with a sense of boredom:
"Ummm ... what is next on my schedule?! "
" After the bath, Madame Madeline will come for your new clothes, then you can rest for now ... because in the evening, we are going out "
She whispered her sentence to me. I smiled broadly and remembered these months that had passed; after realizing my feelings, I became very sensitive to Raphael's actions toward me. Although it's embarrassing, I am happy with his intense care for me...
We reached my room while talking about this and that. I was greeted by the sweet scent of grape hyacinths and the remnants of their floral scents that remained lingering in the air. Since Raphael told me he would give me flowers, my room had indeed become filled with beautiful and fragrant flowers, and Brunnera flowers were what decorated my room the most. Even if he didn't come, he would transport them with his amazing magic ...
" My Lady ..."
Marian's voice brought me back to reality. I looked at her attentively. Marian smiled and said:
" Shall I prepare your outing clothes now?! ..."
I tilted my head in confusion; Marian hadn't asked me this before, so I asked:
" Why the question?! You have always prepared them without asking me .."
" ... Ummm My Lady, would it be appropriate to go with you both today?! "
She was hesitant in her speech. I had always gone out with Raphael to entertain myself from sitting inside the palace, and most of it was investigative tasks here and there. But today there was a night market Marian wanted to visit, and there was no opportunity except today. When Raphael told me we would go out today to the night market, I suggested taking Marian. Furthermore, it wasn't just an outing; there was a place to meet a secret informant, and Ivan was coming too. I was going to keep Marian busy for a bit with Casper and Brian and then return to enjoy time with her ...
" It's not a problem, Mari, I'll be happy to take you with us .."
I smiled at her with a bright face, leaving her completely speechless and unable to respond. I left the flowers touching my hand with a light heart; I would meet him today anyway ...
After finishing the bath, I ate lunch, which had begun to become a bit richer. Not that my meals were neglected, but that I was barely able to eat ...
The clothing designer, Mrs. Sophia Madeline, arrived—one of the designers in Kassian. Not a famous designer, but the clothes she made were very close to my taste. I went down to receive her in the drawing room feeling bored. I didn't want to buy more clothes, but Elliott insisted on it. He told me that I hadn't requested any clothes for over two years, which made him feel resentful for not providing the minimum life requirements for his little sister. When I consulted Raphael, he had a complex look but eventually encouraged me and told me not to reject a gift offered with a kind heart. So when Elliott suggested it, I agreed, and he nominated a group of designers for me, and I chose Madeline, who wasn't very famous, but her designs suited my taste ...
The drawing room had become more like a mini boutique with clothes spread everywhere, via garment racks and so on ...
" Sophia Madeline greets the young Lady .."
A lady in her mid-thirties with short blonde hair, sharp and precise green eyes, and elegant yet simple clothes bowed with grace and fluidity ...
The idea of buying clothes was exhausting because the styles were always heavy and my current clothes were comfortable and simple, but the designer's outfit carried simplicity and elegance, which caught my attention ...
" Mrs. Madeline, you may stand ..."
I sat in the chair, and Sophia sat before me. Marian poured the tea quietly, and after she moved away, Sophia opened her mouth ...
" As the Lady knows, I received a request from House Silas to design clothes for the Lady for the spring season .."
" Yes, Mrs. Madeline, I was in need of some clothes, and your fame has reached me ..."
She looked at me with an embarrassed smile and said bashfully:
" I am a designer who is not that famous, and I was surprised by your request; usually, the Silas family is able to hire any famous designer if they wish ..."
" I was impressed by the designs in the advertisement, unless they weren't your designs ..."
" No, certainly everything I publish is my own work ..."
I smiled cheerfully at her humble way of proving herself, then said:
" Well, let's see what the Lady has ..."
Immediately after finishing my words, Sophia stood straight and began describing each piece. I had previously informed her of my need for sleepwear and some simple dresses for home use, and they were truly beautiful, even the underwear. The clothes were good, and that prompted me to buy a lot. I won't say I am a frugal person, for in my previous life, when I got money, I would spend it in the blink of an eye—even Lily used to mock me. In this life, I sold many accessories to provide money that flew away easily, but what truly shocked me was discovering my budget that had been set for me by Elliott; the figure was very good, and he had been upset about it not being spent.
' Poor brother, he doesn't know; he will wish I didn't know '
Despite my lack of love for luxuries that aren't significant, money flies in my hand quickly. Is there a ghost eating the money in my pocket?! ..
" And this last dress ..."
It was beautiful; it was a light gray silk dress with a little blue lace on the short sleeves and the bottom of the dress ..
" This is good, Mrs. Madeline, haven't I bought a lot?! "
" I am happy that my dresses pleased you .."
I had indeed bought a lot, for the clothes I was wearing had become a bit tight and uncomfortable. I had gained a little weight ...
I was only slightly annoyed so as not to ruin my body, but in my heart, I was happy. I had suffered from a skeletal body covered only in skin due to the accumulation of diseases, and this body now filled out a bit. It's a sign of regaining much of my health ...
" ... Could the Lady look at the catalog?!.."
" Fine "
I was puzzled by her question and took the catalog containing a collection of designs. What caught my attention was that they were all festive dresses. I looked at her with the meaning of:
What is this?! ..
" I thought that since the Lady hasn't made an appearance yet, perhaps she will debut at the royal banquet on the occasion of the Emperor's birthday in over a month. Perhaps if ..."
" Attend the banquet, me?! "
" Yes ..."
I was astonished. Despite knowing about the party, I hadn't thought of attending it ..
Throughout the years of my life, I hadn't cared for celebrations. I knew my body was unable, but I had no interest in people gathering and their boring conversations. But is it possible to go to the party this year?! It is the Emperor's birthday ..
Girls from all over the empire will come to see the young and bachelor Emperor; families will want to catch him. Will girls dare to flirt with him?! Surely there are many insolent ones who....
" What do you think, My Lady?! Did you like any of these designs?! "
It was Marian's voice that saved me from the vortex of thinking. I looked at her, and she smiled at me encouragingly, then I turned my gaze back to Sophia and said:
" I haven't decided yet if I will appear soon or not, but I will think of Mrs. Madeline when making my decision ..."
Sophia's gloomy expression brightened, and she looked at me with a happy feeling:
" I would be happy if the Lady's debut dress was of my design. I will pour my heart into the design from now on .."
I was truly amazed by her enthusiasm, but I think I understand the matter. When noble ladies debut for the first time, the focus is poured on them—from behavior and walking to clothes and jewelry and so on ...
And if the noblewoman has a prominent personality, she will highlight the dress she wears, which might make noble girls try to imitate her. I am not that prominent, but I won't extinguish her enthusiasm now ..
" Fine, I will rely on Mrs. Madeline .."
" Thank you, My Lady, and I hope you call me Sophia, it is more comfortable .."
" Fine, take care of me, Sophia.."
I returned the catalog to her, and after that, she began taking my measurements, which surprised me as they had improved, and Sophia praised my body as being perfect despite my short stature ..
" The clothes will be sent within a week to ten days, and I will try to prepare some designs that showcase the Lady and suit her ..."
" Fine, I will wait for Sophia's work with anticipation .."
Although I didn't confirm my attendance, she was enthusiastic, which made me enjoy it playfully. She seems like someone pushing me to go at any cost. I talked with her lightly and bid her farewell ...
After Sophia left and I sat on the sofa in my room, I sighed wearily. Although I refused to try on the dresses, selecting clothes and choosing colors is truly tiring. Furthermore, I am a very picky person, and that is difficult ...
" Is the Lady thinking of going to the royal party?! "
" In fact, I don't know, but I will discuss the matter with my brother and the Marquis first. It's not just a party; it's my first and late debut .."
" It's not too late, you only turned twenty-one a few months ago. It's true that ladies rarely debut late, but given the Lady's circumstances, it's fine ..."
It was truly confusing. Even when I was engaged to the Duke, it was a formal transaction and no party was held, so I never appeared in public. As for appearing directly before everyone, it was truly confusing. Even in my life in my previous body, I hated appearing before people in large gatherings. I wasn't a weak person, but I hated crowds. But I wanted to attend this time intensely, yet I am worried and nervous. Truly, I felt frustration brewing within me ...
" Marian, why is everything out of the ordinary for me .."
............ To be continued ............