Chapter 8 - A Lady's Errands

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  "YOUR BROTHER shall attend as the Grand Duchy's representative, Celeste. Such has always been the custom, and you are well aware of it," Grand Duke Vespera stated firmly.

  I was currently in his office to ask permission to head to the Crezen Empire for the Thawfire Festival, but it seemed fate was not on my side-he was flat-out refusing to let me go.

  "But Father, I want to experience their festival."

  For some reason, my response seemed to trigger him. I forgot for a second that the original Celeste was a submissive, obedient child who never questioned her father's decisions.

  "You will not return to that Empire, Celeste. You understand precisely why I have forbidden it," he said, his tone final as he turned his attention back to the documents in his hands.

  I was about to open my mouth to nag him further when a knock sounded at the door.

  "Your Grace, Lady D'Arden is requesting an audience with you," Rana's voice called out.

  Father sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Let her in."

  Amora entered with a smile brighter than her sunshine-yellow dress, her puffy sleeves bouncing slightly as she walked toward us. At this point, I was already used to seeing people wearing full gowns and formal suits on a regular Tuesday.

  "Sol'varin, Grand Duke Vespera," she bowed gracefully before turning to me. "Sol'varin, Lady Vespera."

  I smiled back, though I was confused. What the hell is she doing here?

  The Grand Duke finally set his papers aside. "To what do I owe this visit, Lady D'Arden?"

  "As Your Grace is undoubtedly aware, the Thawfire Festival of Crezen draws near," Amora began. "In accordance with my debut into society last year, I shall be representing House D'Arden in attendance."

  The Grand Duke nodded.

  "Given my longstanding friendship with Lady Vespera, I humbly seek Your Grace's consent to allow her to accompany me."

  He crossed his arms and leaned back. "Lady D'Arden, the Vespera Grand Duchy is always represented by its Lord or his successor."

  "I am fully aware of your traditions, Your Grace," she replied, undeterred. Go off, BFF! "However, might I suggest that the presence of the young ladies would serve as a most fitting gesture of goodwill between our houses?" she added.

  "And upon what grounds do you propose such an exception?" the Grand Duke asked, his brow furrowing.

  "It has come to my knowledge that several noble households intend to be represented by their daughters during the forthcoming festival."

  "Is that information reliable?" he asked suspiciously.

  "Yes, Your Grace," she said confidently. "Even the Imperial Family will be represented by the Princess."

  My head snapped toward Amora. That bratty princess is going?!

  "Hm."

  Please say yes, please say yes. My heart hammered against my ribs as I waited for his response. I nearly tripped when he suddenly looked at me.

  "You may attend solely for the duration of the Thawfire Festival," he conceded. My eyes widened. "See to it that you conduct yourself in a manner befitting a noble lady of Vespera."

  Amora and I bowed in unison.

  "Thank you, Your Grace!"

  "You have our deepest gratitude, Your Grace."

  He dismissed us, and we bolted to my room to jump, laugh, and confess how terrified we both were.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  "Your father is terrifying, Cellie!" Amora cried, looking like she was on the verge of tears from the stress.

  "I know, right?!" I agreed.

  We paused for a second and then burst into hysterical laughter. After several minutes of laughing for absolutely no reason, we finally calmed down.

  "Can we go shopping now?" Amora asked with puppy-dog eyes.

  I smiled. She was so cute-she only talked casually when we were alone. She even braved my father just so I could join her on her first trip to another empire.

  I offered my hand and nodded. "Let's go shopping!"

  ? ? ?

  Rana and Nyx helped me into my dress, fixing my hair and makeup. Amora was already outside, waiting in her carriage.

  "That's enough, Rana. I don't want heavy makeup."

  She stopped immediately and stepped aside. "You always look beautiful without it, My Lady."

  Well, obviously. Look who you're talking to.

  "Oh," I suddenly remembered. "Rana, can you please call Avis here?"

  Confusion crossed her face. "Do you wish to bathe, My Lady?"

  "Dummy, no."

  Rana blinked at my bluntness. Oops. Very ungraceful, Cindy.

  I gave a fake cough. "I mean, no—of course not. Just call her here, haha."

  Rana obeyed, though she looked like a walking question mark.

  "I am finished with your hair, My Lady," Nyx said. I nodded.

  "Nyx, how old are you again?" I asked, suddenly curious.

  "Twenty-seven, My Lady."

  My mouth formed an 'O'. "Really?!" She nodded. "You look so young—I mean, you are still young, but I thought we were the same age."

  "Twenty-seven," she repeated in a flat tone.

  Man, this girl is stingy with her words.

  "How old is Rana?" I asked. I'm going to keep pestering you, just you watch.

  "Twenty-nine, My Lady."

  Oh yeah, she looks her age.

  "My Lady, Avis is here." I hadn't noticed Rana return. Behind her stood Avis, who was sweating. Was she nervous? Do I look like I eat people?

  "G-good morning, My Lady."

  I gave her a reassuring smile. "Hi, Avis." She blinked, a hesitant smile forming on her lips.

  "I spoke to Father earlier this morning. You'll be my personal attendant from now on," I said, my smile widening.

  Her eyes went wide. Even Rana looked shocked. And Nyx... never mind, she looked like she didn't give a damn.

  "B-but, My Lady—"

  "Who are you to decline the Lady's wishes?" Rana interjected strictly.

  Hey, don't scare the kid, girl.

  "My Lady, I apologize for my rudeness," Rana said, turning to me, "but isn't she still too young to be a personal attendant? I'm worried she might mess up your routines."

  I ignored Rana and faced Avis again. "You're sixteen, right?"

  "Fifteen, m-my lady," the poor kid's voice was trembling. She was so young to be working; I felt a sudden pang of pity. Her hands were shaking and she looked like she was about to cry.

  "That's fine," I said. "Hey, calm down. I'm not going to order Nyx to behead you."

  I joked—which didn't help, because the poor kid looked at Nyx and looked even more terrified. To be fair, Nyx's face was incredibly serious. Do you have a grudge against the world, girl?

  "Alright, let's go! Lady Estella is waiting outside."

  ? ? ?

  The carriage ride to the city center was smooth, and we were welcomed by a bustling market. It was the month of Frosttide; the winter was still deep, yet the market was vibrant.

  I was trapped in a gown that made sitting incredibly uncomfortable. How many layers do I need to survive Frosttide? We passed dozens of boutiques, jewelry stores, bakeries, and cafes.

  I glanced at Amora, who was peeking out the other window. We were facing each other in her carriage, while my three servants followed in my carriage behind us. I told Amora not to bring any servants since I already had three-it would be overkill otherwise.

  Finally, we stopped in front of a boutique. Even from the exterior, you could tell it was posh and expensive.

  Maison D'aurélie

  Even the name is extra.

  "Shall we go in, Lady Celeste?" Amora called. I nodded, and we entered together.

  We were immediately hit by the scent of expensive fabric. My eyes widened. Satin, velvet, silk, lace... every fabric imaginable was arranged like they were competing to see who looked the richest.

  A woman in her mid-thirties approached us. Her eyes were sharp—the kind of person who looks like she's judging your soul. Okay, breathe, Cindy.

  Amora did the talking, her tone full of elegance and charm as she explained our shopping trip. Then the woman's eyes flicked to me. I could practically feel her thoughts: 'Ah, I see... the Lady of Vespera. Elegant, pretty, clearly has a caffeine problem, but has money.'

  "Sol'varin, Lady Vespera. Lady D'Arden," she curtsied.

  Lady D'aurélie immediately showed us dresses for our journey to Crezen. She was good at her job, even if she was a bit judgmental. I couldn't deny her talent; with one glance, she knew exactly what style suited us best.

  Once we were done picking our dresses and giving our measurements, we prepared to leave.

  "Ah, Amora," I whispered. She turned to me, confused. "Can you wait for me in the carriage?"

  "Why? Did you forget something?"

  "No, I still have some business here."

  "Oh, alright," she said. "Wait, why are we whispering?"

  I chuckled. Good point. She headed out, and I called my three servants inside.

  "Is there anything else you require, Lady Vespera?" Lady D'aurélie asked.

  "Yes. I want dresses for these three," I said, smiling.

  Lady D'aurélie was visibly taken aback. Even the three girls looked stunned.

  "My Lady?" Rana called out.

  "I want to buy dresses for them-they will be coming with me to the Crezen Empire," I stated.

  I heard Avis gasp behind me. I really wanted to buy them something for the festival, and I was certain they didn't have proper winter clothes. Even if it was "summer" in Crezen during Thawfire, the journey there would be freezing, especially on a ship.

  Lady D'aurélie pointed to a rack of dresses on the side. They weren't as extravagant as mine, but they were simple and pretty.

  "M-my lady, one of these dresses is worth my entire monthly salary," Rana hesitated.

  "I-I don't have any Sirde (Elandris currency), My Lady," Avis added.

  Nyx still had no reaction, but I knew she was against the idea too.

  "Haha, don't worry guys, it's free—" I caught myself. I had to act like a lady, per the Grand Duke's orders.

  Ahem. "It is on me. I will pay."

  "Are you sure, My Lady?" Rana was still hesitant. I nodded. "But we are just servants."

  "You are my servants, and I want to reward you," I assured them.

  'And it was Christmas last month, and I didn't give you gifts because I just learned how months work in this world,' is what I wanted to say. But obviously, I couldn't.

  I let them choose what they wanted. They were shy at first, but I insisted. Once they were finished, we left. The shop promised to send everything to the Vespera manor—very convenient.

  Rana handed me my coat as we stepped out. The shop was warm, so the outside air felt like a slap in the face. I really wasn't built for the cold; how was I going to survive Crezen? At least winter in Elandris only lasts three months, unlike Crezen which was clearly cursed by the universe with an eleven-month freeze. No wonder they celebrate their Summer Festival like there's no tomorrow.

  We went straight to 'Soleil et Soei', me a famous shoe shop, where I did the same and bought pairs for my servants. We hit three different boutiques and shoe shops, including the one making my gown for my Coming of Age ceremony.

  We also stopped at 'Bijoux de Lune', a jewelry shop that almost made me pass out. The prices were nauseating. One necklace could probably fund a family for generations. Amora looked at me like I was being dramatic.

  "Your father is one of the wealthiest nobles in the Empire," she reminded me.

  As the sun began to set, we headed home. My feet were killing me. My three servants looked pale-they clearly weren't used to being spoiled by their boss. I get it; everything we bought was from luxury stores.

  Is there no thrift shop in this world?

  Amora and I said our goodbyes at the manor. She was still talking about how excited she was for the voyage. I didn't know how to feel. Excited? Nervous?

  I went inside and went straight to bed. I was exhausted; I didn't even think I'd have the energy for dinner.

  ? ? ?

  ? TEVIAN CODEX ?

  Frosttide (January) Deep winter still grips Elandris, though three months of cold is a mercy compared to Crezen's eleven-month freeze. Even so, the city bustles with

  (Cindy's notes: Frosttide is cold. Like, "why is my nose freezing off" cold. I barely survived.)