Now that wasn’t a particularly thrilling eting. Well, what else was I expecting anyway? In any case, at least I have an idea of what would be happening in the festival, which I am looking forward to. I want to enjoy life too, you know.
‘But Estelia it would be stupid to go out, you’re being targeted rember?’ Excuse ? Are you serious? What about everyone shut it with the griping! Don’t tell you actually thought I haven’t thought about that. If you did, you’re a disappointnt to your family.
Why do you think I’ve been grinding my ass off all this ti? For goodness’s sake.
Don’t underestimate a goddess! Okay, maybe that fact is getting into my head, it just makes feel superior. I am already perfect, but add another perfection, that’s just — mwah! Magnifico!
Thinking I’m a goddess just gives the courage to snap pastas in half! That sure would piss so people off — I’m joking, don’t get mad.
Ahem… anyway, I just left the eting hall and intending on eting up with my cousin. Sheesh. I don’t know what’s better, being in that hall with so old tirs or with my cousin. Not like I can choose anyway, my parents basically said to ‘go play with your cousin’. In where I would be the one be played instead.
Whatever.
On my way though, I saw a familiar man, it was Lucious. He was speaking with a nobleman that joined in the eting, he was the man who shared the sa surna as Lucious, Vekenas. He was also the person who volunteered to supervise the festival preparations.
They were smiling to each other kindly and spoke to each with friendliness and familiarity.
“It’s great to hear you’re supervising this year’s festival, uncle. Hehe, I’m sure such a matter is trivial for you.”
“Hehehe, you think too highly of . I am actually feeling rather anxious.”
“If you need help, just ask, I’ll help you the best I can.”
“Thank you. I know not all things go to plan, so I might certainly need the help I can.”
It was then that Lucious first noticed , and his eyes shifted to Rogan who was behind and frowned, only to return to normal when he returned his gaze at . The nobleman realizing there was soone behind him, turned around, and his eyes widened at my presence.
It took a mont of delay before he fixed his posture and formally bowed.
“Greetings, princess.”
“... Greetings… You two are closely acquainted I see.”
“Estelia — Princess Estelia, you two haven’t personally t, but let introduce him. Marquis Hevrik Fumine Vekenas, my uncle. He took a pretty good care of when I was still young.”
“It is a pleasure to finally et you face to face, princess. Truly, you are a surprise to behold. I have only heard stories about you from my nephew here.”
“Stories? What type of stories?”
He shifted his eyes to look at Lucious who had an expression of soone who seed to have been pushed to a corner, he was stiff and eyes wide as if he was trying to convey sothing to the marquis.
But the marquis only grinned.
“He always ntions how he enjoys your company and how he loves gazing at you.”
“Oh…”
When I looked at Lucious, he had already averted his face away and rubbing his hand under his lips.
Busted.
But damn marquis, you just exposed him just like that? Have a heart. What a snitch.
I blushed a little as I spoke. “... I understand that I’m disturbing your reunion, so please, continue on. I need to be sowhere else. Goodbye, Marquis.”
“Goodbye, your highness.”
“Lucious.”
“Y-Yes, see you later.”
I walked past them and made my way to my cousin. I thought about Lucious as I walked, I still don’t know how to answer his offer.
Dammit, why am I even taking that as a problem? Just adds to my headaches. I’ll just toss a coin or sothing. Besides, my crew would be with during my tour, so it wouldn’t be like he had hoped anyway. That being said, it still needed to be pondered about.
When we arrived at the main lobby of the palace, we searched for a nearby servants that should have been the firsts to et the nobles at the entrance. The servants that ca to let know about my cousin earlier only told she had arrived and was waiting for , and never told where to find her.
It took no ti at all to find a servant that would lead us to the guest room where my cousin would be.
When we arrived, there was another servant outside the room, must be the one to take whatever order my cousin would have.
“Wait, I’ll personally enter,” I stopped the servant from knocking the door. “Are there no other guests inside?”
“No.”
“Alright… Sir Rogan, stay here.”
“Understood, call for if sothing cos up.”
I nodded at him and then rapped my hand on the door.
“Mizia, it’s , Estelia… I’m coming in.”
I didn’t wait for her response and opened the door. When I first saw her face, her blue eyes were lifeless as she lifted her gaze at , before the corner of her beautiful lips rose and her eyes brightened all at an instant.
The mont I saw that, I imdiately closed the door.
“Estelia! ~”
She jumped up and rushed towards with arms forward, preparing to hug . Her crimson hair bouncing as she ca to take into her arms, her embrace tight.
“Estelia, how cruel of you! Do you have any idea how lonely and boring it was?”
“...”
She rubbed her cheek aggressively against mine.
“Wow! Your cheek has beco softer!”
She intensified her rubbing. A bit uncomfortable but cheeks of people were always soft. But still uncomfortable to do.
“It’s been so long! You missed , right? Tell you missed .”
“...”
I said nothing and let things happen with a blank expression.
“You’re as cute as ever. Mwah!”
She suddenly kissed my cheek.
“Mwah!”
She kissed on the other cheek, her kisses were deliberately audible. Seemingly unsatisfied, she kissed on the other cheek again, then back, then again, and back again. When she was done, she hugged tightly once again.
I sighed internally.
Whatever, I’m prepared for the agony.
Do your worse!
“Co on, don’t look at that way!” she giggled adorably. “At least this never changed. How are you, Estelia? I have to say, you did get taller.”
“... I’m alright, Mizia. I am more concerned about you. You must have been waiting for hours.”
“Yes, I was. Since when have you participated in events that involves that?”
“... I… I just wanted to try it.”
“Geez, you should have told beforehand.”
And precisely how am I going to do that? You never even told you were coming.
“...”
“In any case, we’re way passed that. Co.”
She pulled my hand and we sat down at the couch side to side and faced each other.
“So, let’s catch up. What have you been up to since the last ti we t?”
“Um, not much. Aside from the studying.”
“Sa. They weren’t not that hard, didn’t even break a sweat.”
“Is etiquette lesson not hard for you?”
“Nope! In fact, it’s the easiest! No, not quite, it’s right next to academics. Why? Is it hard for you?”
“... A little.”
“Really? You’re naturally gentle, so I thought it would be easy for you. Maybe your instructor is very strict?”
“... Perhaps.”
She is! And the gentle side didn’t help at all when I’m ek.
I needed to act confident, she said.
“Is that so? In any case, I’m certain you will prevail! By the way cousin, do you have any new hobby?”
“... No. I don’t do much of anything. I usually focus on my studies, which is all.”
“You really need to find a hobby, Estelia. Maybe drawing? Or music?”
“I will do what I can. What about you, Mizia?”
“Actually, I’ve been into gardening. Also growing so herbal tea, I often bring them during tea parties with other noble ladies.”
“Tea parties?”
“That’s right! It’s great to make friends. You should co join Estelia.”
“Um… no… I’m alright… I don’t think it is necessary.”
She held out her finger and moved it from side to side.
“Tsk tsk tsk. Estelia, it’s not just making friends. It’s also about making connections.”
“Connections?”
“For politics and stuff. My parents recomnded that I should make connections with other aristocratic children. Otherwise, when we co of age, we will be powerless. I need allies, said father.”
“Is that so.”
“I need to do it even more as the eldest child. As for your case though, I think you have more leeway. So you don’t have to worry too much.”
“Is it not hard for you?”
She shook her head. “Not really, I haven’t t any hard challenges, so it’s alright. In fact, it is father who’s still doing most of the work anyway. I have it easy. That aside, it’s not a fun topic to talk about…” She looked at the nearby case. “Check these out.”
With a smile she stood up and walked over to case, and excitedly opened it, revealing an assortnt of outfits. They looked quite fancy. I am a little interested.
“They look great, right? Let’s try it out on you now.”
“N-No! This is not a place to change!”
Is she crazy? Want to go nude in this place? No way I’ll let any unworthy bugs see my beautiful and perfect body!
No wait, technically ra already saw naked, and it would be alright if Mizia saw nude since we’re both females. But that’s not the point! No one gets naked in a guest room, no less !
Don’t get wrong, I’m confident with my body. There’s no reason to be embarrassed about it. But I have a sense of decency! I find no satisfaction exposing my body for no good reason.
Ugh! Why am I even explaining this?
“Ah, you’re right.”
She looked around.
“Hm, we need a proper place for a lady to change. Your room then.”
“Huh?”
She closed her case.
Did she just say my room? That’s not a good idea! My secret stash! No, she wouldn’t touch my things carelessly, likely she would focus on most of the ti, so it’s alright. Besides, she cannot be stopped.
Mizia wouldn’t just take a peek under a bed, like who would do that? So there’s no need to worry.
“Your room, let’s go.”
I can only sigh and watch as she rushed for the door and ordered a servant to carry the case. She’s totally in power here, that’s fine however, there’s nothing life threatening anyway. It had always been like this with her.
We made our way to my room, Rogan following behind us and with him the servant carrying the luggage. Mizia and I led the way, she knew where my room was, so I have no need to lead her.
“By the way, Estelia.”
“...Yes?”
She stopped and then pointed behind us with a suspecting gaze.
“Who is that? I can see he’s a knight but… who is he?”
“Um, he’s my personal knight.”
Her face loosened and stared at Rogan intently.
“I see. He is obedient, yes?”
“I suppose? I don’t really give him too many orders.”
As we continued walking, she leaned close to and whispered.
“Be careful with n, okay? Especially you. As nobles, we need to be more careful. You’re the princess, but you have to realize you look way more than that. n cannot be trusted so easily, they only want mostly one thing, and it’s disgusting.”
I feel like I have heard this phrase before.
“W-What are you talking about?”
“… Uh, sorry, that was a strange thing to say. Shouldn’t have said sothing explicit.”
What’s up with her?
“Just be careful of their motives whenever they make so weird move on you. Nothing is better than sincerity.”
Of all the things to bring up, she brought up that. What’s next? She’s actually romantically insecure or sothing? If so, I don’t know if I should pity my cousin and be thankful she’s concerned about .
Well, the concerned part I appreciate.
But hey, Rogan’s cool. But he did not seem to be interested in , so maybe safe…? I got to admit, it bothers when my charms don’t work much as I expected.
We shortly arrived at my room and Mizia at once closed the door and opened the nearby folding screen for changing clothes.
Damn, she is serious about this.
“So Estelia, try this out,” she said as she pulled out a dress.
I have no other choice but to change behind the screen. It took a while before I was finished, and I had to ask for help from her. And when it was done… I actually look good.
“Wow wow! Amazing!” she clapped her hands as she watched .
I was wearing a dark blue dress and loose sleeve, the skirt was an asymtrical, with the hem on the front being higher, just above my knees, and the back lower.
She may treat like a doll, but damn! She brought a nice dress!
“Beautiful! Alright, try this next.”
Already?!
But I want to cherish this appearance of mine more!
Fine…
She had changed into another one. This ti a completely dark dress, perhaps the word gothic was more appropriate to describe this. The skirt is just above the knee, and the sleeves were fit.
“You look kind of cool. Alright try this one next!”
Yup, looks like I will be her doll for today.
***
Fuck’s sake that was tiring! We still didn’t finish even when lunch ti arrived. So my cousin and my uncle had to eat with us. No problem since they’re family. Besides, I’m feeling good being in new clothes, I look beautiful! Everything just fits you know. How lovely can I get?
So during lunch everyone had so conversations, not too important. Then after that, we continued the dress up the doll session. I can only surrender myself to fate as she coiled herself around , and by fate of course I’m referring to my cousin.
The beautiful dress up doll Estelia Vernisia Wisteria, at your service.
At least the outfits were good.
Anyway, she was giving them to as gifts. But as you can see, she wanted to see in all of them. Hey, I’ll get the freebies.
So around the middle of afternoon, it was ti for them to leave. In front of the palace entrance was a luxurious carriage and the family was here to give our goodbyes.
“Cousin, take care, okay? I’ll see when I can visit again. Though expect it would take a while, perhaps a long while. So bear with it even if you miss , okay?”
She squeezed in her arms. I have no opinion about her words.
“Goodbye, Mizia…”
“Yes, goodbye.”
And with that she entered the carriage with her father, then waved energetically at . I waved back of course, I’m not such a cold person.
When every important people had left, we’re back to normal, for now. Half an hour later, I visited father’s office, he was surprised by my sudden arrival.
“Estelia, for what purpose have you visited?”
My eyes peered one by one at the servants in the room.
“... Father, I am here to hear your plans on the festival’s security.”
“My plans? The responsibility of laying out security during the festival falls into the hands of the supervisor.”
I sat on the chair in front of his desk.
“So he can order the knights as he wishes?”
“Basically yes, he can assign them wherever he requested. That said, I of course need to review the plans, so I still give the permission in the end.”
“I take it the knights will be busy guarding the entire festival?”
“Mm, that’s right.”
“Father…”
I looked at him then to the servants in the room. He seed to understand what I was trying to say.
“Everyone, leave us for the mont.”
The servants dispersed at once and once the door was closed, father spoke.
“My daughter, if you are worried about your safety, I will spare a number of knights for you.”
“No.”
“No?”
“Have the supervisor design the security network as he wishes. You can review it if you like, you can do it as you normally would.”
“Then why have you co here?”
“Not much. I just want to make sure. As I said, no need to spare so knights to guard , be it as normal as can be.”
“Then, what do you really want?”
Everything must be normal, giving the illusion that everything is in control. If the enemy get their hands on the plan, there must be a backup plan. There could be two outcos when I go out in the city.
One, if they knew too well about my security detail, they could study it and find their way to . Second, they hesitate and find another opportunity. I want more of the forr.
That’s why I need more certainty.
“As the knights will be busy and cannot completely guard , I have a request.”
“I’m listening…”
“The church.”
He light raised his eyebrow. Then I continued…
“You are the one that sent them as hunters. And I have the impression they are stronger than average knights. Thus, I would like to involve them in my security.”
“I see.”
“Is that alright?”
“Of course… I will have the best to be by your side.”
“No, have them hide, do not directly make contact with . Only guard my surroundings unnoticed.”
I want them to be covert. Plus, I don’t want a crowd following when I am out on a casual tour. Like co on! That’s no fun.
“If we do that, there will be a slight delay in response when you are attacked.”
“That will be fine. If Sir Rogan is coming with , a slight delay will be fine.”
Father sighed.
“I am worried, but if that is what you want, that can be done.”
“Oh another thing, father. Please have strict and strong security to watch over Allie.”
“Your forr chef, why?”
“With the knights dispersed and a festival going on, that can be a good window to break her out. Therefore, better to increase her security.”
“Alright. But why is it you want to keep her here?”
“She will be a good backup plan when all else fails.”
That’s why I don’t want her to slip out of my grasp.
“And what will be her use to your backup plan?”
“...... Nothing is certain yet, so I cannot say.”
Father sighed, a tiny amount of sadness in his eyes. What are you being sad about, father?
“... Very well. Anything else?”
“Yes. Please don’t tell the specifics of our plan to anyone. Not even to the supervisor. That is the last one.”
“I can do that.”
“Thank you very much, father.”
I gave him a grateful smile.
“Then I will take my leave. I have disturbed you for too long. See you later, father.”
“Okay…”
I stood up and walked over to the door when I heard him say.
“Not telling anyone… you don’t trust Marquis Vekenas?”
I turned to face him and smiled sweetly.
“I just think I should know them better before relying on them.”
I don’t trust anyone that easily.
Especially nobles, they were no different to any politicians. I rather trust a plain soldier more than them. Politicians tend to betray the country more than any soldier.
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