The convoy arrived at a road cleaner than the rest of what we went through. Barely any dry leaves all around, and as we passed by, I saw guards posted at the side of the road. They didn’t even try to stop us, given that they were already aware that we’re coming.
In prior discussions, we decided that we wouldn’t stop for any checkpoints, or to stop for soone by the road. Such a thing was prone to danger, or to be specific, ambush. Especially knowing that I was here as a passenger. I was completely fine with it, and was one of the reasons why I didn’t ask to stop by the forest earlier.
A short while later, my carriage began slowing down.
“It seems we’re here.” We passed through a fancy gate flanked by guards. My eyebrow raised a little upon seeing the place, my eyes were instantly filled with the sight of green. Plants were thick and everywhere, all kinds were growing. Vines stretching, fruits and vegetables dangling, so assorted and colorful flowers blossoming.
Which reminded , I do recall Mizia ntioning how her Mother, basically my aunt, loved planting so much. But to this degree? I never imagined. Even my mother showed restraint. But I guess they were still rich enough to easily manage sothing such as this. And if an apocalypse happens, at least they would have so food to eat.
The carriage stopped right in front of their mansion. It was pretty extravagant, I have to say. As one would expect from a noble in the capital. But nothing beats my palace though.
At the front of the doors were two familiar faces. It would seem my uncle didn’t get a chance after all.
One was a young woman close to my age, beautiful and bright, face vibrant of life. Her hair was a beautiful shade of crimson that took after her father. Her blue eyes wide in anticipation, looking towards my carriage with a wide smile on her face. It was my cousin, Mizia.
The other was an older woman, around the sa age as Uncle ril. She had shiny and smooth brown hair. Her eyes in the shade of black, seemingly gentle and caring. I have seen her on a couple of occasions, but I haven’t interacted much with her. She was my aunt, Areida landis Teristro. Judging from mory, and what I have been seeing, I liked her better already than my uncle.
“Ready, princess?”
I nodded as an answer for Rogan’s question. At the sa ti, knights assigned for my personal safety positioned and lined up in front of my carriage door. With that, Rogan first exited the carriage and extended his hand forward.
I gracefully placed my hand on top of his and stepped out. The chilly breeze of the starting winter imdiately touched my skin, or perhaps it was the cold and fresh air from the garden all around . Hard to tell things with just the wind, really.
Once my feet touched the brick floor, I faced forward, chest up, and smiled shyly. I walked forward to approach my two relatives. I stopped when I was close enough and first gave my greeting.
“It is a pleasure to see you two again, Mizia, Aunt Areida. May our hallowed lord and lady bless the mont of our delightful eting.”
My aunt stepped forward. “May we receive the resplendent blessing from our illustrious lord and lady. You have changed drastically since the last ti we saw each other, Estelia.”
Mizia subtly moaned for a mont, as though frustrated, and suddenly rushed towards , spreading her arms to hug tightly. “Missed you so much, Estelia! And to finally visit ho, what a day this truly is.”
I appeared to be frozen in shock, eyes wide, at her unexpected action. Wasn’t she being too excited? Her hug was a little too tight.
Before I got to complain, she let go and faced with a wide grin. “How was your trip?”
“...It was a little scary, but quite a fascinating experience.”
“That’s great! But don’t worry, the new experience will not stop there. There’s plenty that I want to show you! And oh, I have a set prepared just for you.”
Set…? Does she an — uuugh… I knew it.
“In fact, we should get started fitting them in now—”
“Mizia, patience.”
Her mother said, and Mizia paused for a mont before awkwardly smiling and stepping back.
“... Yes, mother. I’m sorry.”
“Now then, your highness, please co inside. Would you care for so lunch?”
I have already eaten a little back ho, but I guess it wouldn’t be bad to accept her offer. It’s almost lunchti, anyway.
“Of course.”
We stepped inside while Mizia was beside , still smiling widely, as if she was containing her excitent. anwhile, Rogan was following close behind , and the rest of the knights were left outside to guard the periter. It would be nice to also let them in for my protection, but the house would end up too crowded. Besides, this was a relative’s house, so everything should be safe.
“I apologize ril is not present for your welco. He has tasks that need to be taken care of.”
“Oh, that’s completely fine, Aunt Areida. I am aware that he has a lot of work to do at this ti.”
And guess who was the one giving all of that work? Hehe. It would seem his family was not aware of that. I guess he’s a good secret keeper. Got to hand it to him.
I looked around their mansion, truly luxurious and colorful, expensive materials and decorations embedded on all corners. Still, this place should be decades of years old, only renovated on occasions to keep it fresh — and fresh it definitely was.
I half expected this place would be full of ivy as well… But that’s just a stupid expectation, heh.
When we arrived at the dining room, I almost choked a little the mont I saw the number of covered plates and servings on the long table. Several servants in their fancy uniforms stood by the corner, poise and so professional. Wow, they looked more serious than those in the palace.
Maybe they’re just nervous because the princess ca to visit. As lowly as they could be, given that they should all be commoners, to appease the princess, a royal, would be one hell of a pressure. But hey, the pay must be good.
Mizia glanced behind and she frowned when he looked at Rogan. She clinged to my arm and spoke to in a low voice. “You still have him around with you.”
I was a bit confused, what’s her beef with him?
“He’s my personal knight, he should not be separated from .”
“Is he even truly trustworthy?”
“Why would you ask that?”
“I an, he seems too carefree, almost delinquent-like. Rember what I said? Don’t easily trust these kinds of n, they will play you around.”
I repressed the urge to sigh. My poor cousin and her trauma from a failed love experience. Who was the guy’s na again? He’s too insignificant for to rember all the ti.
I gently held my cousin’s hand and gave her a saddened look.
“W-What? What’s wrong? Why are you looking at like that?”
A fondly smiled. “There’s always soone for everyone eventually.”
“What are you talking about?” She was utterly confused.
Oh my poor Mizia, I’m sure you’ll find a man that will give you the love you deserve.
“All will end well, just be patient and believe.”
“Estelia… what?”
I patted her hand, and at the sa ti her mother spoke.
“We may sit down, your highness. Please sit here.”
I let her go and unexpectedly, Rogan pulled my chair and waited for to sit. Once I was ready to sit down, he slowly pushed the chair and I sat down. “Thank you.”
Wow Rogan! Acting like a true knight in shining armor!
He stepped back and stood at a corner. Mizia gave him a sharp look before sitting beside with the help of a servant. Rogan already had beef with soone and he didn’t even know it. Hm, knowing him, he might have sensed it already.
Good luck to him, not my problem.
“I hope you’ll find the cuisine to your liking, the recipes mostly ca from my garden.”
“Oh.”
That’s a pretty big garden.
The servants all at once lifted the lids, and different kinds of aroma imdiately began filling the air. I took a deep breath, it slled so good. I would expect nothing less from nobles. Now I’m beginning to wonder what food the average commoner gets to have. Well, not like I care anyway.
I sure hope the day that I need to eat on the streets, and eat crap, never cos. I an, who would want that? Not for certain.
I smiled. “Slls delicious, aunty. May I?”
“Of course, we can start.”
Aunty was the first to pick up food with a fork and eat. After that, I followed, and began placing at and vegetables on my plate. The vegetables looked incredibly nice, they must have cultivated them very nicely indeed.
I first ate the vegetables. The taste spread all over my tongue, sweet and soft sensation, the taste brought a strange wave of relief. I ate so vegetables again. My goodness, since when were vegetables this delicious!
When people work on their passion, they certainly bring about unbelievable results. Amazing. What sort of sorcery did they cast on these pieces of plants? They're more delicious than the ones cooked in the palace.
“I assu you like them?” asked my aunt.
“I love it! I never thought you could make sothing so delicious, truly amazing. The vegetables are surprisingly the best, makes wonder how you achieved such a feat.”
“Well, you need only take very good care of them and make sure they grow in the right environnt.”
“Is it hard?”
“At first, but you’ll eventually get used to it. Are you interested in cultivating plants?”
I froze for a mont, I’m sensing so sort of apprenticeship about to happen kind of thing. Can’t let this happen. I was not interested in gardening or the sa kind at all. Too much hard work for , I would rather roll around my bed than that. But it would be rude to say that outright.
“I just thought that perhaps Mother would be interested in learning so techniques used to grow plants to this perfection.”
“Oh, I see. Perhaps I can write a letter of tips on growing vegetables.”
“Please, I’m sure Mother will be pleased.”
“Very well.”
At that mont, I sensed a strong gaze from the young woman beside , Mizia. “What’s wrong?”
“...... Nothing…. It’s just… you seed different from usual. More… um, less repressed?”
Oh.
“It’s… it’s just you’re family… and that’s why I am currently like this. There is nothing to be… afraid of.”
“Oh, then that’s good.”
I smiled a little, giving it a little tremble. “Am I doing good?”
“Yes, yes you are.” She smiled like a proud big sister. “With this, I think you’ll do nicely for tomorrow’s tea party.”
I awkwardly chuckled. “... I don’t know about that.”
Tomorrow, huh? She wasted no ti.
“Is that so? Well, I’ll be with you anyway. So there’s nothing to be nervous about. And they’re nice. They’ll be nice to you as the princess.”
“I hope so.”
“Just rember, in the end, you are still above them.”
I nodded. aning I should not take what they think about to heart. Be that as it may, I’m sure the Pure Princess would be to everyone’s liking, no matter what kind of person they may be. I’m innocent, gentle, soft, and kind, I’m sure everyone would treat nicely.
We went on with the dining, and I tasted every dish placed on the table. Given that I have a small stomach, I only ate around one or a couple spoonfuls of each one. We were all ladies eating here right now, and the servants, as well as my knight would be eating later, thus there would be plenty of leftovers once we’re full.
However, with this much, I don’t think plenty would be the right word to describe it.
Anyhow, when dining was over, Mizia led to the room that I’ll be using for the duration of my stay.
“I already had your servants brought to your room.”
And indeed, ra and Vernon were already outside of what I presu to be my room. With them were my luggage.
“And oh! This is my room.”
I resisted frowning in puzzlent when she pointed to a specific room. It was right next to mine.
I’m in danger here!
“But before that, I’ll leave you to set things up with your luggage and get used to your room. I’ll check up on you in an hour or two.”
“Alright, Mizia.”
She nodded before leaving us.
I approached my two servants. “Did you two travel well? Any problems?”
“None, milady.”
“Everything went smoothly.”
“Good. I’ll be taking ra with to my room to take out my belongings. Please bring the luggages into the room.”
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