Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 12

Mila lay back on her bed, feeling the weariness of the day settle over her. For the past three years, she had been writing letters to Leo, staying in touch despite the distance between them. Over the last two years, she had also been exchanging letters with someone who signed their letters as "ZH." These correspondences had become a source of joy for her, giving her a sense of connection even though they were far apart.

ZH was still a mystery—Mila had discovered that they were likely around her age, perhaps a bit older, but ZH had always been careful not to reveal too much. Despite the secrecy, Mila found it fun to have someone to write to, even if it made her a little sad that they couldn't meet in person.

As she rested, a familiar sound caught her attention—a gentle tapping at her window. A smile spread across her face as she turned to see Jero, the Crested Eye Quetzal, perched outside. "Hey, it's been a while," Mila greeted him warmly as she opened the window. She reached for a handful of seeds, which Jero eagerly began to eat while she untied the letter from his leg.

Unfolding the note, she read the message from ZH:

'It will be your seventh birthday soon, which means you'll have the chance to find your first beast. Is there anything special you wish for?' - ZH

Mila pondered the question, unsure of what to ask for. After all this time, she still didn't know much about ZH—not even whether they were a boy or a girl. She considered asking to meet in person for her birthday, but she knew the chances of that happening were slim.

Sitting up, she walked over to her desk and pulled out a small piece of paper to write her reply:

'I'm not sure what to ask for. You should know what I like by now after two years of exchanging letters. Surprise me this year.' - Mila

Mila giggled softly as she finished the note, wondering what ZH might come up with. She carefully tied the letter to Jero's leg, her smile widening as she watched the elegant bird take flight once more. As Jero disappeared into the sky, Mila felt a sense of anticipation mixed with curiosity, eager to see what surprises her upcoming birthday might bring.
***
ZH was in his room when Jero returned, the Crested Eye Quetzal landing gracefully on the windowsill with a letter tied to his leg. ZH walked over, gently untying the note and unfolding it. As he read Mila's words, a smile slowly spread across his face, followed by a soft scoff. "Is she testing me this time?" he mused aloud, amused by the playful challenge she had set for him. Mila had left it up to him to guess what she liked, and he found the prospect intriguing.

He leaned back, thoughtfully holding his head as he considered what Mila might enjoy. Over the past two years of exchanging letters, he had learned a lot about her, but this was different—this time, he had to surprise her.

'Your Highness, do you have anything particular in mind that you wish for me to retrieve for you?' Jero asked, sensing ZH's contemplative mood.

ZH shook his head, a smirk forming on his lips. "No need, Jero. I have something in mind already." The idea of surprising Mila, of picking just the right thing, filled him with a sense of anticipation. He was determined to make this birthday gift something special, something that would truly delight her.
***
"Lady Mila, are you alright?" Angela asked gently, noticing that Mila seemed deep in thought. Her words snapped Mila back to the present, pulling her focus back to the lesson at hand. Angela's gaze was filled with concern. "Are you worried about the upcoming event where you'll make a contract with your first beast?"

Mila hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth was, she didn't even have a beast, and the thought weighed heavily on her mind. Then, she remembered that Angela herself didn't have any abilities or a beast. Curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "Lady Angela, how did you avoid going to the event?"