In Time And Memories

Chapter Six

Winter is coming but I'm loaded with works about the duchy. I also had to take some lessons and go back to my training. I became busy so I couldn't visit the palace these past few days.

The last time I saw the prince was nine days ago. Our relationship became better after the confession we shared.

"Lady Azelaine!" My eyes went up from the book that I was reading- To Celestia who just called my name. She's running towards me with a big smile on her face.

Now, what?

With a glint on her eyes, Celestia put down a basket full of pastries. "I baked pastries, My Lady. You should try it! The maids said that I did a good job making it and that it tastes good!" Celestia kept on babbling about her baked pastries.

My head cocked to the side and stared at her pastries. It does look good and well-baked- Golden and smells delightfully fresh.

I looked up again to see her face. I tried to remain indifferent towards her expectant expression. A sigh came out of my lips and grabbed a piece of cooky from the basket.

I'm not expecting something special from the cookie but it is delicious just like she told me. The sweetness is just in the right amount, the bread is soft and easy to chew. Not to mention the flavor stays in my mouth after swallowing it.

"It's good," I told her honestly.

There are stars in her eyes after she heard my thought about her cookie. My eyes widened when she clasped her hand around mine.

"I'm glad that you liked it, Lady Azelaine!" Enthusiastic as ever.

I removed my hand from her grip and went back to the book that I was reading. I don't have time to entertain her more at the moment because I need to study accounting.

My future lies in business and political power. That's why I need to study in order to use my future position. Oh- Right...

I'll marry the prince in the future too.

When that happens, I'll be the princess of this empire and will no longer be a part of the duchy. My older brother doesn't like the idea of inheriting the title of duke. Come to think of it... Will father let Celestia inherit the duchy?

But she's adopted.

Although no law forbids an adopted child to not inherit a noble title, it is absurd to think about it. I don't think I'll just keep my mouth shut when father decided to let Celestia have the house Laurenze.

Our family comes with great influence and political power. Even if she's legally adopted, it would be risky to give it to her.

Celestia has been staying here for almost five years now. She was thirteen when father took her home and sheltered her. The upcoming year will be her coming-of-age ceremony.

In those years that she's here, we never had the chance to get close to each other. Or maybe because I don't want to.

"Celestia," I called her.

"Yes, My Lady?"

"Where are your parents?" I asked her directly even though I'm aware that it might make her uneasy.

Her mouth gaped and her eyes became shallow. "I-I don't know, My Lady... I guess t-they abandoned me when I was a k-kid." She started to sob- It's making me irritated. Perhaps I regret asking her that.

"Stop crying. You're seventeen, for god's sake." Even if I'm two years younger than her, I'll remain superior to her.

"What's your abilities?"

I've never seen her use magic so all those years, I assumed that she's also hollow. Our maids use their abilities while working here in the mansion.

"I don't have any magic, My Lady." Her voice sounds sad but there's a smile plastered on her face. Well, I just my intuition is right. I nodded at her and never tried to talk again.

My attention was only caught again when she stood up from the seat and grabbed the basket. She placed a clean handkerchief on the table and put some pastries on it.

"I'll leave some, Lady Azelaine. Please enjoy them- I'll take my leave," Celestia announced and bowed her head before turning her back on me. I watched her walk away.

"I hope the prince will like them too."

What did she just say?

My mouth gaped as she slowly disappeared from my sight then I shifted my gaze to the pastries. Her voice may be faint but I heard it clearly.

Did she sent some pastries to the prince?

-

A loud thud on the ground was heard when my sword slashed the wooden target and was cut in half. There is applause from the audience- Our knights.

I smirked and wiped the droplets of sweat on my forehead using the back of my hand. It's so satisfying to slash those targets.

Whew.

"That's so amazing, My Lady! You slashed it all in a short period of time!" Rina complimented me and the knights agreed with her. I just nodded.

I learned how to use a sword when I was ten and bow when I saw twelve. Some people said that it's so unladylike behind my back but then they complimented me whenever I'm facing them. It's ao ridiculous.

"Bow," I commanded. Rina hurried to get my bow and arrows then handed them to me.

I heaved a sigh first before assembling my bow and arrow. A powerful stretch from my arms- Left on the grip and right on the string. My arms are in perfect posture while I aim the arrow straight through the target. I was about to release the arrow when I heard some giggles.

"I can't believe the prince sent you a letter, My Lady!"

Letter? What letter? Did Prince Pierre send me a letter?

I looked around to see who said that but my eyes caught Celestia and her maids on the near tree while staring at an envelope.

I relaxed my arm and lowered the bow. "Is there perhaps a letter for me from the Imperial Palace?" I asked Rina but she just shakes her head as an answer to my question.

My eyes squinted.

"He said that the pastries were good and he's hoping to receive more in the future," Celestia stated with her soft and alluring voice while staring dearly at the enveloped.

She placed it on her chest; as if she's hugging it. I suddenly felt irritated while watching her.

Just what the hell is she doing?! Is she trying to flirt with the prince even though she already knows that I'm dating him?!

The nerve of this girl!

I positioned my arms again. The grip on my arrow hurts as if it's cutting through my fingers and my hand is clenching on the grip. I can't describe how furious I am right now.

Without thinking twice, I released the grip on the arrow and it was fast enough to reach the tree behind Celestia.

She looked at me with her wide eyes and horror is visible on her face. The arrow is right beside her face. If I moved an inch- It'll definitely hit her face. My chest is rising rapidly because of anger.

"Azie!" It was like thunder that shot my body. My head turned to my side and there he is; my father who looks just as furious as I am.

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