In Time And Memories

Chapter Thirteen

The thirteenth day in the month of February- Birthday of Meliean Empire's crown prince, Urus Varzillion. A day that people of the empire wanted to avoid as much as possible but they don't have any power to do so.

Power is power.

He's right. No matter how people hated you, they don't have the power to refuse those who are above them. Just like what we are right now.

I know my father doesn't want to attend the crown prince's coming-of-age ceremony but wasn't be able to turn down the emperor's invitation. Well, most of the nobles are on the same page. They're just attending the banquet because the emperor ordered them to do so.

"I'm so excited!" Celestia exclaimed. My eyes went to her. I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows at the sight of her appearance.

There are noticeable differences in her physical appearance. She looks more a mature lady now than before and her actions are sharper. It's been a while since the last time I saw her but has it been that long?

I went towards the corner of our sitting room. The dress that I'll wear for today's banquet is being hung and covered in this corner.

"Rina," I called my head maid.

"Yes, My Lady?"

"Get my dress, let's prepare for the banquet," I ordered her and then turned my back on the dress. I haven't seen the design or what kind of dress it is; it doesn't matter anyway.

I left our sitting room, leaving Celestia and her maids behind- Completely ignoring them as I have no business with them.

I learned how to ignore her presence and quirkiness. Although I noticed how father is now favoring her more than me. It is painful to think that it was my place before, I was the one who was being showered with love and attention by my father.

Maybe this is my punishment for what I did to her before even if it's invalidating what I'm feeling that day. Hopefully, I will also get used to this treatment.

After preparing for such a long time, it's finally time to put the dress on. Rina only touched my face with light make-up and I must say that it suits me really well. Besides, I'm not used to wearing heavy make-up.

"My Lady," Rina called my attention. My gaze went up on the mirror and saw her holding the gorgeous dress on the reflection.

It's an off-shoulder ball gown with a V-cut on the front part of the bodice. It has embroidered flowers on the cut- Paired with small gemstones; the colors of blue, silver, and gold. While the sleeves are made with the same cloth that is used on the long skirt.

The skirt is filled with blue and silver patterns of a flower. It also has a long piece of cloth on the back; making it like the dress' tail.

It's so gorgeous.

I can't take my eyes off it. It may look a bit simple but it screams elegance to my eyes.

"I know this looks well on you, My Lady. Now come on, wear this so that you won't be late for the banquet." Rina didn't waste more time and she attended to me.

She helped me get in the dress without ruining my well-done hair; up to a bun and designed with silver and blue hairpins.

I heard Rina gasp, both of her hands are covering her mouth while her eyes are filled with adoration.

"You are so gorgeous, My Lady!" She complimented me. My eyes widened with awe as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts while looking at myself. Rina went to the door and opened it- It's the butler. I took it as a message that the carriage is ready even though he hadn't said anything yet.

The sun setting as it illuminates the front part of our mansion. Its rays are golden and look warm amidst the cold breeze that brushed through my skin.

It looks wonderful.

A smile appeared on my lips as the coachman guided me on the carriage. He bowed his head to me. "You're so beautiful, My Lady." I only chuckled and said my thanks for the compliment.

I don't know where father and Celestia are right now but I didn't waste any token of thoughts about them. I'm sure that they're somewhere; having a joyful conversation or whatsoever. Besides, I would rather stay in a separate carriage than suffer mentally because of them.

The ride was long since they have to check every carriage that will enter the Imperial grounds. But I somehow survived it without getting bored.

As soon as I arrived at the palace, all eyes are on me and there are people who complimented me on every step I take. I feel lighter and better when I see those people who adore me- It seems like the distant feeling caused by my adopted sister and father vanished temporarily.

I admit that I love people's attention and am genuinely thankful for that since I was raised in that way. That's why I did everything to be worthy of their attention.

That's why the thought of being abandoned or hated by everyone feels... so painful and disappointing.

"Looking gorgeous as ever, Lady Laurenze," one of the counts complimented me. I smiled sweetly at him.

"Thank you, Count Bershel." We continued our small conversation. Count Bershel's son is one of the captain knights under the house of Laurenze; he once escorted me and became an acquaintance.

After that, I excused myself to look for the assigned table to have a short break. While I was walking, I heard some murmurs going around.

"Isn't the crown prince will finally choose his royal fiancèe?"

"I'm sure they'll announce it later. I heard that there are candidates for the position from the high noble families."

"But some rumors are going around that the crown prince is seeing a woman right now. They even shared a bed, according to a knight." They all gasped when they heard that statement.

I shrugged. No matter if those rumors are true or not, it's none of my business. And those candidates, I'm pretty sure that I'm not even on that list.

But I guess I was wrong.

"Don't you think that Lady Laurenze will be his bride? I mean... The late empress and queen came from the two highest noble families, so isn't that normal if the crown prince will choose her?"

My body froze. No, I refuse to acknowledge that possibility. Even if I'm on that list of candidates, there's no way that the crown prince will choose me.

Given that I'm seeing his brother!

"The emperor and the crown prince of Meliean Empire has arrived!"

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