Book 1: I was reincarnated as the youngest daughter of the Marquis

chapter 7: Nobels

“What is taking so long to prepare? The guests are already arriving!” Lilana’s voice rang sharply through the manor as she stormed into Ella’s dressing room, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the maids in a flurry of activity—but no Ella.

Becky, Ella’s personal maid, immediately bowed. “I apologize, my lady. It seems the young miss has, once again, found a way to slip away.”

Lilana’s frustration was clear as she muttered, “Not again. That child is going to be the end of me.”

“Check the back garden,” she instructed briskly. “Send the guards to find her, and be quick about it.” With a decisive wave of her hand, Lilana dismissed the servants and composed herself before heading off to greet the arriving guests.

Meanwhile, Ella was perched on a sturdy branch of an old oak tree in the back garden, savoring the rare moment of peace. Her solitude was interrupted by the distant shouts of the guards. With a resigned sigh, she hopped down from the branch and started making her way back toward the manor.

“Young miss, the guests are arriving, and your mother is looking for you,” one of the guards said as they spotted her. Ella rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “Just perfect.”

As she neared the manor, Becky appeared before her, her expression a mix of sternness and concern. “We need to get you ready quickly. Your mother is... less than pleased,” Becky said, her tone even.

Ella raised an eyebrow, trying to gauge the situation. “Is she mad or like mad mad?”

Becky’s only response was a small shrug, carefully noncommittal.

Ella sighed and flashed a brief grin. “Come on, Becky, you don’t have to be so serious.”

Becky gave a slight nod, her face betraying nothing.

Ella was swiftly ushered inside and dressed in an elegant black suit adorned with intricate red patterns. Her tailored black shorts complemented the outfit, and her hair was brushed back neatly, a silver headband encrusted with red rubies adding a touch of opulence.

Once ready, Ella was led to the glass house, where the tea party was already in full swing. The sunlight filtered through the glass walls, casting a warm glow over the beautifully decorated space. After greeting her mother and the other guests with the proper courtesies, Ella was directed to a separate table where the other children were seated.

The children, ranging in age from 7 to 10, were engaged in lively conversation. Four boys and two girls were seated at a small, elegantly set table away from the adults. Ella couldn’t help but feel slightly out of place, both in her formal attire and among the chattering group.

“Is it true you’ll be starting at the academy next year, Lady Ellena?” asked Josephine, one of the girls, her voice carrying the refined tone expected of a noble. She held her teacup with practiced grace, her blue dress adorned with intricate embroidery, her long brunette hair styled meticulously.

“Yes,” Ella replied with a simple nod, keeping her response brief.

“I heard they’re letting commoners into the academy,” Angus, a boy dressed smartly in blue and white, interjected, his tone betraying his displeasure.

“will you be attending as well, Lady Josephine?” another girl asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Josephine’s expression soured. “Of course, I’ll attend. But the idea of studying alongside commoners? It’s simply... inappropriate.”

Angus nodded in agreement, his voice filled with disdain. “Commoners shouldn’t be allowed in the same space as us nobles. They don’t belong.”

Ella, who had been half-listening, finally spoke up, her tone calm but questioning. “Why is it such a problem to study with other children, even if they’re not of noble birth?”