From Rags to Royalty [Jellal x Erza]

Inside the Mansion

Trumpets could be heard from downstairs. I look over at my clock and see that it's 7:00 a.m.

Thinking of who could be playing trumpets at seven in the morning, I roll my eyes and silently pray that I'm wrong in my assumption.

On the way downstairs, I see my parents coming out of their room. They were yawning and wiping their eyes.

So they weren't expecting this either?

When we got downstairs, my assumptions were confirmed.

Standing before the shop's counter was a butler. Everything about him spoke butler.

His suit.

His aura.

His well groomed hair.

And his stern and serious face.

Upon seeing the man, my father's eyes go wide and his body stiffens.

"Y-You wouldn't happen to be-" He stutters nervously.

"Yes." The butler says quickly. "His Majesty has sent me to retrieve you."

"Oh, good heavens!" My dad laughs nervously. "I apologize for not being ready. We'll go get dressed quickly."

Did he just say "good heavens"? Who talks like that?

My dad pushes my mom and myself up the stairs in a hurry.

"Alright, you two, the King is waiting so move quickly." He whispers.

Not wanted to be scolded, I brushed my hair, washed my face, put on a pair of jeans and a cardigan (along with some sandals), and threw a piece of gum in my mouth since I didn't have time to brush my teeth.

My dad was grinning the entire ride over to the mansion.

I guess anyone would be excited to ride in a limousine. Even I couldn't help but feel a little excited.

Just the sight of it made my jaw drop a centimeter.

But I couldn't stay glad knowing that this was a one time thing. I'm sure that once the King sees and approves our sword, he'll hand us the money he owes and send us home.

And that will be that.

For whatever reason, he chose my family's shop and I can't seem to grasp the idea why.

Maybe his royal swordmaker came down with a cold so they needed a quick replacement.

Yeah, that's probably it.

"Welcome to the Fernandes Estate." The butler says as he opens the limo door.

I didn't even realize that we had came to a stop.

My father lets me and my mother exit the vehicle first, the butler helping us out.

As I get a good look at the mansion, I couldn't help but stare in awe. I had pictured what a mansion would look like based on what I saw on television, but seeing it in person was a different story.

It took my breath away.

"Please, follow me." The butler's voice brings me out of my thoughts.

I follow behind him and my parents as we all enter the royal home.

The inside of the house was as I expected.

There was not a speck of dust in sight. Nor was there a stain on the carpet.

There was antiques and paintings along the walls. And the ceilings were beautiful as well. The lighting just seemed . . . perfect.

"Welcome back, Father." A young man appears before us and bows.

"Hello, Sebastian." The butler says before he turns to face us. "My sincerest apologies for not introducing myself earlier. As a butler of the Fernandes' for many years, I cannot forgive myself for this mistake. I was so focused on bringing you here on time because the King is very punctual."

"Oh, it's not a problem." My mom smiles.

"My name is Frederick." The butler bows. "And this is my son, Sebastian."

"Pleasure to meet you all." Sebastian bows briefly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too." My mom giggles.

"Now, this way." Frederick says, turning and walking down the hall again.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Your Majesty, I have brought the Scarlets." Frederick says through the door.

"Send them in." A deep voice commands from the other side.

Frederick opens the door and leads us inside. Sitting in a large chair behind a desk, is (who I presume is) the King. Standing to his left is an elegant-looking woman, who I presume is the Queen.

And standing to the King's right, is a person I recognize from Angel's magazine.

It's the Prince.