The Duke's Sailor Daughter [DISCONTINUED]

⟨ 1 ⟩

   I am not the prim and proper response when people ask for a duke's daughter, but I assure you, I have a justifiable answer for that.

To say I dislike studying is an understatement. I abhor the very existence of studying. I cannot elaborate it very well, but it is a very nauseating activity, and only brings me pain in the end of the day. And so, here I am, with my cute and small legs, running towards my secret garden.

Another factor is that my teachers are also unsatisfactory. All they could teach are barely the bare minimum. As if they had not learned the material properly. Even with all that, they dare be audacious enough to kiss my feet and speak in unsavory paragraphs of compliments. If I could call it that since it was such an unpleasant experience. Sparing an ear to their unhesitatingly long words is expected of a magnanimous duke's daughter. What I cannot forgive is even with my proper status of a Duke's daughter, I do not have a proper lecturer qualified to teach me other than Etiquette and Values. The Board of Education would like to speak to you, dear unqualified teachers.

My darling elder sister, Francesca, has yet again, snatched the awards and benefits from me. I wish I could crave for the love and care she owns, but alas, her Haven be damned. Even I, a terribly shameless person, have standards. I do not want anything she has.

This cracked cobblestone path is a roundabout way to the abandoned Oliver Garden. Peace settled in me as I admire the dried branches on dead trees which billow in the wind. Hah, how lonely and fragile. I may be a terribly shameless girl but even I had to take a break every now and then. As I am viewed as an impressionable child, a lot of aristocrats think they can wane me to do evil with just a piece of candy. Again, I assure you I do have standards. "Keeping up with society is ever stressful, I kid you not."

"Yes, I know. I should never be left to my own thoughts; it could only imprint an existential crisis if ever." I reasoned with the voice in my head. I sighed in awe, losing my consciousness to the winter breeze. The season of Undine. The celebrated festival of Wasser Falls is approaching quickly as the days brush by. It would be enjoyable if I have someone to talk and gaze at the water with.

"If only I brought my easel and paint. This day in winter is particularly splendid." I complained. In the far off corner of my mind, a voice is persistently reminding me of something. I am, of course, aware of what an irritating day it is.

'How could I forget my birthday? 39th Undine of the Avel Calendar is the day I have walked on this accursed fate of loneliness.'

My secret garden is so far off from the annexes of the manor. I could hide here for a day or two and the servants would still not be able to find me. After trudging for a while, I caught wind of hushed voices from a near distance. To the direction of my sacred place.

"And what could that be...?" I growl in an unladylike way, my lips form into an unsatisfied pout. After all, the only person who knows, and had visited this destitute heaven of mine is my childhood friend and future groom.

I never expected my fiancée to visit; we are particularly distanced from one another. Ah, how could I ever expect? He was never here for me. I take a small peek on the two having a light exchange. Heartfelt giggling in-between words and playful nudging, coming together with their reddening cheeks. It is the sight of a prince and a commoner disregarding status, sharing thoughts and jokes.

"How beautiful..." And by that, I meant both of them. Just by her crude attire, anyone could call the girl a commoner. However, she is impossibly the most beautiful child I have laid my eyes on. As if she is a blessed girl of god. And the boy, my fiancé, is the prince. As expected of royalty, he also had stunningly gorgeous features despite being five years old. A smile suited him better, like the one he is making now. He is a child, so joyful expressions suit him more than the poker face and formal greetings. Pairing him with the girl, it felt like I was only sub par... And I consider myself beautiful too.