A Happy Family (Claude, Diana, and Athanasia) Who Made Me A Princess

Chapter 5: Reunited Friends

"I brought you some gifts!" Lily said excitedly as she started pulling out various things inside her bag. "Oh my Lily, you didn't have to" Diana said, surprised at how many can fit into Lily's small bag. Lily brought different kinds of stuff both for Diana and the baby. Aside from those, she pulled out a dozen of books.

"These were the story books that my mother made for me when I was a kid. She loved writing, it was her passion. And her stories were the best I've read. There are plenty of admirable characters, magical adventures and great life lessons the baby can learn from as she grows up. I cleaned it up, but its still evidently old-looking, I hope you don't mind." Warmth were seen in Lily's eyes as she told her about it.

"Lily, they're amazing. Thank you. Though I'd make sure to return them when its finally your turn to have a baby!" The girls laughed and continued enjoying their tea at the garden. Felix was near them, not too far so he can watch over them and not too close as to make them feel uncomfortable.

"Sir Felix, why don't you join us?" Diana called him over but Felix politely refused, saying his job was just to accompany them quietly. Still, with Diana's persistence he had no choice but to walk over their table, but still keeping a safe distance. 

Diana and Lily shared fun stories together, they also included Felix in their conversations and laughed together while they make silly jokes. While Lily was telling a story about how she once accidentally threw her shoe on the lake, Diana noticed something. Of course, even though Diana is not that close to Felix as they have only shared a few pleasantries and moments together, she too had a sharp eye. And Felix's face was as clear as the day. Diana let out a grin. 

After a while Diana wanted to confirm her suspicion, "So, Sir Felix, if you don't mind me asking, do you plan on getting married?" 

Although Felix managed to keep his cool, his red ears cannot lie. "I uh...*ehem* of course, yes" He said rather awkwardly. 

"Oh, do you already have someone in mind?" Diana grinned once more, enjoying the faint blush growing on his cheeks. 

"N-no....not yet" He stammered as he avoided eye contact from a staring brunette girl. You can say Felix has a slight crush on Lily, but was too shy to ever initiate a conversation. He also noticed that Lily didn't enjoy meeting with strangers so he had just kept his mouth shut and watched over her during balls and parties quietly as to respect her space and be alert incase someone makes her feel uncomfortable. 

"Hmm, I see. I'm sure you'll find her someday" Diana said as she smiled, eyeing both Felix and her friend. 

"How about you Lily? How are you lately? Anything going on with life?" Diana decided to stop teasing Felix for now and switched the topic of conversation to Lily.

But, her eyes suddenly lost its glow from earlier and started fidgeting with her teacup. "Lily? What's wrong? Is everything all right?" Diana reached for Lily's fidgeting hands, worried for her friend who's mood suddenly changed.

It took a while but she finally managed to let out a small answer. 

"I'm...getting married" She said quietly, in a sad manner. 

Both Felix and Diana were surprised, noticing her expression and the tone of her voice. 

"My father arranged a marriage for me and the son of Marquess Solen, Edwin Solen." 

Felix was the first one to react once he heard the name, "Wait-- Edwin Solen....??" he asked in disbelief. "Do you know him?" Diana asked. "Well....he has a reputation" He said while frowning. 

"His personality is...." Felix found it hard to find the right words. "...well, not the most pleasant." 

"Back when we were at the academy, he used to bring different girls in the dorm each night. His roommate complained and I heard he told the headmaster but for some reason, Edwin Solen never got reprimanded. He's also quite....arrogant and boastful." He explained while recalling his memories, all the while clenching his fists. Felix also remembered him being one of the guys in the parties who wanted to get close to Lily and had a nasty look on his face, and even asked him about her as Lily was always near Felix during such occasions. 

Lily let out a big sigh, "I know, already thinking about him gives me a headache"

"Don't! Anyone but him! Why him of all people??" Diana exclaimed, her face paling while learning who Edwin is. "To be honest, my father admitted that we are near bankruptcy, and the Marquess offered his help. I...have no choice. It is my duty as his only daughter." 

Diana and Felix grew silent, she seems to have already made up her mind and accepted the decision. But they don't want her to spend the rest of her life married to some douche bag. Lily's too precious for that! She deserves better! (*cough* *cough* like felix *cough*) 

They grew silent once again. Until....

"FELIX MARRY HER" Diana said seriously, startling Felix and Lily.

"W-w-wha-what...?????" He stammered as his whole face resembled a tomato.

"Obelia's Knight of Crimson Blood is 10x better than some Marquess son!" Diana exclaimed getting fired up. 

"Diana..." Lily laughed, finding Diana funny. She clasped both her hands and said, "Calm down will you? I can't hide my dislike for the man I am going to marry, but I have already accepted it" Lily smiled at her trying to assure her dear friend.

"But--but!" Diana got teary eyed, "He really, really doesn't deserve you..."

Lily laughed once more because in her eyes, Diana looked quite adorable. "Tell me immediately if he ever does anything to harm you, okay? I'll definitely kick his sorry ass--"

"All right, all right" She was now in a fit of laughter, but Felix still looked pretty down and Lily noticed it. "Sir Felix, I really am all right. Please rest assured." 

"Still, do tell us if anything happens Miss Lilian" 

"I will"

"You better! I will immediately kill him if I have to!" Diana huffed.

"Who will kill who?" She suddenly heard a voice right behind her as a shadow loomed over her head. She looked up as she saw blue jeweled eyes and brilliantly golden hair swaying from the wind.

"Don't do that..." He got closer as he placed his palm on the table.

"...your hands will get dirty" 

Of course, it was none other than Claude. 

"Instead, let me do it. Who's the bastard?"

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Now we all know where Athy got her spunkiness and teasing personality! XD 

I know some of you might say Diana is out of character or what not but honestly speaking, there was not much mentioned about her in both novel and manhwa so we only have to reference to how some characters described her and such. (Like Felix saying Athy was as brazen and bold as Diana :D) In this story, Diana is sweet, kind, elegant and gentle. But also likes teasing her friends (and claude), cheeky, headstrong and lively. And Athy inherited them from her!

I hope you guys enjoyed it <3

Stay safe everyone! :D