It has been past a week since Chalice woke up after her incident with the crown prince. Lucy must say that ever since then she had been strange, very unlike herself. Though it is not really in a bad way. In fact, her changes are quite pleasing.
It has also been a week since Chalice had taken her as her sworn sister and became the goddaughter of the Duke and Duchess of Amaranth. Lucy's debt of gratitude has once again multiplied. Despite Chalice saying that it was nothing, in her heart she could never let it go. She vowed to always follow her, care for her, and be the best sister. All the people in the world may turn their back on her, but Lucy won't. She won't let Chalice regret taking them, siblings.
In the past, Chalice was always grouchy and irritable. She would insist on getting her way, the typical pampered aristocrat. They may see her that way, but Lucy knew the truth. She was like that merely as a defense for all the ridicule that she endured silently. Being the heiress of a Dukedom was not easy.
It was not only once that Lucy heard her cry at night because of it. Chalice was just a girl in the end. A girl trying her best to fit in. Everyone shunned her. That was why she did her best to do the opposite of that. To make her feel accepted. But in the end, Lucy was only one person.
However, things had changed ever since she woke up.
Since Lucy was already well-versed in the things that a lady of high society must know of. Instead of studying those again, Duchess Lyana put her in charge of Chalice. Pretty much like her governess.
Lucy was glad that she had already changed her dressing style to a more subdued and elegant one. She had also ceased to put on her usual ghastly makeup and preferred to go bare-faced that Lucy even had the illusion that she hated it. She became calmer, toned-down, and ladylike compared to her usual brash and lofty ways.
However, there was one thing that Lucy could not help but find to be quite an enigma. Despite most people finding Chalice to be brazen, she was in fact timid and lacks confidence. She had developed an inferiority complex in herself. But the Chalice today, her demeanor may be indolent and languid, there remains an undeniable domineering aura emanating within her.
Also, Lucy seems to have been uninformed that her lady is unbelievably sardonic. Her blunt sarcasm these days shock her at times. She also seems to have developed a habit of seducing people as a form of entertainment. Apparently, it was a mistake to say that she only chases men. Even the maids cannot escape her clutches. Her teasing coupled with that face of hers, was deadly.
Chalice's usual victim however was her newly appointed knight, Sir Levi. Her previous one was fired due to negligence after that incident with the crown prince. Thankfully, he was immune to her face.
Sir Levi is an effeminately handsome man. He is one of the top knights of the Amaranthian Militia. However, as in Chalice's words, he was Narcissus incarnate. Their first meeting was disastrous. Though, it seems that they had become closer these days. Chalice told Lucy that despite their bickering, she trusts Levi. And that she had obtained his utmost loyalty.'
She refrained from asking how Chalice made that happen. Whomever Chalice trusts, Lucy will trust as well. Nevertheless, her sporadic hoydenish behavior was worrying. Not to mention, Chalice had lost interest in the things that she used to like.
Lucy's jaw almost reached the floor that time when she told me that she wants to go to the library. After all, it had to be said that Chalice despises books, reading, and anything close to studying in general.
Lucy was flabbergasted when Chalice stayed in the library the whole day. It was only on her third day of stay that she has become numb to it. Chalice read through all the books like a whirlwind. Sometimes, Lucy would even hear her muttering questions and commentaries about what she was reading. And those commentaries further strengthened her hunch that Chalice may in fact be a genius, contrary to the belief of others.
It pained Lucy, however, that Chalice had to suffer a near-death experience before she realized her potential. But all is well, that ends well.
Lucy's train of thought was cut off when she heard the banter of the knight and lady pair beyond the library door.
"For the love of Yeshua, my dear Lady don't you get tired of being surrounded by books? Even if you read all of it, a stupid brain is still a stupid brain. You can't simply change that."
Sir Levi's seductive bass voice reverberated. Lucy shook her head, she really needs to reprimand this knight lest her lady be influenced by his poisonous tongue.
"Oh, please Levi. A stupid brain can still be improved. Your height on the other hand... Don't worry, maybe we'll be able to discover supplements for it."
She takes it back. It is not Sir Levi who needs a reprimand. Chalice's tongue far surpasses his. Lucy thought bitterly as she opened the door.
"Hey, that's low even for you. My height is quite normal, thank you very much. That's it. I'm never making you tea again even if you beg me."
Their banters became clearer and louder as she went inside. The both of them were oblivious to her presence. Lucy heard Chalice gasp.
"No, no. Sir Levi. You're the most handsome and strongest knight ever. No one compares to you even if you're tiny. Don't deprive me of my florian tea."
Now, that was quite a reversal. Lucy couldn't help but chuckle. Levi and Chalice turned to her. The latter rushed towards her with a pout.
"Lucy! Look, Levi is bullying me. He said he's not making me tea anymore."
Chalice complained. She sighed at her childish rant. This part of her was also something new to Lucy. But it was also something that she can't help but indulge in since it was quite endearing Levi crossed his arms and scoffed at Chalice's shameless behavior.
"Enough of your bantering, Chalice. Godfather is looking for you. He's waiting for you in his study."
Chalice stood upright at that. Lucy knew she had been waiting for this for days now. She hurriedly dragged Levi with her and headed for the door.
"Lucy, let's go. We can't make Father wait for long."
She gave her assent to that and walked to catch up to the two. A trace of an expectant smile on her lips.
'I'll be waiting for the great things you'll stir up, Chalice.'