Celine brought back a satin dress that faded from a soft cream to a pinkish plum. Behind her, an excited team of maids who wished to play dress up followed. While they did just that, fussing over my hair and clothing, I did a bit of reading. The book selection was limited in Lucy's room, but sometimes, as Luca was taking lessons, I'd borrow the texts he had finished. They mostly surrounded the history of the Kingdom andÂ
An hour passes and the giddy women finally finish their work. "Young miss, would you like to see how beautiful you look?"
I close the text and look up to the reflection of a tiny fairy-like being. She looked magical with her shining, silver hair that was loosely curled away from her face that glowed a healthy pink at the cheeks. Seeing her.. how different she looked from just a few months ago, made me feel.. twisted inside.
"Young miss, you look so lovely!"
"You look just like a porcelain doll!"
"No! You're just like an angel!"
As they shower me with compliments, I just respond with a feigned smile. 'Why did I have to reincarnate with the same exact face...'
Gaining the room's attention, Celine clasped. "Now then, shall we go show you off to the Duke and Young Master?"
~
Rather than to where I assumed they would be, I'm led to the dining room. Feeling a bit nervous for how they would react, I notice the halls feel strange. 'I wonder where everyone is..' Usually, during the day, I would be able to spot at least one servant any place I go in the mansion. But today, it is rather empty. Before I could to ask Celine, we arrive at the double doors.
When she opens it up, I am greeted with a great "SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Frozen stiff, I mechanically begin to walk backward but Luca doesn't allow me to escape. Rushing forward, he grabs my hand. "Where do you think you are going, Lucy? We can't have a celebration without the main guest!"
The boy pulls me in with hands only slightly bigger than my own and sits me at the head of the table. The castle, everyone I've come to know, and some who I haven't met yet are here.
Hugging me once again, the Duke's love flows through him as he says, "You look beautiful, Lucy. Just like your mother. I'm happy that you are wearing one of the dresses."
He's radiant. I... It hurts... but doesn't at the same time. "I'm sorry... papa... for not accepting your gifts."
His warm hand pats my head. "No, I'm sorry for not choosing something that you wanted. That's why..." He goes into his pocket to pull out a necklace with a silver key attached. I look at him feeling puzzled. "I'm still not sure if this would be something you wanted... but I heard that you were very keen on reading. This is the key to your late-uncle Francis's personal study. In there, there is quite the collection of books he accumulated over the years. There should still be materials in it that you would be able to read. And I was thinking that maybe when the weather becomes a little warmer, we can take a trip to town to find some novels that may interest you."
Holding the key around my neck, I look up with wavering eyes, then whisper, "I would like that very much. Thank you."
The silvery man let's go of my hands then wraps his arms around my body. "Happy Birthday, my sweet daughter."
After letting me go, Luca walks up looking bashful. With his pretty face in a frown, he sulks, "I.. didn't have enough time to prepare another gift.. so.. I'm sorry.."
I insistently say, "No! Don't say that!" Standing up from my seat, I spin around to show him. "Celine said that this was one of the dresses you personally picked. I... I-I didn't know I would like it so much.. So, really, I should be saying.. Thank you, Luca."
Like always, he shows me an infectious smile. "Happy Birthday, Lucy."
The day goes on with me meeting and greeting everyone, which led to my body growing a bit tired. I tried to push through, but it seems it is of no use. Noticing my drained energy, I'm brought back to my room by the Duke and Luca. Carried in the arms of the Duke, I try to open my eyelids. I want to tell him, 'I can walk by myself,' but my mouth doesn't open. I can hear Luca laughing near my ear, saying, "I can't believe she fell asleep sitting up. The other day, Celine said she did it, but I didn't believe her."
"Well, she must have been tired from talking to everyone. I was surprised how she was able to speak to such uptight noblemen without so much as to blink an eye. My daughter is truly impressive."
"Mm. She really is."