*~The Modern Cinderella~*
~Mary's POV~
The sets high to the kingdom of REIL.
People from the neighboring countries describes Reil as the kingdom of Power and Prosperity.
A place of union and equality, all the people has been given the chance to work no signs of corruption nor illegal acts.
All is living freely and happily.
Even I, who was once a street children was given a place to stay...
Somehow, me and all the towns people would like to thank wholeheartedly to our Prince for his glorious Reign.
Sadly, he rarely meet his people because of his busy schedule. Well, I guess it's understandable since the kingdom would not be as it is, but if it weren't for him I wouldn't been able to live like this, he's our savior...
(Back to reality)
"Mary?!! Have you finished baking and preparing the bread and pastries?" Ms. Faliin yelled.
She is my landlady and boss more like she was my acting mother and the one who adopts me.
"Crap! Im distracted again!...The opening time is in 5 minutes did you sleep well Mary?" My friend Sarah added.
"Oh quit spicing things up Ms. Faliin would scold us, have you heard the Prince would show himself at the Laprelle Culinary Academy? I badly wanna go that's why I have to do my best today and finish everything as fast as I could so that I could see the Prince, I adolizes him so much! at the least I wanna have him taste my food." the dreaming and excited Mary said.
"I hope so, Mary dear but your loyal patrons are here...Ugh! I feel kinda dizzy looking at their numbers." Sarah replied.
"There are many people lining up already?!! Ok, I'm already done displaying them."
"Wha!! You're fast!!." the amazed Sarah added.
(Ms. Faliin gathers her workers)
"Ok girls today's the day our country has founded, it's a big celebration. Let us all remember every costumer is special, treat them with care. This is one of the most busiest days but let's have a wonderful day!!" Ms. Faliin said.
"Yeah!" Me and the rest of the crew replied...
First 3 hours of opening and the count of people are still growing.
"Wahaaa! Im already tired!! She served thousands of them already?" Sarah complained.
"Mary! The desserts and other pastries are almost out!!" the worried waiter said.
"Ok the 80th batch of sweets are out!"
"Wow thanks Mary you're a life saver."
"You're Welcome" She replied with thrill and excitement.
And the roullete of the busy day continues.
Its almost dark and the Shop is still busy as ever.
All the Guests were Fascinated of Mary's Beauty and professionalism in handing different tasks at a fast pace.
Cooking, serving and welcoming the guests.
Majority of which would like to ask her hand for marriage or work for them at their respective countries.
"My lady you're a Goodness descended from the heavens! Marry my son!!" a rich merchant said.
"No, Marry my son!" a politician seconded.
"Young lady! would you rather like to work at our country?" And so on the persuading continues...
But in the end, she politely declined.
A chill ran down on her spine as she noticed Sarah being wobbly.
Mary run on to her and fell in her arms "Thank goodness I catched her." I said.
Same goes to the apple shake that almost fell in the young mens' expensive clothing.
By the looks of it, his some kind of a royalty.
"Whew! It would be trouble If there's an accident, Thank you very much young lady for the quick response." the elite looking man said.
She apologized, bowed to him and escorted Sarah to her room.
She turns out to have a fever from the heat and overworking...
After taking Sarah to her room she continues to work.
Hours past and The busy day was over serving 6,500 customers of different status.
"Sigh, what a day!! I managed to cover the flaws but in the end I failed to see and thank the Prince. " saddened Mary just gazed at the twilight in the river bank at the front of their Shop while eating bread.
"Why would you like to meet the Prince?"...
"Many things, stuffs like I want to thank him for being born because I won't be where I am, if it weren't for him, I had the chance to meet a new warm family." the sad Mary mumbled.
"That's Great! The Prince would be delighted to have someone as kind as you to serve him."...
"Really?! I would love too!!" Mary replied
(Paused for a moment)
"Uuhh.....I think I'm crazy talking to myself, stupid conscience! stop speaking loudly I might get crazy!!"
She thought she was talking to herself "Can you turn around Miss?"
The moment she turned around, she saw the rich elite looking man who Sarah almost spilled the drink earlier along with 2 royal guards as well as her step mom Ms. Faliin.
Mary thought her family would be scolded or punished for the accident earlier as her Mom looks teary looking at her.
She apologizes deeply "Im sorry! I'm very sorry it was my mistake unable to notice my friends state and displayed such an action in front of you, Ill take responsibility so please don't hurt my family." with teary eyes.
The elite young man replied "Oh please don't say such words that may ruin your beauty My Lady raise your head up, I forgot to introduce myself I am Io Matsui Lawford, the Kingdom's Royal Adviser. Pleased to meet you my fair lady." kissing her hand.
Mary Blushed and frozed for a while "Whaaaaat?!! Your Royal Highness Io??!!" Mary shouted out of surprise which make a number of crowd gathered around them to match a glimpse of one of the greatest person in their country.
The guards instantly controlling the crowd.
"Your Highness should we send them away?" one of the guards asked.
"I apologize for the inconvenience but can you let me be with them for a while?" Io asked politely.
The Royal adviser happily waved, shook the hands and talked to them for a while.
"Your Highness the time is almost up." one of the guards said.
(Such unbelievable turn of events!! Who would've thought that they would talk in personal on the second hand the adviser is such a gorgeous man)
Mary nervously greeted "Such an honor to meet his Highness in such place were really greatfull of your presence, but may I know what could be the actual reason behind the sudden visit?"
Io talks with a blush on his face "Actually I've have been observing you for a while now, and I can't take my eyes out of you, you're lovely,kindhearted and hardworking and it's decided...It has to be you!! Will you come with me?"
"EHHHHHHH!?....." Mary, Faliin, the royal guards and the people are shocked for such daring confession.
...
...
...
"Would like to work as the Prince's personal assistant?"
(TOINKS)
"OH! That's what it is...a Job offer..." The people muttered.
"WOW really?" Mary wants to agree but then...
"Your Highness I would like to but I humbly decline, because the people and my fami--"...
"I really think it's time for you to go.." Ms. Faliin interrupted.
"What can you expect you're a good girl and a talented cook its a waste not sending you to a Prestigous kingdom, I'm very sorry Mary you've done so much for me and Sarah...At least letting you go to pursue your dream is what I can do for you." sobbing.
"I love you as you were like my daughter and your always will be one." Mary Hugs Ms. Faliin tightly thanking her while crying.
~•~•~•~
"Just dont forget to write letters or visit us if you have time"
"Yes, I'll be in touch" Mary quickly packed her things and after several minutes she departed at night along with the Royal Adviser Io.
Somehow the young Adviser feels awkward seeing the young lady crying silently, gazing in the windows.
"Maybe silence is a bad idea while as a man, I should be cheering her up" and so Io pinched Mary's cheeks.
"Alright!...sad time is over!"
"Ouch! I'm very sorry your Highness I should be happy than to be sad it's just that I really love the people in the town that's why I'll miss them and my daily life so much." she replied.
"Well everyone can be sad but not at all times there should be a limit, your family lets you go because you could have a promising future, they let you go to pursue your dreams and be happy, don't forget that." amazed by the deep thoughts shared by Io and Mary regains her energy.
Then the two of them had a fun chat for several minutes before they reach the Castle.
Till they talked about the Prince and Io explains to Mary about the possible duties and responsibility and the things she must do in front of the Prince.
Later, Io realized Mary was soundly once again he was entinced by the young lady's reddish cheeks and pinched it "What a crazy thing to do for a person with high social status."
They reached the palace not long enough carrying the tired sleeping lady to her room.
As Io closes the door, then suddenly someone appeared.
"What are you doing? why are you late?! The duke and duchess as well as the other Royalties had arrived are waiting"
"Well if it isn't my young cousin! or should I say Prince Zess.....looking handsome as always I see the ladies as well as the princesses would fall to you in you in no time!!"
"Royal adviser Io I have no time for such things, entertain them in my stead. There are many things to prepare for tomorrow's Ball"
"Right away your Highness" Io replied.
And so the busy 1st day ended...