Astra was now six and the goddess still hasn't shown up.
(When is Zuhi going to finally come?)
As she stared at the fluffy white clouds drifting in the baby blue sky, her maid Chloe knocked on the door.
"Young mistress, may I come in?"
"Yes, of course."
As Astra grew older, she stopped lisping and started talking more formally. If she was on Earth, then she would be getting ready to attend primary school.
Chloe opened the door with a letter in her hand and gave it to Astra. Astra opened it and read it.
"It seems that I have been invited to a tea party."
"Yes, young mistress. Shall I begin the preparations?"
By preparations, she meant getting a dress ready, arranging transportation, and preparing a gift.
"Yes, however, I wish to be inconspicuous."
"Very well."
Astra dipped her quill in ink and proceeded with writing a reply to the invitation.
(My first tea party, huh... I wonder what it's going to be like.)
•••
Soon, the day of the tea party came. Astra had changed her appearance into a common one. Of course, her parents were aware of this.
She made sure that it worked by checking her appearance in the mirror. She had shoulder-length brown hair and dark brown eyes. She was neither beautiful nor ugly.
(Perfect. With that, I'm done.)
She got onto the carriage and soon arrived at Marchioness Mercia's residence.
It was quite grand, considering it was the the residence of a Marquess. It was neither luxurious nor too simple.
Rather than displaying their wealth, they displayed a good taste. The mansion was quite elegant.
Astra was led to a beautiful, vibrant garden filled with roses of different colors and other flowers that complimented the beautiful roses. The whole garden seemed to be a flower arrangement.
Astra spotted Marchioness Mercia who was chatting with a few other ladies. Marchioness Mercia had curly amber hair and bright orange eyes. She was wearing a light orange dress embroidered with pink roses and green leaves. The brown cardigan that she wore complimented her dress and gave off a spring vibe.
Astra approached Marchioness Mercia.
"Greetings, Marchioness Mercia. My name is Astra Silvia Acquati and I thank you for your gracious invitation."
Marchioness Mercia gazed warmly at Astra.
"Hello, lady Astra. What a polite young lady you are... unlike a certain someone."
Marchioness Mercia glanced towards the bushes where Astra assumed that the person was hiding.
"Thank you for the compliment."
"Please enjoy the party. You don't have to be too formal. Just relax."
"Thank you."
Astra approached a table of young girls that seemed to be close to her age.
"Excuse me, may I join you, ladies?"
"Yes, of course."
The one who responded was named Alina. A lovely young lady with midnight blue hair and dark purple eyes. She wore a dark purple dress with white sleeves and a blue ribbon.
"Please do!"
A bright and energetic young girl looked towards Astra. Her name was Carlene. She had fluffy blond hair and light pink eyes. She wore a blue ribbon in her hair and a pink dress with white laces.
"Please go ahead."
The girl who said this had light green hair and blue eyes. Her name was Ivy. She wore a light turquoise dress with a blue ribbon.
"Thank you very much."
Astra, who joined them, wore a lovely pink dress with a gradient. She wore matching shoes and a beautiful headband to complete the look.
After talking for a while, the four of them became very close. They promised each other that they would get together again some time.
Astra excused herself to wander around the garden and saw a boy with amber hair with a tinge of pink sleeping under the shade of the tree. She walked towards him.
"Hello~ Are you alive?"
Astra asked the boy who shared the same features as the Marchioness.
"Mmmm..."
The boy stirred.
"Nnn? Who are you?"
"Astra Silvia Acquati. What about you?"
Astra stared at the boy's face which turned red for some reason.
"... Anil Ellis Merci."
"Nice name! So, you're the second son of Marchioness Merci!"
"Y-yeah."
"Hey, are you sick or something? Let me check."
Astra placed her forehead onto Anil's, but the temperature was normal. For some reason, Anil's face turned an even deeper red.
Astra stared at the boy's bright red face, but she couldn't tell what was wrong.
"H-hey! Stop staring already!"
"Okay?"
Astra tilted her head sideways. She didn't know why he was so flustered.
"W-well, see you later!"
Anil ran away quickly.
(What a strange boy.)