─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"What?!" I yelled, throwing the covers off of my tiny body. I quickly sat up and looked at the army of maids.
They all quickly looked at each other and nodded.
One by one, they ran towards me while others began their tasks that were assigned during their whisper session.
"Good morning, Princess. Today is a wonderful day." Marina said in a calm voice, walking up to me while the other maids carefully picked me up from the bed.
"I will explain today's busy schedule. For now, please enjoy your bath. I will go fetch lady Mia. Make sure to deep conditioner the princess's hair and use caramel sugar to exfoliate her skin. From head to toe. Especially her face. I will be back shortly." Marina instructed as she walked out the door.
I was quickly stripped naked and placed in the bathtub. Four maids, attending to my every need.
I have to figure out what is happening. Am I seriously having a birthday party? Why so suddenly? Was I this stupid to not realize that a birthday party was being planned right under my nose?!
"Umm… is it true I am having a birthday party today?" I questioned, using my cute tone.
All the maids smiled and yelped with joy.
"Why yes, Princess! It was almost impossible to plan behind your back! We felt like we betrayed our lovely princess!" The maid from behind replied as she washed my hair.
"It was his majesty's and the chancellor's idea, Princess. His majesty did not even give a budget for the party! This will be the most extravagant birthday party this empire has ever seen!" explained the other maid.
No fucking way. Hansol? Sure. I can see him being nice enough to throw a birthday party for me. But THAT man?! I mean… I was lucky enough to get two letters out of this man for the past month! For him to allow such a big, fancy banquet to happen… just to celebrate a child's birthday? No… You know what? To hell with everything! Missing your daughter's birthday six times in a row? Hell yeah, I deserve this party.
After a tortuous 2-hour bath, I felt like a new 6-year-old.
"Hair, makeup, then dress. As for the finishing touches, jewelry!"
Makeup? Say what now?
I was placed on a chair in front of a large mirror. Four maids began to argue loudly about how my hair should be styled and what hair accessories should be included.
"The princess has thick, long, black hair. I think we should curl her hair, add volume in the back and add pearl hairpins. Everyone knows that black and white complement each other." One maid said confidently as she twirled her hand in the air.
"You must be out of your mind! She is not getting married, for the love of Giodivonia! What she needs is soft, angel curls; let's keep her bangs how they are. Perhaps side bangs now that I think about it. To top it off, a large diamond hair clip to hold her beautiful hair in the back!" Another maid said while she moved my head, looking into the mirror, trying to visualize her creation.
"Enough. She is the princess of this very empire. What she will use is nothing more than the jewel piece of this empire. Emeralds."Marina interrupted as she came in with lady Mia.
I gently smiled at Marina through the mirror in front of me as she did the same.
"I don't really mind the hairstyle. Anything is fine. But do I really need to wear makeup? Aren't I too young for it?" I questioned Marina.
"While I would not recommend such extremities, this is not an ordinary day, Princess. It is your birthday and your official recognition of society. While you are far too young for your debutant, you should have been introduced to other noble children your age a while ago." Marina explained.
"Pardon my intrusion, Princess. But I believe Marina is correct. Every Giodivonian imperial member already had their recognition debut at the age of three. It is a Giodivonian custom where all of the nobles are required to attend. Every noble household must present a valuable gift to the current emperor, empress, and imperial prince or imperial princess to whom the recognition debut is for. Since you did not have a recognition debut, you must take this as your recognition debut rather than your birthday party. You will have countless birthdays. You only have one shot at making a good first impression on other noble families. Do you understand, Princess?" Lady Mia explained as she walked towards me, looking at me with her usual cold expression.
Marina and the maids looked at each other with concern.
"Before I go, Princess. I need you to do your best and use every trick in the book I have taught you. Walk with poise, one foot in front of the other. Chin up, back straight, shoulders relaxed. I can only assume you still remember every noble name I have taught you thus far. It will come in handy today. Think before you speak, and lastly- keep quiet unless you are talked to first. I will be there at the banquet to make sure you do not make a mockery of yourself. Keep in mind that you are the face of this empire. Do not disappoint his majesty." Lady Mia ordered, placing a stiff hand on top of my shoulder.
I slowly nodded, looking up at her dead expression.