─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
The twin boys looked at each other and bowed in unison.
"Use us as a tool, Your Imperial Highness." One boy replied with confidence.
I cringed at the words "Imperial highness."
"No need to call me in such regard."
"It is your title, after all. Since we are unfamiliar with Your Imperial highness, it is only right to call you by that title. It is disrespectful to call you or his imperial highness anything less." Lia explained as she walked towards us.
She quickly swung her hand fan gently, causing it to open wide.
"The twins may be good for gossip. However, we have strong connections behind our names. Our father, Count Christian, and mother, Countess Nova, have more distribution and industrial connections in terms of business than anyone else in this empire. Moreover, our parents are quite close to his imperial majesty. Now that you have had your recognition debut, you will see us more often in gatherings. Rather than the tittle-tattle birds, we should become your allies. Isn't that right, Lia?" The other sister stated with confidence, swaggering.
Wow. What is going on here? Is this the battle of the nobles?
I looked at Isaiah, who also looked confused.
"We will all see each other a lot going forwards, right? So why don't we all get along? Besides- I have yet to meet the noble children of the Earl's house and Baron's house. So could you all do me the honor of introducing them to me?" I asked nervously.
Everyone looked at each other with disgust and nodded.
"That is a great idea. I will let my sisters know, and we can all meet each other outside, by the imperial garden." Isaiah smiled and patted my shoulder gently.
Shortly after, similar faces and unfamiliar faces were crowded.
Oddly enough, everyone was quiet. No one cared to speak to one another. It was as if they hated each other.
I cleared my throat while looking at their bored reaction.
"Why are we here? It's cold."
A girl's voice spoke aloud in the crowd.
"That's right. If you have something to say, say it now. Otherwise, I am going inside." A husky voice whom I believe came from a boy, said rudely.
I could see Isaiah's facial expression quickly.
"Now now… Settle down. No need to be rude. Mateo and I had the grand pleasure to meet the imperial highness, and must I say - she is nothing but a delight. Do you not agree, Mateo?" announced the duke's son as he walked up front, next to me.
"Why yes. A few of us have met her imperial highness, and I believe she should be treated with a bit more respect." Julian joined Mateo, placing his arm around his neck.
"We are her eyes and her ears now. So I suggest you do not bad mouth her imperial highness." The twins announced at the same time.
Everyone looked at each other with confusion. Whispers began. Some, louder than others.
Suddenly, one by one, each noble child bowed in front of me.
Mateo and Julian smiled and nodded, followed by a bow.
"It is official, Princess. Welcome to your new life as a socialite. Your life will now be different starting from today."
And just like that, I was accepted into the noble social club that is full of gossip, fixed rumors, and toxic individuals who would do anything to crawl their way to the top.
"Imperial Princess! There you are. His majesty is looking for you. He wants to have a word with you." A palace guard came running towards me.
The noble children all looked at each other and stared at me.
"Uhm.. well, thank you all for the great news. I am glad to be part of your social group. If you excuse me, I have to go now." I announced to the crowd.
I followed the palace guard, who seemed to be towards the imperial palace.
"It is quite the walk back to his majesty's palace; please bear the walk just for a moment longer, Princess." The imperial palace guard apologized as we continued walking.
I nodded as I struggled to lift the heavy dress with both hands.
We finally arrived at the imperial's office front door.
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
"Your Majesty, with your permission, the princess would like to enter." The palace guard announced through the crack of the door, waiting for confirmation.
"Have the child come in." A familiar, deep voice replied loudly from the other side of the door.
The two palace guards that stood outside of the imperial office opened the french doors, allowing me to enter.
"Guard, let the chancellor know that she made it safely here with me." Daddy commanded as he sat on his desk, crossing his arms.
After a few exchanged words with the guard, the room grew silent. I looked down, still holding onto my dress with my tiny hands.
"What do you think of your party?" Daddy asked, still crossing his arms.
I lifted my head, averting my eyes at his cold gaze.
"The party was more than I could have ever imagined. But what made the party better was because you came all this way and even escorted me when I was too scared to do so by myself. You made my first birthday party and recognition debut a day to remember for the rest of my life. Thank you, daddy." I explained as I walked up to him.
His expression quickly changed. I could tell he was shocked by my mini-speech. Perhaps he is embarrassed? Flattered? His ears are red as a tomato.
"Thank you, daddy. I guess you don't hate me after all." I smiled.