"My name is Cestine! Pretty Cestine! Fairy Cestine! That's me!"
Cestine's small pitched giggle was soft against her ears. It reminded her of the sounds produced by wind chimes being blown softly by the wind.
Ellendise boarded the carriage and they hurriedly went to the Viscount's mansion.
Cestine continued to talk throughout the entire ride while Rachel and Jill looked at Ellendise with discomfort.
"My lady... who are you talking to?" Rachel asked worriedly.
"Hm?" Ellendise stroked Cestine's head.
"I'm talking to my new friend. She's very nice. "
"Hehe!"
Rachel's worry didn't dissipate. They weren't able to see Cestine because fairies were meticulous. They didn't show themselves infront of a human unless they like them.
This meant that Ellendise was well liked by Cestine.
But this also meant that Ellendise seemed a hit crazy in her maids' eyes.
"M-My lady..." Rachel looked between Ellendise and her hand that was rubbing against air.
Jill squinted her eyes before an idea popped into her head.
"My lady! Could this be a fairy? Is my lady talking to a fairy?"
Ellendise was surprised that Jill noticed so she nodded in affirmation.
"Oh my goodness! A fairy! A real fairy! You must have met them in the garden!" Jill gushed while looking at the air beside her dreamily. She had always read a lot of books about magical creatures since she was a child and fairies were a rarity who didn't show themselves often to humans.
It was said that earning a fairy's favor was a one of a kind chance and as long as the fairy was happy, they would grant them one wish.
Riches or fame. Power and wealth. And even eternal youth!
Jill felt even more excited. "I heard they could grant wishes! Is it true, my lady?"
Ellendise was amused at her strong reaction and knew what her maid was thinking. Ellendise also knew that although fairies were incredibly powerful, they weren't omnipotent and could not grant immortality.
"Hm... Why don't you ask her? She might tell you. "
"No. No. Cestine doesn't like this human. Cestine doesn't want to show herself to this human!"
Ellendise was not surprised to hear this. Fairies were indeed picky and each of them have their own unique personality.
It just so happens that this fairy likes to eat and sing so it was easy for Ellendise to gain her favor.
"This is Rachel. And that's Jill. They're my maids and my family. They have been very nice to me. "
"Oh my! My lady!"
"F-Family..!"
Rachel and Jill exchanged looks and they silently nodded together.
Rachel clasped Ellendise's hands.
"My lady, don't worry. No matter what you say, I believe you!"
"Yes, yes! I believe that my lady is talking to a fairy!" Jill said, voicing her agreement.
"Okay...?"
Cestine patted her cheek with her flower hands. It was almost akin to the feeling of a feather being brushed against your skin.
"You never told me your name! Cestine wants to your name!"
Ellendise smiled. The exchange of names between a fairy and a human often meant they were going to make a contract.
But Ellendise has other ideas.
"Sure, I'll tell you my name since Cestine and I are friends now."
Cestine tapped her cheek repeatedly while giggling.
"Yes! Tell me! Cestine wants to know!"
Somehow, the adorable fairy was like a little child.
"My real name is very long so how about a nickname? My friends and family call me Ellen. Cestine can call me that."
"Ellen.. Cestine likes Ellen a lot! Hihi!"
"I also like Cestine a lot."
The carriage arrived at the Viscount's mansion. The butler was there to greet them again. It was a good thing that Ellendise informed him that she would return.
By now, her uncle was probably home.
She was about to step inside when she noticed another carriage stopping infront of the Viscount's mansion.
Ellendise was very curious who the visitor was since the carriage didn't have a family seal on it. But then again, it might be just a merchant since Valrug's birthday would be held soon.
In the waiting room, Ellendise finally met her uncle who was also Nitense's mentor.
Viscount Mierheart was a talented swordsman who taught Nitense on the way of the sword. This man was the reason her brother would become the number on magic swordsman in the Harchen Empire.
Ellendise would have to agree that he was a man deserving of respect
"Hehe, Ellen! Cestine is going to find the mean maid now! I'll go retrieve the pendant!"
"Okay.. It's a precious green pendant. You would know immediately when you see it." She whispered in a low voice while covering half of her face with a fan.
"Find me once you retrive it."
"Right! Right! Cestine will be right back!"
The fairy disappeared while giggling.
Meanwhile, Ellendise was left facing her uncle, Viscount Rufus Mierheart.
"You truly are your mother's daughter. You look like her. "The Viscount remarked as his expression softened. Her uncle was her mother's brother so it was natural for him to treat Ellendise in a kind way.
"Thank you, Uncle. I'm sorry for suddenly visiting without a word. You must have been busy. Valrug's eleventh birthday is approaching soon."
"Ah yes.." Ellendise didn't miss the way the Viscount's expression dimmed a little.
It was apparent that both father and son didn't get along. It was due to their opposing view that arose after the Viscountess fell asleep.
"Uncle, I'm thankful to you for taking care of my brother. I'm sorry if Big brother Nitense gave you a hard time but he's a very kind person and he truly admires you, Uncle. He just won't say it."
The Viscount sighed. "If only that rascal can be as honest as you. Even though I've trained him for years, he hardly visits anymore!"
Ellendise laughed. "I'm sure big brother has been very busy in the academy. Please don't take it to heart. In his next letter, I'll be sure to mention that he should visit. "
"It's fine. It's fine. That boy likes to do as he pleases. Hmph. He'll regret ignoring me once summer approaches." The Viscount grumbled with displeasure while muttering about ungrateful disciples.
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