In the end, she died without even knowing what it meant to be loved by a mother. She died not knowing why that woman never looked her way.
She died without ever knowing the truth.
Ellendise's family was complete in this life. She has a mother and a father. A doting older brother and maids that were her friends.
A cousin who would soon be her little brother, a little rabbit girl who knew magic and a fairy who granted her a wish.
Ellendise was fortunate in this life. In a way, she had accomplished one of her goals. It was to live in a happy family. Ellendise wasn't an affectionate person but she also didn't ignore the people who were her blood.
She made sure to spend time with them and get to know them. And even though Ellendise has never once opened up to them, her family had wholeheartedly accepted her.
Ellendise smiled.
"Thank you, Mother."
The moment their family of three entered, all eyes landed on them or more precisely, on Ellendise.
Her dark midnight gown with silver beads reminded people of the night sky. Her silver hair flowed freely behind her and reddish pink eyes blinked innocently.
Her loveable smile and lovely appearance while accompanied by the count and countess on each side immediately captivated the guests's attention.
This was Ellendise's second time appearing in a party.
"Oh my, is that Count Vitron's daughter?"
"The countess and her daughter looks like each other. No doubt they are family."
"That dress is quite beautiful. I wonder which seamstress made it.."
"Look at this girl, dressing up more extravagantly than the host."
Ellendise along with the count and countess basically ignored all these talks and confidently went to the Viscount.
Valrug noticed their approach. He was a bit stunned when he saw her but a somewhat knowing look was on his eyes.
"Look at you, all dolled up. I almost thought it was your party instead of mine." Valrug said while looking at her up and down.
Ellendise didn't react at his teasing remarks.
"Congratulations, cousin. Happy eleventh birthday. This is my other gift for you."
Valrug curiously looked at the scroll that was handed to him.
"What's this?"
"Your gift." She answered as if he should have known that.
"Open it."
Valrug did as she asked and unrolled the scroll. To his surprise, it was a blueprint. His eyes almost bulged at what he saw before glancing at her.
"Is this really mine?"
Ellendise nodded.
"Of course the product is mine."
"What!" Valrug's violent reaction made her narrow her eyes.
"Cousin, have you forgotten your promise? Are you going back on your words?" Ellendise purposefully made her voice louder, just enough for the Viscount to hear.
"Now.. what's this about not keeping your promise?" The Viscount smiled at Ellen while shooting his son a meaningful look.
Valrug felt wronged. This was his father and it was obviously his birthday. Why did it feel like he didn't have an opinion?
"It's nothing, Uncle! I'm sure cousin wouldn't go back on his words. He did promised me and as a man, it's only normal. "Ellendise purposefully made her tone sound sweeter and softer.
Her lovely face and smile made her even more charming, making people agree with her words.
"You.." Valrug couldn't help but think of one word.
Shameless.
"Aren't I the birthday boy today?"
"And aren't you my personal toymaker?"
Valrug nearly threw the blueprint at her face. The blueprint she gave him that consisted the designs and mapping of the 'toy' was not so simple.
Did she really expect him to be able to make it?
Anyway, he likes making things, especially when they were so challenging so he kept the blueprint stuck to his body. He did not want to show it to anyone lest they stole this priceless treasure away.
Ellendise knew what the little guy was thinking. His cousin was quite simple. Even though he sounded annoyed, she could still see him glancing every once in a while at the blueprint as if he was itching to open it up and make the whole thing a reality.
Being a genius was really troublesome. Ellendise was glad of the path she took.
"How is aunt?" She asked, opting for a much lighter conversation.
Valrug perked up. The subject of his mother obviously made him quite happy since everytime she was mentioned, he knew that she was no longer asleep and unlike the sleeping half dead woman that was in his memory, his mother was smiling and was on her way to a quick recovery.
"The doctor said that she suffered quite a lot from her condition so her diet and meals are strictly monitored to nourish her body. Sufficient rest is necessary so...she'll be fine. She wanted to show up for my party but I told her that her recovery shouldn't be interrupted."
Ellendise nodded. It was good to know that the Viscountess was doing okay.
"Mother wanted to see you the next time you visit so now is a perfect time."
Ellendise guessed that this was because of Cestine. She could tell from the Viscountess' reaction that she either wanted to meet her friend again or convey a message.
But Ellendise would have to tell her that Cestine was not the friend she made a promise to.
They walked together towards the Viscountess' room while chatting about the blueprint. The future Scholar of Creations was a total nerd who kept squeezing her for information but thinking of the final product made her pull it through.
Valrug knocked on the door gently.
"Good evening, Mother. It's me. I've brought Ellen with me."
"Come in." The soft voice echoed. Valrug opened the door and Ellendise followed him inside.
The Viscountess was sitting on her bed and looking outside the window. She was still very thin but her pale complexion had gradually faded away and it can be observed that her recovery was progressing well.
"Greetings, aunt." Ellendise curtsied in an elegant manner. Every move of hers made her dress shine.
The Viscountess merely smiled. "Ellen, you've grown out so well. No need for formalities between us. We're still a family."
Family.. It used to be a strange word that haunted her but now...
It was different.
Ellendise smiled.
"I'm glad you're doing fine, aunt. Valrug hasn't stopped smiling ever since I mentioned you."
Valrug pinched her dress, silently warning her with a constipated face.
This little girl was so mean. Valrug was somehow regretting the words he said when his mother woke up. Being friends with his cousin would probably leave him frustrated all the time.
But it was too late for regrets.
What's important is the now.
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