I had to sit and eat an eight course meal, I could not understand why they did not simply double up but it was what mother had requested, so it had to be done.
After a famous pianist played, it was not bad but the music seemed so sad, slow and… Boring.
After, were the gifts being given and a throng of congratulations.
This also doubled as introductions to sons who could become my future fiancé and females who can then become my companion.
Of course, my brothers were being eyed as well, the eldest mostly because in this society a male can have a wife and at most three concubines.
I sighed, it felt like those days back on earth when the emperor ruled but--the emperor ruled here as well.
It just seems confusing because everything is so modern yet, the rules are from the earthen fifteenth century.
Mm, luckily I had been reborn as a baby and not as an adult I would be lost.
"Go- greetings to the second young miss of the Jah family, this young master Tu would like to wish you a happy fifteenth birth date. May you live to see many more, here is a gift Specially prepared for you,"
The young master Tu is seventeen this year, he already had many females eying him, his tall slim form looked exceptionally good in his suit, his voice had also changed to a beautiful cello tone.
Against my will, I felt myself becoming hopeful.
Looking at the carefully wrapped gift I did not allow a servant to take it but took it myself, "Young master Tu, thank you for your gift. I am sure I will appreciate what you have given,"
"En, of course, I am sure you will not only appreciate my gift but see myself in a new light," he stepped closer forgoing all etiquette and leaned down slightly to stare into my face, I felt my heart accelerate, my face became heated and I could not help but to stare at his beauty.
"You are fifteen today littlest Jah, we, and all those present know the meaning. I have already proposed, you drank my tea littlest Jah even if I do not become your first husband I have to be one of the mains either way. This gift will also help convince you. Once again littlest Jah happy birth date."
" Young master Tu, if you may, please make way for the other guests,"
One of the twins said suddenly while the other stood in front of me blocking the young master Tu from my sight effectively bringing me back to reality. Blinking I stared at the broad back and slim waist of the twin who stood in front of me before looking away. The gift in my hands I held carefully, while trying my best not to seem impolite at the others who appeared after passing the gifts over to the servants.
Soon the banquet came closer to an end, many of the young guests who were present paired off in groups of four more or less and sought entertainment.
"Di'ordi, come it is time for you to choose."
I sighed, selecting a pet once more… I really don't want!
Dutifully I followed my twin fathers even though I am unwilling. This is the way of the Jahs, each child is gifted a servant pet who will accompany them until death or dismissal.
A while later I was seated, my dress fanned out around me giving me a noble air, my fathers, flanked me in the small sitting room as the side door was opened allowing three girls to enter.
The three were familiar, especially one, in fact, one I had ignored since our last dispute outright but still gave her a little face.
The first was a girl with raven black hair flowing loosely down the length of her back; a simply jewelled headband kept it in place while her bangs fell just above straight well shaped eyebrows.
The girl was dainty, and extremely pretty, the purple dress she wore added to her almost flawless look with its flowing skirt, high waist with a satin sash tied in a bow at the back, the upper area had a corset look with a v neckline exposing her collarbones and the necklace she wore.
I watched as she stepped forward and courtesied, dipping her head.
"Greetings to the second daughter from the Jah family. This one borne from the first branch of the Skills family, the second daughter would like to officially wish you a happy birthday."
"thank you,"
She stepped back and the next girl stepped forward repeating the same motion, her dress was white, with gold gems ebbed within, not many to give it a gaudy look but enough to almost dazzling the eyes. Immediately I decided that this girl would be too high maintenance and informed the first father.
The third… "This one greets second young miss Jah and 2ishes you all the best on your fifteenth birth date."
"Thank you,"
First father: "you all know why you are here, my daughter desires a servant pet."
Second father: "The child chosen will be raised well and will accompany our daughter throughout her life. Marriage, wealth, honour."
First father: "All of this will be offered, but if the servant pet fails please be ready to accept her back."
With this said, the father's attending with their daughters each had varying emotions but it should be expected.
To think that their large families had to bow down in reverence to a small family such as the Jahs who had only one main branch left on both sides.
Some though showed envy because they did not have to worry about elders and other minor branch members.
For me, I am grateful for having such a family because I was never good at pleasing others.
Now for this to officially begin.
It can be said, that the previous servant pet had been on probation, I had given her so much leeway and she had simply taken everything as if it was what she had been owed. I sneered inwardly, thinking, if I will have this same fate once again.
Mm, well whatever, I am prepared this time.