These past few days of my transmigration, I have come to affirm my first conclusion that this Trier family was truly shitty. I get that Toni was previously super irritating, but that seriously doesn't justify this utter neglect. Now that I am experiencing it firsthand, I often wonder how the previous me tolerated it this entire time.
I felt great injustice for the Toni that has become Bai Feng Jiu and the Toni that is now myself. I was still their daughter. Shouldn't they try their hardest to understand where I was coming from? Aren't parents supposed to be like that, or am I just deluded here? This was equivalent to growing up an orphan.
In some ways, it was even worse. At least an orphan has no parents to expect anything from. Besides, I haven't committed any serious crimes against these people or even to those pretentious, pompous nobility. I haven't even murdered anyone. Yet. As far as I know, attention-seeking was not even classified as a petty crime. And yet, I am shunned even worse than a criminal.
Just f*cking fantastic, man.
So now I have come to the ultimate decision. I will heed Toni's advice. I shall run away from this dismal place. To hell, whether they go bonkers or not. If I don't give them a dose of their medicine, I won't be a transmigrator. Well, if they actually care in the first place.
'Oh wow. That thought hurts, but whatever.
I received a letter from Grandfather Halcyon a day after my birthday. He was the only one who remembered. He even sent me a gift. An exquisite ruby hair ornament. Talk about the rich. As expected of the only one from the family who cares about me. My memories of him were all pleasant.
He doted on me dearly and often taught me various things. I frequently stayed at his Liszt County, only coming home at nightfall. It was thanks to him that I excelled in my magic and even swordsmanship. Add my expertise from when I was Bai Feng Jiu and all the things I learned in the military, man, I'm gonna be freaking unbeatable.
Well, aside from those things, he was also the one who dedicated his time to teaching me the four arts. Something that originated from the Eashen roots that only the two of us care about now.
Halcyon von Liszt was not only my grandfather by blood; he was also my master. My parents can't be bothered, you see. They were both busy with their own affairs. That includes my brothers.
Apart from the times that I got scolded or reprimanded, there weren't that many warm memories of them in my mind. If it weren't for Grandpa Hal, I would have long devolved into depravity. That much was for sure. Hence, he would be very willing to help me with my plans. Well, with a little bit of coddling, he will. How could he ever deny his cute little Toni?
After no longer than five seconds of consideration, I took out my stationery and penned a reply to his letter, which read:
Dearest Grandfather,
Thank you so much for remembering my birthday and for the precious gift. I shall treasure it always. I have been contemplating a lot these past few days. I have come to a few realizations. If it is not too much trouble, can you visit me? I would love to have a discussion with you regarding these epiphanies of mine.
Also, there is an essential request that I would like to ask of you, my beloved Grandpa. I dare not state it in mere writing, for it will dictate the direction of my life and my future.
I look forward to your visit. I am glad to have you, Grandfather.
Your loving granddaughter,
Celestine von Trier
I double-checked the content of my writing and my penmanship. It was short, but I was satisfied. My calligraphy has gotten better. It now reflected my secret, for it bore the unique features of Country Z's characters and Eashen script. The two writing systems were quite similar. I was pleasantly surprised with that.
Hopefully, Grandfather just treats it as an advancement to my writing. I folded the letter in three and inserted it into an envelope bearing bamboo patterns and my name upfront, sealing it with the Trier seal. I asked the butler, Grandpa Wilhelm, to send it after breakfast. I wasn't lying when I said I looked forward to Grandpa Hal's visit. In fact, I couldn't wait.
Morning came, and Grandpa Wilhelm brought me my breakfast. Now that I think about it, the old man, with his benign smile, seemed to treat me exceptionally well, catering to my needs personally the past few days. My words of gratitude worked some magic. Not that I have any complaints.
"Grandpa Wilhelm--"
"My lady--"
I looked at him in surprise. That was awkward. He gestured for me to continue first, so I did just that after giving him a grateful nod.
"Grandpa Wilhelm, can I trouble you to send this reply letter to Grandfather Halcyon?" I asked politely while handing him the letter. The old butler answered with a smile.
"Of course, my lady. It is no trouble at all."
"Thank you very much. Did you want to say something?" I paused, suddenly remembering that he was about to say something a while ago.
The old man shook him before politely saying his goodbye and leaving me to have my breakfast. I ate breakfast with gusto, unaware of the expectant grin casting a faint shadow on my face.
It was a couple of days after that a carriage presented itself in front of the Trier estate. An old man wearing an attire vastly different from the suits and frocks of nobility made his way in. His hands rested at the small of his back while exuding an aura of wisdom and power.
I smiled delightfully at him. I wasn't surprised at the sight of him in his Tang suit. Yep. His attire was similar to that suit in Country Z. It gave me a nostalgic feeling, reminding me of that old geezer. He loved wearing Tang suits on ordinary days as well.
"Grandfather is here, little Celestine." He greeted me with a muted, stern voice tinged with warmth.