Emily knew who Celestine von Trier was. In fact, it would be a surprise if she was unaware of her notorious existence. After all, rumors about her were a favorite amongst the ladies during various gatherings. Obviously, not in a good way. Aside from being the only daughter of the Protector House of Trier, there was not really anything advantageous to say about her.
Celestine was said to be a difficult young lady. Unreasonable and possesses an utter lack of manners. She was fussy and followed her brother all day without regard for her studies or magic training. This earned her the ire of the countless youth that were the admirers of her elder siblings.
Celestine also pestered her parents so much that Madame Carissa was forced to ban her from going to any social gatherings. She was also to be supervised the moment she stepped outside. Except for the fact that she often slips through her guards. It was also a normal sight for her to tussle with the youngest Clarion who often prevents her from going to their older brother. It was actually quite baffling that someone so headstrong about her family like this always remained silent with her head bowed when it comes to others who jeer and mock her despite being of a higher social standing.
Although she had never personally seen Celestine acting up. Emily had heard accounts of it from the other ladies. There was a time during the annual Spring Hunting event where she tore to pieces the tassels that were presented to her brother and insisted that he only took hers. She did not even deign to apologize to the owners of the tassels embarrassing her brother greatly who apologized on her behalf.
There was another account where Celestine sneaked out of the Trier mansion and went looking for her brother. Coincidentally, her brother was tailing an informant undercover. But Celestine's sudden presence exposed Carlisle leading to the failure of the operation. This has become a blemish to his otherwise perfect record as the Order of the Cyan Knights Deputy.
There were also a few times when Lady Celestine barged into her father's office during important meetings and insisted that the latter accompany her shopping. Not to mention the moments when she thrashed the parlor room where her mother would be receiving the princess for tea.
Celestine von Trier was, in short, the disappointment of the Trier family.
At least that was what Emily believed to be so.
The disparity of the truth that the elites of nobility believe to be so from the truth she has witnessed for the past weeks was so far apart that it was frightening. Truly, rumors cannot be trusted.
The Celestine von Trier that she met was not some unrefined, attention-deprived, asinine young woman. She was a breath of fresh air incomparable to the stuffy and suffocating strictness that is the norm of high society. Every expression of hers, every smile held honesty, without any semblance of pretenses. Yet she still retained an air of enigma, an unpredictability that just draws you in.
She was not meek, in fact she was lively and chatty. It was evident in the way Celestine gets along with the people in the ship. But in Emily's opinion, it was Celestine's way of giving indiscriminate respect to the people she meets and interacts with. Be they children or adults, commoners or nobility. Everyone is taken in by her endearing antics and equal treatment.
And unbeknownst to many, Celestine was powerful. She was a genius. And no one within Resse was aware of her outstanding abilities. Now that Emily thinks about it, she has hidden herself quite deeply. Who would have thought that the shunned Young Lady Trier was a personage that even the emperor would yearn for?
Too bad the emperor would never know that his beloved subject was the very cause of such a prodigy slipping past his grasp. Emily could imagine the face the emperor would make. Surely, it would be a sight to behold. No. It will not be just the emperor. The entire nobility would be slapped hard in their faces if they knew.
What a shame that they will not get to see such a sight.
"A new life huh? Well, the both of us have the same purpose. We're also going to Mirus to live a new life." Emily said bemusedly which elicited a chuckle from Celestine.
"I figured. I mean, your love life is one heck of a roller coaster Sister Emily. It's all or nothing for you huh?" Celestine grinned and bobbed her brows up and down in a teasing manner.
Emily laughed at her comical expression. But then she saw the smug look on Jinhan which prompted an automatic smack from her dainty hand.
"Sigh. To be honest, Toni, I don't even know what I saw in this guy. I think I have been scammed and just resigned myself to it along the way." Emily held her forehead with a seemingly distressed and helpless look.
"You are being too mean to me, dear. You were obviously taken in by my looks. Wherever could you find someone as handsome as your husband?" Li Jinhan interjected with a scoff, crossing his arms proudly.
Celestine raised a brow at him and then gestured for Emily to come close.
"Sis, narcissism is contagious. Please protect yourself from its source." Celestine whispered seriously, concern written all over her face. Emily giggled and nodded in response.
"Hey, Toni. Do not lead my wife astray." Li Jinhan grabbed Emily and locked her in an embrace. The latter blushed at the sudden display of affection. And in front of a young lady, no less. Emily squinted her eyes at Li Jinhan dangerously.
"I am letting go, letting go now. You did not see anything, Toni." Li Jinhan survival instincts thankfully kicked in upon seeing his beloved wife's glare.
"What is it, Toni?" Emily ignored Li Jinhan's antics and turned her attention to Celestine who now gazed at them sedately.
"Does this mean you agree?" Celestine asked in confirmation.
"I guess this is already a matter of course. You do not even need to bribe us. We will not let a junior travel to an entirely new kingdom alone if we could help. Especially since you call us Brother and Sister." Emily responded smilingly. She patted Celestine's head tenderly. Her silky, pink hair was so soft that Emily felt she might get addicted to patting it.
This young lady has always piqued her interest during their journey. In fact, Emily has been secretly observing her whenever she was in their line of sight. Well, one could not help to do so. Despite the butterfly mask in her face, the exposed features of her face was still a giveaway that the person in question was unquestionably beautiful.
Now that her mask was off, Celestine went beyond her expectation. She was truly beautiful. Except, with such an innocent smile coupled with those jeweled peridot eyes and wavy, soft pink hair, she gave off a different vibe.
'Cu-cute! Celestine is so adorable! Oh my, I want to pinch her cheeks.' Emily's lips twitched at the sudden urge. She felt that anyone who saw Celestine would want to protect her. Not because she looked weak but that she was undeniably precious. She cursed those blind people at the capital who spread such disparaging rumors against this bundle of sunshine. Emily would have smacked them all awake if she could.
"Right. Since you already call us as such, you are, from now on, my sworn little sister." Li Jinhan grinned, delighted at this prospect. He has never had a little sister before. It was not a loss for him to take her as such. Especially for someone as lovely yet powerful as her.
"Dear, you are finally sensible for once." Emily grinned in delight at her husband's declaration. Yes, they must make little Celestine part of their family before anyone else could.