Chapter 9 - Invited

Kaie awoke as the sun hit her bed from her window. She got him slowly, yawning. 'Ah...what time is it?'

She looked outside to see that the sun was just rising. Kaie felt unnaturally tired. 'I guess Lucille was used to sleeping in.' She glanced outside the window to see that knights were just starting to enter the training area.

Kaie closed the window and took out the mini knife she stole from Royal. She did a few quick jabs in the air. She was a little stiff, but the movements were mostly correct.

Kaie frowned. 'Tch. I guess that's what I get for skipping training for a day.' She warmed herself up a bit more, making a few jabs here and there, while practicing dodging at the same time.

She kept working out and practicing her knife skills until the sun started rising even higher, nearing around nine o' clock. Kaie hid the mini knife away and changed into a dress before heading outside her room.

She had just pushed the door open with Colette greeted her. "Lady Lucille, apologies. I didn't know that you were already awake."

Kaie waved her off. "It's alright, Colette." Colette beckoned to her. "Your father is waiting for you in the dining hall for breakfast. Please follow me."

Kaie took Colette's hand as she walked down the stairs and into the dining room once more. This time, instead of just being Elgis, Royal was there too.

She curtsied when she saw them. "Good morning, Dad, brother."

Elgis gave her a warm smile and gestured to his left. "Take a seat, Lucille."

Kaie quickly sat down and looked at all the food there. There was a large amount of desserts again, but the side of the table facing towards Royal was full of vegetables and meat.

Elgis took some eggs and placed it onto his plate. "What's wrong, Lucille? Do you not like the food?"

She smiled warmly and shook her head. "Thank you, Dad, for the food." She tried to subtly reach over towards Royal to grab some vegetables, but once she got close enough to grab one, Royal immediately plucked it from beneath her fork.

Elgis was completely oblivious to this movement, while Royal was busy giving Kaie a glare.

She frowned and tried a few more times, successfully grabbing a few broccoli and an egg. Kaie managed to grab a bowl of salad before settling down at her side once more.

Kaie quickly ate the salad, trying to maintain her etiquette. She also managed to grab a very tiny piece of steak from one of the dishes.

Elgis looked up to see the desserts untouched. "Lucille, are you sure you like the food? Why haven't you touched the desserts?"

She smiled once more. "The food id delicious. I simply wanted to eat healthier."

He looked satisfied at that answer. "Is that so? Alright then, I'll prepare more vegetables and meat for you to eat next time."

Kaie grinned. "Thank you, Dad." She quickly finished her breakfast and stood up, curtsying once more. "Thank you for the meal. I shall be heading back to my room now."

Elgis wiped his mouth with a handkerchief before looking up. "Lucille, Shiroi invited you to go shopping to today at the Main Street. Why don't you go meet him there? He'll be waiting by your favorite ice cream shop."

She nodded and curtsied once more. "Thank you for telling me, Dad. See you later, brother, Dad." Kaie finally left the dining room, letting out a sigh of relief. Colette appeared at her side a few moments later. "Lady Lucille, shall I get you your favorite dress?"

Kaie smiled and nodded. "Of course, Colette. I'll be waiting in my room." She quickly hurried up the stairs, before entering her room. She let out a long breath as she closed the door behind her. 'Colette totally scared me when she just popped out of nowhere! Hopefully she didn't think much about that sigh of relief.'

A knock on the door sounded as Kaie called out, "Come in!"

Colette walked in, holding a puffy pink dress in her hands with a bonnet. Kaie almost felt like throwing up once she thought of wearing it. 'It'll be so stuffy! And hot! And sweaty! AND IMMENSELY HARD TO MOVE IN!' She turned to her closet and grabbed a thinner, pastel purple dress from it. "Colette, I feel like wearing this one today."

Colette nodded and placed down the puffy pink dress. "Of course, Lady Lucille."

Kaie stood there as Colette helped her put it on, taking off her current blue dress. She watched as Colette handed her a small blue umbrella to protect her from the sun.

Kaie frowned as she looked at it. 'I don't need a decorative umbrella, but I guess I'll just take it.'

She quickly stood up as Colette finished doing her hair. Colette bowed. "I have already called for a carriage driver to lead you to Shiroi. Knight Kerwin shall accompany you there, Lady Lucille."

Kaie nodded. "Alright, thank you, Colette." She opened the door to her room to see Kerwin waiting outside. She quickly walked over to him and smiled. "Hello, Knight Kerwin. I'll be in your hands today, as well."

He nodded and led her down the stairs and out of the mansion. Kaie spotted the carriage as Kerwin opened the door for her. She quickly entered and sat down, brushing her dress down straight.

Kerwin entered and sat across from her, with a serious expression on his face. She watched as the carriage started moving as Kaie stared out the window. 'Now that breakfast was not as stressful as I thought...' Soon, she fell asleep to the rocking of the carriage.