Capital, Ronian Empire
Today was the day we were out to the capital to search for our new home. We didn't have money on us because we don't have any work to earn from. But that doesn't mean that we couldn't have one. We could sell our magic stones to the magic store and I guess it would cost a lot of money.
The capital was busy as usual. So many people were buying from different stores and the store owners were busy accommodating them.
Right now, we're waiting for Max. He claimed that he was more knowledgeable in places in the capital and insisted that finding our home would be easier with his help. Supposedly, Halley, Brother Kye, and Brother Ethan would accompany us however unexpected events occurred. Oriana requested Brother Kye and Brother Ethan to spend their time with her. On the other hand, Halley told us that her brother will return today. She said that her brother was studying Magical Potions in the neighboring empire. Magical Potions. That's sure interesting. I thought Halley was the sole child of the Marquis but I was mistaken. Well, Halley insisted that we should have tea with her brother next time. The smart, good-looking brother Halley's proud of. I guess I should look forward to it.
"Mister! Brielle!" Max was heading towards us with his father, Uncle Albert.
"Sorry for making you wait," said Uncle Albert.
"It's okay, Uncle Albert."Uncle Albert and Max's faces blushed as I answered. They were acting the same. Like father, like son.
"You're pretty on your pigtail!" Max complimented, patting my head.
"Let's go," Papa said as he glared at Max.
"Alright! Let's get started," replied Uncle Albert, energetic.
We went to different places- an old house, a for rent extravagant residence, a haunted-like house, a noisy apartment, and a house beside Max's residence. Nothing seemed to be to our liking. Does that mean we would take His Majesty's offer?
"You're not much help," Papa complained.
Max and Uncle Albert were like a dog being scolded by their owner. Should I laugh or pity them?
"Oh, I know a place!" Max blurted. "It's an abandoned palace."
***
Caw! Caw! Caw!
There were crows all over the abandoned palace. Not only that, it was covered with spider webs, and dust. The gate was almost about to fall to the ground, and the plants inside were like withered in a hundred years. We knew it was abandoned but it was beyond what we expected. I think we should head back to the palace and try to search again next time.
"It's perfect. This is what I want."
PERFECT?! What the! Seriously Papa? I never thought that this is what you've been searching for in our house.
"Atlas…this palace? Are you sure?"
"Mister, this is a mistake! You can't live with Brielle in this place."
"Why not? We'll just renovate it and it will be as good as the Imperial Palace," Papa proudly said. "Let's go check the inside."
Papa carefully opened the gate of the palace. It looked like it would be destroyed the moment Papa touched it. It needs to be replaced, not just renovated. The moment we stepped inside; a young boy, carrying a sword, threatened us. "Who are you?! Leave this palace right now!"
***
Greenhouse, Imperial Palace
Oriana, together with the princes and Empress, was spending her time in the greenhouse drinking Osmanthus tea. The emperor should be with them unfortunately he had to visit the Elysium Tower to meet Drystan.
"I'm happy to have you here with me," Oriana said happily.
Both princes didn't reply. They just gave an awkward smile that made Helena scold them.
"Please excuse the princes' rude behavior. We're also honored to have tea with you, Lady Oriana."
"Then could we have tea here every day? It would be nice to spend my time with my family," Oriana asked.
"Uhm. That…Ian and I haven't yet…" Helena stuttered. She was startled that Oriana mentioned them as her family.
"I'm afraid we can't grant your request. You see we don't have free time every day," Ethan coldly answered.
"Yeah. Brother Ethan is correct," agreed Kye.
Oriana's face darkened as she heard the prince's replies. She was angry. She knew that they didn't yet consider her as the princess, and they would rather spend their time with Brielle. All the palace maids and knights talked about how Brielle was taken care of by the Royal Family. She was envious. She was full of resentment. Despite that, Oriana just suppressed her emotions and smiled, "I understand, Your Highness." The princes took a sip of their tea. Then, Oriana added, "I'll send an invitation for our next tea time in your free time, perhaps His Majesty could join us… since we're family."
The empress and princes were stopped by what Oriana said. That second time she called herself a member of the royal family. It was as if she was sure that she was the princess. It was as if she was obsessed to become one.