Emil, Bodie's wife, was the most stunning elf he'd ever seen.
The criteria for elf beauty were significantly higher than human beauty, therefore even mediocre elves were seen as beautiful when contrasted to attractive humans.
A beautiful elf, it goes without saying, was beyond what a human could dream. Skin as soft as a cotton cloud, eyes as gleaming as valuable crystals, a physique so flexible it's elastic, and ears pointy enough to stab; such a look, regardless of genetics, was regarded golden by the elves of Grecira.
Emil Bell was exactly like that. Above all things, Bodie admired her eyes, the eyes their daughter inherited.
It's been 6 years since his wife died on this day. Today was both a day of mourning and a day of joy for him.
On the inside, he was worried about their daughter, who didn't seem to notice her mother's absence. Maybe it's because she doesn't have anyone to tell her that most kids have them?
Bodie wants to make sure she doesn't forget today is the best of all days when she realizes it. When the life he and his wife had been waiting months for arrived, there was no doubt in his mind that his wife would have no regrets.
However, it was only Bodie who was making a fuss over nothing.
Adelynn learned that her birthday coincided with Emil's death. After all, she isn't truly a child. She recalls the distress he had on the day she was "born," as well as the months that followed.
She simply does not consider it to be her issue.
She could often sense Bodie's nostalgic gaze on her, just as she felt now. Apparently, the magic that made her look like an elf made her look a lot like Emil... just like she did in her previous life when she looked like her mother.
She'd gaze in the mirror now and then, comparing her young babyface to the Emil photographs that hung all over the place. Despite her unusual complexion, eyes, and ears, Emil was the most gorgeous lady she'd ever seen. Would she be as attractive as a human?
When she thought about it, she was ecstatic.
On the other hand, when it came to tonight's celebration, they were on the same page.
Adelynn has a hunch that a surprise is in the works, and that it must be something exceptional if Emil's family shows there. It was crucial to keep in mind that Emil's family appeared to be quite busy with their responsibilities. They didn't come very often, not even Jove.
Adelynn planned to figure out how everyone managed to stay in touch later. Today, though, she was solely interested in finding out what the event was.
The servant arrived with a clean and nicely cut slice of pineapple pie as she began to piece together the occurrence in the garden with the surprise tonight.
As the plate was being set, Adelynn scooted to the edge of the sofa and picked up her knife and fork to begin munching.
Pineapple has become her favorite fruit since reincarnating. It was probably one of the few things that made her life miserable in the past. She, the woman who could do anything, couldn't eat this fruit since she had a severe allergic reaction to pineapple.
It goes without saying that her father pushed for the advancement of allergy-relieving technology. When he met her mother, it was already a huge success, of course it improved when he joined the studies.
But, like with other things, it did not work 100% of the time. It was 98% successful, and Adelynn was part of the 2%.
The procedure could only be done twice every ten years, she was forced to wait another few years following her failed attempts. Only to die without ever tasting a cube, unless she chose to inflate and suffocate right away.
Then she realized it was Bodie's favorite fruit and that she could eat it in this life. Pineapples were one of the few things that brought her joy after her rebirth.
As she dug in, Bodie thanked the servant.
The door to the room opened while she was still eating. Jove entered in a golden doublet and light blue breeches, clutching Laas' hand, who was clad in a light blue ankle-length tunic, covered by a darker blue sleeveless surcote with white fur on the armholes and a golden brooch at her neck.
Laas' hair was divided into two lovely ponytails, while Jove's was lightly brushed back, giving them the appearance of a charming father and daughter.
Jove entered with a compelling speech that soon drew Bodie's attention. "This will undoubtedly be our family's most memorable ceremony! If Father doesn't like the decorations, lights, or music, he's blind."
Bodie smiled, pleased that, as the one who coordinated everything, his unconfident efforts paid off. For his daughter and his wife's family, he wanted everything to be perfect.
Adelynn was eager to learn about today's unique event, so she chewed more quickly to complete her pie sooner. She cast a sidelong glance at the others. Jove walked Laas deeper into the room, greeting him with an early birthday greeting before coming to a halt.
Then he eagerly inquired, "What do you think? Is the honorable daughter ready to embrace us?" He eyes looked to Adelynn, who was eating. From his side Laas huffed, "hurry up, granddad is waiting!"
She didn't take much longer. Going to Bodie she raised her arms, he picked her up in one motion, and off they were.
There were festive lights hanging all over the halls, paper stars and children's trinkets hung with them. Music could be heard from the bottom floor, where the ballroom was. Stairs came down from the first, spiralling beside the first floor's largest windows. They walked to a heavy-looking door where a man with a blue scarf stood.
They usually walked through, but today Bodie stopped. He glanced at the blue hat man, then watched as he pulled out an antic horn and slowly opened the door. The man blew the horn, then introduced them.
That's the first time he's done that, Adelynn scrunched her brows. How special was today, exactly?
"Marquis of Grecira, Lord Bodie Bell, and heiress to his title, Lady Addilyn Bell." The man introduced, garnering the room's attention and applause.
It was a room of 70-100 people, none of them familiar in face. They were completely recognizable as rich folk by the woman wearing long skirts and heart-shaped headdresses, while the men wore bright-colored tunics lined with golden threads. The evening sun shined through every window, grazing Adelynn and Bodie with an aura of fading light.
The staircase railing was decorated as well. Living flowers in full bloom circled the railings, reaching close to Adelynn as she walked by with a life of their own.
She kept her gaze high, pride naturally showing on her childish features. She could feel everyone's eyes on her as they descended and reached the final steps. People were looking away and continuing their conversations, but a young pair of eyes never left her face.
A tall man with a foreign appearance was waiting for them, holding a young boy's hand. While Jove and Laas entered without an introduction, Bodie quietly followed the man to the center of the room. Then, he turned to Adelynn and began to introduce.
"This is Duke Valor Ana-porę of Hapen. He is a friend of mine, and the royals." She brought her attention to the man, Valor. He wore a black bowler hat, she could tell it was made from wool felt with an old method from her world. The study of advanced fashion really made that kind of thing obvious.
Valor looked like a gentleman, but he was the only man in the room would stood out. While the others were wearing bright-colored tunics, he wore a dark blue dress suit. She could tell he's very muscular just by looking at the stretching in his suit; his arm muscles were trying to breathe. Further proof of him being foreign was the stumble on his chin, the elves Adelynn saw up to this point didn't grow facial hair at all.
"Nice to meet you young Addilyn, happy birthday." He tipped his hat, a black short one, and congratulated. "I was in Grecira for business and overheard talk of this party. Haha, can you believe Lord Bodie forgot to invite me? I was almost hurt."
He laughed and pat Bodie on the back, a pat that Adelynn felt should've really hurt. Yet, Bodie only apologetic sighed. "I was busy preparing for Duke Tayan's visit. He's strict with these celebrations, not a thing can go wrong." He explained tiredly.
"Don't stress over it. I'm here now, and I brought a friend for the Lady." Valor looked down to the boy he held, pushing him towards Adelynn.
This is the boy who wouldn't stop staring at her, but now looked away shyly.
Unlike Valor, who's skin was tan and rough-looking, the boy appeared like an elven child should. His skin was a mix of light pink and rosey, he had a discoloring blush. He had the same ears as an elf and eyes as an elf too, while Valor's eyes were human and his ears were large but round.
Since the boy didn't speak, Valor introduced him. "Lady Addilyn, this is Prince Antonio Levu–Apollo of Grecira. Your kingdom's youngest heir."
Adelynn gasped and ended up meeting the boy's eyes.
They were gray and glittery, the sunlight dancing off in the most perfect way she could imagine. He had a soft appearance, with auburn hair neatly styled to fall behind his ears. A pierced ear with a religious earring–a diamond inside a circle. His clothing wasn't 'princely' in Adelynn's eyes, but definitely more specifically tailored for him.
In her past life she was treated similarly to a princess. She was as rich as a princess, and she had as much dignity to defend as a princess would. However, she was not one. Despite what many have thought, she's never imagined her self as one. She loves the treatment, but not the idea.
Adelynn met a princess once online. They were planets away, but through virtual reality they could spend several hours playing beside each other. She learned then that princesses are very stressed out, fairytales ignored how difficult it could really be for them.
She likes living comfortably without any stress, so the idea was firmly denied in her heart and she consoled that girl. They weren't friends for very long, as a few months later the girl never came online again.
Looking at the prince shying away from her stare, Adelynn pitied him. Grecira was peaceful from what the history books said, but things are always changing and one day he might be used to keep that peace.
"I'm honored to meet you, Prince Antonio. I hope Bodie's party please you." She stated with a gentle smile and a flowery voice. Elves didn't have the custom of bowing to those with royal blood, only the ones who currently sat on the thrones.
Antonio blushed further. "O-of course. Um.. Lady Addilyn, do you want something to drink?" He asked slowly, looking uncertain at Valor as he did. Valor only nodded to encourage him to finish asking.
Adelynn's smile wavered. Bodie gave her the same nod Valor gave Antonio, telling her she hardly had the choice to stay with them. "Yes, Prince Antonio, I would love a drink. May you lead?"
He perked up with a smile and began to lead wherever drinks were station. It would be nice to wash down the pie from earlier, so Adelynn didn't mind.
Something that surprised Bodie over the years was Adelynn's 'natural etiquette'. Most children her age would be start manner classes no matter their social status, but this class was completely unnecessary for her. While his child did not care to treat the staff with politeness, she carried herself like royalty in other accounts. It certainly wasn't his genes, but he liked to brag about it anyways.
Natural etiquette isn't the truth, but it might as well be. Adelynn wouldn't change how to she was in her past life, she couldn't help her mannerisms or thought process.
The two children walked to a round, white-clothed table. It had various drinks, mostly unalcoholic. A blackish orange drink was one of the few alcoholic drinks. Antonio chose that drink for himself, knowing what it contains. "Lady Addilyn, which do you prefer?"
Adelynn doesn't like alcohol, nor does she understand or support children drinking it. So, she pointed at a bubblegum pink drink known as 'Laplor'. It tastes like blueberries, frozen yogurt, cotton candy, and cinnamon. Tons of sugar, just the way Adelynn likes it.
"Lady Addilyn, h-has your morning been well?" Antonio hid under his auburn bangs and tried to start conversation.
"It has been well, excluding an early evening fright." She sipped the sugary drink in satisfaction. "A fright? Were you harmed?"
"No.. How was your morning Prince Antonio? Good, I hope." Antonio huffed and groaned. "Duke Valor is so.. excessive," he sat his glass onto the table, looking over to where their guardians were, "he brought along hundreds of soldiers just to escort me here, where their hasn't been a crime in decades. It's ridiculous."
Antonio scowled at the memory, but it was obvious he was just embarrassed. Maybe he felt it was overprotection? Adelynn internally agreed. The area her father governed was one of the safest in all of Grecira, and they would be staying at his home, that amount of soldiers was wasteful.
Outloud, though, she only shrugged. "Duke Valor is responsible for you, and he's not elven. If you were in endangered, wouldn't he pay for it?"
Antonio didn't think about it, only shaking his head. He looked up to her curiously and asked, "How strong is your magic?" There was eagerness in his tone, bit Adelynn didn't have an answer. Not yet.
Saving her from needing to respond, Laas came running their way with a large grin and news to share.