Days passed and there's someone I don't like to see but I have to because her birthday is close. We will go to Count Holton's, you can guess which cousin of mine is having her birthday. And in case you're wondering why I am not fond with her; it's because of something she did to me last year. Ever since it happened I didn't like her.
I also have no intention to attend, but it will be weird for my mother to hear that I suddenly asked to be left. Good thing that she will celebrate her birthday quietly. Raelle isn't a fan of extravagant parties and loud noises based on her character.
We are strolling around the mansion while waiting for our departure. Astreia tugged my dress, pointing at one person in the hallway, "Sister, What is Sister Aria doing there?"
With Azi's help, Astreia is not stuttering and mispronouncing a word when she speaks. It is easier to understand her now. Although it is scary how fast she learned it was only weeks when she practiced.
Right now we are following Aria she's slowly walking through the hallway. She takes a peak inside in every room. She looks dejected as she moves to the next door then repeats. Yep, We are following her because we are curious about what she's doing.
Especially me. Among the characters in the book, I like her character a little bit along with Prince Asterion, the 1st Prince of the Empire even though the 1st Prince has short appearance on the novel.
If you were asking me who was my favorite character, I do not have. Since I don't remember most of the characters on the book right now. But the it's the 1st prince that i'm thrilled to meet.
"What is she looking for?"
"Maybe there are some hidden gems?"
Yessenia tagged along when they saw us pass their rooms while we were following Aria.
"You are greedy, sister." Azi says which made Yessenia huffs and turns her gaze back at Aria
"Look! Aria stops and looks inside"
What's that room for again? This mansion has many rooms and floors. But I remember that in the northern part is where Aunt Mavis resides which is in this area.
"Oh, Why is she looking at Mother?"
"Mommy is inside with Euphy"
Euphy short for Euphrasia. She's 3-months old baby and the little sister of Yessenia and Azi.
Anyway, Since I'm curious I walked towards Aria, "Aria---" Just about when I reach her she jumps and her eyes widen.
"A-ah! Goodbye!" I was left hanging in front of Aunt Mavis' room when I heard a small weep inside.
I took a peek and saw Aunt Mavis gently singing a lullaby to Euphrasia. I don't know but it sounds like she was like, she was in agony.
"We should wait for them outside!"
Yessenia took my wrist and ran away as we hurried outside. But, The weeping of Aunt Mavis lingers in my mind for the day.
*****
First of all, I would like to say this kind of silence is awkward. Me, mother, Astreia and Aria are in one carriage. Behind us is Aunt Mavis and her children. We've been like this for 5 hours and it made Astreia fall asleep.
"Aria, I heard you visited South. How was it?"
My mother pops a question. She wouldn't come along if it hadn't been with Uncle Royce dragging her inside the carriage with us. Aunt Claire did not come, Uncle Royce says that he's going to leave again. Leaving Aria to our company.
"It is... Alright, Your Grace" she answered hesitantly.
Alright? She seems like her trip there isn't enjoyable.
"Really? Good to know then. When I visited there all I could think of was their cuisine..."
She starts to talk with Aria all the way to Baron Hearth's manor. We will stop by first and continue our travel tomorrow morning.
We arrived at Baron Hearth before dusk. The Baron and his wife greeted us after we got off the carriage and escorted us inside. The servants and maids gave us a warm welcome as soon as we stepped inside.
"The dinner will be served shortly, Duchess." the baron said. Escorting us to our respected rooms. While the Baroness took charge preparing our dinner.
I will be sharing rooms with Aria meanwhile Yessenia and Azi will share. Of course, Astreia is going to sleep with mother and Aunt Mavis has her own room with Euphrasia.
"Hmmm..." I wonder what she's thinking as she plop down on the bed. Then, all of the sudden she sat up and stared at me. Again, then turned away. That was her routine.
'I cannot tell if she hates me or not'
The door opened by Jemina... and a... few maids. I knew another exhaustion would happen sooner.
"Young Miss, We should dress you up for dinner"
It's tiring me out to change clothes at this time. After changing into a simpler dress and changing my hairstyle. Jemina told me that my mother is summoning me downstairs.
Aria and I both came down with the maids. We don't want to be late and I can already smell the food from here.
"Young Miss!" I hurriedly entered the dining room to see the servants serving the meals.
Azi and Yessenia are already seated while my mother is still not here.
The Baron of Hearth noticed me and he stood up to guide me on a seat. The door opened and my Mother entered along with Astreia. The steak was great and even the desserts were delicious that I ate everything that they gave me.
"The food is delicious, Baron Hearth"
"My Wife is the one who arranged all of these" I happily chomp down the last bite.
The baronness smiled at us, "Did you like them?" She asked us which made Azi and Astreia shout their answers.
"My children like it a lot too"
Oh? I didn't know they had children. Since I didn't see them here.
"Your oldest is studying in the academy right? He's two years younger than Caesar right?"
"He just turned six a few days ago" the baroness informed. Oh, their child is also studying in the academy.
Aunt Mavis then put down her fork and tapped the table saying, "I heard that something blew up in the academy and most of the magic tools are gone"
The baron chokes and the Baroness sighed heavily, "Yes... Unfortunately"
That sigh... is what I always hear when someone does something unimaginable and pain in the ass. Noland often does that especially when the twin stays.
"There are more letters from the academy saying he sent another student to the hospital"
The baron continued. Wow, He must be strong enough to send students to the hospital.
My mother seemed to remember something as she looked at me, "How about you youngest?" they froze and looked at each other.
She probably did not notice the couple sweating as she continued, "He is just the same age with Wren right?"
I look at them and they nod. "Yes Duchess. Nyxen is turning four in a few months"
After that they changed the topic. By remembering the contents of the novel and observing everyone at home I greatly know when someone does not want to talk about something. Just like now. Something happened to their son. It's not my problem. They talk for two hours and I don't understand a single thing.
After I got off my chair, I heard a sound of flapping in the air. It must be in my head since I'm awfully tired today.
The maids help us change in our sleepwear while Mother tuck us in. "Goodnight"
She turns off the lights and closes the door. I yawn, closed my eyes. Another flapping appeared this time it was low and slow. The air seems hotter than earlier. I scanned around and saw a small red light—like a small fire to be exact.
The light seems to be dancing as the light keeps swaying and flickering in the air. I had the urge to call it Calcifer but I tugged it deep down.
I got down on the bed to follow it when Aria sat up, "Wren... why are you not asleep...?" she asked me to be followed up by a yawn.
I woke her up, "I just... nevermind. I'm going back to sleep"
I look at the window. It was going further away, I wonder what that is?
"Thank you for your hospitality Baron"
"Feel free to visit us any time, Duchess." They bid their goodbyes as we hop into the carriage to depart.
According to Mother we will reach East in 3 days. So, we will be stopping again and my mother is having her morning sickness in the Carriage.
"Duchess, Are you all right?"
Mother waved her hand, stopping Aria into moving. She did stop, looking worried over my mom. Sometimes it feels like Aria wants to say something but she can't say it.
"Why isn't there any portal..." My mother hissed while resting on her seat.
Yes. I wonder why, mana is everywhere and yet there are no portals. It will be convenient if there is one since it will be faster to travel.
"Maybe there's someone that are developing it," It might be the case, right? After all the great mages in this world are still a
"Don't worry about me, Wren. I'm already fine." she says but she looks pale. We are still far away from the east.
"..." Aria is keeping silent, though I see that she is fidgeting on her skirt.