"Lady Avyanna, a letter has arrived."
Avyanna's face lit up and she smiled widely.
"Which is it from?" She asked.
'Royal'
Avyanna immediately took the letter and opened it. Diane was unfazed by her mistress's actions.
It's been days since the incident in the Royal Duchy. And she thinks that his mistress is very fond of Lady Royal. But that's not how it is for Avyanna.
Avyanna read the letter with a smile on her lips, and her eyes sparkled upon reading.
Lady Avyanna,
Writing your name without honorifics seems to be awkward. I'm not writing because I wanted to, but because you told me so.
I'm still not going to make friends with you just because I am guilty of what has happened.
It was also your fault for going even though you're sick.
The dress you sent me this time really suits my taste. I am thanking you for that. But next time you send one, please drop the short letters you got from poems. It looks like you have something for me.
Sincerely,
Yelena Zeniah Royal
"She used her full name. Zeniah... It sounds sassy." She chuckles.
"Diane, get me a pen and paper." I told Diane.
She immediately went away and came back with the things I told her to get for me. I was about to write a word when someone knocked on the door.
"Miss the Lady of Gabrielle Duchy is waiting in the drawing room." It was the voice of the butler.
I immediately stood up and went outside. I haven't seen France since the ball. I guess it's already time to meet her again.
"I understand." I said to the butler and walked to the drawing room.
"Yanna!" France welcomed me with a tight hug. "Oh goodness. I was so worried when I heard that you were sick! I just found out yesterday. Why didn't you tell me?" Her voice and eyes are full of worry.
"I'm sorry, I don't want to bother you about a minor thing." I said while smiling
"Minor thing? Yanna, the ladies said you collapsed and even vomited blood! Everyone is talking about it! Were you cursed? Is it that woman?! I knew she had something on her sleeve!"
"France, it's not like that. I fainted due to exhaustion. I attended the party while I was sick. There's no one to blame here but me."
"Oh, Yanna. You're too kind." She hugs me again, and I can feel her warmth. She must've treasured Avyanna so much.
"Let's sit first and have tea. You had a long way coming here." I said as we walked onto the couch.
She held my hand and confronted me.
"It's been a while since we last got together. Are you okay now? You're not sick now, right?" She touched my forehead and then my shoulders.
"Haha, Yeah, I'm healthy as a horse now."
"Speaking of horses, Yanna, want to go to the racecourse with me?" She suddenly asked.
Oh sht... I don't know how to ride a freaking horse! I do know how to drive a car. But that's different, isn't it?
Avyanna is a knight, and it's common for her to ride a horse. But I am not her!
"Uhm. My body isn't in good condition after being sick. So I don't think I can ride a horse..." I awkwardly answered.
She chuckles. "Silly Yanna, of course you can't. You may be a knight, but It's one of your flaws, right? Not being able to ride a horse?"
I gave her an awkward smile.
Avyanna isn't good at horse riding?
"Ah... Hahahaha. Y-yeah.." I looked away and bit my lip.
"Also, I want you to learn to ride a horse! I'm going to teach you!" She said cheerfully.
"What? You don't want it? Am bothering you, Yanna?" Her tone falls and she droop, as if she is disappointed.
"No. I was thinking about practicing my magic." I said, giving her an awkward smile.
"Oh.. I see you're going..." She stopped and stared at me for a moment. "You're going to what?!?"
And so I explained everything to her. From the moment I fainted and what the mage said to me.
"I see. So, when are you planning to practice?" She asked, sipping on her tea.
"I was thinking today. But if you want to hang out with me, then I'm in for it." She pouted and then hugged me so suddenly. "Oh, Yanna. You can just practice today, but I want to watch you. Is that okay?"
"Won't you be bothered? Or won't you get bored?"
"Watching you? When did I get bored with you? Go and prepare now. Where are you practicing?"
"The training grounds." I answered.
"Then I'll be waiting there." She stood up and walked out of the room
I was left and a minute passed and went to my room to get changed. Before going out again. I looked at the paper and pen on my desk.
I'm just going to write it later.
And so, I did practice controlling my mana. I can't just jump right into showing off my magic. It could be destructible and could hurt someone.
Focused on meditating, I closed my eyes and felt the mana flowing throughout my body. Just what that mage told me. Mana is like blood; it runs through the whole body.
Since it was silent in my place, I could sense the mana. It's a lot on my body. I tried to control it by circling it on my chest. It was hard and I could feel my sweat falling down my forehead. Once it spun a little, my focus was cut as I felt thirsty.
That's a first.
When I looked over at France, she was eating cookies and chatting with Diane. Those two seem close.
I stood up but unfortunately lost my balance, so I fell down.
"Yanna!"
"My Lady!"
France and Diane immediately ran towards me and pulled me up.
"My lady, are you okay?"
"Should we call a physician?"
"I'll call one right--"
"Wait!" I didn't notice that I raised my voice. That left them stunned. "I'm sorry. I'm fine. I just lost balance. You don't have to worry. Really?"
"How can we not, My Lady? Remember the day you said that too, the day you went out to go to the party? And you end up collapsing" Diane said, holding on to my arms tightly.
"That's right. It's best if you see a physician now." France then said.
I sigh in defeat. After that, they did call a physician to look into my condition. And as I said, there's nothing wrong with me.
They are relieved about it. But then, it suddenly took a wrong turn.
The next morning.
France arrived at the mansion with a large case. Avyanna couldn't help but facepalm as the lady of Gabrielle spoke.
"I'm staying here until you're all good! I've got my clothes right here. My father let me stay for a week. Take good care of me, Yanna."
Meanwhile...
'Why hasn't she sent a letter to me?' Yelena asked as she read every letter she had for the fifth time.