After getting dressed, I sat next to the window. Pressing my palm against it, I watch how every worker in this household does their task. Every one of them did it faultlessly. No wonder the garden ornately be venerated from afar. There was determination present, workers have smiles on their lips. Even if they were tired, they keep working. However, no one dared to speak to each other. They greet each other in a simple glimpse with a slight nod and a small smile before continuing their duty.
One of the women looked in my direction, she waved at me with a soft smile. Waving back, I responded with a 'Hi'. After that, she continued working. A knock disrupted me, I stood up to get it but my body paused. My mouth opened automatically, saying "Come in". Covering my mouth, my eyes widen. It was not me who was doing that!
The door squeaked open, revealing two happy young ladies. Anida and Cleda. I wonder where the young girl who talked to me first went? "Lady Rose! Lady Rose!" they jumped happily, clutching both of their hands next to their cheeks. It made me smile, seeing how happy they were.
"Are you going to ask us, my lady?" Cleda asked, such enthusiasm extant in the tone of her voice. She kept tilting from side to side, wearing a happy smile. Maybe it's good news?
What are they happy about?
"What is it that you guys are happy about?" I asked. At first, they beheld at me as if I said something unversed. They shrugged it off in a heartbeat. Squealing a little, Anida cleared her throat before speaking. Cleda looked at me happily, she nodded as her sister explained.
"After the men in town found out that Dr. Dawn, the gentleman you encountered with this morning, son of General Monvere... canceled the wedding... You are to receive abundant suitors! They're downstairs and surprisingly, all came from wealthy and well-known families!" she jumped.
"Isn't that amazing Lady Rose?! You're the most famous woman in town!" Cleda happily approached me as she hold my hand. Staring at her hand, I felt how cold and rough they are. Cleda let go quickly, shy. Her cheeks tinted in bright pink as she apologized distinctly.
Why is everybody here treating me like I'm some kind of royalty?
"Oh, Cleda! It's alright!" I nodded, patting her on the shoulder. "I am...uh... well glad that I am about to receive such wealthy and... well-known suitors! Shall we meet them downstairs?" I tried my best not to act awkward. I never wanted to date a man.
I dated once, only to be forever traumatized.
He's such a jerk.
"Yes! They are waiting at the front parlor! Lady Elene said to change into the best dress!" Anida giggled. This woman is full of enthusiasm and I envy her in a good way. Hoping I have the same energy as hers. Her eyes were too truthful.
"Do you have a simple one?" I asked. They both looked at each other before grabbing me.
"Ouch! So tight! Argh!" I groaned as they tried to lock the corset more. "I can't breathe!" I complained.
"Just a little more Lady Rose!" Anida grunted as she pull the string. Her face scrunched as she pull the strings, I look ugly in the mirror. It's as if I'm suffering from diarrhea.
"What more! I'll die at this point! Stop!" I complained more.
"Just... One... Last... Tuck!" Anida pulled the strings back, this time harder. Gasping, I felt like I lost half of my body. Cleda giggled. Oh jeez, I didn't know this is how hard it is to be a woman in this century! Who invented such stuff! Corsets in my day are a lot easier to lock and wear!
Tears escaped my eyes, I bit my lower lip.
"There you go!" Anida smiled as she clasped both of her hands and leaned her cheek against them while looking at me with full admiration.
"I said a casual one..." I said softly.
"No Lady Rose, this season is of Queen Claire. Rule three hundred and seventy-six..." Cleda raised her forefinger, her other hand found its way to her hip. "A noblewoman shall never wear a casual attire in such an important event especially if she is about to receive potential suitors for a husband!" they said in unison.
"What is rule three hundred and seventy-six, what are those rules for?" I asked as Anida help me wear the inner outfit after dicky coat and other layers of this gown. Slipping my hand inside the pocket, I can't help but be amazed.
So this is how they wear gowns with pockets?
"Queen Hermana made the rules but Queen Claire strengthen them. Ah, she's such a brilliant queen. The most stunning one in her current reign" Cleda said as she insert the pins in finalizing my attire.
Anida went to grab the hair accessories. Looking at myself in the mirror, I can't help but admire the face I am currently wearing. It's not me but I can say, her worth is more than a diamond can be described. Her charm is jaw-dropping.
Her eyes looked at me as if she were looking through my soul. Pursing my lips, I touched the fabric. It's soft, silky, and smooth. The tailor made it perfectly, a perfect fit. I would like to meet the tailor someday.
"May I ask?" I raised a question out of curiosity.
They both hummed in response.
"What kind of person is Queen Claire? Might as well ask her age, how does she manage? Has she bear children from King Weigan?"
I heard King Weigan, he's one of the brave princes of South Louviere who married Princess Claire of West Philton. However, King Weigan's affection for Princess Claire broke who she is. King Weigan's more in love with his concubine rather than Queen Claire.
In most of the stories in my current century, Queen Claire stood as the most influential monarch in her reign. All of the staff in the castle trusted her, they admired her for being an elegantly intellectual woman.
"Queen Claire's the most perfect candidate among the selection, some people say she did not want to be a part of the royal family but was forced by her father for power. She's the queen who has a huge heart for her people. Mostly, children and commoners. She's intelligent, perfectly quiet. Queen Claire is currently forty-five, she can't manage well because of how her husband belittles her in such responsibilities..."
"Poor woman" Anida sighed as Cleda continued to explain.
"...Due to stress and complication, she only bears one child. They said it is the prince that no one saw before. Some rumor said she gave birth to a beast due to how her husband treated her, they call him vampire baby" I raise an eyebrow.
Vampire baby? Who names a little one that? How rotten.
"Vampire baby? At what cost do they have the right to call a baby vampire?"
"It's because the prince was extremely pale when she gave birth to him, no one saw his face except for the midwife.
The midwife's rumor is what the people called it. Sadly, the midwife got executed under the command of King Weigan when the truth is one servant overheard the conversation inside the Queen's chambers until now the person who spread the rumor has not yet been found" Anida connected.
"Such a gossip town" I raised both eyebrows, slightly shaking my head.
"Unbelievable"
"On the contrary, the people who stood for the midwife remained a mystery. Only papers were glued to each house's door. Those papers contained news about the prince being handsome and kind, loving and looks like the Queen" Cleda said.
"Gladly, he inherited his mother's feature rather than his beast father" Anida rolled her eyes. Cleda tapped Anida on the arm, sending her a warning look.
"We do not speak ill of the king! Our tongues will be gone in no time!" Cleda whisper-yelled.
I guess that's how it goes. Trying my best to make a good topic, I asked something else this time. "Hey, hey. What about the name of the prince?"
"Prince Keifer of South Louviere, young General Kane Monvere..." Anida sighed in love and started woolgathering.
I almost laughed. "Ah, my Lady Rose... Just forget how she reacted to General Kane"
"Oh no, no. I would love to hear about this young general" I waved my hands in front of me. It seems like Kane is related to Germaine, who reacted weirdly.
"Anida will be the one who will tell you about General Kane" Cleda laughed. "Go on lass, tell our lady about your dream boy" she pushed Anida close to me. Cleda continued to attach the pieces of jewelry in my gown, simple ones but exquisite. She commanded me to raise both of my arms, and I did.
"General Kane Monvere, the last son of retired General Drendalle Monvere. He used to serve the thing, his late father..." Anida battered her eyes as she dreamily leans her cheek against the back of her hand. She stepped back and spun a little before continuing. This woman, it's as if she wants to get married to him.
"...General Kane has beautiful charcoal eyes that turn into grey when the sunshine in it, his dirty blonde hair... I badly want to brush with my fingers. Did I ever say he looks more handsome in his usual color code of black? Matte black? He's eighteen, smiles a lot, has dimples, and is tall!"
Glancing at Cleda, she has this funny smile on her lips. She nodded once at me, making me smile. I think I can trust them. Cleda placed each accessory around my forefinger, neck, and wrist. "He's the last brother among the perfect four, the Monvere family yield such excellency. A perfect role model for honor, intelligence, and talents! All of the brothers bear talents that appeal to every woman in this town" Anida cutely blinked her eyes, putting her palms against her cheeks.
"What do Monvere brothers have that other men in town don't?" I asked. Turning around, Cleda finalized the matching of my accessories and hairpins. I love how she assists me, making sure I won't look like a Christmas tree.
"Exceptionally, Sir Drendalle's sons are indescribable and unexplainably fast learners. They said that even if the three of them were adopted, they do not have the prints of being benighted. It seemed like all of them differ in age, quite questionable but people here never ask because they're drowned by how beautiful his family is. His wife, Adeitta Frienzé-Monvere is an exceptional woman who can do everything. It is rumored that she received the highest number of suitors in Queen Hermana's reign. Many women envied her but only one charming man won her heart and that was General Drendalle who has the same issue with her. General Drendalle's the one who receive many suitors, all were girls of course. There's no such day that gifts don't lie with love letters on his doorstep back when he was single. Going back to the brothers, I'll describe them from eldest to youngest. The eldest, the original child of the two popular couples was the one who carried you at the brick path my lady. The famous writer in town is Germaine Jackson Monvere. His novels always hit rank one among the other novels famous writers write globally. He beat many writers from other countries such as Rasiana, Saint Louise and North Alfene and many more. Though it seems like his sons have color coding, Sir Germaine, Count. Count Germaine carries the colors beige and gold. The second son is Dr. Dawn, the most appointed doctor in Saint Claire. His color coding is white and lilac. His eyes were so beautiful like a drink of jasmine tea. The artist, musician, and painter...-Are you sure you want me to continue my lady? Your suitors are waiting?" Anida asked.
I found my jaw dropped. Amazed. They sound well organized! "Yes, yes. Please continue Anida, fill me in!" I sound like a gossiper.
Anida giggled, inviting me to have a seat. Cleda pulled out a fan from the drawer and fan me. I can tell, she, too is interested. "I'll buy you some time" Cleda winked at me. "I'll be the one to talk to them for quite a while" I smiled at her and nodded. Cleda exited the room.
Anida giggled before continuing. "This artist, Sir Leonardo Monvere. A name to remember, being named after Leonardo Da Vinci. He carries the color coding of green, his music is splendid and his paintings look realistic! And lastly, the previous one I have said. My knight" she dreamily said. "Is the strongest general of all time, he's never been defeated. He carries the color of black"
Wow, never in my life have I encountered such an organized family.
The door opened, revealing Cleda with a smile. "Yes, we are finished" Anida nodded. "Let us meet your suitors Lady Rose, we will stand by the door of the front parlor. Call us if you needed anything, congratulations in advance"
Upon going down the stairs, the siblings assist me carefully until it's my time to go inside the front parlor and meet the suitors. One by one, I can hear them chattering on the other side of the room. Their murmuring voices can be heard from the hallway of the other entrance. "The Lady has arrived, you may come in Lord Wellington," Elene said. She smiled at me before kissing my head, whispering sweetly.
"Enjoy finding a husband my dear, mother will be right behind you" she gestured for me to sit with my suitor on the other seat. A couch, for two people. Quite thinner than the one I am sitting on right now. This heart of mine throbbed painfully as if it was asking for a certain person to see. The reactions I have upon seeing Lord Wellington signal me that this body is not quite pleased even though Lord Wellington is strikingly formal and has a face for a man too. I sat next to him, watching how nervous he is in approaching me.
I think it's better if Germaine is the one in front of me, explaining why he left quickly as if I smell bad. Rolling my eyes, I groaned. "Pardon me, Lady Rose, are you upset about my introduction. I make an apology in instant" he said.
I realized that I did it in front of him. Oh crap! Save yourself, Laura!
Pretend!
"OH, DEAR! I remembered a terrible memory, it is not intended for you. I apologize too" I said placing a hand on my forehead, closing my eyes, and opening one after to see Wellington's reaction.
Gladly, he's looking down. "It's alright" I closed my eyes rapidly when he returned his stare at me. He pulled out a hand fan, fanning me before speaking again. "I present myself for the lady, as you are... I suppose a potential wife for me in the future. I admire you, Lady Rose, if you allow me to see you again... I'll do my best to be the best fit for you"
He spoke confidently.
Better than how men present themselves in the modern day. Men in my lifeline date women and get a woman they want just by texting without coming over to girl's house like this.
I replied with a laugh, a soft one after saying a no. He left devastated. One suitor comes after one another. Each has a different way of making me impressed with them, convincing me they are the right fit. Each carries a different boastful personality.
Is this really how men impress their lady? Materialistic! Do they marry for the face? Dowry? Properties? Wealth? Jeez, Louise.
If I were to choose a man for my ancestor, I will choose a man that fits her expectation and taste.
I was about to stand up but the last one present himself as Lord Henson. Blinking, I clutched my hand fan. He's fluff and plump. My eyes widen, and I took a step back. "No, no! Oh dear, I feel unwell!" I faked my faint. Elene quickly helped me, apologizing to Lord Henson after telling the maids to carry me to my room. She panted worriedly, commanding them to heal me and call the doctor.
"You can open your eyes now" I heard a familiar voice. I opened my eyes and sat up. It's as expected, Dr. Dawn. When is he a doctor and not a CEO of a publishing company? Questions mixed in my mind is this one of his ancestors too that's why he doesn't recognize me?!
Staring at Dawn, his lilac eyes examined me. He leaned close to me. "It's strange you're present. Better humor the body you have now. I can't fathom how you get here Laura but one thing is certain. Live your life in this century, do not ask too much or seek for too much. You'll die instantly"
I went pale when he said my name.
So it is... him...
The CEO of SOSC.
Oh my god!