"Do I look worthy to stand in the Palace with this dress?", Eleanor twist and turns in front of Charles outside the house. Charles held his chin and shook his head. "This is just wrong", Charles sighed. "Do I look... Ugly?", Eleanor was worried. "You're the prettiest!!", Charles said with conviction.
"Your father was worried because you might get harassed at the Palace again. There are some other ladies of the house visiting the Palace every now and then", someone entered the scene.
"Oh, Ellie is headed outside. I hope you meet some black cats along the way", the man laughed sarcastically. "Who...", Eleanor saw his familiar eyes. "He's my little brother. Remember, his name is Oliver", Charles introduced. "Eh?! Did something happen to our little witch? Did you lose your memories?", Oliver pulled her cheeks. Eleanor tried to push him away but he kept teasing her. Charles slapped the back of Oliver's head. "Go with her. You also have some things to attend to with the Emperor, right?", Charles sighed.
Carriage
Oliver spent his time talking about his expeditions and the women who cried because he was leaving. He boasted about his good looks and that he was more popular than his brother.
"You really dressed up differently as well. You always wore your expensive jewelry", Oliver leaned on his hand that is against the window glass.
"Prince Keanne called me. I'm worried that I'd be embarrassing him so I decided to wear more vibrant colors", Eleanor explained. "What now? Are you trying to get back with the older brother?", Oliver laughed. "What are you talking about?", Eleanor asked.
Oliver hummed in amusement.
"Did you really forget? You originally betrothed to Prince Keanne but you learned that he's no longer the crown prince so you broke up with him and pushed your way to the younger brother. Unfortunately, the younger prince rejected you...not once but 10 times", Oliver laughed. He was enjoying the mortified look on Eleanor.
This girl really has what you call guts!!!
"We're here", Rendell informed.
Palace Grounds
"I don't want to get in anymore", Eleanor is melting in embarrassment. "What are you shy for? You've been here more than you visited your teacher in the library", Oliver dragged her inside.
"I'll be separated from here. If you get past this fountain, Prince Keanne will be in his greenhouse. If none, they search for the whole Palace", Oliver informed and pushed her.
Eleanor gulped and walked towards the fountain. There were so many knights walking around. She can see maids whispering to each other in her peripheral vision.
What kind of person are you? Eleanor.
"Who allowed you to set foot in this place?", Eleanor heard a stern voice. She turned and saw a blue-haired man. She wasn't sure who he was. "Ah.. I was invited by the Prince", Eleanor looked at the floor. He seems to be irritated with her presence. Who might that good-looking lad be?
"You really haven't learned your etiquette. Go back to your mansion and learn from your tutor", the lad said with a bored tone. He was about to go away. "Sorry. Can you please help me look for Prince Keanne?", Eleanor bowed. The blue-haired lad raised his brow seeing the arrogant lady bow that low.
The blue-haired lad ignored what she said and started to walk away. "Please. I just lost my memories so... I don't know my way here", Eleanor grabbed his sleeves. The ones who are watching flinched. They thought that Eleanor is flirting with the Prince again. She was rejected 10 times. Is she going to be rejected again?
The lad felt that she wasn't lying so he agreed.
Greenhouse
The blue-haired lad opened it and Eleanor entered. She was amazed by the variety of plants. Keanne was right, there were more flowers and plants in the Palace.
"Oh, You're here. Lady Ellie", Keanne went out from the bushes. He was cutting some herbs. "Your highnesses. Ah.. Greetings to the.. Future of the Ardania empire", Eleanor stuttered but managed to bow properly. "Not anymore", Keanne smiled. Eleanor flinched and remembered what Oliver told him. Keanne was removed from the position of being the crowned prince.
"Oh, I see. You already met my brother", Keanne saw the blue-haired behind her. Eleanor was about to faint. "That means....", Eleanor turn around and saw the blue hair lad looking down at her. "Don't I deserve to be greeted as well?", Xylan Neil Ardania crossed his arms.
I really wish I never came.
"Greetings...", Eleanor was cut off when Xylan raised his hand. "Even before, you didn't even dare to give respect because of your arrogance", Xylan stormed away.
Outside Parsonage
"I apologize for what happened a while ago", Eleanor said for the nth time. The maid pouring the tea for her was so stiff that Eleanor can see the pot shaking. "Are you sick? You look pale", Eleanor asked. The maid shook her head and finished her task. She grabbed all that was not needed and ran away.
Eleanor was confused about what just happened. Keanne was observing her. "How have you been, Ellie? Is it okay for me to call you that way?", Keanne asked. "That's a great honor, your highness. Being called by nicknames...is just a wonderful thing", Eleanor smiled. Keanne was taken back and coughed to regain his composure. During the past months, she only saw Eleanor smirking and grinning sarcastically. There were times that she would give off those smiles when Xylan would pass by and give her some attention.
"How's the tea?", Keanne asked. "I'm not too fond of tea but this one is so fragrant. I think the maid really brewed it perfectly", Eleanor nodded at her own statement. "Ellie, I wonder if you could actually hear what you are saying", Keanne patted her head. Eleanor flushed and looked at Keanne.
After some time, they talked about flowers, plants, and herbs. Eleanor was amazed at how advanced the medieval era was when it comes to medicine. Keanne was also surprised that Eleanor would be interested in it as well.
Carriage
"Thank you for visiting, Lady Eleanor. I hope to see you again", Keanne smiled.
Oliver looked at Eleanor and saw how happy she was.
"See you again, your highness. I would like to taste your herb next time", Eleanor talked so casually.
They already left.
Oliver was intently staring at Eleanor. "Are you now playing the role of goody good person?", Oliver sighed.
"Uncle. I don't really know what kind of person I was before... Maybe you can remind me?", Eleanor gave an innocent look.
"Sure. Why not? You were a brat who demands everything she wants from people. Once you don't get it. You throw up tantrums. I remembered that you always shouts at the chef for being an idiot at cooking. Plus, your tutor never stayed for so long because you are such a lazy and dumb student. You were so sharp with your tongue that the maids kept crying whenever they went out of your room", Oliver said nonstop.
"Wow. Were you actually looking for an opportunity to ridicule me?", Eleanor sighed in defeat.
"You played with the Prince's feelings and you kept pushing yourself toward Prince Xylan. All you ever wanted is to become the empress. That was so brave of you", Oliver shrugged.
Chapter end.