"Good morning, sister!" Greeted Anna-Belle in her usual lively voice.
"Good morning, Belle." I greeted back with a soft smile.
"And where are your manners to be yelling in the dining room? Did you leave them in your bedroom, perhaps?" Scolded the baroness in a stern voice to Which Anna-Belle apologized.
"Now now, dear. Don't be so harsh on her." Repremanded the Baron lovingly.
This was a typical meal in the Baron of Asthenia's dining room. The Baron would play the loving father. The baroness, the stern mother. Anna-Belle, the lovely child. And me, the mature daughter.
Everyone had assigned roles to play and an image to keep in front of the servants.
Someone might argue it tiring, but the more you practice, the more natural it gets and the easier it becomes.
Acting was never my weakness. If anything, I have always been excellent at acting my expected parts to perfection. The same goes for now.
"I have good news for you all. I have finally found the perfect groom for our dear Miel."
The Baron said with all the love of the world contained in his eyes.
I must have gotten my acting skills from him, I thought. Mom sucked at it, after all.
"Oh, and who might it be?" Asked the baroness.
"Count Edward's second son. He might not be the heir to the county, but he is indeed an ambitious man with great goals in life. He already has his own business running in the neighbouring country along with a merchant guild. He's pretty successful, I would say. " The Baron explained.
Although his words were meant for the baroness, he had his eyes on me the whole time, gauging my reaction. But I was successful in keeping a straight face. I had my signature smile the whole conversation.
Failing to perceive my opinion on the subject, he went for another tactic.
A direct question.
"What do you think, Miel?"
Putting down my culinary, I wiped the corners of my mouth with a napkin with atmost calm.
I can't lose just yet.
"I don't know about Count Edward's son." I posed for a few seconds, taking in everyone's facial expressions.
I could make out a slight frown on the baroness's face. It made my smile deepen.
"But, I know father. And I trust whatever decision Father makes." I put on the obedient older daughter's mask on.
Baron Asthenia's cold face broke in a fit of laughter. Getting that reaction, I must have played my part perfectly. I smiled to myself, but it faded soon after.
" Since you think so, my dear, you wouldn't mind holding a wedding by next month. Would you?"
Clink!!
The sound of a utensil hitting the ground resonated in the dining room, but all I could hear in my ears were the baron's words.
"Bring her another one." Ordered the baroness one of the servants waiting on us.
"Why so surprised, dear? To drop your fork like that, do you perhaps not like it?" Only then did I snap out of my trence.
I lifted my head, and my eyes met the baron's. Then, it drifted down to my hand. It was empty. I didn't even realise it was me who dropped the utensil earlier.
'Don't mess up.'
"That's not it, father. If Father likes it, then so be it. I am just a bit sad I won't be able to attend the ball the Royal family is hosting next week, since I would be so busy with preparations. I have promised Belle to accompany her."
"Oh my god, noo!! Won't sister come with me? Father, please, I've been waiting all winter for it!" Cried Belle, to Which the baroness frowned clearly annoyed at her daughter's lack of etiquette.
The Baron's piercing gaze toward me seemed to subside at Belle's words. He heaved a tired sigh in surrender.
In all the years I spent living in this mansion, Belle was the only weakness of the Baron that I could find. He would never refuse a request she makes.
"Fine. It would not hinder the wedding preparations if Miel is absent for a single day."
He said in resignation, making Belle beam in joy.
The meal continued with the usual harmonious atmosphere of the Asthenia family.
Only my mind was left erratic.
'Perfect groom, huh'