"And... and your clothes are too fancy! Who needs all those frilly things anyway?" she added, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. "I bet you can't even climb a tree in those fancy shoes!"
Mabel's heart stung with the man's words, a painful echo of the taunts she'd endured in the orphanage. Memories of the bully's hurtful nickname, "the dirty and smelly girl nobody wanted," resurfaced.
The man's gaze felt like salt on her wounds. Feeling insulted and hurt, Mabel's eyes welled with tears. Her voice quivered as she cried out, "Why are you staring at me like that?!"
Fidgeting in his seat, the man grew uncomfortable as Mabel's cries grew louder. Vincent's stern look prompted a plea, "Your Grace, please, before we all lose our hearing."
Panicking, the man stammered, "Uh, um, I didn't mean it like that," his eyes darting around.
Mabel wasn't about to let him off the hook. "You hurt me and made me cry!" she sobbed, her tears a torrent.
Mabel's distress deepened as the man failed to offer an apology. Her mind echoed Anne's wise words - the importance of owning up to one's mistakes, no matter their age. Why couldn't this man understand that?
Thoughts of Anne tugged at Mabel's heartstrings, intensifying her sorrow. She missed her dear friend terribly, especially since Anne had been adopted a year ago. The unknown of Anne's current life weighed heavily on Mabel's mind.
Was Anne happy with her new family? Would they ever cross paths again? The ache of loneliness without Anne's companionship was overwhelming, leading Mabel to sob even harder.
Vincent's patience dwindled. "Your Grace, step up and be responsible," he insisted firmly.
Frustration etched the man's face as he rubbed his forehead. "Alright, I'm sorry. You're not dirty or smelly. You're a princess of Ashford Dukedom now – behave like one," he muttered with a strained smile.
Vincent exchanged incredulous glances with the man, his disbelief palpable. He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off an impending headache.
The man's questioning look only intensified Vincent's vexation. It was hard to fathom how a grown man could be so oblivious to a child's feelings.
Mabel's tears dried up, replaced by a gaze of wonder as she looked up at him with eyes wide and hopeful. "Really? I'm a princess? Do I get a castle and beautiful dresses?" Her excitement radiated through her words.
"I don't need to do chores anymore!?" she continued, her voice a mix of hope and disbelief.
Vincent couldn't help but chuckle softly at the innocence of her enthusiasm. 'Ah, the innocence of youth,' he mused to himself.
Mabel's heart soared. It was as if her wildest dreams were unfolding before her eyes! A family, a chance to be a princess, and the best part – her cherished Mrs. Bunnies could share in her new life too!
The thought that she wouldn't be labeled the "smelly and dirty girl" anymore filled her with boundless joy. Her giggles danced in the air as she imagined a life in a grand castle, perhaps even encountering a real prince one day.
She clung to her stuffed companion, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "Mrs. Bunnies, you're going to be a princess too! We'll live in a castle!"
A perplexed expression crossed the Duke's face, and he turned to Vincent, asking, "Is she talking to a doll?"
Vincent responded with a reassuring smile, "Your Grace, it's quite normal for children to converse with their stuffed animals." The Duke raised an incredulous eyebrow but refrained from further comment.
Mabel pivoted toward the Duke, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Mister, what's your name? Are you a king or a prince?"
With an elaborate flourish, the Duke introduced himself, "My name is Lirio Caius Ashford." He executed a sweeping bow, gesturing dramatically toward his chest.
"I am a Duke of Ashford and also a second prince of the illustrious Isindor Empire. Therefore, my dear Mabel, you are a princess."
Mabel's eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky.
"Wow, you're a Duke and a Prince! That's amazing!" she cheered, her clapping hands expressing her enthusiasm. "And I'm a princess too! I can't wait to live in a castle and wear a crown just like a real princess!"
The Duke nodded, his own excitement mirrored in his eyes. He placed his hands on Mabel's shoulders. "Now, my dear princess, we must transform you accordingly! Off to the city hall we go, in search of a gown befitting royalty!"
Mabel's excitement reached a fever pitch; she jumped up and down, hands clapping joyfully. "Yay! I'm so excited to be a real princess!"
The Duke's laughter danced in the air as he affectionately ruffled her hair. "You shall be the most exquisite princess the realm has ever seen."
Mabel beamed, her grin stretching from ear to ear as she twirled in sheer elation. "Let's not delay, let's go! I want to try on all the splendid dresses!"
Amusement tugged at Vincent as he contemplated the Duke's impending role as a fashion consultant for an eight-year-old. It was bound to be a delightful and eventful day.
Meanwhile, Mabel felt as if she were floating on a cloud. With a family who cherished her, she was now a princess – the embodiment of her dreams. In her heart, she believed that the realm of possibility was limitless.
...
The carriage smoothly navigated through the bustling streets of Paladia City. Mabel's wide eyes were fixed on the world outside, her senses buzzing with wonder as she absorbed the kaleidoscope of sights and sounds surrounding her.
The cityscape was an enchanting spectacle, like a dream she had never dared to imagine.
Towering structures of glass and gravel loomed over the streets, adorned with intricate designs that seemed to dance in the sunlight. The surfaces were etched with delicate carvings that told stories of their own.
"Wow, this is amazing! Look at all the people and shops! There are so many colors," Mabel exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.
The orphanage walls had never let her glimpse beyond their confines, and now, the vibrant cityscape was a breathtaking revelation.
While her peers had ventured into the city, she had remained behind, burdened with chores and dreams of the outside world.
The Duke's chuckle was warm like a comforting embrace. "Indeed, it's a breathtaking sight," he replied.
Mabel was captivated by the diversity she witnessed. She pointed at a group of elves passing by, their pointed ears giving them an ethereal aura. "Wow, look at all the different people here!" she marveled.
Vincent joined her amusement, his smile gentle. "Yes, the city embraces many races. It's a harmonious blend of cultures and traditions," he explained.
"But remember Young Lady, we must be respectful and not stare too much. We wouldn't want to offend anyone."
Mabel nodded eagerly, taking Vincent's advice to heart. Her senses drank in every detail of the bustling city around her.
She felt akin to a true princess, ready to embrace the new experiences and adventures that beckoned her.
A tantalizing medley of scents, spices, and blooming flowers danced in the air, creating a symphony for Mabel's senses. The fragrance was so alluring that her stomach responded with a contented rumble.
As they approached the heart of the city, the buildings grew taller and more ornate. A grand fountain came into view, its form resembling a majestic dragon, water sprouting from its maw in a playful display.
Mabel's eyes were wide as saucers, captivated by the scene of joyous children darting through the water's embrace. The carriage eventually came to a stop in front of a magnificent structure crafted from marble and gold.
"Welcome to the City Hall," Duke Caius announced, stepping out of the carriage and assisting Mabel. "Here, we shall discover the most exquisite dresses and jewels befitting a princess."
Mabel's gaze shifted to the regal edifice before her, her breath momentarily stolen by its grandeur.
Intricate carvings adorned the walls, mythical creatures and tales etched into the very stones. Polished wood doors graced with golden handles beckoned invitingly.
Standing there, in the heart of the bustling city, Mabel marveled at her own journey. The world had opened its doors to her, offering experiences she had only dreamed of.
She clutched Mrs. Bunnies tightly to her chest, her heart fluttering like a butterfly's wings. "This place is amazing," she whispered, feeling as if she had stepped into a fairy tale.