I crashed on my bed once again. I've been getting mentally tired these days and I haven't even been getting exercise regularly. Today was no different.
I talked to Jasmine about the antidote, found out about my father's past, and had an emotional moment with my brothers.
What an eventful day.
But after that, it went back to normal.
Which means, I can finally read romance novels!
After I did my lessons with Felya and my mother, I ran straight to the library and took a random book from the romance shelf.
"The Commoner and the Prince." I read the title out loud. How perfect! It's the type of book that I'd definitely get into, and so, with no more distractions, I started.
"The girl shouted, tripping on her own feet, and she felt two strong arms catch her. With a deep and low voice, the stranger asked, 'Are you alright?'"
Ahh! So cliche!
Excitedly, I continued to read. Reading this book refreshed my mind from all the events that had occurred this past month.
I finished the whole book in two hours and had my lunch in the library. It was a pretty short one so I had ease in reading and as expected, it's as dumb as what I read before.
I grin widely as I place the book back on the cart.
"My lady, nice to see you again." The librarian bowed in front of me.
I've always greeted him whenever I could because I'm thankful he returns the books I couldn't. He isn't really a standard librarian since he is also a footman around the house, that's why I don't see him all the time here. But he is the one mainly responsible for the library in the house.
"Ah, yeah. I just finished reading." I smiled and walked out of the library. He's gonna see I read some trashy romance book, today and for the rest of my next visits. I chuckled at the thought.
I'm finally following the routine I had written before. Lessons, read, exercise, read, sleep, then repeat.
I religiously followed it for two weeks before my birthday on February 14.
Now that I think about it, my birthday is on Valentine's Day back in Jessica's world. The date doesn't mean anything here, but it's still nice to think about.
"Happy Birthday, my dear!" My mother greeted me as I went downstairs.
I ran and gave her the biggest hug I could, she sighed but still hugged me back. She would usually reprimand me for this unladylike gesture but today is an exception, which is why I'm taking full advantage of it.
I grinned at my mother and she smiled softly back at me.
"Happy birthday, Nera." Then followed a deep but loving voice behind her.
I gave him a big hug too which he returned quickly.
"Thank you," I spoke after letting go of my father's warmth.
Then came two large hands ruffling my hair.
"Happy birthday, idiot!" Noah laughed and messed up my hair.
"Hey!" I grunted and slapped his hand away from my head.
He dodged easily and crossed his arms.
"You can't even hit me. So sad."
I glared and was about to hit his legs with my foot but my older brother Noel took my shoulders.
"Ah, calm down. It's your birthday. Happy Birthday." Noel massaged my shoulders masterfully which made me calm down. "Noah, can't you stop annoying Nera at least for today?"
"You know what my answer to that is~" He chirped.
Noel and I sighed at his stubbornness.
After that, we all came out to jog. Even my mother. We always did this, just a calm, gentle jog every year.
But would always turn into a race between us siblings.
"Ah!" I shouted as I saw the two of my brothers already at the finish line. "Dammit!"
"Tch." Noah clicked his tongue.
"You two still have many to learn." Noel shrugged.
Guessing from that, Noel won, yet again.
"Can't you at least let me win for today?" I interjected.
"And would you be satisfied with that?" Noel raised his eyebrow.
I blinked a few times and shook my head.
"I would," Noah answered.
We caught up on our breaths as we stayed steady by the finish line and then our parents arrived, father who always continued the calm jog, since my mother can't really run as fast as us.
"I think you're getting faster, Nera." My father commented.
I raised my eyebrow at his words. I wasn't using aura while we were running, I expected to lose but then he told me I'm getting faster...
Does that mean my exercises these past few weeks have been working?
"I agree. You're still slower than us but you caught up faster compared to last year." Noah explained and Noel nodded.
I grinned. Hahaha! They didn't notice I had my aura turned off since they were too busy competing with each other and my father was focusing on my mother!
From their comments, my body is better than it was with aura? What if I ran now with my aura, would I be able to beat them?
I shook my head. No, be patient. I'll use my aura again by November so that I'll exercise with the use of aura. It's perfect.
"Alright," My mother spoke which took me out of my thoughts. "It's time for breakfast with your favorite blueberry pancakes!"
My eyes sparkled and I hugged my mother.
"Ah, Nera!" She shouted out of shock.
The three men laughed and we all walked to our house to eat the pancakes.
Unfortunately, my father and brothers were busy so they had to go out right after breakfast. I bid my goodbyes and told them that we can celebrate it at night.
On the other hand, my mother also had to work on some papers within the household which left me with Felya. As she had said before, she was going to take me out on a birthday date and buy me anything I wanted. I told her that I wanted romance novels and with her recommendations, we headed out.
"Rinston's Book Store is the best one in the capital! They have all the best-selling novels in there." Felya explained as we walked to the plaza.
I nodded at her words, then looked around, realizing that I haven't been out in a while. The only outing I got recently was going to the Vanderwales. Even that was short since I had this weird curfew.
I see children running around, noisy commoners- laughing and chatting about, carriages with their horses, and sellers trying to convince people to buy. I smiled.
It's peaceful.
This is why I want to be a knight. I want to keep the peace that we have now.
I sigh at my thoughts and focused on the agenda at hand.
Romance novels!
I try to lighten up my mood again and we went inside the bookstore.