The Crimson Covenant is one of the most significant events, especially for patrons of orphan children entering a noble household. This event is when the family agrees to take the child into their domain permanently. They do this by allowing the child to choose a keepsake, usually with an enchanted gem. After they choose one, each family member will draw their blood on the gem, which will absorb the magical essence within the blood cells. The child then wears the jewelry as a sign of protection and belonging.Some say that the gem will protect the wearer from any physical harm, and I can confirm this. I read the novel; I know how this goes. And I know exactly what emotion Diane is feeling at the moment. Being in a completely different location with people she thought hated her, could possibly harm her, and then being gifted a necklace as red as blood—the air was so thick with its scent. And now the Duke himself is saying he recognizes her as a part of the family?Why are these people, who have done nothing but regard me as nothing in my previous life, doing this? Are they simply tricking me? Making me a fool just as my beloved sister did? I had a family, but all that family did was betray me. Is that their intention too? To lure me into security only to stab me in the back? They're all watching me, studying me like prey cornered by wolves, and I hate it. I hate this. Why...why does it have to be me?"D-Diane?!" The Archduke screamed. The thoughts in her mind were harsh, and she almost stumbled back.Whywhywhy? Questions kept swirling in my mind. I can't think straight. I can't breathe. I can't—I don't feel safe. I have to get out, but my vision is turning hazy and dizzy and I can't—Help me..."Diane, what's wrong? Di—get the servants!" I don't know what happened. All I know is that my feet just moved on their own, and suddenly I barged right into the room and saw Diane on the floor, clutching her chest tightly. Her breathing was harsh, too harsh—she could collapse. I moved past the Young Duke and crouched down to Diane. "Diane," I said calmly, "Diane, can you hear me?" Her trembling lips stayed closed, but she nodded."Good, you're okay, Diane. You're alright, you are safe. Now, can you name five things you can see?""I-I...what?""Five things you can see. Can you name them?""What in the world are—"I raised my hand to quiet the Archduke. I smiled gently at the girl. "It's okay, you can say me if you'd like.""Eyes...brown eyes...you..." Her eyes darted around. "Necklace...and...gold...freckles, you have freckles.""Oh yeah, now how about four things you can touch?""Things I could touch...um...like...like right now?""Anything at all will be fine.""This necklace, my blanket, l-leather-bound book, and I...I guess my hands?"I nodded. "Okay, good. Two things you can smell.""B...Blood..." Her breathing stopped momentarily. "All I can smell is blood, I-I...""Hey, hey, it's okay. What about the room? You like how the room smells, right?""The room, I-I remember the flowers you gave me. That fresh, warm scent...I-I like it.""I'm glad. Now finally, what is your favorite food to eat?""Favorite food..." She repeated softly. "I like...I mainly just like soups, especially the ones back at the orphanage. The lady who cooked would make sure it was reheated if I ever missed breakfast so that it would still be warm and tasty for me when I woke up.""That sounds like a very nice woman. I'm glad she took such great care of you.""Yeah...she did." She smiled slightly, though I could tell it was more of a reminiscent and sad smile. The past you could never return to, but at least you have such fond memories in the first place to look back on rather than nothing at all."Diane," the youngest of the Dukedom family spoke, "Are you alright?""I...I think I am," Diane said quietly. I looked down at her hands; they weren't trembling anymore, so that's good."What happened? Who are you?" the Archduke questioned. It wasn't hostile; I know hostile when I hear it. He was simply confused."Your Grace," I looked back at the child. Her expression once again turned fearful. I gently handed her my palm, and after a few seconds of hesitation, she took it. "I will return in only a few minutes. I will be okay, and so will you." I gently squeezed her hands and then slowly let go to face the Duke himself."Let's speak somewhere else, Your Grace. I promise I will explain everything." The Archduke nodded and waved his hand for the oldest. The three of us left the room, with the youngest standing guard for Diane. The Grand Duke closed the doors, and I suddenly felt my heart begin to race. I slowly realized something.I just... I just acted so... so rude to the Dukedom family!I paled, "Y-Your Grace, I am so sorry for what I have done. I-I mean no disrespect, I just—""Hush, child, there is no need for that. You have calmed down my ward when I was helpless to do so. And for that, you have my gratitude.""It was really nothing, Your Grace. I just simply used the five things method, haha..." I scratched my head."Five things method?" The Young Duke raised an eyebrow, "What is this you speak of?""Oh wow, you guys don't know... It's no matter. Um, so the five things method is a technique used to calm down panic attacks.""Panic attacks..." The Archduke muttered, "I have heard of it, but never seen such a thing in person. I admit, I was useless in that moment.""Father—" The Archduke shook his head, and the oldest stopped speaking."So, therefore, I wish to educate myself on this matter. You seem more in-depth with it than I. So will you please discuss it with me more? Another time, that is. For now, I wish to know your name.""M-My name?" I pointed at myself, "Sure, my name is Alice... Alice Delacroix, a pleasure to have assisted one of my masters.""You seem rather..." The Young Duke started, "Forgive me for my bluntness, but this is the first time Diane seemed so relaxed and familiar with a person here.""Ooh... Well... you know, kids... I-I-I'm known for being good with them," I laughed nervously.The Young Duke hummed, "If you will, I would like you to escort the young lady to her bed chambers.""As you wish, my Lord." I nodded and curtsied before turning back into the room alongside the others.✧༺♥༻∞"I'm so sorry.""Huh?" I turned to Diane as we continued walking side by side. "Sorry? What's there to be sorry for?""I-I caused such a ruckus again, and I made you do things you shouldn't be responsible for. I'm sorry for what I've done—""Nuh uh, no, none of that. Diane, look at me."Slowly, she lifted her head to me."Never apologize for what emotions you are experiencing. That is normal. If you are feeling sad or stressed or whatever, then I would like to help you.""It seems like you're the only person who would." She muttered to herself, though it was loud enough for my ears to catch on."I...I don't know about that. The whole family was rather worried for you. And Your Grace was—""It doesn't matter." She cut off sharply, "It doesn't matter, Alice. It's all going to pass, sooner or later.""Diane...""Just please...we're here, so just let me rest."I stared at her. I know what she is referring to, but I really don't think...I sighed and nodded, "Of course, my lady. Please rest well." I curtsied.Diane didn't say another word, didn't even look at me as she entered the Rose Suite and closed the door behind her. I stayed there for a few moments before eventually retreating back to my quarters. After all, she is not the only one exhausted from the whole ordeal.