"Thank you, Father," I replied, maintaining a polite smile as I stood up to leave. The weight of his words lingered in the air, reminding me of the unexpected responsibilities that had been thrust upon me. I could feel the genuine pride in his voice, but it was laced with an undercurrent of guilt.
He looked at me thoughtfully before speaking again, "You'II go t the library after this?"
I nodded, already anticipating the hours ahead spent poring over ancient texts and political treatises. "Yes, Father. There's still so much I need to learn. Sometimes I feel like I've been living under a rock for the past 18 years."
He chuckled, a sound that was both warm and slightly self-deprecating. "It's not your fault, Mery. We never thought it was important to guide you in these matters, and now we've suddenly placed the burden on your shoulders."
Ah, the timeless problem of every parent, it seems, I mused internally. Whether in this world or the one I came from, parents always have expectations they assume their children will naturally fulfill.
But I didn't voice these thoughts aloud. Instead, I stood there quietly, absorbing his words, feeling the weight of Meredia's memories blending with my own. In those memories, there was a simple, aching desire-to be loved, to be cherished. And now, even as the burdens of nobility weighed heavy, that longing remained at the heart of it all.
"I'II do my best, Father," I finally said, keeping my voice steady, masking the inner turmoil with a practiced grace. "I won't let you down."
He gave me a nod of approval, and with that, I turned to leave the room, the echo of his words following me out. The expectations of parents, I thought, perhaps they're not so different after all.
After leaving my father's office, the hallway felt unusually quiet, the only sound being the faint echo of my footsteps against the polished marble floor. As I turned the corner, I noticed Kael and Fenric standing a little ways down the corridor. They were engaged in some lighthearted banter, and the moment they saw me, their faces lit up with warm smiles.
Since the day I arrived in this world, Kael and Fenric had been an unwavering source of support. They were like two pillars of strength, always there to help me navigate through the complexities of this unfamiliar life. Their loyalty and kindness had been a constant comfort, making the transition just a little less daunting.
They're just like two little kids, I though with a snicker, recalling the playful nature they often displayed when were around me. Despite their status and responsibilities, there was an innocence about them that I found endearing.
But before I could greet them, my attention was drawn to a figure approaching from the opposite direction-my older brother, Kirill. His presence commanded attention, as it always did, and I straightened my posture instinctively, preparing myself for whatever interaction lay ahead. Kirill was someone who took his role seriously, and his sharp eyes seemed to miss nothing.
As he closed the distance between us, I could feel the atmosphere shift slightly, the playful warmth I shared with Kael and Fenric giving way to something more formal, more serious.
"Little Mery, I've heard you're helping Father with transportation matters?" "Kirill's deep voice cut through the hallway as he approached.
"AH, yes!" I nodded, a proud smile spreading across my face. For a moment, I braced myself for the usual teasing that often accompanied out family dinners. Kiril had a knack for turning every achievement of mine into a lighthearted jest.
But instead of the expected mockery, he did something entirely unexpected. His hand reached out, and he patted my head gently, like I was still that little girl who used to run around the estate with a lollipop in her mouth. The gesture was so out of character for him that I blinked up at him in surprise.
"Brother?" I questioned, unsure of what to make of this sudden display of affection.
"I see. You've really grown up," he said, his tone unusually soft. "Changing vehicles in different towns was an effective idea."
For a second, I wasn't sure have to react. This was the first time Kirill had ever praised me without a hint of sarcasm. It felt like I'd sudden stepped into some parallel universe where my older brother was actually around of me.
I quickly collected myself and nodded again, trying to mask the flutter of warmth his words brought. "Thank you, Kirill. I just thought it would make things more efficient."
He gave a brief smile-something that rarely graced his usual stern features-and for a moment, I saw a flicker of genuine pride in his eyes.
I gently took the hand that had rested on my head and kissed the back of it. "Brother, can I ask you something?"
He looked at me, a mix of confusion and curiosity in his eyes, but he nodded. "Of course."
"I want to learn swordsmanship," I said, looking up at him with earnest eyes. "And you're the best swordsman in all of Valkathra. I think only you can teach me the best."
Kirill raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting slightly. "And the Crown Prince himself," he added with a hint of wry humor.
I nodded, trying my best to suppress any sign of irritation at the mention of that insufferable figure. "Yes, well, I'd prefer learning from you, if you don't mind."
Kirill's gaze softened slightly as he considered my request. "Alright, Little Mery. I'II teach you. But remember, swordsmanship is not just about skill. It's about discipline and resilience."
I nodded eagerly, feeling a surge of determination. "I understand. I'm ready for it."
He gave a small, approving nod. "Then we'II start tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
As he turned to leave, I felt a sense of excitement mixed with nerves. Finally, I was stepping into a new realm of training, and it felt like the beginning of a significant journey.
In front of me sat the heroine and future great doctor of the century, Evelisse Carter.
Her large, expressive blue eyes were fixed nervously on the resume lying on the table, her lips trembling as she muttered something under her breath that I couldn't quite catch.
Her long platinum blonde hair, tied loosely in a braid, cascaded over her face. adding to her delicate appearance. She wore a dress with a square neckline, the bodice fitted snugly with vertical seams that emphasized her slender figure. The waist was cinched with a simple belt, and the skirt flowed down in soft pleats, exuding a quite elegance despite the simplicity of the fabric. The hemline and cuffs of her sleeves were adorned with a matching ornate trim, a modest touch that highlighted her natural grace.
Though her dress was made of lighter, less expensive fabric compared to mine, Evelisse still looked remarkably beautiful and eye-catching. There was something captivating about her presence-an understand charm that drew attention without demanding it. As I observed her, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of admiration for the girl who would one day rise to greatness.
Suddenly, our eyes met. Evelisse looked directly at me for a brief second before immediately glancing down, like a timid kitten.
What am I? A scary dragon1?
I cleared my throat, trying to break the awkward silence hanging between us. "Evelisse, is this how I should address you?"
She nodded shyly, "Yes, but you can call me Eve too. Everyone calls me that."
Ah! Eve. That was her name when she became the renowned doctor-Healer Eve!
And, of course, that dimwit younger prince Ancillin loved to call her that. Grandma had to emphasize that in the story, didn't she?
I smiled brightly. "Eve? That's too hard to say personally. Can I call you Lisa?"
Evelisse blinked, clearly caught off guard "Uh, Lisa?"
"Yeah! Lisa is short and sweet. Plus, no one else calls you that, right?" I added with a grin, feeling rather pleased with myself for coming up with such a clever alternative.
She hesitated, clearly unsure whether to agree or wonder if I was serious. "I... suppose you can call me Lisa if you want to..."
Perfect! Now, if only Ancillin had thought of this nickname first, maybe the story would've been less sappy.
"So, I've chosen you as my lady-in-waiting, Lisa," I declared, picking up her resume with a hint of amusement.
The paper spelled out what was practically a stereotype: worked for several noble houses, fired for being clumsy and reckless...
Classic female lead material. Clumsy, yet somehow brilliant in everything else, I thought, rolling my eyes internally.
I glanced at her. "Why were you kicked out of your previous job, Lisa?"
She fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable, and I almost felt bad.
She's such a scaredy kitten! Oh God!
Trying to ease the tension, I poured tea into her cup myself. "Relax, Lisa. I won't eat you. I'm just a stupid lady who doesn't want some old 50-year-old lady-in-waiting."
She looked at me, still nervous but holding my gaze. "But... I'm not qualified enough to be your lady-in-waiting. And... I didn't even apply for this. I just want to work under you before you also kick me out."
I chuckled softly, "Well, that's a first- someone anticipating their firing before they've even been hired."
She looked down, probably thinking she'd said the wrong thing, so I leaned in a bit, dropping my voice to a more reassuring tone. "Lisa, qualification is overrated. I need someone who's... refreshingly different. And besides, you've survived all those firings. That's a skill in itself."
She blinked, clearly processing my words, before finally, a small, hesitant smile crept onto her face.
Maybe, just maybe, this won't be so bad after all.
She still couldn't relax, her shoulders stiff and her hands fidgeting.
This girl has some serious communication issues.
I sighed and leaned back on the sofa, glancing at the maids standing like statues in the corner. "Leave," I commanded, and with a single word, they promptly exited the room.
As soon as the door clicked shut, I abandoned every ounce of etiquette I'd learned from the books. I sat comfortably on the sofa, folding my legs beneath me.
Evelisse-or should I say Lisa-looked at me in shock, clearly not expecting such a casual display from a noblewoman. But she didn't say a word.
"Lisa," I began, trying to catch her eye, "I need a friend I canbe comfortable with. I don't have friends. You must know why."
Yeah, because Meredia is a foolish woman, and nobody wants to be around someone more beautiful and more foolish than themselves.
She nodded slightly, still processing.
"I don't like to be controlled. That's why I chose you," I continued, keeping my tone light. "You're the same age as me, and I want you to be like my sister."
Growing up with two testosterone-fueled brothers must have been tough for Meredia. She really needed a female companion.
Lisa seemed taken aback by my words, blinking rapidly as if unsure whether she was hearing correctly. I could tell she was struggling to digest the idea that I, a noblewoman, wanted her-a commoner-to be like a sister.
"Do you think you can handle that?" I asked a teasing smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
She hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak but no sound coming out. Finally, she nodded, still looking a bit shell-shocked.
"Good," I said, leaning forward slightly. Because, honestly, I'm tired of people tiptoeing around me like I'm made of glass. I need someone who can just.. be real."
Lisa's eyes softened a little, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of understanding pass between us. Maybe, just maybe, this could work out after all.
"But why did you choose me, Lady Meredia?" Lisa asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Because you're the female protagonist and having your favor will save me from my terrible fate of death. Of course, I didn't say that out loud.
She continued, her voice trembling, "I was fired from my previous jobs. And you still chose to trust me."
"Even the Duchess wouldn't trust me to be a maid."
"I am different for my mother," I replied coolly.
"But..." she started again, but I cut her off.
"No buts, Lisa. I want you, and that's final."
To really tug at her heartstrings, I decided to dial up the drama a notch. "I... I have always been called beautiful but brainless, and it hurt to feel like a burden to my family."
Lisa's eyes widened, and I could see her softening, just like I'd hoped.
"I even tried to end my life..." I added, pausing for effect. "But I failed, and I decided that if God gave me a second chance, I would live my life serving my family."
Lisa's mouth dropped open slightly. I could almost see the gears turning in her head.
"And when I saw you... I... I felt a familiarity with you," I continued, trying to look as sincere as possible. "Like you've spent your whole life trying to make everyone happy, but... but no one was ever satisfied.
Lisa's eyes were now shimmering with unshed tears. Got her, I thought to myself.
She looked at me like I was the most tragic, misunderstood princess she'd ever met, and I knew she was hooked. How could she possibly say no to me now?
"But, Lady Meredia... I.... I din't know you felt that way," she whispered, her voice sharking.
I sighed dramatically, putting a hand to my chest. "Oh, Lisa, I just knew you'd understand. We're kindred spirits, you and I."
For a moment, she looked like she might burst into tears, and I had to fight the urge to pat myself on the back for a job well done.
"Let's make a promise," I said, leaning in slightly. "We'II be each other's support, okay? I'II help you, and you help me."
Lisa nodded fervently, completely buying into the emotional connection I'd just fabricated.
"Of course, Lady Meredia! I'II do my best to be the friend and support you need," she said, her voice full of determination.
Perfect, I thought, smiling sweetly at her. This is going to work out just fine.