October 27, 1879 STANDING OUTSIDE the mansion, her face donning a stern and serious expression as she looked at her sister. She addressed her older sister with a bit of uneasiness in her tone. "Carmelia..." she spoke, her voice sounding rather stern and cold. It's as if the events and occurrences of the day had made her tired and wary, to a point where she had no more patience for Carmelia's teasing and childish antics.Helena, who had been accompanying her lady, Charlotte, throughout this day, excused herself promptly with a polite curtsy, leaving the two sisters to their own private company."Staying between them would make things awkward and uncomfortable. Good luck Lady Charlotte!" Helena said through her mind as she proceeds to walk back inside the mansion with an awkward step.Charlotte's older sister, Carmelia, watched with a smug look on her face as Helena excused herself and walked off to give her and Charlotte some privacy. She then turned to look at her sister, Charlotte, with a slight smirk on her face, as if she was feeling a sense of amusement or satisfaction in the fact that the two of them would now be left alone to talk and have a sisterly chat together."I surmised that you would've been assisting the celebration alongside the others in the grand occasion of your 18th birthday, yet it seems as though you have chosen to eschew your responsibilities." Carmelia uttered with a tone that was thick with sarcasm and mockery.She wielded her fan with grace and elegance, yet the sight of it was ominous and foreboding to Charlotte. It felt as though her older sister wished to derive some pleasure out of this moment, even if it meant tormenting herself."Why do you not cease speaking and simply substitute your place for mine so you could see what I have had to go through?" Charlotte remarked, the words dripping with a subtle edge of annoyance and contempt. Her tone was quite sharp and firm, as she looked at her older sister with a mixture of frustration and disdain.It seemed as though she was not in the mood to participate in the childish banter of her sister, but rather wished to get this whole matter over with.
"I dare say, if I had the choice, I would take your place so that I could bear witness to your burden." Carmelia spoke out, a faint hint of irritation coloring her tone.
"In any case, if I were you, I'd be rather keen to take up the offer to tie the knot with the Prince of Luxtonia." Carmelia then paused for a brief moment to let out a childish giggle before continuing her statement."After all, he is the Crown Prince of Luxtonia, is he not?" she uttered snickering once more."Whether one is a high-ranking noble or not, I have no ambition or interest in partaking in conversations or events that require me to pretend and act in a certain manner in front of the other nobles." Her words were sharp, her tone cold as ice, as if she was shutting down both the previous statement and topic of conversation with the swiftness of a snap-shut.But before she could enter back completely inside, she paused for a moment and turns her head gazing back at her with a smug in her lips. "You only want the prince because of his rank and wealth, didn't you?""You seemed to be frozen by my words, what? Did the cat got your tongue? Or maybe I just simply speak of the truth?" She then proceeds into the interior of the grand mansion, leaving her older sister Carmelia alone outside with speechless and arrogant head."That dimwitted little brat! It seems that she has no sense of ambition or drive to obtain a higher position within the social hierarchy of nobility. And how dare she speaks to me like that!" Carmelia grumbled, her hand's grip on her fan becoming tighter."I would much rather wed a Crown Prince than some insignificant Duke of Albrecht family." She muttered; her words tainted with a slight hint of jealousy at her sister's possible marriage to a man of higher social station than her.As Charlotte entered the interior of the mansion, she was approached by a group of anxious and eager-looking maids asking for her opinion. One of the maids, the first one, approached her and asked, "Mí lady, would you prefer a Majestic crêpe de Chine or a Royal Taffeta?" In her hand, she was carrying two set of fabric napkins.Another maid soon greeted her, this time bearing a menu of dessert options. "Mí lady, Mousse à la royale or Crèmes caramels?" The maid asked, her voice filled with urgency as she presented Charlotte with a choice of dessert.Yet another maid arrived before her, this time carrying a two-tray holding two necklaces. On one hand, she held the necklace with a Ruby gemstone, while the other carried a necklace with an Amethyst gemstone.The maid's voice was soft but urgent, as if she was expecting a prompt decision from the young lady. "Mademoiselle, would you like the necklace Ruby or Amethyst?" She asked, as the other maids were now standing nearby, waiting nervously to hear Charlotte's answer.She looks at the tray with the two necklaces for a moment, feeling a bit overwhelm at the thought of making a decision by herself. However, her eyes soon landed on the Amethyst necklace, and she felt a sense of intrigue wash over her.She observes the way the Amethyst gemstone glistened and shines so brightly, reminiscent of the colors of her eyes. Without much ado, she swiftly reaches for the necklace holding the beautiful Amethyst and adorned it.Charlotte turns her attention towards the maids, speaking in a soft and gentle tone as she addresses them. "I believe I should be fine with whatever choices you have made. What is of paramount importance, is that the festivities would prove satisfactory for the guests. Please do as you see fit." She spoke with a hint of humility and politeness in her tone.After offering her choice, she turned to the maid holding the Amethyst gemstone necklace, and ordered, "Audrey, please take this jewel to my room." She spoke with a commanding and pleasing air as the maids bowed to her before resuming their designated tasks.Afterwards, she was walking up the stairs in the mansion, when she suddenly found herself exchange glances with a noble gentleman who was walking in the opposite direction. As soon as he spotted her, the noble man bowed respectfully to her, addressing her with a voice filled with courtesy and politeness. "It's a pleasure to see you, Lady Charlotte," he spoke, his tone dripping with respect.The man stood before Charlotte, his attire being a spectacle to behold. His outfit was made of fabrics that were of the highest quality, tailored to fit him perfectly and with exquisite attention to detail. It was obvious that the man had put much care into the selection of his garments, wishing to ensure that he would cut an imposing and elegant figure. The fabrics themselves were luxurious and well-kept, preserving their form so that he would look his best while wearing them.He was quite remarkable in his appearance, his hair being a fiery red that matched the color of a rose, with his eyes being a striking silver color. The man's face was also quite gentle and handsome, possessing flawless skin and delicate features that would surely captivate the hearts of others."Your Grace, Duke Albrecht, it is a pleasure to have you as our honored guest," Charlotte spoke with a calm demeanor and a pleasant smile. She then performed a graceful and polite curtsey, as it was only proper to offer respect towards a duke. The man standing before her was none other than Sigmone De La Tremouille Albrecht, the first-born son of the Albrecht family who was renowned as "The Duke of Bords Trois-Rivières." His presence was certainly a welcome one, as a member of the aristocracy held a place of importance within the social hierarchy."I extend to you my most heartfelt gratitude for your gracious hospitality, Lady Charlotte. May you have a nice celebration tonight as well." The words escaped the Duke Albrecht's lips in a heartfelt expression of appreciation. Albrecht, who had been betrothed to her sister, Carmelia, since their families had entered into an agreement to unite their houses. The House of Albrecht and The House of Deloney had long enjoyed a close bond.The reason behind Charlotte's sister and the duke being forced into this union is due to the diplomatic bonds between their families, which aim to increase influence and maintain balance and stability in the monarchy. Furthermore, the continuation of their respective family lines and prestige through this marriage provides a means for maintaining a strong union and a stable political arrangement."Your Grace, perchance are you making haste towards the settlement? My father informed me that you had deferred the duties associated with the administration of resources and assets pertaining to the district's economic conditions." Charlotte enquired."Oh, that? Well, my aid is taking charge of handling those affairs for the time being. I shall deal with the remainder of them after this evening's occasion has concluded." The duke responded to her query."I understand, it appears that you intend to return to the estate in the vicinity of the Bords after the celebration concludes." Charlotte spoke in a composed and unperturbed demeanor."Precisely so. Now if you will excuse me, it appears that I must leave." The duke remarked as he bid a gracious farewell and exited. Charlotte observed the duke as he walked down the staircase prior to continuing her steps upstairs alone.In the meantime, Charlotte was in her bedroom, diligently storing her personal items into her trunk in an attempt to covertly escape the celebration, scheduled to occur that night.Helena assisted Charlotte with collecting the most important possessions needed. "Are you certain this collection of personal belongings is all you require, mí lady? "Helena inquired as she closed the trunk."Yes, this will do." Charlotte proclaimed with a smile, prepared to put her plan into action during the midnight hour.While they conversed about the evasion procedure, a knock was heard at the door. Charlotte swiftly closed the trunk under her bed and allowed Helena to open the door. But to Helena's surprise, a strange person came into view upon the door opening.A stranger girl wearing a maid's uniform that was unidentifiable to the eyes, adorned with the hue of crimson in her locks and pupils akin to a freshly spilled ruby. Her visage was resolute, bearing a stern and acute gaze. She bore a parchment with a seal upon it, which she delivered in a somber manner.Helena furrowed her eyebrows. But soon realized with a recollection that the maid in disguise before her was the very same individual who accompanied Madame Dorothea. "Um... Lady Charlotte. Do we happen to have a new maid? "Helena muttered, inquiring about the maid's identity, while she inclined her head in a confused and skeptical manner.Charlotte turns her gaze to Helena and took a sight of the girl in front of the door of her room."Wait... Have you been sent by her?"