The faint light of dawn had just begun to creep through the windows of the Briston Estate when a gentle knock sounded on Khione's door. One of the maids, tasked with ensuring the young lady of the house began her day, waited patiently for a response. After a few moments of silence, she knocked again, this time with a touch more firmness.
"Lady Khione?" she called softly.
Still, there was no answer.
Frowning slightly, the maid pushed the door open to find the room empty. The bed was neatly made, the curtains partially drawn, and the air within the room was still. It was as though Khione hadn't even been there.
The maid sighed and set off through the halls of the estate. It didn't take her long to guess where Khione might be. Sure enough, as she stepped into the training hall, she spotted the young noblewoman in the center of the room, her spear in hand. Khione moved with precision and grace, her strikes sharp and deliberate. Sweat glistened on her brow, a testament to the hours she had likely spent there before anyone else in the estate had risen.
"Lady Khione," the maid called gently, stepping forward.
Khione paused mid-swing, her azure blue eyes flicking toward the maid. She relaxed her stance and set the spear aside, turning to face her with a faint smile.
"Good morning," Khione greeted, brushing a loose strand of silver hair from her face.
"Good morning, my lady—and happy birthday," the maid replied warmly.
Khione blinked in mild surprise. In her focus on training, she had nearly forgotten the significance of the day. "Oh, thank you," she said, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
The maid inclined her head. "I've come to inform you that the ball to celebrate your birthday will begin at six this evening. You should be ready by five. The maids have already prepared your dress and makeup for the event."
Khione gave a small nod, though her expression betrayed a hint of apprehension.
"For now, though, your family will be expecting you at breakfast," the maid added.
"Understood. I'll join them shortly," Khione said.
As the maid left, Khione took a moment to compose herself before leaving the training hall. She made her way to the dining hall, where her family was already seated. Her father, Lorian, sat at the head of the table, with her mother, Elara, to his right. Selene and Cedric were deep in conversation as Khione entered, but they quickly looked up to greet her.
"Happy birthday, Khione!" Selene said cheerfully, a bright smile lighting up her face.
Cedric raised his glass in her direction. "Fifteen already. You're growing up too fast, little sister."
"Thank you," Khione replied, taking her seat beside her mother.
"Happy birthday, darling," Elara said, her voice warm and affectionate.
Lorian gave his daughter a proud nod. "Fifteen marks an important year. It's the beginning of your true journey as a Briston. Make the most of it."
As breakfast was served, Khione found herself growing more curious about the evening's festivities. She turned to her mother, her fork pausing mid-air. "Mother, who should I expect to see at the ball tonight?"
Elara took a sip of her tea before answering. "We've sent invitations to all of the high nobility, so you can expect the Dukes and Duchesses, as well as their children. The royal family has also been invited, though it's unlikely that the Emperor or Empress will have the time to attend. However, there's a strong chance one of the princes or princesses might make an appearance."
Khione's brow furrowed slightly. The idea of mingling with so many distinguished guests, including members of the royal family, was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
"Do you think Princess Helena might come?" she asked, her tone curious.
"It's possible," Elara replied. "You and Helena are of the same age. If she does attend, it might be an opportunity for you to strengthen your bond with her."
Khione nodded thoughtfully. She had only met Princess Helena a handful of times, but she remembered the princess as someone who carried herself with poise and intelligence yet quite playful.
"Just remember to be yourself," Selene chimed in, giving Khione a reassuring smile. "No need to overthink things. Tonight is about celebrating you."
"Selene's right," Cedric added. "Besides, I'll be keeping an eye out for anyone who tries to monopolize your attention."
Khione rolled her eyes at her brother's teasing, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
As the conversation dwindled, the family finished their meal. Khione excused herself and made her way back to her room. The rest of the day stretched ahead of her, but her thoughts were already focused on the evening. She would be the center of attention, something she wasn't entirely comfortable with. Yet, deep down, she understood the importance of the occasion—not just as a personal milestone, but as a moment to solidify her place among the empire's elite.
For now, she allowed herself a moment of peace, standing by her window and gazing out at the sprawling estate.