Today marks Anastasia's second birthday, and a grand banquet will be held at the imperial castle to celebrate. This will be the first time she experiences a large-scale celebration. The only birthday she can remember was when she turned one, a small gathering attended only by her family, Roseyy, and a few trusted servants. At the time, her father had insisted on keeping it private, fearing she might get hurt if outsiders were present.
However, today is different. The palace is preparing for a grand banquet in honor of her birthday—a day that will mark her first true appearance before the nobility.
In her past life, Anastasia likely never made a public appearance because she must had unknowingly used the scarlet flames. If word had spread, it would have been disastrous. Her father must have hidden her away before anyone outside the palace could take notice. The fear of what might happen—the judgment, the danger—had likely forced him to keep her existence as secretive as possible.
However, this time, she is determined to be more careful. She knows the consequences of revealing her scarlet flames, and she refuses to make the same mistake again. No matter how difficult it is, she will suppress them, ensuring that no one ever sees the power lurking within her. Today, at the grand banquet, she will step into the world not as a hidden child, but as a princess of Valoria—one who must be cautious at all costs.
However, there is quite a big problem—she has been trying on dresses since morning, and the process has been nothing short of exhausting. There are countless gowns to choose from, each more elaborate than the last, yet the decision isn't hers to make. Roseyy, determined to find the perfect outfit, has taken full control, carefully selecting every detail.
It has turned into quite a hassle, really. Two hours have already passed, and Anastasia can do nothing but stand there as Roseyy fusses over fabrics, colors, and accessories. Who knew preparing for a banquet could be this tiring—and she can't even turn it down as roseyy seems far too exited.
After a long search, a beautiful white dress was finally chosen. Wearing it, Anastasia looked like an angel, her silver hair cascading softly around her face and her icy eyes shining with an otherworldly glow. Roseyy gazed at her with a look of pure adoration, as though Anastasia were the most precious thing in the world, something she would protect with all her heart. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of happiness and pride.
Later, at the banquet, Anastasia walked into the grand hall, her father holding her hand gently. By their side stood her mother, elegant as always, and her brother, who held their mother's hand protectively. The hall was filled with nobles, servants, and guests, all admiring the royal family. The sight was overwhelming to Anastasia—everything was grander than she had ever imagined, from the shining chandeliers to the long, ornate tables. It was the first time she was seeing the world from this perspective, and she felt a mix of relief and nervousness.
As the royal family took their seats on the throne, the nobles around them murmured in awe, admiring the princess. Many greeted them, but amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, two familiar figures caught Anastasia's attention. Their eyes were locked on her with curiosity.
Her eyes landed on two familiar faces—two children, their gazes fixed on her with curiosity. She recognized them instantly. They were the same children she had met in her past life, though they were not close. She recalled the brief moment when they had gotten lost in the imperial palace and, by chance, stumbled upon her own. Anastasia had only exchanged a few words with them, but that fleeting encounter had been significant. It was the first time she had spoken to someone other than her family, and for a moment, she had felt a glimmer of happiness.
Back then, she had wondered what it would have been like to be friends with them. Now, standing in front of them at the banquet, she couldn't help but feel a small hope rising in her chest. Perhaps this time, she could make friends.
As Anastasia nervously wondered how to approach them, she felt a flutter of anxiety. But before she could make a move, the two children, along with their families, came forward to greet the royal family. The first child, a girl with striking blue eyes and blonde hair that reached her shoulders, stepped forward confidently. She introduced herself, her voice clear and polite.
"I am Mariiane Niolle, heir of the Marquess Niolle, and I greet the royal family."
The second child, a boy with emerald hair and eyes to match, stood beside her. He bowed slightly before introducing himself.
"I am Jeremy Wellos, heir of the Marquess Wellos, and I greet the royal family."
Both of them seemed to be around three years old, and despite their youth, their mannerisms were poised, a sign of their noble upbringing.
"I… I am Anastasia. Nice to meet you."
Her words were a little hesitant, but the sincerity in her eyes shone through. Despite her nervousness, she hoped her simple greeting would be enough to start a connection with the two children.
As both families greeted the royal family, Anastasia tried to focus on the conversation her father, the emperor, was having with the heads of the two noble families. She leaned in slightly, trying to catch the words, but they were too far from her.
Then, her brother's voice broke through the chatter.
"Anastasia, did you like my gift?"
Anastasia blinked, caught off guard. She paused for a moment, then smiled softly. Her thoughts, however, drifted to the strange coincidence. "Why did everyone think I liked rabbits?" she wondered to herself. Her entire room was filled with rabbit-themed toys—stuffed bunnies, porcelain figurines, even bunny-shaped cushions. First her father, then her mother, and now her brother… Everyone had gifted her something related to rabbits.
"Yes, I like rabbits," she mused quietly.
Just as Anastasia was lost in thought, Jeremy and Mariiane, with their eyes gleaming with curiosity, spoke together, their voices filled with wonder.
"Your Royal Highness, you like rabbits?"
Their question caught her off guard, and she blinked, looking at them in surprise. It seemed like everyone was so eager to know her preference for rabbits.
Everything felt so new for Anastasia. The grand hall, the noble families, the attention— it was all a wonder to her. She had never experienced anything like this before, and for the first time, she truly felt like a part of the world around her. Talking to so many people, exchanging words with familiar faces and new ones alike, brought her a sense of joy she hadn't known before. Despite the nerves, she was genuinely happy. This was her first real taste of connection, and it filled her heart with warmth.
Just like that, the banquet came to an end. Anastasia felt a quiet sense of happiness, knowing she had experienced something truly new.