Chapter 9.1

Ring-a-Round the Rosies

Waking, I complete my daily routine. It consists of getting ready, breaking my fast, and going into the garden to see if Crescia or Nara have come to visit me.

They haven't.

Full of disappointment, I busy myself with Aristole's arduous lessons. It's a week before my ninth birthday party, so the maids have been running around frantically cleaning, acquiring supplies from nearby towns and decorating.

The familiar sound of a clack-and-pull, only made by a moving carriage, calls out to me. "At last, mommy and daddy are home!" Rushing out in the middle of Aristole's lecture, I know I'll be punished later... But, whatever!

I fling myself into mommy's arms and her warm laughter fills the empty house like a bell. Daddy pokes my forehead and drags me out of mommy's embrace.

Nooooo, I try to hold on and nuzzle into her chest.

"Aeriea, your mother's tired. Don't bother her so much."

Pouting, I say "I'll have you know, your precious daughter is as bothersome as a Chinook wind! If you're so worried about mommy, you should play with me instead!"

He sighs, but I see that smile you're trying to hide daddy!

Narrowing his eyes, he suddenly crouches down.

"!"

I pounce on his back like a cat and he runs into the estate at full speed.

Uuuuuu~! Too fast! But it's fun, hehe!

*

The week passes by in a flash since I get to have mommy and daddy spoil me rotten. Hey, it's only fair since they've been gone for so long, hehe.

Crescia hasn't come by even though the party is tonight. I'm a little downhearted, but Nara is flitting by my shoulder cheerily, which makes me feel better. She's complimenting how much I've grown as if it isn't natural for Humans to get taller.

"Perhaps I should call you spring flower instead of little blossom soon!" Nara coos and flutters back and forth with flowers to braid into my hair.

Although I told Leila I already had my outfit planned, I totally didn't. The maids all took care of the dress. As for my hair... Most likely, I'll leave it like this and wear the crystal flower crown Crescia gave me last year. Just thinking about it makes me happy for some reason.

Mmn, I wonder where he is...

No no, I shake my head a few times. Today's my birthday, so I can't be so down! Getting up, I ask Nara to play tag with me to which she happily obliges.

During midday, a maid calls me in. I wave goodbye to Nara and go prepare for the upcoming festivities.

Tonight, I'm wearing a resplendent gown of emerald green silk that match my eyes. It’s embroidered with small flowers, and crinoline petticoats underneath make the dress go poof. The maids want to go for a more mature up-do, but I adamantly reject their advances to take out the flowers braided into my hair.

Just like last time, Aristole preps me in advance on the guest list. Apparently he didn't know the Amaryllis familia were coming last year, so he and I were caught unawares.

Just you all wait, I’ll be getting full marks tonight!

More Kindred aristocracy have been invited this constellation-cycle, so I had a crash course regarding Kindred stuffed into my already bursting brain.

Some things were quite shocking. Such as how exposure to sunlight doesn't actually cause them to burst into flames. For Lesser or Mid-Tier Kindred, they'll become more susceptible to injury and become as weak as a mortal. For the stronger ones, it just tingles - Something akin to static shock when we drag our socks across a carpeted ground.

I really learnt a lot this week. I tried my best in order to further promote better relations between everyone. I hope we can all get along tonight. With positive thoughts, I pump myself up and walk out my room.

No one is here yet. At the top of the steps, I scan over the foyer.

The help is frantically rushing back and forth in order to make any finishing touches.

Wow... It's so beautifully decorated.

Golden cutlery and porcelain plates are set up. Wreaths and boughs of bramble line the hall. Aconite, snowdrops, daffodils, crocus, and iris. Spring flowers in a wide array of mesmerizing pigments adorn the wall and tables.

Gratitude blossoms in my chest.

“Uhm.” I call out to a nearby maid, “Could you get the attention of everyone that has helped with the party preparations?”

“Of course.” Turning back around, a booming voice that doesn't quite fit her small physique erupts from her. “Attention everyone, the young miss has something to announce!”

E-Everyone's stopped in their tracks. Taking in a deep breathe, I curtsy. “Thank you all for your hard work!”

They all beam back at me and cheer things such as,

“Of course! This party will be perfect!”

“Leave it to us!”

“Happy birthday, Aeriea!”

“So cute!”

Hmn, what’s with that last one? I disregard it and smile with all my heart.