Chapter 7 - Almost Time

Three years ago, Luciella began her training to become the next empress, and all her teachers praised her intelligence and dedication.

"She learns faster than any student I've ever had. Her intelligence is so remarkable that I often find myself challenged by her questions. I'm learning from her as well," remarked one teacher.

"It's remarkable how maturely she thinks at just thirteen. She's destined for greatness in the future. I eagerly anticipate her presence by his highness's side," another teacher added.

All of Luciella's teachers showered her with praise.

Soon, even the emperor heard of her achievements.

"Now I understand why Duke Constance values his daughter so highly. She is destined to be the future empress of the Duffspe Empire. She is truly exceptional," the emperor remarked, thoroughly impressed.

Satisfied with the acclaim Luciella received, the emperor began inviting her to the palace every two to three months. This helped solidify her position as the future crown princess. After observing her growth closely for a year, the emperor granted her permission to study psychology.

Psychology was a subject reserved for those in line to the throne. However, the emperor made an exception for Luciella due to her hard work and the likelihood of her becoming the crown princess. In gratitude for this opportunity, Luciella vowed to redouble her efforts. This commitment made the duchess hesitant to reduce her lessons, fearing it might disappoint the emperor.

Understanding Luciella's concerns, Ranhee respected her dedication. She didn't want to squander the progress they had made together. Meanwhile, Ranhee found herself enjoying her studies, a sentiment she had not felt before. Learning had become second nature to her, and she now saw those who enjoyed studying in a new light.

Damn it. So, I was just clueless before.

Despite the sad realization, she found joy in her studies. However, despite the duchess's pleas, Ella remained stubborn. Eventually, the duchess had to resort to extreme measures.

"I can't allow you to continue like this. If you skip tea time again, I'll have to reduce your number of lessons."

This warning finally compelled Ella to participate in the tea party. She had been avoiding it to focus on her lessons. Her only knowledge of tea parties came from Countess Weshill, leading her to expect a competitive and intimidating event similar to her experience with the countess. However, the actual tea party turned out to be quite different. The duchess, leveraging her influence, invited numerous noblewomen and their daughters to the event. Despite many of these daughters having debuted a year or two earlier, they treated Ella with respect.

The tea party was nothing like what Weshill had described.

"I'm honored to be in your company, my lady."

"I eagerly await your debut, my lady."

Surrounded by these noblewomen, Ella found herself at the center of attention, with everyone sharing stories and expressing their anticipation for her debut. Unaware of the challenges that lay ahead for these ordinary girls, Ella felt nervous about meeting ladies her own age but internally cheered herself on for doing well. She realized she was in a wonderful place.

Taking a sip of tea, Ella sat elegantly, her smile bright. Despite not being her ideal situation, it was still pleasant. Everyone was friendly, and she felt content. She was confident that she had adapted perfectly to this world. It was almost amusing how anxious she had been just three months prior. Whether as Luciella or Ranhee, she loved her life and believed it would remain perfect forever.

***

Time flew by quickly, and it was the morning of Ella's debutante when Ethan, her third older brother, returned home. Despite the early hour, nearly 10 o'clock, Ella, the duke, and the duchess waited at the front of the mansion for him, knowing he was on his way.

Soon, a giant black warhorse approached the mansion's gate and gracefully halted.

Ethan dismounted with nimble ease and formally bowed to his parents before embracing his sister in a natural manner. "My princess! How have you been?"

"Wonderful. How about you, brother?"

"Every day, I've missed you so much," he replied, perhaps a bit dramatically.

Ella chuckled at her brother's exaggeration. Among her three brothers, Ethan was the one who teased her the most but also loved her the deepest. Though he had teased her relentlessly when they were younger due to his loss of the title of youngest sibling to her, Ethan now shielded her from Evan's pranks. To him, she was still a child deserving of his protection.

With Ella in his arms, Ethan walked into the mansion, while the duke and the duchess watched with smiles, and Maylin looked on, shocked.

"You shouldn't do that! She's not a 13-year-old girl anymore! Young master shouldn't carry her around like he used to! Even young master Evan doesn't tease her as he used to," Maylin admonished.

Ethan glanced at Maylin briefly and continued walking, ignoring her words. "Save your lectures for Evan and Ella, Maylin. There's no use lecturing me. I'm simply hugging my sister, alright? Ella, do you mind if I hug you?"

Maylin signaled for Ella to convey to Ethan not to treat her in such a familiar manner anymore, but Ella ignored her, instead asking, "Did you give the boutonniere to his highness?"

"I've already given it to him, and I reminded him multiple times to wear it today," Ethan replied.

"Since you did as I asked, I won't mind your hugs," Ella stated.

Suddenly, Ethan's expression grew complicated as Ella smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around his neck. He then released her from his embrace.

"Ethan?" Ella questioned, noticing his discomfort. However, he couldn't bring himself to answer.

"Would you dislike my hugs if I hadn't given him your gift?" Ethan asked, sounding disappointed.

He started walking toward Ella's room, avoiding her gaze slightly, but she hurriedly caught up, grabbing his arm.

"I was only teasing. I would never say that to you," Ella assured him.

"I find it hard to believe your words," Ethan responded.

"I'm telling the truth. How can I make you believe me?" Ella asked sincerely.

He paused, contemplating, knowing Ella's jokes were never serious. With a smile and no hesitation, Ella kissed his cheek, a privilege reserved only for the duke, the duchess, and Ethan. Evan and Eric had lost this privilege due to their constant teasing in their youth, and Ella held a long-lasting grudge against them.

Using the kiss as a distraction, Ethan redirected the conversation, escorting Ella back to her room as they chatted casually. However, as Ella needed ample time to prepare for her debutante, Ethan's lips trembled slightly, indicating there was something he wished to tell her but ultimately couldn't. His face darkened as he closed the door behind him, leaving Ella alone in her room.

***

After parting ways with Ethan, Ella found herself busy, being ushered around and immersed in various preparations. Once everything was completed, she stood before the mirror, mesmerized by her attire. Her dress, a delicate pastel pink, bore the emblem of the Constance family embroidered onto it. With a satisfied smile, Ella recognized this emblem as a testament to her dedication and hard work over the past three months. In the culture of the continent of Ledeemed, it was customary for debutantes to wear their family emblem on their dresses, symbolizing their maturity and readiness to represent their families.

"This is proof that I'm a member of the Constance family," Ella whispered, her heart brimming with excitement as her emerald-colored eyes sparkled with clarity. She felt a sense of belonging, officially becoming a part of the family.

A beautifully adorned crown adorned with silvery flowers graced her head, complementing the parts of her hair that were elegantly pinned up. Silver powder dusted her hair, and she wore a pearl necklace and earrings gifted by her mother. Additionally, she wore a perfume Eric had given her, and on her wrist, she proudly wore a wristlet corsage meticulously prepared by Ethan. Bringing her wrist up to her lips, Ella kissed the corsage, a happy smile gracing her lips. Her maids stood in awe of her beauty.

"You're absolutely stunning!"

"His highness will be smitten with you at first sight!"

"Without a doubt. Just look at her!"

"I can't wait to see the enchanting moment when your corsage meets the prince's boutonniere. It will be magical, won't it?" Joanne exclaimed with sparkling eyes.

Smila chimed in, "Of course! Evan put so much effort into making it happen. And now we have a new magician among us!"

"I heard he incorporated all sorts of magic into the ballroom decorations."

"Yes, and the magical powder falling from the chandelier was simply breathtaking," Smila added.

As Joanne excitedly continued to recount the day's events, her words captivating everyone in the room, a knock interrupted the lively atmosphere.

"Ella."

It was Evan.

The party had already commenced, and it was nearly time for Ella's debutante to commence. Leaving the enthusiastic maids behind, Ella stepped out of the room, her face flushed with anticipation. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension as she noticed Evan's tense expression. A sense of foreboding washed over her, causing her heart to momentarily cease its rapid pounding.

"Evan, what's the matter?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.