Year 26, 12th day of the 5th month
Albeit with some leftover regret of our parents' poor foresight, I now see there are some quirks to our new ascension in class. Although I have not yet measured it, I deem my (and my only!) new bedroom just big enough to have a single bed, a writing desk and a small chest. There are a dozen or so shelves already installed on the walls, perfect for storing my sizable collection of books. There is only one circular window that will not be quite apt to provide for ample light, but neither did my last home. The use of candles will suffice.
It goes without saying, that the prospects are good. The improvements it will make to my sanity (and therefore, the quality of research) are obvious and make me eager to settle in. Henceforward the initial plan for the following day :
6:00 - breakfast with the rest
6:30 - request for my furniture to be set in place
7:00 - begin to categorize and organize books
13:00 - lunch
13:30 - request to go to the nearest library / search for books related to new research
16:00 - dine
18:00 - meet with our sisters for further planning regarding… the situation.
19:00 - rest
Year 26, 13th day of the 5th month
We had a meeting early in the morning. I had changed my plans for going out before settling in, but Samir’s poor choice of action (a heritage from our parents I’m certain) had consequences that vexed me profoundly. It’s better if I try to calm my mind before going out. The news is that Gabe wants us to report daily to her. I scoff at the idea of being treated as a child, and to be reasoned as one as well. She says “It is important because she wants to know the steps and the ways of the new servants, so we ought to act as her eyes while she has no one of trust”. As if I would believe that. My sister’s brain works fast, and I would bet the 5th of my rarest book she thought of the ruse as a way to fool Alani, who Manny said didn't allow her to keep a close watch on us. Samir’s mistakes will take a toll on all of us, it seems. I must quickly get on the previous plan or I will lose myself in my righteous indignation. Blatant retaliation never works when Gabe’s mind is set.
Further entries will hopefully be about the new books purchased.
Year 26, 17th day of the 5th month
Even if this is not the intention of this notepad, I have to have a way to vent, or I fear I might lose my mind. I have not yet started my research on the possibilities of the Castle’s architecture. Not damn yet!
Gabe had mentioned it to us before, trying to convince Mother to get us a guide on how to behave in the party, but even before she could say anything to her, A new Teacher appeared on our doorstep. I expected Samir to be the usual beacon of our freedom but they are trying to be well-behaved due to the last mishap. I had to take matters into my own hands and rebel, but Mother threatened to have my books taken away if I did not cooperate. The elder sisters, too, say I must. And so I relented and began the treacherous journey of learning how to walk (do I not move around already?), how to use the cutlery (doesn’t the food always end up in my mouth each day?), and, the most aggravating one, how to please others. I shall say nothing on this one, in an attempt to follow the lesson regarding a lady's supposed worst trait to have: a foul mouth.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Although I am aware of the reasons why I am required to participate, cold anger to be denied my research remains.
Year 26, 20th day of the 5th month
The formal invitation for the party was finally sent. We are to have evening tea with the Elliots (and half of the city nobles if Gabe is correct) in three days.
I do not know if my nervousness stems from being in such a crowd or just finally being allowed to leave the house. Although I am used to being tucked away (Samir at this point is being driven close to insanity by our reclusiveness) being obligated to be taught such lessons day and night is getting to me. To us all I think. Poor Manny looks sort of ill almost all of the time. Mother doesn’t seem to care and I don’t ever see Father in the house anymore.
Regarding my books or my research, I simply don’t have any time for them anymore. We are allowed 2 hours of free time a day and the rest is spent practising the History of the Court, Table Manners or Ladylike behaviour. Madame Genoir was chosen by the Queen herself, Mother told us, and that means her lessons are to be taken seriously and tactically.
Perhaps just that would make us tolerate the ordeal of those excruciatingly long six days in a reasonable manner, but the teachings themselves are…
Well. I will restrain from being too much. Whatever liberties I take because of stress, complaints of this magnitude aren’t fit for a mere notepad. Suffice to say, almost all that Madame says goes directly against what we have ever known. It is not something explicit, but no one of us is foolish enough to not see it steeping in between the lines. As a core example, I am to learn how to be of service to my future spouse (the Prince, she always says). I am to renounce any activity that does not further this purpose and only return with my superior’s permission. I am to say only what is pleasant to hear, and only if required to speak at all. I am beginning to feel that in this new life, we are about to have, I am not supposed to be a real person. And there is little I can do about-
No. No more. It will pass, those thoughts. Gabe promised me.
Besides what our second sister says, Alani is usually the one to try to keep our spirits up. Last night she prepared a “sleepover” for us, and we all shared both funny and scary stories, her room illuminated with candle lights. We slept on the floor together and woke up not good, but better than before. Gabe was the only one of us that did not seem to improve. But it is to be expected.
She says the staff is
Well. Gabe is merely worried about our next meeting. She will be better after it passes.
In fact, I bet my 14th-rarest book that she will be better as soon as Manny and Alani get home from their little trip across the street.
Year 26, 27th day of the 5th month
And at last, freedom! Not only that, but this pad will finally have its purpose reinstated! I have just returned from the Countess Library with 3 new additions.
1. What we know about the fae and where they live: in which the title is self-explanatory.
2. Basics of a Castle anatomy: for further understanding what a normal castle was and its difference from the Royal one.
3. The Forever Castle, a song about the Castle that stood forever. I am not one for folktales, but who knows? It is safer to check before assuming it is useless information.
Further entries will be a detailed account of the book's contents, and, if I dare to dream, a personal account of the Castle itself.