“Ladies, thank you for accepting my invitation.” Francheska happily said, warmly greeted the three ladies.
Francheska has been keeping her excitement for this day, despite maintaining her stoic facade.
The three ladies were the first to introduce themselves as they waited for the food to be placed on the table. Seeing the three girls without the mask from the previous nights, they look so pretty and cheerful with the clothes they chose to wear today.
At this round table, Francheska noticed the three ladies' demeanor. In the information she received, Edith Rowell, the one sitting on her right side, wore a style that was mature despite her looks resembling a cute rabbit, perhaps of her innocent round eyes. Sitting across Francheska is Cecilia Lorynd, whose eyes could know your secrets with one look, and has feminine taste of style. Mabel Polvie on her left, possesses an elegant aura with her clothing style, and her looks look mature…? Francheska could hardly tell because the lady sounded strict with how she just introduced herself.
Her highness had an idea in mind for how to make them open to her more, and that is to imagine that at this table is a meet and greet event– which surprisingly works when Francheska started by asking what their thoughts of her debut that the three somehow showed sparks in their eyes of interests.
Francheska found it very impressive how the three ladies were able to remember such minor details she planned on that night, despite the ladies overlapping their words. Her Highness only laughed in enjoyment as she told them to be calm and that they have the time of the day for themselves to enjoy, that if the day is not enough they could always reach out to her for future gatherings.
Although she treated this interaction as a meet and greet, personally for Francheska she could see that the four of them could be friends for a long time. However, beneath the table, she fidgeted with her thumb, feeling anxious as she could not help but think of her fateful day coming…
‘Just five years, that is still long ahead…’
Letting out a huff and grabbing her tea to calm her down, the ladies seemed to notice her worries as they tried to decipher what her Highness worried about.
“Your Highness, are you perhaps worried about the upcoming celebration of his majesty the Emperor?” Lady Edith dared.
‘His majesty’s day???’ Francheska was taken aback by that realization, for she completely forgot.
‘How could I forget such an important day for an important character? I’m so dumb… I’m just gonna act like that is the reason I’m bothered.’
“Yes, I’m quite unsure what to give his majesty on his big day. I’m afraid that his majesty won’t be satisfied with my present.” Francheska acted and voiced her concern in a defeated stance.
The three ladies could only nod in approval because they sympathized with her Highness’s woes. The two ladies understood her pain, not quite closely but they could just imagine the pressure from the past events and her title as the crown princess.
“How about gifting his majesty from a foreign land?” Lady Lorynd wonders out loud.
“Won’t that take too long to arrive?” Lady Rowell answered with a question to Lady Lorynd.
“depends, but we are talking about the present and it is her highness herself, She will be the initial priority!” Lady Polvie confidently says.
The four of them could only nod in agreement. The time of arrival for the package was no problem for Francheska, her only concern was to sway the heart of the emperor, as long as his majesty had the power to command her to keep her title she could survive a little longer.
“Can you ladies– perhaps have any recommendations for me of what foreign land produces rare specialties?” Francheska asks as she calls out one of the servants of the place for a paper and pen for them to jot down.
Truthfully, Francheska knows that the best person to ask such a question is none other than the son of the count lord William. But this one is for her other plan that just recently came to mind– a place for her to escape if she ever runs out of options.
When the food had been prepared in front of them, the four ladies talked in enjoyment. Talking about what most ladies do like, what music they play on the piano, what scenery most ladies draw, the best books to read when in leisure, and so on. In ‘her’ past life these kinds of topics usually are enjoyable with her best friend– for sure she had these questions in her interview but the answer was most likely to satisfy the media and the target audience. It was never ‘this’ fun.
“Your Highness, there’s been a thought that I want to inquire about.”
“Please, let us hear it”
“Why have you not moved to the Imperial Kalxar?” Lady Polvie innocently asks.
Francheska and the two ladies froze in their seats as the name of the place was left on the lady's lips.
It finally reached her, the doubt of her title. The Imperial Kalxar is the name of the palace where the emperor, empress, and crown prince reside. She has been officially announced and it was already a knowledge to everyone that a person like her who got the title would be moved to them.
‘Should I tell them the truth… or lie? Mabel sure had the guts to ask, but my intuition tells me that she heard about Cosimo's plan with the Hartpinjer… what can I say, it is best to be with the winning side.’
Sensing herself trembling, she put her quill down, taking a deep breath, and after softly exhaling Francheska smiled at them.
“I worry about that too… Did the imperial family change their mind on the matter? Am I not suitable anymore? Or is it because I cannot meet their expectations?” adding tension to the said questions with her woes.
Telling the truth was the best, Francheska knew she could not carry such a burden alone. Sure she has her trusted maid, but she already knows the words would leave her lips which in Francheska’s opinion is not helping. The gossip in the morning paper is not credible for whoever was writing.
But these ladies in this table are different, they have connections with the Cosimo, Hartpinjer, and the Asopher. In her perspective, these ladies' opinions matter to her the most. No matter what feedback they say, it will greatly help ease her mind– even if it is a gamble to know her future enemies of her state.
The atmosphere in the private room of the finest restaurant was still intact, no one dared to break the silence or lessen the tension at the table.
“Your Highness if I dare to speak freely,” eyes then moved to Lady Rowell, “it is not my ill intent to poison one’s mind, perhaps his majesty did change his mind on the matter–” the two ladies eyes widen to such words but lady Rowell only continued, “surely you ladies did witness how his highness the crown prince shared a look with ‘that’ lady.” The lady finished her thoughts and drank her tea which the other three too mimic the action.
Lady Lorynd was the first to put her cup down, “That is illogical,” the lady begins with a strong diction to the word, “The imperial family would not dare incline themselves to such a person! I say they are preparing grander for her highness– for her highness is much more suitable and deserves great treatment!” the lady proudly says which the two nodded in agreement.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Still that does not change the ‘lady’ presence to the crown prince, and what does his majesty’s expectations do to the matter of her highness.” Polvie brought them back to reality.
‘Damn, Mabel knows how to bring the tension back…’ Francheska hides her smirk to herself.
“I admit that Lady Polvie’s words bitterly reveal the truth. It is difficult to satisfy the necessity of the imperial family, that my lifetime cannot return the empire’s feats of a new one.” sadly stares down the remaining tea in her cup.
A gloved hand reached out to her to comfort Francheska when she looked up it was Lady Rowell, “worry not your highness, I’m on your side. Take a look around Your Highness, there are lots of suitable men in the empire…” glancing to the other two ladies around the table the lady gave them a gesture to support her words, “for instance is Sir Liam Salvia–”
“Ah, lord William Dante Cosimo! He is like an evening glow–” Lady Polvie paused, sensing the stares at her, that led her to cough out of embarrassment, “eyes like a fire that would definitely melt her highness’s icy demeanor, and light the heart back to life!” the lady proudly said, blushing uncontrollably after telling them.
The two ladies squealed happily, which made Francheska’s mind blank and her face turn red like a tomato.
“They are better men… still none of them could compare to his highness. He is the night that you can take a safe rest–”
“Lady Lorynd I suppose that one is for Sir Liam Salvia.'' Lady Rowell tried to hide her anger with a smile but it was still evident the way the corner of her lips twitched, the same with the lady who had a different opinion.
The contradiction between the two broke when they heard the soft giggles from Francheska who failed to hide her amusement from the two lasses. It was not about laughing at the ridiculousness of the debate who’s description is suitable to keep someone safe, it was the method of lifting her gloomy thoughts about her position.
Francheska at that moment forgot the purpose of their gathering and felt like a normal person just a kid.
For the next few hours, the three discussed what they do in their leisure time, talking about books that had a great plot, the best designer in the capital when it comes to dresses, whose musician has been holding their concerts, and painters who draw something scandalous.
“I appreciate your time ladies, I enjoyed our time.” Francheska cheerfully stated.
“It was a pleasure, your highness.”
“I now have lots of insights on what to do in my leisure.”
“Hope to have another one.”
“No worries, you can look further for another one, ask or invite me.” Francheska smiled at them.
Standing up from the seat, Francheska was the first one to go out of the private room to the first floor of the restaurant where they exited the place and their chaperone to fetch them.
Reaching the first floor, the four girls went for a small short gathering to say their final goodbyes until Francheska was pushed forward and lost her balance, thankfully the three girls were able to catch her highness back to her footing. The three ladies were concerned but one lady was enraged and decided to confront whoever dared to make such an action to her highness.
“Hey, do you have no sense of direction?!” Lady Polvie scolded the person that was behind Francheska with their head down.
“It is alright lady Polvie, no need to scold them, I’m alright.” Francheska tries to calm Lady Polvie’s nerves.
“No, with respect Your Highness you deserve an apology and it should be now!”
Francheska failed to calm her senses, but it was true she deserved an apology for her title being the crown princess.
Turning her attention to the person, Francheska now sees who it is. The person that bumped into her had kept hair with a familiar shade of blue colored hair that seemed like she had seen it before… The stranger was still looking down and Francheska could only wonder if she was scared or nervous.
“We’re waiting.” Lady Rowell reminded the stranger in a stern voice.
The stranger seemed to hear that she flinched, but slowly the stranger took a short inhale exhale breathing to keep her senses. The stranger steadily looked up to Francheska which made the rest of the three girls gasp out of shock. The lady before them was none other than the rumored girl in Francheska’s debut– Josephine Lou Pinterio.
“I apologize for your highness, believe me, that it was unintentional. I admit that I was not looking where I was going.” Josephine apologized.
Francheska froze for a second, “I’m alright, it was nothing.” Her Highness then made her way out of the place– to not see the female lead.
Francheska’s anxiety was slowly growing that she started to play with her gloved thumbs, she could sense that Josephine was still around her–
“Your Highness!” A familiar voice shouted her name.
She turned to see if her chaperone had finally come, but only cold sweat dripped from the side of her temples from the realization that it was Josephine going after her.
Panicked, Francheska ran to the opposite side of the road despite wagons and carriages almost hitting her. Still, the girl followed her across.
“Your Highness, please! Just stop and hear me!” Josephine shouted, panting while running after her.
Francheska, desperately wanting to be alone, decided to turn to an alley just so she could lose Josephine.
With a few corners Francheska had turned, she was exhausted and decided to lean on the wall to catch her breath.
‘Why of all places Josephine have to appear where I’m not prepared? I’m still shaking for heaven's sake! I just have to go back– the carriage would be waiting for me.’ Francheska then steadied her footing and turned to her previous direction– where she saw Josephine standing before her.
Fighting herself from showing any fear of the female lead, she could only properly hold her own hands to hide her shaky hands.
“I already accepted your apology, why are you following me?”
“I just want to talk to Your Highness. I wanted to congratulate you on your debut but I was unfortunate enough to locate your highness… fortunately, we crossed paths today and I surprisingly still have the gift I want to give to you.” a small box was out of Josephine’s bag, and handed the gift to Francheska.
“You could just hand this to one of your messengers and send it to our estate.” Francheska coldly said.
“I- I’m prohibited from sending gifts on my behalf and I want it to be sent to you personally…” Josephine shyly said.
‘Huh, I guess her identity to other nobles is still anonymous, I can only guess that the Galkiens sure have strict rules on her.’
Unwrapping the gift, Francheska could only widen from the gift she was. It was a handkerchief, but this time– taking the hanky out of the box to spread it widely, the mark of their house was embroidered with precision and expertise so that Francheska could see the difference between the first hanky she got from her.
“This is… beautiful.” Francheska with an impressed tone said.
“I’m glad for your highness.” Josephine smiled sheepishly.
Looking back at Josephine, Francheska could see that the female lead was not confident with her handiwork. Despite how the embroidered sigil of their house was intricately laid on the cloth with its colors complimenting– Francheska have seen great designers and artist both from the past and the present, and in her own opinion for a young person like the female lead creating it on her own deserves a compliment, Francheska could barely imagine how many cloths and threads Josephine have wasted just for this gift.
Francheska pocketed the handkerchief to her dress for her to keep.
‘Uhhh this is awkward…’
“Lady Josephine, I will excuse myself and return– I’m afraid my carriage is waiting for me.” Francheska calmly said, as she tried to walk past Josephine but as she got closer she could see a change of demeanor of the female lead.
Josephine blushed that all these years Francheska still remembers her name even though it was a long time ago and that she is easy to forget.
“Your Highness… you still remembered my name–”
“You’re an unforgettable lady Josephine– especially with the stunt you showed on my night.” Francheska cut Josephine.
Josephine’s expression changed to a solemn sadness, it somewhat broke Francheska but it was necessary.
“...and make space before me, don’t get too close.” gesturing to the female lead of the exact distance Francheska requires.
Josephine could only nod in agreement as she stepped back and looked at her Highness with sad puppy eyes.
‘Augh I’m such a worst! How could I just suddenly say these things when she just gave me a gift?! IT DOESN'T MATTER! Be insensitive Francheska!’ scolding herself silently, and just snubbed the female lead with a look and proceeded to her previous direction.
With just the sounds of their shoes echoing the alley the two girls did not even try to utter a word to each other until they finally reached the corner back to the bustling street.
“Let us part ways here lady Josephine, I wish you safe tra–” Francheska cut her own words when she saw a losing carriage on their way the first thing that came to her mind was the well-being of the female lead.
Turning her attention to Josephine who was only frozen in place seeing the approaching carriage– Francheska who was closer to her, swiftly pushed Josephine a few steps back leading her to fall to the ground.
Francheska in her place could only brace herself for the impact, but was surprised by the horse neigh before her and that the coachman was somewhat able to halt the horse.
Repositioning herself, Francheska took a lot of breath to take in and exhale to calm her racing heart. Glancing at Josephine’s current condition made Francheska’s heart stop for what she had just seen– Josephine was injured, with a large slash on her forearm dripping with blood.
‘No matter what I do in this world it just rearranges itself back to its original.’ her thought reminded her.
“YOU!” Francheska shouted, as she tried to come close to the female lead, “How dare you make your presence known! Are you so proud to have the crown prince’s attention that you can just step your way in!?” Francheska was now rambling– words that were irrelevant to the current situation.
All of Francheska’s feelings that were bottled up were now broken, there was no more cap to cover her mouth nor to mend the cracked glass of the bottle– everything just spilled everywhere, down to the female lead.
“For you to decide to take what is in my life for the sole purpose that you can!? Everything would have been fine if–!”
“Enough!” A familiar voice brought Francheska back to her senses. A figure blocking her sight of the female lead.
“Your Highness, you have said enough– I think it is time to go back, the carriage is waiting.” It was none other than her knight Sir Liam.
Francheska could only stand there as she saw the familiar disturbing aura that her knight emitted, although his back was on her, Francheska could see Sir Liam clenching his jaw out of anger.
Like a prey, Francheska stood there as she saw the sight of her knight taking his cloak off to cover the female lead from the public shame while she was exposed to the bitter rumor that lingered.
Francheska could feel her stomach churning out of fear that her feet saved her by running away from the incident to vomit away her dread.
Vomiting the remains of what she ate from the restaurant in an alleyway, it did not take longer for her servants to find Francheska. All they could do was help her in her state and guide her trembling figure back to the carriage for her to take a break and rest back to her home.