As the carriage came to a halt in front of the gate, the first thing that caught my eye was the expansive greenery that surrounded the estate. The well-maintained gardens are separated into left and right by a single path of cobblestone with the garden itself adorned with a variety of flowers and shrubs which created a relaxing and calm atmosphere around it.
The grand mansion seems to have been built by red and white bricks that showcased the family’s taste in architecture. There was a rather large number of windows on the three-story building, with a greenhouse rather near the entrance.
My mother opened the small window to the left of the carriage and popped her head out, “Arthe, I came to visit my parents again!”
Small chatter arises and continues for about three to five minutes before coming to a halt. The carriage starts to move as my mother moved her head back into the carriage. As she peers out of the glass, I follow suit.
The sight of the estate starts to become enveloped by the trees that line up the driveway to the mansion. The wheel crunches on fallen leaves when it finally came to a halt.
My mother steps out of the carriage and I follow her out. Despite having been here many times from my childhood until my death, the view of the greenery and man-made landscapes never ceases to amaze me.
“Rosalind! Cordelia!”
With the voice of my grandmother coming from behind me, I turn around to see the faces of my maternal family.
My mother rushes in for a hug with her parents before hugging her brother and his wife whilst I slowly step forward and greet everyone in the same order, showcasing the calm demeanor I usually put on when outside of my home. As she reaches the end of the line my mother asks, “and these two are…?”
At the end of the line, stood two men – one being my previous life’s debutante partner, and the other being a senior at the academy. However, I don’t recall him ever being related to the Greenfields?
My uncle steps forward and introduces the two, “This is Alexe Greenfield, your distant cousin who came to visit. Alexe, greet your auntie Rosalind Stormcrest and cousin Cordelia.”
“Long time no see aunt Rosalind, cousin Cordelia.”
After greeting him back, my uncle continues, “And this, this is Feitan Loyalvine from the Noxarian Empire. He’s a guest who is indebted to Alexe.”
Shocked, I say my thoughts out loud, “indebted?”
Feitan Loyalvine extended a polite bow, his demeanor exuding a sense of formality. His purple hair and sharp features added to the air of mystery surrounding him, “Yes, indeed I am. My carriage broke down halfway before meeting Alexe who offered me a ride to the capital. A pleasure to meet you both, duchess Stormcrest and Lady Cordelia.”
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My mother who is the high society leader, flashes her famously warm smile and says, "The pleasure is ours, Mr. Loyalvine. Welcome to our home. If you're a guest of Alexe's, consider yourself family during your stay."
Feitan graciously accepts the welcome, his eyes briefly meeting mine with an intensity that leaves me momentarily flustered before I give him a smile befitting a noble lady.
The family then proceeds to make their way towards the siting room whilst engaging in light conversation as I fall a step behind to be next to Alexe, who turns to look at me with the signature smile befitting a Greenfield member.
"Quite the unexpected reunion," he remarks, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
I respond with a diplomatic smile, "Indeed. It's been a while, Alexe. I had no idea you were coming to visit." Secretly thinking to myself - ‘which is a lie since I know the future.’
He shakes his head, "I had no choice, my parents are rushing me for marriage. It was either I come to the ball and find someone, or they find someone for me…”
I raise an eyebrow, "And you decided to make a grand entrance by arriving with a mysterious male guest from the Noxarian Empire?"
Alexe chuckles, "Well, that part was unexpected. Feitan and I met by chance, and since we were headed in the same direction, I offered him a ride. Little did I know he'd forget to take his wallet from his servant which led him to stay here until they come get him."
I can't help but find the situation both amusing and peculiar. "An unfortunate turn of events for Mr. Loyalvine," I remarked with a small smile.
Feitan, who has been listening attentively, joins the conversation, "Indeed, a stroke of bad luck on my part. But I'm grateful for the hospitality extended to me by the Greenfield family."
My uncle interjects, "No need for such formalities, Mr. Loyalvine. You're practically family now."
Feitan nods appreciatively, his eyes briefly meeting mine again before continuing his pleasantries with my uncle.
I can’t help but wonder, do all Noxarian men approach women in this manner? I fell for that scammer Theodore the exact same way! Using their good looks to flirt whilst being engaged, how vile. His charm will not work on be, after all I am cautious, fueled by past experiences.
As the family settled into the sitting room, the conversation continued over some tea. I found myself engaged in discussions with various family members, catching up on the latest news and sharing any recent activities. Meanwhile, Feitan joined in, seamlessly becoming a part of the family gathering.
As the afternoon progressed, the topic shifted to the upcoming ball. My mother, who is rather a ball enthusiast couldn’t resist but express her excitement, "Oh, Cordelia, you only have two days to find a partner for your debutante ball.” With a mischievous twinkle in her eye she asked, sounding troubled, "Would any of you two boys know anyone without a partner for her?"
I exchanged a subtle glance with Alexe, who seemed to understand what I was trying to convey despite having been around each other for a short amount of time. However, before he could offer himself up, Feitan had spoken up, "If Lady Cordelia doesn't have an escort for the ball, I would be honored to accompany her."
Surprised by the offer, I turned to Feitan, who met my gaze with a sincerity that contrasted with the image I had of Noxarian men "I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Loyalvine," I replied, carefully considering my words. "But I don’t believe I would be a good match with yourself, especially since Noxarian men are engaged before they even enter the academy...”
Feitan smiled, his eyes reflecting a glint of understanding. "Of course, my lady I understand your dilemma however, I am not engaged. If you would allow me, Lady Cordelia, it would be my pleasure to be your escort. How could I ever think a beautiful lady such as yourself not be a match? If anything, it should be the other way around."
The room fell into a momentary silence, Feitan's words carrying hidden meanings that caused tension in the air. His unexpected compliment left me momentarily speechless as I glanced at Alexe, who wore an amused expression, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. ‘You’re supposed to be helping me damn it!’
Feeling the need to break the silence, my uncle chimed in, "Well, well! It seems Cordelia’s beauty has charmed another lad. What do you say, Cordelia? You only have two days to find someone after all."
My mother, who is eager to see me engaged, rushes me "Cordelia, don’t forget. The ball is soon, and you don’t want to ask Roland. Why not take the offer? Feitan seems like a fine gentleman."
Perhaps understanding the pleading gazes, I have been sending his way, Alexe speaks up, “How about you spend some time together tonight? I believe there is usually a small party in the city to celebrate the coming-of-age ceremonies at the temple of light. Maybe you should get to know each other before deciding.”
With a breath of relief, I smile towards the purple eyed charmer, “Yes, I remember attending those as a child at the Greenfield duchy. Why don’t we go tonight, the three of us?”