The feast was underway in the main estate, from roasted whole chicken smelling so good that I wished I had a super nose to delicate salads with vibrant colors that I swear could pass off as gemstones in a bowl. I couldn’t wait to dive in. After everything lately, a good meal was the least I deserved.
But at that exact moment, the other me woke up.
…
I was woken up by sharp stinging pain shooting throughout my body.
“Ow! Ow! Ow!” I yelped as I tried to get up.
It felt like someone jammed a thousand needles while I was asleep. I wasn’t sure if I should even move. This sensation was all too familiar by now. Intense training, brutal coaching, and its torturous aftereffects… All it was missing was Fray’s laughter ringing in my ears.
Problem was, Fray was far more experienced in training than Anton. I could tolerate her beatings if it meant I was getting stronger. Anton, on the other hand, seemed like he was ordered by Mother to torment me for reasons beyond just improving my strength, or at least that’s how it felt.
Although the curtains were closed, I could hear the caws of crows and the hoots of owls, which signified night. Actually, I could already tell it was night from Carine’s perspective, but still, that meant Feyt was asleep for almost half a day.
My stomach growled in hunger and my throat feels parch from thirst. I reached over to the desk and took a swig from the water jug. But food? That was going to be a problem. Usually, Eliza brought meals to me, but now I wasn’t sure if I should call for her or head to the kitchen myself.
This house didn’t make my rights and freedoms particularly clear. Was I allowed to roam freely or expected to stay confined to certain areas? It wasn’t something anyone had thought to explain to me, probably because no one cared.
Dammit, I couldn’t even enjoy my feast due to the fact my other half’s suffering. I began to envy myself. Simultaneously, I pitied myself.
…
“Carine?” Mother asked, noticing my pause as I stared at my plate. “What is it, dear? You look dreadful.”
“It’s nothing, Mom. Just lost in thought.”
“And what are you thinking about?” Father interjected. “You’re our guest of honor for tonight, so we can’t have you looking so downcast. Can we, dear?” He turned to Mother, who gave a subtle nod.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
“Quite. Now, tell us. What is it that’s troubling you, dear?”
“Umm…”
I couldn’t exactly tell them that my concerns stemmed from my other body’s grueling training session. That would open up a can of worms that neither I nor anyone was prepared for.
Then, an idea hit me.
“Well, to put it simply, I’m just worried about how I should act at the upcoming birthday party.”
It was a question that stuck to the main topic, and I could use it for further intel. Two birds, one stone.
“A delicate subject indeed,” Mother said after a pause, nodding. “I’m glad to see you thinking about that matter this far ahead. I see I’ve raised you well.”
Are you praising me, or yourself?
Father leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “It’s an important event, after all. Representing the Sareid family at the First Prince’s birthday is no small task. But I have no doubt you’ll handle it with the grace befitting our name.”
“Indeed,” Mother chimed in, her expression softening ever so slightly. “You’ve been given a remarkable opportunity, Carine. The invitation alone speaks volumes about your capabilities. Just remember your etiquette training and keep your wits about you.”
So, they were telling me to “be myself” and that was it. I felt like they were overestimating my abilities a bit. But who was to blame, really? So far, as Carine, I displayed nothing but perfection in my studies—except for lectures with Professor Karvin—and that most definitely bolstered their expectations.
“And, seeing as you asked,” Mother continued. “I’ll make sure to put in extra hours for etiquette lessons in your schedule the moment we return home. Please do well in them.”
Agh!!! I dug myself a grave!
…
The feast went on peacefully besides from my shattered confidence.
I really wanted to go back and focus on the feast, but Feyt’s growling stomach kept churning louder and louder. I slowly began to hope that Eliza would somehow hear that and bring me food.
“L-Lady Carine…” a jittery voice called out to me, prompting me to look at Ranette. “I-I-If I may?”
This girl. I had spent half the day reading her romance novels, leaving little time to read the books I actually wanted before the maid escorted us to the feast.
Sure, I could’ve blitzed through the novels with my speed-reading, but I deliberately slowed down to make it look like I was savoring every word. She would’ve noticed otherwise.
After all the lovey-dovey fluff I had read, I honestly wasn’t in the mood to read or listen to any more. But, seeing as Feyt’s hunger would only get worse as this feast went on, anything that would distract my mind was welcome.
“What is it, Ranette?”
I braced myself. Would she ask who my favorite character was out of all those novels? Maybe my review and feedback? I had pretty much all of the plot and plot twists in memory, involuntarily, so whatever quiz she would throw at me, I was ready.
“R-Regarding the party. I b-believe you should focus on building c-connections.”
I was stunned for a good second there. I couldn’t believe Ranette was actually talking about something else other than love novels for once! And she was actually saying something meaningful!
It might seem like I was painting her as a love novel addict, but seriously, all she talked about during our time in the library were love novels and love novels!
“L-Lady Carine? You seem… deeply moved.”
“That’s because I am.”
“Huh?”
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image [https://i.imgur.com/RdC5Gde.png]