I woke up earlier than usual, for Carine’s standards at least. Feyt was still out cold, probably due to Anton’s training methods. I couldn’t even imagine what Feyt’s body would feel once I woke up. Just thinking about it made me wince.
The maids from last night were really chatty yet friendly. Still, I didn’t want to overstay my welcome or give them more fodder for gossip, so after a few polite exchanges and a warm thank-you, I took my meal back to my room. Their insistence that I stay and chat longer was sweet, but I had my limits.
Now, back to the present.
Today was the day I finally headed back home as Carine. The main estate, I hadn’t had the chance to truly grasp its scale during my short stay. Maybe next time I’d get a proper tour, assuming Mother allowed me some actual free time, which, let’s be honest, was a gamble at best.
After packing my things and looking back at “my” room, I headed out.
“Good morning, Lady Carine,” Leila greeted me by the door. Her always-dead expression gave me a sense of comfort.
“Good morning, Leila. Has the carriage been prepared?”
“Of course. But first, Lord Tenard and Lady Ranette are waiting by the front lobby to bid farewell. The Duke and Duchess are waiting there for you as well.”
I gave a small nod. “I see, I must be late then. Let’s not keep them waiting.”
Leila gave a quick bow. “This way, Lady Carine.”
—
The lobby was as grand and opulent as ever with its polished marble floors and that twinkling chandelier swaying gently up top. As Leila and I descended the grand staircase, I saw Mother and Father talking with Tenard and Ranette.
Father gave Tenard a really forceful bear hug, practically squeezing the life out of him. “I’ll miss you, brother! Hopefully, we will see each other soon!”
“Y-Yeah, of course, Your Grace.” Tenard’s voice came out strained, and I’m pretty sure I saw his soul briefly leave his body.
Meanwhile, Mother was delivering a rapid-fire pep talk to Ranette, who was furiously scribbling notes on a small pad. “—And remember, no matter how much work you have, a good rest is crucial. Burnout serves no one, especially not the family.”
“A good… rest… Got it!”
That’s a bit hypocritical, ain’t it, ma? I could use some good rest too, y’know?
The sound of my shoes clicking against the marble floor announced my arrival before I even spoke. All four heads turned toward me, their conversations pausing mid-sentence.
“Ah, Carine!” Father greeted, his voice booming as usual. “You’re just in time.”
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“Good morning, Mother, Father.” I gave the perfect noblewoman bow, a move perfected thanks to muscle memory, before turning to Tenard and Ranette. “And good morning to you as well, Lord Tenard and Lady Ranette.”
“Lady Carine, it’s good to see you,” Tenard said with a good smile, already free from Father’s arms.
“Lady Carine, g-g-good morning!” Ranette said, as stuttery as ever.
I walked up to Mother’s side who immediately reached out to swipe a stray lock of hair from my bangs.
“Did you sleep well, dear?”
“Yes, the bed was comfortable.”
“Good, then let’s head to the carriage. The classes are about to start.”
We’re starting class as soon as we get home?!
I mean, sure, I wanted to get back to training as soon as possible, but couldn’t I have at least one peaceful day to adjust? Just one?
“A-A-Ah! Lady Carine, i-i-if I may?” Ranette’s voice snapped me back to reality.
I slowly turned my seemingly frozen face to Ranette, holding in the twitches to my left eye. “What is it?”
Ranette fidgeted with her notepad. “A-About the upcoming party... If it wouldn't be too much trouble, y-y-you must get close to the First Prince!”
I blinked. My mind went blank for a solid second there. “…Pardon?”
“T-The First Prince! If you could establish a connection with him, it w-would be… invaluable!”
Ah, sure. Of course, I’ll make friends with the future king! It’ll be easy! Just say hi and he’ll be eating out of the palm of my hand in no time!
…Like hell.
With how exclusive this party was said to be, it’d be unlikely for the prince to be swarmed by others, so I could definitely have a chance to approach him. But do I have the right?
“I—” I began, ready to point out exactly how ridiculous this request was, but before I could get a single word out, Father cut me off.
“Carine could do that effortlessly, even if you hadn’t asked!” he declared, puffing out his chest with pride.
Mother nodded in agreement, her tone calm but firm. “Indeed. Carine has been trained in various social navigations. This task is well within her abilities, rest assured she will accomplish it flawlessly.”
“R-Really? That’s such a relief!” Ranette exclaimed, her shoulders visibly relaxing as she gave us a smile. “I-I’ve heard so much about your skills, Lady Carine. But seeing that they were all true… Y-You’re truly remarkable!”
Meanwhile, internally, I was screaming.
Trained? Remarkable? Who, me? Sure, I was pretty adept at swordplay and a little bit of dancing, but talking to the future king himself was a whole new level of impossible. How was I supposed to even greet him, let alone “get close”?!
“Of course, I’ll do my best,” I said aloud, forcing a polite smile.
What am I saying?!?! What do you mean “of course”?! What am I going to do?! Challenge him to a duel? A dance-off perchance?! WHAT IS YOUR PLAN, CARINE?!
As we made our way to the carriage, Father and Mother continued discussing the upcoming party like it was just another ordinary event. Leila was beside me the whole time and Ranette alongside Tenard trailed behind.
I, on the other hand, stared blankly ahead, admiring the awesome polish work at the wooden carriage before me. The craftsmanship was a distraction, at least. I was just doing my best not to think about anything.
As the servants were loading our baggage into the carriage, an old butler approached Leila with a handkerchief to his face, wiping tears. “Oh, Miss Leila. Thank you so much for your help yesterday!”
“It’s my pleasure, Sir Scofield.” Leila gave a small nod and flashed a smile… I think. Seriously, her face barely changed but I could tell she was trying to smile.
Scofield was still bawling his eyes out. “Oh, to think I had the gall to call myself the head butler of this estate when I was merely a lost child in the dark! Oh, Miss Leila, forgive my insolence!”
Okay, that scene actually managed to snap me out of my thoughts. What did Leila do to make this old man cry?!
And… with that. We headed off for our journey back to the capital. Right around the same time, Feyt woke up.
And yep, the sores were… extreme at the least.
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image [https://i.imgur.com/RdC5Gde.png]