The anticipation had been building since the beginning of our journey, and now, finally, our journey led us to the grand city of Berlynne. As we crossed its threshold, it was as if we stepped into a whole new world. Even the renowned holy city paled in comparison to the magnificence that lay before us.
Berlynne greeted us with a bustling energy, teeming with life and activity. Towering buildings that were so beautiful you'd faint. It was evident that wealth flowed through the veins of this city, as every corner seemed to exude an air of prosperity and refinement.
As our father expertly navigated the wagon through the crowded streets, my sister Anco and Saori couldn't contain their excitement. Saori's eyes widened in awe at the sight before her, while Anco, ever the skeptic, couldn't help but voice her disdain for the flashy displays of wealth that surrounded us.
"So this is Berlynne? How beautiful," Saori breathed, her voice tinged with wonder.
Anco, on the other hand, seemed less impressed. "Ugh, plenty of rich people here. I think I'm gonna be sick," she muttered, pressing a hand to her stomach in mock nausea.
I couldn't help but scoff at Anco's dramatics, choosing instead to admire the sights and sounds of the city. Carriages and wagons passed us, their occupants in luxurious attire that sparkled in the sunlight.
As our father expertly guided the wagon through the winding streets, anticipation bubbled within us, knowing that our destination was near. Soon, we arrived at a majestic mansion, its pristine white and blue exterior standing in stark contrast against the backdrop of the vibrant city.
A pair of imposing gates guarded the entrance, with two stern-faced guards standing watch. With a sense of purpose, my father stepped down from the wagon and approached the guards, his demeanor unwavering.
"Hello, gentlemen. I'm Henry Lynette, here to see my sister, Frisca Lynette," my father announced with authority.
One of the guards, stepped forward and addressed my father. "With all due respect, sir, I cannot trust your words. Please, let me see your identification card."
Acknowledging the guard's request, my father retrieved his identification card and presented it without hesitation. After a brief inspection, the guard nodded in approval. "Wait here, sir. I will go inform the head maid," he instructed before disappearing into the depths of the mansion.
With a sense of anticipation hanging in the air, my mother got off the wagon, joining my father's side. My sisters and I followed suit, standing by our parents as we awaited the guard's return.
Moments later, our anticipation peaked as we watched the guard emerge from the mansion, accompanied by three women dressed in tailored black and white attire. Stepping forward, one of the women introduced herself as Casia, the head maid of the Countess's esteemed household.
"Pleasure to have you and your family, Sir Lynette. My name is Casia," she greeted us warmly, her demeanor exuding hospitality and grace.
My mother reciprocated the sentiment with a gracious smile. "Thank you, Casia. It's a pleasure to meet you as well," she replied, her tone carrying a sense of genuine warmth.
Echoing my mother's sentiment, my father extended his hand in greeting. "Yes, indeed. Nice to meet you, Casia," he added, his voice resonating with sincerity.
Saori, Anco, and I followed suit, offering our own polite greetings to the head maid. Casia's presence was comforting, her welcoming demeanor putting us at ease as she took charge of the situation.
"Do you all have any luggage in your wagon?" Casia inquired, her attention shifting to the practical matters at hand.
Upon my mother's affirmation, Casia, accompanied by the other two maids, swiftly made their way to the wagon to retrieve our belongings.
"Please, follow me, everyone," Casia said, effortlessly shouldering two large bags as she led the way towards the grand entrance of the mansion.
Following Casia through the gates, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight: colorful flowers and towering trees adorned the pathway, filling the surroundings with a calm atmosphere. Unable to contain my curiosity, I leaned towards Saori and whispered,
"Saori, when she mentioned 'countess,' did she mean Aunt Frisca?"
Saori nodded knowingly, her eyes scanning the scenery around us. "Yes, it's quite likely. Aunt Frisca is undoubtedly a countess, considering all of this," she replied, Pointing to the fancy surroundings.
As we crossed the threshold and entered the mansion, we were met with a sight straight out of a period drama. To our left stood a line of maids, while butlers lined up on the right, all Dressed perfectly and composed. As we passed by, they bowed respectfully, a display that led Anco to make a sarcastic comment
"Hahah, as you should bow to your queen, dimwits," She joked, showing her lack of respect even though she disliked the rich.
My mother's stern gaze swiftly silenced Anco, reminding her of the Importance of proper behavior in such esteemed surroundings. With Anco momentarily subdued, we continued walking through the mansion.
In the center of the large entrance hall stood a stunning sight: a grand double staircase, decorated with detailed carvings and luxurious carpeting. At the top stood a woman with striking features—shiny black hair cascading down her back, and piercing blue eyes similar to saori's. Dressed elegantly in a black gown, she exuded an aura of regal sophistication.
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With each graceful step, the woman descended the staircase, her movements akin to that of a goddess gracing mortal soil. Yet, beneath her beauty, there lingered an unsettling presence—a sense of unease that sent shivers down my spine. She was undeniably beautiful, but in a way that It created a feeling of dread, like a beautiful rose with sharp thorns hidden beneath its petals.
The woman regarded us with a neutral expression before removing her glove and gesturing towards us with a pointed finger. Confusion rippled through Anco, Saori, and me.
"Huh, what's that for?" Anco questioned, her voice laced with curiosity.
The woman remained silent until my father stepped forward, gently taking her hand and kissing it. Finally, she smiled and addressed him.
"Brother, you kept me waiting quite a while just for some respect," she chided playfully.
"I apologize, sister. Please, don't mind my daughter, Anco," my father replied, seeking to diffuse any tension.
Suddenly, it clicked. This woman was none other than Aunt Frisca, my father's sister. I glanced at my mother, whose usually confident demeanor seemed tinged with nervousness. It was a startling contrast to her usual self-assuredness.
Summoning her courage, my mother approached Aunt Frisca and greeted her warmly. "Hello, sister-in-law. It's lovely to see you again. You're as beautiful as ever even after ten years," she complimented sincerely.
Aunt Frisca responded with a neutral look before delivering a backhanded compliment that left me stunned. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Renna Freeman, or should I say, Renna Lynette. Of course, I'm still beautiful, while you're looking like a broken-down wagon. But it's not your fault; beauty is only for a selected few."
The insult hung heavy in the air, and before anyone could react, Saori leapt to our mother's defense. "Mother is beautiful, and even though it's her first time seeing you in ten years, she gives off a better impression than you," she retorted, her voice dripping with defiance.
The tension escalated as my mother abruptly struck Saori across the face, commanding her to greet Aunt Frisca. Anco's laughter pierced the air, her mockery directed at Saori, until Aunt Frisca intervened with a stern warning against violence in her house.
My mother began apologizing to aunt frisca making sure that she was not upset with her. Turing to us she gave a stern look.
"Name yourselves," she demanded, her tone icy.
"I'm Anco Lynette, 14 years old," Anco introduced herself, to which Aunt Frisca remarked on her rowdy demeanor.
"I've seen you before ten years ago when you were just 4 it seems you've gotten rowdy" Said aunt frisca
Interrupting before Anco could escalate, I stepped forward. "My name is Giselle Lynette. I'm 12 years old. It's a pleasure to meet you, Aunt Frisca," I greeted politely.
Aunt Frisca's gaze then fell on me, scrutinizing my appearance. "So you're the last born you were just 2 years old when I had visited. Tell me why has your hair gotten so white?" she inquired.
"It's a condition I've had since my hair started growing," I explained.
With a dismissive wave, Aunt Frisca remarked, "Well, it doesn't matter. It seems you've inherited my eyes. You are very beautiful, unlike your parents. I suppose my genetics saved you."
Stunned into silence by her brazen rudeness, I struggled to find words to respond. The encounter with Aunt Frisca had begun with intrigue but had quickly descended into a confrontation filled with sharp words and painful truths.
As Aunt Frisca's demeanor continued to perplex me, I couldn't help but wonder, "Why's this lady so rude?"
Turning her attention to Saori, who still bore the sting of our mother's slap, Aunt Frisca inquired, "And you?"
Saori, her gaze still cast downward, responded in a subdued tone, "My name is Saori Lynette, Aunt Frisca. Nice to meet you."
"Hmm I remember you, when you were 3 years old when I had visited your father. You've grown into such a beautiful girl. You look exactly like me," Aunt Frisca remarked, her words carrying an eerie undertone.
While Saori did bear a resemblance to Aunt Frisca, their vibes couldn't be more different. Saori emanated a gentle, ethereal aura, like the presence of flowers in bloom, while Aunt Frisca exuded a dark and imposing energy, akin to black feathers scattered in the wind.
Saori remained silent as Aunt Frisca turned her attention to my father, issuing a command for him and my mother to follow her. With a gesture to the maids and butlers, she instructed them to assist us children in settling in and showing us to our rooms.
As Casia approached us, indicating that we should follow her, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the grandeur of the mansion. Guiding us up the imposing double staircase, Casia led us to a spacious room filled with rows of stacked beds. The sight left me puzzled, prompting me to question Casia, "Why are the beds stacked on top of each other?"
Casia explained, "Young lady, those are bunk beds. Since many family members will be arriving with their children, this room is designated for them, hence the bunk beds."
Understanding, I replied, "I see, but you can just call me Giselle."
"Unfortunately, I cannot do that," Casia responded firmly. "As you are a relative of the countess, I must address you with a title befitting your noble lineage. Please settle in."
With that, Casia departed, leaving us to survey the room and choose our beds. Opting for the bottom bunk of one of the beds, I settled in, while Saori claimed the top bunk. Anco, predictably, chose a bunk bed away from ours.
Observing Saori's somber demeanor, I offered words of comfort. "Saori, don't let what Aunt Frisca said and did bother you. I can now see why Mom and Dad were so nervous when they got a letter from her. She's quite..."
Saori interrupted, her voice tinged with frustration. "She's rude and disrespectful, that's what she is! She called Mom and Dad ugly, she called Anco rowdy—well, that's kinda true—but that doesn't give her the right to treat our family like lowlifes."
Before I could respond, Anco interjected "Oi I heard my name just now"
Ignoring Anco I set my attention on saori. Seeing the distress etched on her face, I moved closer and enveloped her in a hug. "No need to get so worked up about her. I don't want you to get hurt anymore, so just stay calm," I reassured her, hoping to provide some solace amidst the turmoil of our unexpected encounter with Aunt Frisca.
Saori returned the hug, her gratitude evident in her voice as she whispered, "Thank you, Giselle."
Anco's arrival interrupted our moment, her typical cynicism coloring her words. "Pfft, getting all lovey-dovey over here. How disgusting," she remarked, her tone dripping with disdain.
Reacting impulsively, I released Saori and turned to Anco, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Anco, as your younger sister, I love you. Even if you can be mean sometimes, in the end, we only have each other," I declared earnestly.
Anco recoiled in disgust, attempting to wriggle free from my embrace. "Ew, let me go, dimwit!" she protested, her revulsion palpable.
Undeterred by her reaction, I held on firmly until she relented with a resigned sigh.
Releasing Anco, I turned back to Saori, offering her reassurance. "When the other family members arrive, I'm sure everything will go well. Hopefully," I added, hoping to alleviate her concerns.
Saori nodded in agreement, and with that, I could sense a semblance of calm returning to her mind, our sisterly bond serving as a source of comfort amidst the uncertainty of our familial reunion.