"Madam, you've received a letter from the royal palace," announced Casia.

"Is that so? Alright, give it to me," Frisca responded.

Casia handed the letter to Frisca, who promptly opened it and began reading. After a minute of perusing its contents, Aunt Frisca sighed in frustration. "Ugh, why now?" she muttered.

She continued, addressing Casia, "Casia, I'll have to leave today."

"Madam, why?" inquired Casia, her concern evident.

"The emperor has summoned me to the castle immediately. I'm going to get ready and leave. Please inform my family about it," Frisca instructed.

"Understood, madam," Casia acknowledged with a bow.

With that, Frisca rose from her desk and made her way to her room to prepare for her unexpected journey.

…

"Sweet apple pie and some tarts, oh so delicious," I dreamt while snoring.

Suddenly, a cold sensation jolted me awake. "Ahh, what's happening!?" I exclaimed.

I saw Anco giggling with a bucket in her hand. I knew it; this girl threw cold water on me.

"What is wrong with you!?" I shouted in frustration.

"Huh, you were snoring and all, and look how bright the sun is. Of course, I had to wake you up," Anco retorted.

"Ugh!" I groaned, annoyed by her antics. I couldn't fight against her, which only fueled my desire for revenge. "I'll take revenge on you someday, Anco."

"Whatever. By the way, Aunt Frisca is going away today. Casia came into the room two minutes ago to tell us, but you were sleeping," Anco informed me.

"What? Why's she going away?" I asked, puzzled.

"Casia said that she was summoned to the royal palace or whatever," Anco replied casually.

I processed Anco's words and then nodded. "I see, but don't throw water on me again," I warned.

Anco rolled her eyes and walked off.

Ugh! Why am I so weak? If only I had power, I could beat her up. Ahh, this is so frustrating.

After getting out of bed, I found the room empty. Anco had left, leaving me alone. I headed straight to the bathroom, eager to take a refreshing bath.

Entering the bathroom, a sense of happiness washed over me. Bath time was always a joyous occasion, and the soap was delightful too. I resolved to stock up before leaving Aunt Frisca's estate, ensuring I had enough supplies until I returned next year.

I then took off my nightgown and stepped into the bath, which was filled with bubbles. It was amazing—the scent, the water, everything was perfect. I loved taking baths.

After cleaning my body and brushing my teeth, I emerged from the bathroom and headed back to the room to get dressed. Since no one was there, I bolted the door slightly, just to be sure.

Selecting a beautiful dress and matching underwear, I quickly dressed. After applying deodorant and lotion, I left the room. My next destination was to see my mother so she could do my hair.

Upon exiting the room, I found Urie already waiting at the door. "Urie, could you not follow me today?" I requested.

Urie looked confused and asked, "Why not, young miss?"

"Because I just want to be alone today, plus I'm going into the city with Jenny, so just this once, please," I explained.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

Urie nodded in acknowledgment and said, "As you wish. Please excuse me."

As Urie left, a pang of guilt tugged at me. I hoped I hadn't made her feel bad, but I genuinely wanted the freedom to stroll without her watching me like a watchdog.

I made my way to my mother's room and knocked. She welcomed me in, and I found her alone, in the midst of getting dressed.

"Uh, sorry, Mother, I'll go back out," I stammered.

"Stop being like that. I'm your mother; there's no need to act as if you've never seen me getting dressed before," she chided gently.

Her words struck a chord within me, reminding me that I was being overly dramatic. I turned back around and greeted her properly. "Good morning, Mother. Today, I'll be going into the city with Jenny to explore, and I was wondering if you could do my hair," I requested.

"Sure, why not? But you should bring one of your sisters along," she suggested.

"I'm sure they're all busy, Mama," I replied, feeling a slight twitch in my eye.

"You should at least ask," she insisted.

After taking a deep breath, I relented. "Sure, why wouldn't I? I'll ask Saori; after all, she's my wonderful sister," I said, attempting to sound sincere.

"Anco is your sister too," Mother reminded me.

Why did she have to bring up Anco now, after she rudely woke me up? I couldn't let it slide. Anco, I'll make sure you regret throwing water on me. Sinister thoughts began swirling in my mind.

"I hope you're not planning anything unpleasant, Giselle. Whenever I see that expression on your face, I know you're up to mischief," Mother remarked.

I forced a smile and replied, "You're imagining things, Mama."

After my mother styled my hair into loose curls, I felt exceptionally beautiful. My skin glowed, my hair cascaded in curls, and my eyes sparkled. I was a perfect ten out of ten.

I then went to each of my sisters. Saori had already explored the city and opted to stay home. Anco, on the other hand, was training with a wooden sword and had no interest in hanging out with me. She also refused saying that she had no time to hang out with princesses as she's busy training to protect one later on. While her words surprisingly touched me, I wasn't ready to forgive her so easily. With none of my sisters interested, my anticipation for the day heightened.

Finally, I found Jenny eating with Abby in the dining room. Excitedly, I approached her and asked, "When are we leaving?"

"Once I'm done eating. You should grab a bite too, Giselle," Jenny advised.

Although she was right, my excitement overshadowed my hunger. "Fine," I conceded.

As I sat at the table, I noticed a few breakfast dishes laid out, including a pot of hot porridge. Hungry, I served myself a portion and began eating.

Suddenly, Abby's gaze bore into jenny and I, which she then asked "Sister, where are you going?"

"Uh, Giselle and I are heading into the city," Jenny responded, puzzled by her sister's inquiry.

"I will join you both," Abby declared.

I immediately sensed trouble. Abby's innocent façade from the other day was just a cover for her deceitful nature. After hearing Jenny's warnings about her, I couldn't allow Abby to come with us.

"Unfortunately, Abby, it's just Jenny and me today. Adding another person might complicate things, and we really just want to spend some time together," I explained.

Abby's eyes flashed with malice, but she tried to mask it with a smile. "What are you talking about, dear Giselle? We're friends too, right? Having me along will help you both bond better."

"It seems you've confused acquaintanceship with friendship," I retorted, determined not to let Abby manipulate her way into our plans.

"I beg your pardon?" Abby asked, clearly taken aback.

"What? I'm simply stating the truth. Despite being cousins, we're not friends; we're just acquaintances. Is there a problem?" I replied, feigning innocence.

"Um, is this about the other day? I was just confused, and I didn't know how to react when you suddenly showed up, Giselle. Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" Abby questioned, trying to justify herself.

"I have nothing more to say to you. Look at what you've done. Now I can't even enjoy my breakfast because your presence has ruined my appetite," I said, cutting her off.

"What? You bi—" Abby caught herself mid-insult, realizing what she was about to say, and composed herself. "Fine, I don't want to come," she muttered angrily, storming off.

Jenny glanced at me, impressed. "You're amazing, Giselle. You always know how to push her buttons."

I smiled and remarked, "A bitch deserves bitch treatment."

Jenny chuckled, and we resumed enjoying our breakfast.

Soon, it was time to depart. A butler named Dorren accompanied us.

"Young misses, I will go get the carriage," Dorren announced.

"Alright, please do that," I replied.

Dorren swiftly returned with the carriage. It was stunning, far superior to the wagon my father owned. This carriage seemed like it would cost at least a hundred silver coins, essentially a gold coin.

The carriage was adorned in blue with elegant white accents, much like myself. Anything that sported my colors was undeniably beautiful. Just like the sky, painted in shades of white and blue, I was like the embodiment of beauty.

Dorren opened the carriage door, and Jenny and I took our seats inside.

"It's so beautiful," Jenny commented, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Indeed, it's exquisite. I love both the interior and the exterior," I replied, my smile mirroring Jenny's enthusiasm.

As the carriage began its journey toward the city of Berlynne, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within me. The prospect of exploring the bustling streets, discovering hidden gems, and immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere filled me with anticipation.

Leaning back against the plush cushions of the carriage, I gazed out of the window, watching as the scenery passed by in a blur of colors and shapes. The sun bathed the landscape in a warm golden glow.