Staflake, the capital of Ubberst, the great nation of Gaversia.
The maid Daman was like every day brushing the hair of Lady Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Lord Frankie. Beatrice is sixteen years old, known for her natural beauty and intelligence. Beatrice owns a white skin like early winter snow, big and sharp eyes, smooth black hair and full red lips. Daman had just finished braiding her hair, then pinned a pin with the Swift family crest, a white steed.
“My lady, how do you feel?”
Beatrice looked at herself in the mirror, smiling with satisfaction.
“I find it so beautiful. Thank you, Daman."
"Then do you need anything else from me, my lady?"
“No, nothing more. You can go now.”
Beatrice continued to look at herself in the mirror. She didn't mind praising herself for this face. In fact, people all over Staflake, even in other parts of Ubberst territory, agreed with it. But as for Beatrice herself, she still felt something was lacking. Sometimes, she doesn't like having to put on makeup, or get ready at all. This tight waist and bust top made Beatrice feel uncomfortable but only a tight, tight atmosphere. But every noble girl must dress like that. A swallow doesn't make spring, and a Beatrice like her can't change tradition.
Today is Beatrice's coming of age day. She officially became the first heir to Ubberst. Beatrice had to wake up early in the morning and clean everything on her body, absolutely clean inside and out. Beatrice will even have to fast all day today to avoid having to defecate or urinate. Lord Frankie had only two daughters, one Lady Beatrice, the other Lady Damiana, only thirteen years old. Because there were no sons, the lord's eldest daughter Beatrice would automatically become the first heir. And if all goes as planned without incident, Beatrice will become a lord after Frankie's death.
With an hour to go until the ceremony, Beatrice's mood began to become extremely nervous. Her heart rate was beating faster than usual. Beatrice is standing between two lines between wanting and not wanting. She didn't know what she really wanted. At this time, she could only liken herself to an aimless ship, glimmering hope in the direction of the sun to find her way on the great sea. Beatrice didn't realise her hands were shaking like a young wolf in the coldest winter. The door suddenly opened, and Beatrice immediately turned to look, it was her mother, Lady Elena. She was the daughter of Lord Eddard of Bowage, south of Ubberst. Elena only needed one look to know how worried her daughter was. She looked at Beatrice without saying a word, instead just giving a gentle and warm smile, slowly walked over and hugged Beatrice in her arms. It's the ultimate healing hug and it always works. Beatrice closed her eyes, relaxed her body, letting her breath mingle with her mother's scent. So warm, so gentle, so wonderful, so safe… With just one hug, Beatrice seemed to be freed from her helplessness and cynicism. Beatrice let go of her, looked at her with sincere eyes, and asked:
“Mother… what if I don't deserve it?”
"No, dear," Elena smiled kindly, reaching out to stroke her rosy face. “Everybody deserves it if you really try. If you doubt yourself, then listen to me and do your best to prove that you are a worthy female lord in the eyes of your people.”
"I'm afraid I can't..."
“No one can do everything, right?” she calmly explained. “Look at your father. He was a man who, according to me, was more than wonderful. I love him for his leadership, comradeship, and wisdom. But even so, he often asked for help from me, from his relatives. Beatrice, don't forget how much help is around you. What you need to do is speak up, and accept the fact that you need support.”
"Will you help me?"
"Oh, I'm not sure, dear, I'm not sure I'll still be alive when you become lord. But I will always be there for you, supporting you when you need it, and so will your father. We will train you to be a good lord, and others will support you in my stead.”
Beatrice seemed to have some understanding of her thoughts. Beatrice has always worried that she was never and never will be ready for the position. Although today was only a day to mark her inheritance, Beatrice felt a greater responsibility than ever.
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“I wish I had a husband as good as you are to your mother,” Beatrice chirped.
"Oh my sweet daughter," Elena laughed. “You will find the man of your life, and maybe he will be even better than your father. At least there won't be the bad habit of snoring like a bull at night!"
When Beatrice heard that, she couldn't help but laugh. A perfect man like her father still has the same bad habits as everyone else. But why did Beatrice feel there was nothing that could be considered a minus. Beatrice just felt it made him her father, and always will be.
“Mother, do I really have to get married? Do women like us have to have a man?"
Elena "hmm" once and thought. She really didn't expect her to ask this. But this is not exactly a difficult question, because she has long ago had the answer, and one day she will teach it to her daughters.
“We women don't need men to live well. But, you will want a man by your side to keep you company. Man or woman, I can't use the word need to be able to speak. What matters is you! Well, I don't have to marry a man if I don't want to, but for your father, I want him. And the fact that I am still an independent woman, even if I was married."
“Not everyone is taught that, right?” Beatrice asked.
“That's right… only my children to be taught that,” she said with a slightly troubled face. “Not everyone has the means to do what they want to be…”
Beatrice silently pondered. She tries to save every word of today's conversation, it will be what she needs for the future ahead. Beatrice took a deep breath, then exhaled, letting go of all the worries she had accumulated throughout the day. When it was over, Beatrice felt more at ease than ever. Now she was able to boldly enter the most important ceremony at the age of sixteen.
“I feel fine now, I can go, Mother."
Elena smiled with satisfaction, grabbed her daughter's hand, and stood up at the same time. They left Beatrice's private room to the Great Hall, where the rites of the ceremony would be performed, and then a baptism in the Sanctuary.
The bottom of Beatrice's dress is covered in white on the background. Beatrice had to walk step by step, not fast, not slow, when walking, she had to stand up straight like the guards on the wall. Head held high and eyes always looking forward. The Great Hall was surrounded by so many men, and all of them were staring at her, as if everyone expected a misstep from this position of heir.
Her father, Lord Frankie, had been waiting for her in the middle of the hall. Seeing Beatrice, his expression was overjoyed. She stood an arm's length away from him, kneeling slowly, but still making sure her back was straight and her head held high. Frankie couldn't hold her daughter's ceremony for long, and immediately reached out to help her up. Seeing the maturity on her daughter's face and body, Frankie doesn't know how to use words to express her father's feelings. He just laughed happily, with a little sparkle in his eyes like tears. Frankie says:
“My daughter… You've grown up.”
“I will always be by your side no matter what, father,” Beatrice replied happily.
"Everything will be fine," he assured his daughter.
"Yes, father."
Frankie then led Beatrice to the steel throne passed down to the lord of Ubberst for generations. That throne has experienced 6,027 years of history with 241 lords. Frankie is the 241st lord of Ubberst, and Beatrice will be the 242nd. Beatrice was a little nervous. She slowly sat down, a different feeling! Beatrice sat on a chair in the middle of the hall and looked down in a comprehensive way. They all looked at Beatrice in silence. The atmosphere suddenly became dignified and terrifying. For a moment, every movement slowed down in her eyes. At that time, Beatrice knew she loved this. To be admired, to be seen, and to be revered!
Lord Frankie came to her side, the tip of his sword in one hand and the side of Beatrice's face in the other. He said softly:
“It will begin in a little while. Today is going to be a long day for you.”
Beatrice smiled silently, she didn't know how to respond. Frankie looked around once as if searching for someone, then he leaned close to her ear and said:
“You stay calm, I will go find your sister. Ceremonies cannot be without her.”
"Dami is the one who wants my ceremony to be ruined the most," Beatrice replied sadly.
"She won't," said Frankie. "As long as I'm here, she won't do anything wrong."
With that, Frankie left the Great Hall with his cousin, Talbot Swift, in search of his youngest daughter, whose whereabouts were unknown. Beatrice remained silent in her chair, silently counting the moments.