Slowly rising in the sky, the sun makes its presence known to the world.

The clouds peacefully sleep as if placed on top of a tranquil water basin.

The wind caresses gently the ground made out of puff white spheres.

The vast plains of the white coat of snow glint with the bright rays, illuminating the day.

I come to consciousness when a pleasant dream ends abruptly.

In it, I was playing with my mother, with Harrivetta and Davithea too.

I suppose we were somewhere in the mountains area I was high up,

and the view from the peak on the valley was breath-taking as well.

We brought the sleds all the way up and we raced each other to the bottom.

I really wanted to win but somehow, my body felt a little heavy.

In moments I noticed that I no longer riding the sledge but actually sliding down on ice.

I must have tripped and continue going down on my bottoms embarrassingly.

But despite that, it was a pleasant dream, one that reminded me of winter time when I was little.

The sun rays finally came beaming through the curtains and illuminated the room.

Now I learned that I wasn’t really on ice, but rather curled up in the same position on the bed.

It took me some time to open my eyes and realize that I’m also not in the mountains anymore.

Rather, it was Harrivetta’s house which in I stayed during this year’s winter break

Furthermore, I was getting used to this room which had the window to the side.

Because of that the sun would arrive a little late depending on which position I was sleeping in.

All in all, I didn’t know what the time was. I didn’t feel like getting up.

There was nothing specific I would be looking forward to doing today.

I didn’t have any plans or schedule that I had to follow, like school for example.

And most definitely, the comfort of this canopy bed was hard to resist.

All I wanted is to go back to sleep and play a little more in the mountains.

“Yaaaawww.” I yawned with a sleepy voice, stretching my arms and legs.

But I knew that wasn’t allowed. As I looked out the window, the sun told me to wake up.

I had to stand up in order to reach the curtains, but I didn’t have the strength in my legs to do that.

All I managed to do was to turn my back against the rays and try to nap for a little longer.

But that wasn’t allowed either. My mind wondered about things I should be doing.

I can’t simply pretend I’m a good violinist, I have to practise in order to become one.

And that’s not only for my own sake, but also to prove that I’m capable to my mother.

And because of all of that I couldn’t allow myself to be staying in bed all the time.

“Good morning miss Pyrecilla.” A voice reached me.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Quickly my body jumped and my senses heightened.

I was no longer able to go back to sleep, knowing someone was simply standing there.

“Please come in.” I tell that person.

“Pardon my intrusion miss Pyrecilla.” The maid says as she enters.

It appears that unlike in my house, the rules that are allowed here are different.

It is true that during the winter break the night falls earlier and there is less daylight time,

but at the same time, oil lamps aren’t the best source of light when reading a book.

Good children and young ladies hence ought to go to sleep before tiring out their eyes.

“Good morning.” I say to the maid as I try to get off the bed.

“Good morning miss Pyrecilla.” She bows to me.

“The sun is quite bright today, isn’t it?” I say as I wash my face and hands.

“I do believe it is a little warm, yes” The maid nods, while looking through my wardrobe.

“I don’t have a preference for today, thus do not be afraid to be free minded.” I tell her while sitting down on the stool.

“Is this to your liking, miss?” She shows me a long white and red dress.

“That would be sufficient.” I nod to her and raise my hands in the air.

The first order of putting on a dress is to fasten the corset around the waist.

The maid does that skilfully, warping it around, pulling the strings,

and pressing on my back with her foot while I lean my spine down and hold breath.

Afterwards I raise up and the maid readjusts and tightens the strings again.

This time they are no longer loose and now she can finish the procedure by tying a bow in the middle.

With that I can stop holding my breath as my posture straightens, while my waist noticeably reduces its size.

The next pieces are the stockings and shoes. It is important to dress them now, before the dress,

since it would be most difficult to put those on after all the layers are in place.

That said, I perform the task myself, while the maid stands back with the petticoat for the dress ready.

Step by step, the outfit completes itself as the servant puts one layer of cloth after another over my head.

Now that I am finally able to stand up, lower my hands, and look at the mirror.

The dress falls into place as I twist it around to remove wrinkles.

All that remains is to fashion my hair. The maid removes my mobcap,

as I sit down again and look at my long strands in the mirror.

Perhaps I should get a shortcut, I think to myself, as I caress my hair which bobs slightly while it falls down.

“Is this fine miss Pyrecilla?” The maid asks me as she puts down the comb.

“Yes, this is splendid.” I say while turning my head as my hair bounces up and down.

“Breakfast should be ready, should I deliver it here?” The maid asks me.

“I would prefer if I ate with miss Harrivetta.” I tell her.

“Absolutely, I will see if that is possible miss.” The maid excuses herself and leaves.

The door locks after the maid is no longer in the room. There is only silence.

This is the first moment of my day in which I am able to breathe, free to do anything I want.

I would prefer if we all had a family breakfast, just like I used with my mother,

but that is only the privilege of dinner. Here, the residents prefer to eat in their rooms.

I do not know the reason for that, nor that I am allowed to practically say anything against it.

The very minimum I can accomplish is to ask Harrivetta if she will be willing to bend the demeanour a little.

In her mind, rules are something that people have to follow, but since there are many unspoken ones,

neither she or me are sure if doing something specific, like eating breakfast together,

is violation of said social contract, or is it proper to, of course to a certain degree.

Simple act of eating breakfast is an absurd example however, I can imagine much worse incidents.

But when it comes to becoming a proper lady of the house, following a code is necessary.

Learning certain behaviours, ones that avoid causing disquietude, is required to lead a happy life, madams say.

However, as me and Harrivetta know, in certain situations actions proceed formalities.

That’s why I decided to do what I did, at that one time at school.

Like Minorta I wish there was a better way. But what I did wasn’t wrong.

I acted within the authority in order to reach the next best result.

Even though my friends can tell me my decision was wrong, each individual idea of what is moral is different.

The illusion that they are similar only comes from the existence of a communal environment,

like school, society or social status, which also act like total institutions where moral lessons are taught.

There, in order to fit with others, one must accommodate their morality to the group.

Equality and enforcement are important, since they constitute a social morality that everyone recognises.

Said morals come from various sources, like religion, figures of authority, or fiction.

It is from them one creates an idea of how to use social conduct in order to operate in reality.

That’s important because one would not know which is right or wrong without being taught first.

And when an individual would want to question said norms they would be required to go against the entire society.

Despite that this is quite disgorging, it also prevents radicals from imposing their morals upon the majority.

But at the same time not questioning morals leaves the authority of the majority not challenged.

If it’s true that one is born without knowing what is right and wrong,

what makes them sure they are just? Is it because the majority agrees?

I think that’s why individuals are important, to be a counterbalance for the possibility of fallacy done by the not critical masses.

Me and Harrivetta know already that it is not as easy to stand against social norms.

That’s why we have to keep quiet and act like proper young ladies.

Yet, we do look for opportunities when it would be possible for us to do something.

There is a knock on the door. “May I come in?” A voice of a maid asks.

“Of course, you may come in.” I answer while looking at a book.

All this time I had in my hand was a tome I borrowed from Acculina, for the purpose of study.

It was about proper etiquette when eating, the savoir vivre translated into a language I could read.

It’s something that I have picked up especially in order to prepare for my visit.

Yet, sitting on the couch and reading it now, instead of studying it before the winter break started,

is a little embarrassing. But then again, nothing in this book relates to the reality I have gotten myself into.

The rules of this house must be quite unusual for others as well, I ponder.

“I return with news miss Pyrecilla.” The maid bows to me.

“Let me hear them out then.” I put down the book on the table.

“It appears that miss Harrivetta has agreed to your proposition.” The maid informs. “She is currently awaiting your arrival in her room.”

“Then I shall take my leave.” I stand up and head towards the door, while the maid holds it open for me.

I walk through the long corridor again, with occasional maids bowing towards me.

I try to be modest, at least acknowledge them with a small bob, but it’s rather difficult.

First, because of the tightly fastened corset and second, since there is a maid at almost every step.

But I eventually managed to reach the end of the corridor and stop at Harrivetta’s door.

“Should I enter?” I ask after knocking.

“Aye, permission is granted.” Harrivetta replies.

I open the door and see both of my friends sitting around the table.

The food there is plenty, presumably enough for me and the two girls.

Davithea is wearing a small headdress and a fluffy, doll-like one piece.

Harrivetta, on the other hand, dons something more elegant, and fitting for an adult.

“Hey Pyrecilla!” Davithea says as she waves happily towards me.

“Good morning Davithea.” I politely drop a curtsy. “And you too Harrivetta.”

“Likewise Pyrecilla.” Harrivetta bobs back at me.

“Thanks for coming! I see you liked my idea?” The little girl says as I sit down.

“Your idea? I suppose we were thinking the same thing then.” I answer.

“What a surprise! You really did?” Davithea utters excitedly.

“I asked a maid if joined breakfast could be arranged.” I explain.

“Then the two had to meet in the middle.” Harrivetta states.

“Since I also told a maid to ask you!” Davithea explains.

It appears that by some fashion we were able to arrange our meeting together.

It would have been worrisome if the two maids, that each went to separate rooms,

wouldn’t meet in the middle of the corridor and coordinate their plans together.

But that didn’t happen, and now we are able to finally enjoy breakfast with us three at the table.

“I am reminded of when I ate with my mother.” I say while putting food on my plate. “We never started without each other at the table.”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“Did your mother cook?” Davithea asks me.

“Such would be improper, my dear Davithea.” Harrivetta voices.

“As Harrivetta says, the maid made sure that wasn’t permitted.” I answer. “Yet, I also were in no favour. Emmi always forbade me from helping.”

“Hence, from there your approach originates?” Harrivetta asks.

“The cooking class, yes. I should say this that, I felt a little gloomy seeing her overworked each day.” I add.

“That is your mother’s fault.” Harrivetta states.

“Yet, she proclaimed we haven’t the money to afford more servants.” I explain.

“No matter. rotation is proper in this situation.” Harrivetta tells me. “No maid here does all works, and every day. That is simply cruel.”

Despite that Emmi is somewhat a part of the family as well, Harrivetta’s logic is sound.

It would be perhaps better if we had another maid and have her rest during some days.

However I don’t think my mother would approve of that plan personally,

her reasons being that Emmi is simply too good and is rather irreplaceable.

With those thoughts the breakfast was emptying on its own. It was delicious.

The most of the food disappeared due Davithea’s appetite however.

She is the only one too young to wear a corset after all.

“Say miss Pyrecilla, do you enjoy cooking?” Davithea asked me.

“I am not sure. I guess I am indifferent.” I tilt my head.

“I want to cook something for Harrivetta. Do you think you could help me?” Davithea pleads.

“That would be somewhat difficult.” I try explaining to her.

“Your enthusiasm is fine, but I’m afraid you won’t get support for that action.” Harrivetta says.

“Why is that? I already have a maid outfit.” Davithea points out.

“The uniform is for cleaners only.” Harrivetta explains. “The cooks don a white dress.”

“So they won’t allow me in the kitchen? What a pity.” Davithea puts her head down.

“It is so for your safety, please understand.” Harrivetta pats her in the back.

And that’s more or less the same reason why Emmi didn’t want me close to the stove.

The three of us talked for a while but we quickly ran out of things to discuss.

Even the story about the situation at school when Harrivetta decided not to touch anything in the kitchen,

wasn’t as interesting for Davithea as I thought at first, though she did giggle a little.

The time passed and all we had upcoming in our schedule was dinner, and then eventually the music practise.

For the little girl however, she felt like doing something, anything that would take time.

This is why we had to come up with activities we all could do together.

“Hey, do you want to play hide-and-seek?” Davithea suggests to us both.

“I would love to Davithea, but is it okay?” I ask her.

“It is a splendid idea, yet possible it is likely not.” Harrivetta adds.

“But I want to show miss Pyrecilla the way around the mansion.” The little one says.

“The maid can do that and besides, running is forbidden.” Harrivetta tells her.

“I promise it won’t be like the last time.” Davithea makes a cute face.

“Last time?” I tilt my head.

“We could limit it to a single room or such.” The black haired girl suggests.

“It is possible, but you wanted to show her the mansion, did you not?” Harrivetta asks.

“I am planning on switching rooms until we visit every single one of them.” Davithea smiles.

The little girl was clearly planning something that could take a day or two.

She had not the courtesy or the foresight to understand that it was unreasonable.

However, settling on not following her plan would result in a terrible incident, Harrivetta feared.

Thus, the two of us agreed to play along with her request, thinking that she will lose interest soon.

“I assume that is reasonable.” Harrivetta tells me.

“I see no harm done.” I answer.

Suddenly, me and my blond haired friend found themselves alone in the room,

looking for suitable places we could use for hiding, while Davithea rushed outside.

“Then as a guest, you may hide first.” Harrivetta says.

“I am thankful.” I bow to her. “Yet, I suppose it would be fair if you, the taller person, first decide which place can conceal you the best.”

“That I fear is not possible.” Harrivetta says saddened. “Not even the closet has enough safe for a lady of my magnitude.”

“It is easy to say so, but do try at least?” I suggests to her. “Davithea might be the tiniest of us, but do not depress yourself by your matureness.”

“I ill needed that comment.” Harrivetta responds. “But surprisingly on the point. I seldom recall the time I played like this, even as a child.”

The circumstances for us both turned the conversation into a visit to the past.

Of course I couldn’t tell if Harrivetta had fun as a child, or how her parents brought her up.

Knowing the height of her brother, in her childhood he must have been still a baby.

Perhaps that is where she gained an affinity to take care of kids younger than her?

When she is with Davithea at least she is happy, so that might be possible.

However, what does she think about her brother then?

“Hey ladies! I brought you one more.” Davithea says as she opens the door.

“Um.” A voice of a boy mumbles something.

“Gorgie is going to hide so don’t come out yet!” Davithea says as she closes the door.

This must be Harrivetta’s brother. Did he join or was he forced by Davithea?

In any case, he entered the room and looked for a place to hide.

I was under the bed while Harrivetta was behind the window curtain.

The boy however didn’t move at all, or at least I couldn’t hear any steps.

Eventually there was a knock on the door and the countdown started.

“Three… two… one…And zero! Ready or not here I come.” Davithea bursts in.

I could hear how she quickly searched around, looking in cabinets or behind the sofa.

It took her time to figure out that we were not in any of those places.

Furthermore, I suppose Harrivetta was a little obvious since her shoes showed.

In this case perhaps it was smart for Davithea to check behind the curtains last.

“There you are!” Davithea says after making a discovery.

“You found me Davithea.” Harrivetta says.

Instantly after that she lies down on the floor and looks under the bed.

“I found you too!” Davithea points at me.

“Congratulations Davithea.” I reply.

However, one person was missing. It was Harrivetta’s brother that was nowhere to be found in the room.

I crawled from under the bed and looked for him along with my taller friend.

“He is really good! I’m impressed.” Davithea states.

“We did check everywhere, didn’t we?” I ask Harrivetta.

“It is as if he vanished.” She replies.

The solution to this puzzle however was obvious as the door opened on its own.

“What? How did you get outside?” Davithea asks Gorgie who is standing in the hallway.

He points out with gestures that he was hiding behind the door and simply left as Davithea rushed in.

“So you went outside?” Davithea asks him.

The boy nods in response and shows “Yes” in his notebook.

“But isn’t that against the rules? I said only in this room.” Davithea reminds him.

The boy shakes his head, points towards him and makes a “V” with his hand.

“You didn’t win!” Davithea exclaims. “You are supposed to smack on the wall three times.”

The boy shrugs his shoulders after hearing that.

This misunderstanding between Davithea and the boy led to her losing interest in playing again.

Technically what the little girl said was true. However, not only she forgot to mention that to us,

but also to Gorgie, who wouldn’t be able to simply announce vocally that he won.

All things considered, I could only suggest one thing in order to ease the situation.

“Perhaps a different play could be more appropriate?” I say.

“What do you suggest Pyrecilla?” Harrivetta asks me surprised.

“I have played this one variation of hide-and-seek in my childhood.” I explain. “The rules are pretty simple however, and I hope everyone finds them fair.”

“Miss Pyrecilla, go ahead!” Davithea says, anticipating my words in excitement.

“Instead of a person we are going to hide an object.” I say as I pick up a pen. “This size is enough. We are also going to split into two groups and each will hide their item in their room.”

“So many rooms are involved?” Harrivetta asks.

“Since they are notably similar in design and furniture, we are going to use mine and Harrivetta’s.” I continue. “You can hide the pen anywhere in the room, sans one restriction. It can’t be put inside pockets of clothes, or otherwise places where it could dirt anything.”

The rules for this variation are simple. There are two teams, and two rooms.

Each team hides a pen, or a similar sized item, somewhere in their room.

After the hiding spot is decided then both teams switch places and start searching.

The winner is the group who finds the hidden item first. That’s the game I learned at some point in my life.

I might have made it up, but it is appropriate for all ages, be it a young lady or a child.

“I have no heard of this game.” Davithea states.

“Ate, it is clearly something novel.” Harrivetta adds.

The boy points to “Good idea” in his notebook.

The atmosphere was acceptable thus, the only remaining issue was to decide the teams.

“I want to be with miss Harrivetta.” Davithea raises her hand.

“Splendid, I will be joining Gorgie then.” I say.

With the groups settled and rules explained, all we had to do was to leave to our respective areas,

and hide the pens that Harrivetta was able to provide for the two pairs.

I already had a place in my mind, and that was the door frame.

Naturally that’s the last place you would look at since it’s quite easy to miss.

Additionally, the door frames in this mansion had an engraving that would fit the pen perfectly.

After walking through the corridor with the boy, I entered my room and closed the door behind.

Executing my plan was quite hard, but eventually with my diminutive hands I was able to reach that spot.

I had to use a chair as well, but we put it back in place after I was done.

What remained was to take Gorgie back to Harrivetta’s room and knock on the door.

“We are ready.” I say without entering.

“A minute please.” Harrivetta responds.

I can hear a giggle from Davithea from inside. She must be really enjoying this I think.

Me and the young boy wait a minute until the young ladies are finally ready.

The door opens , but we aren’t supposed to look inside just yet.

“Are you finished?” I ask the two.

“Aye, wait for us to reach your door.” Harrivetta responds.

Patiently me and Gorgie await for them to go all way to the other side of the corridor.

The boy seems a little bored, his face reveals annoyance. I don’t think he is enjoying this.

“Gorgie, is something amiss?” I squat down to him and ask.

The boy answers with shaking his head lethargically.

“May I ask what do you do in your free time then?” I tilt my head.

Gorgie shows me his book and runs his finger through it, one line after another.

“An enthusiast of novels? I read in my free time as well.” I tell him.

Perhaps one day I could visit him and see his room. It’s full of books, I imagine.

Yet, it is also quite beneficial to get outside and play sometime too, I think.

Gorgie doesn’t appear as a person who would enjoy activities with others however.

Much like me at some point of my life, he doesn’t appear that he cares about the others around him.

It is quite hard to find a person you can relate to and talk about yourself individually.

Everyone has a different way of experiencing the world, through novels, friends or work.

It’s because of that fact we can't truly be understood by others.

But coincidently, perhaps one could say every individual social ideas, like the opinions of the people we meet,

be it fictional characters or real humans, are somewhat each a piece of our own mind.

Each new person adds to how we see ourselves and how we discover the world.

Without Minorta I wouldn’t be able to see how much of a problem it is to relate with one another.

Without Ellien I would have never opened and mustered the courage to help others with my own words.

Without Harrivetta I wouldn’t be able to persevere in goals that seemingly have no purpose.

And finally, without my mother’s support I would have never believed in my own ideas.

All that help made me into the person who I am now, with all the ideas and virtues.

“Let’s read together sometime Gorgie.” I tell the boy.

He nods in response, although a little shyly.

As I blinked and looked around, I noticed that Davithea was waving at us.

That signal means that they are ready to go into my room, I realised.

I wave at them back and we both open our respective doors. I enter Harrivetta’s room.

Naturally, everything looks the same, down to the wrinkles on the bed.

I started looking in places that could narrowly fit the pen inside of them.

Spots like gaps in the furniture, inside of the sofa, on the floor and on top of the wardrobe.

It’s quite secretly hidden, I must admit, and neither me or Gorgie is able to find it.

Perhaps it is somewhere on the windowsill, or somewhere tucked in the curtains,

I think, but as I search those places too, it’s not there either. I want to give up now, but then I get one more idea.

The curtain rod on which the curtain hangs from is wide enough for a pen to squeeze inside there.

“Gorgie, do you presume they would be able to hide it inside there?” I point at the rod.

He shrugs and brings me a chair so I could check. However, it’s not enough for me to reach there.

“I’m sorry, I’m not as tall as your sister.” I tell him

The boy responds beckoning that I would come down.

“Perhaps you have an idea?” I ask.

Gorgie disappears from my sight and returns with a large empty coffer.

“I believe this isn’t a good idea.” I tell him.

But before I am able to do anything, the boy surprises me and climbs up himself.

I panic and hold the coffer with both hands. If misfortune occurs, I think,

I should be able at least to catch him if he falls down. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen.

He looks for a moment through the small hole and I gaze in anticipation.

However, it doesn’t appear that he did find anything, returning to the ground disappointed.

“Thank goodness nothing has happened.” I feel relieved. “The coffer was shaking and I feared you would fall.”

The boy in response sulks and bows down in apology.

“I am also at fault here, Gorgie.” I bow at him back .”Fortunately nothing terrible happened.”

The boy begins to laugh and I get a little embarrassed. He didn’t mind if he would have fallen down.

Instead it appears that he found that my reaction as a young maiden was a little too adult like.

Gorgie is still a child, much like Davithea, and my bearing with them is that of a friend.

But for them I might be an older sister, one that preaches how they should behave.

Whichever is the case, I believe that despite the time we lost, we can still win.

That is to say, before I am able to return to searching I hear a knock on the door.

“Is it allowed that we enter?” Harrivetta asks from the corridor.

“We haven’t found it yet.” I answer.

“Neither did we. I presume it was inexpedient of us to take the matter solemnly.” Harrivetta explains.

“That might be so, but do say, have you found it?” I ask her.

“It was impossible I am afraid.” Harrivetta responds.

“Then please come in.” I tell her.

Standing anymore behind the door and talking would be improper, I think.

Naturally Harrivetta didn’t want to trample the rules and enter before we admitted defeat too,

but in this game it doesn’t matter. As long as they won’t reveal the location we can still search.

“Hey did you find it?” Davithea runs towards me and asks.

“I would say we searched everywhere honestly.” I reply.

And at that point of time, it appears that Gorgie, surprising everyone in the room, found the pen.

It was simply under the carpet, but one could notice it since it’s made from thick fur.

I also don’t know how he managed to discern the shape simply by running his hand against the surface.

“Congratulations Gorgie.” Harrivetta tells him.

“Wow you actually found it!” Davithea exclaims.

“You did remarkably well.” I cheer for the boy.

He reacts energetic, jumping in joy like a little child. I would say that he bested us all,

but mentioning that I was the one misleading him all this time would be inappropriate.

Furthermore, there is also the matter of Harrivetta and Davithea returning empty handed.

“To be certain, you did hide the pen in the room. Correct, Pyrecilla?” Harrivetta asks me.

“That is so. Ask Gorgie.” I suggest.

The boy nods.

“I suppose there is no reason for you to divulge the location now.” Harrivetta asserts.

“But I want to know. Miss Pyrecilla, will you tell me?” Davithea asks me.

“Of course, but that would spoil Harrivetta’s mood.” I explain.

“Please.” The little girl comes close to me and whispers.

“On top of the doorframe.” I whisper to her ear while squatting down.

With that, Harrivetta didn’t lose her will to continue competing against me,

but at the same time Davithea had a different idea in her mind.

“Well suppose we could play again.” Davithea says. ”But I am tired. Miss Pyrecilla, how about you?”

“If you so wish I will comply.” I tell her.

“Then how about you Harrie?” The girl turns to Harrivetta.

“I suppose we did play quite the length today.” Harrivetta responds.

“What do you suggest we do then, Davithea?” I ask.

“I know, let’s play family.” The little girl voiced.

The little black haired girl proposed that after all this hide-and-seek we would still engage in assessment.

This time however the game would be a make-believe play, with certain roles.

I hoped that this play wouldn’t end up bringing up her family matters, since that is a delicate issue,

but since she was the one suggesting it, I believed that she didn’t really think in the same way.

And of course me or Harrivetta would be minded not to mention it either, I hope.

“Alright Davithea, what do you have in mind particularly?” Harrivetta asks.

“I am not sure, but I think it would be fun!” Davithea responds.

The boy shows the word “Worry” on his notepad.

“Have you not played this before?” She tilts her head toward him.

Gorgie shakes his head and looks at others.

“I haven’t got the chance, though I am also a single child.” I explain to Davithea

“Strange, but I felt I missed out on that as well.” Harrivetta explains.

“Then how would we play now? I had loads of fun playing house at the orphanage!” Davithea plots, while others observe her enthusiasm.

After a brief exchange of words, it seems everyone got a little more interested in the game.

Davithea was the initiator and decided that she would plan all the roles for us.

Gorgie was mildly allured by the idea, looking at someplace in the room where books were kept.

Harrivetta was the one that was most anxious, since it would be her first time for her.

I am not sure what she was on her mind, but playing house with family, even with maids,

should have been something a normal young child can experience at least once in a lifetime.

Nevertheless, I think it would be best not to change the subject now.

Hence, I started to focus on what Davithea had to say as we all waited for her,

sitting around the table and waiting for her to speak up. Finally it was time.

“So you know what’s the most interesting situation?” Davithea asks everyone. “When you act a role that is completely not alike you.”

“And what that would mean?” I tilt my head.

“I think you should be the mother miss Pyrecilla.” Davithea tells me.

“A mother? That’s unusual.” I say while flushing.

“It’s because you act undaunted.” Davithea then turns to the other blond girl. “And you Harrie should be the little sister.”

“A little sister. If my Davithea wishes so.” Harrivetta similarly turns a little red.

“If you want to know why, it’s since you always fight with Pyrecilla.” Davithea states. “And of course Gorgie will be the father and I’m his oldest daughter.”

The boy nods and releases a sigh of relief.

There might have been worse fates awaiting us, but I would say this is fine.

Being a mother is something I have not yet put my mind into. Of course,

as a young maiden I still have time to realise myself as a woman, find a man I would love,

and marry. All this should come naturally and I can’t be possibly worrying about it now.

Nevertheless, with the roles set, we changed our seats. I was with father Gorgie.

On the opposite side was Davithea, who decided to put her headdress on Harrivetta’s head,

in order to make her a little more young. That alone made the situation more humorous.

“Let’s start!” Davithea raised her arm. ”Let’s say we are having dinner and me and my younger sister come home from school.”

“Understood. What should I do then?” Harrivetta lowers herself and asks her bigger sister.

“You should be complaining about your big sister not giving you space to grow!” Davithea explains. “Because you are smaller and can’t fight her back.”

“That wouldn’t be something a young lady should do.” Harrivetta states.

“I pardon? That’s how it was at the orphanage!” Davithea explains. “Older sisters are always the ones to keep check of the younger, more frisky ones.”

“Your conviction is well.” Harrivetta responds. “But speaking from insight, I have two older sisters and one older brother. Mayivan is married happily with children but my sisters, Yevdoshie and Urhichatta leave little to be desired.”

“But they don’t count since you don’t live together anyway.” Davithea says. “And family is all about living in a house with your siblings and your parents.”

Visibly, this conversation was going to touch on the subject of Davithea’s father soon.

However, I could not think of a good way to stop or redirect it yet.

What surprised me is that Harrivetta wasn’t worried about Davithea bringing up this topic at all.

“So you are saying the older sisters are the ones that usually behave improperly?” Davithea looks at the blond girl as if she wanted to challenge her.

“Nay, just from my experience.” Harrivetta answers.

“But why would that be so? Older people act more adult.” Davithea says.

“When one comes to the age, they feel empowered to do anything they desire.” Harrivetta explains. “It may lead to delirium or to finding purpose. That is why Davithea as you get older it is of most importance to keep your beliefs above impulses.”

“Wait, that’s not what a younger sister would say!” Davithea punts. “She would throw a tantrum instead. And when she does, she needs to be taught a lesson!”

Meanwhile the boy shows me the word “Interesting” secretly.

Harrivetta was stating that wisdom isn’t something granted with age, while the little one,

Davithea, was a little too into playing her role as an older sister who knows better.

Luckily I was in position to stop them both, as a parent with authority.

“Now the two young ladies should behave at dinner.” I tell them. “I will not hear improper scuffles during this time.”

“Yes mother, I’m really sorry!” Davithea turns to me apologising.

“Yes mother…I too wish for forgiveness.” Harrivetta manages to voice.

“Then I will let you know, my dear daughters , that I do not wish for such a topic to be ever brought up again.” I warm them by pointing my finger. “I have treated you both well and wish for you happiness more than anything. Disputes like these are not solvable, hence should not be voiced.”

“I agree too, it’s pointless!” Davithea nods.

“As you wish mother.” Harrivetta bows.

Following that was a short made up conversation about school and their experiences.

All in all we managed to lead a normal conversation and everyone was glad.

The person who experienced the most joy was Gorgie, since despite that he didn’t say anything,

he was at least happy that he could spend time with his family. As for me,

Davithea couldn’t believe I would make such a good impression of being the mother.

I did take inspiration from my own mother, but I suppose I never knew how I would function in that role myself.

“You would make a good mother, Miss Pyrecilla.” Davithea compliments me.

“Oh you flatter me. I never imagined myself as a wife.” I respond humbly.

“But isn’t that inevitable?” Harrivetta asks me without hesitation.

“I suppose so?” I tilt my head. “I’m only a little anxious, that’s all.”

“One’s marriage shouldn’t be taken lightly.” Harrivetta states.

“Yet, I do find it most difficult to think about anything, especially so early before my debut.” I explain.

“Pyrecilla, this is the matter you must deliberate on, always, even now. ”My friend says.

Pyrecilla still has time before she has to make important life decisions, she told herself.

Naturally, every young lady from a good house will eventually enter the salons and make her debut.

That day might come for the red haired soon, but doesn’t mean that will there be life-long consequences.

Even if there are, even if she would get instantly spotted, coupled and married of to a young gentleman,

she would still be able to crave her own life, by some means, by some power, by the grace of the Goddess even.

To live with such a dreadful presumption would only cause stress to the young Pyrecilla.

She must remain positive and have a good forecast for the future.

She knows already this much, what could possibly go wrong for her?

Well, a lot of things. And her knowledge doesn’t help either, but instead makes her anxious.

That’s why she decided to postpone this entry to adulthood as long as possible.

She knows more than her own friends what it means to become a grown up.

She also knows that, with the support of her friends, she can become more attuned to this world.

And she knows that she is different, and she can only dream of a life similar to Harrivetta’s.

Yet, despite that every individual is a sum of personal experiences,

the primary characteristics show when compared with the rest of society.

Yet, despite that morals and beliefs come from teachings of fiction and role models,

the expected behaviour is set by the social contract with a group of people.

Yes, despite that every decision we make affects the world in some way,

it is the events beyond our control, those that we can’t accept as reality, which hurt us the most.

Pyrecilla is the young lady that isn’t alienated from those thoughts however.

“Miss Harrivetta? Dinner is ready.” A maid informs her after knocking at the door.

Suddenly awoken from her mind, Pyrecilla turns her head startled.

Perhaps when she will finish eating she might lighten her mood a little.