Prince Lugh opened the door wide and we all left the office. Vesper and Kinsley quickly straightened their posture and bowed. I eyed them apologetically yet they didn't glance at me. Are they mad at me for not informing them beforehand? Am I not suppose to meet the Imperial Princes and Princesses?
"Did you have fun, Lady Azariella?"
I immediately smiled at Princess Eleanor and nodded. "Yes, absolutely, Your Highness."
"Well, I'm surprised that you did," Prince Radcliffe murmured. "You don't really have to force yourself to answer positively."
"I appreciate your concern, Your Royal Highness, but I really enjoyed being in your company."
His eyes widened for a bit and averted his gaze. "If that's what you said."
"Just ignore my brother, Azariella. He's just jealous because I had you the whole time with me." And what does that even mean? "After all, he did nothing but to sip his favorite tea while we're partying with you."
"I wasn't informed that it was a party," Prince Radcliffe rebutted.
"A tea party for you, Your Royal Highness."
Princess Genevieve laughed and smiled at me. "Please excuse their fight."
"It's all fine, Your Highness. I think it's common for siblings to argue about anything."
"Does you, Lord Albert, and Lord Orion fights?"
"I shook my head at Prince Lugh. "Normally, it's just the two of them fighting in front of me but there are times that they would tease me."
"Prince Sage smiled a bit and sighed in relieve. "Finally, there is someone I could symphatize with." And they started teasing Prince Sage.
I bowed at them as we stopped halfway, standing between my brothers. "It's our pleasure to spend time with you, Lady De Loughrey."
"George's right. I hope we can bond for a little longer, Azariella."
Princess Genevieve faced Princess Eleanor. "Well, Azariella's comfortable to be with so I'm hoping the same thing as well."
The others agreed, with smile plastered on their lips. "I hope we can all be friends, Azariella," Princess Marquessa stated. "Well, we can't deny that we are also fond of you even in the short period of time. But we hope that, regardless of our status, we can be friends."
"Why do I feel like we'll part ways?" They laughed at my question. "I also have fun, without any doubts, and I am also honored to spend time with the Imperial Princes and Princesses even if it is only for a short duration. And, of course, we all can be friends if you want."
"Ah, Lord Albert, Lord Orion, do you mind if we take Azariella now to the Imperial Castle?"
"Pardon, Your Highness?" Vesper and Kinsley replied in chorus.
Princess Guinevere laughed. "Just kidding, of course. Well then, have a safe trip home, Lord Albert, Lord Orion, and Lady Azariella."
"Please do as well," I replied. "We will be leaving first. Once again, thank you, Your Highness, Your Royal Highness." I grinned as Vesper and Kinsley kept their eyes on me as we arrive at the third floor. "I-I will explain details later. Please spare me for a while."
For my safety, they had us leave first. It would be a threat to my security if we publicly appeared all together since I am attending a different school. If I am a Royal Academy student, that wouldn't affect much since I am also will become part of the Nobles of the Round along with my brothers.
While on our way back to the residence, I told Vesper and Kinsley about my meeting with Princess Eleanor before they arrive that time. Since I kept my promise with Prince Lugh, I had to improvise some sort of story to make it look like his sole reason is to relay the message for me.
However, I was wondering. Why would Princess Eleanor ask Prince Lugh to invite me when she can personally tell it to me?
And when we returned home, we all went to our own bedroom. Pyry halted from smacking his toy mouse with his paws and went to me. "Good afternoon, Pyry! How are you, hmm?"
I gazed around my bedroom and sighed. Cats are really the boss, no?
After changing my clothes, I started fixing the mess around. In the middle of cleaning, a knock on the door echoed. "Come in!"
"Y-Young Lady, please take a rest," Josephine panickly stated as she entered my bedroom. "I'll continue cleaning."
I smiled at her and nodded. "All right. Thank you, Josephine." I threw myself on my bed and watched her cleaning meticulously. "Josephine."
"Yes, Young Lady?"
"You said you studied Economics, but ended up not graduating due to financial problems, right?"
She faced me and nodded, with confusion painted on her face. "Yes, Young Lady. Why do you ask?"
"If you were given a chance, would you like to study again?" Her eyes widened while I smiled at her. "Don't worry, I'm not forcing you to respond right away. I was just thinking that once you graduated, you can have a more appropriate job that pays you more than we do."
"Of course, I would like to, Young Lady." She smiled, a genuine one. "I want to experience holding a diploma after I heard my name. However, even if I became a degree holder, I would still stay here in the manor as your personal maid."
"But, why? You can work anywhere you want, Josephine."
"It's difficult to leave the place I've called home, Young Lady, and I enjoy taking care of you. Over the past years of being your maid, I've learned so much things that weren't taught in schools. If I would be offered to continue my studies, then I will wholeheartedly accept it. But to work somewhere other than here? I'd like to decline."
I laughed at her response and stared at the ceiling. "You're too sentimental, Josephine."
"I'm just responding to your thoughts, Young Lady. Do you want some tea?"
"Let's enjoy one once you're done. I don't want to sip my tea while somebody's working."
"You can say it directly that you cannot afford to drink a fur or a single dust."
"I'll have your salary deducted for teasing me."
"Hmm, then, should I tell Your lordship one of your secrets?"
"You're a traitor, Josephine." She just laughed and continued on cleaning.
*****
This day is the official start of the preparation for the Open Academy Festival. I was assigned by President to oversee the decoration committee composed of different students from different grade levels. We are the ones that are primarily responsible for installing and checking decorations within the campus premises.
And while doing my job, I heard some students talking about my appearance yesterday in the Royal Academy and rumors that I met the Imperial Princes and Princesses because of my brothers.
Well, I already expected it but that is the least of my concern now. It would be a threat to me once a malicious rumor spread like a wildfire. That's the time that I will personally take an action. For now, I have to do what I am tasked to do.
"Lu, take a break," said Kee, handing me a juice.
"Thank you."
We sat on a bench under a tree and stared at the busy atmosphere of the school. "You're getting quite popular, huh? The reason why your hair was styled yesterday was because you went to Royal Academy?"
I nodded. "The first time I went there, I feel like I do not appear pleasant. Like, I just look like a usual student wearing her school uniform. Why do you ask?"
"Do you have a suitor?"
"Kee!" He burst in laughter. "Why are you all being so malicious? I just want to appear pleasing."
"I was just joking! All right, I'm sorry."
"You should be!"
Julius laughed at us and sat on my left, sipping his milkshake. "Man, I told you not to mess with Azariella."
"It's okay, it's okay. You have nothing to worry, Juls. Lu and I are close enough --"
"Thank you for the drink." Julius laughed again while Kee started wailing, calling my name, when I stood up.
"This was all your fault!" Kee yelled so loud that I could hear it even if I'm far from them.
Good luck dealing with Kee throwing tantrums, Julius. Hoping you the best-est of luck.
I went to President who's fixing our classroom and reported to her. "You surely are working hard, Azariella. Keep it chill, okay?"
"I will, President."
Yeah, why am I even doing things so fast when we actually have a month to prepare?
"I'm home..."
"Oh, Luthien!" Mother exclaimed and hugged me as I stepped in the house. "You seem so tired."
"We've been preparing for the festival, Mother, but I'm fine."
"Even if you're fine, I'm still worried. Go and rest now. I'll have your dinner serviced to you."
"I'm really fine, Mother. I will just come at the dining to eat."
She smiled and caressed my hair. "All right, if that is what you want."
Josephine greeted me as soon as I opened the door. "Good evening, Young Lady. I already have your clothes prepared."
"Thank you very much, Josephine." I took a deep inhale and entered my bathroom for a night shower.
After wearing my white dress, I left the bedroom along with Josephine to go at the dining. I was the first one to arrive at the dining.
While eating, Father and Mother arrived. "Told you, Luthien's fine so you have nothing to worry about."
"You can't blame me, darling." I smiled at them. "Oh, by the way, Luthien, do you have any appointment this Saturday?"
"Nothing, Mother. Why?"
"Your coursins will be coming here by Saturday." I halted after hearing Father's response. "Vesper and Kinsley have schedule that day, so you'll be left alone here. Is it okay for you?"
"Of course, Father. Please don't mind me."
"That's good to hear. Don't worry, your brothers will be home by lunch." I just nodded at them. "How are you today, Luthien?"
"I had fun, as always, Father. Though it's tiring, I enjoyed lending a hand for the preparation."
"What sport will you participate?"
"Chess, Mother."
Father snickered. "I would be surprised if Luthien joined the track running."
"Father!"
"Hmm, I agree. I might throw a party if she did, whether she win or not."
"I hate you!" They just laughed at me and we continued chatting throughout the dinner.
Josephine accompanied me until I sat on my bed. "Young Lady, are you sure? Do you want me to bring you somewhere?"
"No, I'm fine, Josephine. I'll be fine. Thank you for your concern."
"If you insist, Young Lady, then, at least allow me to stay with you all the time."
I smiled at her. "Thank you so much. I'll rest now. You should as well." She bowed at me and left my bedroom.
I would be lying to myself if I didn't admit that I am nervous. No. I'm not nervous.
I'm scared.