Early in the morning, I decided to tour Pyry around the manor and introduce him as well to the house servants. Right when I opened the door of my bedroom, two servants are already cleaning the floor. "Good morning, Young Lady Azariella."
"Good moring too! Oh, this is Pyry, my pet cat." They looked at each other, hesitating. "It's okay. You can touch him."
And, Pyry became the center of attention instantly.
After introducing Pyry to the servants of the manor, we went to the conservatory where Mother and Father are having their morning tea. "Good morning, Father, Mother."
They smiled at me. "Oh, good morning too, Luthien." I sat at a seat between Father and Mother and rested the sleeping Pyry on my lap. "How are you feeling?"
"Please do not worry. I'm already fine, Father."
Mother chuckled and faced Father. "Luthien is a strong woman, darling."
"Yeah. She always say she is fine just to stop us from worrying."
I pouted. "I'm really okay. Why are Father and Mother acting like I am telling a lie?" They both laughed. "Oh! I met Princess Eleanor yesterday, Father, Mother."
"Vesper and Kinsley told us that you did," Mother replied. "Let me guess, you were overwhelmed, right?"
"Most probably, she also stuttered while conversing with Princess Eleanor." And they laughed at me again.
And their affection language to us is in the form of mockery.
"It was Princess Eleanor who offered you the opportunity to adopt, right?"
I nodded at Father. "I was kind of feeling guilty because Pyry might miss his companions there and was also thinking of adopting all of them. However, it would be a selfish decision if I did."
"Hmm..." Mother rested her teacup on the saucer plate and stared to it for a matter of minutes. "Well then, darling, do we have extra funds?"
My eyes widened to Mother's question to Father. "Yeah. Why? Should we build a pet adoption center?"
"W-Wait!" They both glanced at me. "I-I was just voicing out my thoughts yesterday, Father and Mother. And additionally, P-Princess Eleanor might also have already established a bond with the stray cats she and her siblings are taking care in the Royal Academy."
"Hmm, regarding that, we can smooth it out if you want, Luthien," Father added. "But, they wouldn't just be the occupants of the adoption center, right?"
Right... Right. Father's correct about that. I was too clouded by my desire to adopt Pyry's friends that I didn't even think of it. Using the government funds to build a center solely for the eight stray cats in the Royal Academy would be deemed as absurd.
"Vesper, Kinsley." Father called and I faced my back, seeing the two walking towards our direction.
"Good morning, Father, Mother," they greeted and pulled the vacant chairs to sit with us.
"Oh, right," Mother uttered. "Vesper, Kinsley, what do you think about a pet adoption center?"
Kinsley glanced at me and chuckled. I glared at him. "It wasn't my idea!"
"Fine, fine."
"I guess it isn't a bad idea," Vesper responded. "I've seen some stray animals in the county so if we build a house for them, we could assure their safety and even their health."
Father smiled and placed his cup on the saucer plate. "All right. Kinsley?"
"What's with the question, Father? It's not like I'm against to it."
"Nothing. I was just making sure that you won't tease Luthien for it."
Kinsley laughed and grinned at me. "That would be nearly impossible, Father."
"And, I've grown accustom to it," I added, sighing. "Thank you, Father, Mother."
"Oh, do you have anything to do today, Luthien? You might want to come with us for the planning of the construction."
"F-Father! Do you mean..."
Mother laughed and nodded. "Of course. We'll make your brothers work as well."
"Ha!" Kinsley exclaimed and caressed his hair. "Like I'll do it."
"I'm too busy with my studies and Ash."
I nodded at Father. "I will be leaving by 7 to visit the Delroy County Orphanage." They all stopped and gazed at me, so I wore a smile. "It's been two years since I visited the orphanage."
Vesper glanced at Father who is still staring at me with his eyes worrying. "Father... I think, we should let her this time."
Mother placed her empty teacup on the saucer and also eyed Father. "Darling."
Father took a deep inhale. "But you should be home by seven, okay?"
I felt my expression brightened and nodded at him. "I will, Father!"
Josephine assisted me in changing into a grander outfit that I was just wearing whenever I go out of the county.
As we rode the car, our driver started the engine and drove to our destination for today.
People around are staring to our car as we pass along the road going to the orphanage. I haven't been here for two years, but I never expected that the development of the county would be like this.
The Delroy County Orphanage is situated in the county's central city, Bolvair City. This is also where the Delroy Public Library, the largest library in the East Region, can be found.
"We're here, Young Lady," Josephine reported and the car stopped in front of the gateway.
I went down of the car and stood before the two workers of the orphanage. "I want to apologize as I wasn't able to visit for the past two years."
"It's okay, Lady De Loughrey."
"Thank you. And, oh, by the way, I brought gifts for everyone."
Titania smiled. "They are all at the backyard, Your ladyship. We'll help in bringing the gifts."
"Thank you very much." I faced Josephine and nodded at her. As she bowed at me, I entered the orphanage premises and walked straight to the backyard.
They were all playing a game of tag. The sisters are just watching them with snacks and water prepared on a table.
"Looks like everyone is enjoying." The kids stopped and slowly turned to me. I smiled as some of them was shocked. "It's been two years, isn't it?"
"Lady Riel!" the kids yelled and ran to me. Some even went emotional, while others are wearing their cheerful smiles.
The teenagers bowed at me as the kids removed their hug. Some of the faces are very unfamiliar to me. I guess, they arrive here during the past two years of not visiting here.
A celebration occurred here at the backyard. The sisters also introduced me to the eight new kids. The oldest of them is fourteen years old, who was a victim of domestic abuse, and the youngest is a four year-old little boy who was abandoned by his father who is addicted in gambling and a prostitute mother.
One of them, whose name is Abigail, escaped from home due to her parents' overprotectiveness. The orphanage took full custody of her after her parents failed to persuade the court in granting their responsibility to their child.
After a feastful lunch, I changed my clothes to a simpler one and started granting each of the kid's wish one by one. I taught them basic ideas which are also taught in school, especially Maths. We also played a variety of games.
By afternoon, all of them are laying down on the grass, staring at the sky turning orange. I smiled as I took a picture of them. "These kids... they will surely have a bright future ahead of them."
Agatha, one of the sisters, smiled and bowed at me. "If that is what the Lady said, then we shall believe it." She returned her gaze to the kids. "Once they all finished studying, surely, it would be possible."
I glanced at my phone and stood up, causing all of them to look at me. "It is now time for me to leave."
One of the kids, Sunny, ran and hugged me. "Wouldn't you stay with us, Lady Reil?"
"If only I can, then I would." My hand reached for her head and patted it. "I will miss all of you." I faced the other kids and widened my arms, causing them to run to me. "Even though I've only been here for a short period of time, I enjoyed having fun with all of you. Always be obedient to the sisters, okay?" I faced each of them, still wearing my smile. "I will be back as soon as I can."
Josephine escorted me to the room where I changed my dress. I wore the same dress I was wearing when I left the Whitewood. After fixing myself, we both left the room and went downstairs.
Their eyes widened as Josephine handed her a cheque. "Y-Your ladyship, the gifts you brought are already enough for us to provide the needs of the kids."
"We want the best for the kids, right?" They became more stunned. "Time flies so fast, but I will never forget that. So, please, accept it."
Lucy deeply sighed and smiled. "I guess some people stay the same. Thank you, Lady de Loughrey. We are really in debt of your kindness."
"I should be the one thanking everyone. I am glad that I am able to see all of you again. In healthy state, of course. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me so I can provide you the assistance you seek."
They all bowed, and so I did also. I glanced at the kids aback and waved my hand to them. "Have a safe trip home, Your ladyship."
"Thank you. We will." I bade them farewell again, and rode the car. "We'll drop off at fhe Cecillia's first to buy staples."
"As you wish, Young Lady." Josephine nodded to the driver and the latter drove away.
I easily got the attention of all as I stepped down of the car and fixed my beige satin gown. Josephine opened the door for me and we entered the store. "Good afternoon, Lady De Loughrey," a staff greeted as he bowed. "How may I assist you?"
I ended up spending fifty thousand Vans for the staple products. Other than the servants in the manor and my family, I will be also handing some to the Student Council probably by Monday.
And now, we are on our way home. I scrolled and scrolled all the pictures taken today. I sent the very last picture taken which is a complete shot of all of us captured by Josephine who insisted that she doesn't want to join to Father, Mother, Vesper, and Kinsley.
An hour passed and we finally returned home. Josephine quickly went down to ask for assistance to bring all the things I bought. I proceeded to my bedroom to clean and change before going to the dining to eat dinner. It's only past six, so I have time to rest for a bit.
I may enjoyed my time in Delroy even for a bit, but I cannot deny that I am physically exhausted. I've never been that active ever since. The only exercise I've been doing is sword mastery.
Ah, I feel my legs slowly aching.
Three consecutive knocks interrupted the silence. "Come in," I said, still laying down. "Oh, Vesper! Is there anything you need?"
"Father summons us all for dinner."
"All right." I stood up and fixed my skirt. "Oh, you have something in your mind, right?"
"I was planning to ask my beloved sister if she had fun. I'm glad that looks like she did."
I smiled to him and nodded. "The orphanage adopted eight kids during the two years I've never had a chance to visit them."
"The family's large now, huh?" We left the bedroom and walked along the corridor of the house. "Did you have fun?"
"I thought you wouldn't be asking me that."
Vesper laughed and patted my head. "I was just making sure if you really enjoyed."
"You really left me alone, huh?" We stopped halfway and diverted our attention to Kinsley whose arms are even crossed. "My god, I feel so betrayed!"
I laughed at Kinsley and tiptoed to pat his head. "Don't worry, Luthien loves her brothers."
"That would be even better if Luthien loves Kinsley more than Vesper."
"Now that's inequality, man."
Our laughters echoed in the corridor. I smiled widely as I watched them laughing. "I enjoyed." They stopped and glanced at me. "Even if it is just for a short period of time, I enjoyed having fun with the kids."
Vesper and Kinsley gazed at each other and smiled as they both placed their hands on my head. "We're also glad that our sister enjoyed."
Kinsley glared at Vesper as I nodded. "Oi, man, get lost. You've been stealing my sister from me."
"I am older than you, Orion Kinsley. Might consider that?"
"Who cares?"
"Wanna fight?"
I sighed to them and stood between them, clinging on their arms. "Just argue later after eating our dinner, all right? I've bought Kinsley's milk cookies and Vesper's choco buns." Their eyes sparkled as I mentioned their favorite foods. "Let's go!"
Still, the happiness I am feeling in this household cannot be defined by any word.