3 A bit Forced

I took the handkerchief I got from Alfred and wiped my tears. After it was all gone, I asked Alfred, "Are my eyes red?"

He shook his head and said, "Young Miss seems just as beautiful as before, I see not a trace of red."

I looked at the butler who had attended me from young. He is the son of the head servant. He was made to be my aide, and thus he's been by my side ever since. He also appeared in the book, where he was interrogated by the first prince. He was asked how I acted toward my servants. Of course, for him who had always taken my abuse, this was something he happily told.

I looked on my pocket watch and asked, "How long until we arrive at the school?"

"It'll take another ten minutes, Young Miss." Alfred responded dutifully.

My behind was actually aching from all this bumpy ride, so I spoke out my complaints, which I hadn't been able to do in my past life, so I honestly felt quite happy I could do so. "Alfred, get me an extra pillow, my derrière hurts from all this riding."

"Yes, Young Miss. Right away." He told the rider to stop the carriage and got out to get it from the luggage.

I felt like I could also take a stretch, so I stepped out. I felt refreshed. I stretched out my arms and told Alfred to hurry. In a minute he returned with a small pillow.

After that we continued to school with no problems.

Arrived at school, I saw the entrance arch. The prestigious noble school, Ibis Academy. Honestly, it was a pretty crappy name. Ibis meant owl; it was said that the first headmaster of the school had a pet owl. This pet owl saved his life; thus, the school was called Ibis Academy.

I entered the school and was led in for the welcoming speech. Though, in this case, it's more like a banquet.

I entered a room full of well-dressed people, and I was one of the most outstanding ones of them. Of course, everyone dressed according to his or her status, so me being a Duke's Daughter heavily influenced this. I saw a lot of my friends from tea parties, and we started our conversation. What was fashionable, what make-up was pretty, who were the good-looking guys, etc. etc. Really a conversation about nothing actually.

The crowd quieted down because the first prince's, Laius Regium, entered. His royal bearing, his good mannerisms and of course his good face. Honestly, a perfect 'Prince Charming'. I excused myself from the girls and left toward the prince.

Don't think I fell for him; this man is but a part of my tribute. I'll annoy the hell out of this guy, staying true to Eluvia's character. The people around the prince backed away when they saw me closing in.

I was met with the first prince and I slightly bowed. "Your Highness."

I smiled and he greeted me back, "Nice to see you again, Eluvia."

I could see him trying to back away. However, in the book I didn't give you such a chance and I won't do it this time either. "Your Highness, I've told you, haven't I? Please call me Elly instead of Eluvia. It makes us seem so distant."

I chuckled. I could feel his dislike. I could feel his annoyance. All according to my plan. "I can't do that, now can I, Eluvia? You have such a great name, I would be dishonoring your parents if I weren't to call you Eluvia."

How precise. All so very precise. "You must be jesting. Even my parents call me Elly, how would you be dishonoring my parents by calling me the same as they do? It's supposed to be a show of intimacy. You wouldn't reject a request from your fiancée, now would you?"

I tugged his sleeve with an upturned gaze. My eyes were slightly wet. Most men would've long felt their little brother wake up, but the only thing this man felt toward my advances was disgust. He had seen my selfishness and actually wondered more than once, 'why is this disgusting girl blessed with such a great life?'.

"Ehh." He probably is looking for a way out of this situation. Of course, I 'love' him, so I won't be too forceful.

I pouted and let go of his sleeve. "Fine, then I won't force you. But you must make it up to me!"

I acted it out perfectly, if I do say so myself. I glanced over at the ballroom more than once. When I noticed he wasn't planning on inviting me to dance, I knew it was time to drop the hint. "It seems the next song is about to start. How nice, dancing in such a pretty ballroom…."

He knows he's got no other choice now doesn't he… Great. Very great. He let out a sigh and kneeled,

"Eluvia, would you like to dance?"

Eluvia: "My! I'd love to!"

We walked hand-in-hand to the middle of the ballroom. I could hear squeals from all around us. I couldn't hear it, but I knew what they were all saying. "The King and Queen are dancing!"

Yes, as Laius and I were king and queen to be, our couple name in Upper Society is 'King and Queen'. This was what we were supposed to portray in the story. Laius and I were the perfect couple, and the only ones who knew Laius disliked me were his closest friends.

Now that I think about it, Laius and Lila didn't even need to be in love. Laius could've also just been using her as an excuse to get rid of me…. Oh well, I won't be here that long.

The dance ended and I smiled at Laius. He, in turn, smiled back. Albeit a bit forced.