4 Ch4- The Past Part 3

"PFFT!" I couldn't keep my laugh in.

"Us? Changing the world? I highly doubt it." Max and Cara nodded while holding in their laughs.

Laelynn smiled. "I believe the dream is right. You guys have passion in your eyes. I'm curious to see how things will turn out now that you guys are actually here." The food arrived and somehow, It sparkled. We ate the fancy meal in front of us.

Ever since that day the Bourgeois couple taught us how to behave like a noble citizen, some proper etiquette, and gave us information about the world around us.

The Kelia Empire was led by a power hungry and haughty family. They all had black hair and gold eyes which were prominent features in the family bloodline, until Emperor Favaian murdered his entire family and anyone who worked aside from them on his 18th birthday. Emperor Favaian became the most beloved Emperor in the Kelia Empire. He paid attention and helped his people, fixed the economy, attended to matters that his family ignored, and made the Empire the thriving place it is today.

Since the Empire thrived so well, we'd often snuck out and disguised ourselves for work and saved money for the unlikely chance that we couldn't live in the manor anymore.

We told the Bourgeois couple that we wanted to keep our identity hidden, mainly because I was scared I read so many webtoons that I didn't want me and my friends to encounter an evil noble. We wouldn't be able to do much since we don't have an established amount of significance for anything...

… I also didn't want to be sold off because of my skin color. Who knows what could've happened to me.

From time to time we would hang out with the Bourgeois couple; They're such fun and nice people. We got pretty close. I felt at home and it seems like Max and Cara felt comfortable in the manor as well. One day the Bourgeois couple asked us a question that changed our lives.

"I seriously can't with how beautiful this library is." I looked around the huge library admiring it. Cara was about to speak but there was a sudden knock at the door.

Stella opens the door looking mature as ever. "Pardon my intrusion, but the Bourgeois request your presence in the Duke's office."

I nod my head. "Does he want all of us or just one?"

"They want to see all three of you."

"Ah okay. Tell them we will be there as soon as possible." Stella nodded her head and excused herself. Me and my friends made our way to the office before we could make it. We saw the Bourgeois couple in the hallway.

Cedric turned his head towards us and gave a smile."There you are!"

"Is everything alright?" Cara questioned.

Laelynn faced us and smiled pleasantly. "Nothing! We were waiting for you." Laelynn stated while she messed with Cedrics sleeve. "So me and Cedric were thinking.."

Ceddric and Laelynn look at each other and their eyes lit up. "We thought of adopting you!" I don't know what to say and my friends seemed pretty quiet as well.

Laelynn looked a bit sad. " We thought it would be a good idea. Right Cedric?" Cedric nodded his head. "You could think of it as a sure way you could stay here and protect each other." He gave a small smile and played with Laelynn's hair. It's obvious they see us as more than friends or random people that fell in their lake, but weren't sure how we felt.

" You can't adopt all three of us" I smiled at them as they returned a confused face towards me.

Max put his hand on my shoulder. " I think it's best if you adopt her. You guys seem more close to each other anyways."

"Zola? Are you okay with this?" Laelynn looked at me with concern and hope. I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Yes! Let's do this! Soon I will have to get used to calling you mom and dad, huh?" Laelynn and Cedric froze. They had tears in their eyes. I froze a little and went to hug them. I heard my friends or some maids cheering for us.

It was a nice day and they are nice people. Since I still kept my identity hidden the Bourgeois talked to the Emperor about my adoption in a way that was still kept a secret from the public, until I made my debut in high society with my friends. I remember when my adoption became official and I met the Emperor for the first time. The bourgeois and I had secretly met the Emperor in a church. I was so excited and nervous at the same time.

I took off my cape when I entered the church, I saw the Emperor and he gave me a warm smile. "You're telling me this guy is the emperor and he looks like THIS!? The Empire is so lucky!"

"Hello there! Duchess Laelynn and Duke Cedric. How have you been?" The Emperor said cheerfully yet maturely.

Laelynn and Cedric bowed and greeted themselves. The Emperor looked at me."Oh! This must be the Lady Zola the Duke were talking about."

I bowed. "It's a great honor to meet you, your Majesty."

"I see you have very good manners. You may raise. It's a pleasure to meet you as well!" He gave another smile. "I'm Emperor Favain of the Kelia Empire. Enough small talk, let's get some papers signed!" The Emperor walked away happily. I looked at my future parents, and they gave me a small hug before they walked up to the stage.

Laelynn and Cedric signed their name, and I signed with my new last name. The emperor took the paper. "It's official! Zola Arely Bourgeois the first child and daughter of the Bourgeois! I wish you the best." My new mom and dad hugged me tightly.

"Lady Zola?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

" I heard you want to keep you and your friends' identity hidden and I respect that. I'll keep it safe until you make your debut in high society at the banquet."

"There's a banquet?"

"Yes, I guess your parents failed to inform you that there will be a banquet in a few months." The Emperor looked at my parents and they shyly looked away.

"Well if you need me or change your mind, don't hesitate to visit or send me a letter, okay?"

I nodded my head. "I'll keep that in mind, Your Majesty. Thank you so much for your kindness." The Emperor nodded his head and let us on our way.

Later that day we went home to the manor telling everyone that I'm now the daughter of the Bourgeois couple. Everyone cheered for us and we threw a little celebration. I informed my friends on my interaction with the Emperor.

"The banquet…" I said with great nervousness. I guess I can't keep our identity hidden forever. I really need to man up…