CHAPTER #12:Chrysanthemum.

The main course of the event was the presents. Each family greeted Eirlyn and gifted her a present they brought for her. Many of her presents were jewels and ornaments. A typical gift for a befitting noble lady.

There were however many people who apart from perfumes and jewelry gifted her other things. A gift from the duchess, for instance, was a set of soft pure white handkerchief and a pair of gloves that we're delicately embroidered with silver threads. They were made out of lotus silk.

The lotus silk was known for being the most expensive and rare kind of silk that was produced in scarce quantities. Not every noble could spend lavishly on their wardrobe.

Next up was our teacher Baroness Blanchard and her sons.

She presented her with a box that was beautifully etched.

"Ahh~!Its..."

"Happy Birthday my dear."

"An embroidery kit.One with the newest tools."

"Thank you, madame!" She looked at the present in excitement.

It was rather a surprising gift for the other nobles. The thing that can be bought like that. But if anyone other than the parents was to understand what a child desires. It's a teacher.

She wore a smile that said that this was the thing I have been wanting to have. Since Eirlyn was too shy to ask a favor from anyone even her parents she couldn't bring herself to do it.

"A stitching kit?Weird taste." Alexander said who was standing along with the rest of his brothers.

-"This brat needs to ruin every heartfelt moment." I scorned looking back.

"Shut up Al."His oldest brother landed a heavy punch on his head.

"That hurts!" He whined rubbing his head in pain.

"Just how your words might've hurt them you rascal." He retorted.

"Serves you right you idiot." The second oldest said grinning.

-"Ahh~How the sight of karma getting him puts me at ease. God has proved to me that today is a blessed day. Serves him right."I giggled. But he did not see me do so.

Cornelius was the third son and the youngest of their family members. He had two older brothers who were most probably in their mid and late teens. He and his second older brother resembled more like my tutor the baroness. Their hair was inherently very light periwinkle purple like their mother's and deep blue eyes from his father. The oldest son however was entirely like their father.

The event almost ended and before we were to present our gifts, it was the Aidens' turn. Rowan stepped up and bowed low. He held not a physical object to everyone's surprise. The marquess and marchioness proudly watched their son.

"On behalf of the family of Aidan, I Rowan Leopold Aiden will offer you that which may save you from any calamity. This is a promise I make with no recompense."

Everyone was wide-mouthed at what they just witnessed. It looked more like a confession but some denied that was not. Poor Eirlyn blushed and slowly responded with a slight nod.

I for one was stunned by his assertion.

"Was this not the oath he swore to Phanessa? Or is it his habit to get a woman's attention to him?" I was purely disgusted by this act.

I left the main hall and entered the garden." I was supposed to give her my gift."I thought as I kneeled and stared and the ladybird on the grass blade.

My head hurt just recalling him declare this so openly. I frowned looking up.

The night sky was still covered by the snow clouds. I looked back to where the others were. It was extremely cold outside.

"Why would he offer something like that? To a character who was only ever mentioned briefly in two to three lines of the book."

"Nevermind. I should have worn my coat for now." The white fog left my mouth and nose as I breathed.

I heard the soft sound of footsteps behind me.

"Luna, what are you doing out here in the cold?"

"Eirlyn!Since when were you here?" I saw her carrying my coat in her arms.

"Here, you will catch a cold." She helped me wear it.

"Is the event over?"I buttoned up the coat.

"Yes, I received a music box and the latest novel that was published two days ago from lord Lucien and the Countess. I heard it's very difficult to get it from a common book store."

"Did you enjoy the presents?" I looked at her half concerned.

"They were all wonderful gifts. It's all because of you Luna. These past years were fun because you became my friend."

"...Is it so?"I looked at the sky again. The thin rays of moonlight forced themselves through a thick blanket of dull-looking clouds.

" Don't look at me like that. Your gift is in the greenhouse."I replied.

We entered the greenhouse and in the center were two small flower pots.

"They are blue tulips and white Chrysanthemum."She stared at them in wonder. Blue tulips meant a loyal friend and the other meant " Truth."

The moonlight now shone upon them through the glass roof of the greenhouse giving them a mystical look.

"Happy Birthday My dear friend."