Chapter Fifteen: Annul Hunting Competition

It was now the time for the annul hunting competition that the palace has once every year. This would be the first time that Lyra is attending. It was a week before the competition and Lyra was in the Royal Palace.

Lyra was reading a book in the Royal Library when she saw the Crown Prince, he was coming her way.

Lyra acted like she didn't see him and kept on reading her book.

"Greetings Miss Lyra." The Crown Prince said with a smile on his face. Looking at that face still makes Lyra want to punch it but she didn't. "Greetings Crown Prince." She said before continuing to read her book.

Lyra could see that the Prince's eyes were twitching a bit. "We see each other quite often nowadays."

"Indeed." Was all that Lyra responded with.

"Would you like to take a stroll with this prince?" He offered.

"I'm flattered by the offer but I have to decline your offer."

"Can you give this prince a reason why?" As the prince finished his sentence, a maid came in.

"Sorry to disturb you, someone is looking for Miss Lyra." She gave a quick bow to the prince before looking at Lyra.

Lyra got up and followed her out while giving the prince a quick nod. As they got to a secluded place, the maid suddenly disappeared while Lyra just walked away. She walked to the palace garden with her book still in her hands. 'Good thing I told the person in charge that I was gonna borrow the book for a while'.

As she got to reading her book, her peace was once again disturbed. "Lyra!" It was the 5th princess.

"Greetings 5th princess." Lyra did a slight bow.

"No need to bow, we're friends. Call me Lila." She said with a huge grin on her face.

"Lila." Lyra said while still reading her book.

Lila nodded in happiness. "What's that book you're reading?"

Lyra raised her eyes to Lila and saw that she has a curious expression on her face. Lyra showed the book to Lila and said that it was a book about animals. "Are you reading it to prepare for next week?"

"Yes."

"Can I read it with you?" Lila said a little hesitantly. "I-I also want to go but 2nd brother forbid me from going. I-I thought that if I knew enough about animals then he'll let me go." Lila said while fidgeting with her fingers.

'How cute.' Lyra thought. "It would be my honor." Lyra said while patting the seat next to her.

Lyra and Lila started reading the book together and Lila would ask Lyra some questions about different animals.

"Lyra, what's this?" Lila pointed to an animal that had wings on its back. It was a cute animal, similar to a hummingbird.

"Hummza. That's a common animal that is easily found, it's playful and isn't violent. Their wings can be different colors depending on their mood and they can fly at a fast rate. They can collect magical power through flowers and give it to its owner. Would you like one of these?"

"Really! Would you get me one of these?" Lila excitedly said.

"This wouldn't be hard, I don't mind."

Lila hugged Lyra in a tight embrace. "You're so nice, Lyra." Lyra didn't say anything and just let Lila hugged her. 'Nice isn't a word to describe me but thank you.' Lyra had a small smile on her face.

"Sometimes I think you're older than me." Lila said randomly.

"Why do you think that way?"

"The way you speak, act, and your aura."

"My aura?" Lyra asked curiously.

"Yes, your aura."

"What does my aura look like to you?"

"I don't know how to describe it. It changes color often."

"Oh? What does my aura look like at the moment?" Lyra was now more curious then ever.

"Hm, I can't see anything, how strange." Lila kept looking at Lyra but still, she saw nothing.

'This girl is smart.' Lyra hid her aura so no one could see anything. It was a common way for people to lessen their presence, Lyra read it somewhere in a book.

Lyra didn't say anything else and kept reading the book to Lila. She would patiently answer Lila's question while asking if Lila wanted that animal that she was reading about. In the end, Lila just requested for the hummza. "It's getting late now, I should be going home." Lyra said her goodbyes and promised to get Lila a hummza.

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It was now the time for the annul hunting competition.

"Miss get up!" As always the nanny, now head maid was trying to get Lyra to wake up but she wouldn't move. "Miss!!"

"Don't call me miss. Call me Lyra." Lyra groaned as she woke up. The head maid just sighed. As Lyra got ready, Violet knocked on her room. "Are you done yet?"

"Almost."

Violet just sighed outside the door. "Remember to wear the clothes I bought!" Violet said from the outside. "Yes!" Lyra replied.

This year, Violet wanted the whole family to match. She was going for a white and purple theme just like the Duke's crest. The pants were white while the long sleeve shirt was purple. It was a rather simple look but Lyra liked it.

"I'm done." Lyra said while stepping out the door. Violet and Lyra had the same look going on, the only thing that was different was their hair style. Lyra just tied it in a ponytail while Violet did a braid.

Duchess Irene walked in wearing a dress since she wasn't participating in the competition. There were different areas for different age groups. 5-10 was the youngest age group.

As they all gathered up, Lyra made sure that she had everything she needed. She also sneakily added a protection spell on all of them including their knights and maids that were going with them. Lyra thought of everyone in the Duke's Household as her family so she'll make sure they won't get hurt.