Chapter 2

Ever since getting that invitation almost a week ago, I've been in an excellent mood.

I skipped down the hall of the estate, whimsically oblivious to the servants tidying the mansion. I put my hand on one of the entrance doors, and headed out to the garden. Here, I would come to read my books whenever I feel excited for something. It's beautiful scenery, the sky would be clear of clouds, the warm sun would beam down while I sat on the fountain, reading and watching the birds. I would describe it as the finest place in the estate.

Sitting down at the fountain, I place my hand over the cover of my book. Normally I would be flipping through the book from where I left off. But then I heard someone coming through the door I just did. Looking up from my book, I met eyes with Isadora.

Right, she was supposed to walk by here in the novels to collect her thoughts. It was explained that in the novels, this will be her first formal event that she ever attends. Violette wasn't here, so the garden was all hers.

We stared at each other for a moment. 

"You're going to the ball, right?" I already know the answer, but I wanted to strike a conversation to fill this awkward silence. She nods, still not saying anything.

"Mother probably won't come by as usual," I explained. "So it'll just be the two of us, alright?"

Her expression became anxious. It seems she wasn't expecting me to say that last part "Y-yes," She stutters. Her voice, while small, was sweet and kind. Something you'd expect an angel to sound like "It's an honor to… attend this event with you, my lady," Isadora awkwardly looks away.

Even after all this time, she still refers to me as 'lady' to this day. It was like this in the novels as well, so I just thought it was something she'll keep doing. It doesn't annoy me. She addresses Evora, Violette, and even the servants formally throughout her life. It's in character for this girl to be formal to her adoptive family.

"Come sit," I patted on the fountain, gesturing to her to come and sit beside me so we could talk. She obediently follows, walking up and slowly sitting down.

I put my book to the side "I already have plans for what I want to do, what about you?"

Isadora twiddled her fingers "I'm not quite sure what to do at the event," She said "I suppose I just don't want any trouble." A look of worry was on her face. She was stiff, seemingly nervous about the event. I sigh, resting my chin on my hand "Worrying too much about it isn't going to do anything," I look at her. Her nervous expression never left "Our servants are more than happy to help with preparations. Elliot is always happy to reassure you of anything," Elliot has been working for the Itzal family since he was 17. He's been with them for 20 years, and knows the family like the back of his hands.

"I don't really want to bother them," She said. Right, in the novels, Isadora rarely asks anything of the servants. For this ball, she picked out her outfit on her own without the help of a servant.

Now that I think about it, I want to see the outfit she wore to that ball. It's hard for me to visualize the way it was described in the novels, but from what I remember, it wasn't anything extraordinary. The ball is tomorrow, so I'll get my answer soon I suppose.

"Well in that case…" I paused, looking at Isadora with a smile on my face "I'm very curious as to what dress you'll be wearing,"

Isadora looks at me nervously. It's like she wanted to say something, but contemplated it. "I'm…as well…" She said something, but it was too quiet for me to hear. I tilt my head "Sorry, what was that?"

Her once nervous eyes are wide with courage "I want to know what my lady will wear as well," She clutches her hands nervously. My eyes widen for a moment. "Oh, is that so?" I gave her another smile. I didn't expect her to be curious about what Violette would wear. I guess since she's never interacted with Violette at this point of the story, I never knew what she would say.

I let out a sigh, grabbing my novel and putting it in my arms. Leaning straight up, I turned my full attention to her "When you see my dress, can you give me your honest opinion?" I ask, somewhat teasingly. She nods, still nervous but just enough courage seeps through. I nod in response, glad to have an answer. 

The first real interaction I've seen between Violette and Isadora. Not bad.

Hm, since the story is beginning, maybe I'll get more chances to talk to her. From here on, not only will I get to meet the male leads, but also get to interact with Isadora more. Getting to interact with my favorite characters, I would love that very much.

Step step

"Lady Violette," The voice of the estate's treasured butler broke me out of my thoughts. Me and Isadora turn to look at him. He stood by the door. His brown hair was neatly combed and properly styled. His suit was ironed perfectly, as it always has been since the day he started working here. The sapphire brooch was there hanging on his suit as always. His kind, mature eyes met mine "The viscountess is asking for you," Elliot explains.

I nodded. I happily complied to the request of the viscountess, as this was another rare interaction to be had.

☆✧—-*--✪–*----✧☆

The warm cup of tea in my hand smelled divine. It's fragrant aroma fills my nose as I take a small sip. The subtle taste of jasmine tea numbs my senses as I look over to the head of the house.

She wore a long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder white dress that complimented her figure. Her lilac hair was tied into a side bun as usual, with the onyx hairpiece glistening brilliantly. I took a peek behind me, Elliot was standing there, awaiting orders when need be.

"I'm sorry to call you here so abruptly," Evora said. Her voice is silvery and soothing as always. I place the tea cup down to the coaster "No need to worry mother."

Though, it did seem like there should be something to worry about. From her expression alone, it seems like something is on her mind "I don't want to worry you, so I'll leave this vague…" She pauses nervously.

"I'll be leaving for the nation of Avani tomorrow. I presume I'll be gone for a few weeks…maybe even longer. Which means the estate will be without its viscountess," She explains "While I'm gone, I'll be leaving the mansion in Elliot's care. He'll be in charge in my stead."

"What?" I almost knocked over my teacup. I turn to Elliot. Judging from his shocked expression, even he wasn't expecting it. "I understand that Elliot is loyal to our family, but wouldn't it be better for me to take over in your place?"

"I'm putting this into Elliot's hand because I believe in his capabilities."

"But, I'm your daughter!" I protest.

"You're still too young for this. You're not even old enough to use your magic," I clutched my teacup. Hearing this as Violette, it makes me frustrated. Does Evora not have faith in me? I get that Violette isn't able to use magic yet, but she's 19 for goodness's sakes. She would be considered a capable adult back in my world.

Then again…

I gently touched the rim of my tea cup. Thinking about it, it's not like I'll know what I'm doing. Back in my world, I barely managed to live by myself after I left. This isn't my world, the politics and economy here are completely different than back then. Elliot is older, and probably more experienced. He's more skilled too when it comes to pretty much everything. What do I know about taking care of the estate? I would have to take care of everyone and everything in this mansion. 

It's probably better that I let someone else handle it. Someone capable.

"I understand, mother," I look up at Evora, my gaze meeting hers. The Viscountess nods in approval "Then, I shall prepare for my leave," she stands up, and makes her leave. Not even a goodbye.

There was a part of me that wanted to protest. To tell the Viscountess that I could do it with some help. But, I suppose she knows better. Even in my old world, it's not like I've done anything significant as of now. And even in the novel's world, Violette never amounted to anything. So perhaps her judgment is understandable.

Placing my teacup and coaster on the table, I stand up. I marched to the door, Elliot following right behind me. 

I turned around to meet the butler's gaze "Well, I'll be in your care," I said in a flat, monotone voice. It wasn't because I envied him, it was more of me being disappointed.

"I may be in charge of the estate for the time being," Elliot pauses, bowing to me "But you, my lady, you are still my master," he smiles reassuringly. I returned his smile. 

Ah, loyal as always. I thought to myself.

Speaking of which, "Would you mind telling Isadora about the Viscountess' departure?" Elliot accepted my request without a question. He exits the room before me. Now, I'm left alone, all by myself. If Elliot went to Isadora right now, it should line up with the timeline of the novel. By now, Isadora should have her dress picked out. 

Right, I have the ball to worry about. I'll be getting to meet some of my favorite characters in all of fiction, yet here I am. Contemplating what just happened between Violette and her mother.

Tomorrow, I'll be at that ball. It'll be like no other, an elegant party at the palace. Nobility from all over the country and from beyond the seas will be there. It's not the time to be sulking over some decision an irrelevant character made. I clenched my hand into a fist, my teeth gritting in frustration. Isadora would have met most of her love interests at that point, she'll be the star of the novel from then on out. There wasn't a place for Violette, but it's not like it matters as long as I could meet them too. Perfect people gathered at that ball to begin their exciting story.

I wondered, what would the ball be like now that Violette gets to go?