Beginning III

The carriage ride was smooth as Hina leaned her back comfortably, letting the warm spring sun settle on her skin as her body felt sluggish with boredom. She allowed her mind to drift away for a moment as thoughts of Rebecca's words filled her mind, causing her to worry a bit. She wondered what could be so important, hoping it was nothing bad.

In the novel, her character and Rebecca's were not exactly on speaking terms. Also, much like herself, Rebecca's character was not important enough to the author, so Hina was left to figure out these behind the scenes situations with little bits and crumbs she could think of.

"Do you have any idea of what lady Rebecca wants to tell us?" Tanaka asked with her hands folded in her lap, her sparkly blue eyes searching for an answer from Hina.

"No, I don't" Hina sighed, "but I do hope it's nothing serious" she said.

"Mm, I hope so too"

The carriage came to a satisfying halt and the doorman reached to open the door, making way for the ladies to climb out with his help. The commercial district where the cafe was situated was as bustling as always, harbouring the chattering people that filled the area. Hina and Tanaka strode into the cafe that had become like a second home, easily locating lady Rebecca who seemed to be dishing out instructions to her employees. It was rare to see her face so serious as the employees before her kept their heads down in fear. Hina assumed they must have made a terrible mistake to unleash her anger.

"Lady Rebecca!" Tanaka called out, dipping a curtesy as she walked ahead of Hina.

"Oui, you're here already," Rebecca said in response, her previously stern expression instantly swivelling into a bright smile.

"How's the cafe today, lady Rebecca?" Hina asked with a smile in return, glancing at Rebecca's warm hands that enveloped hers with a clasp.

"Great as always. There was just a little mistake by the new workers that I had to sort out" Rebecca replied, motioning for Hina and Tanaka to follow her to the door hidden behind the tapestry in the corner, away from the staring and whispering customers that seemed to notice Hina as the same girl on the frames. It had been three years already but Rebecca had refused to do away with the old pictures of Hina hung on the wall, claiming that it was the key to the cafe's high sales as some people came in simply to admire the pictures.

The quiet cosy room was Rebecca's personal rest space. Much like the Laurent stylishly elegant residence, the private space was adorned with neutral tones and attained a similar French rustic theme.

A familiar server silently appeared following a quiet knock, setting down a tray loaded with mini-croissants, wedges of cheddar and Havarti paired with other sweet refreshments, before quickly disappearing from the room. Now alone, Hina was itching to ask what the important matter was but Tanaka beat her to it.

"If I may ask, what is the important matter you wanted to discuss with us, lady Rebecca?" Tanaka prompted, helping herself to some custard creaminess.

Hina caught the sudden blush that crept onto her friend's cheeks as the woman cleared her throat to speak

"It's nothing specially important" she swallowed, "I'm getting married next month" she said, her shiny brown eyes an indication that she was very delighted about the idea.

"Really? That's great news! Congratulations lady Rebecca!" Hina said, relief flooding through her as she realised she had been unnecessarily worried.

"Oh my! Congratulations lady Rebecca! I can't believe you're soon to be wed" Tanaka said, astonished by the news.

"Who is the lucky man?" Hina asked curiously, watching Rebecca's face with amusement.

"His name is Lucas, an old family friend I attended the academy with while I was in France. We've been engaged for some time now as arranged by our families but there were a few setbacks" she hissed, "We have finally agreed on a date for next month"

From her cool tone, it was obvious that the family arrangements had blossomed into something more than a mere arrangement. Indeed, Rebecca in the novel was married to a man who was said to love her dearly. Hina had forgotten that little fact as she was too busy trying to keep up with the ongoing changes. 

"The only issue is that the wedding will be held in France so I'll have to leave sometime this week to start coordinating the needed preparations.." she trailed off, a sullen tone in her voice as she reckoned that Hina would be unable to attend her wedding. Regardless of their age difference, Hina was her closest friend and the sudden realisation that she would be absent at the wedding stung her. Noticing her worries, Hina held her hands, "It's okay, lady Rebecca" she started, "although neither myself nor Tanaka will be there, you shouldn't let that disturb this happy moment."

"My sweet Hina" Rebecca held her hands slightly tighter.

"We can always have our own little celebration together when you get back" Tanaka explained, quickly catching on.

"Okay, we'll do that" Rebecca nodded sagely, grinning at the ladies.

The remaining day was spent discussing Rebecca's soon to be spouse and their wedding plans as the sun began to fade into the twilight skies.

Rebecca saw the two off, striding beside them as they left the crowded cafe to their carriage, acknowledging that this would be their last encounter before she had to travel.

"Goodbye, I'll miss you" Rebecca said with a hug as she wrapped her hands over Hina and Tanaka, her voice shaky.

"It's only for a short time, we'll meet once you return" Hina pacified her as she gently patted her back. Despite her young age of seventeen, Rebecca had always felt that Hina was mentally much older and more mature than she was. It was ironic how she longed for Hina to address her as 'elder sister' when Hina herself took on the role in such a natural manner.

"We will miss you too, lady Rebecca" Tanaka let out in a soft tone.

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