Aim

My eyes widened in surprise as I looked up at her.

Who is this lady?

"Oh Darling! Geirraven!" She suddenly burst into tears when she saw me and then crouched in front of me as she gave me a hug.

I was so confused right now. Don't tell me…

"A-ah! C-countess Barlowe!" I heard Clara calling and then I saw her running towards us.

I sighed in relief when I realised she was not my mother.

The Countess refrained and then stood up properly to meet Clara while she gently wiped her tears away.

"P-pardon for my indecent act. I just got carried away when I saw my favourite niece." The countess refers to me and my eyes widen in surprise.

N-niece!?!

"Why don't we wait for Lady Geirraven at the guest room? I'll get her change for the both of you to have a nice and sweet conversation." Clara persuaded in a polite tone.

I never encountered this lady before, especially since the book didn't mention that Geirraven had an Aunt. Which is rather confusing, which family side is she?

"M'Lady, Let's go and get you changed." Clara said and she pushed me inside my room with her reassuring hands on my back. I didn't realised, Mary already escorted the lady back to the guest room.

But there is one thing that's bothering me.

I sat awkwardly in front of the countess as I tried to put on a smile but I couldn't seem to fake my feelings.

I watched her put down her teacup after she took a sip and then she held out her fan and started flattering it on her face.

Really? It's not that hot here.

"I'm so glad to have finally met you, My darling Geirraven. It's been so long that I haven't seen you in years. You've grown so much already into a cute and beautiful Lady. you really got the eyes of your father, gradient blue." She started with a smile.

I looked down and bit my lower lip when i did not come up to answer her. I swayed my short legs through the air as my feet didn't reach the floor.

"I see that the Lady is shy." The countess observed.

"Ah, Yes she is. She doesn't have any friends to begin with. that's why she is very shy.`` Clara answered for me instead.

"Why don't I take her with me this weekend? I'm sure Terrowin wouldn't mind me bringing her daughter to the salon party at the Imperial palace. Doesn't he, Ms. Clara?" She grinned and then looked at me with her flattering fan.

I lifted my head up and blinked twice, whether I was hearing this right or not.

Huh?! Why me? I don't want to go outside! especially at the "Imperial Palace"! and I might run into the royale family!

"W-well u-uhm.." Clara stammered hesitantly.

"Besides that you mentioned that my Geirraven here doesn't have any friends. I could introduce her to the daughters of my Noble friends that's the same age as her." She reasoned.

I looked at Clara to see what she would answer about this, Please Clara! Say no!

"It would be such a great opportunity for her to enter the social circle at a very young age,especially since she is the daughter of the second ranking noble of our empire."

Clara took a deep breath and then smiled at the countess.

"I'll let the Duke know about this." She finally answered.

What?! No! This is too early! Way too early! to meet that….!

"Oh he already knew about this. I already sent him a letter and he acknowledged it."

"I-i see.."Clara replied with a slow nod.

"Now, Geirraven." She stood up and smiled at me.

"I'll see you in two days."

And she left me, dumbfounded.

I walked through the hallway of the Mansion with Clara by my side.

"My lady, Aren't you happy seeing your Aunt?" Clara started when she noticed that i was too quiet. I didn't know what to answer and I just gave her a slight nod.

"You don't have to be shy. Countess Sophia is one of a kind. She's the young sister of your father, the duke." She explained and my speculation was right. She's the sister of my father, that's why she always talked about the duke comfortably.

I reached for her hand and grabbed it. I wanted to ask this so badly, so it's now or never.

"Clara…." I called and then we stopped from walking. She turned to me and looked at me with her smile.

"Yes, My lady?"

I bit my lower lip. "W-where is mother?"

It was already night and I've been waiting for Clara here in my bedroom to tuck me in on my bed.

She did not answer me right away when I asked her where the duchess was. I can't even tell what her expression was at that time. Was she hiding something from me? Could it be….?

No, that can't be. I haven't done much yet to change her life and a new character showed up which it did not mention in the book that Geirraven had an Aunt. And going to the imperial palace is a big change for Geirraven, she entered the palace when she was at her legal age. Now that I am here, it's way too early!

It's already an hour passed when Clara didn't show up anymore, So I decided to find her.

When I reached for the door, I heard faint voices on the other side.. As soon as I heard it, it was Clara and Mary's voices who were talking outside. I put my ear to the door to hear them.

"She finally asked me and i didnt know what to answer her earlier."

"The lady is starting to get curious where the duchess is."

"How can we say this to her? I don't want to hurt our Lady's feelings, Mary. She's like a daughter to me…..and to us."

I heard Mary sighed.

Are they talking about Geirraven's mother?

"The duke will tell her one day. T-they ju–,"

"No Mary. The duke couldn't even look at our lady, like she got the disease of the duchess. I pity her Mary! She doesn't deserve this kind of treatment."

As I heard faint sobbing.

I slowly pulled my ears away from the door. Well I guess that made me fill in the blanks.

I walked back to my bed and tucked myself in the bed instead. Their conservation made me overthink.

What disease? Did the duchess get so sick that it passed down to me?....

I turned to my side and hugged the pillow beside me.

Everything's clear to me now, from the servants who kept avoiding me like I'm a leprous person and to the duke who never showed his appearance, even his shadow.

But who will I be aiming at? The duke? the duchess? the servant of this house? or…

I sat up on my bed when an idea came to mind. The Countess…Aunt Sophia will bring me the opportunity to aim. Upon bringing me at the social circle, I can influence the wives of the rich and powerful people of this kingdom!

Yes! That sounds like a plan! But how so…?

Well, I have to take some risks to get their attention. By this early age, I can show them how bright and influential I am and there, my operation plan to save Geirraven's life begins.

"What do you prefer? A pink bow or a blue bow?" Clara showed me 2 bows in front of me that which would suit my hair.

I picked the blue bow for my hair to suit my light blue puff dress. I looked at myself at the mirror and i notice Geirraven's beauty is starting to show at a early age.

I admired her…her beauty, modesty, and even her kindness made me somewhat…jealous.

I can't deny the fact that she is a very lucky person but then i realised she's not even content with what she had in her life. Why is it so unfair? Why is there always a downside in the good side? I don't understand…

"You're all done, M'lady," Clara announced as I snapped back to reality. I looked at myself once again in the mirror and I sighed as Clara seemed to notice that.

"Hm? Why the coldshoulder, M'lady? Are you not feeling well?" She worried and crouched in front of me as she caressed my cheeks.

Her touch…It reminds me of Aunt Lucinda.

I closed my eyes and felt the warmth of her hands. I missed her..

Suddenly, a knock interrupted us and Clara immediately answered the door.

"Countess Sophia had arrived. She will be waiting for the lady in her carriage." Mary announced.

I looked at myself in the mirror once more.

Being the Lady of this house, I must act to be like one. Now that I am Geirraven, I can finally use my skills from my past life.