CHAPTER #11:TOGETHER.

The roads looked the opposite of what they usually are in broad daylight. However, this is the era where street lamps although lighted by ordinary flames were installed on the streets of the country.

But neither was it the age of the twelfth century. Nor was it eighteenth century and so on.

I stared at the evening sky. The night was welcomed earlier than it was anticipated. Perhaps it was mostly because of the dull grey snow clouds covering the setting sun.

I saw dim lights twinkling in some distance.

"Young Lords, Madame we are about to arrive at Beauregard's estate."

-"Eirlyn's home!!"No matter how many times I visit her I strangely feel an extraordinary sensation of excitement. And the incident of her abuse the first time I visited her makes me want to protect her from the world's harm.

Thinking about this I scorned my brother and his friends for their unacceptable behavior last year. I couldn't believe that the brother I thought was wise for his age turned out to be an actual brat.

-"Is it perhaps the influence of spoilt kids from his academy?"I wondered why there was a sudden change over the past few years.

"Luna!!"

"Eirlyn!Happy birthday!" We ran into each other's arms as if two long-lost sisters were reunited with each other once again after tragedy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Eirlyn." Lucien nervously greeted her. However, Eirlyn nodded in response and hid behind me.

I glared at Lucien and thanked him for the trauma she received but still did not recover from it.

But I realized that it wasn't who she hid from but in distance, the ducal family was getting out of their carriage. It was the Baudelaires. The family is second to the royal family. From where the brat Alexander belongs to.

"Good day Madam Althaia."

"Welcome Countess Inina.It's such an honor to have you on this occasion." Our mothers hugged each other and we were escorted inside to the warm banquet hall.

Eirlyn's mother greeted everyone at the reception. Her father was late today due to bad weather.

The servants took our coats and shawls and made us comfortable in the friendly atmosphere.

"Happy Birthday Lady Eirlyn." A few known girls among who was Eirlyn's cousin greeted her passionately.

"I drank hot chocolate served by the servants."

"Eirlyn how old are you again this year?" A girl who had similar features to Eirlyn with brown hair asked her.

"Uhm...I turned nine today." She replied shyly.

-"Nine?!"I coughed up my cocoa after hearing her age.

"She is a year older than me!!" I couldn't believe that I was mistaken this whole time. She looks so timid and she is short for her age.

"Please excuse me for a moment." She escaped the crowd of people around her and ran to where I silently, watched her.

"Luna! Why are you sitting here alone?"

"I was just warming up myself. As you know-"

"You hate cold!" She interrupted me and started laughing like a small nightingale singing on a wonderful winter tree.

"I have something amazing to show you, Luna. After the greetings are over let's go out." She smiled.

"As the birthday girl wishes." I shrugged smiling.

"Oi Al! What are you doing here today?"

"How rude Ein. To greet your best friend like this." Alexander sobbed clinging unto Lucien.

"Get away from me you brat!!" He kicked him away from himself.

-"What are these two doing?"

"Hah! You still haven't defeated me in sword training."

"Watch out your back you piece of crap. I going to cut you into two the next time we duel."

"Try your luck, Vanderberg!" He stuck out his tongue.

-"These uncultured brats!"I hit the limit to my patience.

"Mother Lucien has lost it again." I tugged her skirt.

"What is it, Luna?" She looked down at me.

-"C'mon do I have to repeat myself?"

Annoyed I just pointed at where the four boys gathered bad-mouthing each other.

"Ahh!Lucien!!" My mother and the duchess hurried over to the boys to stop them.

"Alex! Did you start a fight again?"The duchess called out angrily.

Duchess Florentia was the flower of high society and even today. She is a gorgeous, woman with platinum blonde hair that reflects the warm rays of the sun and big eyes that were mixed. They were partially marine blue and slightly hinted at shades of purple. But her only flaw was her short temper.

" Oh, Countess Vanderberg I apologize for causing you trouble."She made Alexander bow apologetically.

However, I saw both of them showing their middle finger to one another.

"No, please accept our apology, Duchess Florentia."

"A weird friendship. Serves them right." I snickered and left that place.

"Excuse me. Are you by any chance the rumored lady Vanderberg?" Some girls with unfamiliar faces approached me.

-"Rumored?"

"Yes? Do you happen to want something from me?"

"No! No! You are mistaken. We just wanted to ask for some of your time." The girl said.

"This was the same girl who eagerly approached Eirlyn. Perhaps she was her paternal cousin? If my memory serves me right."

"We just heard so much from Lady Eirlyn about you. Please accept our request. We can enjoy the party along with you right?" Another girl with crimson hair looked at me with puppy-like eyes.

She was if I recalled Alexander's only sister and the youngest of the Baudelaires. She resembled more like the Duchess except for red hair. She had inherited those rare eyes from her mother. All her brothers had inherited traits from the duke having crimson hair and deep black eyes that seem enchanted. Unlike her brothers who had a violent temper, she was kindhearted. I guess she received the best traits from her parents.

"Hmm, I never permitted you to talk to me so casually since we aren't close enough." I crossed my arms and looked away. I knew it would break their hearts since they are just 'kids' speaking logically.

"But, on the other hand, I can spare some time on my hands for you. Since you are insisting too much."

I took a peek at their brightening faces gradually cheering up.

"Let's go and have something to eat first. The dinner is about to be served. Oh! And there's cake after that." I passed an uneasy smile and looked to where Eirlyn stood talking shyly with an aristocratic couple.

-"I hope Eirlyn doesn't feel down."

Eirlyn was occasionally mindful of people who carelessly approached me. I think this is one of her sides I find cute.