Chapter 50

"nervous?" Anneliese asked a stiff Aurelia, lost in thought staring out the window.

"... How could I be? With my teacher here, I feel more comfortable."

Anneliese smiled gently, remembering her own debutante. She was only the third daughter of a small Viscount, without much power or talent, even her dowry was small compared to other ladies. She had lived her whole life in her family's estate in the countryside, and the wealth and splendor of nobles in the capital astonished her and left her dumbfounded. For a moment everything she learned about manners and decorum evaporated from her mind.

She had been a nervous wreck, stumbling and stuttering. She forgot what to say and how to act, she even fell on her face in the dance floor. It was all so embarrassing!

Everyone, including the servants, laughed, and she wanted nothing but for the earth to open up and swallow her. Just when she was on the verge of tears, lamenting her predetermined fate of a wallflower, and wallowing in self-pity, a melodious sound of an angel shone a bright ray of hope in her gloomy world.

The royal princess, not only brushed it as something completely natural, but ended the whole dilemma in a humorous way, leaving smiles on everyone's face. Ever since that day, Anneliese became a diligent follower of the princess, even if they seemed like acquaintances on the surface, their true relationship ran way deeper than that.

"well, I am always by your side." Anneliese assured, smiling warmly. She will take by Aurelia's hand and guide her through the thorny path of society, something she wished someone has done to her in the past. Even if her sisters warned her, nothing in the world could prepare her for it." But try to make new friends, alright"

Friends are not only for playing together, they can be a strong solid support who will lend you a helping hand and a stepping ladder to reach a higher level. If they are close enough, someone to rely on is also good, but in society, money, power, and connections are more important than a shoulder to cry on. Besides, even if no one says it out loud, these girls are expected to bring their families, which have been at each other's throats for generations, together peacefully.

Aurelia nodded. She was a little nervous, but not for herself, she is confident in her abilities. She is scared the other girls will make fun of her because of that cursed girl. Since the moment she stepped in, no one could live peacefully again. Her father spent most of his time in his office, as usual, only coming out to talk with Victoria. Her mother never had time to relax, running around after that unwelcomed pest. Her mother even complained about a headache, and it was obvious who's causing it.

If the girls mocked her, she wouldn't know what to do!

Anneliese was also worried about Aurelia. Because of her docile and mature behavior, the little girl didn't tolerate misbehavior of children and got easily irritated, resulting in having no friends. The recent scandal of welcoming a new family member took a toll on her mood, too. Not just that, but Anneliese was aware of the young princess acting out, and didn't know if the girls would get along.

"her ladyship, viscountess Anneliese laurel, and lady Aurelia Veritas, daughter of Duke Victor Veritas."

"ready?" Anneliese held her hand.

"... Yes. I'm ready."

*****

After everyone said their greetings and moved to the Spring Blossom garden, the ladies chatted about various topics, the nice weather, the beautiful garden, the aromatic flowers, the taste of the tea, and so on. Angelina introduced the ladies to each other, then left with the older ladies for a walk. She wanted the girls to feel comfortable, and children feel more at ease with the presence of their peers, not with adults.

With an anxious heart, she left them to Amourora's care, hopefully, that spoiled child won't disappoint. She wasn't sure if the little girl understands the responsibility she has as a member of the royal family; to bear the pressure of the spotlight. Angelina already dressed her well and taught her as best as she could in the short time, everything after that, she has to do it alone. She wasn't as worried about the shy Avyanna, that girl is friendly and would most certainly get along well with others.

The younger ladies, sitting at a different table, were still shy and simply sipped tea and ate refreshments. Because of the perfect personality, Amourora couldn't be friendly at first. Her first impression should be of a fierce young lady, before gradually warming up to a friendly girl. If she started with a warm welcoming smile, they will mistake her for an easy-going person, and do what they please. So she wanted to prevent them from going too far.

She gave the young girls a hard time with her criticizing eyes, demanding they fight for her favor. Children, naturally, wanted to be liked by everyone, and when someone doesn't instantly do so, they will give some time and effort to achieve their goals.

"these tarts are very tasty!" Briallen opened an easy topic.

"I like how the chef prepared it with powder sugar on top." Avyanna agreed. "try these, too. I prepared them for today"

Avyanna's maid served fresh cookies in a plate.

"they are delicious! How come I never heard of them before?"

"it's really sweet, goes well with the tea."

" They even have chocolate! where did you get them from?"

Chocolate was a luxury imported from abroad, so the girls didn't enjoy them as much as they wished. Avyanna simply replied, "I am glad you like them. I had them from the royal kitchens."

Amourora was disheartened to see children so young already imprisoned by the shackles of society and restricting themselves from doing what they enjoy, like playing and jumping all over the place until they are breathless from laughter.

Amourora watched as the little girls impersonated the actions of adults. The only one not doing so was Nylsa, daughter of Marquise Valens. She looked bored and didn't bother hiding it. Even the crispy crust and gooey chocolate on the soft cookies didn't seem to impress her. Amourora's focus was Aurelia, but Nylsa would become Victoria's aid if the past didn't change. What should she do to bring Nylsa to her side?

"why don't we take a stroll in the garden?" Amourora stood up. It wasn't a suggestion, but an order.

"that's a good idea. we have been sitting for a long time"

"the view is pretty, a walk would be refreshing."

"yes, the flowers are in full bloom despite the fact it's already autumn."

"the garden is very enchanting, I wish my other sisters could see it, too. "

As the girls stood as gracefully as they could. All but Nylsa, who accidentally hit the table, as a result, a cup of tea splashed lady Luxotticelle's lovely dress, though Amourora wasn't sure whether she is Rotana or Eileen. "oh, no."

"are you alright?"

"did you get hurt, sister ?"

"I'm alright, it's just..." she hesitated, staring at the ground, as if embarrassed to speak. "...My dress is ruined. It's alright, I will go change it."

"miss..." her maid seemed to search for the right words to use, as her lips kept moving without a sound. "... I forgot to pack an extra dress."

Lady Luxotticelle was exceptionally clever than those her age. Asking for a dress would lead to a thank you gift which in turn will create another opportunity or a conversation for an encounter, which might bloom into a friendship or alliance.

" sister, you can borrow mine." her younger sister offered.

"thank you for your thoughtful words, sister, but I am afraid it will be too small for me." The older sister must have anticipated this, because she knew it wasn't possible with their hight difference and figure. It will be tight around the shoulders and waist." perhaps I should return early... "

" but, the party just started! "Briallen intervened, and turned to blame the maid." as a personal maid, how can you be so incompetent? You should put your master as a priority and do whatever they need before they ask for it. "

" lady Valerie, it's of no use to scold the maid. Since it already happened, we should find a solution instead. "

'oh. So Lady Luxotticelle wanted to win a good reputation too!' Amourora smiled at the sly fox. 'wouldn't it be beneficial to have her on my side?'

The only ones who could lend her a dress were Nylsa and Asterix, the other girls were too short. Which one will step up? Since this didn't happen in her last life, Amourora didn't know.

She didn't do much yet, but the past is already changing?