Chapter 51

Or maybe the past wasn't changing...Maybe the tea didn't accidentally spill because of the table, but she spilled it on her dress on purpose! Maybe this was already planned, even back then... But she wasn't able to exercise her plan because the girls had already fought. If so, then she would really have to leave early, but why didn't she in the past?

She didn't get along with the girls, so she must have wanted to go back home...if she didn't go, it meant she never planned to leave. Not then, not now. It would be much smarter to stay and form connections with esteemed figures. When will she have this chance again? So far, her status is the weakest in the group, any relationship would be beneficial to her. This stunt couldn't be pulled unless she was sure to receive positive results.

"um... If you don't mind, mine is too splendid for this event, but I would be more than happy to lend it to you." Asterix beckoned for her maid to fetch the dress.

"no. Mine might be too simple for your taste, but I would feel guilty for not giving it to you after ruining your dress." Nylsa gestured for her maid to get it.

While it seemed like lady Luxottica was choosing between dresses, she was, in actuality, contemplating which family is a more beneficial partner. The Valens family, with military power, or the Celestine family, holding a unshakable position in court for generations.

"you guys... Thank you. I should apologize for the inconvenience, but you are being so kind to me." she smiled in gratitude. "since it's a tea party, I think a simple dress fits the occasion."

'oh. So she wants to build an image of a virtuous lady by being kind and frugal. Nice!' Amourora thought of ways to lure this clever ten-year-old over to her side. 'she would be helpful.'

If she wasn't, a sharp knife is better in your hands than your enemies' hand, so she still wanted her on her side.

As lady Luxotticelle left with Nylsa and some maids, Amourora turned to Aurelia, her first words will be important, so they should be directed to the right person. "lady Verita, the stroll will be after the others are here. Until then, the talent show will start with you. You did prepare for the talent show, right? "

"me? Oh, um, alright." her fingers shook as she nervously placed a strand of hair behind her ear. "it's a poem, I—"

"by whom? Did you write it?"

"uh, no, your highness, I read it on a book..."she waited for Amourora to give her permission to speak.

" go on. "

She nodded."Donned in dark drapes, dreamless till dawn,

Telling told tales, repeating mistakes, on and on and on .

Morning arrives, still awake,....

The other girls seemed nervous because a talent show wasn't mentioned on the invitation letter, and quickly thought of what to do when their turn arrives, keeping their eyes on Aurelia, but their minds somewhere else.

".... not all that's lost is gone." Aurelia finished the poem with a polite curtsy, a round of applause praising her well told poem. "thank you."

"who would like to go next?"The girls, with thumping hearts, looked at one another, avoiding Amourora's gaze." Avyanna? Please, go ahead. "

" oh... "Avyanna didn't expect to be called on." I... I would like to... dance. May I?"

Amourora nodded and handed her the white lace fan that she requested. The shy Avyanna performed a gentle dance, the soft and agile movements of her feet matched the way she waved the opening and closing fans in circles, the slow music of the band complemented her slow breezy dance.

The crowd clapped harder this time and complimented her performance. "princess Avyanna, I have never seen such dance before, what is it called?"

"yes, it was splendid but not exaggerated."

"em... It's called 'peach blossom in full bloom' ." Avyanna blushed and lowered her head shyly. "It would be better if I had more practice, perhaps I can improve by next spring.

"you did well." Amourora praised with a small smile.

"thank you." Avyanna covered her red cheeks with her fan.

"lady Eileen Luxotticelle? What did you prepare for us today? "

"hm?" she stood stunned. "oh, I...play the piano, your highness."

The Luxottica family came from a long lineage of brilliant scholars, who made numerous contributions to the empire. However, Marquise Luxotticelle has been blessed with six daughters and only one son. Some called him unfortunate, as ladies couldn't persue a career in the government, and could only be married away, but the Marquise still insisted on their strict education.

So far, none of his daughters have debuted yet, Rotana and Eileen are actually the third and fourth daughters, but even they were with a brilliant mind. Eileen asked for a piano to buy herself more time for thinking.

"your highness, is it possible if my performance is last?" she guessed right. "it would take long for a heavy piano to be brought out, so walking to it later would be better."

"alright." Amourora wanted to confirm her name, delaying her show won't be a problem. "lady Celestin?"

"your highness, I enjoy painting. It takes rather long, so I brought one of my paintings with me." Asterix presented a painting of the night sky to the girls. The painting was very basic, and had a beginner's work written all over it, but it looked pretty if one overlooked the flaws. She has some potential.

Briallen, knowing she will be next, shrunk in her seat, trying her best to make herself invisible. Asterix found a way to present her gift for the princess as part of the talent show, but Briallen didn't have anything.

Spoiled since young, she never had to learn anything, and she didn't expect to have a talent until she was much older. Her only talent as of now is eating a lot of sweets without getting fat, but she doubted stuffing her face with cake would impress anyone. She wished she had listened to her older sister when she tried teaching her different skills.

"your highness, why don't you show us what you prepared for the talent show?" Briallen directed the bullet at Amourora before the same could be done to her. "We would be thrilled to watch what you have in store for us. I am sure it's far better than any of us can do."

Amourora smiled in surprise. "oh? Yes, I, I'd love to!" she didn't expect that to happen, it left her dumbfounded.

'it seems Briallen works best under pressure.' It's good to know that none of her crew members are useless, but she didn't prepare anything either, she has been busy since the first day she came. She walked to where Avyanna and Aurelia stood to perform as slowly and confidently as possible. "I would like to sing."

What song should she say? Which one fits the occasion?

"through the glass, over the wall *

Looking for something new... 🎶"

'no, not that song! Ugh.' She heard Maylea sing it once and now it permanently settled down on her head, replying over and over again! But it's not like she can stop mid song.

"wake from the dream, forget about the past,

At the end of the rainbow is you... 🎶"

The lyrical song was soft and mellow, coupled with Amourora's gentle melodious voice, it was pleasent to the ears and brought warmth to the hearts. After she finished, with the loudest round of applause, Nylsa and Briallen did a sword dance and story telling. During the walk to the Hopeful Hydrangeas pavilion for the piano, an interesting topic came up.

"lady Verita, is it true that lighting bolt struck the Verita's mansion?"

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*song :I choose you. By:Alessia Cara.

All credits belong to rightful owner.