The Royal Celebration

I have always believed a celebration was something that was done among family and friends. At least, this was what I learned in my second life. Although I had never experienced it then personally as I was unable to get too close to anyone. As an assassin, it was not good to make friends and form tight bonds. I mean, it would be kinda bad if your target was the person next to you, and you let feelings get in the way of offing someone.

As of right now, as I get out of my carriage and stand here looking at the crowd of people lining up to enter the castle, I wonder just how many of these people even care about what is happening tonight and how many are just here to try to make connections with others.

I am no stranger to the stories of nobles in books. I have read a few in my second life, and while only a few, plus the inner workings of big corporations or organizations, I know enough about people trying to suck up to others who have more power than them. They wish to get ahead and hopefully make some kind of deal that will allow them to rise in status.

And That is why I can say most of these idiots dressed in their fancy clothes are all people who are here only to suck up to others. Many of the girls my age are also dolled up with loads of makeup as well. While I have nothing against makeup, I am only five years old, even if my mother tried to hold me down, I would not wear it. I see no point. Kids are born cute. Well, most are, so there is no reason why these girls should be wearing so much powder. I can only guess that they are trying to look mature and pretty for the Prince. It kind of sickens me that parents would go out of their way to try to engage their child to someone just for status.

Although I can say one thing, status was sure amazing. With my father carrying me, my family and I were able to walk past the line and into the castle without needing to check in. It might sound contradictory and it probably is but I can't help it. I think if I was, let's say, a baron's daughter, then I would probably be out there with my family waiting in line, wishing I was the girl who just walked by.

The castle was nothing to write home about. Just tall white walls with guard towers at certain points. The castle itself was many stories high, at least six in total, with grand peaks with red shingled roofs. The main entrance alone had a large double wooden door that seemed to be made for giants and not a puny kid like me.

After entering, we were led down a long red carpet that had many expensive looking vases with purple and white flowers in them. On the walls were pictures of kings and queens of the past. Or I at least think so anyway. For all I know, the people in the paintings could just be some random joe schmo that the painter found to be a model for them. Either way, they were all gaudy looking. At least in how they dressed.

After a few twists and turns, we finally arrived at the main hall. It was large enough for at least a hundred or more people. It had a few long tables filled with food and many maids running about doing this and that. There was a set of stairs that led up to a second floor balcony that overlooked the floor below. Along the walls posted at every stained glass window was a knight with a sword at their side.

I do not know what is with the royal family here, but they seemed to love the color red because the currents and even most of the decorations were also red in color. I guess they associate red as the color for celebrations which seemed off to me, or it could just be the fact that I associate the color red with blood.

At any rate, it was now time for my family to be bombarded by people trying to curry favor. In just the past few minutes that we have arrived, I have been complimented multiple times. Was it spread through high society that my father is a daughter-con?

Whether it was or not is beyond me. But I do wish they would stop. The fake smiles irritated me to no end. "Father, can I get down, please?" I asked in hopes I could go sit with my brothers. He had been carrying me around this entire time.

"Ah, yes of course." Father, did you forget I was in your arms!? The expression he made just now as he answered was that of someone who had forgotten he was carrying another person.

After finally being set down I walked over to the table where my brothers and Mimi were waiting. "Good work, Bella!" Mimi said as she came over and began fixing my dress.

"Mimi, you are here to have fun, not be my maid," I replied as I tried to stop her. I asked my mother to allow Mimi to wear a dress so she could be more than just a servant for once. My mother thought it was a great idea and quickly had a dress tailored just for her.

"Even so, I am still your personal maid. While I do appreciate that you and the rest of the family are willing to treat a mere commoner as if I was one of you, I will never forget the favor you have given me by allowing me to feel what a family is like. I owe a great debt to you and your family. And I have already decided that I will follow you until you say I am no longer needed." Mimi's eyes were soft and warm as she continued fixing my dress. I did not say anything back as I watched her continue doing what she was doing with a smile on her lips. Once she was done, she checked my hair real quick before saying: "Sit and rest, I will get you a drink."

I turned and watched her walk off and smiled. "Mimi is such a good girl."

"That she is. And she is someone who is not greedy either. She still wishes to be of assistance even if we show her great favor." Preston answered my mumbling.

"She will grow up to be very pretty…." Ray softly muttered to himself, his eyes locked on to Mimi. I looked at Preston as he looked at me, and both our lips curled up into smiles. Ray really did have a crush on Mimi.

"Ahh! You wretched commoner!" A scream came from the direction Mimi had walked in. I turned to see a young noble girl of around fourteen years of age glaring at Mimi, who was sitting on the ground covered in red juice.

"That girl pushed Mimi!" Ray yelled out and was about to walk forward, but Preston pulled him back. "Men should not interfere in women's disputes. If she was your fiancee, it would be different, but she is not. Let Bella handle it."

"Mm… I will handle it…. "I mumbled, my eyes flashing with a bit of killing intent. Mimi was my younger sister, no one was allowed to look down on her.

I walked over to where Mimi was and looked at her. She was covered head to toe in red juice. This was no accident, that much was for sure. I looked at the girl who was sneering at Mimi and closed my eyes, trying to calm my emotions before asking: "Excuse me, but good dogs do not block the way."

"Huh?" The girl turned to look at me. She did not seem to know who I was, nor did she seem to understand what my words meant. But the people who did hear me started to giggle. She looked around at those giggling before turning back to me with a fierce gaze as she asked: "Are you talking to me!?"

"Are you willing to take up the role of the dog? If so, then sure. I will give you a doggy bone if you kindly move aside." I replied with an innocent smile causing some people to be unable to hold in their laughter. I ignored the stupid look on the girl's face and knelt down next to Mimi. "Are you hurt?"

"Bella…." Mimi had tears in her eyes. I reached over and gently wiped them away. "Go ask my mother to use a cleaning spell. She will be able to clean you right up. I will handle the rest. Tonight is supposed to be a fun night for you."

"But…" Mimi looked up at the girl and then back at me. I smiled at her and pulled her up, and said: " Just go."

"Ye-yes…." Mimi did as I said and walked back to the table. I saw Ray quickly wrap his coat around her and help her sit down before running off. I am sure he went to get our mother.

"You! You helped a mere commoner!?" The girl barked. She was really loud, my ears hurt.