Chapter Three

A few hours later, the celebration started to commemorate Cecilia's coming of age ceremony.

The citizens of the town were congratulating Cecilia with joyful expressions that it could be heard even while you are inside the manor.

"Sister, is it true that you step down from being the heir?"

"I did. Happy birthday, Cecil"

Tears began to well up from her eyes. Her cheeks begun to flush.

"You're not teasing me or anything, are you? You won't take back your words?" Cecilia asked with a grumpy hamster-like expression.

"I am serious. I wouldn't have handed it over to you if you didn't have the skills for it"

Lalaine nonchalantly drank her tea, and added, "Just know that your hard work has paid off"

Cecilia stood up and headed towards Lalaine. With open arms, Lalaine hugged her sister as she patted her head.

Cecilia's head was resting on Lalaine's lap like a child who just cried after tripping.

"What are you planning to do now?" She asked, her head still buried on Lalaine's lap.

"Well... you will soon find out, Cecil"

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Miss Lalaine, Miss Cecilia, it is I, Thelma"

"Come on in"

The door opened, and madam Thelma, the butler of our manor who used to be the personal maid of our mother entered the room.

"The second young master from the Vualen viscounty has arrived"

Vualen? If it is the second young master, that means it is the one who is courting my sister?

"Do please bring him here. It has been a long time since I saw my future brother-in-law"

"Sister! What are you talking about?"

Cecilia's face begun to turn red.

"Oh please, I know that Sir Louis already won your heart. How long do you plan on making him wait?"

"I am not..."

Cecilia covered her face with her hands but was futile as she could not hide her ears that turned beet red.

"Understood. I will have him come here in a moment"

After Thelma left, Cecilia immediately fixed her posture and breathe slower as to not show her flushed expression.

"You really do like him, huh"

Lalaine teasingly said.

"I do... How can I not when he is so adorable. He also has a sense of responsibility who is well loved by his family and people.

Though it is not noticeable due to his clothes, he also has a well built body and has a healthy lifestyle. He has no addiction or hobbies that may affect him negatively.

He can also drink well but only drink moderately so that he will not lose control of himself and..."

Cecilia realized that she begun narrating everything she loved about Sir Louis which made her felt embarrassed.

Knock. Knock.

It was obvious who it was base on the nervousness the knocks carried.

"May I come in?" A young man's voice echoed in the quiet room.

"Yes you may"

With permission received, the door opened and the second young master of the Vualen family entered the room with a dumb look on his face.

He is slightly tall than average men in N'hara and has a cute round face.

His hair neatly done, his classy white shirt and gray pants, the subtle powder on his face that highlights his face's appeal... whoever helped to doll himself up sure did a good work.

"....."

Upon making eye contact, there was an instant tension and slight awkwardness that formed some sort of wall and connection at the same time between the two.

'Ah~ These lovebirds who are nervous in front of each other after a long time sure is a nice treat to my eyes~'

"It is my pleasure to see you, Lady Lalaine. To you as well, l-lady Cecilia"

Lalaine looked at the man from head to toe, scanning him down to the last detail.

"It is nice to see you after quite some time, Sir Louis"

She then turned her head towards Cecilia and looked at her. Lalaine then leaned closer to her ear and whispered in a teasing manner,

"You sure are mother's daughter"

After seeing the himbo looking young man in front of me, I was sure that my sister's taste in men came from our mother.

Lalaine stood up, catching the two off guard.

"It looks like you two have things to catch up on. With that said, I will be taking my leave first. Also, make sure to treat my sister well in the future, Sir Louis"

"D-do not worry my lady, I promise to take great care of lady Cecilia!"

Louis' face became as red as a ripe tomato after hearing words that was no different from acknowledgement from the older sister of the one he was courting.

"Goodbye then"

With a few quick steps Lalaine left the drawing room, humming to herself, while the two were left in an awkward but warm atmosphere.

...

A few hours later the ball started as the musicians begun.

Cecilia wore a simple blue dress, classic to N'hara and its heat.

The main character of the day, Cecilia, had her first dance with our father.

Then the knight commander who was like our uncle. And finally, the suitor.

Sir Louis bowed with his right hand extended and asked, "May I have the honor to dance with you, my lady?"

"Of course" Cecilia replied as she took Louis' hand.

Everyone silently giggled to themselves as they watched the two lovebirds dancing around. Except for one.

"My dear, you do not have any plan on marrying someone soon, are you?"

William asked Lalaine with a sad face.

"Father, there is no need for you to worry. Since the heir is now Cecil, it will be Sir Louis who will be moving into our land instead. Also, as you already know, I currently do not fancy anyone"

"Oh! That's right!"

Father became cheerful once more.

"If you ever fall in love with someone, make sure to talk with them. No matter how trivial it may be, or whatever sort of problem may arise, always talk it out with them"

"Is this how you seduced mother?"

"No. It is how I earned her trust. As you know, I don't really need to do anything to seduce my wife" William said as he laughed.

Right, it is thanks to my gorgeous mother and handsome father that me and Cecil are beautiful as well.

A minute later, the music stopped.

".....?!"

Everyone had their mouth agape as they saw Sir Louis knelt down on one knee, with his forehead on Cecil's hand.

"Oh my goodness gracious~"

The young man looked up to the young woman as his trembling hand took something from his pocket.

"I know that I am lacking in many ways, but I assure you that I will offer everything I have"

He opened the box and showed an amethyst ring, similar to Cecilia's eyes.

"I promise to prove you my worth and feelings everyday. I hope my shoulders will be one that you can lean on, in times of need or in times of peace"

Tears flowed down her cheeks as she covered her mouth from what was unfolding before her.

"Cecilia Reosra, will you marry me?"

"...yes..."

She mumbled.

Cecilia nodded and said it again louder this time, so that everyone in the room could hear it.

"Yes! I do!"

The suspense that filled the ballroom became one of celebration. Everyone cheered for the wonderful news.

Sir Louis stood up and spread his arms wide.

He asked with teary eyes and trembling voice, "May I?"

"Yes, you may" She answered as she pulled him close.

With his head on Cecilia's shoulder, Sir Louis embraced her as he could not believe the day he dreamed of has finally arrived.

Cecilia on the other hand was crying from joy as she leaned on to Louis.

The party went longer than expected as the chef of our manor served even more food for the joyous occasion.