Chapter 27

One day before the Crown Prince's 16th birthday bash...

The previous ominous day passed on but even Alvin pointed out that I looked funny.

He asked me if I was alright at least a hundred times today. He had invited me to his estate to have a conversation.

Meaning:- A duel to prove his skills where I, as always, kicked him out the curb.

He was no match for me. With the aid of my dark energy, I could almost predict everything Alvin would do but even he noticed that there was something off with me today.

Though he was still annoying, he specifically ordered Chamomile Tea to be brewed for me. I was touched.

There was only one day left for the Crown Prince's ceremony. Both Carlisa and I were awaiting Lily's big entrance.

Yesterday, after I woke up and composed myself from my small breakdown, I decided my future.

I resolved a small plan. When Lily arrives, it is sure to cause a stir in the ceremony. The Eskater duchy will be busy mingling with their emotions.

After the party, I will leave with Erebus to fix our situation and think clearly during that time.

On that day, if my gut says to leave for good and settle after solving the problem with Erebus, I'll leave. But if I feel that I should stay and aid the duchy in my own way, I'll stay. I won't give a damm about Lily.

Since I always fawned over the male characters more than the female leads, I didn't feel much for her.

Since I arrived here, a gnawing feeling just erupts with no warning when thoughts of Lily come by.

Suddenly, the image of the childhood Rose came into my mind. Her words of requesting me to make a wise decision echoed in my head.

What should I do?

Alvin suddenly asked me what color of a dress I would be wearing tomorrow to the ceremony. I answered back saying that I would probably wear a purple one.

The original story had described that Rose wore a sky-blue dress. So, I avoided that death flag and opted to go for a purple one. Alvin nodded his head, suspiciously. What is this guy planning?

We bid farewell and I took a carriage home. I looked back at the marvelous castle and smiled. I knew what I wanted to write in my letter to Alvin.

I got back to the duchy, fussed around with Mum and entered my room. I sat at my desk and took some papers out with ink. Here we go!

***

The auspicious day finally arrived. Mum and I went window shopping in the capital while picking up outfits of our family for the Birthday celebration.

I was anxious but I masked it with a smile for the day. My dress had a dark purple outlook. It also contained several flower petals dyed a light purple attached to it's hem.

The dress was beautiful. There were no words to describe it. My Mum and I both had up-do hair.

We handed the ready-made dresses to each of the family members and they ran out to change. The evening sun fell and created fabulous clouds in the sky.

As usual, we took a carriage. The celebration was held in the Emperor's castle. The hall was suitably arranged. Carlisa had taken care of most of the responsibilities. The ceremonial hall was beaming with elegance.

I waved at Carlisa who was sprinting here and there. She spared a quick glance at me and nodded.

She had worn a gold gown flowing down to her toes and it highlighted her red hair. She was sparkling glitter while I was a thick matte.

I glanced to my right, feeling a familiar glance from somewhere. It was Alvin.

He had worn a dark purple coat with a pair of sleek trousers. Wait? Did he match my dress? Was that why he asked for the color of my dress?

Alvin saw me and winked at me. My heart skipped a beat, yet again. I gave him a friendly wave.

Woah, Blair, you, as the villainess, can't possibly be crushing on the male lead's younger brother?!  What kind of plot development will that make?

Or can I? I wasn't that old when I died.

'And right now, you are just fifteen. Same as him!' A voice from my brain whispered to me. I shook my head, cheekily.

I realized that I have to give Carlisa the note I wrote for Alvin. I chased after her after I informed Mum. Carlisa was super fast.

The girl could have won a 100m race in seconds. I caught up to her in a corridor.

"Carlisa, wait up!" I called up after her. She stopped just in time and faced me.

"This...I want you to give it to Alvin..." I told her, trying to maintain a normal expression while my heart tried its best to stop panting.

"What does this mean? Lily still hasn't come yet! Are you leaving before the party even begins?" She asked me several questions at a fleeting pace.

"I'm not going yet. I'm asking you to give this to him if I did leave for good. And, I have a feeling that I might come back." I told her with a pleading expression and grinned, shamelessly.

She took the letter, shoved it into one of her hidden pockets. Then, she hugged me, not caring about the others in the corridor.

"Please, don't leave in a hurry. Let's see, first. Please contact me. You have to tell me every single detail!" She begged me. I nodded my head at her, diligently.

"Come on! I'm leaving for business! I will be back before you know it. Most probably!" I told her.

"You can't twist words like that!" She scolded me.

I returned back to the ballroom or the huge hall. The Prince had already arrived and was conversing with some nobles.

I walked through and a grinning Alvin suddenly popped in front of me.

"May I have this dance?" He asked me.

"You should seriously stop popping out of nowhere like that! But do go ahead." I told him, remembering the fact that this could be my last dance with him.

'No, I don't want it to be!' The devil in my brain lamented.

"Wow, you didn't make an excuse this time!" I just laughed at his comment. Again, words failed me.

He held out his arm for me and I took it. What am I getting so worked up for? Blair, chill!

We danced for a few minutes and this time, I did better remembering my previous dance with him.

The sound of a wine glass made the whole ball room go silent. We regrouped.

The Crown Prince was up on the highest stair and gave out a speech of his gratefulness for everyone's presence.

I clapped along with the others and followed the path to a secluded window.

A group of ladies nearby were gossiping on some topic that attracted their full attention. I peeked in a little to hear their conversation.

"Have you heard? Miss Lionina's brother had played around with black magic and was arrested three days ago." One whispered.

"Woah, such a shame." Another said with a pretentious gasp.

"I know right! It seemed that the empire exiled the whole family from the capital!" What? The whole family was exiled?!

My ears pulled back and I leaned on the window. I took it as another warning given by the universe to leave.

But, my will to test my hypothesis kept me stationary. Any minute now, Lily will appear.

I saw a tall figure approaching the stairway situated in the middle of the room. It was insignificant 'Count Vien'.

My stomach released a cluster of anxious butterflies. I spotted Carlisa and she looked at me with a nervous face.

I forced a smile to assure her that we will be okay. She must be nervous about Lily stealing her man.

Count Vien talked with the Emperor and Crown Prince. The Crown Prince had a weird expression while the Emperor's face remained blank.

Count Vien turned towards the crowd and requested everyone's attention.

"Ahem! I'm sorry to disturb your lovely evening, but I have a small surprise to show everyone today. I believe that the Eskater Duchy will be more surprised and pleased than all." Count Vien continued. Now's the moment!

"So, while I was travelling across the countryside a few months back, I came across a familiar face. I was shocked but instantly knew that I must provide justice to the Eskater family." He sugar-coated his words.

Yeah, right! As if you'd care about anyone but yourself! The complaining department screamed inside my head.

"Dear duke, please focus on the main entrance. I present to you, Lady Lily Eskater!"

The female protagonist of the novel is finally here.