Everyone watched and listened to the singing performer. While others were entertained and distracted by the company of others, there were some that couldn’t forget the previous dance performance. How could they forget it?

A group of young nobles gathered, young men and women. A few of them had already met, while some were meeting for the first time. But they were brought together by one thing. Their admiration for the princess.

“When is she going to come out again?” A young man asked, growing impatient.

“It should be at any moment now,” another man answered.

They wanted to see her again. This desire was so hard to resist.

A young lady frowned. “Give her all the time she needs. It’s not easy to change outfits on an occasion like this.”

The other ladies agreed vocally.

One man slapped a hand on his brow. “To think I missed her during the festival… I should have attended.”

“Seeing her for the first time was a great blessing. But the second time, this time, was even more than that.”

One of the ladies added, “I want to be friends with her.”

“I want to talk to her.”

Princess Estelia made waves into the young aristocratic circle. But the awe and mesmerization was nothing compared to what was to come.

A servant whispered to the king, and once a song was finished, he held out his hand. Raising from his chair and walking to the center floor.

“The time has come, ladies and gentleman,” he said in a loud and grand voice. “I present to you our esteemed debutante — the sole princess of the kingdom, Princess Estelia of Wisteria!”

The king promptly left the floor and went back to his seat as the soft music grew louder. Everyone held their breath in anticipation. There was pure silence but the music to greet her entrance. Everyone’s heart thumped in excitement.

A white and golden high heel stepped out into the open. Everyone held their gasps as the princess emerged in her blinding radiance. Everyone who was there to witness this very scenery had their breath taken, while others almost cried.

They had a glimpse of divinity.

It felt like the world was shining, compensating for the presence before it. The night moon became unveiled by the clouds and shot its rays of light through the glass windows on the roof. Every jewel, every gold, everything that once was valuable in this very room, had lost its worth.

For she was the most valuable treasure herself.

Time slowed down, as if giving everyone the time needed to fully comprehend and behold the most beautiful thing in the universe. Her dress was simple yet grand, flourishing the purity of white and the allure of glistening gold.

A pair of roses knitted in white and gold expressed their bloom on her waist. Actual gold served as her waistband, and more strips of the same precious metal spread from her chest to her bare shoulders, shaped in vines and tiny leaves. Golden cuff earrings adorned her ears.

Her’s was the palest of skin, as beautiful as winter snow. Her extraordinarily long hair brandished the rarity of platinum as it glimmered amidst all light. Atop her gentle head were tiny Wisteria flowers made of gold, almost forming a crown. Her eyes were the softest, they were as deep as blood, and more beautiful than the crimson of ruby.

She walked with the highest of elegance. Her gown swayed smoother than a gently flowing river in spring.

The people wanted to shout their praise and others to scream out their affections. But making even a single noise felt like the greatest transgression one could ever commit.

Divinity has graced them with her presence. The one they often heard as the Pure Princess was truly the most beautiful. That was an undeniable fact.

When the princess reached the center, a pair came in. One was an old man, who some recognized as the king’s butler, well he was once. While the other was a young one, the princess’s personal knight. The old man was carrying a seat, and he placed it behind the princess. Once the princess sat down, her personal knight gave her a musical instrument, a liathre.

After placing it on her lap, and the bridge by her shoulder, she placed her fingers on the strings. The two servants quickly left and returned to the crowd.

It was the time for her musical performance.

She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, as if to alleviate her nervousness. Once she opened them, she formed a chord and plucked a string. From then on, the tune continued flowing like an uninterruptible stream of water.

Her instrumental song was soothing, slow, and beautiful. Almost sounded like it appreciates everything in this world. It calls out to the beauty of nature. The evergreen trees that brighten the world. The colorful flowers blooming that serve to enrich our day. The endless expanse of the sky that blessed us with its never ending mystery, from its blue to its stars filled night. Even appreciating all things that lived, and the sounds they make to bring tune in our lands. Where people laugh, or they cry, or merely speak.

Appreciating all things wonderful. For this was indeed a wonderful world.

Before everyone knew it, the song came to an end.

The princess formed a pleased smile. Being overwhelmed by her beautiful performance, there was a delay in the audience’s applause.

First it was her parents that applauded before the wave followed.

Her knight promptly came and received her instrument before leaving the floor. The princess rose from her seat and curtsied gracefully.

“Thank you everyone,” the princess spoke for the first time. “I hope you enjoyed my performance. I appreciate you coming to celebrate my seventeenth birthday. To see this many people for my sake, deep in my heart, I am overjoyed.” Her voice was the sweetest and most endearing. “Let us not take too long and enjoy the night. Let the feast begin.”

***

The servants placed different kinds of dishes on the tables, while at the corners there were other tables as well where anyone can get food from. And as everyone ate, gentle music played. The guests enjoyed the food of course, they were looking forward to it ever since they arrived. But they have something else in mind now, someone they want to try speaking to.

It was me!

Hey, it’s your girl, ol pretty Estelia at her birthday party! Anyone love my performances? Of course everyone did. I worked hard for that shit! And the dancing oooooh I’m not doing anything like that again. But the music part, yeah I love that. Got to play one of my classic favorites.

Anyways, I did a lot of preparations for this day. It was worth it, love their reactions! And this gown was amazing! Oh my, this was the best thing I have ever worn in my entire life. I’m literally shining.

Anyways, there were a lot of people around. I mean that’s to be expected, but it’s the first time to have this many people for me. All the food looked so delicious too. But at the moment, the royalties were mildly eating — except for me, I was not eating yet at all. You know why? Because I still have to meet and greet everyone, especially receiving gifts.

I was sitting on my fancy chair next to my family’s table as the first guest approached me. Unsurprisingly, it was Uncle Meril, with his wife, and Mizia who was wearing her fancy crimson gown. If I was the most beautiful here, my dear cousin would be second — if we only look at young ladies. ‘Cause if we include adults, mommy dear would be the second.

“Happy birthday, niece.”

Uncle greeted me first, followed by the other two.

“You look so beautiful, Estelia.” Mizia squirmed around and squealed, smiling adorably with a blush on her cheeks.

In her hands was a box.

“T-Thank you, Mizia.”

“Here is the gift from our family.” She handed me her gift.

After receiving it, I gave the three of them a sweet smile. “Thank you.”

“Talk to you later, okay?”

“Okay.”

Considering that there will still be many that were giving me gifts, the guests would not take long in speaking with me.

I had their gift placed at a more special spot than the rest that were to come.

Next were the other capital noble families. So I got to see my tea party friends in their beautiful gowns. The young Lyndsey was even here. She looked like she was doing fine. Although she expressed her disappointment that she wasn’t able to join my performance. But I consoled her that it’s alright, and told her our monthly tea party plan.

Next to arrive was the high bishop and his two usual entourage. The three deeply bowed as the bishop spoke. “Happiest birthday to you, your highness. May the heavens bless your days that are to come. And may the Lord and Lady watch over you.”

I nodded.

He received a fancy box from Tina and gave it to me. “Here is our present to you, princess.”

I received it with a heartfelt smile. “You have my sincere thanks, high bishop. May the gods bless you.”

He froze for a moment before cackling. It was weird as fuck.

“I am grateful, your highness.”

With that, he left and another came in. And this process went on. There were some amusing ones.

Like here, one with some noble family. I have no connection with them whatsoever, but I knew their name. Mother made me memorize their family. All my mother or Vernon had to whisper to me was their family name and I already know which one’s which.

Anyways, they have a son around my age.

“This is my son—” bla bla introducing him to me.

The young man smiled with charm. “Greetings, your highness. Your performance was the best thing I have ever seen in my life.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope we can be friends when this party is over.”

I could only smile.

You’re no one impressive.

Next!

Yeah, there were some guys trying to charm me or something. But the ladies were not so different. Like this one, for example.

“Your highness, I’m so happy that we can finally talk.”

“Oh…”

“I’m—” bla bla introducing herself. “You’re so pretty.” Her eyes were practically sparkling. “I hope we can be friends before the party is over.”

Again, I could only smile.

She continued. “E-Even though I’m unworthy, may I please touch your hand?”

See? Although that request was a bit surprising. Anyways, I let her touch my hand, and she was flustered all the while.

Oh well. Time to move on. Eventually someone I knew arrived, bringing his family in tow.

It was Lucious with his parents. He smiled with genuine joy and looked at me as if falling in love all over again. “Hello, Princess Estelia.” He greeted me in a formal manner. We’re in a public setting, after all.

“Hello, Lucious.” I kindly smiled back.

“You look wonderful, as always.”

“You look well yourself.”

His smile grew wider, and he pulled his suit. “Meet my parents. I know it’s been a long time since you last saw each other.”

“Hello, your highness. Last time I saw you, you were still a small child,” his mother said, extending her hand.

I shook it without hesitation.

“I hope my son has not been too much of a trouble to you.” His father extended his hand with a humorous smile.

“No, he’s quite helpful.” I shook his hand, too.

“Please, if he does something terrible, feel free to tell me.”

I chuckled. “Sure.”

Lucious placed a hand on the back of his head, feeling embarrassed. “A-Anyway, here’s my, our, gift to you, E— Princess Estelia.”

He handed me a box.

He continued once I received it. “I noticed you’ve been into a new hobby. I hope this will be a good addition.”

Unlike the others, I opened it on the spot. Inside was a thick book, while beside it was a small flower made of gold. Seeing it, I couldn’t help but smile softly. I opened the book to take a peek.

Lucious then spoke. “Um, it’s a book from the Holy Kingdom. From my knowledge, there shouldn’t be any copy of it in the palace library, so I chose that. It’s a collection of tales in that nation.”

A new book for my collection! I’ve been deliberating and running out of interesting things to read. So this was good timing.

I closed the book and touched the golden flower. It was beautiful.

I faced Lucious with a tender smile. “I love your gifts, Lucious. Thank you. I’ll start reading your book later tonight, before going to sleep.”

Lucious, while apparently overjoyed, bowed his head. “Later then, princess.”

With that, he left. I separated his gift from the others, joining in with Mizia’s.

And the greeting process continued on.

Eventually, Mera’s parents arrived. Like wow, this was the first time I met her parents.

“It is a great honor to finally meet you face to face, your highness,” her father said as both her parents bowed deeply.

Mera was standing beside me by the way, smiling, happy to see her parents.

“We are so thankful that you took our dear Mera as an attendant. It is the greatest achievement of the family.”

I smiled with a nod. “You have a wonderful daughter, she is a reliable person. I’m glad to have her by my side.”

“We are overjoyed to hear that,” her father said. “We didn’t expect someone of our status could catch your attention.”

“If someone is excellent enough, they tend to catch the attention of those above them. Is everything doing better on your side?”

“Yes, princess. All thanks to you and the royal family.”

“That’s good.”

“Here is our gift for your precious day.”

I received the box. “Thank you.”

“We won’t take too long of your time. Please excuse us.”

They left to let the next one step forward. But before that, I turned towards my maid. “Mera, go to your family. I’m sure you miss them.”

“But milady, I am to serve you here…”

“I’ll be fine. Go. Be with your family tonight.”

She glanced towards her family walking to their table. After a bit of hesitation, she nodded with a small smile. “I will do so. Thank you, milady.”

And there she went, sauntering towards her family. Considering that it was Mera’s family, I placed their gift with Lucious’s gift.

And the process went on.

I was getting a little hungry, and tired. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long to be over, and I finally started truly eating with the family. Of course, I had my two servants eat too.

The food? So fucking delicious! I could eat dozens of plates just for tonight. However, I’m in a gown, so I shouldn’t do something like that. Besides, I think I could only eat a max of two plates before getting full. Such is the limitation of a small stomach.

When I felt I was almost full, I stopped. I looked at my surroundings. It was noisy, everyone chattering, laughing. Everyone appeared to be having a good time. On the other hand, ballroom dancing would be starting soon.

Considering that I was just done eating, it wouldn’t be good if I started dancing with a full stomach. I needed to stand, but I really didn’t want to talk with strangers just yet. Huh, my socializing energy was depleting fast.

I needed some fresh air. There was a small garden somewhere for that very purpose. Yeah, a garden inside a building, pretty nice. A little silence would be pleasant after all what’s happening. To be honest, given that my birthday was celebrated this much, I felt quite overwhelmed.

I glanced at Rogan, he was done eating as well. Vernon, meanwhile, was still enjoying it, he’s eating a lot!

“I’ll go get some fresh air,” I said to my family. “I’ll be in the garden.”

“Careful, okay?” Mother said.

“I’ll bring Rogan with me.” I drank juice one last time. “I’ll return when my stomach feels a bit lighter.”

“Don’t miss the dance,” said my father.

“Of course.”

I rose from my seat and was heading for Rogan. Midway, Mera suddenly came to me.

“Milady.”

“Mera, I thought I told you to be with your family tonight.”

“Yes, but, I want to give my present.”

“Hm? But your family has already given one to me.”

“This is from me.” She smiled and presented a small box. “Here.”

I received the box and immediately opened it. Inside was a simple red bracelet. It was a bunch of loops, like a group of infinity symbols linked to each other.

“I knitted it myself.”

I smiled and slipped it into my right hand. “This is beautiful, Mera. Thank you.”

“... Uh, y-yes… Milady, I…”

“Hm?”

She cast down her gaze, looking nervous. “I hope we can be friends, milady.”

“Aren’t we already friends?”

“It’s not like that… I mean true friends.”

Oh. Thinking about it, I never saw Mera as a true friend of mine. She was more like a good servant that I have a good relationship with. However… She has been loyal ever since I first arrived in this world, a trustworthy person. Perhaps… yes. Why not?

I reached out for her hand, while the other patted her on the head. She was adorable.

She froze, unable to process what was happening.

I said to her, “Of course we can. You’re a true friend of mine, Mera.”

She was so happy that her smile might as well reach both her ears. Small tears came out of the corner of her eyes.

“Now, go to your family and enjoy this night.”

She nodded and went straight back to her parents. I placed her empty box in my more important and personal pile.

Vernon first noticed me going and he was about to stand up, but I raised my hand.

“There’s no need, you can keep enjoying the food.”

“If you say so, princess. But before all else, let me give my gift to you.”

Gift? I didn’t expect such a thing even from him.

Oh, I did see a box on his table. Standing up, he gave me his present. Opening it revealed a fancy mug, but taller than I usually use.

“I was thinking that you might need a bigger mug for your hot chocolates.”

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but giggle. How thoughtful of him. “Thank you, this is a big help, Vernon.”

I closed the box and placed it in the special pile. As Vernon returned to his dining, I nodded towards Rogan and got ahead of slipping away from this room. He caught up not long after.

On the way to the garden, he asked me quite a casual question. “Just curious. Is it hard to walk in that outfit?”

I frowned a little, I didn’t expect that. “No, it’s not.”

“Oh. Nice to know.”

“You like it?” I smirked.

“Come on, do you really need to ask?”

I chuckled. “So you like it. Want to try wearing it later?” I teased.

He frowned. “Ha-ha, very funny princess.”

Indeed, so hilarious.

We arrived in the garden. Faint lamp light and moonlight filled the room. Flowers and fruits were planted all over. I took in a deep breath with closed eyes. The silence, the peace here, was rejuvenating.

“Tired?” Rogan asked from behind me.

“No, not really.” I opened my eyes and took in the scenery. “You see Rogan, this is the biggest occasion I had that was for me. Everyone was celebrating for me. I never felt more valued, more… special. And that… overwhelms me a little.”

“I see. It is good to have a breather at a party for once in a while.”

“Yes. This is definitely… one of my best days.”

“I’m glad to see you’re happy.”

“This was one of the things I wanted to experience...”

I have seen plenty of people in my old life that had experiences like this, even in shows or movies. Where families gather and greet them during birthdays. It was a curious thing. I never knew my true birthday. How could I? None of us knew. Technically, the birthday I had was when I was freed from the facility. For being released was akin to being born into the outside world.

But even that wasn’t celebrated like this. When I saw how it was to other people, I felt… envy, and curiosity. Perhaps that was why I wanted to be in a quiet place for the moment. To cherish this emotion within me, to process everything. This beautiful thing.

“Princess? I don’t think I’ll have an opportunity later, but I have something for you.”

I turned towards him. “A gift?”

“Yes.” He pulled out a small box from his coat pocket. “I didn’t really know what you would like, but this is what I thought of giving you.”

“Show it to me.”

He opened the small box, inside was a small hair clip. Colored in shining white, blended with gold. A white flower on top of it. And the material other than gold, it didn’t look like it was silver or anything.

“It’s um, made of platinum and gold.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Platinum? That’s a rare material. Where did you even find it?”

“I have plenty of connections I made when I ran away from home. Although,” he awkwardly laughed. “I really have to push them to find some.”

“And the crafting, it’s smooth and neat.”

“I, I made it myself. With some help from friends, of course. I’m not skilled enough in stuff like this.”

“Really?”

“Really… I insisted on platinum. As I thought your accessory should match the rarity of your hair. And the flower, well, nothing could physically express you otherwise. The gold was a little contrast, and yet precious.”

I didn’t know what to think. I looked at the hair clip and to Rogan’s eyes with genuine happiness.

“Thank you so much.” I slowly picked up the clip and caressed my thumb on it. “It’s so beautiful, really.”

To think Rogan, as a knight, would find actual platinum. And how expensive could this even be? Even the palace doesn't have a lot of this. And even that they don’t use much at all. Knowing he gave this to me and went all through the trouble of making this, I couldn’t control myself from smiling.

“Rogan, please put it on me.”

“You’re going to wear it now?”

“Of course.”

I handed him the hair clip, and he gently, with a bit of hesitation, placed it on my head. On my beautiful platinum hair.

I touched the side of my head where the hair clip was. Excited to check it out, I rushed to the nearby glass pane and faintly saw my reflection. It looked good.

I turned towards Rogan excitedly. “Does it look good on me?”

He grinned. “It looks great.”

I was satisfied.

This will be one of my cherished treasures.

We heard the faint music from the main chamber change and grew louder. Ballroom dancing had begun. It was earlier than I wanted.

“Rogan, want to dance?”

“Dance? Sure, but I don’t think the music is loud enough here for that.”

“I know the song. I can hum it,” I hummed the song. “Hmm~ Hmm~ Hmmmm~.”

Rogan chuckled. “Alright. It will be my pleasure to dance with you, O princess of Wisteria.”

He stepped close as I hummed, but he looked shy and awkward. It was adorable. He placed his hand on mine, while I put my other hand on his shoulder, and his other hand on my back.

“Hmmm~ Hmm~.”

We stared into each other’s eyes with an amused smile, and we took our first steps into the slow dance.

***

The night continued on with the celebration. The ballroom dancing was particularly interesting. Most of the guys were scared of asking me out for a dance. I wonder why. Anyway, Lucious was daring enough to ask me quickly. I took him on his request. He was one of my friends, after all.

The slow dance was pleasant, it was relaxing.

After some time, I switched to dancing with my brothers. First it was Estevan, ‘cause he was so adamant and excited about dancing with me — almost like he was a kid. Reminds me of when we were young. It was fun dancing with him. He was quite chatty, actually.

It was more silent with Eleden, more focused on dancing. But it was great. I’m glad we were able to reconcile. I have noticed that he has also been working hard to change his character. In fact, he was more motivated now to work, and he adhered more to the overall plan. Good for you, brother.

And the final of the most important ones was my father. It was relaxing dancing with him, so safe. Although, he was teasing me a little here and there. I acted all annoyed, and he was amused. Still, I value this moment deep in my heart.

Eventually, late into the night, the party came to an end. Servants cleaned things up, while the nobles returned to their rooms where they’ll rest and sleep, returning home tomorrow. There were a lot of drunk ones, but there were no incidents whatsoever.

As for me, well, it was a bit of a struggle to remove my gown. Can I just wear it forever? Hehe, joking.

Once I switched to my sleeping dress, I wasn’t feeling sleepy yet. And so, as I said, I started reading the book Lucious gave me. Of course, amidst all that, I just dropped asleep.

Only around mid-morning were we able to move out back to the palace.

When we arrived, upon entering the palace, my family suddenly all came to me.

“We have something for you, Estelia.” Mother said.

“You think we wouldn’t have a gift for you, would we?”

I was feeling flustered. But they brought me to my room. My eyes widened at what was on my bed.

It was a big plushie! Yes! A big ass plushie as tall as me! It wasn’t a teddy bear, but it reminded me of a koala, not exactly, but close to it.

I walked towards it with a shocked and awed face. I held its head… Oh my goodness, it’s soft as fuuuuck!

“You’ve been stressed these past few months,” said my father. “So we thought of this, so every time you go to bed, you have a soft companion to lie and hold on to.”

“It’s so cute!” I said with enthusiasm. “Thank you!” I want to dive into it already.

They seemed to notice my temptation, and so Mother said, “Then we’ll leave you to it. Rest. I’m sure you need some more sleep.”

With that, they left my room.

I took in a deep breath before diving into the bed and hugging the plushie, giggling while I’m at it.

***

A few days have passed since my birthday, and everything was peaceful. The snow was almost gone, winter was coming to a close. It was a bit delayed, but oh well.

Anyway, things are pretty fine right now. And at the moment I and the family were having a pleasant breakfast, I was smiling delightfully.

I gotta love these days, you know. I have nothing to worry about, at least for this hour, or for today.

Unexpectedly, a knight entered and immediately whispered something to my father. In the knight’s hand was a scroll, perhaps a letter.

Once hearing what the knight whispered, father frowned. He received the scroll and opened it up. As he read them, his expression turned for the worse. He was worried, aghast. He placed a hand on his chin.

“What is it, dear?” Mother asked.

Father put down the paper. “It’s from the Empire. They are sending envoys for the purpose of… peace.”

Huh? Peace?

“The envoys are the two princes of their empire.”

I froze. Peace, that’s bullshit. But Princes…? That’s…

“Their two royals are coming here?” Eleden asked warily, as if trying to confirm what he had heard.

“Yes.”

My eyes twitched.

Letter from the empire…?

“When?” Estevan asked.

“In a few weeks.”

That early?

My heart sank.

I dropped my fork and spoon, slowly cradling my head. My thoughts were spiraling into chaos. I didn’t expect something like this. How…? Why…?

WHAT THE FUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!