Riley was not one to sit quietly for any length of time, her soothing melodies never failing to brighten any room as she filled the air around her with soft angelic music. I couldn’t remember a time when I couldn’t hear her at least humming some tune or another, her soft voice never failing to wash away any tension as she worked. It was truly magical the way her voice always seemed to make things better. Like everything would be alright. 

Even other vocalists couldn’t match the relaxing effect Riley had on me, even when not using magic her voice was… perfect. So, as she sat there, in complete silence with a deep scowl on her face, picking crystalline shards out of my bloodied hand I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. 

I winced as she manipulated my hand, her cool touch bringing me little comfort as she expertly plucked another shard from my palm… “You know, I don’t think it was that bad really.” I tried a weak smile as I joked. 

Her exasperated sigh as she dropped the shard on the plate beside her spoke volumes as she glared up at me. Her emerald green eyes caused me to shrink back only for her to tighten her grip on my wrist, fixing in place as she worked. “Really?” her normally soft voice carried a cold sharpness to it as she went back to work on my hand. “Why don’t you explain to me how you think this,” she gave my hand a painful squeeze, “Isn’t “that bad”, lady Emillia? Because from where I am sitting this is exactly what I asked you not to do this morning.” 

You know when I woke up this morning, I had thought today would be a good day. Waking up to a flustered Riley, who uncharacteristically slept in herself, who proceeded to fuss over me for the better half of the morning as she quickly tried to get me ready for the day.

Getting my hair done by Riley was always nice, humming as she carefully brushed and braid my long silver hair. I could have done without the uncomfortable light blue dress, but it was a small price to pay, I guess. Seriously, why would a child ever need a corset? 

In the end though, I couldn’t complain as Riley praised me for how… Well, I don’t know how I feel about being described as “cute”, but the smile on the older girl’s face was well worth the discomfort. 

So how did that all end with me sitting here in the room covered in burns as a very angry Riley plucked mana crystal shards from my bloody hand? 

Earlier that morning.

“I am serious Emillia, please try and not cause any trouble today.” Riley warned as I prepared to leave. I wasn’t exactly happy about leaving her alone in the room all day but in the end, I didn’t have any other options. 

Even if Reinhart wasn’t chaperoning me today for the ball, Riley would never have attended such an event. Not that she didn’t want to, but as she reminded me several times while dressing me. “It would be improper for a maid like myself to accompany you to such an event.” Not that I cared about such a dumb formality. Riley worked hard all the time and deserved to go to fancy parties if she wanted… “I am sure even I can manage a ball, Riley. Besides, it's just an introduction, right? How much trouble can I even get into?”

My joking laughter did little to placate her as she scowled at me, “Emillia, if it was anyone else, I would believe that.” She chastised, like she thought I was actually going to burn down the royal palace? “Promise me you won’t start any fights.” I was about to protest when she narrowed her eyes, “Promise.”

With a sigh I conceded, “I promise.” I ran my thumb over my spell shield ring, the only item Riley had let me keep on me despite my protest. 

She had confiscated my bag, but I did manage to get a few things from it, just in case. Sure, it wasn’t the small arsenal of wands I kept in the bag itself, but as I said it was just an introduction ball, I doubted I needed to be outfitted for war. 

No, just my spell shield ring, a single stone shot wand, and my last resort amulet. It was more just for my peace of mind than anything I was sure…

After that, Reinhart retrieved me for the ball, barely speaking a word as he led me through the maze-like halls of the royal palace. Stopping just around the corner from a waiting line of about 5 other children and their chaperones, he finally addressed me.

“I assume you will be fine on your own once we are inside?” 

Wow that was like… 13 words. I’m surprised he didn’t hurt himself. I scoffed, “I’m sure I can manage.” 

He nodded before we made our way to the front of the line, passing the other waiting children and nobility as we took our place. Well, I guess he is a lord after all. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I glanced back at the other children. 

Having expected to see five nervous kids I was a little taken back as the five of them all looked back at me with indifferent gazes. None of them looked even the slightest put out despite the clear displeasure on each of their chaperones’ faces. Tough kids. I thought, turning back to the door. 

“Lord Reinhart McGrave, accompanied by his daughter Emillia McGrave.” I couldn’t help but wrinkle my nose at the announcement.

Sure my “father” was a lord, but this was my introduction, wasn’t it? Whatever, just smile and wave.

Stepping through the opulent door I found myself on a surprising small landing overlooking a breathtakingly enormous room. The massive white stone pillars that lined the room shown with a soft magical glow that accentuated the golden engravings as they lit up the colossal domed ceiling, a stunning mural of what I could only assume was the history of the Kingdom hanging over head all but demanding one’s attention as they walked in. Like the whole room was designed to draw one’s eyes up to it… 

Thankfully I was able to take my gaze from the remarkable work of art long enough to see the droves of people. All looking up at me with calculating expressions, as if waiting for something… 

Thankfully it only took a moment for me to regain my senses as I stepped forward and presented myself with a curtsy. Thankfully I wasn’t expected to give a speech or anything like that, just smile and then get out of the way. 

I quickly followed Reinhart as he descended the stairs into the waiting mass of gaudily dressed nobility. The sickening sea of bright colors and frills parting as we made our way to the far side of the room.

Normally, from what I am told, my “chaperone” would accompany me for the majority of the party; introducing me to people with close ties to the family and such before I would be left to my own devices. Even if this whole event is a glorified way to show off your kids it is supposed to serve as a way for them to learn how to stand on their own in the end. So, they should be able to “mingle” on their own to some extent on their own.

That being said, I doubt Reinhart has any intention of dragging me in front of anyone he considers important. He will likely try to distance himself from me as much as possible, that way when I inevitably slip up then he can calm some deniability I suppose. Not that it matters in the end, I really plan on excusing myself as quickly as possible. I just needed to find the right time to…

I found myself leaning against one of the opulent pillars, a crystal glass of water held tightly in my hand as I forced myself to smile at the woman before me. Even in my last life I was never one for formal events, forced to make awkward small talk with people who are essentially strangers that you would probably never see again. But that was nothing compared to this. 

Everyone and their mother apparently wanted a “moment” of my time; the downside of an influential family I suppose. Everyone from wealthy merchants to other noble families all tried to get my attention as they tried to weasel their way into my parents’ good graces, though I can’t say I blame them. It's not their fault after all, it's just human nature to try and get ahead however you can. 

But really, you don’t think you’re not the hundredth person to ask me the same questions. I could write up cards at this point.

“I’m sure my father had business to attend to.” 

“My mother’s health is fine as far as I know.” 

“My brother was busy so he could not attend.” 

“Unfortunately, you would have to speak to my parents about such matters.” 

“I will be sure to give my parents your regards, (insert your desired title and name here).”

Or my new favorite, “Though I am sure your son/nephew is a lovely boy, but I am not interested in meeting him at this time.” 

Just shuffle the flash cards and stick them where you want. And Riley thought I would mess this up.

As I bid farewell to what felt like the millionth faceless person, really, was I supposed to remember all their names and titles; I found myself congratulating myself for a job well done. This should have been more than enough to fulfill whatever duty I had, and as I was thinking about excusing myself back to my room where Riley could tell me what a good job I did; I sought out Reinhart. 

Despite everything I was still an underaged child after all, and though I wasn’t expected to stay with him all day I should at least let him know when I was leaving. Not that I think he would bother looking for me if I vanished.

Finding him talking to a stuffy looking couple off to the side of the room. I took a moment to look over the couple, hesitating slightly as even Reinhart looked put out while talking to them. 

The first was a portly man with short graying hair dressed in what could only be an uncomfortably hot velvet suit with his arm draped lazily across the waist of the woman beside him as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

The woman was… something. A far too tight red dress, that would have probably looked nice on just about anyone else, hugged the woman’s… considerable figure. I wouldn’t say she was large, especially not standing beside the man, but she was definitely… full bodied. Her long light brown hair done up in an impressive insult to gravity was out done by the letteral mask of makeup the woman wore. I assume the woman had a ghostly complexion given her apparent desire to never let her skin see any light, she would need a chisel to wipe her own nose.

“There she is!” The woman exclaimed with far too much excitement for my liking as she walked… shuffled… It was far too much movement to be a walk, but a dead cat could have moved faster than her as she made her way towards me.

I considered running away, I don’t think even Riley would have blamed me, and I had more than enough time. In the full minute it took the woman to clear the dozen or so feet between us I again found myself wondering why exactly she would choose a dress she clearly couldn’t move in? 

I am all for loving your body, and body positivity and all but seriously pick something that is at least the right size. Compliments to the tailor though. I thought as I focused on the seam of the lady’s corset, the poor thread holding on for dear life as the woman moved. 

“H… Hello.” I tentatively greeted the woman with a slight curtsy, I can suffer though one more introduction, I guess. 

The pungent smell of perfume nearly caused me to gag as the woman threw her arms around me, if not for the shock of suddenly being pulled into a suffocating embrace, I may have thrown up. “Isn’t she just adorable?” the woman cooed as she spun me in place.

It took longer than I would like to admit wrestling my way out of the woman’s arms, and I am positive Riley will have something to say about my now disheveled hair that she had worked so hard on. Glaring at Reinhart I tried to straighten myself as much as I could.

He had the decency to look embarrassed at least as he cleared his throat. “Yes, well, introductions are in order.” He held a handout towards the portly man, “This is Lord Gilbert Hinsdale, he is in charge of managing the southern territories. Along with his wife, Lady Anistasia Hinsdale, and their eldest son Geffroy Hinsdale.”

I hadn’t noticed the young man standing to his father’s side. His lanky frame was completely overshadowed by the other two, though I can’t say he was all that impressive to begin with. Just a head or two taller than I with slicked back hair in a rather plain suit with a half cape, the young man looked as if a stiff breeze would be a life-or-death battle for him. 

I couldn’t help but be a bit put off by his appearance, like seriously, I am by no means a big kid myself, but this guy looked like the thought of working out would cause him to break out in hives. If I had to guess by his patchy attempt at facial hair, he probably had at least a few years on me.

“And this,” Reinhart swept his hand to me, “Is my daughter Emillia.”

Still even if they are… odd. They are technically the same rank as our family so I should be polite. But before I could even “greet” them the lady let out a… laugh? I mean it didn’t sound like any laugh I ever heard before, well in real life at least. maybe a joke villain in a cartoon before, that “ho-ho-ho” laugh that never sounds right… “Now Lord Reinhart there is no need for such formalities.” 

Do people actually laugh like that? Whatever, anyone who can make even Reinhart squirm can’t be bad… right?

“Yes, well…” Reinhart coughed.

“Now then, little Emillia,” the lady turned to me. “Your father here has been telling us all about you.” She gave me a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes; her pitiful gaze made me amend my earlier thought as she looked at me like an injured dog.

Still… biting my tongue I gave her my best smile, I know I practiced it. Riley had asked me to behave, and that’s exactly what I will do. Besides, I should be used to it by now… right? “He has?” I asked, curious since I was sure he would never openly share my disposition with anyone outside of the family.

“But don’t you worry  your pretty little head, we understand your condition and though it is quite unfortunate my little Geffroy here would be more than happy to…” 

I am sure the lady kept talking after that… her mouth kept moving… but I couldn’t hear anything over the sudden ringing in my ears… “What?” My perfectly practiced smile faltered as I turned to Reinhart. “I’m… I must be hearing things…” The tall man looked down at me with an emotionless stare.

“You hadn’t told her yet?” The portly man laughed as he patted his stomach like some overgrown clown. “Reinhart, you have always been one for surprises, haven’t you?” 

I… I must be hallucinating... A fever dream from this fucking dress, that’s it. I am… 

Reinhart took a deep breath, “Emillia, your mother and I have been…”

I may have laughed if this had been a joke, a funny little prank played in good fun… but… “No.” 

“Excuse me?” The room suddenly felt way too small as Reinhart narrowed his eyes. The sudden pressure in the room didn’t help as everyone around us fell silent, the unmistakable feeling of magic pressing down on me would have likely made anyone else back down. But I held his gaze with my own as he spoke, “I understand that this may feel sudden for you, Emillia. And though it's still a few years off you need to understand the position you are in, for your future…”

I laughed out loud cutting him off. Not a chuckle, or a giggle, but a sudden fit of full belly laughter. “The position I am in? and what position is that, father?”

His glare faltered as his magic didn’t seem to bother me, though I noticed the portly man was no longer laughing as Reinhart stepped towards me. looming over me I felt the pressure around me redouble, cutting my laughter off as I nearly bit my tongue. “Emillia,” he hissed, his voice a low rumble as he continued, “We are just trying to do what is best for you. If you think about it for a moment, Emillia, you will understand that. You can’t use magic, you won’t be able to defend yourself…”

“For the love of God, that’s the bullshit you’re going with?” His glare turned into a puzzled expression as I glanced around, noticing that people were actually clearing the area around us, though some were clearly trying to act tough. To their credit the other family, the Hinsdale’s, didn’t move at Reinhart’s outburst. Though they were also looking at me curiously.

Whatever, I thought looking at the wiry man… boy… he couldn’t have been older than 15… it wasn’t important. With a scoff I jabbed a thumb towards him, “And that’s the best you could come up with? Protection? From what, per se, do you think he could protect me from? Couldn’t even use him to block the sun if I gave him an umbrella.” The boy managed to collect himself enough to actually look offended, though his father didn’t help as he laughed and patted the boy on the back.

In my defense he really didn’t look like much. Though I realized my mistake the moment the words left my mouth as a scheming smile overtook Reinhart’s scowl. “Well, boy, are you going to let your future wife talk about you like that?” 

Well fuck me.