"Albert, I want you to send this letter to Father." Said Cecilia to Albert Constance, the loyal buttler.
Albert is almost fifty years old.
His hair was dyed black to hide his gray hair. His body was still upright and his brain was as sharp as ever.
"Yes, miss. I'll get a courier." Albert answered swiftly.
He didn't even seem curious about Cecilia, who was sending a letter to her father for the first time.
Cecilia looked at Albert with a big smile. Even in his previous memories, Albert was one of her trusted people.
The Constance family already worked at the residence of the Duke of Lancia since a long time ago.
Albert himself is the 9th generation.
His eldest son, Christo, has become a personal assistant to the Duke of Lancia and preparing to take over Albert's duties when he retires.
And so on. The history of the Lancia and Constance will continue to be woven forever.
"Is there anything I can do to help, miss?" Albert asked politely.
Cecilia seemed to think about something before finally telling Albert what she had heard at the party.
He heard the story carefully and didn't even dare to interrupt.
It was only when Cecilia had finished, he cleared his throat before saying, "Well, it sure happens a lot. But I hope, Young Miss can trust our ability for continue devoting ourselves to the Lancia family."
"Of course!" Cecilia replied firmly.
"I just feel annoyed about what they said. In fact, they don't even know you."
"Even so, their words isn't a lie. I hope Young Miss do not easily believe in people. They have to prove themselves first, before you can trust them,"
"Hmm, I'll keep that on my mind. Then I'll go first, Albert. Thank you for your hardwork."
Albert nodded and his eyes observed his mistress who already disappeared.
The man had known Cecilia for all his life. He was a little skeptical when he heard the story from the servants that her character had improved somewhat.
Because he knew very well that her attitude or even her arrogant nature could not be changed.
However, when he saw Cecilia just now, he had doubts about his own judgment.
The girl's face looked same and different at the same time.
Her facial expression softened and the eyes that always look cruelū , now seemed calm.
She also began to be honest and open about the things she thought about.
Not to mention, for the first time Cecilia sent a letter to Duke Lancia. Albert was really curious about the contents of the letter but of course, he can't read it.
While looking at the white envelope, he muttered, "Could this be, something they called with puberty?"
****
"Wow, how beautiful!" Said Cecilia when she saw the mask festival in the market.
This annual commemoration is aims to ward off the evil spirits.
People said, the mask can deceive evil spirits who intend to disturb humans.
Of course that's just a myth.
All residents in the capital are very enthusiastic about this celebration.
The sellers peddle their wares in neat rows of their stalls.
The market area is also decorated with colorful paper which hanged in the air. The musicians and magicians gathered in the square to showing off their skills.
The spectators who had formed a crowd clapped their hands vigorously.
The boisterous atmosphere sounded very harmonious.
The hot sun did not block her steps. With a yellow duck mask, Cecilia looks cheerful. Thanks for the ointment, her hand is fully healed now.
Mary and Theo obediently followed her.
Both of them wear the same blue bird masks. So, they easily recognize each other.
But Cecilia think that they were lover who love to wear the couple's things.
"Miss, don't go too far!" Mary said to Cecilia who started running toward the snack stall.
"I didn't know that she liked event like this," said Theo in surprise.
"Me too. I thought she would refuse my invitation. Maybe, she want to cheer her up," Without thinking, Mary told him about the incident at the tea party.
Theo heard it while he scratching his head that was not itchy. "I thought Young Miss was angry that day. That's why I didn't have a courage to ask. I didn't expect, that she was crying.."
Mary looked like she wanted to said something but held back.
Cecilia waved and called them while holding three large skewers of grilled meat.
"Here. You can take it," Cecilia said and offered the grilled meat to her servant. Both of them took it in confusion and thanked her.
"Are you really going to eat this?" Mary asked in surprise.
"Of course! This is so delicious!" She replied while chewing the piece of meat.
Both Mary and Theo exchanged glances.
Of course this is a strange thing. Miss Lancia always hated the street food. Actually, their misstress hates everything that sold on the streets.
But when they saw Cecilia who was cheerful and seemed interested in this festival, they seemed relieved. At least, this time Cecilia seemed approachable.
***
"Ah, I'm so tired!" Cecilia said as she lay down on the carriage bench. "Mary, thank you for taking me there. I feel so much better now!"
"It's no big deal, Miss. But, can I sit here?" Mary felt hesistated because she usually sat next to the coachman.
"Of course. Theo is already sitting there. You'll feel uncomfortable later," said Cecilia, reaching into something in her large shopping bag.
Cecilia was surprised because of the low prices of the items.
Many things can be bought with just one gold coin.
In fact, her monthly allowance can be up to 100 gold coins.
"This is for you," said Cecilia, handing her a shining strawberry hairpin. "It must be suit your rosy hair, Mary."
Mary accepted the hairpin gratefully. She immediately put it on her head, "Thank you very much, Miss!"
"Ah, no. It's not an expensive gift. Actually, when I was at the market earlier, I remembered everyone. So, I bought gifts for them. Including for... Father,"
Mary's brown eyes lit up, "Even for the Lord Lancia? Oh Miss, you are so kind!"
"Like I said before, this isn't a good gift. I felt hesitate to give it."
"No, I think Lord Lancia will definitely love it. Too bad, he's out of town. Maybe he'll be back in a few days,"
"You're right. Ah, I want to see the night market! You said there were fireworks too?"
Mary felt uneasy, "I'm sorry, miss. Sir Albert told me to get home before sundown, Miss."
"Well, it can't be helped."
Not long after, the carriage stopped in front of the courtyard.
Like Santa Claus, Cecilia picked up her bags and gave some gifts to Theo and the coachman.
She even refused Mary's request to bring the bag.
For the first time, she was happy to be able to buy and give away the things she wanted.
Being rich is so great, she thought to herself.
In addition, there is satisfaction for her to seeing other people's happiness because of the gift.
Just some time before dinner, the bags were empty.
There is only one present left.
She walked into the dining room, looking at the dark purple box.
Now, she can't even remember the faces of her parents from the past. When he heard about parent, all she remembered was the Duke and Duchess of Lancia.
"Miss Lancia! Please wait a moment,"
Cecilia stopped and turned around. She found Albert walking towards her with hurried steps.
"What's the matter, Albert? Is dinner ready?"
Albert shook his head quickly, "Excuse me, Miss. Can you follow me to the Duke's study now?"
"Eh? Why?" Cecilia asked in confussion when she heard the urgent tone in the man's voice.
"Lord Lancia is already home. He asked you to meet him, now."