Once we returned back home, Mother didn’t back down on her words. After a quick break in my room, I was immediately called over for training, both of me. Problem was, Feyt’s body felt like it had been trampled by horses twice over. But hey, thanks to years of surviving Fray’s torment, I could just about tolerate the pain and stumble my way through the basics.
Once again, today’s training was basically Fundamentals 2: Electric Boogaloo. No sparring for today though, thank god. Beating myself up once was enough, thank you. Instead, we spent most of the training on a marathon of drills. Carine was pretty much bored, but that boredom was quickly extinguished by my other body’s screaming muscles.
As the training came to a close about three hours later, the sun was almost setting. Mother was the first one to head out, possibly to tend to her paintings. After that, the students politely hurried out of the hall to go home before dark. Countless carriages waited outside for them as I watched from the training hall’s large windows.
“Feyt, please wait a moment.”
I was about to head back to my room as Feyt when Father’s voice suddenly stopped me in the tracks.
I approached Father cautiously, fearing what sort of madness he would drop down on me. I still hadn’t forgiven him for that sadistic training list or Anton, though, to be fair, the latter was mostly Mother’s fault.
“Feyt, good job for today, but you look slightly sluggish. Why is that?”
Gee, wouldn’t you like to know?
“I was… still sore from yesterday’s training…” I muttered, trying my best to stay polite.
Father paused for a moment, then he burst into a hearty laugh. “Is that so? Haha! Forgive me, but if you wish to become truly stronger, being able to withstand that training is a must.”
I would actually go bald if he kept that training up. I slumped my shoulders, tired and in disbelief. But then Father patted my shoulder.
“Haha! Don’t get so down! You’ll get the hang of it eventually!” He said in a booming voice. “ …I hope.” He mumbled the last part quietly, something I heard painfully clearly.
“Well, the fact that you managed to follow the training somewhat and have the energy to practice with us today proved to me that you are determined. So, I was thinking of rewarding your efforts.”
Now, that got my attention. My eyes lit up faster than a flip of a switch. “R-Really?”
Father gave a single energetic nod. “Tell me, are you interested in taking a walk around the capital?”
I blinked, letting his sentence sink in for a moment. “A walk?”
“Yes. This is your first time in the capital, isn’t it? Compared to your hometown, this place must feel like stepping into another world!”
“If you’re interested, I can arrange for the date sometime next week and have one of our servants to accompany you. Sounds good?” Father said in a casual tone, possibly an attempt to connect with me, a commoner, a bit better.
To be honest, the idea of exploring the capital sounded amazing. Despite technically living here as Carine, my schedule had kept me chained to the estate. This was the perfect excuse to see the city for once, even if it was through Feyt’s eyes. But who cares? It was still me.
“I’ll take it. Thank you for the opportunity, Instructor!” I said, keeping my tone formal even though I was practically bouncing inside. This might actually be fun, assuming I won’t get kidnapped again.
Dinner happened soon after. As Feyt, I was in the East Wing room, eating alone as usual. As Carine, the typical mini-feast as dinner in the dining hall.
During the dinner though, Mother turned to me. “Carine, the First Prince’s party is nearing. Make sure you heed tomorrow’s etiquette lessons properly.”
How couldn’t I? Mother had already handed me this week’s schedule. The things I immediately noticed were that every single day for the next five days was packed with etiquette classes, and the time slots for each session had been practically doubled. It was as if Mother thought I’d forgotten how to walk, talk, and breathe like a noble overnight.
“Regarding that,” Father interjected, talking to Mother. “Should we send out someone to contact the tailor to prepare a new dress?”
Mother scoffed, lifting her chin elegantly. “I handled that a week ago. The dress should arrive shortly. Naturally, it will be a masterpiece worthy of the occasion, I hired the best designers the store has.”
Father let out a hearty chuckle. “Then the dress will be perfect then. You always have the best sense for skill, Reyna.”
So, I’ll be getting a new dress, huh?
My mind wandered briefly to the day I had faced those bandits in the cave, recalling how I shredded my skirt to move more freely. I wondered what had become of that ruined dress. Knowing Mother, it was probably banished from existence, never to be spoken of again.
Just as I was gearing up to mentally clock out and enjoy my meal, Father leaned forward, lacing his fingers together. “Carine, you understand the importance of this party, don’t you?”
Oh no, here it comes.
I nodded slowly. “Yes, Father.”
“Good,” he said, his tone deep and serious for once. “The First Prince is not just anyone. Earning his favor could open countless doors for our family.”
Mother flashed a warm smile, practically screaming out her anticipation. “It’s a rare opportunity to distinguish yourself, Carine. So please make sure to use this chance to the best of your abilities.”
“I’m sure she’ll impress him,” Father continued. “You have always shown great potential in everything you do.”
Mother nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Finally, our family can rid ourselves of that disgrace generations ago.” She slowly turned towards me, a glass of wine on one hand. "I expect nothing but perfection from you, Carine. Do your best in your lessons."
“Of course, this is not to pressure you, Carine,” Father added, leaning back in his chair. “But the stakes are high, and we trust you’ll rise to the occasion.”
No pressure on me? As if. My stomach was churning out in desperation, and my mind was trying its best to find a way to get out of this situation. I couldn’t tell them to not have high an expectation of me, because I would know they would just see me as trying to be humble, which would raise their expectations even more!
How in the hell was I supposed to befriend the First Prince in a single day?! Google seaʀᴄh 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾·𝗇𝖾𝗍