Chapter5

......Chapter 5......

“Which style would you like my lady? Is there any particular one in your mind?”

“Hmm… Anything would do. Just please be fast Emily or I’ll be late for breakfast.”

“This won’t do my lady. It’s your birthday today so you have to look special. Just tell us what you like and we will make the exact same hairstyle.”

“Yes, Emily is right my lady. We won’t let you leave if you don’t tell us.”

“There’s really no need for you two to do this. You also have many other chores so anything simple will be good enough.

“…”

“Sigh. Fine then if you insist so just make a side braid. It will be easy to move around and also quite comfortable.”

“Side braid it is then”, both spoke in chorus.

...***...

‘Clack-clack-clack’

“Huff. Huff.”

Oh no! I am going to be late again. I told Emily and Marry to just be done with it but they still insisted adding some accessories but still, truth to be told, my hair turned out to be so pretty only because of them.

I reached the dining hall and stood before the door.

“Huu”

Okay, Now I am ready. Let’s go.

‘Click-Clack’

I closed the door and turned to greet everyone.

“Long live Enchandel with blessings of the goddess. Good morning everyone.”

I bowed and advanced to my seat.

“Long live Enchandel with blessings of the goddess. Good morning Cynthia and many blessings for your birthday.”

“Good morning sis and a very Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you Aunt and thank you too Elis and Elex.

“AHEM! Umm. H-Happy B-Birthday Cynthia.”

“Thank you Uncle.”

Pfft.. Uncle is truly trying his best. This feeling of nostalgia really feels so nice.

I sat down for breakfast and from the orders of Aunt, dishes were served.

“What plans do you have for today Cynthia? If you need my help just ask, don’t hesitate.”

“Hmm”

“We will also help. Isn’t it Elex?” said Elis.

“Yes!”

“Uh, Aunt. I wanted to visit the night market, can I?” I asked hesitantly.

“Huh? Just this? Okay, if that’s what you want but if you need anything else then you can come to me__”

“Can we also go? Please mother!” Elex cut in.

“We promise we won’t make trouble so can we?” said Elis.

“You should ask your eldest sis, it’s her

birthday after all.”

“Yes, you can. The more the merrier.” I said while chewing on my meal.

“Oh Cynthia. You shouldn’t have allowed them, I am afraid they’ll make more trouble for you. Sigh. Okay you three can go but if they’re also going then you should bring along some more guards.”

‘Clink’

I placed my cutlery down.

“You don’t have to worry about us Aunt. Lily will be joining us too, she won’t miss this chance and with us both we won’t need guards.”

“But__”

“Let them have the blood token.” said uncle.

The blood token. It's a token used to identify oneself as part of the grand duke's manor. While in the dukedom we could command and have any knights at our disposal by using it.

“It’s okay Aunt. And if we do run into some trouble then we can show our token to the guards patrolling.”

“Hah. Like Uncle like niece. Fine! Come and get the token from me afterwards.”

“Yes!” Both Elis and Elex shouted in unison.

I chuckled at the sight and got up.

“I am done so I’ll take my leave then.”

I was just about to turn when I got a sudden thought. I turned around again.

“Don’t even think about it! First have your fill and finish it. Otherwise don’t even think about getting up.” I said pointing towards Elex who was about to follow me. Got you. Everyone burst out laughing except for Elex.

“Aye sis….”

...***...

We waited outside the manor. My thumb rubbed at the end of my ring finger while my feet refused to stay still. My stomach churned thinking I'll be meeting Lily again. I just hope I don't get killed when I see her. I disappeared without any word for two years... she must be furious.

By the way she should be here by now, I wonder where sh—

“Cynth! Cynth! Over here!”

“Over there sis.”

Let's try to act like nothing's wrong.

“Lily! You're finally here. Wow you look nice.”

Lily. My best friend. As long as I can remember she has been by my side since childhood.

“Of course. How can I miss today? It’s not like your birthday comes twelve times a year. Neither can I find you whenever I want.”

Although she's smiling her eyes are holding a dark look.

“Ha-ha-ha” Damn it. I can feel her holding back from gutting me.

She turned to Elex and bent down. “Excited?”

“No doubt.” Elex spranged delighted.

She turned her head to Elis ,“Ready to have fun?”

She nodded

“If you’re done, shall we go?”

“Yes! Yes! Let’s go! And enjoy to our heart’s content, afterall we don't get this chance every other day”, Lily hopped ecstatically.

Phew.

Hehe. Always energetic and cheerful. It has been so long since I last visited the night market with her. Before, I would always sneak away from the mansion and have fun at the night fair with her.

She knows everything about me except the fact that I used to frequent the enchanted woods alone. Although it isn’t even that dangerous but still many people don’t even dare to think of going ther__.

“Cynthia?”

“Hey!!” I felt a sudden shake to myself.

“Y-Yeah? What?” I answered her.

“What do you mean by ’WHAT’ ? I said our horses are here so let’s go. But you? ”

“AH... Y-Yes! So what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

She slapped her forehead with her palm.

“Idiot. There are only two horses and it will take some time to get more so we must share.”

“Then you go with Elex and I’ll ride with Elis.” I answered.

“Hmm. That’s ok. But are you okay?”

“Yes! Of course. What about me? Let’s go, hurry up! Or we’ll be late. Hurry-hurry.”

...***...

On our way something unexpected happened.