I took a breath, refocused my thoughts, and rang the bell in the amber light of dusk.
The door opened almost immediately. Standing there was an elderly maid I recognized well.
"Young lady, did you call for me?"
She was one of the attendants who always accompanied Grandmother when she visited the Imperial Capital.
"Yes. I was still packing for the journey, and I need help changing. Could you assist me?"
"Of course, young lady. But you needn't ask us for permission."
Her smile was polite, but there was a subtle distance in her tone. The chill of it left me a little sad.
"I understand. Then, could you choose something that suits the mood of tonight's banquet?" I answered softly.
The elder maid bowed gracefully and left for the dressing room. She returned holding two blue dresses. Laying one against my shoulder, she gestured toward the left one with approval.
I nodded and let her begin.
"Young lady, you're always so kind and wise. Truly blessed with such a wonderful family. There are few others as fortunate."
"Thank you. My family is wonderful... though it seems the former Countess dislikes me," I said carefully, avoiding the word Grandmother.
"The Great Madam does not dislike you, young lady. If you can see your own blessings, then you already know her heart."
After that, the maid worked quickly and spoke little. She soon guided me to the drawing room.
Inside were my elder brothers, Mother, and even Father, who had arrived earlier than expected. I quickened my pace toward them.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Father, when did you arrive?"
"About half an hour ago. You must be tired from the carriage ride," he said, his gaze warm yet concerned.
"Spica! Are you all right?" Fret rushed past Father and gripped my shoulders tightly.
"I'm fine, truly. Just a bit of travel fatigue, that's all," I replied, smiling to ease him.
Still, his anxious face didn't relax.
"If you're not feeling well, we can have your meal served later," said Alex, his tone gentle.
"It's fine. Being apart from everyone would feel lonelier than resting," I said, offering my best lady's smile.
"But more importantly, I'm hungry. Will dinner be soon?"
Mother rose gracefully from the sofa. "Yes. Let's move to the dining hall."
Father naturally offered his arm to escort her. Cain extended his hand to me.
"May I have the honor of escorting tonight's princess?" he said with an unusual flourish.
"Yes, gladly," I said, placing my hand in his.
Behind us, Fret muttered something about unfairness, but we ignored him and walked on.
We stopped before a great oak door. A white-haired butler bowed deeply, then opened it with steady strength.
Inside, a long rectangular table stretched across the hall. Chairs were arranged symmetrically along its length. Silver cutlery gleamed on a white cloth, and several dishes were already in place.
Father went straight to the far end—the head seat. Mother sat to his left. The rest of us took our places along her side in order of age.
It wasn't long before Grandfather, Grandmother, and our uncle's family joined us from the opposite side.
Once everyone was seated, Grandfather began introductions.
"Since this is a rare occasion, I've invited the wives of the Pais branch as well. It's been too long since our family gathered together, so allow me to reintroduce everyone. First, I am Elbam, former head of the Count family—and your grandfather. And this elegant rose beside me is my beloved wife, Francesca, your grandmother."
Grandmother offered a dignified seated bow. I quietly noted her calm expression and felt relieved.
Next, Grandfather gestured toward Father.
"The current head of the house, our eldest son Masky, and his wife, Lady Violette. Seated beside them, in order of age, are their sons Cain and Alex, our third son Fret, and their eldest daughter, Spica."
When my name was called, I performed a lady's bow. My vision blurred for a moment—not from tears of sadness, but from joy. He had introduced me as the eldest daughter, not as an adopted one.
"And finally, my third son Pastry's wife, Mrs. Matilda, with their children Josephine and Luke."
Aunt greeted us with the same graceful lady's bow, while my cousins Josephine and Luke dipped their heads politely.
"Today's banquet is a family-only affair," Grandfather announced with a smile as he took his seat. "I wish to dine joyfully with my grandchildren. We've prepared special dishes just for you, so please enjoy yourselves."
"Father, at least let me make the toast," Father said playfully, picking up a champagne glass that was already set on the table.
We all followed his example and raised our glasses.
"To family, and to the prosperity of House Emmental," Father declared.
"To family!" we echoed together.
That was the signal for the appetizers to arrive.
On my plate sat a beautiful jelly in a trapezoid shape—layered white fish and colorful vegetables: red, orange, yellow, and bright green. The contrast was dazzling.
"Seafood and summer vegetable aspic, my lady," said my attendant—the same elder maid from earlier.
It looked too beautiful to eat, but I took a bite. The jelly carried a soft fish flavor, the vegetables were fresh and crisp, and together they tasted delightful. When I looked up, I saw Josephine and Luke across the table struggling with their forks. They were eating as best they could, messy but happy. The sight made me smile.
"Mother! I can't eat it right!" Josephine whined, frustrated that she couldn't manage the delicate dish.
I called the elder maid over and quietly asked if something could be done. When she nodded, I turned to my cousin.
"Josephine, how about we ask the chef to cast a little magic on your meal?" Her eyes lit up instantly. "Magic? Yes! Do it! Please!"
"It's not me who'll do it, but the chef," I said with a small laugh. The maid took the children's plates away. Both cousins looked excited, waiting eagerly.
Not five minutes later, the maid returned with glasses filled with crushed jelly and small spoons.
"It's the same dish, but this way it should be easier to eat," I said, encouraging them.
The chef had understood my intent perfectly and reshaped the dish beautifully. The children dug in quickly. Within moments, their glasses were empty.
"Spica, Elder Sister! I ate it all! It was yummy!"
Their smiles were radiant.
"Let's thank the chef later," I told them. They nodded eagerly.
The meal continued—chilled tomato and clam soup, grilled tilefish, beef wrapped in pastry, a salad with grapefruit and arugula, and finally the main course: lobster with lemon butter sauce.
Fret grumbled about the small portion of meat, but I enjoyed every bite. The variety of flavors was a joy.
Then dessert arrived.
It was a cart full of fruits from overseas—cactus fruit and others wrapped in skins that looked like dragon scales. I had never seen such things. While we watched in curiosity, Grandfather stood and walked to the cart.
"You didn't get to see real magic earlier, did you?" he said with a grin. "So your grandfather will show you something special."
He picked up a basket of fruit and said, "Freeze."
A blue-white light of holy power surrounded his hand, and the fruit instantly turned to ice.
Then he whispered, "Shatter Ice." The frozen fruit broke apart like falling snow.
Josephine and Luke clapped with delight.
Grandfather's fruit granita sparkled with colors and tasted like nothing I'd ever eaten before—strange, refreshing, and wonderful.
It's said that holy power has colors, determined by one's bloodline, and those colors affect what kind of magic one can use.
The House of Emmental's color is blue—specializing in ice and water magic.
The banquet drew to a close. Josephine and Luke were getting sleepy, and to be honest, so was I.
"Elder Sister Spica, we wanted to play more!"
"Luke too!"
They clung to us, unwilling to part. Kneeling down, I met their eyes.
"I had such a lovely time with you both today," I said. "It's time to rest now, but tomorrow I'll visit your home in Tabaf. Would you show me around?"
Their tired eyes widened with joy. "We can play with Elder Sister tomorrow?!"
I smiled and nodded. "Yes."
Rubbing their eyes, the two followed Aunt to the waiting carriage. The coachman closed the door, and slowly, the carriage disappeared into the night.
Notes:
• Fret - Third step-brother, five years older. Energetic, sword-loving, and determined to become a knight.
• Alex - Second step-brother, seven years older. Suffers from the rare Monaza Disease, which robs both sight and holy power, but shines as a gifted musician and artist.
• Cain - Eldest step-brother, eight years older. A magical genius, often traveling between home and the national academy. The heir.
• Elbam - Former Count of Emmental first appearing at Kiwa Castle’s welcome. He relinquished his title after a pirate-war injury. Father of Count Emmental, husband to Francesca, grandfather to Spica. Warm, gentle, uses a cane.
• Francesca - Former Countess, niece of an emperor, first appearing at the castle greeting. She enforces strict etiquette toward Spica. Wife of Elbam, step-mother to Spica’s mother. Stern, intelligent, rigid in rules.
• Masky - Spica’s step-father, mid-thirties. A diligent government officer, starting to fret about his waistline but still active in work.
• Violette - Spica’s step-mother. A noblewoman of striking beauty, known for her violet eyes.
• Josephine - Cousin. Girl of House Emmental’s branch, appears at banquet. Calls Spica “Elder Sister”; cheerful child.
• Luke - Cousin. Boy of the branch family, appears at banquet. Josephine’s brother; adoring younger cousin to Spica.
• Matilda - Spica's aunt. The third son's wife, Pastry.
• Pastry - Spica's uncle. The third son.
• Tabaf - Region where Pastry’s branch family lives; Spica plans to visit Josephine and Luke there the next day.