Ruby hands over the crinkled note. My heart was beating fast.
"To Lady Valereth, were coming for you..."
I frown, I actually felt scared for a second, but what are they going to do, kidnap, haha lol like they can. As much as I want to continue reading in this library, I have to head to bed soon. Tomorrow, I was going to go to a tea gathering with other noble ladies. I need to at least keep up the duke's reputation.
The sun rises, and Ruby rushes towards me, trying to wake me up. I cover the blanket over me tightly. As I am unable to open my eyes, "nooo this early". Ruby talks in a slightly higher tone, "You must wake up now, or you'll be late for the tea gathering". I sit up in a flash, I yell "oh noooo". Normally, Ruby wakes me up, so I figured she was busy, but none of the other maids came. Why did I have to be so unlucky?! The maids help me get ready in a few minutes, and I feel bad because my older sister returned at some point, and she's waiting for me in the carriage to go. I'm not that excited to go; I'd rather chill at home and eat sweets. However, this may be an opportunity to make allies or friends! Since the original Ember was a side character in this world, hardly even mentioned, I don't know much. I figured maybe she was introverted or that she was a bad influence, considering how she has absolutely no friends.
To be honest, the original Ember reminds me of me in my past life. Although I was known as the Karate champion, I was isolated. I didn't pay much attention in school, but my grades were decent. I was focusing on karate all the time, so I didn't have time to make connections, or rather, I didn't try.
I hurry over to the carriage, lifting my skirt as I run like "Flash", and the soldiers help me get on the carriage. I was heavily breathing. I haven't run in a while. Luna asks me, "Ember, are you okay?"
"I'm okay, I accidentally slept too much, sorry for wasting your time."
Luna says, "You're fine!"
"I'm really sorry."
I lowkey feel really sorry. It was awkwardly silent. I stare towards the window. Now that I think about it, the note was strange, like who gets a note like that? The more I think about it, the more I feel. We weren't going to the capital, but to a nearby count's mansion since the tea gathering was being held there. Their daughter was the same age as me, I heard. I remember eyeing her at the ball; she was a beauty with rose gold hair. She left a lasting impression on me.
Shortly after, we arrive! Luna and I walked along the stone pathways; the garden was quite a nice view. The butler led the way. Tables were across the open garden, the colourful flowers in full bloom. Sunlight filters through the trees, and the gentle breeze passes by with the scent of blooming flowers. I can feel all the stares at me. That's so annoying, whatever! I thought Luna would join, but she left me alone after greeting everybody. She left with the butler for the Count's mansion. The count's daughter was running. She held my hand, politely said, "It's nice to meet you". We were greeting eachother, her name was Celestine. She's so kind! She pulls out a chair beside her before I could even ask, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I told her, "This is too much, you're too kind". Celestine gently smiles, "Just let me do this for you, so sit down". The other ladies ignored me as if I wasn't there. The maids were coming, placing a variety of beverages and snacks. I carefully maintain my etiquette, but I hope I'm doing my best by impersonating what I read in my novels. Yeah... It's over for me. Luckily, I don't think I did that badly, hopefully... Obviously, at tea gatherings like this, it's bound to talk about rumours or gossip.
Another lady, she didn't seem very rude. She had beautiful locks of brunette hair, with emerald green eyes. She talked in a whispering manner. "Have you ladies heard about the sketchy note in the red envelope that a few nobles have been receiving"? Now that she mentions it, I was focusing on the actual note, but it was given in a red envelope. To feel assured, I ask her is this true? Where did she get this information from? All the ladies stare at me. Oh, wait, that probably sounds like I got it. It's best to keep it a secret. My hands were trembling. "That's not what I meant," I lower my gaze. "I was simply surprised by how specific the rumour sounded." "Have you ladies received it"? Celestine says, "You're too kind, worrying about all of us". All the ladies respond no. I had a sense of relief.
As the sun began to dip, the tea gathering was coming to an end. All the ladies leave as their carriages arrive. I follow Celestine with my gaze as she farewells the gathered ladies. She's truly too kind. I really want to become close friends with her. She walks up to me.
She says, "Everybody seems to have left now."
"Yep, except for me, because I am waiting for my sister to return from your mansion."
"Sorry if the tea gathering was unpleasant, since the other ladies weren't very kind. I apologise for their actions." She gives a small, polite bow.
"Oh my, why are you apologising and bowing? It's not your fault! Please, get up." I gently hold her hand as she rises.
"Thank you, Lady Ember. May I call you by your name and skip the formal talk?"
I happily say, "Yes, of course! I'd like us to become friends, and I'd love for you to come over to the duke's mansion soon to hang out, if you don't mind."
"Yes, I would love to come over. Thank you so much!"