CHAPTER ONE
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Morning dawned and I woke up early for once. Instead of lounging around in my room like I usually did, I changed clothes and went downstairs.
"Hi, Linda,” I greeted. "How about changing the curtains today?"
"Good morning, Lady Floyen. I'll go get new curtains, then."
"Cindy, I still see dust on the furniture!"
"Y-Your Ladyship! I'm sorry!"
If I stayed locked up in my room, I wouldn’t have been able to see the scene unfolding before me. Servants and maids were busily bustling about, and I felt strange as I watched them. It seemed like everyone led a hectic life but me. Until now, I hadn’t been motivated to do anything. The only matter I had concerned myself with was evading my death flag. Now that I had successfully accomplished it, the diligent workers inspired me to change.
"Good morning, Lady Floyen."
They were greeting me, so I responded in kind. "Good morning.”
"Is there anything you need?" a servant asked.
I noticed that my presence was making them uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it was only natural for them to feel a little uneasy around me.
"Oh, no,” I answered. "Thanks for all your work."
"Of course."
Only Derrick and the maids who served me directly looked comfortable around me. The strange feeling I had didn’t go away as I passed by more of the staff. Although I had only left my room, I had been greeted with a whole new world.
I hadn’t thought about what I would do once I successfully evaded the death flag. The only thing I had dreamt of was dating Max. Our relationship was significant, but I needed to prepare for the new life ahead of me most of all. Thus, I decided that I would write down the things I wanted to do to live a more fulfilled life from now on. And… the first thing on my list was…
I headed to my dad’s study. Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.
"Come in."
When I entered his office, I noticed that he was in the middle of reviewing some documents. He was my dad, but I couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. Blessed by his glorious appearance, I smiled happily.
Without looking up, he asked, "How are the preparations for the coming-of-age ceremony?”
I was taken aback by his sudden inquiry. The coming-of-age ceremony? It was two months away—was I supposed to start preparing for it this early? Normally, coming-of-age ceremonies were planned and prepared either by the lady of the household or the person who would be coming of age. Since my mother had passed away, I expected to have to prepare for mine alone, but I hadn't expected him to ask about it now.
I hadn’t thought of anything yet…
As I pondered over what to say, my dad spoke up with a determined tone of voice. "Do not forget,” he instructed. "My daughter's coming-of-age ceremony must be the most extravagant one in the empire. You may spend as much money as you like, so let the celebrations progress without wanting for anything."
But Dad, I've never prepared a huge banquet before!
His expectations were beginning to burden me.
"Madam Perez, are you listening to me—” he paused. "Jubelian?"
He hadn’t been addressing me! I let out a sigh of relief. Of course! Dad wouldn’t entrust me with such an important task…
Then, I remembered what he said and blushed. The most extravagant banquet in the empire? For me? I couldn't have imagined him wanting such a thing for me because he had always seemed so indifferent. However, because he mistook me for Madam Perez, I had learned of his affection for me. I was actually kind of embarrassed.
Suddenly, he got up from his chair. "You seem redder than usual. Do you have a fever?” he asked.
Startled, I slapped on a smile. "D-Daddy! Good morning!"
My cheerful greeting coaxed a faint smile from him. "Good morning. You’re up early today."
Saying good morning to one's dad might have been a normal thing for others, but it moved me greatly. My eyes grew hot.
No, I wasn’t going to cry. I told myself that I would be able to greet him every morning from now on…
I managed to hold back my tears, maintaining my grin. "By the way, Dad, about the coming-of-age ceremony... Did you leave the preparations to Madam Perez?"
"Yes." He glanced at me and smiled. "Do you want anything specific for the ceremony?"
I nodded. Since I was nervous, I struggled to enunciate my words. "Yes. I want to prepare it myself."
He seemed surprised by my answer. "You do?"
The bewildered look on his face made me tense up, but I understood why he was surprised. Until now, I had only prepared small tea parties. I hadn’t done anything on the same scale as a coming-of-age ceremony. My inexperience made me feel a little down, but I nodded and waited patiently for his answer.
"That would make you very busy... Will that be okay?"
There would be a lot of work that needed to be done and it would be difficult. Still, it was my banquet, and I wanted to be responsible for it.
Nodding vigorously, I said, "That won’t bother me at all! I'll make sure to do a good job!”
He regarded me with amazement. "All right,” he acquiesced. "I have no problem with that."
I wanted to whoop at the top of my lungs, but I was afraid that he would find it inappropriate. He gave me a chance... I needed to show him that I was reliable!
I smiled, determined. "Thank you!"
At first, Regis was flustered when Jubelian said that she wanted to prepare the ceremony herself. As far as he knew, his daughter was a quiet child who liked books. However, she still announced her desire to work diligently. She seemed determined to acquire some responsibility now that she was close to coming of age.