I spent the rest of my time at William's and Dante's by running away from the oh so persistent Joel.

I was determined not to be coaxed into participating in his stupid training. However, that didn't last long. The cook just had to create another masterpiece cake, which i just happened to eat all at once.

This time I only got a mild stomachache. I think I'm getting stronger.

During my lessons, Joel said something about me having possible anger management problems.

But after he mysteriously received a broken nose, he didn't dare say that again.

I still continued to train with the Spartan Dante, but after discovering that room I had a hard time looking at him.

It was just so embarrassing! I can't help but agonize over discovering that room with Dante and knowing that he knows about it.

Guh. I should have burnt it's contents when I had a chance.

Whatever. I was just relieved to be picked up by my parents.

Even if they are truly disgusting.

Actually, I think they managed to get even more lovey-dovey from the trip.

Although it makes me want to puke watching them all over each other, it's not all bad. For example, my father's not as clingy and my mother isn't b*tchy anymore.

I guess the trip was a really good stress reliever for them.

My father brought me back a rare marble music box that had a pleasant tune. Since it was as close as I would come to a radio, I accepted it greedily.

My father was relieved to know that I did not hate him.

And so, after all the excitement died down, two months had already passed.

Currently, I stood in my room being forced into a tight dress by Lona.

"Lona. Can I please just stay in my room?"

She struggled as she tightened it, "No. This is the first social event your mother has hosted in years. You have to attend."

I whimpered, "But it's for her friends. And it's so boring for me to just sit there!"

"Please don't be difficult today. Your mother has been in a really good mood lately. I don't want you to ruin that."

I frowned, "She's been in a good mood? I thought she's had the stomach flu or something. She always pukes in the morning and looks so tired. We can't even eat steak around her or else she gets sick."

Lona finished putting on my dress. She began to fix my hair, "Yes that's true. But she's pretty cheerful in the afternoon."

I frowned deep in thought, "Maybe she has a terminal illness?"

Lona frowned, "Don't say such horrible things."

I shrugged, "It makes sense though."

"How does that make sense? Why would she be so cheerful then?"

"Hmmm... Perhaps she's in the first stage of grief?"

"What's that?"

"It's invented by Kübler-Ross. The first stage is denial, then anger, then bargaining, then depression, and finally acceptance."

Lona stared at me in bewilderment, "I've never heard of this. Where is this Kuber from?"

"It's Kübler and he's from a far away kingdom." I forced out a chuckle.

I should have known they don't have this here.

Lona quickly finished and stepped back looking at me with a proud expression. She gave a slight nod, "I'm getting much better at controlling that wild hair of yours."

I looked in the mirror. I wore a white and purple dress with lace sleeves. It wasn't gaudy or flashy, but actually quite calm and mature looking. On my hands, I wore pure white gloves.

My hair was pulled up with tight curls hanging down. I wore a white and purple hat that was so small it was pinned to the side of my head. It had a white net that covered the upper part of my face.

Although Lona wanted me to wear the necklace I received from William and Dante, I refused because it was my lucky necklace. Although my luck was great whenever I wore it, I also had terrible luck as soon as I took it off.

So for the sake of my safety, I chose to wear a black ribbon with a single diamond pinned to it.

As I checked myself out in the mirror, I couldn't help but appreciate my reflection.

So this must be what nobility looks like.

I nodded in acceptance, "It's not bad. It's a very mature look. I look like I'm older."

Lona smiled, "Your mother purchased this dress for you."

My mouth dropped, "What?! She actually bought me something?!"

She definitely has a terminal disease.

Lona nodded, "Yes. I was surprised as well. I bet she will be thrilled to see you in it."

I forced a smile, "I doubt it. She probably had an ulterior motive when she got me this."

I began to inspect it for possible problems. In most books someone would tamper with a characters clothes to embarrass them. But I don't think my mother would do such a thing. She's way too concerned about her image. She would never risk doing something that could jeopardize it.

But still. There must be something wrong.

Lona frowned, "Stop being so suspicious of your own mother."

"Why are you defending her? Did you forget that just a year ago she was trying to make my life hell?"

Lona frowned, "I know... But, she seems to be trying to be a good mother now. Maybe you should give her another chance."

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah right."

Lona sighed, "I'm only saying this because I worry about you. A family is a precious thing. I never knew my mother and I know how painful it can be without one. Don't let this chance pass you by. You'll regret it."

Seeing Lona's serious face, I couldn't respond. I just looked away and hid my face from her.

She's not my mother.

But I kept these words to myself.

We walked outside and started greeting the guests. I stood beside my parents thinking about ways to escape.

Queen Luna arrived and elegantly descended her carriage. She wore a long green dress with black flowers embroidered on it. It trailed along the ground reminding everyone she truly was a Queen.

William and Dante followed both wearing suits that made them look much older. William was once again forced into his princely outfit, adorned with royal jewels. Dante's outfit was a bit plainer, but the dark red shirt under his black coat complimented his skin tone.

Dante stared at me coldly and I glanced away awkwardly.

Yup. Whenever I see him, I recall that shameful room.

Sh*t. I wonder if he went back to it after we found it. He is a boy after all.

Wait?! Why the f*ck am I thinking about that?!

I shook my head vigorously to dispel the thought.

Queen Luna smiled at my parents, "Kane.. Sharon. So nice to see you again. It's been a while since I've been to your estate."

My mother curtsied politely, "I'm honored to have you here. I hope you can forgive my humble house. It's not as great as your wonderful home."

She smiled largely, "Nonsense. It's my pleasure to be here." She glanced at my Father, "Kane. How is your business doing? I enjoyed those chocolates you sent me."

He smiled and laughed heartily, "It's going great ever since you made that selfless donation. Those chocolates were from our new factory in the southern district. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed them."

She chuckled, "That's wonderful. I need to buy some more from you. I fear I have became addicted."

He laughed politely, "There's no need for you to buy some. It would be my pleasure to give you some for free."

My lip curled up in disgust. What a boring conversation.

Queen Luna looked back to my mother and leaned close to her with a serious expression. "By the way... I've been dying to know.. Just how did you stop your husband's infidelity?!"

My mother's face blushed slightly and my father started coughing from the shock.

My mother cleared her throat, "Well... I didn't really do anything... I had help."

Her eyes glanced down at me involuntary. Queen Luna followed her gaze and lit up as soon as she saw me.

She grabbed my cheeks and pinched them, "Ah! Seri! You look as cute as ever! That's such a beautiful dress on you."

I fought off the urge to bite off her finger. I spoke in a childish voice, "My momma bought me it. Isn't she the best?"

My mother looked slightly shocked to hear this and looked away sheepishly. Queen Luna chuckled, "It looks like her tastes are finally getting better."

She stood up and nodded at my parents. My mother smiled alluringly at her, "Please make yourself comfortable. We have more than enough tea and snacks."

A servant came over and escorted Queen Luna and the boys away. I gave them a small greeting before they walked away.

After the last guest, I walked over to the table with Dante, William, and Millie sitting at it. I plopped down, "Ugh. That was torture."

Millie smiled at me, "You seem to be getting better at etiquette though. You looked like a natural."

I grabbed a cookie from the table and munched on it, "Etiquettes not hard. Just annoying."

William crossed his arms, "Stop talking with your mouth full."

I flipped him off and continued to eat. He grumbled next to me but I ignored him.

I groaned, "I don't even understand why we are having this stupid party. It's not like it's a holiday."

William stared at me with a smug face, "It's normal for nobles to have parties. It's a symbol of their social status. Your mother just hasn't hosted one because you got her kicked out of her social circle."

I rolled my eyes, "Well it's stupid. Why do people like these parties so much? Everything is so stiff and boring. I shouldn't have helped her back into her social circle."

Millie sipped on her tea gracefully. She smiled at me, "Is your mother at least treating you better now?"

I nodded sleepily, "Yeah. She is. I guess I can't complain too much. At least my parents aren't bugging me that much anymore." I glanced at them with a face of disgust, "Even if they act like that shamelessly."

My parents were holding onto each other lovingly. I'm starting to wonder if they got super glued together.

"Seri?"

I looked over at the meek voice to see a small girl with brownish blonde hair and brown eyes. She wore a light pink flowery dress.

This girl is from my class if I remember correctly. "Yes?"

She looked down timidly, "I heard that I should consult you about love advice."

I sighed, "Is this about Henry?"

She looked up startled, "H-How did you know?"

Well, it's obvious to me that she liked a boy from class called Henry. But I couldn't tell her that. She'd probably die from embarrassment.

"What did you need help with?"

She fumbled with her dress, "W-well... You see... I really like him but he doesn't even know I exist. How can I change this? If I could get a proposal from him, I would be overjoyed."

I frowned. Why are these children so obsessed with marriage?! Just what is this society teaching them?!

I responded apathetically, "Henry prefers girls who are more outgoing."

"Oh." She looked down with a sad expression.

I waved my hand at her, "That said, you still have a shot. Just ask him about his rock collection. He will carry the conversation for you and all you'll have to do is nod and respond occasionally. After that I'm sure he will start noticing you and seeking you out."

Henry was the type of kid who didn't get enough attention at home. So he desires someone to listen to him more than anything.

Her face brightened up, "Ah! Thank you so much!"

I nodded, "Yes. If I'm not mistaken, he's here somewhere."

She curtsied, "Thank you! You really are the goddess of love!"

I frowned and muttered, "Goddess of love?"

She skipped off happily. William spoke, "What was that about?"

I turned to him and groaned, "That's been happening ever since I helped out my parents. I don't know who is spreading the rumor around that I'm good at love advice, but it's seriously annoying. I'm getting irritated listening to everyone whine and ask for advice."

Millie clasped her hands together and gave an enchanting smile, "Seri~ That's amazing! You're like a love consultant!"

I scowled, "Why do you make that sound like a good thing? It's annoying."

She tilted her head, "Oh? You don't like helping people?"

William chuckled, "Isn't that obvious?"

I glared at him, "Oi."

William smirked at me, "I'm a bit surprised. I didn't even think you knew anyone's name in your class. How do you even know Henry has a rock collection? I've never seen you talk to him before."

I munched on my cookie, "Because I have eyes. Honestly. Just what do you all think of me? Sure I'm not involved in most people's lives, but that doesn't mean I don't pay attention."

I glanced over at Dante who was staring at me with unwavering icy eyes. I immediately averted my eyes.

My mother and father stood up and clanged some glasses together. They smiled at each other while stuck to each other's hip.

How annoying.

I shoveled a scone into my mouth.

My father cleared his throat, "Attention everyone. Today we actually invited everyone here because we have some good news."

He looked over to my mother with a giddy smile. She giggled.

She placed her hand on her stomach, "We have been blessed with a baby!"

WHAT?!

I started choking on the scone. William started smacking my back in a panic. I coughed out the scone and William pulled his hand away in disgust.

Queen Luna clapped excitedly, "Ahh! Congratulations!"

My mother giggled, "We couldn't wait until he was born. We just had to share the happy news."

"WHAAAAT?!" I smacked the table and stood up. "H-HE?!"

William raised an eyebrow, "Why are you acting so upset? Aren't you excited to have a younger sibling? You seem to like little kids."

"T-That's.."

F*ck. The world's spinning.

Millie smiled haughtily, "Perhaps she's just jealous she won't be an only child anymore."

William nodded, "That must be it. She seems like the type that wouldn't want to share attention."

I ignored his rude remarks. I couldn't focus.

Seri never had a brother! Or any younger sibling for that matter!!! Is this because I f*cked up the storyline by interfering?!

It's not like I care if I destroyed the original novel's storyline. Seriously. I could care less about that.

All I could think of was a new character. One that never should have existed. A little brother.

No. I can't go through that again!

I refuse!

I grabbed a spoon still shaking.

Gotta scoop it out. Scoop it like ice cream.

Dante looked at me with a serious expression, "Are you... Okay?"

But I couldn't hear him. The world was spinning too much.

Ugh. I'm going to be sick.

Am I going to puke?

Nope. I'm going to faint.

My legs gave out and I collapsed on the ground.