At the age of 15, both boys and girls are now allowed to enter school. For commoners, the elemental temples offer to teach those who want to learn. They teach everything concerning your future job as a member of the society. As for nobles, children that reach the age of 15 are required to enter the school for nobility and after my birthday, I’ll be going to school.

“I see.”

I explained to Lady Violet that I’ll be leaving for the capital soon together with older brother. She looked the same as always, her face still fair and beautiful with her sapphire stoic eyes. Again, I was mesmerized, but I wish she could be at least a little disappointed. I twirled my hair on my fingertips.

“Lady Paige, may we come in?”

Nora the head maid knocked at my door, they’re here to help us get ready for tonight’s banquet. I heard father went all out in the preparations and invited lots of nobles my age for my birthday. Brother said it was meant to help me make friends before enrollment.

“Yes, come in.”

She entered with 5 more maids. They carried two dresses: one dress was white and pink to accentuate my pinkish-golden eyes, the other was a light blue dress altered from mother’s old dresses.

It may not be made for Lady Violet, but I think any dress would suit her. Even with her armor, she’s still beautiful.

They started dressing us after lunch and we’re almost finished right before the sun sets. It took me a while because of my make up, but Lady Violet finished faster.

She fixed her own hair and I was surprised that she can put on such pretty make-up by herself. She’s good with the sword, singing and even dressing up, then what about me? I’m no good at anything.

I heaved a sigh at my self-destructive thoughts.

“Lady Paige, if you sigh right before the party, you’d lose all your luck finding a handsome partner!”

As she was finishing my make-up, Nora winked at me with an insinuating smile. Surprised, my cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

Even if you say so, aren’t I too young to look for a partner?!

“Even if you say so, my little sister is too young to look for one.”

My brother entered the room as soon as I thought about it. Sometimes I wonder if my brother can read my thoughts.

“Brother! You can’t enter a lady’s room without knocking! Especially if you know that we’re dressing up!”

I puffed my cheeks and complained at my stupid older brother. He flinched a bit, but when he saw Lady Violet, his eyes were captivated.

Fufu, beautiful, isn’t she brother?

Nora finished my make-up and Lady Violet stood up, then she held out a hand to me. I reached for her and even though it was a short distance, she escorted me to my brother.

Brother was annoyed, surely at himself for getting captivated at her beauty, but he received my hand from her nonetheless.

“*cough* Come, it’s about time for your birthday party to start.”

We walked together with Lady Violet. When we were near the doors to the ballroom stairs, Prince Theo, Sir Henry and the rest of the Golden Knights were waiting for us.

“Happy birthday milady, you look magnificent.”

Prince Theo bowed, reached for my free hand and kissed it lightly with a compliment. I blushed furiously, Prince Theo truly looked like a prince right now. To tell the truth, being surrounded by pretty people front and back makes me feel like I’ll fade away in obscurity.

The rest also followed with a greeting and congratulations after the prince. I was shy but grateful so tug at my loose hair in embarrassment.

““T-th-thank you…”

I bowed my head, it felt like my face would be the same color as my hair now.

“Peter, is it possible to at least let Violet stay with her? I understand Lord Felippe tightened security but it would be best to have someone stay with Miss Paige. She can go with her even to the lady’s room.”

Prince Theo requested to my brother, the sudden change of subject caught my attention.

Peter? When did they get so close? Is something going to happen?

I looked at everyone present for answers and met with brother’s eyes. He was tense, just like he would whenever he goes out for a monster extermination, like he would with Lady Violet these days.

Then, a sigh of defeat came from my brother.

“Yes, I agree. It’ll be safer that way.”

He faced Lady Violet with serious eyes. The height difference was obvious and he had to look up to her.

“Please, watch over my sister.”

As usual, she wasn't fazed, like she knew this would happen. The expression that covered her face pursed into a small smile and her hand reached for him.

“Hm.”

In agreement she patted my brother’s head. He was definitely surprised and annoyed but he behaved for the favor he just asked.

Because of that, it was decided that Lady Violet would accompany me instead of older brother and the party started. In a small room atop the grand staircase, I waited. I nervously held onto brother’s arm.

Father was giving a speech about his fief, future plans and that he’s thankful for everyone that we can celebrate my birthday. Brother looked at me with a smile.

“Congratulations Paige. Remember that I’ll always be your brother no matter what happens.”

After saying so with much care, he kissed my forehead and patted my hand. My grouchy brother can be so sweet sometimes.

And of course, even if I leave the Mastris household, I will forever be your little sister.

“Thank you older brother. I too, promise that I will be your little sister forever, even if you become even more grouchier than ever.”

I stick out my tongue and smiled. At this, he chuckled and caressed my cheek and with a little force, he pinched it between his fingers.

“What did I just hear? This cheeky princess calling me a grouch?”

Laughter filled the small room. My nervousness washed away as soon as the door opened. My father introduced me and what welcomed us was the lit banquet hall filled with decorations. I saw the different delicacies father brought from each corner of our fief, and it was laid out in abundance atop long tables. You can see that he is truly proud of his citizens and his fief.

The sound of men and women in colorful dresses mingling filled the hall. Their gazes were on me as I descend the stairs with my older brother. They clapped, some cheered and was truly happy for me, while others were murmuring in gossip.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I smiled and curtsied as best as I could and then it was the start of the cumbersome greetings of every guest in the hall. Brother left as he did his own greetings while Lady Violet followed closely behind me.

As I walked around greeting my guests, I noticed some glances, stares and almost everyone was looking my way, rather behind me, to the quiet lady who followed close. That night, I became the first line of defense for all the men who wished to introduce themselves to Lady Violet.

As the party continued deeper into the night, conversations became more lively, the music filled the hall and dancing pairs twirled in delight. Suddenly, smoke emerged from each corner of the hall and the panicked voices of the guests replaced the merriment. From behind, a handkerchief reached for my face and pulled me under a table.

“Don’t breathe the smoke.”

The hand warned, it was Lady Violet. She pulled out knives from under her dress and told me to stay put.

Why did my birthday party turn out this way?