Vera did the most mundane things with Sonia, be it that playing, eating, but she wouldn't trade it for anything. It even reminded her of her sister, which made the servant feel the greater need and desire to care and protect Sonia.

Several years have passed, and it was already nearing the most awaited debut of the crowned princess. It was the most important and most talked about news in the kingdom. Everyone in the kingdom was anxious, especially those in the castle. Everything was prepared down to the last detail, from the selection of food served, the lodgings and the accommodation for the guests and royalties from far away, the silverware used, down to the general gist of the event.

The princess was not spared with the buzzing energy. Day and night she was fitted and measured for the dresses she had to wear. She also had several lessons about etiquette, formal dancing, and culture. It left her so tired she only found few moments to interact and relax with her fairy godmother.

The said fairy godmother was left in a worse state. She had to manage every single thing for the event. As she was dubbed as the closest person to the princess (not even the king himself can contend with this title, to his utmost shame), she was asked every time if the designs would suit the princess' taste as they did not want to bother her.

"Eve!" called someone. She turned around, a ferocious glare already prepared to deter the person. However, this did not deter them. "Would the princess like this one?"

She gave the person an unamused gaze. Vera was nearing her exploding point. "I told you already I'm not the princess! Why don't you go ask her, huh?!" Vera then sighed. "She would like it better if it was blue. Reminds her of her mother."

"Thanks!" She resumed her task. Not even one minute later, another one had disturbed her peace.

"Eve!"

"What!? I'm tired of you asking me, Eve this, Eve that! Can't I rest for a while?!"

The knight in question remained calm. "Calm yourself Eve, this is not about the princess."

"What?" Vera was taken aback.

"Eve, some guests have arrived already."

"This early? I thought they were supposed to arrive next week!"

"Yes, however, one of them decided to come earlier. We will prepare their lodgings, while the king has personally asked for you to be their host, as both the king's and the princess' hands are full at the moment, and that you were present during most of the princess' classes. He trusts that you can do the job."

"Oh..." Vera felt sheepish. She wiped her hands at her maid uniform, and asked the knight, "where are they? When will they arrive?"

"In an hour."

"Got it."

"And Eve," the knight called her. "The king ordered you to come to the tailor. You'll receive the clothes you will wear until the debut is finished. You will be temporarily assigned as the minister of receptions."

'What?'

---

Vera stood there awkwardly, waiting for the guests to finish unloading their items. She itched within her blue dress, as she wasn't accustomed to wearing them since she became Sonia's devoted servant and friend a few years past. After all their stuff has been unloaded, a family of three nobles stood in front of her.

"Welcome to the Dragon's Castle. The royal family of De Loutherbergh, and I, Eve, the minister of receptions, welcome you with great pleasure."

The older man, presumably the head of the family, took her gloved right hand and placed it on his lips. "The pleasure is ours, madame. I am Thaddeus Angelo Black, pleasured to be in your presence. This is my wife, Emilia, and my son, Nathaniel."

The woman did a curtsy as her name was mentioned, while the young man, around her and Sonia's age, did the same as her father.

"Pardon for the imprudence, but may I ask why were you sent here instead of the king or the princess?"

"I'm sorry, but I was not told of the reason aside from them having their hands full. Would you like for me to ask for their presence?"

"No need for that, my dear," said Emilia.

"Is that so? Then I will lead you to your room at the east wing."

"Excuse us," said the knight behind her. "But we were told to personally escort Sir Angelo and Madame Emilia to their chambers. We were also told that you were to lead Sir Nathaniel to Sonia's dance class, as he would be the escort for her debut."

"Is that so?" asked Emilia.

"Then we shall go now. Follow her, Nathaniel."

"Yes father," said Nathaniel. He turned to stare at her with his black eyes. Vera saw a hint of mischief within them as he bowed. "Now, milady, would you lead the way?"

'Somehow, I feel that I'll regret this.'

---

She did.

On their long way towards Sonia's class, Nathaniel showed his true colors. His respectful and regal façade was broken as he let out his pent up mischief.

"Hey Eve! Look at me!"

"Eve! There's a---"

"Eve!"

She's had enough. "Just what is your problem!?"

"Nothing!"

After that, their walk was more peaceful and silent. The mischievous noble still grated her nerves, but he mellowed it down. After a few strides, they finally reached the room. She knocked softly three times.

"Excuse me. The minister of receptions has brought Sir Nathaniel Black, the escort of her highness."

A muffled sound came from the inside. "Come in."

Nathaniel sprung in action and held the door for Vera. "After you, milady."

She huffed in frustration, and intentionally stomped his foot on her way inside. His angry mumbles made her giggle, which she hid.

---

Vera watched and observed as the princess and the noble danced to the melody. Their figures, confident and regal, seemed as if they were made from each other: the blonde, fair princess, and the dark-haired, handsome noble, perfectly fit for each other. They danced as if they had already danced with each other before, despite only dancing with each other for the first time that day, even though they have met in several parties before. Vera was captivated.

'They dance really perfectly. Every sway, every turn was very graceful.' She sighed dreamily, happy for her best friend. As she continued to watch, she noticed something. 'Something is off...'

The duo danced in sync with each other, but as she looked upon them closely, she noticed one thing. 'The noble, Nathaniel, seems distracted. His mind is somewhere else, while Sonia... she likes him...' thought Vera as she noticed the black eyes of Nathaniel showed disinterest as they met with Sonia's dreamy ones. Her cheeks were flushed as well. His head turned around, and their eyes locked briefly, until she averted her gaze.

From their brief interaction, however, she realized. 'He's interested... in me...'