"Can you feel the slight chill in the air now? Fall is coming..."

Raising my face slightly, I savored the cool breeze. It blew my hair slightly but not to the point that it'll turn disheveled. Some of the trees are also starting to shed leaves, thus spurring the folks to sweep them all away.

The capital is like that. Even though there were few trees here because of all the commercial establishments, there are parts that aren't like that. For example, the plaza.

Erin happily chattered behind me.

"It also means that milady's birthday is fast approaching."

I glanced at her, "Ah, why are we talking about birthdays now?"

It's true though... After all, my birthday is just at the beginning of winter. Nonetheless, there are still four more months ahead before that happens.

"Because at that time, milady will start choosing a suitable marriage partner," Erin remarked in excitement.

"Oh?" I took a peek at her and saw her smiling.

She nodded her head, "Mhmm. I am sure that we will be flooded with proposals, milady."

A sharp glint entered her eyes, further confirming that she really is looking forward to it.

"Surely, you jest," I muttered and chuckled afterward.

Proposals, huh...

But why not now when the others my age are already getting engaged? Why must I wait until I become 20? Is that a family tradition or something?

"I'm actually confused why the Marquis still did not choose someone for you, milady. Everyone was all waiting for the announcement..." she added.

'Everyone...'

"Hah! Do you all want me out of the mansion now?"

Erin, upon hearing what I said, got defensive. She shook her head so hard that I bet she got dizzy.

"That's not true, milady! We're just excited to see you become a woman!"

Laughter escaped from my lips, "But aren't I a woman now? A splendid woman of class?"

'Become a woman... seriously...'

Erin grinned as she agreed.

"You are definitely correct, milady."

"Hahaha"

I was still trying to stifle my laugh as we took our time walking through the streets. Some passersby shot me curious looks when they heard me laughing but I ignored them all.

"Where are we going, milady?" She asked after some time.

"We're going to a bookshop and find some handsome men at the same time," I replied in a casual manner.

I didn't think Erin would believe me though...

"M-milady?

I only winked at her and did not clear up whether I was telling her the truth or not. My eyes then caught sight of two figures coming my way. Those two also saw me and stopped in their tracks as soon as I got to them.

"Oh, look who graced us with their presence..."

Rosamunde looked at me, gone with the haughtiness back when we're still at the academy.

"Nadia..."

A smile painted my lips, "It's been a while, Rosamunde..." I then glanced at the woman at her side– "Chiwa is with you, I see..."

Chiwa greeted me politely. How surprising...

"Lady Nadia..."

The beautiful pink-haired woman returned my smile with her own.

"Are you out on a walk?"

If y'all wondering, we both are on good terms now. Her behavior isn't as unbearable as before. Just look at her, she even smiled at me genuinely. If this was seen by me three years ago, I'd probably be covered in goosebumps.

This change of her probably started because this beautiful lady is in love. Fufufufu~

"You can put it that way. I guess you both are too..."

"Yes, that's right..."

I turned towards the silent Chiwa. Looks like Rosa isn't the only one who suddenly changed...

I had already expected for her to kill me alive with her glares while scoffing behind Rosa but... There really are miracles...

"I heard you're getting married? Congratulations."

That word came from the heart. Genuine and with good intentions. I truly mean what I said and hoped she would get it.

Chiwa seemed to get taken aback but only for a second.

"T-thank you..."

'Aww... A blushing Chiwa... Never knew I would see the day.'

"What about you? I don't hear anything about a husband," Rosa voiced out, a single brow was raised upward.

Slowly, a grin appeared on my face.

"Hmm? Are you also curious?" My eyes were sparkling like jewels when I looked at her and Rosa's face fell, already having hunches on what I was thinking and regretting ever asking me.

"Apparently, my father wants a very outstanding man for me. The best of the best out there, you know. Maybe a prince from a foreign country, or a diplomat, or the most handsome man alive to complement with my own beauty, it could also be a very wealthy heir."

The three, including Erin, gaped at me in disbelief. While there's me, grinning like a cat.

Rosa shook her head from side to side and stared at me in disgust.

"... Ridiculous."

I blinked at her repeatedly, "Why? I mean, I deserve that kind of man."

"This conversation is going nowhere..." She commented, totally ignoring me.

"Oh, come on, Rosa. I'm just kidding..." and lightly chuckled. My eyes then glinted in amusement as I finished my words– "The part about my father looking for someone like that, of course, and the rest is true."

Rosa let out an exasperated sigh.

"You really don't change, do you?"

"I know you like me this way, Rosa, don't deny it..."

"Tch."

'I can't believe I am finding her cute right now...'

Shrugging my shoulders, I added, "Plus, there is a possibility that we'll be relatives in the future, we should prosper our friendship."

Rosa glared at me, the kind of glare that doesn't hold any enmity. She really came a long way.

"Who says that I'm your friend?"

"Do you not like being my friend?" I pouted. Feeling mischievous, my lips quivered– "How about a sister? Of course, I would be the eldest."

"You seriously..."

Rosa saw my playful grin and sighed for the second time.

"We're not even sure about that..."

I blinked at her, "About what?"

"Being relatives... Do you really believe that His Highness will choose me?" She muttered as she meets my eyes.

"... Why not?"

I mean, competition is fair. No one really knows who between Bea and her would win Ezekiel over. Though I have a bias, it doesn't necessarily mean that I would disregard Rosa just because of that.

Rosa openly smirked, "Heh. You know more things than me..."

Right now, she's insinuating that she knows that I know who's going to be selected in the end. Firstly, I know the situation between the royal faction and the Vineas. Secondly, the Crown Prince is not just my cousin but a part of my friend's circle as well. And thirdly, I know that she likes someone else.

It was a heavy statement but is dripping with truth. No doubt, Beatriz will surely be chosen as the Crown Princess. Rosamunde must have known that for a long time.

Hmm...

"That's..." I started– "... that's true. I really do know a lot."

I don't want to ruin the atmosphere, hence why I took what she said lightly and cracked a joke instead.

Rosamunde understood what I did and snickered.

"You're really shameless."

"Thank you."

Rosa's face was bright and there's even a small smile playing on her lips. She looked at me once again and bid her goodbye.

"We're leaving now. Let's go."

"Bye~" I said and waved at them, watching them leave with a light heart.

I then stared at the azure sky and smiled before looking at Erin.

"Isn't it such a great day?"