The Following Day
The soft crackle of footsteps echoed toward Rilia's chamber.
"Miss Rilia," came a gentle voice.
"Come in, Isabel," Rilia replied, still bent over her blue notebook as Isabel stepped inside.
"Lady Rosalyn, the viscount's daughter, has sent a letter."
"Oh? Hand it to me."
Rilia accepted the envelope and broke the seal.
> Riliaaa! How could you deceive me?! You promised to visit last night, yet you tricked me! Do you know how excited I was? You're so mean, so mean! But fine, I'll come to your house today and scold you myself!
A sigh escaped Rilia as she finished reading the childish yet fiery words.
"Miss… weren't you supposed to call on Lady Rosalyn yesterday?" Isabel tilted her head curiously.
"Yes. But I was exhausted… She must have been terribly disappointed." Rilia furrowed her brows, then added, "Isabel, could you help me prepare for her visit?"
"Of course, my lady! I'll have the cook prepare sweets and cakes, and I'll ready a dress for you."
"Thank you, Isabel." Rilia smiled warmly. She must be pleased, Rilia thought. Rosalyn always has a way of lifting my spirits.
After Isabel had drawn her bath, Rilia dressed in a gray gown embroidered with tiny gems, its puffed sleeves ending in an elegant flare. Isabel wove her silver hair into a braid and adorned it with delicate flowers.
"You look exquisite, my lady."
"Thanks to your efforts," Rilia answered with a shy smile.
"And thanks to your beauty," Isabel teased, earning a faint blush from Rilia.
Just then, a servant hurriedly knocked.
"Lady Rilia! Lady Rosalyn has arrived."
"Perfect timing." Rilia rose gracefully and made her way to the garden.
---
In the Garden
At a small table laden with strawberry confections and dark chocolate sat a girl with dusky skin, lustrous orange hair, and eyes red as gemstones beneath thick lashes.
"Rosalyn!" Rilia called, lifting her hand in greeting.
In an instant, the girl leapt to her feet and embraced her tightly, a radiant smile lighting her face.
"Riliaaa! I've missed you so much. It's been a whole month since we last met!"
"I've missed you too. Forgive me for not coming yesterday." Rilia's warm smile softened the reproach.
"Exactly!" Rosalyn huffed, recalling it. "You know how much I despise broken promises."
"I have my reasons. Come—sit. Let me explain."
They seated themselves, and Rilia recounted her troubles with her parents. Few could have borne such honesty—but Rosalyn was like a sister to her.
"I see…" Rosalyn murmured, biting her finger as her crimson eyes narrowed.
"I'm sorry, Rosalyn. You came here to enjoy yourself, and I've only burdened you with gloomy talk."
"Don't say that!" Rosalyn suddenly rose, clasping Rilia's hands. "I love when Riri shares her worries. It makes me feel closer to you. And…" She paused, smiling faintly as her gaze dropped to the ground. "I love easing your sorrows, just as you always ease mine."
Rilia's eyes widened.
"Even when you're at your worst, you listen to me, you cheer me, and you never belittle my childish troubles. When you confide in me, I feel… happy, because I can finally give back a little of what you've always given me. So please, never hesitate to lean on me."
Her words, soft and tender as balm, broke Rilia's restraint. She embraced her dearest friend.
"Rosalyn… thank you for being by my side."
"Oh, you silly thing—don't thank me for that," Rosalyn laughed lightly, and soon both girls were giggling.
Then Rosalyn grew serious once more.
"Rilia… are you truly set on contracting with a newspaper behind your parents' backs?"
"I am. And I won't change my mind."
"No matter how I plead, you'll never yield," Rosalyn sighed. "At least promise me you'll be careful."
"Of course. Trust me." Rilia smiled, and Rosalyn's expression softened in return.
"Which paper will it be?"
"The Orbil Gazette."
"What? But isn't that a minor paper?"
"Precisely," Rilia said, touching her chin thoughtfully. "A prestigious paper would discard me at the first sign of trouble. No renowned press would dare risk contracting with a noble who hides her identity. But Orbil… Orbil has nothing to lose."
A shiver traced Rosalyn's spine at the calculating smile that lit Rilia's face.
"…You're right," she murmured, realizing the sharpness of her plan.
Just then, a driver approached.
"Lady Rosalyn! Young Master Charles has returned from the academy."
"Truly?" Rosalyn's eyes widened, joy blooming on her face.
"Then I must go. Ah—and we may soon be invited to the Imperial Palace banquet. If so, I'll see you there."
"Farewell, Rosalyn." Rilia waved as her friend departed.
"I nearly forgot…" Rilia murmured, eyes narrowing as she looked to the ground.
---
At the Imperial Palace, the Day of the Banquet
Sunlight flooded her chamber, waking Rilia from her slumber. She rose, bathed, and prepared for the day ahead.
"Tadaa~! You look dazzling as always, Lady Rilia!" Isabel beamed.
"Thank you, Isabel. You haven't forgotten the cakes, have you?"
"Of course not! How could I?"
"Good." Rilia smiled faintly.
"Well then, goodbye Isabel!"
"Goodbye, my lady. May your day be pleasant," Isabel answered with a bright smile that failed to mask her worry.
…
Rilia joined her parents in the family carriage.
"Do not fail us this time," the count growled.
"Yes, father," Rilia replied flatly. She had no intention of being his pawn.
A heavy silence filled the carriage until at last it came to a halt.
"My lord, we've arrived at His Majesty's palace."
"Good."
The count and countess disembarked. As Rilia prepared to follow, a familiar voice pierced the air.
"Ririii!" Rosalyn waved enthusiastically.
Rilia sighed softly, yet a smile crept onto her lips as she stepped down.
"It's only been three weeks since we last met. Why such excitement?"
"Hehe… I'm always excited to see my Riri!"