Standing near the entrance of the boutique, I keep staring at the vibrant bustle of the capital's central market. The cool afternoon air brushes against my face as I watch noble carriages glide past and vendors display their colorful wares. Having spent months trapped within the silent, towering walls of the Valerius estate, simply standing outside feels like an absolute breath of fresh air.
Naturally, I have zero intention of sitting quietly inside the cramped carriage just yet.
"What are you doing here?" a firm voice calls out from behind me.
I turn to see Orlando striding out of the boutique entrance, his brow instantly furrowed as his eyes land on me. He halts right beside me, folding his arms. "Why are you still standing out here on the roadside? I told you to go back to the carriage. We need to head home."
"Oh, come on, Brother," I say, looking up at him with my best persuasive smile. "Can't we please explore the marketplace just a little bit more? It's my very first time out, and everything looks so lively!"
"No," Orlando answers instantly, leaving no room for negotiation. "You've been standing in the cold draft for too long already. No arguing, just get in."
I pout slightly, shifting tactics. "I'm feeling a little hungry, Brother... Can't we at least go to a nice restaurant nearby for a quick meal before we head back?"
Orlando pauses for a split second, looking at me, but quickly shakes his head with unyielding resolve. "No. The head chef at home is already preparing a proper, nutritious meal for you. You are not eating random market food. Let's go."
A soft sigh escapes my lips, my shoulders slumping in visible disappointment. Even though I look thoroughly defeated, Orlando stands his ground and his strict posture masking the intense, underlying worry he harbors for my fragile health.
Ah, well... he's doing this purely out of concern for my body, I think to myself, quickly letting go of my disappointment. I shouldn't push my luck too hard on my very first outing.
"Alright, alright," I concede with a small, understanding smile. "I get it. Let's head home."
Giving him a gentle nod, I turn and step toward the luxurious horse-drawn carriage. Orlando follows right behind me, letting out a quiet breath of relief as he helps me step inside.
As the carriage doors shut and the wheels begin to churn, neither of us notices a subtle, lingering gaze fixed upon us from a shadowed corner of the market square. Someone stands in the distance, silently observing our every move as our carriage glides right past them. Being completely new to this fantasy world and its hidden undercurrents, I remain utterly oblivious to the eyes following us into the crowd.
Outside the carriage, Lily sits comfortably beside the driver in the fresh air. Inside the plush, velvet-lined interior, it's just Orlando and me sitting opposite each other.
Once the carriage settles into a steady rhythm, I lean forward, folding my arms over my lap and fixing Orlando with a sharp, inquisitive look.
"So, Brother," I begin, raising an eyebrow. "Tell me... what is this ball really about? Why are you and Father suddenly hosting such a massive event, and why wasn't I even informed about it?"
Orlando flinches slightly under my gaze. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, clearing his throat with a sudden surge of hesitation. "A-Ah... well, as the manager said back there, it's... it's simply a banquet to celebrate your miraculous recovery."
I narrow my eyes at him, letting out a quiet, knowing hum. "Nice try, Brother, but that's not the whole truth, is it? You're hiding something from me. A grand ball hosted by the Duke's house can't possibly be that simple."
Caught red-handed, Orlando lets out a nervous chuckle before breaking into a small cough to hide his embarrassment. He rubs the back of his neck, leaning in slightly and lowering his voice.
"Alright, fine... there is a bit more to it," he admits reluctantly. "It's not a complete secret, but Father and I didn't want to overwhelm you or make you anxious. Just promise me you won't bring this up to Father or mention it to anyone else, okay?"
"I promise," I reply smoothly, leaning in closer. "Now spill."
Orlando sighs, his gaze softening into something surprisingly gentle and serious. "You know... in the past, you were always a bit sheltered, and childish. That was why we constantly strictly forbade you from leaving the estate walls or attending social gatherings."
He looks directly into my eyes, a sense of quiet pride washing over his sharp features.
"But recently... you've changed so much, Eleanor. You've become surprisingly mature, grounded, and sensible. Father and I decided it is finally time to introduce you to high society properly. We are hosting this grand ball to show everyone in the capital that you have transformed and more importantly, to make it crystal clear to the entire nobility how deeply the Valerius family cherishes you."
A warm grin touches his lips as he crosses his arms. "That way, when you eventually attend the Imperial Academy or step into social gatherings on your own, no one in our kingdom will ever dare to disrespect or bully you again."