Morning Preparations
Soft rays of morning light filtered through the lace curtains of Eufelilya's room, casting a warm glow over the delicate decor. Plush toys surrounded her, adding to the serenity of the space. She stretched lazily, knowing the chaos that awaited her.
Here we go again. Another day of dressing up and pretending to care about people I don't even know…
Footsteps approached the door, followed by a gentle knock. Elara and Felicity, the ever-cheerful maids, stepped in with bright smiles.
"Good morning, Lady Eufelilya! It's Princess Lyra's birthday ball today. We must get you ready!" Elara announced.
Felicity, grinning, added, "Your dress is waiting, my lady. It's absolutely stunning!"
Lily peeked out from under the blanket, pulling the most exaggerated face of pain imaginable.
"Ugh. Can I pretend to be dead for just five more minutes?"
The maids giggled, used to her antics, and gently pulled the blanket away.
"Alright, alright, I surrender!"
Lily groaned. "Just make me look magical and majestic quickly!"
They helped her into her gown, a flowing, delicately embroidered masterpiece that shimmered in the morning light. Sparkling hairpins were woven into her hair, catching the light like tiny stars.
Breakfast with the Family
The Cordelia dining room buzzed with energy as the scent of fresh bread and fruit filled the air. Duke Alexander and Duchess Eleanor smiled warmly at their children as they gathered for breakfast.
"Good morning, my Lily. Is there anything you want today?" Alexander asked, his voice warm.
Eleanor, her voice softer, added, "You've brought us so much joy. Let's make today special. Just say the word."
Lily smirked, an idea forming in her mind.
"I want to study magic. I want to learn everything magic has to offer!"
Unlike the original Eufelilya, who threw herself at the male lead like a discount romance heroine... Ugh, this version of me was so pathetic. I'm not repeating those mistakes.
Alexander laughed heartily. "An excellent ambition. We'll make sure you're more than ready for Velkryn Transcendence Academy."
Eleanor smiled, pride evident in her eyes. "You're growing up so fast. I'm already proud of you."
At the table, the twins, Estiana and Selene, squealed as they reached for handfuls of fruit, nearly toppling their plates. The maids rushed to help them with practiced ease.
"They're such chaos goblins!" Lily laughed.
"They're exactly like you were at that age," Alexander chuckled.
Lily shot him a playful, fake smile. Wow. He really is my dad, huh? I'm almost offended that it doesn't bother me as much as it should.
Eleanor turned to Clarenz, her tone softer. "Lily, make sure to look after your brother at the ball, alright?"
Lily grinned. "Don't worry, I've got it covered!"
Preparing for the Ball
After breakfast, the mansion was alive with preparations. Eufelilya practiced her manners under her mother's watchful eye, but her mind was already five steps ahead.
"Just be yourself, Lily. People will love you," Eleanor said gently.
Be myself? If only that didn't mean unraveling family drama while trying not to choke on awkward pleasantries.
Alexander's voice interrupted her thoughts, sharp as always. "And if anyone bothers you, tell me."
"I'll be on my best chaotic behavior, don't worry, Father."
Returning to Her Room
Later, Lily sat by her window, her eyes drifting over the Cordelia Estate. The sight brought back memories of the story she read in her past life.
Clarenz was so neglected in the novel. He felt invisible... I'll make sure that never happens this time.
Her gaze landed on a family portrait hanging on the wall. The image of joy clashed with her knowledge of the future.
And then the divorce… the twins' accident…No. Not on my watch.
She clenched her fists, staring out at the world with renewed determination.
This time, I'm not some side character destined to make stupid mistakes chasing a man who never even liked me. I'm here to study ancient magic, solve mysteries, maybe explore some dungeons, raise my magic stats—and who knows, maybe burn down the patriarchy if I get bored enough.
A grin tugged at the corner of her lips.
Now this is what I call FREEDOM. Challenge accepted.
Determined to change the future, Eufelilya decided to spend more time with Clarenz.
She found him in the garden, chasing butterflies with an intensity that bordered on obsession.
"Clarenz," Lily called, her voice light. "Want to play together? How about we explore the stables?"
Clarenz's eyes lit up. "Really? That sounds awesome! Let's go ride horses!"
"What!? No Clarenz, Thats too big for us!" Lily Panicked.
Clarenz smile started to fade making a pity face with teary eyes "But Sister you said we will play together hm?"
"Fine! but we will ride a pony ok?" Lily couldnt resist Lets him have his way. Clarenz grins making a soft smile and says "Thank you Sister"
The siblings dashed off to the stables, their laughter echoing through the garden.
Clarenz, with his usual stubbornness, insisted on leading the way, often charging ahead without thinking.
"Clarenz, slow down! You're going to get us in trouble!" Lily warned, breathless from trying to keep up.
"No way!" Clarenz grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm the bravest knight in the kingdom!"
Lily couldn't help but laugh. This is what I call chaos in the making… but I don't mind it.
Their antics soon escalated into full-blown mischief. They "borrowed" a pony and attempted to ride it around the courtyard, causing a commotion as the animal spooked and galloped wildly.
"Clarenz, hold on tight! We're going too fast!" Lily shouted, gripping the reins tightly.
"This is AMAZING!" Clarenz yelled, laughing as the horse bucked beneath them.
The noise quickly drew the attention of the stable hands and their parents, who rushed out in alarm. Duke Alexander and Duchess Eleanor arrived just in time to see their children clinging to the horse as it galloped around the courtyard.
"Clarenz! Eufelilya! What on earth are you two doing?" Alexander's voice was sharp with concern.
Lily and Clarenz managed to jump off the pony safely, though they were both laughing uncontrollably.
"We're fine, Mother, Father," Lily giggled. "Just having a little fun."
Clarenz grinned. "Yeah, it was awesome!"
Their parents exchanged a look of exasperation mixed with amusement.
"You two are always getting into trouble," Alexander said, shaking his head. "Now you're teaming up together."
Eleanor's voice softened, worry creeping into her tone. "We just want you both to be safe, especially tonight at the ball."
"We know you're full of energy, but please, try to stay out of trouble tonight," Alexander added with a rare, affectionate smile.
Lily nodded solemnly. "We promise, Father. We'll be on our best behavior."
Clarenz grinned mischievously. "Yeah, we'll be angels."
Though their parents still looked a little concerned, they couldn't help but laugh at Clarenz's cheeky grin. They knew their children meant well, even if their lively nature often led to unexpected chaos.
As the day continued, Lily glanced at Clarenz. His joyful grin made her heart lighter, but a shadow of worry still lingered. Tonight's ball would be only the beginning. She had to be ready for him, for her family, and for the future she was determined to rewrite.