Chapter 3 - Alina
The next day, I woke up when Mia entered my room, carrying my delicious-looking breakfast.
“Good morning, my lady. I have brought your breakfast.”
“Good morning, Mia. Wow, it looks delicious! Oh right, can you tell me about my family while I eat? Yesterday at dinner, I felt awkward because I didn’t remember who they were.” I said as I walked towards the table to drink tea which was deliberately placed in my room so that I could get privacy when I wanted to eat or drink tea alone.
“Of course, I’ll start with your father. He is Count Cornelius Eric Blanca, your mother is Countess Clemence Jane Blanca. You have a younger brother named Ethan Grayson Blanca…” Mia continued her answer with birthdays, ages, hobbies, and various other information about them. “Is there anything else you want to ask, my lady?” he asked after answering my question at length.
“Hmm, oh yeah, what city does Alina live in?” I asked.
“Lady Alina lives in Hazel City, it’s about an hour and a half from here by horse-drawn carriage.” he answered
“Okay, thank you, Mia.” At that very moment, a servant knocked on my door to inform me that the horse-drawn carriage that would take me to the Hartbow Family’s house was ready.
I’m getting ready to go to ‘my’ friend Alina’s house. Mia dressed me in a light blue dress that was simple but elegant. I told my mother that I was going, then after getting permission, I started my journey to Alina’s house, accompanied by Mia and several soldiers who were tasked with guarding me.
When I arrived at Alina’s house, I was greeted by several servants waiting in front of the house. They ushered me into the house and asked me to wait a moment. I looked at the house which I thought was very luxurious compared to the Count Blanca Family’s house, this was indeed the class of a Marquess. In this house there is a crystal chandelier that greets me as soon as I enter the house, the soft red carpeted stairs look majestic, gold pillars are in every corner, there are also several paintings and works of art that look expensive.
“Leah, welcome to my house!” Alina ran down the stairs and hugged me.
“Alina, it’s been a long time since we met.” I said while returning his hug.
Wow, Alina also looks exactly like her description, even more beautiful. Her green eyes and brownish blonde hair make her look calm and wise. Why are all the characters in this novel so beautiful and good looking?
“That’s right, I should hold tea parties more often, but I’m busy attending parties so I don’t have time.” she said sadly, her green eyes looked sad and tired.
“I can see it, you look tired. Are you okay?” I asked, filled with worry.
“I’m fine, especially since you’re here, I’m in good spirits again.” she said, smiling.
Suddenly the door opened, two men walked in, discussing something.
“Brother, it’s great that you’re coming home!” Alina greeted her brother with a hug.
The person, who seemed to be Alina’s older brother, noticed my presence.
“I didn’t know you have a guest.”
“Oh, she is my best friend, Eleanor. I’ve told you a lot about her.” said Alina while giving me a signal to introduce myself.
“Nice to meet you, my name is Eleanor Aelis Blanca. I am Count Blanca’s first daughter.” I said, bowing to show respect.
“Oh, so she is that friend you told me about. Welcome to the Hartbow Family estate, my name is Austin Charles Hartbow, the first son of Marquess Hartbow. Please just call me ‘Austin’.” he said.
“Okay, Austin. You can also call me Leah.” I said.
“Well, nice to meet you too, Leah.” he said while kissing the back of my hand.
I responded with a smile.
“Oh right, who is this sir?” Alina asked while looking at the blonde man who had come together with Austin.
Why does this man look familiar? Black hair and blue eyes, doesn’t Ace also have black hair? Not many people have black hair here. Is it possible that these two people are the same person?
“I am Duke Lysander, I came here to meet Marquess Hartbow, as well as to accompany my assistant who wants to meet his family.” he said.
The voice is also very familiar. I can’t be wrong, this man is definitely Ace. The problem is, why did Ace suddenly become Duke Lysander? I felt a sharp gaze fixed on me, but luckily, it seemed like Alina noticed my discomfort.
“Leah, how about we chat over a cup of tea.” invite Alina.
“That’s fine.” I said, smiling again.
Alina held my hand and then took me to a large garden full of flowers in her backyard. In the middle of the garden, there is a table with assorted sweets and a tea set.
“I have prepared this for you, do you like it?” she said.
“Of course, you did very well.” I answered.
Alina smiled then told me to sit down, after that, she poured tea for me and herself.
“So, what happened to make my usually brave friend afraid.” she asked, full of curiosity.
I also told her what happened, starting from how Ace saved me to how he turned out to be Duke Lysander.
Alina laughed, “My dear friend, isn’t that called fate?”
“It can’t be fate, it’s just a coincidence. Have you ever heard that the first meeting is a chance, the second meeting is a coincidence, and the third meeting is fate.”
“Then you just need one more meeting.” she said as she moved his face closer to mine, her eyes sparkling.
“Even if it’s fate, that fate is going to be the end of my life.” I said, pushing her face that made me uncomfortable.
“Hmm… would you like to bet with me?” she offered as she returned to her position.
“Okay, what is that?”
“If Duke Lysander suddenly comes here or passes through this place, admit that this is fate, deal?”
“Even if it’s going to make me lose my life?”
Alina nodded her head.
I sighed, “Okay, if you win, I will give you the gift I bought, if you lose, you won’t get it.”
“Alright. I’m confident!”