Inside the carriage, I settled in between my parents, the gentle rocking of the wheels filling the quiet space.

  Today, we weren’t heading straight to the tea party just yet — first, we needed to meet up with my brothers, who had just returned from their long, grueling training at Skyridge Mountain.They were currently staying at Bourdelle Manor, preparing for their next challenge: the Sword Tournament, a prestigious event held annually within the Duchy.

  It had become something of a tradition — a final rite of passage.Whenever the trainees descended from Skyridge, they would test their skills by competing before the Empire’s finest sword masters.The tournament was no small affair; it was jointly sponsored by my father and my uncle, Duke Bourdelle, who together provided generous rewards for the victors.

  Of course, that didn’t mean my brothers — or Stan — would have any special advantage.The judges, referees, and committee members overseeing the competition were all renowned sword masters and veteran enthusiasts from across the Empire.Their reputations were impeccable, and bias was highly unlikely — especially since the tournament was a public event, where even the spectators could cast their votes and influence the final outcome.

  It was a true, open contest — a spectacle where skill, spirit, and swordsmanship alone would decide the champions.

  Last year, only Stan had managed to secure a victory — winning the junior division — while poor Theo had to settle for third pce.Ever since then, Theo had been quietly determined to do better, vowing to cim the championship for himself this year.As for Stan, he would have to fight to keep his winning streak alive.

  Father, naturally, was eager to see the fruits of all their hard work and training.I, on the other hand... well, I was mostly looking forward to the sweet potatoes they'd promised to bring back from the mountain. Priorities.

  The carriage rumbled steadily along the road, heading toward the portal leading into the Bourdelle Duchy.Outside, the ndscape blurred past in soft, watercolor strokes — but inside, my mind was already spinning ahead, straight to the tea party that awaited me.

  While Father’s mind seemed full of tournament excitement, mine had wandered into different territory altogether.

  It would be my first official tea party — and for the first time, I would attend without Jane or Cecil at my side.Only Cece, Eri, and I would be left to navigate the intricate dance of noble society on our own.

  I knew Aunt Regine had meticulously selected the young dies invited to Cece’s debut tea party, ensuring the event would be filled with the right families, the right names.And yet, despite all her careful pnning, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nerves deep in my stomach.

  What if something went wrong?What if I stumbled over my words, or made a fool of myself?

  Excitement and dread twisted together inside me, tightening into an uneasy knot, until my palms felt slightly damp against the fabric of my skirts.I just hoped I could get through it without some grand disaster — for all our sakes.

  And then there was Eri.Sweet, unpredictable Eri, who would either charm everyone with her strange quirks... or unleash some unexpected chaos with her insects without even blinking.

  I admired her, truly.I wish I had even half her fearlessness.

  As for Cece — she would be perfectly fine.Elegant, poised, and utterly at ease — she was made for moments like this.Although... I did worry she might start spinning her romantic daydreams midway through the party, dragging Eri and me into whatever dramatic plot she’d conjured up in her head.

  I stifled a soft ugh at the thought.

  Turning my gaze to the carriage window, I let my forehead rest lightly against the gss.The road unspooled endlessly before us, and without meaning to, I whispered,"But what if I really do meet my fated partner there?"

  The moment the words slipped out, a small stack of documents, precariously perched on the seat opposite me, slid loose — a few sheets fluttering down onto my shoes.

  I blinked, startled — just as Father's voice, hesitant and curious, broke the silence. "What do you mean by that, Nia?" he asked, gncing at me from across the carriage.

  Grinning mischievously, I lifted my foot and nudged one of the papers. "Hmm? What’s all this, Father?" I teased, tilting my head innocently, pretending not to notice how quickly he tried to gather the fallen sheets.

  "You said you might meet your fated partner at the party?" Father repeated, his voice rising slightly in arm. "Are you thinking about finding a fiancé already? Nia, you’re only thirteen! You shouldn’t be worrying about such things yet!"

  I let out a soft giggle, covering my mouth as I watched the rare sight of my usually composed father looking completely panicked. "Oh? Did I say that out loud?" I said sweetly, barely hiding my amusement.

  "You are not allowed to meet anyone!" Father added hastily, his voice firm — but the way he gripped the edge of his seat betrayed his flustered state.

  At that, my mother — who had been leaning casually against him just moments before — straightened in her seat, turning to watch us both with an amused grin tugging at her lips.Clearly, she was enjoying the little spectacle between father and daughter far more than she intended to admit.

  "What do you mean, Father?" I teased, batting my eyeshes at him. "I might meet someone sooner or ter, you know."

  My father clutched at his chest dramatically, as if my words had physically wounded him.

  "Now, now, Nia darling — quit teasing your father," Mother said, ughing as she reached over to pat his back consolingly. "If you keep this up, he really might cry."

  She turned to Father, her voice slipping into a soothing tone — though a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. "Honey, stop overreacting. Your daughter isn't meeting anyone today. She’s only attending an all-girls tea party — no boys will be around."

  Father narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. "Come to think of it," he muttered suspiciously, "is that why the tea party was scheduled at the same time as the Sword Tournament? So the girls could scout for prospects while the boys are distracted?"

  Oh, Father was sharp! I thought inwardly, barely restraining a giggle.

  "Of all the days, Regine could have pnned it differently!" he continued, working himself into a panic. "I’ll speak to Chryses — I’ll have him cancel the tournament today!"

  "Stop the nonsense, honey," Mother said sweetly — though there was a distinct warning hidden beneath her gentle tone — the kind that said if you cause trouble, you’ll answer to me.

  Father let out a defeated huff, slumping back against the seat.

  I shook my head fondly as I watched my parents bicker — part of me grateful that even on days like this, when everything felt new and uncertain, some things would always stay comfortingly the same.

  Outside the carriage window, the ndscape was beginning to change — a sure sign that we were getting closer to Bourdelle Manor.

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