Chapter 21. Accident or Intentional

Maaga akong binulabog ng gising ni Mira. Now, I am currently in the bathtub, surrounded by the soothing aroma of sweet flowers, while the maids assist me in cleaning my body. Rosette is gently scrubbing my feet, Violet is massaging my hands, and Laura is being careful as she shampoos my hair.

To be honest, I am perfectly capable of doing these things on my own. Initially, I felt embarrassed being undressed in front of them just to take a bath! I mean, who in their right mind wouldn't be ashamed of that? Mira insists that it was completely normal, but in my perspective coming from a different world it is not!

I insisted that they let me bathe alone. I can take care of myself. Despite inhabiting the body of a fourteen-year-old noble lady, I am already an adult.

But no matter what I say, no matter how I reason with Mira, she simply refuses to listen. That's why I had no choice but to let them do what they want and oath to do. How can I possibly resist when Mira gives me that smile? It sends shivers down my spine. It's terrifying.

Putting that aside, today is the day of the tea party at the House of the Valentines. That's why Mira woke me up so early. I almost cursed at her when I glanced at the clock and realized it was only 5 o'clock in the morning!

Who wouldn't get angry when they're awakened that early? It didn't help that I fell asleep quite late, around midnight, because I got engrossed in the novel we bought the other day.

Honestly, the novels in this world are incredibly well-written. I swear to God, they're not cringeworthy at all! The narration transports you into the scenes, as if you're on the sidelines, observing the characters expressing themselves through their dialogues. I was so captivated by the story that I lost track of time.

And now, I'm paying the price for not sleeping early. Just great! But it's a good thing that I didn't had eye bags. Oh God! If that happens then Mira would be nagging me nonstop until my ears bleed.

After nearly an hour of bathing, the three maids escorted me to the walk-in closet, where Cassia's extensive wardrobe awaited me. All of these luxurious dresses and gowns will now be mine? Why on earth does she enjoy wearing outfits adorned with so many gems? Is she trying to attract kidnappers or something?

Shaking off those thoughts, I straightened up as Rosette helped me fasten my corset. This is one aspect of this world that I wish didn't exist.

"Rosette, don't tie the corset too tightly. Leave some room for me to breathe comfortably," I instructed her, more like a command, but with a calm and polite tone.

"B-But, my lady," Rosette began, but her words were interrupted by Mira, who had just returned carrying a tray with a letter on it.

"Do as you're told, Rosette. You know our young lady has a delicate constitution, don't you? It would be dangerous if she experienced difficulty breathing because of the corset," Mira interjected.

Rosette paled at Mira's words, immediately bowing her head. Her hands clasped tightly together, visibly trembling.

"I sincerely apologize, my lady! Please forgive this humble maid's impertinence."

I winced. I don't think I'll ever get used to the way they apologize in this world. Back where I came from, apologies were often insincere and fake, but here it's different, especially given the significant issue of racism based on social status.

"You may raise your head, Rosette. Don't worry and just follow instructions. I will let this one slide," I reassured her.

She looked up at me, and as our eyes met, I offered her a gentle smile. For a moment, she froze as if taken aback, and then her face flushed crimson.

"T-Thank you, my lady," she replied shyly.

Hindi ko naman naiwasan ang mahinang mapatawa sa naging reaksyon nito. Ang ku-cute kasi nila eh. I smiled at Mira who just got close to where I am. I really am lucky to have her as my personal maid. Well, she's one of my people now.

After Rosette finished lacing up my corset, I sat in front of the vanity area. Violet began applying light makeup to my face. Actually, I don't like wearing makeup, but Mira insisted that it was necessary.

Napabuga na lang ako ng hininga. Are they even for real? I'm only fourteen years old - although my soul is already at the age of twenty-one - but I'm still fourteen! Cassia is still but a child. And isn't make up bad for a child's skin, most especially the face?

In my previous life as Aria, I wasn't really fond of makeup products. I only used powder, perfume, and lip balm. No foundation, blush, eyeshadows, lipstick, and all those unnecessary cosmetics for the face.

The only time I dressed up was during our acquaintance party in college, and even then, Faith had to practically force me to attend. Even Tita Flora, Faith's mother, conspired with her to convince me to go.

I didn't enjoy dressing up or socializing with others back then. I preferred being alone. I didn't even attend the high school prom. I used the excuse of being sick, and the teachers just let me be. It's not like they cared about me anyway. I was just a mere student, not worth their attention.

When the makeup and hairstyling were done, I opened my eyes and looked at myself in the mirror.

Cassia is indeed beautiful, even at such a young age. Why did the author create a character with such a role? Tsk.

"You are so beautiful, my lady!"

"You're like an angel!"

"You will be the star of today's tea party with your beauty."

I mustered a small smile in response to Rosette, Laura, and Violet's kind words. Cassia is undeniably beautiful. There's no doubt she is a Clorance, especially with her platinum blonde hair that shines and feels incredibly soft.

"Ah, my lady. Here is a letter that was sent for you," Mira caught my attention as she approached with a tray. I took the letter from it, furrowing my brow at the seal used to seal the wax.

Mira handed me a small knife, which I took and used to open the letter. As I unfolded the paper and read its contents, I let out a sigh. After assessing the letter, I folded it back and returned it to its envelope. I handed it back to Mira, knowing exactly where it should be placed.

What does that person want, suddenly sending me a letter?

Once everything was settled, Mira, along with the other three maids, accompanied me out of the Manor. As we walked, Mira suddenly spoke up.

"My lady, you are so beautiful, it's an obvious statement," she said, turning to look at me. "I hope you have fun at today's tea party."

I couldn't help but smile at her words.

When we reached the outside, Butler Philip was waiting there. I inwardly grimaced. So the butler is here to see me off, pero siya hindi? Well, I didn't expect much from him anyway. Disappointed but not shocked.

"Then, I'll be taking my leave now," I said and entered the carriage.

Just like the previous day, Sir Rick assisted me in boarding. Butler Philip had insisted that at least five knights accompany me as guards. Originally, it was supposed to be ten, but I pleaded with him to reduce the number. After all, I was attending a ladies' tea party, not heading into a battlefield that required such a large escort.

"Take care, my lady!"

"Enjoy the tea party, my lady."

"Have fun, my lady."

"Safe travels, Lady Cassia."

I gave them a restrained smile and Sir Rick closed the carriage door. Through the window, I caught sight of Mira. She was smiling, but her expression still showed concern.

I raised my hand and waved at her. As she noticed, her face brightened, and this time, her smile seemed genuine.

Mira is such a worrywart. Though I won't deny that I'm also feeling apprehensive about what might happen at the tea party. But there's no use dwelling on negative thoughts. Let's hope everything goes well.

And as if I had jinxed myself, just as our carriage started moving, we hit a stretch of rocky road. It all happened so quickly that I couldn't react in time. I only heard Sir Rick's voice as he forcefully slashed open the carriage door and pulled me outside.

I ... almost died from a carriage accident.

To be Continued...