6 Disguised Deal 2 (1/2)
”That... I don't intend to take her with me, Mama. I'm leaving her here to accompany you. I'd very much appreciate it if you could introduce her to high society.”
Chalice answered reluctantly. Lyana raised her brow at this. Chalice knew her mother was doubtful of her purpose. After all, there will be a lot of difficulties for Lucy when she is introduced in high society. Especially since her origins were uncertain and she previously worked as a maid.
”Why do you want her to enter the circle, Chalice? You want to make her your substitute, is that it? Do you realize how cruel that idea is?”
Lyana reprimanded her. Lucy was too innocent and kind. Entering the aristocratic circle would tear her to shreds, like a sheep thrown into the wolves for slaughter.
”Mama, I understand your worries. I know first hand how cruel the circle is. I do not plan to make her my substitute. I have my reasons, though I cannot divulge them to you. Be assured that I will talk to Lucy about this. I will get her consent.”
Lyana peered at her intently, trying to determine what she was really thinking.
”Alright. Inform me of what she thinks about it later.”
Chalice smiled at her concession. Having accomplished her goal, Chalice contented herself in eating the snacks her mother prepared afterwhich she scampered away happily to look for Lucy.
Unbeknownst to Chalice, her parents were baffled with their discussion with her. They realized that they now, were unable to truly read their daughter. On the positive side, she was a lot closer to them than before. With this, they had no more qualms.
Chalice found Lucy at her room taking out the gowns she said she hated. She trotted towards her, smiling jubilantly. Lucy noticed her miss' mood and smiled along with her.
”Something good happen, my lady?” Lucy inquired.
Chalice looked at her, her emerald eyes shining with delight.
”Why yes, Lucy dear. Good things certainly have happened. Want to hear about it?” Chalice quipped while flopping herself in the couch, resting her chin in her palms.
”Of course, my lady. That is if you want to share. But before that, please mind your sitting posture.”
Chalice ignored her comment and frowned at the way Lucy was talking to her. It was all too formal and it made her uncomfortable.
”Before that, Lucy can you please stop being too formal with me. It's stressing me out.”
Lucy tilted her head, confusion evident in her eyes.
”But I have always talked to you like this, my lady. And what do you mean by stressing you out? Forgive me for my ignorance of the word, miss.”
Chalice stood up and turned Lucy to face her. She squinted at her bewilderment.
”Lucy, listen to me alright. Will you please stop being too formal? That's an order. Call me by my name.”
Lucy started to protest of which Chalice cut off immediately.
”Chalice. C-H-A-L-I-C-E. Get it? Call me Chalice.”
”Ch-Chal..Ch-Chalice.”
A blooming smile appeared in Chalice's face when she heard Lucy's compliance. She let her go and went back to lounge at the chair.
”Good. So, about the good news. Which one do you want to hear first, Lucy?”
”Whatever you want to tell first my la-, I mean Chalice.”
Chalice smile widened at Lucy's reply. She twirled a small section of her ebony hair, contemplating on what to tell first and how.
”Hmm. I asked father to punish me. I requested to be banished to fief.”
She said after a few seconds. Her voice nonchalant and indolent, as if what she said did not concern her at all. Chalice glanced at the girl and nearly laughed out loud at the horror in her face.