10 Leaving for the Fief (1/2)

Chalice's ears were ringing. She was leaving today and a certain pair of beautiful women was still nagging her incessantly. Thankfully enough, her father didn't join the fray. If he did, Chalice would end up deaf even before stepping into her carriage. Though she was discomforted with all the fuss, she couldn't help but revel in their pampering.

”Chalice make sure you eat properly alright? Don't get too carried away with work that you forget to take your meals. Don't forget to take a break. I've reminded Levi to make you your favourite snacks and tea. Make sure you change into night clothes and wash your face before going to bed. Don't stay up too late. That won't be good for your skin. I've pack essential oils for you, they would help a lot. Lucy also made your favourite potpourri sachets... hmm, did I miss something else?”

Chalice sighed. She took her mother's hands and faced her.

”Mother, enough. I know you're worried and all. But please, believe in me a little will you? I can take care of myself. I've remembered all of the things that you said. So please, calm down. Too much worrying will give you wrinkles. That would not bode well for the flower of Idalia's high society.”

She said, her tone helpless. Chalice saw Lucy approaching while shaking her head.

”You know my dear Chalice, we just can't seem to believe that you are able to take care of yourself or even remember half of what we said. Your past records highly disagree with you.”

Chalice pouted at Lucy's teasing. She squinted at her and huffed. Her cheeks reddening with the sunlight's touch.

”Hey, people change alright? Besides, your and mother's unending ramblings have engraved themselves into my brain. Even if I wanted to forget, I can't.”

Lucy chuckled at this while her mother pinched her nose playfully. Chalice saw her father walked towards them as well.

”Promise me you'd be well? You better write me a lot of letters or else.” Lucy pleaded, reluctance evident in her ocean, blue eyes. She smiled at that and blew out air exaggeratedly.

”I promise, okay? And i'll write you, mother, and father tons of letters that the courier would have difficulty delivering it.”

Her mother laughed at that while snuggling in her father's embrace.

Seriously, this couple. Their only daughter was about to go away and they were still thoughtful enough to send her off with a mouthful of dog food. She shook her head discreetly at this.

”I've heard mother is taking you to a ball at the palace tonight?” Chalice asked.

”Yes, she is. Your father will also be informing the Crown Prince and the Emperor of your banishment tonight. It will surely cause an uproar.”

Chalice agreed with this move. Her father would be proclaiming her banishment while her mother would be introducing Lucy at the same time. This way, her banishment would overridden by Lucy's entrance. This was the leeway she needed to disappear quietly.

”The larger the uproar, the better. Besides, the cause would not be me this time. Well, make sure to dress up. Take their breath away for me.” She said to Lucy and winked at her playfully.

Lucy laughed at this, while her parents just looked on at their banter. After a while, they saw Levi coming in their direction.

”My Lady, everything is set. We need to be on the road now.” he informed her.