Chapter 3
Misaki's voice carried a sense of urgency and importance as she addressed Evangeline. "I have something of utmost importance to discuss with you, Evangeline."
Evangeline, curious and eager, responded, "Yes, what is it? Please tell me."
Misaki's expression grew serious as she began to explain. "In a fortnight, there will be a grand ball in honor of Quellerea's 200th anniversary. It is a significant event, and we would like you to be on your best behavior during that time."
Azumi, joining the conversation, added, "To ensure you are well-prepared, we have hired a tutor who will teach you proper manners. She will begin her lessons tomorrow, so you will need to wake up early, alright, Evangeline?"
A sense of trepidation washed over Evangeline as she contemplated the challenges that awaited her in the coming weeks. "I really have to attend, Mom. You can't simply tell them I'm still recovering from my head injury and keep me confined to my room."
Misaki, resolute, responded, "You cannot escape this, Evangeline. As the princess of this kingdom, it is your duty to attend such events."
Azumi chimed in, emphasizing Misaki's point. "Indeed, she is right. Since we have finished eating, it is time for you to go to bed now." Azumi gently lifted Evangeline from Misaki's lap and carried her, accompanied by Misaki, to her room.
Evangeline was placed on her bed as both Azumi and Misaki settled down beside her. Misaki suggested, "Evangeline, would you like us to tell you a bedtime story before you sleep?"
Evangeline, feeling a sense of growing independence, declined, saying, "It's okay, I don't need a story. I am old enough to sleep without one."
Azumi playfully remarked, "You are growing up so quickly, Evangeline. Soon you will be telling me you're getting married," feigning tears.
Evangeline tried to comfort her mother, saying, "Mom, don't cry. I'm not getting married anytime soon, maybe in the distant future."
Misaki, affectionately patting Evangeline's head, added, "You truly are a wonderful girl, Evangeline."
Azumi, echoing Misaki's sentiment, said, "You are incredibly sweet, Evangeline. But now, it's time for you to sleep. Tomorrow, you must wake up early."
Both Azumi and Misaki kissed Evangeline on the forehead, bidding her good night. "Good night," Evangeline replied as she began to drift off to sleep.
As Evangeline peacefully slumbered, thoughts danced in her mind. "Today was challenging, but I learned so much, and my parents are taking excellent care of me. This new life is starting off much better than my old one," she thought, a smile gracing her lips.
Meanwhile, in Misaki and Azumi's room, Azumi's perspective took hold.
"Misaki, do you think it is wise to allow our daughter to attend the ball? We still haven't discovered who tried to harm her," Azumi expressed her concerns.
Misaki reassured her, "Fear not, this time I have strengthened the castle's security, and we will both be there to protect her. Everything will be fine."
Azumi contemplated Misaki's words, admitting, "You're right. Perhaps I am worrying unnecessarily."
"Have you noticed how much our daughter has changed since awakening?" Misaki asked, reflecting on Evangeline's transformation.
Azumi nodded, acknowledging the positive shift. "Yes, she has indeed changed for the better. She is kind to the maids, and she hasn't dismissed any of them thus far."
Pleased with their daughter's development, Misaki remarked, "She has become a lovely young woman. Imagine when the time comes for suitors to ask for her hand in marriage. How will we handle it?"
A fierce determination flickered in Azumi's eyes. "I will not allow anyone to take her away from me. I will protect her at all costs."
Misaki, smiling softly, pondered their future. "And what about when she grows older and brings home a boyfriend or girlfriend?"
"I don't know yet, but we will face it together when the time comes. For now, let's get some rest," Azumi decided.
"You're right. Tomorrow we must wake up early," Misaki agreed.
They shared a tender kiss before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning, Evangeline's perspective unfolded.
Evangeline was lost in peaceful slumber when she felt someone gently patting her face and calling her name, rousing her from her dreams.
"Evangeline, you need to wake up. Your tutor will be arriving soon," Julie's voice whispered urgently.
"Just give me five more minutes, please," Evangeline pleaded, still drowsy.
Julie offered, "Shall I go and inform your mother, Evangeline?"
"No, that's alright," Evangeline responded, suddenly alert. She didn't want to experience the embarrassment of being carried by Julie in front of everyone again.
"Very well. Let's get you ready for your bath," Julie suggested.
This time, Evangeline complied without complaint. She followed Julie to the bathing area, where she soaked in the warm water and allowed Julie to choose her outfit for the day—an ensemble consisting of a blue shirt and black trousers.
Surprised but relieved that she didn't have to wear a dress, Evangeline quickly dressed herself. Julie guided her to the dining room, where Misaki and Azumi awaited her arrival.
Azumi greeted Evangeline, a warm smile on her face. "So, you slept well, Evangeline."
Evangeline responded with a nod, taking a seat in an empty chair. "Yes, I had a restful night."
Misaki chimed in, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness. "Today, you don't want to eat on my lap?"
Evangeline, determined to assert her independence, replied, "No, it's okay. I want to learn to eat by myself now."
She couldn't help but feel embarrassed at the thought of eating on her mother's lap, and she silently promised herself that she would never have to go through that again.
Misaki's tone turned sullen. "You're sure?" she asked, her disappointment evident.
Evangeline reaffirmed her decision. "Yes, I am sure."
Azumi, changing the subject, urged Evangeline to start eating. "Let's focus on our meal for now."
Evangeline quickly finished her food and bid her parents goodbye. Julie, her faithful companion, led her to a place that resembled a dance hall, but at the moment, it was empty except for the two of them.
"The tutor should be here soon. I'd like you to be on your best behavior when she arrives," Julie advised in a friendly tone.
Evangeline assured her, though with a hint of skepticism, "Yes, don't worry. I'll try to behave. But if she's mean, I might do the opposite."
Julie couldn't help but feel slightly concerned. "I'm sure she will be nice," she said, hoping her instincts were right.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a woman in her thirties. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and a few wrinkles on her face, giving her a stern appearance. Julie, bidding Evangeline good luck, left her alone with the tutor, who introduced herself as Yumi Nori.
"Hello, from today, I will be your tutor for the next two weeks. My name is Yumi Nori," she greeted Evangeline.
Evangeline responded politely, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Yumi. What will we be learning today?"
Yumi explained, "His majesty informed me about your memory loss, so we will begin by testing your balance."
Evangeline nodded, ready to tackle the challenge. "Sounds good."
She couldn't help but be cautious, recognizing that this was just the beginning, and she needed to be careful with her expectations.
Yumi took some books from the shelf and placed them on Evangeline's head. "Now, you have to walk without dropping the books."
Evangeline felt a surge of confidence. "This is so easy. I'm sure I can do it even with my eyes closed."
As she started walking, however, she took only a few steps before the books fell to the ground. Yumi firmly instructed her to start again until she got it right.
Evangeline picked up the fallen books and placed them back on her head, realizing that it would be more challenging than she initially thought.
For the next hour, she repeated the exercise, gradually improving her balance until she could go 15 minutes without dropping the books. Yumi finally called a halt, announcing they would move on to another exercise.
"Okay," Evangeline responded, putting the books back on the shelf.
"Now, we will move on to dance training," Yumi declared.
Evangeline felt a pang of anxiety. "Dance? I'm not very good at dancing."
Yumi reassured her, "Don't worry. We have a solution." She snapped her fingers, and a mannequin of Evangeline's size appeared before them.
Evangeline wondered how a mannequin could possibly move, but to her surprise, it started to move towards her.
"You have to follow the dummy's steps, okay?" Yumi instructed.
Evangeline approached the mannequin, and Yumi guided her hands into position. At first, she struggled and often stepped on the mannequin's feet, but with practice, she began to improve. After an hour, Yumi called for a break.
"You're doing pretty well for now," Yumi acknowledged. "Let's take a 20-minute break, and then we'll continue with another exercise."
Evangeline nodded, accepting a bottle of water from Yumi, and rested for the designated time. Soon, they resumed training.
"Now, I will teach you the proper behavior when interacting with guests at the ball," Yumi explained.
Evangeline thought it sounded easy. "Yes, I'm ready."
Over the next two hours, she learned the proper etiquette and behavior for various social situations. Yumi informed her that their training for the day was complete, and Julie arrived to escort her back.
Later, Evangeline dined with her parents, visited the library with Julie, and as two weeks passed, they found themselves on the eve of the grand ball. Julie woke her up, and Evangeline took a bath before joining her parents for breakfast. Then it was time for her final training session with Yumi.
"Are you ready for your last training session, princess?" Yumi asked, her smile warm and encouraging.
Evangeline met her gaze with determination. "Yes, I am ready."
With that, Yumi placed books on Evangeline's head, and she walked confidently for 30 minutes without dropping them. Yumi congratulated her on her improved balance and then moved on to dance training.
As a dummy was brought forward, Evangeline flawlessly danced with it, making no mistakes. Yumi commended her progress, and they moved on to the last exercise.
"So far, you haven't made a single mistake. Your hard work has paid off," Yumi acknowledged. "Now, let's test your knowledge of proper behavior."
Evangeline answered Yumi's questions effortlessly, signaling the end of their training.
"I congratulate you once again. Your dedication is remarkable for someone your age. You are now ready for the ball tomorrow," Yumi praised.
Evangeline attributed her success to Yumi's excellent teaching. "Thank you. It's all thanks to you."
Yumi smiled warmly. "You deserve the credit for your hard work. Good luck at the ball."
With a final farewell, Evangeline went to eat and then headed to bed, eager to meet new people and experience the grand event on the following day. And with that thought, she drifted off to sleep.