Chapter 72 Birthday Gift (Part 1)
The estate had been so busy preparing the grand hall. The maids from morning till night can be seen scrambling with things in their hands. Ranging from textiles, flowers and even a set of plates for sampling.
The whole estate looked as if it was turned upside down. The faces of the people even wore different emotions like going into war.
The maids were determined to end the seemingly unending problem as they did their best in decorating the halls and rooms to be used.
The servants on the other hand were wet with sweat while walking on the cold ground of the Marquisate as they moved various products from other countries just to be used once on the banquet.
"Heave ho!"
"There you go--- Aye! Be careful with that!"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good morning, Madame. Where shall we put these?"
"There. Just leave it there."
"Let's put this down... one... two... three..."
"Hmmm... I think it looks perfect already."
The Marchioness smiled at the result of their constant hard work... but those words really doesn't mean anything.
"I think I've bought something from the Cleriman Province. Where is it now?"
"I think it was placed in the east warehouse, Madame."
"Get it."
The maids began to walk rapidly to bring the product quickly.
"Goodness... when will this challenge stop? My arms and feet would seem to go off."
"My word exactly. Huff... the Madame really had a lot in mind. How many settings was it now?"
They sighed in unison.
Almost everyone is tired, but they have nothing to do but to follow their masters. Even if their arms and feet would really fall off from work, it amounts to nothing as they will do the repeated orders again and again.
It is not because the banquet should be grand or something, but because of the unending whims of the mother and daughter duo.
Camilla and Adele cannot just be satisfied with the things as they are, hence the maids and servants kept on repeating the design and... almost anything. The Marquisate is wealthy enough to cover the enormous expenses the two spent.
"There's still a week, but I think I cannot do it anymore."
"I really want to see aristocratic banquets but, I never knew it was to this extent."
"Indeed. My friends from other estates say that their masters would prepare for the banquet simply and they have a direction on what kind of banquet they will held... but here..."
All the maids sighed in exhaustion.
"I never imagined that Winston's banquet would be so grand, with scale on par with the imperial banquet."
"Well, they are Winstons, that's why."
"Uhhh... my muscles are stiff."
The maids said in agreement, however they cannot complain and just went on.
It has been a week of no rest for them. In order to cater their Mistress' and the young lady's wants, who will turn thirteen in the next week, they sacrificed their meal, rest and sleep time.
It's not that it's something new or something to worry about, but the scale is getting unreasonable as days passed.
How many times have they changed the theme color?
How many times have they changed the theme the lady wanted? The Madame deem fitted?
How about the number of attendees?
The gifts and even the menu?
That... they almost couldn't count.
Sigh...
Might as well change the duration of the banquet and make it for the whole year.
"You there! Why are you just standing idly? If you have nothing to do, go to the kitchen. There are a lot of things to prepare in there."
The maids flinched and shuddered at the stiff voice of the butler.
They quickly scrambled to their designated work leaving the tired butler sighing and grumbling inside.
"Just damn. When can we take a rest?"
He sighed then went on professionally. While his back began cracking due to fatigue and lack of sleep.
"This old man might fall just before the celebration of this banquet."
***
A week before the birthday banquet, Aillenne planned to get out of the estate in pretense of buying her "little sister" a birthday gift.
"Daisy, help me get prepared. I'm going out."
"At this time, my lady? It's still too early."
The maid said.
Aillenne directed her gaze towards the window. It's really early. The sun is just peeking through the horizon. But few early birds can be seen fluttering their wings while seeking for food.
She took her gaze off the window and glanced at the envelope she had prepared for the day. It's been a while since she made contact with the guild as Collin was banned to go inside the Marquisate.
"Yes. I planned to. I have a lot of things to do today."
"..."
The maid's face is full of question but she chose to shut her mouth and complied.
"Please raise your arms, my lady."
She said as she helped Aillenne take off her nightgown.
At first, Aillenne felt repulsed when people came to serve her. Touching her body and helping her clean herself... She can just remember the scars she had in her back as a product of slashing by the director as a punishment or when she got to work a little slower in a factory.
The scars are too big to be covered that it made her embarrassed. No customer will come seek for her as they will call her hideous.
'I really hate those times when people would look at me with disgust. The feeling just wouldn't come off even if I scrub and wash my body until it feels like my skin would come off.'
Aillenne broke off from her reverie when she saw the questioning look her maid directed at her. Her arms were still raised so she belatedly put it down and yawned awkwardly.
"I want to surprise my sister. So don't let anybody know I went out."
The maid nodded determined to shut her mouth and intended to bury their secret down her grave.
She donned a simple dress among the Marchioness' "gifts" and grabbed everything she needed.
Of course, she never forget to smile excitedly as if she really meant what she's supposed to do today.
The nanny, maid Daisy, maid Sandra, maid Lilian and Sir Oscar went out of the estate without knowing the day's turn of events.
***
Aillenne together with the party went to see the sights of the capital and enjoyed the moment. With little money she had and using the ring her father gave her, she strolled around the town with light feet but heavy feelings.
She glanced at the ring, studded with Winston's water stones. She was really amazed when she used it.
"My lady, is this all you wanted to gift?"
"Yes, Nanny. But I think it's not enough... however my money's not enough too."
"..."
"..."
"Hahahaha! Oh I'm sorry my lady, I just can't help it."
The maids and Sir Oscar laughed at her words.
"Wow...! so I can buy anything I wanted and they'll just put the bill straight to my father's? That's great!"
They smiled at her thinking she really enjoyed the outing and finally has the chance to get what is right for her. Just like the money and the right to spend it.
They bought a lot more and visited some famous shops while paying using the ring without any worries.
Even if the Marquis suddenly changed his mind in making Aillenne as the Crown Princess candidate, just this small acts of kindness the Marqius gives their lady--- it's all enough to redeem his image. It's sad, but all they can do is just accept.
"Nanny, shall we go to Dandelion pastry shop? I'm supposed to meet Lady Sierra in there."
The party agreed. They already knew that Aillenne was supposed to meet a certain lady that Sir Collin had introduced to her on their previous outing. So they went to the place and was greeted by the Lady's servant.
"This way, Miss."
The maid said as she guided Aillenne.
"Thank you Freya. Where's Collin?"
The maid undercover grinned as she opened the VIP door where a lady in pink dress sat lazily and like a drunkard.
"I greet Lady Aillenne---"
"Pfftt... stop that Collin. I never knew you like to dress prettily. You look prettier than me."
"No, that can never happen."
"Anyway, I'm in a hurry. So, here's my additional instructions. I hope the company would run smoothly even if I'm not directly managing it. It seems like mother won't still allow you at home. Please understand."
"I'm very understanding. Don't worry. Enjoy your day."
Collin smiled and kissed the back of her hand.
The nanny smiled, satisfied at today's outcome. Her lady finally enjoyed her right as a daughter of the noble Marqius and finally got out of the Marquisate to refresh her mind with proper clothes unlike the last time.
As the carriage approached the gates, awkward glances were directed to Aillenne. Many questioned what was wrong but everyone fell silent. Until...
Drop...
Drop...
"My lady..."
The gifts fell down almost the same time as their tears fall.
Maids began rushing towards the place, some even sent pitiful glances at her. The Nanny tried to get near, but Sir Oscar stopped the nanny by making her unconscious.
Aillenne shed silent tears as she watched the west part of the house where her room and the room where the Duke's, the Crowned Prince's and her brother's gifts were placed...
Everything is ruined as it was engulfed in flames.